03.06.08
SLEDS AS ART This house is amazing. It belongs to someone who wished to remain anonymous. The house was designed and decorated around his collection of only the rarest in motorcycles, engines and other mechanical things. But note the amazing minimumalist display; all the items seem to truly belong where they are, each with lighting that accents the rarity of the object.
The house owners interest in sleds has been fairly recent, riding a 1980 El Tigre for the first time. The owner is involved with an industry where the design of the old technology in his collection frequently helps him in his quest for new design.
All I can say is wow. Nice work, and thanks for sharing.
Click on any photo to see a larger version.
03.05.08
LIVE ON SKIS JOURNAL PART II First video from the big ride comes from our gal 'Ceptorlicious (great screen name huh? Can you tell she's a Kawasaki kind of gal?) who took this video at the beginning of the ride. First John Deere off the line is our special guest Forrest Hess.
03.03.08
BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN... (UPDATED 3.04) Jacques Villeneuve, as most of you know, was hurt badly in an unfortunate accident this year at Eagle River. It was the kind of accident that would have most guys Jacques age thinking about retirement. But we aren't talking about most buys, we're talking about a guy who cannot not go racing.
Haliburton photo from Shawn Horner.
So Jacques, despite his injuries was back on the track in Haliburton Ontario this past weekend. Not only was he back on the track, but he won Pro Champ AND Vintage IFS 440.
Oh, and I should mention Jacques won both classes on Saturday, and Sunday.
In Beausejour, Aaron Johnson's 340 Starfire won handily, as did Mark Anderson's in 440. Mark is supposed to be retired, but he thought he'd go ahead and race the 440 sled until someone buys it. Mark Bowman won in mod 250.
In the IFS classes, Troy Lefko won two on Saturday, Duncan Reid the other, both on Ski-Doos.
This years winner of the coveted Jerry Bunke Memorial n his Ski-Doo. It looked like team mate Duncan Reid was going to walk away with it, but mechanical troubles put Troy out front. Last years winner Kenny Kitzman came in 3rd.
2.29.08
VINTAGE YOUNG ONES Darrell Day sent in this photo of Chad Widnes' boys. I guess vintage sled fever starts at a very young age in mid-Minnesota. Jarod Widnes is doing the pulling (He ain't heavy, he's my brother!) and brother Jacob is doing the "driving".
2.28.08
THE WILD ONE! Shawn Horner recently sent in this photo of his latest find. Less than 20 minutes from his house, he found this 1974 oll-O-Flex Wild One 340 F/A. According to Shawn as few as 50 of these were made. You bought the fan motor sled, then upgraded to the racier Free-Air.
I grow more fond of these every time I see one, which I think has been less than 5 times. What a neat sled, and you don't get a chance to find them often. Congratulations Shawn!
2.27.08
SAUK CENTRE SNOPRO PHOTOS Brandon Johnson's new pile of photos is available. These are all from the PVR Vintage SnoPro Series raceon Friday night in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Enjoy! Click here to view, click here to purchase copies.
2.22.08
LIVE ON SKIS JOURNAL PART I Well.. so much has been going on here on the waning weekends of winter that keeping up with updates has been hindered. That's the bad news. The good news is that I have material to update the website for the rest of the year.
What a winter - so far.
Lining up for the ride - as many as 150 sleds.
That brings me to the one weekend I've yet to have time to comment on - "Live on Skis" 2008. This was the second year of the event and it was bigger and better the the year before. We didn't get an official sled count, but best estimates was between 125 and 150 sleds that went on the ride with our special guest from Make A Wish - Forrest Hess. There were so many great stories from the weekend that I couldn't do them all justice, but here's a few highlights.
Last fall, Forrest gave us a list of some vintage sleds he would like to ride. After seeing the list, a group of guys on the Bull Sessions got together with a couple of donor sleds to build a Ski-Whiz for Forrest to ride. It was en route to International Falls when the truck it was traveling in broke down, several hours away. Bull Session members again rose to the occasion, and drove several hours in each direction to make sure the sled was there on time for Forrest.
The gathering on the trail - the local snowmobile club provided refreshments for riders.
The ride was as perfect as it could get. Even though Friday was bitterly cold, it warmed up to the mid 30's for the big ride on Saturday. The local snowmobile club made sure all the trails were groomed just for our vintage ride - and what magnificent trails they have around International Falls. They were amazing. Half way through, the local club had hot dogs, hot coffee and cocoa, chips, cookies and a bonfire waiting for us. It was so much fun, we really didn't want to leave there. We ran a total of just under 40 miles. Lots of sleds broke down, but every time one did, 10-15 riders would stop and help out.
One such sled was a stunningly beautiful John Deere, recently restored by someone who wished to remain anonymous, just for Forrest to ride. It was the sled Forrest really took a liking to. It ran perfect, until about 1/3 of the way through, when a head gasket gave out. Forrest took it in stride, and we found him another sled in minutes. The Deere was towed back by a twin track raider which we have now named "Mater" as in Tomator without the "tuh".
At the informal banquet at the Thunderbird lodge, we auctioned off the Ski-Whiz to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation, raising $1,300 for the machine. The winner was Doc Jim. Doc turned around and gave Forrest the sled. Everyone pitched in a little money to Doc, and at Forrest's request, we all signed the hood of the machine for him.
I'm pretty sure Forrest and his family had a good time.
Jim Strandlund not only brought his vintage sled, he dressed in vintage clothes for the ride.
Next year, we've decided that "Live on Skis" 2009 will be a little different. Since this was en event born of the Internet and Vintagesleds.com, we figured there has to be a way to let all the people who can't travel to International Falls, Minnesota to join in on how much fun we are having with this. So next year, International Falls will remain the home of the "Mothership" for the event on February 14th - 15th, 2009.
However, we will be having "satellite" events all over the world. That's right - we're going global. So far, we have a Western and two Eastern U.S. locations scoped out, and we are talking to people in Canada, Sweden, Finland and other place who will have a vintage ride on the same date. Each location will posts pictures and stories here on Vintagesleds.com as the event happens. We'll have all the locations available soon.
Could it be more fun then we had this year? Let's find out.
2.22.08
WACONIA JOURNAL PART III The great thing about an event as big as Waconia was last year is that it' a gift that just keeps on giving. Throughout the year I'll likely have stuff to say about that show. It really was that much fun. Next years event will feature Ski-Doo, and will be January 31st and February 1, 2009.
Here's an official press release from the Waconia Committee:
The Waconia 2008 Committee is especially proud to announce that $ 5,000 was raised at this year’s traditional Waconia trail ride. This year’s ride around the lake was named the “C.J. Ramstad Memorial Trail Ride” and a record 491 classic sleds participated. Both Karla and daughter Marly Ramstad lead the ride on CJ’s old black Panther!
The total of $ 5,000 in donations will be presented to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Germain, WI, where they are constructing a Ramstad Library and Media Center --- a special room/display of C.J’s photographs and historic artifacts. The presentation will be made at the Museum’s annual 2008 Annual Classic Sled Roundup on May 25, 2008. CJ’s beloved 1967 Panther is now placed on permanent display at the St. Germain museum.
Thanks to all participants at Waconia 2008 that donated at the trail ride, live auction, and when CJ’s helmet was passed around. We appreciate the overwhelming generosity shown by the classic sled-heads in attendance.
See http://www.mwvss.com for 2008 Waconia results and updates. The 2009 show dates are January 31 and February 1, 2009. Ski Doo is the featured sled for the 2009 event.
CJ on his favorite vintage sled - his Cat Panther.
Karla and Marly on the 2008 Waconia ride on CJ's Panther.
A record 491 sleds heading out on the ride.
John Zeglin leads Karla and Marly... and 489 friends on the ride.
CJ's Panther has a home in the new CJ Ramstad Memorial Library at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain Wisconsin, where Marly and Karla (and the rest of us) can visit almost anytime.
2.19.08
STEVE SMITH - VINTAGE SNOPRO 2008 CHAMP! The results are in after last weekends race in Weyauwega Wisconsin, and Steve Smith from Wasilla, Alaska is the 2008 Hall of Fame Vintage SnoPro champion! Steve and his Arctic Cat's won 264 points. That's just two points more than his son Sean who takes 2nd, and brother Mike who came in at 234 points.
