Jim;

I can't believe you are retired. I've told this story, and I'll tell it again; Just a few years ago, I was at a vintage show in Badger, Minnesota. Someone said you were at the show. I hadn't seen you since 1977 at the race in Alexandria. I had brought some photos up of you that I made copies of, because I was sure you didn't have any of them.

I walked around for about a half an hour, looking for anyone who looked like an older version of the Jim Bernat whose photos graced the pages of Race & Rally and Sno Track for all those years.

I didn't see you anywhere.

Then someone pointed you out, and I figured out why I didn't see you before: I was looking for an old guy, and you hadn't aged!

Anyway, glad you liked the photos, and thanks for all the great memories and machines!
Larry Preston, Vintagesleds.com

Hey Jimbo, It's been a long, long time. Retirement!! Good for you. I am fortunate to have grown up through the absolute best two decades of snowmobiles, and witnessed the finest makers of the sport, and Jim Bernat, you are one of them.

I can still remember watching the Bernat, Eastman, Rugland, Linblad, Omdahl, Monsrud racers.You guys built and set the BAR in 1970 with your all aluminum, free-air Fugi's, with a Hi-Rev aluminum adjustable clutch that set the Standard we still have TODAY.

Your team was years ahead of the rest. I'm not sure what part of those development's you worked on but I am sure your Big Fingers were in all of them!

I was racing my Arctic Cat Z stockers at Eagle but I always pasted my face against the fence to watch the PRO'S when they came out. Your strength to win the 75 World Championship, burned a lasting memory with me, and 9 years later in a 25 lap final I too would join the history books with Jim Bernat!! Thank you for your inspiration and friendship... Your a GREAT man. I hope our paths cross again sometime.
Respectfully; Jim Dimmerman 1984 World Champion

The 2001 Ride with Champs was an event I had dreamed about for years. I was looking forward to riding with Jim Bernat and Bob Eastman. Turns out Bob could not make it but Jim was there. He had brought a prototype 700 Edge to ride. I have my 99 440 XCR.

I rode with the Polaris group. I like to ride fast and the bush trails on this run were exactly what I needed to see how I measured up with the former World Champ. I kept right on Jim's tail the whole ride but just did not have enough "guts or HP to pass him". The big thing I noticed was that I never saw his brake light come on when entering a corner! I was driving over my head to keep up with him. Coming into a a corner fast, nailing the brake and then hard on the throttle out of the corner. Jim entered the corner, let up on the throttle without touching the brake and then bang! Out of the corner.
It was a blast.
Hal Armstrong, Long Time Vintage Guy

Jim was always a good source of info for me when I got into vintage racing. He usually always had an answer for me when I asked, and he was always right. He would often ask me how the race weekends went and would give his congrat's. It was nice to know that he was interested in it and cared. I hope he has a great retirement like I'm sure he will and wish him the best of luck and best of health. We'll miss seeing you around at work so don't be a stranger.
Aaron Johnson, Polaris Industries

Is Jim Bernat Dick Clarkes son???? Wish I looked that young when I was 40!
Darrell Arvig, Vintagesleds.com reader

Mr. Bernat, its kind of a sad time to see the end of an era, but its a great time to celebrate an incredible career. My favorite picture of you is in the Race and Rally Sno Pro book, from the '75 World Championship race. The photo is most likely snapped coming off of turn 2 on the first lap, as the field is still very bunched up. Jim is pulling to the lead on the inside and the massive power of the PDC 650 is lifting the machine off the ground. The brute power of that motor and the ability to handle that incredible speed is nothing short of amazing.

Also note in that picture is the "jockey sized" late great Gille Villeneuve at all of 125 lbs getting smoked by the strapping Mr. Bernat who must have been at least 200-220 lbs. Its amazing and a testament to the Polaris PDC machinery, that even at a 75lb+ weight disadvantage, Mr. Bernat still smoked the competition. Have a wonderful retirement sir, we hope to see you at many more shows in the future.
Luke Dobie, Vintagesleds.com reader

I watched Jim win a lot of races, Ironwood 75 when we lost Adema, Eagle River 75 when Jim won the championship. Even when Jim was at the top of his game he never ignored the independent racer. He always offered good advice, taking his precious time to help us. My role as a Polaris racer was a flash in the pan, however as customer, my dad and I have owned a staggering number of Polaris' sleds because of guys like Jim.

Even as a mere flash, Jim was always sincerely and happy to see ya. I have always been impressed with the efforts of Jim, Gregg Hedlund, and Bob Eastman put in taking care of Polaris's customers and racers. Even when Polaris made the occasional turd [sled], these guys made you feel you were treated fairly. If you were not treated fairly, they made things right. Jim is part of the foundation of the current Polaris empire.

Good times include being snowed in for a four foot dumping at Bear lodge WY with Jim and his Polaris testing crew, that was quite an experience good thing the bar was open. Thanks for all the help over the years Jim! My dad and I have had more damn fun on these things than you can shake a stick at. You are a part of the reason it was fun!

May you find the same happiness in retirement that you helped my dad and I have with snowmobiles over the years.
Friend for ever, David Vande Berg

JIM, congratulations on your retirement. What a great career in both the Development and Racing History at Polaris. You helped make Polaris the great leader it is in the sport today. I am a Polaris owner today due to you and your fellow employees accomplishments in producing the best snowmobiles of our time---Enjoy.
Jim Heffron, Vintagesleds.com Reader

Jim, it was on honor to race with you in the good old days and it was a even bigger honor to induct you into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 1991. Having your famous number 269 World Championship Polaris in our museum for some 12 years has also been an honor. You are a true hero and leader for our sport and always was there for any on us with a pleasant smile and a helpful hand.

Enjoy your retirement as it is well deserved and don't become a stranger here at the Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Germain. Bring Bob Eastman with you and join us next year for the 24th annual RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS ! Your fans are ready for another day dicing it up with you two guys !
Your friend, Loren R. Anderson, President SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME