03/10/05
VINTAGE SNOPRO MASTER SERIES
The points for the series have almost been sorted out. We should have our two winners soon! Until then, here are the contenders (in no particular order): Mark Anderson, Dick Peterson, Derek DeLisle, Devin Fackrell, Jim Lennox, Jacob Goede, John Schumacher and Kelly Renkin.

Before we do announce the winners, I'd like, on behalf of all the series sponsors (The Snowmobile Hall Of Fame, LC Communications, Wahl Brothers, Carrier, Strandlund Refrigeration, Kuzin's Kustoms, Fuse Cafe Internet Systems and the Vintagesleds.com store) to say thanks to all the race promoters and most of all the drivers and their crews for making the first ever series happen. We had a great time working on it. We learned a lot, didn't get a lot of right, but still had fun.

Next year, we're going to do it even bigger & better!

03/08/05
FIRST PHOTOS FROM BEAUSEJOUR!
Lorne McKee was first to send in this link with photos from the final race this year in the first ever Vintage SnoPro Master series. I also got some great photos from Jim Standlund - they will be coming up soon.

03/06/05
VSCA UPDATE - IT'S OFFICIAL!
I'm pleased to be the first to announce that the VSCA has officially changed hands. Ownership is now held by Mike Meagher. Mike is extremely enthusiastic about getting the VSCA magazine up and running. Both he and his wife will be working on it. I just met Mike earlier this year, and I'm sure he will be a good steward of the magazine. I can't wait until the first issue. I'll have more on Mike and his plans very soon.

Open Mod heat race, Wolf Lake, Sunday March 6, 2005. Photo by the V-Man.

OPEN MOD? WHO, ME?
It was a Beautiful day for a final 2005 race at Wolf Lake. The sun was shining, it was nearly 50 degrees. Children where playing. Racers where turning wrenches. Everyone was in a great mood. Birds where singing and super models where sunbathing on car hoods.

Oh wait, I just imagined that last part.

Take a close look at the photo on the left. It was sent in by the V-Man. He took it earlier today. It's an open mod heat race. Scott Tillman is on that nice looking 79 Ski-Doo Super Mod (man did it sound great!). Team Johnson' Superman - Kelly Renken - is on the famous Johnson Rampage. Next to him is one of Wolf Lake's big winners this year, Chuck Poirier on his smoking 440 Suzuki.

The question is, who is the goon on the Centurion with the skis up in the air, damn near higher then the sled next to him?

Can you say "Poorly setup suspension"?

What was I thinking? I'll tell you: "OH MY GOD I'M IN THE OPEN MOD CLASS!" I THOUGHT I COULD RUN A CENTURION IN A STOCK CLASS!"

Being in a 10 sled open mod final had to be one of my biggest thrills of the winter of 2005. Just coming to the line and hearing that Johnson on one side and open pipes all around was cool. But as everyone brought their motor up to engagement speed... I felt the corners of my mouth curl straight up.

Yeah, It's going to be months before I can wipe the grin off my face.

03/04/05
MONTANA PIPES
Just where did the term "Montana Pipes" come from? Charles Plueddeman got me started on trying to solve this intriguing mystery. My sources say the term probably is a recent invention. Vintagesleds.com readers have some other ideas... Here are the comments, plus a little video of the sweet things idling happily.

03/03/05
LAST RACE WEEKEND!
For most of us, this is the last weekend of racing. On Monday, it's time to pack away the helmet and the safety jacket. Fog up the machine, grease her, get a cover on and put her into storage. This weekend is the final race in the Vintage SnoPro Master Series in Beausejour, Manitoba. It's the last race of the year at Wolf Lake in Alexandria, Minnesota. In several towns in the snowbelt this weekend is it.

There is still snow in many places, so mercifully some of us can still crank up the old trail sled and just enjoy riding for a bit.

Somehow I thought that by now I'd be ready for a little summer vacation from sleds - in particular racing. I thought I'd be looking forward to doing the spring clean up thing and looking forward to some other projects I wanted to do.

But that isn't happening. Nope. Instead, I'm pretty sure that come Monday I will be starting the 2005-2006 race season.

I got it, I got the bug. It's a deep, near paralyzing infection that once under your skin, can be impossible to remove. Next year, if at all possible, I will have at least two sleds ready to race. Maybe three if there is time. I am so looking forward to the coming months of Quality Garage Time (QGT). But with the changeover from doing resto work (well not entirely, I have a new resto project on the way!) to building racers, I'm going to have to officially change the "Garage" to a "Shop". So this summer it's all Quality Shop Time (QST).

Can I survive full six months with little to no chance for ice?

2005-2006 VINTAGE SNOPRO MEETING
Plans for the 05-06 Vintage SnoPro series are under way. A meeting will be held on May 0th, the day after the 05 awards presentation at the Hall of Fame Classic Roundup event. We'll discuss some new rules for next year, a new traveling trophy and what races to hit next year. The only one I know for sure will be on the calendar will be the last race in Beausejour, if they will have us again. I'd like to also discuss some ideas on how we can make it more inclusive to the newly forming race associations in the East and West. If you can make it to this meeting, please do.

WOW! It's a new Custom Ski-Doo from Francois Marcil

SWEET NEW SKI-DOO
Francois Marcl sent in photos of his new custom built trail sled Ski-Doo. It took him two years to build it. It's a tubular chassis with a fiberglass body. The engine is a 521 rotax. Francois is waiting for an 800 twin to replace it. The motor is located at rear just like real
F1. The rear suspension is C-7 Ski-Doo and front is DSA. Francois says it is a great feeling to drive it. I must say Francois, it looks like you put a ton of work into that baby, and you should be proud! That is pretty cool looking!

02/24/05
TED OTTO UPDATE
Several readers checked in - Ted Otto was struck by a sled last Saturday and air lifted to the hospital because they thought he may have internal bleeding. Turned out not to be the case, but he did injure either his arm or wrist. He was back at the track on Sunday. Glad to hear Ted is okay.

SNOPRO MASTER SERIES
Got a call last night - we should have points straightened out before to long. Thanks for being patient!

CLASSIC SLED ROUNDUP - MAJOR NEWS
Details on the Hall of Fame Classic Sled roundup are available on the Hall of Fame website (scroll down to the bottom of the page for the 2005 event info!). Last year this was an amazing show. This year will be even better. I've confirmed with my sources that one of thee most amazing sleds EVER built will be making its debut at this show and you won't want to miss it - they may not bring it out much after this show. I can't tell you what it is yet, but I hope to before the show. More news about the show is coming soon.

02/23/05
TED OTTO
I got an email that Hall of Famer Ted Otto was hurt in an accident in the USSA races last weekend. All we've heard is that he made a trip to the hospital. If you have more info, let us know. I have no confirmation this as of yet.

Also, Polaris racer Randy Hites passed away a few days ago, after a long period of health related issues. Randy is perhaps best known from the Polaris & KSTP TV video made during one of the very early I-500 races, where Randy is filmed extensively jumping from ditch to ditch, his racer looking like a wild beast that is learning to be tamed. He's also my favorite quote from that film. Very near the finish line, a minor part breaks (I was told recently it was a chain) and Hites is out of the race. The announcer comes on the film and says "All know this is the ONLY way you pass RANDY HITES!"

In other news, Jacques Villeneuve cleaned up at the races in Valcourt last weekend. Does that mean he can retire now?

VSCA UPDATE
I'm sure everyone saw the VSCA web site with the message. My sources tell me they are letting the magazine over, and that one party is close to taking it over. I had a chance to chat with that party recently, and I think they would make good on the magazine. I hope it works out, I miss my magazine!

02/21/05
SHOW UPDATES
Big news and details coming soon on the big "Classic Sled Roundup" in St. Germain May 29th. Stay tuned.

Last weekend, I made it to the Badger show, where a GREAT time was had by all. Lee Heaton quickly sent in the first batch of photos from the show. You can view them on his Photoworks web site. Doc Jim's "Wildfire" was the winner of the days biggest trophy. His sled was chosen as a kind of "best of show" by a sponsor. Bob Eastman was there, as well as Dell Wahl, Mr. & Mrs. David Johnson where there signing autographs and chatting with the crowd. I had great chats with collectors Bob Friesen and Don McLennan and many many others. Many thanks to the Duxby Snowdusters!

Also got an email from Stephen Burdick of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Museum regarding the recent big New Hampshire show, where Jerry McGee's 69 Double Eagle walked off with the big "People's Choice" award. Stephen has put up lots of show information and pictures right here.

Sunday I stopped at Wolf Lake to observe Jim Haug participate in his first race on a 76 Starfire he hastily assembled after watching one race and deciding it looked like too much fun. I got to race it the "dollar race" which was more fun then I could have imagined. Each participant puts in a buck. All the sleds go out on the track and race, but position does not matter! The winner of the money is chosen from a bucket ahead of time, and whoever comes in that position gets the cash. What a hoot. Oh, how did I do? Let's just say I didn't win and leave it at that. As usual all the racing at Wolf lake was fun, competitive and spirited. Thanks to Scott Tillman and friends for putting on a great show.

No results back from Strathcona and the 4th race in the Vintage SnoPro Master Series yet - hope to have them and the rest of the results soon.

02/15/05
VINTAGE SNOPRO POINTS STANDINGS - CORRECTION!
Well, I know you all are actually reading stuff on the site - 'cuz I got about 20 emails pointing out that I wasn't following the rules for the points in the Vintage Snopro Master Series. Yes, the rules stated that only 340cc and above classes would be counted! That means my point totals for several guys are in correct - and should easily place Mark Anderson into first place. I'll dig into ASAP and get it corrected. Thanks to everyone that caught the error!

This weekend is race #4 in the series in Strathcona, Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, we move on to the final race in Beausejour, Manitoba. I can't wait to watch that race!

What's up next? Photos from two Eastern shows (thanks guys!) A pile of "new" SnoPro photos, some collection updates and much more!

02/14/05
VINTAGE SNOPRO POINTS STANDINGS
Final results are in for the Challenge Series races in Thief River Falls and Freeport. With just two races to go, this thing has broken wide open - and could still be won by anyone! Your new leader in the leaf spring class is officially Danny Desisle on his one-lung free-air Yamaha that has been smoking the vintage circuit for several years now. The sled is still as tough as ever and easily does well in classes bigger then it's little cc motor should be able to.

In the IFS class, it's an all out war between Dick Peterson's RXL and Devin Fackrell's Blizzard. Each week has been a battle between the two, and the past two races where no different.

Each race association has the ability to award up to two drivers one extra point for good sportsmanship, enthusiasm, helping other drivers or clean driving. In Thief River, officials gave one point to Dick Peterson, citing his diplomacy with the Casino owners in helping to secure a race next year, and an outstanding performance on the track. Dick was also awarded an extra point in Freeport, this time for allowing near strangers to race his RXL's in a demo race. Most guys with the time and money invested into those babies wouldn't allow that, but Dick wanted to make sure the crowd got a good show.

The other point winner in both TRF and Freeport was John Schumacher. John has some hot running sleds that have really come on in the last couple of weeks, but it's been John's willingness to help out with every aspect of the races that caught the promoters fancy.

You can see all the scores in the Racing section.

02/10/05
FIRST WACONIA PICTURES!
I find it hard to believe that a week and some change later, I am the first to put up photos from this years Waconia show? Who would have

Jac-Trac - just one of the many unusual sleds at Waconia 2005.

thought it? This years show was one of the biggest and the best. I don't then they've ever had that many sleds up on the hill.

Saturday's show features a very full afternoon of vintage drag racing (although I think a few of the sleds could hardly be called "vintage") that kept a crowd entertained all day. The swapping was again good - Don Soukup alone had enough stuff to keep me digging through boxes for hours.

The vintage trail ride? One of the most fun ever - but that was because Doc Jim and I started out in the back of the back. 1/4 of the way around the lake, we started having trouble keeping our sleds at the rides pace of 20 MPH By 1/2 around the lake, we caught the pace sleds. After following them for a bit, we kicked it down and were the first to make it back. So yeah, we beat up on a bunch of sleds going 20. But it was still fun. And just so no one will claim otherwise, Doc's "Wildfire" beat my Centurion. But I'll get them clutches fixed one day. And I'll be back...

The banquet featured a speech by none other then David Johnson, founder of Polaris, who entertained the crowd with stories from the "good old days" and answered questions.

Sunday the weather was too warm, but held up nicely for the show. As I mentioned before, I got to take the 77 SnoPro for a couple of rides, the best being at the end of the day, when I took it out on the lake and really cracked it down for the first time on ice. It was an experience I'll never forget.

Enough of my yakking. Enjoy the photos.

Gabe Bunke and Crew Celebrate his 2005 I-500 win.

02/08/05
BUNKE WINS AGAIN
Has a familiar ring to it doesn't it? Gabe Bunke won the big Soo-500 race for 2005. His wife sent in this picture. Note she is wearing a 1977 Polaris racer suit. In her note, she said this suit originally belonged to Jerry Bunke, and she believes it brought Gabe good luck! I'm kind of thinking it may have been her bringing him good luck, but the suit story does sound pretty good!

If you look close in the photo you can also see a very happy Leroy Lindblad and Burt Bassett of Pro-5, sponsors of Gabes and 1974 winners of the I-500.

02/07/05
VSMS UPDATE
I'm still operating on a lot less then all cylinders, but I had to get this picture up from Mike Meagher - yes in deed boys in girls, that is the one and only P.J. Wanderschied - World Champion Arctic Cat driver - getting ready to race Dick Petersons 78 RXL at Freeport.

I'll let Mike finish the story:

"Well Mother nature put us to the test this weekend, but all in all the races were fantastic on Friday night. 324 entries!! A lot of great sleds of all kinds. Dick Peterson was great fun all weekend, which I have come to expect, but on Saturday Ted Otto allowed us to run a Vintage feature to start the races. It was decided we would run the IFS Snopro class. At this time Dick
Peterson offered all of his RXL's for the show. He would ride his 440X, Keith Nohner on his 440 (1st time on a IFS sled) and PJ Wanderscheid on his 340. This was awsome and the crowd was eating it up like crazy. The road in was very muddy, but once inside it was great racing.
I will work with Armand and get you all the results as soon as I can. By the way I had my best night ever 3 1st in the 250 Mod class!!!!"

Thanks Mike!

P.J. Wandershcheid - an RXL fan!

In the VSMS points race - still working on results from THief River, but it looks like I was ahead of myself at last report. Derek Desisle actually has a commanding lead with 15 points!

02/04/05
BACK SOON!
I had a great time at Waconia again this year. I even remembered to take pictures. For two days I stood outside yakking, shaking hands and forgetting to eat. The net effect is that I picked up a nasty cold & flu that has rendered me darn near useless this week. Once I recover and get caught up on some other tasks, updates will resume - and I have a ton of them.

The third race of the Vintage SnoPro Master series takes place tonight under the lights in Freeport Minnesota (Just off the 94 Interstate northwest of St. Cloud) and the races are on, despite this sick, warm weather.

Where are we on the points for the series? Early this week I emailed many of the drivers for clarification of their wins in Thief River Falls. So far only three have gotten back to me. However, here is what it looks like at this point:

Leaf Spring Class:
Jim Lennox: 11 Points
Mark Anderson(340): 10 Points
Jacob Goede: 10 Points
Dick Peterson (340): 7 Points

IFS Class
Devin Fackrell: 6 Points
Dick Peterson: 6 Points

Note we are not positive on all the points from Thief River yet, and the Good Sportsmanship points have not been awarded yet. Plus a couple more drivers had a really good weekend up in the falls (Danny Desisle, please call or email me!) and are not reflected in the above results. Also note the dramatic jump Mark Anderson took - even though he missed round one in Alexandria - this means the race is still on amongst almost all the registered drivers, and at this point, anyone could still win it!

Good luck to everyone tonight!

Fred Stancer and his Best in Show custom 1975 Yamaha GPX

01/27/05
LOW BUCK VINTAGE SHOW
On Jan. 22 the 7th Annual Low Buck Vintage Riders Show drew 175 registered show sleds and a good crowd of gawkers to the show grounds at the Waverly Beach Club in Menasha, Wis. A snowstorm that dropped 10 inches of welcome fluff on the area Friday night also kept attendance down, but those who made it had a lot of fun.

For the second year in a row, Best in Show went to Fred Stancer of Waupun, Wis., this time for his super-sano 1975 Yamaha GPX 433G, a custom that Fred built over four years from a real pile of junk. Fred built his own motor and designed many components on the sled ... note the cool ski spreaders, for example. He actively drag-races the sled in central Wisconsin.

The Low Buck club is based in Menasha and has more than 100 members. Watch for a complete show report and more pictures in the near future. -- Charles Plueddeman

WACONIA UPDATE
It's confirmed! Polaris founder David Johnson will be attending the Waconia show! Here's your chance to meet this amazing man, his gracious wife, and son Aaron - who's been featured here often for his racing. All three will be here for the big show this weekend. Full show information is available on the Waconia show web site.

Loren Anderson hands over the keys to raffle winner Ryan Trapp

HALL OF FAME RAFFLE WINNER
I think I mentioned it earlier - but thanks to everyone that ordered tickets for the Snowmobile Hall of Fame raffle earlier this month. Thanks to you, Internet sales of tickets moved way up the scale in terms of importance!

This years winner was a local boy - and a racer - Ryann Trapp. Ryan, who racing a 440 Champ Ski-Doo sled, won a Arctic Cat Sabre Cat. Mmm. Wonder what he'll do with such a Kitty cat in a Ski-Doo garage?

01/25/05
ANOTHER EAGLE RIVER VIDEO
Jeff Steinke sent in another link to a nice video he shot and assembled at the Eagle River vintage weekend. This is a WMV file, it will take a bit to load. But it's worth it!

01/24/05
ONE MORE THING OFF THE LIST
On my list of "things to do before I get hit by a tiny blonde women driving a 500' long SUV while applying makeup and talking on her cell phone" was to ride a 1977 Polaris leaf spring SnoPro. A dream I thought so remote, that I dare not think about it, lest I go mad.

1977 440cc Polaris Leaf-Spring SnoPro - see it at Waconia this weekend!

Standing by the Polaris race truck in December of 1976, I could not stop staring at the three leaf-spring SnoPro sleds - one of Huling's, one of Thorsen's and one of Bernat's. I flat out thought they where the sexiest piece of machinery I had ever laid eyes on. I couldn't even imagine riding one, but I put it on my list anyway.

This past weekend, I got my wish and rode the sled me and small army of friends have been working to restore since I bought it several years back. Actually it was done in time for the Polaris 50th, but we didn't have time, until now to get it running.

I'd like to thank Doc Jim for pulling the wool over my eyes once again. He kept calling while he was getting her to run and saying, "yeah, it runs, but not real good, must not be ported right" or "must have the wrong pistons in it" or "must have incorrect ignition parts". All comments designed to make me lose my mind worrying about what was wrong with my favorite toy.

When I finally heard it run and smelled the racing fuel It was such a flashback to 1976 that I thought I entered a time warp. We took it outside and I sat down on it, I was still thinking about what Doc had said - that it was running, but barely. I eased it out on to the iced over road in front of Doc's house. I brought it up to speed - gently - then it "caught" the pipe.

I learned a couple of valuable lessons at that moment. One, even though I have known Doc my whole life, I still can't tell when he's giving me grief. Two, if your not hanging on to a 440 SuperMod sled when you hit the gas, you are very likely to fall off the back.

WHAT A RUSH! This thing is so, fast, has so much torque and is so light that I just couldn't believe it. And she's race ready - fully studded and carbided, so I had to try it around the corner - she's a little stiff to turn, but again when that pipe catches, off the ground comes the skis and I found myself laughing under my helmet like a giddy little kid!

Yeah Baby! I get to go for a smoking ride on Wildfire.

Thanks to Doc and Spike for all the hard work they put into getting her running and rebuilding the motor - and to Jim Haug for helping me get it together before the 50th, and getting the drive train all set up properly. And the rest of the people that helped with the restoration - all the guys at Polaris, including Jim Bernat, Don Omdahl, Arlyn Saagee, Aarron Johnson and of course Bob Eastman. Doug Monson, Justin Bergtrom, Kenny Halverson, Vance Elfering, Crystal Welding, Pro Graphics, Jason Gilmour... and mystery guy who likes to remain anonymous, who spent hours, and hours, and hours on the phone with me going over every rivet hole, dent, motor mount hole, mounting hole and piece of dirt on the sled and in the pictures to figure out the history. And to everyone else that was involved - I really hope I didn't forget anyone - THANK YOU!

COME SEE THE SLED - AT WACONIA THIS WEEKEND! I'LL BE FIRING IT UP AGAIN!

WILDFIRE
Since I was at Docs House... He had his latest creation out and ready to run, so I just couldn't resist. Dubbed "Wildfire" Docs new sled is his vintage rider - a ski lifting monster that is deceptively small and light. She sports a mystery motor, a 74 SnoPro hood, a gold anodized tunnel, and some very, very serious torque. Plus a really unique sound that is sure to get attention when he takes it on the vintage ride this coming Saturday in Waconia.

RED LAKE NATION VINTAGE RACE - VSMS ROUND TWO
No results back yet from the race. I did talk to Danny Johnson and Dick Peterson today - sounds like we had a bunch of people that had a good weekend. I hope to have the results posted soon.

01/21/05
Legendary Polaris Racer and Engineer Bob Eastman retires from Polaris Industries on Friday, January 21th, 2005.

Bob Eastman, 1976

Bob began his career at Polaris earning a whopping $1 per hour as a welder. He quickly became involved with the race department, where his amazing racing career got started. Winning the 1966 Rhinelander Hodag first got Bob's legendary smile and movie star good looks noticed by the press. He would go on to win many, many races, at nearly every big time race track in the United States and Canada. In 1973, Bob won his biggest prize - the title of "World Champion" at Eagle River, Wisconsin. Bob retired from race driving in 1974 after an accident in Alpina, Michigan aboard a 650 Polaris SnoPro.

Bob stayed on as the manager of the race department, and presided over the race team. From 1975 until 1979, Bob's leadership was instrumental in making the Polaris Professional Race Team the most successful in the era of big time factory racing.

Working in the Engineering department ever since, you can bet that every Polaris sled and ATV that comes out of Roseau likely has a connection to Bob Eastman's engineering efforts over the last 25 years.

But it's not any of Bob's vast professional accomplishments that will forever endure him to the multitudes of fans, friends, competitors and associates.

Instead, it's the stories of Bob stopping in a race he was winning to help a struggling competitor. Of a tired race manager taking lots of time out of an already packed schedule to give an autograph to a snot-nosed, star struck kid. Then taking the kid around to get autographed photos from the rest of the team.

We'll always remember Bob because we all saw him rush to be the first to congratulate the man who prevented him from obtaining a second "World's Championship" crown. It's the guy who shows up a benefit in 2004 wearing his 1973 helmet and coat because he thought it might help raise more money.

That's Bob Eastman. Husband, father, racer, engineer, welder, farmer, competitor all around good guy.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES BOB! ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE!

If you could give Bob a salute at his retirement party - what would you say?
We'll post the best of them early next week.

01/19/05
RED LAKE NATION VINTAGE NATIONAL SLEDS RACE
This weekend features round two of the Vintage SnoPro Master Series, this one in Thief River Falls Minnesota, at the Seven Clans Casino. More information can be found on the SLEDS web site. This should be an excellent race - as all the guys are tuned up from Eagle River, and will be running hard to get their share of the $10,000 purse!

Racers: Please note the only classes counting towards the series are the oval Payback classes - lemans and trophy class points will not add into your total. More information is on the racing page.

The new Wahl Race Team Champ 440 sleds are destined to be classic collectable sleds. This is Dustin Wahl's - he placed 4th in the final.

THE EAGLE RIVER WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP
As you know, last weekend I was in Eagle River. I got to cross "see the World's Championship in person" off of my list of "things to do before I get hit by a bus". I've wanted to watch this race since I was a little kid and I finally got my chance.

Saturday's qualifying was great! My only complaint would be that Jacques Villeanueve, still racing at his advanced age, should not be allowed to. He clearly, in my opinion, was not in control of his sled - instead, the sled was driving him. He kept bouncing all over the place, tipping in the corners and finally drove straight into a wall. Thankfully, he was not hurt too bad, and I'm even more thankful he did not take someone else out with him. He came back out later, but failed to qualify for the big race.

I was in the pits the very moment that P.J. Wanderschied realized his sled would not start. I felt so sorry for him - to work all year to get to this race and have a mechanical problem that prevents you from even qualifying. Dang - tough luck P.J.

Sunday, the lead up to the big race was every bit as exciting as I remember from watching the 440-X final at the Dayco Holiday Spectacular all those years ago. Terry Wahl lead for 22 of 25 laps, when Michigan's Gary Moyle slipped underneath him for the big win.

These Champ 440 sleds are fast - very very fast. I've got nothing but respect for the guys out there hammering these sleds around the track. What a great show. Thanks to everyone involved for a GREAT weekend of racing! SEE THE PHOTOS FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIP ON WAHLRACING.COM!! Including a good shot of Dale Loritz, just seconds after he hit the wall - Dale was fin, he just got the wind knocked out of him. He even got back on the sled and finished the race.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FRIDAY MORNING
Stay tuned Friday morning for a VERY special announcement. We'll BE interrupting your regularly scheduled web site to bring you some truly big news about one of our all time favorite vintage guys. BE here or BE square!

Hey Scott! Are you flashing me the Peace Sign or Victory Sign when you blazed pass the Checkered Flag?

01/18/05
Lucky Thumb Vintage Races in Kingston, Michigan Update
by Monty

Congratulations to all the event folks, fans, team members, and racers at the Lucky Thumb Vintage Snowmobile Races Sunday (16 Jan 05) for another successful and safe event. Of note, because I know he won't say anything, all around good guy Scott Hewelt of HewTech Electronics (www.cdibox.com) took first place in the 440 Fan Cooled Twin Class on a Mercury Trail Twister. Great Job Scott!

SWEET EAGLE RIVER VIDEO
I came across this nicely produced piece of video of the vintage IFS sleds running at Eagle River. Watch all the way to the end, the added soundtrack is pretty cool. I believe this clip requires the Windows Media 9 Codec.

01/17/05
FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER

Vintage weekend 440 class underway. Photo by Jeff Steinke

After the ride with the Champs, I went to the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Ted Otto told his life story, Dave Wahl got choked up, Durmont Wahl kept it short ("I'll keep this short. Thank you.") and Myron Herrick did a back flip on the podium. Just kidding. Myron is 90 and was thrilled to be there.

The big news from the night was that a Family out of Illinois will donate $100,000 to the new building in the form of a challenge grant! That means if you put up a buck (or several hundred or thousands) the family will match it. This is HUGE. It means we could have a new building for the museum in a few months! With the outstanding and ever growing collection at the museum, the Hall needs a new building soon. If you can help out, please do!