Steve and Sean were on a plane headed for home yesterday and could not be reached for comment. Out of all the other racers, the Smith Brothers made all of the SnoPro races. The rules stated that you could skip one race, and or that one of your races would be "thrown out" so that every team didn't have to make all the races to qualify. Had that rule not been there, Sean Smith would be the name on the cup instead of Steve. However, with even the lowest points that Sean tossed out, Steve came out ahead. Talking with Mike late yesterday (he's still here getting affairs in order so he can fly home soon), Steve would have rather won flat out, but the whole team is very happy with the results.
Here's the overall class winners:
Free-Air Division: Steve Smith (Arctic Cat)
IFS Division: Billy Zawacki (Ski-Doo)
IFSX Division: Ken Kitzman (Arctic Cat)
Liquid Cooled Division: Mike Smith (Arctic Cat)
Overall top points:
1. Steve Smith (Arctic Cat)
2. Sean Smith (Arctic Cat)
3. Mike Smith (Arctic Cat)
4. Billy Zawacki (Ski-Doo)
5. Bill Stull (Rupp)
6. Adam Hagen (Arctic Cat)
7. Perry Dicus (Arctic cat)
8. Duane Stetzer (Ski-Doo)
9. Corey Schindler
10. Ken Kitzman (Arctic Cat)
2.13.08
WEEKEND OF WONDERS There is so much "vintage" fun going on this weekend that I don't think anyone can have an excuse to miss anything!
Here are just a few events happening this weekend. Visit the events section to see all the action!
First off, the PVR Vintage SnoPro series winds up the season with their final race in Weyauwega Wisconsin (somewhat west of Green Bay/Appleton). Saturday is SnoPro, Sunday is kind of an open day with 'We'll make our own classes" running. If your in the area, some see if one of the Smith Brothers can hang on to win the Hall of Fame SnoPro cup, or if Billy Zawacki, Bill Stull or Perry Dicus can pull an upset!
Top Of the Lakes Snowmobile Show and Ride is going on in Naubinway, Michigan this weekend, the 15th & 16th. Call 906-477-6192 for more info.
John Albert Memorial Antique & Vintage Snowmobile Classic and BBQ is this weekend in Oriskany Falls, New York. Call 315-338-1012.
Milton New Hampshire has ice drags, a radar run and a vintage show this weekend. Call 603-742-4896 for more info.
Phillipsburg PA has the Black Mo Vintage sled show this weekend. 570-916-2114 for more info.
The 17th Annual Western Ride In in Craig Colorado is this weekend.970-824-4853 for more info.
And of Course... LIVE ON SKIS 2008: THE RIDE WITH FORREST HESS
Starting Friday evening and on through Sunday, vintage enthusiasts of all colors and stripes will converge on some of the best trails in the world in International Falls, Minnesota to ride, shoot the breeze and hang out with all their crazy vintage buddies. Last year, we had so much fun that it should have been criminal. No judging, no official racing (lots of unofficial racing!) no contests of any kind. It's kind of an "anti-event" event designed to put the fun into vintage.
This year we have some very special guests showing up. On the top of the list is Forrest Hess, who, with the help of the Make A Wish foundation will be whisked away (along with his family members) via a limo, then flying from New York to attend the event. Forrest will get to meet all his friends he has gotten to know over the past year on the Bull Sessions. We have all kinds of fun planned for Forrest, including the rides on the sleds of his choice, and hopefully some ice fishing and dog sledding as well.
Also expected to attend: One of the major snowmobile publications who will be doing a feature story on the event as well as some additional TV and newspaper press from the area.
The above decals will be given away to everyone in attendance, courtesy of Egraphicsltd.com.
So... you may have heard in the last few weeks that International Falls is the coldest place on the planet... well last week at nearly 40 degrees below zero, that was true. But guess what's in store for this weekend? 27 degrees! Official forecast for Saturday is partly sunny with a 40% chance of light snow - highs of 22 to 27 degrees. Sunday, 18 to 23 degrees.
Here's a video from last years fun:
2.12.08
RULERS OF THE ROLA 100 Each year, members of the ROLA one-lunger racing association get together for a 3 hour race - with 100 sleds on the starting line! It was cold wet, and windy on the lake, but a lot of fun. In the HR Super Stock Class, Aaron Patton from Cambridge came out on top with his Arctic Cat, while Doug Burman and Neil Sikora took first with another Arctic Cat in the HD Super Stock Class.
An entire stack of trophies was handed out for such categories as "1st Yamaha towed in", "most cosmetically challenged sled", "Best crash", and the coveted "Crap Collector Badge " - which consisted of one ten dollar bill that was crumpled, one five dollar bill that was ripped, five one dollar bills that were wrinkled and two dollars in change (as specified by Paul) and a nice new shiny crap collector badge made of Duct tape. That prestigious award went to Chad Smith of Parkers Prairie.
Thanks to Jeff Lausten and the Bull Sessions members who contributed the stories, results and photos!
HD Super Stock winners Doug Burman, Neil Sikora, and put man Travis Bukosky
HR Super Stock Winner Aaron Patton
The bitter cold took it's toll on the machines...
...And the people driving them!
2.11.08 PART II
MORE ON THE HOF RIDE Here's a shot of most of the sleds and riders who participated in the vintage section of the Snowmobile Hall of Fame Ride with the Champs event on Feb. 9. I was joined on the ride by Pride Magazine editor John Sandberg of Prior Lake, Minn. (78 Jag). He and I agreed that the trail riding was fun, but the highlight of the day was sitting with Don Amber of Churubusco, Ind. at lunch and enjoying his stories about riding in the Winnipeg to St. Paul I-500 on a Polaris in 1973 (when he finished) and 1974, and on a Deere in 1975. He's now an active Deere collector and was at the HOF event to ride with a gang of other Deere-heads who have gotten to know each other through the jdsleds.com site. So you just never know who you'll meet on these rides. The main ride from St. Germain to Minocqua and back was about 50 miles, but some of the Deere boys made a longer loop and went about 65 miles. There were no breakdowns, which was pretty amazing.
Shown in the photo (left to right) are: Perry Sekel (1989 AC Wildcat), Mike Weinfurter (1979 Ski-Doo Blizzard), Charles Plueddeman (1969 AC Panther), John Sandberg's 1978 AC Jag, Bob Amber (1977 Deere), Brian Linder (1974 Deere), Ross Heavener (1977 Deere), Don Amber (1973 Deere) Kevin Campbell (1976 Deere) and Greg Shaboluk (1981 Deere). Missing from the photo are Keith Warning, who lead the group to Minocqua on a 1976 Ski-Doo RV, and Jon Bertolino on a Yamaha V-Max.
2.11.08
ANTIQUES ON DOLLAR LAKE Todd Koehn of the Antique Snowmobile Club of America sent in this photo from the 2008 annual meeting of the club. This time it was on Dollar Lake near Eagle River, where Stan Hayes was crowned the first ever "World Champion" back in 1964. Nice shot Todd!
2.10.08
WEEKEND IN THE NORTH WOODS Once again this winter, I made my way to the Northern aces of Wisconsin in St. Germain. This time it was for the grand opening of the new Hall of Fame museum, the CJ Ramstad memorial Library, the 2008 induction ceremony, and the Ride With The Champs.
The grand openings were on Friday, with many industry dignitaries, the news media and fans of all colors in attendance. This building really is the culmination of the dreams of a great many people, and will be the beginning of bigger things to come for the Hall of Fame. Saturday was all about the ride. I have to confess, I rented and rode a new machine - a 2007 600 Polaris as a matter of fact. I went on the longest, fastest ride with such notables as Roger Skime, Jon Carlson, Stan Hayes, Joey Hallstrom, Doug Hayes, Bob Anderson, Ray Monsrud, Doug Lamb, "John Deere" Joe Rainville, and several other Bull Sessions members. It was a hoot! I don't think we went less than 60 miles an hour the whole way. The trails in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are amazing and not to be missed.
The vintage riders went over 65 miles! And with NO breakdowns! That has to be some kind of record. Must have been all them John Deeres that made it possible.
Later, we had a great dinner at the White Tail Lodge, and inducted Andy Baker, Christopher Twomey, C.J. Ramstad and Clayton Neuman. Speaking of Clayton Neuman, our own Bull Session member Paul James (AKA "Dragcat") brought up one of the sleds designed and built by Clayton and donated to the Hall of Fame! Clayton considered Paul one of the family, and often gave him advice and coaching on his drag racing efforts. The Hall of Fame put Paul in the line up with all the celebrities at the event and Paul spent the evening signing autographs. If you thought Paul's night couldn't get any better, he won the $8,000 raffle for a shopping spree at one of the local dealerships!
I'll have a full write up on the 25th annual Ride WIth The Champs for the next issue of the VSCA magazine.
Loren Anderson, Kurt Kruger, Jon Carlson, and the Ramstad ladies cut the ribbon on CJ's memorial library.
Paul James signs autographs with Ole Tweet and Paul Groth.
The Class of 2008: Mrs. Clayton Neuman, Andy Baker, Christopher Twomey, and Marly and Karla Ramstad for CJ.
NATHAN WESTLUND - THE NEW HETTEEN CUP WINNER!
Word reached me via cell phone in St. Germain that none other than Strathcona Minnesota's own NATHAN WESTLUND won this years Hetteen cup in Sauk Centre Minnesota last weekend. Nathan runs a mod Polaris 340, a stock Polaris 340, a 250 Z, and a 292 Yamaha. Nathan joins past winners Jim Dimmerman, Brad Hulings, Larry Rugland, Doug Hayes and Mike Meahger, among others.
Joining Nathan in the celebration was Jeff Karrow (Ski-Doo) who won the Roger Ebert Memorial award for sportsmanship. Jeff had a rough weekend last weekend, being involved in 2 really tough crashes. This past weekend, I'm told mechanical problems plagued his fleet of Ski-Doo racers, leaving him to attempt to win the Hetteen cup with the only running sled in the fleet - a 250 RV. Undaunted, Jeff jumped the sled up into every class he'd entered and just kept racing all day.
Congratulations to both!
2008 Hetteen cup winner Nathan Westlund and Roger Ebert Memorial Cup winner Jeff Karrow.
2.05.08 PART II
THE ORIGINAL CAT SNOPRO MACHINES - PART IV Odd Man Out
In the original SnoPro series Gilles Villenueve showed up with his IFS front end Alouette and was all the talk of the town. It looked good, it was innovative, but at first... he couldn't get it to finish a race. But with time and persistence, the twin trackers got better and better. The even poked through for a win here and there.
The other manufactures did not turn a blind eye to the Alouettes. Arctic took the threat seriously, and began their own twin track development plan.. of sorts. What evolved with the single Arctic Cat twin track snopro machine pictured here. Although finished at Arctic, it was actually built by an independent racer in the area. In fact, if you look close at the hood in this photo, you can see it says "designed and built by Roger Gage". Roger worked for Arctic, but was working on this at home when Arctic asked him to bring it in. The machines was designed with a rear drive clutch system so as to disconnect the inside track from driving a well - much like the later Ski-Doo twin trackers.
Arctic created the fiberglass and got one of the 440 Snopro engines installed, and did some testing on the machine. They brought it out to one race, but it was never officially run. Shortly thereafter, it disappeared.
That is until a collector found it (he wishes to remain anonymous) not far from his home. The nose of the fiberglass was broken off, but other than that, it was in tact. He brought it home and went to work on it. The glass went up to Kenny Halverson in Thief River Falls. Kenny had done some of the work on the fiberglass originally. He very nearly had it completed when disaster struck. Kenny's barn, and all the contents went up in a fire ball.
The chassis, motor and and all the other parts are safe. But the original glass is gone for good. Undaunted, the current owner plans to work with Kenny to completely rebuild the fiberglass and have this sled restored when time permits. You can be assured that when he does, we'll bring you the full story in all it's glory.
So. Where are the rest of the known 74 Cat Snopros? We'll tackle the first of them in the next installment.
2.04.08
WILD WEEKEND IN SAUK CENTRE PVR Vintage SnoPro on Friday and SLEDS racing on Saturday was fast and furious in Sauk Centre, Minnesota this weekend. Totals for the SnoPro points standings are here. Just one more race remains, but it sure looks like Steve Smith's Arctic Cat's will be tough to beat for that coveted top spot!
HALL OF FAME LIMITED EDITION POSTERS
Just 15 of these limited edition prints are ready for the Ride With The Champs weekend in St. Germain. The posters are serialized, 1-15, and #1 will be auctioned off at the induction ceremony this weekend. Each of the posters, featuring Hall of Famer Doug Hayes will be autographed by the man himself. The other posters will be available at the grand opening of the new museum this coming Friday. If you don't already have plans to come on up, we encourage you to com on up and see the new museum and enjoy the trail riding, both new and vintage!
1.29.08
WACONIA JOURNAL PART II Just one of my many favorite photos from the weekend. Jim Haug and Archie Simonson with Archies newly restored 77 TXL I-500 winning sled. Jim did the restoration, while Archie hunted down many of the NOS parts that were put on the sled to get it back into shape. The sled is now in the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain Wisconsin.
MOLE LAKE PHOTOS AND SNOPRO SERIES POINT STANDINGS
PVR Vintage SnoPro moves on to the I-94 Ice-Daze race in Sauk Centre Minnesota this coming Friday night, with SLEDS and the final Wahl Brothers Challenge races on Saturday, with a full schedule of SLEDS points & trophy classes. SnoPro races start at 7:00 Friday night on one of the nicest tracks in the circuit, with great facilities for the fans.
After Mole Lake, your leader in overall points is Sean Smith, with his dad Steve in second, and his uncle Mike now in third! Wow, talk about a family affair. Billy Zawacki has moved into 4th, with Corey Schindler and Perry Dicus not far behind. Mole Lake saw the return of Bill "Elvis" Stull, who was badly injured at Ironwood - but is now racing harder than ever. Don Hess was injured at Mole Lake, but is reported to be doing nicely.
Steve Smith leads the Free-Air division, Corey Schindler leads the liquid division, Billy Zawacki leads the IFS, and Kenny Kitzman is leading the IFSX division. After the Sauk Centre race, only one race remans in the series: Weyauwega, Wisconsin, February 16-17th. You can download the results here. Photos courtesy of Scott Resch.
1.28.08
WACONIA JOURNAL PART I What a weekend. Waconia had over 491 sleds on the trail ride, near-record or record attendance, and great racing from ROLA and the Waconia drags. I've got a ton of photos and stories, but I just need to get this up right away.
After the banquet on Saturday night (where we heard stories from Ray Monsrud, VSCA Founder Gary Webster , Greg Hedlund and Herb Howe), about 20-30 people where hanging about, including most of the dignitaries from Polaris. Eventually, everyone there was gathered around Jim Bernat's 1975 Polaris PDC World Championship sled. As I have mentioned before, I believe this to be one of thee most valuable vintage sleds on this planet, or any other.
So there we are just staring at it when Greg Hedlund says "So you think she'll start after 30 some years?" I for one, thought there is no way in hell they would start that machine - let alone inside the ballroom - and after all those years. Turns out, they did put some fresh gas in it before leaving Roseau. The rest... well, I'll let the video speak for itself:
MOLE LAKE, LUCKY THUMB AND BOONVILLE
It was a big weekend for vintage racing as well... however I'm still waiting for some results or information who the big winners were. I understand Paul Niznik was the cup winner at Mole Lake...more as we learn it.
1.24.08
HERE COMES WACONIA! It's really, really cold here.. BUT... the temperature for the weekend should be around 25 degrees! Perfect! We have some snow coming Friday, so we have great ice, fresh snow and perfect temps for Waconia! Featured sled is POLARIS and the list of dignitaries from Polaris is impressive: David Johnson, Bob Eastman & Jim Bernat just to start with. Saturday featured the one-lung racers from ROLA. Also on Saturday, the trail ride (not to be missed) to support the C.J. Ramstad memorial, one of the biggest and best swap meets and more. On Sunday, the world's biggest vintage show (bar none) and vintage drag racing, among other events.
