T.J. Gulla disposed of nightmarish Winter X memories by winning the gold medal at Winter X Games VII in Hillcross, a 45-second uphill snowmobile race at speeds up to 65 MPH. He upset the highly favored Carl Kuster who was gunning for a three-peat.

Newsflash: Gulla, one of the hottest young riders in Snocross at age 21, isn't exactly a talked-about character in the world of Hillcross.

Off the line in the semi's.

"This is just my second time doing this in my life," said Gulla. "I just got a really good start and my dad had my sled running really well."

The win helped Gulla forget his performance in Snocross at Winter X Games VI in which he nailed the holeshot and was on his way to victory when his experimental Speedwerx engine stopped cold on the final lap, leaving him in tenth place.

It seemed like this year would be another disappointment when Gulla finished a miserable 23rd in Thursday's Snocross competition. But he started feeling better as soon as the green flag went up for Hillcross.

Gulla, along with D.J. Eckstrom, were the first two off the start line and led the first third of the race. Gulla never gave up the lead and won gold. Kuster, who stumbled off the start line, made up ground and was in third before jetting past Eckstrom and Steve Martin in the final moments for silver. Seconds later, Eckstrom was passed by Martin who claimed the bronze.

Riders battle for position in Hillcross finals.

It didn't take long for Gulla to realize he was on his way to a medal.

"Once I nailed the start I knew I had it because I didn't see Karl in my side vision."

Kuster, who had won every race heading into the final, was using a more powerful 1000cc engine, compared to Gulla's 800. But Gulla didn't seem to mind.

"I was faster on the bottom section but he was faster on the top," said Gulla. "He had a little bit more motor but I got a good start and it all paid off."

Gulla was unfazed by the fact that Kuster was riding 5-10 MPH faster than everyone else, proving that winning gold isn't all about who has the bigger engine.

Carl Kuster (Silver), T.J. Gulla (Gold) and Steve Martin (Bronze)

"I made up for it on the bottom part with the rhythm section," said Gulla. "I was able to get over two more sets of bumps than everyone else today. I'm not sure why. I think I was just getting over them a little more cleanly."

Kuster, although not surprised by the outcome, was clearly disappointed.

"He was running really well in qualifying and I knew he would be strong competition," said Kuster. "But I don't think anyone wanted to win more than me."

One of the biggest surprises of the day was the disappearance act by Tucker Hibbert, last year's silver medalist and the gold medalist from 2000, who finished in 15th place. Hibbert never got off to a good start in any of his races and seemed tentative all day.

Gulla will return next year to defend his Hillcross title, and hopefully fare better in Snocross.

"I had some hard luck in the Snocross," said Gulla. "I'd really like to do well in that next year. But now I want to do well in this too."