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9/19/07
WHERE IS CHARLES PLUEDDEMAN?
Charles was one of my favorite writers for the VSCA several years ago, is still an avid vintage snowmobile guy, and supporter of several good causes, including this one: Helping to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Fund. So what has he been up to lately?
While he waits for it to snow, Charles has been training for a ride in the desert -- a 105-mile bicycle ride across Death Valley. The former editor of the Vintage Snowmobile magazine will be one of 300 riders participating on Oct. 20 in the Ride to Cure Diabetes, and event expected to raise more than $3 million for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Charles is riding to demonstrate his dedication to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. His daughter, Mabel, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (also called juvenile diabetes) six years ago when she was two years old. Mabel often joins her dad at vintage sled swaps and rides, and has made a few friends on the vintage circuit in Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can make an on-line donation (tax deductible) to support Charles and Mabel on the Ride to Cure Diabetes website, or mail a check payable to JDRF to Mabel's Ride, 1161 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901. More than 80 percent of the money raised by JDRF goes directly to fund diabetes research.
For more information about JDRF and the Ride to Cure Diabetes, go to www.jdrf.org
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Charles and Mabel Plueddeman aboard their 1968 P-12 Arctic Cat following the 2006 trail ride at the Midwest Ride-In, Waconia, Minn. |
9/17/07
HALL OF FAME RAFFLE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Thee Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain today announced the winners in their annual cash raffle drawing, held Sunday, September 16th. The winners were chosen live on B93 radio, a radio station from Rhinelander, Wi.B93 announcer Bryan Thomas pulled the winning ticket from the Vintage SnoPro Series cup, on display at the Hall of Fame.
The winners was GRAY SHIPLEY of New Lennox Illinois, winning $5,000. In second was MIKE ELLIS of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, winning $1,000. THird was Dave Zawistowski or Eagle River, Wisconsin, who bought his winning ticket on Sunday during the Hall of Fame's special open house to pick the winner.
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B93 announcer Bryan Thomas picks the winning numbers! |
GETTING READY FOR RUDE DOG'S REALLY BIG SHOW
September 28-30th is the date for the Newport Maine annual Fall Classic. I think there might be some really nice stuff at the show. Take a look at Wally (aka "waldo") Steven's garage fresh restoration of his 1976 340 Starfire! Nice work Wally!
9/13/07
RACERS - READY FOR ICE?
It's a small percentage of vintage racers that are able to find the time to make sure the race sleds are all ready for ice by this time of the year. One of the first to get into the club every year is Kurt Krueger of ProVintage Performance. This is his new ride for the year - a slight departure for him from the yellow over to the orange of Moto-Ski. Kurt will be running this beauty in the Mod 85 and older F/A class at select races in the Midwest this year.
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Yet another new race sled for Kurt Krueger in 2008. |
Yet another racer all ready for the 2008 season is Josh Pecha. Should Josh get hurt this year, Kris Pecha tells me his wife Joy is all ready to jump right in and take over driver duties. Watch it Josh, I think some doth covet your ride!
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Joy Pecha Getting ready to rumble in 2008? |
9/08/07
WHAT'S YOUR HAY DAYS STORY? IT'S THE OFFICAL START OF WINTER!
Just got back from Hay Days. Actually the day started last night. Lee Fredrickson had his annual get together at his house in Marine On St. Croix. Good food, free beer, great people and great stuff. Rick Stockey had his 800 73 Starfire "Rocket Man" sled there and fired it up. Man, oh man I wish I would have had the video camera for that! What a sound. Like nothing else in the whole wide world. Super star Doug Hayes was there and having fun with all the Merc, Ski-Doo and Polaris fans. I got some new AAEN pipes. Polaris collector/guru Tom Metza was there from Colorado,. I got to introduce Tom to Joe "John Deere Joe" Rainville from the other end of the planet. Lee's annual get together is always a good time, and this year just seemed a little more fun.
Early this morning, Bob Piorier and I made it to Hay Days pretty early. We started walking. And walking. And walking. We managed to walk the entire swap area before noon. There was some pretty interesting stuff there, although not an overwhelming amount of vintage stuff. Highlights included and Rob Simonich's 73 Starfire, and his Gordon Rudolph prototype chassis. Frank Sadlon was there (yep, he's still in business!) and had a pretty amazing display of decals available. Lee Helene's booth had a nice 75 440 Polaris TX for sale. The VSCA MWVSS (the Waconia people- Thanks Jack for letting me know I had that wrong!) had a great display of vintage sleds dubbed "memory lane". The Polaris truck had a couple of oval racers on display, Cat had 3 semis worth of stuff on display. I heard the races going on, but never saw them.
All in all a great day. I would have put up some photos, but with the camera being dead and all...
So what's your Hay Days story? Did you find amazing treasure? Did you see some old friends? Let's hear it.
9/06/07
JUST FUN STUFF
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This is what it looks like when a shark swims overhead. |
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Just to steal a bit from Rude Dog's WebLog - Can anyone tell me what this motor is, what sled it came in, and for an extra bonus... who owns this particular motor and sled?? |
IT'S STILL OUT THERE
As if we needed more proof that really nice sleds are still out there for those willing to find them, Shawn and Susan Horner sent in these photos of the 1972 Polaris ATX 500 they just found. It's in very nice condition. Being the owner of a couple of these babies, I can tell you first hand they are an amazing machine. Lots of torque, good top end speed. Best of all, the sound of those three cylinders humming. Congratulations to Shawn and Susan, and enjoy your new ride!
8/30/07
KICKIN' IT IRONWOOD STYLE
Bill "Elvis" Stull sent in some recent pictures of the historic racetrack in Ironwood, Michigan. This great facility will be one of the big oval races this year, featuring vintage & late model - including the 2008 Vintage SnoPro Series. From what I've heard, the people of the town of Ironwood are very fired up and ready to make racers and fans alike feel at home. I for one, can't wait.
The pictures below give you an idea; it's a very big, fast track with wide, sweeping corners... perfect for snowmobile racing!
SO LONG TO MY FAVORITE CAMERA
The digital camera I bought in 2004 for this website died an unceremonious death a couple of weekends ago. It just wouldn't work. I've been tinkering with it ever since, and I'm afraid she's just gone. To bad. It took some great photos.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
I can't tell you where, but I ran across this stash of RXL cylinders (440 twin, 340 and 250 Super Mod) recently, and the owner allowed me to take and post this photo... as long as I did not reveal to anyone, anywhere who or where he is. More proof that stuff is still out there!
RUSHFORD FLOODING
Several towns in Southern Minnesota suffered sever flooding over the last couple of weeks. Once such town was Rushford, Minnesota, home of the late Jerry Bunke. These photos were sent in my Mike Honken. I hope that little town recovers. It's a very idyllic little town with a rich history.
IT'S LABOR DAY - GET IN THAT GARAGE!
With the three day weekend coming up, I've heard a lot of you are planning on spending some QGT (Quality Garage Time) with your favorite old sled. I might even be able to take a little time this weekend as well. I hope so... I have way too many projects to get done between now and first ice/snow. Every year here in Minnesota the State Fair ends on labor day. To me, that is the official start of winter. So no matter if your going to get some QGT or your going to spend times with freinds and family - have a great weekend.
8/27/07
FUN IN THE SUN AT PRINCETON
Perfect weather, record attendance, a very nice display of vintage sleds, and enough swappers to make Hay Days look like chump change - that was Princeton's annual swap meet & grass drags this year. Saturday morning was simply amazing with the number of people that brought in stuff for sale.
Roger Jordan (AKA "Jekyll") came all the way from Michigan, and we had a blast. Best joke of the day? Roger had written his Bull Session name (Jekyll) on tape and put it on the side of his hat. His handwriting wasn't too clear, and a young man stopped him to tell him someone had played a trick on him and taped "Jerk" to the side of his hat.
I didn't get a chance to catch any of the racing, except to see the Late Tracy Kruger's brother stomp the field with Tracy's Rupp in a heat race. That was cool.
Speaking of Tracy Kruger - The Minneapolis Communist Party Newsletter Star and Tribune is running a series of stories starting yesterday about the entire incident that claimed Tracy, his son and injured his wife Hillary. Part two is on newsstands today.
 WHO WON THE ROGER EBERT MEMORIAL TROPHY?
Can you help solve a little mystery? Thee Hall of Fame will be displaying this award, but is looking for who won it in 1981 and 1982 so they can have the plaque that will be underneath it engraved. Here's the winners from past years:
1978 Guy Useldinger
1979 Russ Anderson
1980 Gerard Karpik
1981 ??
1982 ??
1983 Tom Groves
If you know the answer or have clue, please contact Thee Hall of Fame.
8/22/07
1 MILLION MILES TO CURE BREAST CANCER
Jordan Carlson (daughter of John Deere racer Jon Carlson) is just 18 years old, but has committed to raise 1 million dollars to fight breast cancer. She will walk to raise money - 720 miles in 12 cities over 12 consecutive weekends! 1 out of 8 women will fight breast cancer. You can help by visiting Jordans website, or the Susan G. Koman foundation.
WACONIA TRAIL RIDE - NOW THE CJ RAMSTAD MEMORIAL
The gang at Waconia have made the events Saturday trail ride the official CJ Ramstad memorial ride now. Karla Ramstad (CJ's wife) will be there this year and will bring CJ"s Panther for the ride. It will be a charity ride (charity TBD). Saturday's ride at Waconia is already a big deal... this just makes it even more fun.
IFS RACING - 80% LESS RXL'S THIS YEAR
I got a call yesterday that really bothered me. It seems that because the ISR rules in the IFS classes of vintage racing are looking to be so pro-rotax, that the one guy willing to spend the time and money to get a fleet of Polaris RXL's out there to be competitive has given up. Instead of bringing the RXL's out this year, he's out hunting down Ski-Doo's to race instead. That means that 80% of the Polaris sleds that were out there will not be this year because of the rules. I knew this would happen. It happened back in the early 1980's.
That's the bad news. The good news is that this appears to only be at Eagle River, maybe Beausejour. The rules aren't done yet, so there is still hope that the issue can be resolved.
On the brighter side, the boys at SLEDS and Wolf Lake have seen the light and have decided to at least try an option that will encourage others to give it a try... and for a lot less money. You can run a newer motor in your Cat, Polaris or Yamaha that should be able to be competitive. In fact, in a Polaris you can run up to a 1998 440 twin piston-port motor. That should be interesting!
VINTAGESLEDS.COM BULL SESSIONS FIND OF THE YEAR - WOW!
Have you been following this thread and seen some of the vintage treasure that has been dug up this year? Last years winner Trucker, Sno Bear and the Clackinator are the judes (bribes welcome), but they have there work cut out for them. TXL's, TNT's, Colts, Moto-Ski's, Yamaha SR's, Thunderjets, Bruts, Exciters, Z's, SRX's, El Tigre's, SSR's, Skiroules, Sno*Jets, TOC Kawasaki's, Yamaha factory race sleds, Puma's, Snocrafts, Rolloflexes... it is really amazing what people are finding! More proof that "It's still out there!"
8/15/07
C.J. RAMSTAD TRIBUTES ON SNOWPOD.COM
You can read some pretty nice tributes to the late great C.J. Ramstad on his site, Snowpod.com right now. I've talked to C.J.'s partners, and they have assured me that as soon as they can get out from under the schock of C.J.'s passing, they will continue on with SnowPod.com.
NEW RARE PHOTOS! - REALLY BIG JOHNSONS!
Loren Anderson found a stash of old slides tucked away and had them conveted for us. All these shots were taken in 1972. Many were taken at the 72 Green Bay Snow Show. Others feature the duplicate Eagle River track Loren and his boys carved out in Williams Bay - talk about seriousely trying to win Eagle River!
Thanks for sharing Loren - and who knew that the original Pegasus was green??