What kind of Polaris sleds will you see there? Well here are just a few of the historic sleds rumored to be there:
Bob Eastman's 73 Shooting Star
dual 800cc Drag Racer.
Jim Bernat's 1975 World Championship PDC 650 racer - possibly the most valuable vintage sled on earth.
Archie Simonson's 1977 I-500 winning TXL. Hasn't been seen since 1977!
I think you'll see a once in a lifetime grouping of the early Polaris antiques, customer favorites, and race sleds. Not only that, but Waconia, every year, attracts the best of the best sleds. I'll be there with my Camera keeping tabs on all of it. Mark Anderson and Rod Everts are bringing the 73 800cc Starfire that carried Mark to the vintage World Championship nearly a quarter century after Bob Eastman did it on his. Might even see the one that carried Jacob Goede to that same title the year before.
This has the potential to be the best Waconia show ever! See you there!
UPDATE: Can't get to Waconia? There's a PVR Vintage SnoPro race in Mole Lake this weekend (near Crandon Wisconsin) and at the Lukcy Thumb track in Kingston, Michigan. Check them out. More info on the racing page.
1.22.08
VINTAGE SLEDS IN THE DEAD TREE PRESS Hardly a day goes by now that I don't get alerted to another story in the Old Media about vintage sleds. The one I spotted today really caught my eye. It's from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The article is by Leo Roth, and is titled "Making tracks for vintage sleds".
In the article, he chronicles the vintage adventures of Mark Elwell and Tony Bellucco. Well worth the read, in particular, there are some great lines in the article: "Anybody who's into vintage sleds will tell you it's a sickness, it really is," a grinning Elwell said. But this sickness won't kill you. In fact, it will make you feel young again."
And the best line: "vintage snowmobiling is considered the fastest growing segment of the sport"
Gordon Shafer today with his framed movie poster.
1.21.08
A MATTER OF WINNING - THE GORDON SHAFER INTERVIEW By Curtis Tate
Editors Note: "A Matter of Winning" a snowmobile film released in 1973, was only in the theatres for a very short period of time, and hardly anyone got to see. A little over a year ago, we found it, restored it and made it available on the store. Here now is the story of the movie from the star: Gordon Shafer.
Gordon Shafer was 25 years old in the fall of 1970. He had recently dropped out of school from Weber State College in Ogden, UT and decided to race snowmobiles. You may recall that there are select races in the movie where Gordon is referred to by the announcer as the “college student from Utah”. His first snowmobile was an aluminum 1971 Polaris TX 300 which he rode in cross country races. (This was sled #53 which Gordon rode in the cross country segment of the movie.) While many of the other local (Northern Utah and Southern Idaho) Polaris racers were provided similar machines, Gordon had to purchase his. Gordon raced as much as he could. He raced in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and even in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. His signature race wardrobe was a red hooded sweatshirt and a white open-faced helmet and goggles. Gordon would also race with a drive belt over his shoulder – being prepared was one thing he had learned while racing cross country. Basically, what we see of Gordon racing in the movie is actual footage of him racing, which was to be used in the production of the film.
Gordon in 1970.
A friend of Gordon’s mentioned his name to the producer of the movie who was preparing to make a movie about snowmobile racing. Gordon was invited to Salt Lake City, UT to meet the producer and a director. Gordon said this was not much of an interview, more of a discussion of the current state of snowmobile racing and Gordon believes he must have impressed them.
What Gordon enjoyed most about the movie was the fact that the producer, Jerrold Morgan, was willing to pay his entry fees at all the races he was going to race in during the filming of the movie. Many, if not all, of his races in 1971 and 1972 were paid for by the movie. Races filmed included those in Salt Lake City, UT, Kamas, UT, West Yellowstone, MT, and Lake Tahoe, NV.
Gordon stated the movie actually had two directors, Keith Merrill and Richard Bickerton. These two individuals did not agree on the direction of the movie, which, as noted on www.vintagesleds.com on 2/10/2006, was subsequently edited by the studio in Hollywood and released with a Hollywood twist to it.
Gordon stated his original co-star actress was a lady by the name of Dana. She was beautiful, talented, and well-liked by her fellow cast members. When she was not being filmed, she enjoyed amateur photography and took many pictures of the snowmobile races and events relating to the film production. Gordon stated that Dana was included in all the film footage shot in 1971, but had another movie contract come up and she had to leave for Mexico. This is when Pamela
The Colt in this photo was added in
- it wasn't Gordon's.
Whitney was brought in. They had to re-shoot many scenes with Pamela in them now. Dana is not seen at all in the movie. Pamela was cast as a reporter with a camera, basically because Dana fit that role very well and enjoyed it.
Pamela was from California and despised the cold weather. Gordon stated that Pamela often complained of the cold, did not get along well with others during the filming, and would often sleep in on days when they needed to shoot early on a spring morning before the snow would soften up. She was quite difficult to work with.
These were both of Gordon's personal machines.
The light blue pickup truck Gordon drives to a race in the movie was indeed Gordon’s personal vehicle. He built a sled deck out of wood and would perform all of his own snowmobile maintenance and tuning. There were times when Gordon was concerned with other racers running alcohol, while he always used regular gasoline. You may recall Gordon saying, “It just pleases me that I can run against the fuelers with my gas and wasn’t blown right off the track”. He really did say this, and it was not scripted. He said this while racing the Kings Castle race in Lake Tahoe, NV. Gordon was racing the final race with 13 other snowmobiles and finished 5th. He was the only driver racing with gas and was quite pleased. The only reason Gordon had not run alcohol is he didn’t know what carburetor or jetting adjustments needed to be done to do so.
The scene of Gordon driving his pickup to a race with a 1972 Polaris Colt 175 and a 1972 Polaris TX racer on the sled deck was footage of him driving; however, the Colt 175 was not his. When asked, Gordon stated the Colt 175 was someone else’s snowmobile and placed on the truck because they needed two snowmobiles on the truck for the shot. Gordon is then shown pulling into a race parking lot in the next sequence of shots, with two different snowmobiles on his sled deck. These appeared to be a 1971 Polaris 2+1 (S8) with side pipes and a 1971 Polaris (#8) without side pipes. Gordon stated these two snowmobiles were his personal snowmobiles. One was a 340cc and the other a 440cc.
This was Gordon walking away
with his actual trophies.
One of the initial races in the movie shows Gordon receiving three separate trophies and then walking by himself out around an older wooden building (Photo 4). This was a race in Kamas, UT which was one of the first races they filmed. Gordon took home many trophies from the local races.
Further Q&A with Gordon Shafer:
Q: Tell me about when you gave Pamela a fast ride and it scares her which was filmed after you allowed her to give you a ride.
A fun Ride? This actress didn't think so!
A: Keith Merrill instructed Gordon to take Pamela around the bowl they were in, being careful to drive fast while trying to keep spacing in between his tracks so the filming would not show the hill being too marked up. Merrill also instructed Gordon to then return and park as close to the cameras as possible, but not to run into the cameras because they cost a lot of money. (Gordon heard this comment many times during the filming of the movie). The ride really did scare Pamela and when Gordon returned and parked next to the camera Pamela was upset as the movie shows. Even after the cameras were turned off, she kept on giving Gordon and Keith an earful.
Q: Where was the location of the cross country race?
A: The cross country race began on the ant flats near the Monte Cristo trailhead, east of Ogden, UT. I grew up snowmobiling at Montie Cristo and easily recognized this location in the movie. The helicopter was on site to film the beginning of the cross country race. The distance from Bountiful, UT, where the helicopter was stationed, made it difficult for the helicopter to stay in the area for an extended period due to fuel consumption. The beginning of the race and the driving off the cornice were filmed in this area.
The cross country race was then moved to Park City, UT which was more convenient for the helicopter to reach. The cross country footage of Ski-Doo TNT’s, Arctic Cat King Kats, Polaris 2+1 racers, etc. was filmed near Park City. If you watch carefully you can see that even after Gordon is shown flying over the cornice, in the next few sequences Gordon can still be seen riding in the race. The editors missed this, and many other footage errors including a shot of the rescue team actually riding Gordon’s cross country sled with his red gas can tied to the rear bumper while looking for Gordon!