After a visit to the "Thirsty Whale" with my host Jon Solberg (Remember Johnnysleds.com?) kept me up too late talking to pretty girls, I was a little tired on Friday morning but looking to ride. Thankfully Bob and Christy (spelling?) Anderson were about to go and invited me along. We took a short but sweet ride on new sleds over to Sayner Wisconsin for lunch. Out on the lake, Bob hammered it. I immediately thought "Bob is a big time SnoPro driver, if I can keep up with him..." and I was off like a rocket. I didn't catch him, but I also noticed I was going about 60 MPH faster then I really wanted to go!

After the ride it was off to the Eagle River Derby track for "Friday Night Thunder". Fireworks. Free-style sled jumping. Yawn. More free-style jumping. Double Yawn. Josh Zellinski wins the Pro open on a Ski-Doo. Craig House wins the Pro Stock 600 on a Ski-Doo. Josh Zellinski returns to win the 440 pro class on a SKi-Doo.

Dan Fenhaus, a rookie champ driver and a first time driver won the Semi-Pro Champ 440 on an Arctic Cat - what a great show this guy put on, finishing 3rd in the World's Championship his first time at Eagle River!

Joel Diamond wins the Semi-Pro stock 600 on a Yamaha, and Terry Wahl walks away with a win in the F1 open class.

In the vintage finals.. I'll let reader Bryan Thomas tell you about that race:
"Just got back from Eagle River... The Vintage World Championship was won again this year by Jean Lesieur (last years champ) on a Chaparral, Mark Anderson, and Dick Peterson finished second and third on Polaris Starfires.

Luke Weir's Alouette got the holeshot.. he was chased down quickly by the Polaris' of Anderson, and Peterson... as those three battled for first place, a for lap.. Lesieur's Chaparral was closed in quickly, and passed all three to take the lead...he then built up a huge lead and held on for the win... Surprisingly Fred Smith (Doo) finished way back in the pack."

01/16/05
RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS
Oh what fun I had over the last few days. Starting with the Hall of Fame "Ride With The Champs", the induction ceremonies, then Friday riding my new sled and watching "Friday Night Thunder", Saturday more riding and watching the World's Championship qualifying races, then Sunday watching the big race, where Gary Moyle narrowly beat favorite Terry Wahl.

Let's start with the "Ride With The Champs". Only four sleds started the ride. Actually we lost the first sled before the ride got going! Last year, Mike W. road a bubble top Ski-Doo the entire day, keeping up with the new sleds.

This year, Mike broke down before we even got started, having to be towed to Hall of Fame. Instead, Mike grabbed a new sled and was the guide for the rest of us vintage riders.

The trails where great! Groomed and smooth. It was bitterly cold, but who noticed?

I frankly, was very worried that the Centurion would not make it. I barely rode it just a few minutes the day before and discovered the cluches were much in need of help I am not qualified to give.

On Thursday morning, none other then Stan and Doug Hayes offered some quick suggestions - the best one being that both the drive and driven needed a healthy dose of WD-40. That did it! Altough they were still far from perfect, at least they worked!

I quickly learned the Centurion has a whole ton of torque. With the spiffy Aaen pipes on it, she even has a very similiar sound to a 440 triple RXL motor. Mmm.. Yummy. However I also soon learned that the driven was still not working, and she would top out at a mere 50 MPH, unable to shift properly.

Me and my Centurion pieces - but it was the ONLY vintage sled to make the entire 26 mile ride!

In the first few miles, my suspension shock froze in the compressed position, leaving me with about 1/4" of travel for the rest of the ride. My back is still not thrilled about that. A little while later, a nasty bump took my glove box out. Thankfully, Charles Plueddeman was able to recover the lid, my oil and gloves.

After lunch, the temperture dropped - a lot. So much, in fact, that Charles could not get his frozen Puma started. Two down, two to go. We towed Charle's sled to a nearby waiting trailer.

The rasberry award goes to CJ Ramstad. His 67 Arctic Cat was running great! But instead of making the ride back, he chickened out and had it trailered. If you know CJ, please be sure to give him a bad time about it! Note to CJ: You're likely to never hear the end of this. ;-)

Three down and only me left. With the Arctic Cat's and Ski-Doo's out of the way, Mike W and his lady freind on their new sleds and I where free to go as fast as I could on the way back. So I decided to stretch out the Centurion. By and large, it ran very strong, turns well, will lift the skis on command and smelled nice.

Pulling back into the Hall of Fame parking lot, I was really thrilled that me and my new friend had made it. Sore and frozen, but thrilled.

Just like back in the good old days!

Tomorrow: FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER!

PS - Jean Lesieur (last years champ) on a Chaparral won the Vintage World Championship again. They need to outlaw that sled, as the IFS on it set up like a Champ sled, gives it a sad advantage. Had it not been there, the race for first between 3 other leaf spring races would have been even more amazing then their race for 2nd was. But congrats to Jean - his sled was fast and he drove very well!

01/11/05
THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
Oh My God... What is the world coming to? Cats sleeping with dogs, lawyers turning down excessive fees, less then 1" of snow in Minnesota in January, Democrats voting Republican and Steve Decker racing something other then a Ski-Doo? And winning his class?

Mod Liquid races at Eagle River. Photo from Jeff Stienke.