8/10/07
A MATTER OF WINNING UNDER THE STARS
Tonight as the opener for the Alliston vintage sled show, there is an "under the stars" showing of "A Matter of Winning" and yes, it is lot of fun to watch the movie with a crowd of people who share your love of old sleds. Mike and Judy of the VSCA will be there to meet & greet and will have copies of the movie for sale.
Our old collector buddy Hank Brisko will be bringing some of his Big Cats to the show and rumors of and appearance by non other than Jacques Villenueve are flying. Also famed "Flying Dutchman" Peter Van Dolder could be there on Saturday as well.
Enjoy the show everybody and we look forward to the photos!
 8/03/07
67 EAGLE RIVER WORLD CHAMPION!
The Champ made a surprise visit to Thee Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, Wisconsin last week. It seems that Duane Frandsen years ago sold his pizza shop and his early Ski-Doo dealership in Pembine, Wisconsin and has since lived in sunny Arizona.
The sled pictured is Duane's World Championship sled (on display only at Thee Hall of Fame), complete with the "controversial" pipes. Duane was also the author of "Why would anyone race snowmobiles", his acceptance speech in 1992 when he was inducted into The Snowmobile Hall of Fame - a great explanation to anyone that doesn't "get" snowmobile racing.
Thee Snowmobile Hall of Fame is currently holding a cash raffle - your chance to show your support for the history of our shared passion. Grand prize is $5,000, second prize is $1,000 and third is $500. ONLY 200 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD! Drawing to be held September 16th, 2007!
RACING IS BACK AT IRONWOOD!
Just got word from Bill Stull that the city of Ironwood Michigan is lit up and ready to put on a big time race at the historical Ironwood race track, January 5th & 6th, 2008. Sounds like it will be a full schedule of one-lung, superstock and Super-Mod classes, as well as late-model sprinters at the famed, 1/2 mile track. This is one of the nicest facilities there is for racing - and it has a history as long as almost any other venue. With accessibility from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and most of Canada... this could be the biggest vintage race of the year! Bill shot some pictures and well send them as soon as he can.
8/03/07
BUSHWACKIN' - ALASKA STYLE
I snuck out of the state last week and headed to the vast wilderness that is Alaska. I've heard rumors for years that Alaska is one big treasure chest of vintage sleds, so I had to go look for myself. Sure enough, I didn't get 100 yards from the cabin I was staying in when I found a Polaris Cutlass laying in the weeds. Here's what I found in just a few minutes of bush wackin' on the Kenai Peninsula.
I tried to get closer, but some very large dogs were looking at me like they hadn't eaten in a very long time.
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Polaris Cutlass |
A pair of Cat Pantera's |
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Ski-Doo thingy. |
Yamaha and another Polaris, well used. |
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Look close: Several pieces of potential treasure underneath the covers. |
Not sure what these are, but they look to be in good shape! |
8/02/07
VINTAGE SLEDS IN RUSSIA - THE AEROSLED K30!
I love this hobby. I've met more interesting people via this hobby then I can remember, and I've seen so many interesting vehicles that I can't keep score. Like this one. The Russian made Aerosled K30.
Sent to my by Igor Zaidel of Berlin, Germany, Igor believed the Aerosled may be one of the biggest snowplane ever built. Aerosled is Russian for "Snow Plane". This unusual all-purpose van was created by "Kamow", who also build helicopters. It was built in 1962 by order of The Ministry of Communication of the USSR. It was to be used as a small cargo and passengers delivery vehicle in Syberia and north Kazahstan. Borat would be proud.
 Between 1963-1964 they built 350 machines at the Arsenyev and Komsomolsk-na-Amure aviation factory. The Aerosled can hold up to 10 passengers. The motor has 9 pistons, and is a 4-stroke, air cooled AI-14 specially modified "PD AI-14FRS" and turns out 353 HP. AI-14 trade name is M-14, and around 500 of these engines are at work in the USA and Canada.
It was produced until now by Voronezh mechanical factory. Propeller: 2.7 meters long, the max speed: 113 km per hour (slightly over 70 M.P.H.). It weighs 3200 kg, or 7,054 lbs. It's Cargo weight can go up to 1000kg, or about 2000 lbs.
This Aerosled was in the personal use of Mister Grachov, famous "Blue Bird" car creator and builder of rover and tactical rockets vehicles. Mister Grachov used it as his own transport and or caravan vehicle during two seasons while test driving his other monstrous creations, pictured below. It has been stored for over 30 years in and "operating yard" and was found by Russian historical car enthusiasts.
When the machine changed owners, it lost the propeller, gas and oil tanks, and several small accessories. Other than that, Igor says that an aviation expert recently checked the motor and systems and says that everything is in good condition.
The reason Igor sent me all this information is that he is a marketer, and he has agreed to sell the machine for the current owner. The price he listed I think is a mistake ($30.00 U.S. Funds) but I sent an email to him for confirmation. It is stored 30 km from Moscow, Russia. Igor can help with the logistics and moving of such a beast for $100 U.S. per day. For anyone not Russian who wishes to purchase the vehicle, it can be registered as a "Vessel" which will reduce customs formalities.
Neat huh? Just for fun I took a check after getting this email. Counting Russia now, we now have regular readers of vintagesleds.com from over 20 countries!
EVENTS ARE GOING ON!
If you missed last weeks show in Cold Springs, Minnesota, LazerGal was nice enough to share photos on the Bull Sessions. Nice shots Lazergal! We might have to make you the official vintagesleds.com photographer! Check out the shot of the "Metal Mulisha" Johnson.
This coming weekend is "Rip Roaring ROLA Days". This is the 5th time for this event and it has the one thing every event wants: Buzz. Those that went to this event last year must have had a real good time, because I keep hearing about it! It's a swapmeet and drag race, with four wheeler drags and pulling contests. On-site camping is available. The show is both Saturday and Sunday in New York Mills, Minnesota. See the Rola Racing website for more info.
SLOW UPDATES
Yeah, I've been a little slow on the updates. But that's because I snuck away and did a little bushwackin' in a far, far away land... details to come!
 7/24/07
FIRST LOOK - THE BESTOF RACE & RALLY 1968-1973
The boxes got dropped off here to today and we are busy as little beavers stuffing and getting them into the mail for those who have already ordered. But, of course, I had to sit down and take a look through. The thought of 212 pages of photos I've never seen was just too much, and curiosity got the best of me. So I apologize to everyone that ordered for the several hour delay while I looked at the book, then looked at it again. And again. And again. Then just one more time for good measure.
First impressions? Wow. Page one. A two page photo of sleds piling through the snow in West Yellowstone - including none other than Bud McCallum. Page 3, a two page photo from the 1973 I-500 race in stunning color - professor Stan Hayes, the eventual winner on the line. The printing process for this is book is definitely better. Cleaner, clearer shots. I know, the previous books photos were great.. could these be better? Yeah, in most cases - the actual printing of the photos looks better.
The first batch of photos is un-used promo shots from the manufacturers. Next, well, I don't want to spoil it for you. I will tell you there is many pictures from outside the range of 1968-1973 - which made it all that much more interesting. I'd tell you more about it, but I want to quit now and go look at it... again.
 IS STEVE THORSEN BACK AT POLARIS?
Rumor has it today that the famed two time World Champion is back in Roseau helping out their sno-cross team - maybe more. Can anyone confirm this?
VINTAGE SNOWMOBILES
Another new book! This one by Jon D. Bertolino, features rare and collectible vintage sleds from the Golden Years of snowmobile manufacturing - 1968-1982. I'll be really curious to get this one. There is a special section on collectible race sleds as well.
7/23/07
CHICKS DIG Z'S
Mike Meagher sent in proof positive that chicks dig 77 Arctic Cat Z's. The photo was taken at last weekends Grantsburg WI. show. Thanks for sharing Mike!
7/18/07 PART II
NEW STORE STUFF
By popular demand, we have a line of hats and t-shirts now available in the store. The hats come in the colors that match your favorite brand - yellow, orange, green, blue or red. The T-shirts come in black or white and either say "Vintagesleds.com Bull Sessions" on the front with "Ride, Race & Restore" on the sleeve, or with "Vintagesleds.com racing" on the front and "GO FAST, TURN LEFT, LOOK COOL" on the sleeve. All are available in limited quantities.
