By Dominic Santina, Contributing Writer
Photography by Ashley Lizzie Photography
The state of Michigan is starting to gain some reputation with the national Snocross series. As more riders make their way through the ranks or start to contend for championships, the more people take notice. It also helps that Michigan has a growing facility, which is becoming one of the best in the country. It also helps that, along with the facility, there is a regional series that is helping develop young riders.
One of the riders who has started in the Michigan Snocross series and now competes at the national circuit is Manton’s Eva Gifford. After starting to contest more nationals last season, Gifford is primed to compete not only for championships in MSX but on the national circuit as well. As Gifford begins her championship campaigns in the Junior girls’ divisions on the national and regional circuits, we wanted to get to know her better:
How did you get started in Racing?
“I started when I was eight years old. My dad bought me my first 200 snowmobile. After we attended my first real practice, I fell in love with the sport.”
What is your favorite thing about racing?
“I love all of the traveling to different states and different tracks that we get to race at.”
Out of all the places you have been, where is your favorite place to race?
“Northern Power Race Park would have to be my favorite. It is located in Mancelona, which makes it close to my hometown. This makes it easy to get to whenever we need to go get some practice in.”
What is a goal you have for this season?
“I really want to get the junior girls’ championship this season, both at Michigan Snocross and the Amsoil Championship Snocross series.”
If you had a role model, who would it be?
“Inanna Hauger and Ava McCurdy are so cool and they started the same way I did. When I watch them, it makes me want to be better and be a role model for the next generation of racers. “
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for you in racing?
“The toughest thing in racing is getting the starts and trying to get the hole shot. This way I can start up front with the top girls in my division. Everyone wants to win, so it can be very intimidating.
The Snocross season is two weeks into the 2025-2026 year and Gifford has had a dream start. In the regional series, Gifford had a dominating first two rounds. She won both of her heat races and the final on Saturday. The sweep was completed on Sunday with another two heat wins and a final. She left the opening weekend with a points lead.
As the national season opened in Ironwood, Michigan, on December 12 and 13, Gifford would have another strong start to the season. She ended up on the podium in junior girls 9-13 in round one, with a strong third-place finish. On Saturday, Gifford backed up her podium in round one with another third-place finish. The first two podiums of her national career. Gifford leaves Ironwood, currently sitting in third place in points. Already two weeks into the season, she is tracking towards accomplishing her goals.
“ I was so happy and proud of myself for getting on the podium all weekend. To see my hard work, pay off, even though it was stressful, was amazing. Overall, the weekend was amazing and just another step in my racing career and to get to where I want to be, “ said Gifford.
Gifford will look to take another big step this season, as she prepares to compete in the Snowcross Border Cup at Northern Power Race Park on January 3 and 4. A good showing against national competition could only keep the momentum rolling. While also helping her maintain her points lead in the MSX series.
After the Border Cup, Gifford will return to the national circuit by heading to Shakopee, Minnesota, for round three and four of the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross presented by Brunt. There are a few ways you can stay up to date with Giffords Snocross journey. You can watch her in person at NPRP in Mancelona. If you can’t make it out, you can watch Amsoil Championship Snocross presented by Brunt on Flo Sports. However, no matter if you do either of those options, the best way to stay up with her, is to follow Eva Gifford Racing on Facebook. This is where all of her racing updates will be posted. •