In 2011, the development of the track began with the improvement of the strips by adding a frost fence in height from 5 feet to 8 feet. In 2012 and 2013, the snocross was the same due to its success.
In 2014, always to remain an organization attentive to its customers, both for visitors and runners, the configuration and construction of the snocross were completely modified and it allowed runners to reach a higher speed faster. This new track layout has allowed us to modify the location of the departures, which has made them much more spectacular for visitors. On the side of the oval track and the security surrounding it, they have been completely revised. The strips around the track have all been changed, which maximizes the safety aspect around the activity.
New in 2014, an agreement has been reached with the TSR circuit to entirely direct the drag races scheduled for Friday evening. As already mentioned, this new agreement made it possible to offer spectators a list of the world’s best drivers in the 6 disciplines presented during the event. This agreement was also to the benefit of the athletes who could accumulate points by running on the drag strip at the Grand Prix de Valcourt. They then became eligible to perhaps win the said championship at the end of the year.
A succes
In 2015, we can’t help but point out that on the ice oval, Sabrina Blanchet became the first lady to qualify for a Pro Champ 440 final at the Grand Prix Ski-Doo in Valcourt.
The following year, it was the mountain bike and motorcycle events on ice that underwent an evolution. Drivers from each discipline competed for victory on two different courses. In addition to the traditional confrontation on the ice ring, they had to compete on a second course consisting largely of the speed ring interspersed with an ice road circuit. A novelty that increases the level of difficulty and raises the adrenaline of the pilots to the delight of the spectators.
In 2017, for the 35th edition, the Yvon-Duhamel circuit added to its program none other than the biggest oval racing championship on ice: TLR Cup Tour. This championship brings together the greatest American pilots. The arrival of several teams from outside Quebec and an impressive caliber of athletes on our oval ice track are noteworthy. At the level of the Snocross races, a new track had been configured. This change was greatly appreciated by visitors who had a better overview of the track.
Without forgetting that 2017 was a strong year in digital evolution to spread more internationally! In a major first for the organization — the live broadcast of the three days of racing via the web platform as well as the Ditch Banger website and the MAVTV television network.
Evening racing program
In 2018, night owls rejoice with the arrival of an evening racing program! We are also adding to the program SXS races in the rallycross formula and snow bike races! Finally, that year we highlighted the arrival of the CSRA circuit — Canadian National Snocross Championship on a new, snocross.
In 2019, the next generation is flourishing on the brand new junior snocross track! With more than forty young athletes, the new “Junior” track has allowed the next generation to take part in various friendly races, particularly in the 120cc, 200cc, and transition categories.
Finally, in 2020, more powerful lighting was added to the track. Since the 39th and 40th editions did not take place due to the pandemic, the next improvements should take place in 2022-2023.