AND NOW... (FANFARE PLEASE)
VOLUME IV OF THE RACE & RALLY SNOWTECH BOOKS:
THE BEST OF 1968-1973 - THE UNSEEN PHOTOS - THE UNTOLD STORIES!
Now available for pre-order, (shipping in late July). 212 pages of history captured on camera from the golden years of snowmobile racing. The 4th book in the series, they go back to the beginning and revisit the Early Years of snowmobile racing, uncovering stories never before told and photos that have been hidden for decades. ORDER NOW!
7/18/07
CJ RAMSTAD GOLF OUTING
Like golfing? The ISOC (International Series of Champions cross-country series from the 1990's) has a reunion and CJ Ramstad memorial coming up on August 17th and 18th at the Mill Lacs Golf Resort & Marina in Garrison Minnesota. Download the brochure here. John Damiels, the ISOC and Sled Head 24/7 founder credits CJ as the man that helped him accomplish so much in the snowmobile world. What was to just be a reunion of ISOC members has converted to being a memorial golf outing for CJ.
7/16/07
MYSTERY COLLECTOR... DID YOU GUESS WHO?
Over the last few weeks I put up some shots of a mystery collector. I know a lot of people already know who he is, but on the next update we'll reveal the mystery collector. Although I find it hard to label him a collector since he's had most of the sleds since they were new, and still races almost all of them...
MY OTHER SUMMER PROJECT.
We've been waiting a very long time to get started on this one! None other than Don Omdahl's original 1974 Polaris 440 SnoPro. Trying to have her all spit shined and polished for Waconia. We might even get Don to come to the Waconia show. Progress pictures will be coming soon! Here's how she looked back in the day. Photo courtesy of Race & Rally (aka Snowtechmagazine.com).
WEEKEND BARN FIND
Paul Camden had a friend who found a nice cache of old sleds sitting in a barn in Illinios. Three Polaris - a 1974 TX Limited, a 75 TX 440, and a 77 Colt SS. But the real find might well have been the 1972 Brut 440 in near perfect condition under a tarp. All of the sleds are in great shape - but man this Brut looks like its almost new!
Nice find Paul and tell your friend congratulations! Thanks for sharing.
7/13/07
FRIDAY THE 13TH MOTO-SKI MADNESS
Even though it's a gorgeous summer in Central New York state, Ron Fesko is moping around. It's not that Ron is depressed. The problem is that with this fine collection of Moto-Ski's, he just finds himself wishing for snow even when it's 70 degrees and sunny out.
Ron worked for the distributor in Syracuse from 1972 to 1976. His dad was a dealer. Sounds like someone bleeds orange!
Left to right: 1971 Mini Sno W/227 JLO, 1973 Cadet w/250 BSE Axial Fan single, 1972 Grand Prix 340 BSE/SS W/sliders, 1973 F-family 440 BSE, 1974FUtura 295 BSE/ Rotax Twin. All are original with minor touch ups, except the Grand Prix (extra pictures below) which is 100% restored. Ron has a few more sleds in the Bullpen, so the "family" is sure to grow.
Thanks for sharing Ron!
7/08/07
338 TWIN XX BACK FROM THE DEAD
Watching the projects people are working on on the Bull Sessions is great fun. Now people are putting up all kinds of progress pictures of the hard work they are doing (often for no reason other than it seems like fun) to restore old sleds.
One great example is BS member SuperTwin1 (aka Nick). In 2003 he started on this carcass of a 338 AMF XX Racer. It was the last race sled his father ever raced on back in the day. This was one of Nick's first restoration job, and it shows he has some talent. By December of last year, he had the chassis stripped, blasted and painted. He hunted down the original motor for the sled and was able to get it back, and it only cost him a promise that the then owner of the motor could one day ride the restored sled. By January he was waiting on the last of the parts. He learned a lot about being patient through the process. But by 11:30 on January 19 of this past winter all the work paid off when he finally go it to run.