Ah yes, the red jug. This was Gordon’s personal jug which he would use on cross country races. He would carry it with him on his lap and pour it into his gas tank as soon as he thought he had burned a gallon of gas. Gordon would then tie the gallon can onto his rear bumper and continue on.
One evening while at the lodge near Monte Cristo (the lodge no longer exists), Gordon mentioned to Keith Merrill that he knew where a nice cornice could be found. They sought out the cornice to which Gordon mentioned and found it to be ideal. Gordon did not want to go off the cornice. He was not about to get hurt for this film. So they sought volunteers and found a younger guy who was willing to go off the cornice. Gordon shoveled an approach approximately twenty feet long into the hill. The snowmobile had a race clutch installed on it so Gordon told the guy that he needed to rev the snowmobile up quite a bit in order to get up enough speed for the jump to clear the rocks below and to keep the snowmobile straight. Gordon stated that the guy did not get up to the desired speed, but was able to clear the rocks and the scene required only one take. The snowmobile did proceed to roll down the hill and the actual footage made it into the movie. Gordon was able to descend the slope and start the snowmobile after the roll.
You may have noticed in the movie that the handlebars were welded. Gordon had welded them prior to the filming of the movie in order to make them more stable, not because they were damaged during the filming of the movie. This was also Gordon’s personal snowmobile as evidenced by his name being pained on the front of the hood “G. Shafer”, right in front of the engine which stuck out of the hood.
Rescue workers looking for a lost racer.
The 1973 Starfire #401 was Gordon’s personal snowmobile. He raced this snowmobile in 1973 and 1974 before he retired from snowmobile racing. This snowmobile is seen racing at the race track located on the West side of Salt Lake City at the present location of the Rocky Mountain Raceway. The race sequences in the opening and closing shots were filmed at this location.
The final race of the movie shows Gordon winning a race on his 1973 Starfire. He is then shown riding with the checkered flag. While he was riding around the track, as seen in the final moments of the movie, he is trying to hold the flag up but he is going high on the bank of the track and almost goes off the track he stated. The movie ended right before this occurred.
Who are the three guys who search for Gordon after the cross country race? One was George Sanders (Photo 5) but the other two individuals were some of his buddies. George Sanders had a Utah Snowmobile Association Member sticker on his helmet. Gordon mentioned that George may have been the founder or first President of the Utah Snowmobile Association.
Q: What happened to the aluminum tunnel TX 300?
A: Gordon sold this snowmobile near the end of filming of the movie. He needed to do so to purchase his 1973 Starfire.
Welded handlebars.
Gordon gets going after the crash.
Note the red jug on the back.
Q: Tell us about the scenes in Yellowstone National Park. Pamela Whitney desired to take a ride her way. You go riding in Yellowstone National Park in a small orange twin-seat snowmobile. The ski spindle broke. Was this an accident or part of the script to have the snowmobile break down?
A: While filming in West Yellowstone, the plan for this portion of the movie was to take a break and go have a picnic in Yellowstone Park and see Old Faithful. They rode in a twin-seat snowmobile while the camera crew and others followed in a couple Bombardier Snow Coaches. Well, they only made it through the west entrance of the park a mile or so until Gordon could tell the snowmobile wasn’t steering properly. They then pulled over and found the ski spindle was damaged. This was unexpected and unplanned. (Photo 12) Gordon and Pamela were instructed to adlib here. They decided pull the ski off, noting the damage. Then one of the snow coaches would be coming along and they would flag it down and get a ride. Gordon flags down the snow coach and they get in. The next sequence shows them riding in the snow coach and Pamela states that she is hungry. Gordon stated that they left their food in the other snowmobile, which was true. They had a picnic lunch in it and left it behind. The snow coach driver happened to have a snickers bar and passed it back. This was unplanned but it worked.
Gordon currently resides in Ogden, UT where he is an independent distributor of Pepsi Cola products with a territory which extends from Northern Utah into Southern Idaho and Southwestern Wyoming.
1.19.08
YEEHA! BEST NEWS EVER!
Polaris Press release: Tiller to Step Down as Polaris CEO at End of 2008
Medina, MN, (January 16, 2008) -- Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that its Chief Executive Officer, Tom Tiller, expects to step down from his position by the end of 2008 when his current employment contract expires. Tiller, 46, has been with the company since July, 1998 and its CEO since May, 1999.
Tiller explained his decision as a personal one. “After considerable thought and extensive discussions with the Board of Directors, I felt 2008 was the right time to leave. When I came to Polaris from GE, I expected to lead the company for a considerable period, and 2008 marks my tenth year here. I absolutely love our company, our products, and our people, and I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. This past year was another good one for us in a tough environment, and I expect 2008 to be good as well. We have a very solid and experienced team, and I am confident in our ability to win well into the future. Our company is in good shape so it seems like the right time.”
“Polaris is a company that is built on innovation. And a fresh set of eyes every decade or so is a good thing. With just two CEO’s over the past 27 years, we have enjoyed consistent leadership and results. I am confident that we will identify a successor that will benefit our employees, dealers, suppliers, shareholders and communities for the long run. And for me personally, I am excited about ending my tenure as CEO in a very strong way, helping the Board choose a successor, and then exploring some new challenges.” Tiller is expected to remain on the Polaris Board of Directors for a transitional period after a successor is named.
The Board of Directors, led by its chairman Greg Palen, is directing the search for Tiller’s successor and will evaluate both internal and external candidates. “The Board is committed to ensuring that Polaris goes through an effective and orderly leadership transition," said Palen. "We have had a comprehensive succession plan in place for several years, and are in the process of executing that plan, which will ultimately identify the best possible candidate. We will take the time necessary to identify the very best person, and that process is expected to be completed this year.” In the interim, the current management team, led by Tom Tiller and Bennett Morgan, President & COO, will continue to direct the company to ensure continuity.
As CEO, Tiller led Polaris to become a more diverse and global company. Net sales grew from $1.1 billion in 1998 to nearly $1.8 billion today and the Company expanded its International business outside of North America from 6 percent of total Company sales in 1998 to approximately 14 percent of Company sales today. The market capitalization of Polaris also grew from approximately $1.0 billion in 1998 to nearly $1.7 billion at the end of 2007.
Additionally, Tiller continued to diversify the revenue and income generation capabilities of the Company to better weather economic changes including growing the side-by-side business into what now represents more than one-third of total Polaris ATV sales under the RANGER™ brand, and establishing Victory as the first successful launch of a major motorcycle brand in more than 60 years. Tiller also significantly grew Polaris’ financial services business and expanded the highly profitable parts, garments and accessories business. During his tenure, Polaris invested $36 million into a new 126,000-square-foot Product Development Center in Wyoming, Minnesota, the single largest investment in product development the Company has ever made, which demonstrates the Company’s commitment to continuing to create innovative, top-of-the-line, high-quality vehicles for Polaris and Victory riders.
“We are thankful to Tom for the direction and success he has provided in the decade in which he has led the Company, and support his decision to take some time away from the life of a public company CEO,” said Palen. “His focus on helping the Board to identify the right person to lead Polaris in the future and his decision to remain as CEO until the successor is named and in place are key steps to ensure both a smooth leadership transition and a successful 2008 for Polaris.”
Scott Coates, Scott Elliot, Jacque and his mechanic.
1.19.08
UPDATE FROM THE NORTHLAND Since Jacques Villenueve was such a hit at the vintage Derby Weekend I thought this spy photo would interest everyone. Jacques hit the bales on Thursday. He was okay, but the sled was mangled. Jacques and his crew dismantled it, and took the chassis to Scott (of the James Gang) Elliot's shop, where they put it on the frame rack to straighten it.
Jacques and his crew had it all together and running for Friday Night Thunder. But according to reports, Jacques was running in a heat race when he put up his arm to signal drivers behind him that his machine was having problems. But snow-dust and speed conspired, and Dan Gokey was unable to avoid Jacque and hit his sled hard. Jacques did make a trip to the hospital, and initial reports are a broken pelvis, maybe more. Jacques will be out for the rest of the season.
Everybody here from vitnagesleds.com wishes Jacques the very best and a speedy recovery.
