Look Out for Levi

One down, two to go for Levi LaVallee, who’s the first snowmobile rider to compete in racing and freestyle events at Winter X Games 12.

The Red Bull athlete earned his first gold medal of the Winter X weekend Thursday night in the debut of snowmobile speed and style, a unique event that combines acceleration and elevation. “Lauchin’ Levi” proved he’s the best at both, defeating Sam Rogers in the final.

“I just really enjoy jumping,” LaVallee said. “I think it’s fun. So doing this, jumping and throwing tricks, I’m just having a ball doing it. I’m a racer … that’s what I do.”

The victory marked LaVallee’s second X Games gold (2004 in hillcross was the first), and he has two events to go — snocross and freestyle.

And for the record, Tanner Hall took superpipe gold — again! He edged fellow Red Bull skier Simon Dumont in the final for the second straight year.