Yep. Steve Decker hopped on Danny Desisle's smoking little Yamaha and won his class In Eagle River last weekend - the strong showing was Steve's first time racing in many, many years.

But a Decker not on a Ski-Doo? That's just dirty and wrong. And not in a sexy way, either. ;-)

01/10/05
EAGLE RIVER VINTAGE WEEKEND RESULTS
Big winners include Josh Pescha, Mark Anderson and Dick Peterson. Each of them won 3 classes a piece! Alan Zoem, Danny Desisle, Devin Fackrell and Keith Badour can each put two big Eagle trophies on the mantle for '05. Fackrell won two of the IFS classes, and Michelle Socwell won the women's class, while Tom Juul won the vintage snocross event.

See the full results on the Derby Site.

01/09/05
Aaron Johnson
No news yet on race results from the famous Eagle River track, we will post info as soon as it is available. However, I did learn today that SnoPro Master Series registrant and all around amazing guy Aaron Johnson was injured in a serious car accident on the way to Eagle River.

Riding in a a vehicle with his freind, Aaron had unbuckled his seat belt to get something from the back of the car when the driver lost control due to snow. The car dashed across the medium and struck another head-on.

Top Ten Qualifiers for 2005. Photo from Jeff Stienke.

As of this writing - there where no fatalities in the accident - in either car. I spoke to Aaron today in a Duluth hospital. He was going to be released and was heading home today, apparently with some head injuries. He even said he may be ready to race at the seven clans casino race in Thief River Falls Minnesota on the 22nd!

MONTANA PIPES
All kinds of theories abound as to Charles Plueddeman's questions "What is the origin of the term Montana Pipes" on the old Cat's. Well, you reponded, and here is just an example of what readers came up with. This is from Jeff Carmichael, owner of a 1970 634 Montana Piped Panther, and 1971 634 Montana Piped Puma. It sounds like Jef has worked very hard on this question:

"This is a true mystery. I'm currently doing research on them for an article I'm writing, and I have not been able to come up with any solid written evidence to the name Montana Pipes.

I have contacted gentleman who worked at ACS (Where the original exhaust systems were made) and they don't even know where the name came from or originated. There is no evidence whats so ever at ACS to collaborate with the monikor. I have an ad that appeared in numerous mags of the period, and they were only referred as "Performance exhaust systems"

Tracking anything through Arctic Cat circles has also been fruitless. In fact, I can't even locate one single promotion picture of a Cat of the period with them on! They do however appear in a Arctic Cat parts shop manual for the' 70 760, and '71 760. There were actually two systems, one for the 760, one for the 634. I have even known an original 440 example. Most likely used the 760 pipes. The difference lies in the angle of the sweeps, and the pipes runningup through the belly pan are a little longer I believe on 760's. Most were installed at the factory, but there was also an update kit, with a parts number part to act as an template to help owners install their own pipes onto their machines. I even have seen old films, and have pictures of racers trying them out on Panthers and Pumas in '69, and '70 seasons. Quite the visual show! Not practical though.

The only source where I have seen the name "Montana Pipes" was actually in a 1970 Scorpion sales brochure for their 1970 Stinger, with the optional race "Montana Pipe" stinger pipe.

I have been researching this unique option for 12 years. As I've said, there doesn't appear to be much real concrete evidence , at least here in Ontario Canada where they were manufactured. I do know they appeared on 1969, 1970, and 1971 760, 634 and some 440 Panthers and Pumas.

I have not been able to track down any kind of production numbers as to how many were installed on '69-71 Panthers and Pumas, so who knows how many were produced each year, for each model of sled, as well as a grand total. Who knows how many still exist. It would be neat to start some kind of registry to see how many still even exist!

Some had dual bafflels, some just one set of baffles in each pipe.

They remain one of the true "Iconic" Arctic Cat accessory items of all time, yet little seems to remain about written info on them. They did appear in the 1970, 1971 accessory cat brochure, but again only as an option and part number, no reference to "Montana Pipes" However there does appear to be a lot of "Oral History" on them. Substantuating the truth though can be a tall order in some cases!

I hope like you that there is some obscure piece of written literature, or ad that someone might have kept all these years. Perhaps soemone who was Cat back in 1968-1970, such as Dick Krogstadt might know."

01/06/05
MONTANA PIPES
A few years back I recall a run on the Arctic Cat so called "Montana Pipes". The price of them went nutty on EvilBay. Everybody wanted them. Like other price spikes in the vintagesled world, it calmed down eventually.

But Charles Plueddeman sent in this photo and was wondering... as I am now, why in the world where they called "Montana Pipes" and who coined that phrase. It sounds real nice, but what does it mean?

Or as Charles the Wordsmith put it: "I have asked a number of people over the years for the derivation of the name Montana pipes, and never got a good answer. What's the origin of the term? "

Cat chrome sidepipe exhausts - the infamous "Montan Pipes". Shown here on Plueddeman's 70 Panther.

Someone out there must know. Care to share?

GETTING READY FOR THE EAGLE VINTAGE WEEKEND
All eyes will be looking towards Wisconsin this weekend for the results of the Vintage racing at the historic track. Oh, and there's that little football game between the Viqueens and that other team. I unfortunately will not be able to attend. Arrgh. I have too much to do, especially with getting ready for the "Ride With the Champs" (sponsored by our good freinds at Aaen Performance!) next week. Hopefully someone can quickly send photos and results on Sunday night or Monday morning?

Best of luck to all the racers!

SHOF RAFFLE
Time is running out! You need to order your Hall of Fame raffle tickets QUICK if you want a shot at that new Arctic Cat Sabre Cat!

VSCA UPDATE
Accordinging to one source, the relatives of Terry Hoffman are trying to finish the Harley-Davidson sled that was supposed to be auctioned off at Waconia this year. However, they will have to postpone the drawing to some, as of yet, unkown date. Also, there is some speculation that the relatives are trying to sell the VSCA to a party. More on that as details become clearer.

01/04/05
VINTAGE SNOPRO SERIES - ROUND ONE
Point totals are posted on the vsms home page. Some items remain to be cleared up - stay tuned. One point each for good sporstmanship was awarded by the Wolf Lake Race Officials (Robby, Reese and track owner Scott Tillman - thanks guys for a great show!) to Dick Peterson and Jim Lennox. Dick was awarded the extra point (to apply to a sled of his choice) for repeatedly helping other drivers get their sleds going. Mr. Lennox was given the point for "unbridled enthusiasm and positive attitude".

Our leaf-spring leader is now Jacob Goede with 5 points on his 73 650 Starfire, followed by Jim Lennox with 4 points on his 292cc Lynx. A 3 way race for 3rd is between Jeff Karrow, Chuck Poirer & Dick Peterson. Our IFS leader is Dick Peterson's superior handling 440-X Polaris RXL, with 3 points.

I had a chance to speak with Bill Yonke today. He's very sore all over and the cuts on his back are rather deep, but all in all he's okay. His sled is not in too bad of shape, and he hopes to be ready for round two of the series in Thief River Falls on January 22nd and 23rd. Mr. Yonke wanted me to thank everyone that called and showed their concern.

All the other racers I know are getting ready for Eagle River this weekend. Everyone else is out riding in the new snow, except us saps here in the Twin Cities. We are suffering the lowest snow fall in over 100 years for this time of year. I swear I'm moving to the UP if this keeps up.

01/02/05
VINTAGE SNOPRO SERIES - ROUND ONE
The weather in the Midwest was rough yesterday and last night. It prevented several racers from making to Alexandria Minnesota today for the opening day of the Vintage Snopro Master Series. But today, the weather was perfect. Clear as a bell, sunny and near zero degrees.

I do not have the official results yet, but roughly it looks as though one of the Poirier's and Jacob Goede may have an early lead in the series. I'll have official results by tomorrow.

Dick Peterson (54X) gets some air time, but Jacob Goede (27x) pulls off the win with a seriously fast 650.

Jacob wowed everyone in attendance with the sheer white knuckle speed of his 1973 Starfire. At just 20 years old, it's easy to predict big things for this young driver.

Dick Peterson's shiny new RXL's had the cameras snapping all day long as well. The RXL's handed beautifully all day, holding a tight low line with nary a bounce.

Overall the track was great, but a little bumpy on the backstretch. Those bumps may have contributed to what was the worst accident in Wolf Lake's history. Jeff Steenerson's 1973 440cc Starfire took a nasty bounce that unfortunately put him in the path of Bill Yonke's fast moving Snow-Twister. Both drivers came off the sleds, rolled, tangled with moving sleds, and slid 3/4 of the length of the track into the fresh snow on the in field. Bill was shaken up a bit, had some stud cuts in his back, but both drivers walked away. Both sleds may have a tough time making it to Eagle River.

Racing resumed and there wasn't a single accident after that. What turned out to be one of the most entertaining races of the day was the one lung final, where Josh William on a modified Formula II kept the crowd's attention by battling fiercely with his 292cc machine.

Many thanks to Scott Tillman and the Wolf Lake crew for putting on a fast & fun race. Stay tuned for final results.

12/31/04
NEW VSMS SPONSOR!
I'm very happy to report that Carrier and Strandlund Refrigeration have come forth to sponsor a $500 CASH prize for the Vintage SnoPro Master series for the IFS class! More details are to come, but that means the leaf spring class will be for just over $1200 in prizes, and the IFS class now has $500 available. Both winners will get a trophy big enough to frighten small children.

First race: This coming Sunday in Alexandria, Minnesota. Should be great fun - don't miss it! Directions are on the bottom of this page, and drivers MUST be registered before Sunday morning to qualify.

Bill Stull is one of the latetest registrants - shown in this photo with his new Rupp. Dig that really cool paint scheme - at least I think that is Bill. Actually it looks like the really skinny version of Elvis. So is Elvis really dead? Or did he just slim down so much that no one can recognize him??

12/30/04
COLBY - WE LOVE YOU TOO.
Is oval racing on the rebound? Could it one day become the NASCAR of the North? Will we see 50,000 people watching the roundy-round races and no one at the slow-cross races?

Well there is a stunning ray of hope in the newest issue of SnowWeek magazine.

Associate Editor Colby Johnson wrote an open "love letter" to her former loves - hillcross and the dreaded slow-cross. After watching the Champ sleds in Beausejour earlier this month, Colby caught the bug and fell head over heals in love with oval racing.

Just a sampling of her comments and observations:
"...awe struck at the sheer speed of the sleds... ovals won my love and loyalty forever... their bodies half way off thier sleds, their knees skimming the track's ice...my heart skipped a beat...I was shaking a bit...I love this sport!!... welcomed with open arms into every race trailer (note to Colby: - a pretty girl in a race trailer probably made thier day!) ..I've found what I'm looking for...found my soul mate"

Yep. She's in love. I couldn't be happier. Keep up the good work Colby, and feel free to keep knocking on the door of race trailers. They can always use a breath of fresh air.

Colby Johnson Superstar