For the World Championship, the qualifiers (unofficial) are: Brian Bewcyk, P.J. Wanderscheid, Dustin Wahl, Gary Moyle, Dan Fenhaus, Brandon Johnson, Matt Schultz, Dale Loritz and Brad Bettin.
Good luck to everyone! If your in the area, be sure to visit Thee Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, where they have all kinds of new displays, a cash raffle and many other activities.
I see the I-500 race is planned for this week-end which trips my sentimental trigger. The race reminds me of a time of snowmobiles
without suspensions, brand names without end and racers without
regard for their own bodies. This week let’s do a trip from Winnipeg
to St Paul-the hard way.
First off, I can’t say how much difference there is between
yesterday’s racer and today’s; both are mostly young and in great
shape, courageous and bold. It’s not the drivers who’ve changed so
much as the race and the sleds they employ in the task. I just
finished watching a DVD of the 1967 I-500 that started at Winnipeg,
Manitoba and ended at the Winter Carnival in St Paul. It was narrated
by Keith Jackson and provided the sort of drama that only occurs in a
meeting of man versus himself. The snowmobiles had very little
suspension so these racers took a tremendous beating and ended each
day as they started the next; greatly fatigued. The images of skis
flopping in mid-air between washboard ramps made of snow contrast
greatly with the smooth suspension of even the most basic consumer
sleds available today. There was one scene of cooperation in this
race that made me think there will probably never again be a race
that crosses jurisdictions and even international borders. As the
racers drove south from Winnipeg, they had to stop at the border. A
combination of racing speed and poor brakes made this stop almost
impossible except for the help of border guards who would hold onto
the sleds while racers dug inside their coveralls for their border
pass. On my last trip to Canada, I got pulled aside for an hour
because of my heavy beard and stern countenance, I can’t imagine what
they would do to a speeding racer today.
The neat thing about I-500 racers is that, with some exceptions, they
are the professional athlete next door. We live in the heart of
snowmobile country and some of it’s best racers live anonymously
among us; a factor made even greater in a time when racing was a more
simple proposition. I have visited with Ernie Melvie from Viking many
times but this week we talked a little about racing during the Nixon
presidency. Ernie was an independent racer who’s stable included a
Polaris 398 TX, a John Deere 295s then closed out his race career
with an Arctic Cat Panther. He raced among Rupps, Mercurys, Johnsons
and Sno-jets just to name a few. Ernie’s mechanics included Dennis
and Douglas Wahl from Greenbush but come race time the bulk of any
racers support team was at the end of his arm so they needed good
mechanic skills. Ernie lost the bottom gear on his chain case once
which he tried, unsuccessfully, to remedy with some barbed wire.
Still another time he, along with other racers, switched to bogie
wheels for their tracks when conditions demanded it. While most of
the racers used loc-tite to keep their bogies mounted, Ernie used a
hammer to flatten the threads on the mounting bolts. The loc-tite
never had time to set up and those who used it lost bogie wheels,
Ernie and his hammered threads made it just fine. Few finished the
I-500 back then and Ernie was no different; however he did do well in
local races such as the “Lemans Style” race held in what is now the
industrial park near Thief River Falls.
I get a little sentimental for anything from the seventies,
particularly old snowmobiles and the guys who raced them. I still
like to know who’s racing and the snowmobiles are technical marvels
but it just doesn’t seem the same; I liked it better when I could see
a “famous” racer delivering gravel or hosting my friend’s birthday
party (like Ernie) instead of on the television.
I guess it just
seemed a little more like he racing for me.
Editors note: Thanks Grant for the great story. It was originally posted on jdsleds.com and was printed in his local paper.
1.16.08 PART II
THUNDERSTRUCK!
We didn't have the great story that came with the 3rd place winner of the 2007 "Find of the Year" contest when we were ready with the results. Now we do. Scroll down to read Starfirenut's great story of how they came to find the 1972 Thunderjet that is now in the family collection. Great story Starfirenut!
1.16.08
LOW SNOW? WE CAN HELP! I know a few of you are suffering through low snow, but up in International Falls Minnesota (were we will be getting together for Live On Skis February 16th) They got LOTS of snow. So because we like to share, please take a minute and go for a virtual ride with Doc Jim on his custom built sled AKA "Wildfire". Have fun and enjoy the snow!
1.15.08
SNOPRO POINTS STANDINGS
We've had a big shakeup in the points now after Eagle River has been run. This thing is still very volitale, and anyone could still win with several races left.
Last weeks leader, Steve Smith (Cat) has fallen back to a tie in 3rd place with Duane Stetzer (Ski-Doo), and Perry Dicus (Cat) has moved into second. Moving into first place is Steve's son Sean, who had a good weekend in Eagle River, winning the 250 class, and coming in 2nd in 440 Free-air as well as in the 250 IFSX class.
1.14.08
SUNDAY IN ST. GERMAIN
Curiosity got the better of me. Rather than sit in my garage playing with sleds, I loaded up the vehicle and drove north on Sunday. I stopped at Thee Hall of Fame in St. Germain Wisconsin to look at the new building. All I can say is WOW! I've often commented that Thee Hall of Fame in St. Germain has an amazing collection of snowmobiles in their museum. Well now, they have a museum worthy of such a collection.
Walk in the new museum, walk around the living histroy that is in the main room, then have a chair in front of the fireplace and talk with friends and like-minded snowmobilers about your memories of snowmobiles and snowmobile racing. Then checkout the Ramstad library. Gorgeous.
They are not quite finished with the move into the new building, but they are getting close. This years induction ceremony and the Ride With The Champs, (the weekend of February 9th) should be really amazing with the new museum building being finished.
Oh, and there are some new sleds there. I won't spoil the surprise. But there are some really neat new sleds in there.
Then it was on to Eagle River. I couldn't resist. I knew too many friends who were racing not to go see how they all did. Despite any attitudes I have towards the current track owners, I do respect that they put on a good show there. A very good show. That track is historic, and nothing can change that.
So as not to give the current track owners a headache with my presence as they were trying to run the show, I went in disguise. It worked. I walked right up to people I have known for years, and not one (not one!) of them figured out who I was, until I removed my glasses, or told them. It was great humor! Plus, the outfit was extremely warm, so I was as comfortable all day as anyone can be for standing in snow watching races all day.
As for the races - first off, everyone who got out there and put on that show should be congratulated. It's not easy to get those sleds ready, and it takes a certain level of testicular fortitude to race on a track that big, that fast... and that bumpy. They did a great job building and maintaining the track, but the ice does get worn as the day goes on. That leaves bump, and bumps make tough racing even tougher.
Several stories stuck out during the day; I'll touch on a few here.
Johnny Schumacher and his lightening fast 1975 340 Polaris PDC cloner had an issue. He broke the water pump belt, and no one there had another RXL motor, so no one had a spare RXL water pump belt. Johnny's answer? Drive it without the belt, and hope it doesn't melt the motor. "If you're going to blow a motor, you might as well blow it trying to win in Eagle River" a worried Schumacher said just before his final.
Once the race started, is was all Johnny out front, with a fast Mike Smith on his 77 Cat charging hard. In the last lap or so, it appeared Johnny was slowing, and that Mike was closing the gap. But Johnny made the 5 laps before Mike could get it done. Johnny's sled stopped dead on turn 4 after he won. He couldn't drive it around to get his picture and flag. He waived the ATV's over to pick up his battle-beaten Polaris. Mike Smith spotted Johnny not able to get around for his photo and trophy girl kisses, so Mike loaded Johnny up on his Cat and took him around to the other side of the track! Talk about class. That just struck me as "this is what vintage racing is all about".
Kurt Krieger on his IFS 250 Moto-Ski had a handful of a battle in the final with Sean Smith, whose 250 Z has to be one of the fastest 250's in the country. Sean tried his best, but Kurt had a little more and beat him to the finish. It was some of the finest racing I've seen. Kurt's always tough at Eagle River, this weekend was no different. In a later race, he took a nasty spill, but was up in a flash to let everyone know he was okay.
Richard Decker took a run in the 250 class on a stock 245RV. He didn't do all that well, but it was fun to seem him out there having a good time. Not sure who won the class, but it was a very fast 250 TX.