The big payoff was watching his dad get back on and ride the race sled he hadn't touched since 1972! Nice job SuperTwin! And I told you I have a soft spot for orange machines!
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As the sled was found in 2003. I think few people would tackle something this rough... |
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And a mere 3 years later, SuperTwins patience, persistence and perseverance pays off. |
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Nick's dad hauling the mail on his 72 racer for the first time since 1972! |
7/05/07
NEW RACE & RALLY BOOK COMING - SOON!
I learned a couple of days ago that a new book will be available very soon from our good friends at Snowtech Magazine, formerly Race & Rally. This will be the fourth book in the series. The previous books, Snowmobile Racing's Early Years 1967-1973, The Best of SnoPro 1973-1978 and the Best of SnoPro 1978-1982 Volume III are absolute must haves for anyone interested in vintage snowmobiling. What I'm hearing about the new book is that this one may well be the best one yet.
It's called "The Best of Race & Rally" and all of the photos in it have never been published, never been seen outside the Race & Rally offices. It will cover the years 1967-1973 again and will be available on the vintagesleds.com store very soon. I've been having trouble sleeping ever since I heard the book was coming soon!
WACONIA 2008 T-SHIRTS
Our good friends over at the Waconia show have printed up an amazing new t-shirt for the 2008 show with the featured sled being Polaris. The front and back are really, really cool, and several have been spotted for sale on eBay. I'd like to thank John and the gang for sending me one ahead of time... I've been wearing it pretty much non-stop!
VINTAGE IFS RACE RULES ARE READY!
Last spring I asked some of the guys that have been battling it out in the IFS classes to get together and see if they could hammer out between them all the issues with the rules in the IFS vintage racing classes. Each represented a brand, and each already had sleds out there. It was not easy. There was a lot of yelling, screaming, kicking an scratching. But in the end, everyone gave up something, and everyone got something. The rules were presented to the ISR, who voted and accepted them. I finally got a copy today.
Now these rules may not be perfect; few racing rules ever are perfect. But I think they represent the best we can do for this year, given the limited amount of entries in the class. I know some people won't be happy with all the rules, but you have an option for 2009: Get involved, get to the meetings and make your concerns heard. This year was a lot of battling over all to promote the sport and keep the costs low. Next year should be just some tweaks.
Thanks to everyone that sacrificed a great deal of time (and sanity) to get this out. NOW GET OUT THERE AND BUILD THAT MACHINE AND GO RACING!
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE IFS RULES HERE.
7/02/07
LOW-BUCK SHOW
Better late than then huh? Charles Plueddeman sent in these photos way back last January. I'm still just trying to catch up! Here's the info, straight from Pluddy:
At the Ninth Annual Low Buck Vintage Riders show on Feb. 27 in Menasha, Wis., judges crowned two Best of Show winners. Phil "Duck" Drake of Roscoe, Ill., won Best of Show Restored with his immaculate 1970 Sno Pack, a sled manufactured in Green Bay, Wis., and obviously painted to appeal to fans of the local professional football team.
The Best of Show Original award went to Jim Kimball of Appleton, Wis., for his super-clean 1973 Mercury Hurricane MKI 644, a sled Kimball purchased from the original owner as a package deal with two other Mercurys. He says it just needed a good cleaning. More than 250 sleds were displayed at this popular event on the ice of Lake Winnebago.
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Phil "Duck" Drake of Roscoe, Ill., (Best of Show Restored) with his immaculate 1970 Sno Pack |
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Jim Kimball of Appleton, Wis., for his super-clean 1973 Mercury Hurricane MKI 644. |
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This fellow raised some eyebrows... anyone every see a 3 cylinder Colt before? |
CLASSIC VINTAGE SHOT
Nathan Terry sent in this photo from 1972. This was a group of sledders that Nathan used to run with. He and his buddies all trake pride in the fact that even back then, they picked the brands that survived until today. Note the patriotic Polaris, 2nd from the right. Nathan has to take credit for the that paint job, but now says "Hey it was the 70's! star spangled peace signs were everywhere! Thanks for sharing Nathan!
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