In the 440 Free-air final, Mark Anderson brought his 440 (with a big "For Sale") on the rear and walked away with it, Steve Smith in hot pursuit.
In the IFS 340 and 440 classes, it was all Ski-Doo, all the time. No RXL's. No SSR's. No Cat's. That, for me, made it no fun. However, Duncan Reid pulled one win, and Jacques Villenueve was untouchable in 440. I tried to get a good look at Jocko's machine, but it was always covered. Sure looked vintage, but I couldn't see the motor at all. Devin Fackrell and Duncan Reid really did pull out all the stops and try and catch Jocko, but he just out-motored them. It was fun to watch Jocko run. I think the crowd really enjoyed it.
Howard Gifford gave us the biggest scare of the day... his throttle locked up, and his 81 440 Ski-Doo SnoPro went straight into the wall. Howard bailed on the sled, and slid in on his back. He did not get up for several minutes, and not until after the emergency workers got there. He did eventually get up (to a roaring round of applause) and walk down the track and into the ambulance on his own power. His sled? It looked like nothing was salvageable but the track. It was mangled.
Then there was the World Championship. A great selection of sleds in that race - Cat's, Ski-Doo's, Rupps, Chaparrals, Polaris's and others. In the first lap, the driver filling in for Bill Stull took a nasty spill, and from my vantage point, it looked like he got hit by several sleds. But he got up, flipped the sled over, limped it into the pits, bent the handlebars back, and headed back out on the track. Because he left the track, he had to start in the back.
On the restart, two Starfires took the lead. Pankratz and Gentz. Within a couple laps, Jay Sperry on his Rupp, all by himself took a trip into the bails. He got up, and fixed the bails himself. He stayed out the rest of the race. The big Cat running in the race died on the back stretch. One of the Chaparrals lost some parts on the front stretch, and pulled off just before turn one.
Gentz had a sizable lead, but Pankratz was catching up to him. At about lap 8, Gentz lost his seat, adding to the amazing amount of debris all over the track that drivers had to avoid. Driving without a seat was surely a challenge, and Pankratz passed and pulled away.
About that time, Fred Smith on his Ski-Doo found some extra power, and started catching up to the leaders - fast. In turn 2, he looked at Gentz, pointed his sled, and knocked Gentz into the bails. From where I was sitting, I was sure a black flag would be thrown. No question. I looked up at the flag man not to see the black flag, but a checkered. Pankratz was driving hard, but Smith got underneath him and beat him to flag by inches.
Fred Smith drove hard. His sled was getting faster as the race went on. He deserves credit for his efforts. But in my opinion, it was Pankratz who should have gotten the win. But that's racing, it's history now. Fred Smith is your 2008 World Champion.
All in all it was a great show, one I'm glad I spent 10 hours driving to go see in one day. My only regret is that I didn't bring the camera. I think the vast majority of the racers were on their very best behavior and were examples of the best of what racing is all about. It was fun. It's an event everyone should see once.
This weekend, you can see the late models run on the track. That's also an event everyone should see at least once. While your there, be sure to travel over to St. Germain and take a gander at the new building for Thee Hall of Fame. It's all well worth the trip for vintage sledders.
Steve Smith in Rock Rapids. Currently leading the SnoPro series points hunt. Photo by Brandon Johnson.
1.12.08
VINTAGE SNOPRO POINTS - SO FAR With Rock Rapids and Ironwood being added to the history books, the vintage SnoPro series is heating up. After Rock Rapids, Alaska's Steve Smith and his free-air Cats put him into first place over-all, with Duane Stetzer on his Ski-Doo Ifs a very close second, followed by Travis Hilmerson on another IFS Ski-Doo, Bill Stull on his free-air Rupps, and Perry Dicus on his Cat rounding out the top five overall.
With some drivers not making the trip to Ironwood, things gotten shaken up quite a bit after Ironwood. Steve Smith still leads over-all on his Cats, but brother Mike Smith has pulled into second. Perry Dicus and his Cats moves up into 3rd, Sean Smith bumps to 4th, and Tony Prokop moves into 5th. That makes all top five sleds Arctic Cats.
However, it's still very early in the schedule. Things can, and do change rapidly. This weekend the SnoPro series moves on to Eagle River Wisconsin, as part of the Vintage World Championship there. Look for some new entries in the series, and look for some of the best racing all year there. The track looks good, the weather looks great for spectators, and entries are up over 600. That has to be some kind of record huh?
1.09.08
THE FIND OF THE YEAR!
The find of the year started when someone on the Bull Sessions made the statement that "all the good stuff is already been found" and more than a few BS members had to disagree. Since then, the "Find of the year" contest has become a running chronicle of neat and amazing finds people make of vintage snowmobiles all over the country.
This year was no exception. Our three judges Trucker (last years winner), Sno Bear and the Clackinator (Bull Session names) had their work cut out for them to find the top finishers out of so many intriguing sleds. That having been said, this is a totally "for fun" contest, where we actively encourage bribing the judges!
So without further adieu, here are your winners for the 2007 FIND OF THE YEAR!
In 5th place: Boaski's 1970 RTX 800
A friend of mine has a small snowmobile parts and repair shop. He also collects old sleds & is one of the only local resources for vintage sled parts. One day a neighbor stopped in and asked my friend if he'd be interested in some old sleds. When they were discussing it the neighbor indicated one of the sleds was like new and was green. After a few days my friend stopped over and found 2 Raiders and stuck away in the corner of the garage was a Skiroule RTX 800.
The neighbor relayed that his dad had bought the RTX new from a dealership in the Pittsburgh, PA area as an unsold leftover. After getting the sled home they never felt like they were able to get the sled running right & racked up about 24 miles on the odometer running the sled on a stand. As the years went by the sled sat in the corner of a building until the dad passed away & his son took the sled to Ohio when he moved. The sled sat in a garage in Ohio for another 10 years before the owner approached a friend of mine to see if he was interested in it. All the time a practically brand new Skiroule was sitting less than a quarter mile from his house!
In 4th place: Sulley's 1972 Skiroule RTX340 Racer (hands down best briber of the year according to the judges)
"I saw the sled for sale about 4 years ago and there was a great story about how [the owner]found it. It was a barn sale and there were two sleds covered up, one had a metalflake red hood and the other one the engine was sticking out of the hood but the other sled had the same kind of engine. He didn't know much about old race sleds at the time, so he got the one with the engine showing - the 72 Skiroule RTX340rx Racer.
He brought the sled home and got it running but the fuel tank was trashed, so he used a small tank. He was more than a little surprised to find that the clutch kicked in at 6500 RPM's! It ripped the front drives out of it and broke the chain.
So he started to do some research on the sled and found out it was a 72 Skiroule Racer. He had no idea, but looked for parts to fix it for about two years with little luck. He did have the frame blasted and painted and the seat redone and put it up for sale. He advertised it wrong and got no bites. I saw an old classified for it and sent an email him. He was 13 at the time he found it and he was now 18 and going to collage, so we made a deal on the sled.
He lived in Canton Ohio and i live near Syracuse NY, so Buffalo NY was half way. We met and I got the sled and I started to restore what he hadn't. This was March of 2007 and by May it was at its first show in Alexandria NY. I have no race history on this sled ,but I did race a 72 Skiroule RTX340rx just like this for a local dealer in 1973 and 74 with my Dad. He died in 1975 and I stopped racing and turned that sled into a lake rider. This sled will stay with me forever as it brings back a lot of great memories of my Dad. I had the hood custom painted on my old racer and I just found that hood. I am trying to make a deal to get it back and I want to put my Dads CB handle "Leaky Boat Louie" on the hood in his memory. I have a big grudge race coming up with "Oldtigger" soon and the sled runs great and I cant wait to ride it for the first time. I am sure I will be remembering my Dad a lot that day. Thanks. "Sulley" (AKA Daniel Sullivan)
In 3rd place: Starfirenut's 1972 Thunderjet
Thunderstruck !
With the surge in popularity seen in snowmobile collecting over the past few years , many of us often wonder "Are there any sleds left to be rescued ? "
All it takes is a quick surf around the popular vintage websites to see that there appears to be buried treasure still waiting to be found.
Have a look at some of the Sno Jet Thunder Jets that have turned up of late.
This original condition 1972 340 surfaced in North Dakota and is now in the collection belonging to "Starfirenut" and his brother, "Starchild".
Here's the story of the sled , told by "Starfirenut" himself, as it first appeared in the "Bull Sessions":
"...... the sled was a local find. A dealership near our hometown had purchased the sled brand new in the fall of 1971. They raced it the season of 71-72. After that first winter, they put them up for sale. The gentleman we got it from, bought it and raced it until approx. 1974, he is'nt sure exactly what year he quit.
My and brothers and I have been into sno-cats since we were little kids as our Uncle was a Polaris dealer and a racer for many years in the 60's & 70's so we were always around them. We remembered the gentlemen racing his thunderjet. After we started collecting and restoring vintage sleds, my brother said, "I wonder if that Thunder Jet is still south of town". We never thought much of it, and besides the guy who had it is a single, over the road trucker so he is never home.
One day, my dad was working in the area and seen him out side in the yard and went over to talk to him. Well, one thing led to another and the t-jet came up and by-golly he still had it! It was in and old quonset with a dirt floor in it. He had it propped up off the floor, but it was full of birdcrud and thirty years worth of dust and dirt.
Dad asked him if he was interested in selling it and he said NO!! That was about five years ago. Well we kept this under our hats ever since and my dad told him if he ever changed his mind to let him know. About a month ago, dad ran into him again and asked if he was ready to sell yet. The guy was'nt sure but he didn't say no, dad told him my boys remember you racing it when they were little kids and would like to restore it and take care of it, and feel it should be out and shared with other people to enjoy. You would always be recognized as the original owner and could come to town and ride it anytime you wanted. Well, the guy agreed and they made the deal.
My dad and uncle (the former Polaris dealer) worked on it for three weeks off and on trying to get it to run, polishing, cleaning clutches ect... Dad didn't say a word about it until one night he told us he needed some help in the shop and surprised us with it. He said it was ours and hoped it made a nice addition to our collection. We just about fell over. After some hugs and high fives, (and yes a few tears), we started checking it out. Man was it in great shape. We thought the sled would have been long gone by now, let alone being the owners of it. We are indebted to this gentleman and will treat the sled with the utmost respect that it deserves. We have NO plans of ever parting with it. "
In 2nd Place: Chap racer's 1972 Chaparral IFS Racer
Growing up I've always heard the stories of my dad and his cousins racing back in the early 70's. My dad had a 72 440 IFS and raced ovals, One cousin had a 72 440 Chap grass dragger, and the other cousin had a 71 Chap Skylark with a Red Barron in it. I asked him what he did with his old sled and he said he had traded it for a trail sled in 73. They dealer he traded it to raced it for a year or 2 and then put it in the showroom of his machining business.
Three years ago my dad and I went to Eagle River for the vintage races and ever since then he and I were hooked! We wanted to start collecting and restoring old Chaparrals. I encouraged him to call the guy that he traded his old sled to to see if he still had it and if we could buy it back. He called and they had sold it to someone about 4 years earlier. He didn't know who it was or where it went. Right after this we found a 72 Chap 650 IFS that only had a tank of gas run through it and was never raced. We bought that, restored it and it was our first show sled. For 2 years we would ask fellow vintage collectors if they ever saw his old sled. No one ever heard of it.
It was forgot about for some time until I told my dad that I was going to post an ad on vintagesleds.com and some other vintage sites on the off-chance someone out there heard of his sled. The only thing we had to go by was the writing on the hood "ICH BIN DER SNORTER" He wrote that on the hood because his mom hated that sled. It was way to loud for her and she would always start cursing in German &%@#! ICH BIN DER SNORTER! My dad thought that was appropriate and put it on the hood.
When I placed the ad I had 2 people respond saying the this sled was owned by Brett Buer. I called Brett immediately and he said that he had the sled and it still had the writing on the hood. He sold it to a guy in Kansas but was there to be restored. We called the owner in Kansas and immediately said no and he wanted to keep it. I kept calling him for a couple months and finally one day he called me. He was getting up there in years and wanted to buy himself a new Arctic Cat and wanted to know if we were still interested in buying the sled. After about 2 weeks on negotiating we finally agreed to a deal and we drove to Bretts house and picked it up.
My dad traded that sled in fall of 1973 and 34 years later its back home and close to the same condition as it was when he got rid of it. Like is said earlier, it was raced after he got rid of it so it does have some more wear and tear. We are stocking up on parts and will be restoring it back to new condition soon. We plan on putting the ICH BIN DER SNORTER on the hood just like the old days. The photos on that I posted are from the night we got back after picking it up. We had a 16 hour drive round trip to get it.
Dad has always had a take it or leave it attitude about getting his sled back. What made me want it back is that I started racing last year and I see the look on my kids faces when they look at my race sled. I look at my dads sled the same way. I can't wait to get it done and start it. It will be one of the happiest days of my life when it comes back to life!!!
Thank you for asking for more info on his old sled. I asked both people that responded to my ad and both of them came from your web site. I owe a big thank you for helping me find this sled. With out vintagesleds.com I would still be looking!
Todd Persha
PS Ever since that first vintage race at Eagle River 3 years ago, we've acquired 8 Chaparrals, a 78 RXL, and we race 2 73 Starfires. I guess the bug hit us hard!!!
AND IN FIRST PLACE - THE 2007 "FIND OF THE YEAR" - Yamabunch's (Leon Koch's) find original Yamaha factory racers!
"I entered 4 sleds in the find of the Year, but I entered them as 1 find as they were all found at 1 place. Wayne Trapp's 72 Yamaha Factory SR292 which was mod 1 and mod 2 Champion at the MN state grass drag Championships in 1972 they talk about it in Warriors of Winter and was set up by the Yamaha factory in California at Orange county Raceway .
I talked to Wayne Trapp about this sled and He said that it was undefeated in 1972. I raced this sled at Grass drags this summer and fall at Rhinelander,Hay Days, and Eagle Rivers Reunion. I won 10 firsts and 2 seconds at these events EXACTLY as it was raced in 1972.
The second sled Is a New 1972 Yamaha SR643. It is missing the engine skis, and pipes But it new never ridden , The plastic was still on the seat when it was found under 4x8 sheets of plywood, storm windows, screens and foam worm boxes. Since I found this sled I have accumulated most all of the missing parts.
Next is Lynn Trapp's Yamaha Factory 1972 SR643 oval sled. It was stored out side under a fishing boat. This sled is on the back cover of Yamaha's 73 model line up brochure. It has Factory big fin cylinders and the same type of clutch brace that helped Mike Trapp win His second World Championship in 1972.
And last is a 72 Yamaha GP433 with MIke Trapp's 71 World Championship motor in it serial # SR433-00228. This is the Engine that won what is billed as the GREATEST SNOWMOBILE RACE IN HISTORY! It has coarse sand cast cylinders that are chrome bore and has teflon coated exhaust ports, 6 bolt heats instead of 4. All of the information was Verified By Mike Bowers,Yamaha's race director Till the fall of 1973 and he said this is the engine that won the 71 World Championship.
I purchased all these sleds for the same 80 year young gentleman, Chet Dumask from Presque Isle Wisconsin. All of these sleds were giving to him by Yamaha's race director Mike Bowers as a gift for going to Alaska in the fall of 1972 as a test pilot for Yamaha Motor Corp. Chet kept all the sled inside a dry storage building except the Lynn Trapp sled. They are all in excellent condition. Chet had the foresight to take good care of them! The only sled he actually drove was the SR292, and it was only taken out twice. I found out about these sled while talking to Mike Bowers about some other Yamaha stuff.
This "FIND" has great meaning to me as I have been a life long Yamaha Snowmobile fanatic. I was offered second chance on these sleds as Lynn and Wayne Trapp had looked at them about a year before I found out about them. I must of made a good impression on Chet and after only 4 days of thinking about it He offered them to me. He did not know all of what he had but I did tell him he had a lot of Yamaha's snowmobile history!"
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2.19.08 
2.05.08 PART II
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