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CONTENTS
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DESIGN
04 Woodies Racing pg.
28 Waconia Ride-In
14
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54 NSSR Winterfest
PHOTOGRAPHERS & WRITERS
Mylie Lavold Tom Edwards Billy Boyle Jenna Osterlund Ceaja Philp Steve Casper Michael D. Peterson Bailey Sens
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12
ISOC Schedule
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Shakopee Snocross
18
Sled Tug Hill
22
Vintage Snowmobile Racing
36
Infinite Hero
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Fire on Ice (Pre-event)
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Hill City (Pre-event)
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ERX (Pre-event)
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on
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980 // Kaden
307 // Mike WRITTEN by Jenna Osterlund PAGE 4 FIND US ON FACEBOOK “WHEELS OF THUNDER”
JAN 2015 2016
WRITTEN by Mylie Lavold
PHOTOGRAPHY by Matt Pranger
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH Kaden continued to race where and when after Deadwood and somehow still made it he could and was soon dominating the to the Fargo races three weeks later to close Junior class, but due to a lack of riders out the season (the team had podiums in and lagging interest in the sport, there just both Deadwood and Fargo). weren’t a lot of races in the area. Looking for competition, they loaded up and headed 2014-15 looked to be good year at the start toward Minnesota. Woodie remembers but things went south in January when Paul and Kim Woodie, who operate their first ISOC National race in Duluth in Kaden blew out his knee in Shakopee. Woodie’s Towing & Transport as well, 2011. “We didn’t know much about what Believe it or not, he continued to compete own the Milaca, MN based team. Woodie’s we were doing. Although we were still and had 15 podiums for the season (despite Racing consists of riders #15 Wes Selby (30 learning, we managed to podium in the riding with a blown knee). Kaden wasn’t plus), #307 Mike George (Pro-Lite), #980 junior class. That was where things really the only one on the podium last year; his little sister Taven also stood proud on the Kaden Woodie (Sport), #873 Taven Woodie started for us.” podium 16 times, racing both boys and (Jr. Girls), #175 Joachim Olsen (Sport) and #284 Jordan Brinkman (Sport Lite). The And a good start it was! In the spring of girls in the Junior class. nuts and bolts of the team are Crew Chief 2012 at West Yellowstone, Kaden took Chad Morehouse (CMP Suspensions) and the championship in the Junior class and This season, the team is red hot. mechanics Tim Harnois, Dylan Langevin the same weekend transitioned to the It’s been a phenomenal year so far for 12 sport class, winning 9 of 12 races and the and Dage Campbell (DC111 suspension). year-old Taven Woodie, who at the time of Manufacturer’s Challenge. Later that year, Woodie (Paul) started the team in 2011 in despite a knee injury, he finished in the top this interview in mid-January was ranked number one in the nation in her junior Idaho with a little urging from some friends 10 in Duluth. girls class. She has also run in the Women’s and his son Kaden. “We had opened a class, taking home a win in a recent January business and decided to sponsor a couple of After a great start in 2012, 2013 brought Grassroots race, and had some top four small, local Snocross races,” recalls Kaden. “I some challenges for the team when finishes in Junior boys. wanted to give it a try so I got my first sled, Woodie was diagnosed with kidney a 2004 RMK 800, and rode that in my first cancer in December. Facing a battle with Taven was only 5 years old when she race. I did really good and won two different cancer, Woodie still pushed the team started racing in the 120 stock class, only forward, making races in Duluth and classes and took second in a third class.” 7 when she moved up to 120 mod, and 9 Deadwood. Woodie had kidney surgery
In their second season on the ISOC circuit, Woodie’s Racing team is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. With over 30 podiums already this year, word is spreading and the team is attracting attention from riders and fans far and near.
JAN 2015 2016
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873 // Taven
15 // Wes when she got her transition sled. She raced in the Junior class last year, giving the boys a serious run for their money. “It was really challenging,” says Taven. “But the experience I got racing against the boys is really paying off this year.” The Junior Girls class is new to ISOC this year. Woodie says it gives the girls a chance to compete amongst each other instead of butting heads with the boys who are most times bigger and stronger. Taven agrees that it gives girls a great way to get into the sport without having to race against the boys, which can be intimidating especially for girls who are just starting out. “We sponsor the class and have had really good results,” says Woodie. “There are eight to twelve racers in every race and we only see it growing.” Kaden started out strong again this year with some wins in both the Pro Lite and the Pro 16-29 classes. Unfortunately, he busted his collarbone and is out for the next 2-3 weeks. “It sucks that it happened,” says Kaden. “But I’ll come back stronger than ever.” No stranger to injury or hard work, there is no doubt this young man will do just that.
team,” says Woodie. “The kids treat him like another sibling.” George has been riding since he was 10 years old and has been part of some regional teams in the past but never part of a national team. “I am really excited for this opportunity,” says George. “It was hard to stay competitive traveling from New York to Minnesota almost every weekend to race. Now, thanks to Woodie’s I can live and train here and really focus on racing.” The move is paying off for George, and for the team, as he continues to improve. “I’m having the best races of my life,” says George. Filling in for Kaden in the sport class is 19 year-old Norwegian rider Joachim Olsen. Olsen jumped in feet first, flying over from Norway and arriving at 11:00 the night before the Canterbury races on January 8th. Woodie says Olsen practiced for about 10 minutes on a sled with completely different suspension than what he usually rides and took 5th in his first heat. Olsen took some abuse from another rider and had some sled damage but hung in there for good first showing. “That first race was good training,” says Olsen.
“We ended up moving Joachim from Sport With Kaden on the injured list, the team to Pro Lite in the regional and he took 3rd will have to rely solely on newest team place,” says Woodie. “Not bad for his first member Mike George to bring the heat the weekend racing in the U.S.” Pro Lite class. 23-year-old George, out of Pine Plains, NY officially signed with the “It has been awesome since arriving in team this year. George has raced in the Pro America,” says Olsen. “The team is doing division of the East Coast Snocross Series a great job taking care of me and my sled. I for several years and has already become love to be here.” part of the family. “He’s a great fit for the PAGE 6 FIND US ON FACEBOOK “WHEELS OF THUNDER”
Although Olsen has only been racing with the team a few weeks he is already a super star in his hometown in Norway. “He’s in every newspaper, talked about on radio stations. It’s constant phone calls,” says Woodie. Olsen says he raced in Norway and being the only rider from his town he got some attention, but it was nothing like this. Wes Selby continues to be part of the team, racing for Woodie’s in a select number of national events in the Pro-Am 30+ class. Selby was part of the team last season, competing at the Ultimate Snowmobiler competition in Crested Butte, Colorado, where he swept the entire event, earning a ticket to the 2016 Winter X Games in Hillcross. Selby also rides for Arctic Cat as a factory cross-country racer. “Wes is a hell of a good rider and the kids look up to him,” says Woodie. Woodie’s is also sponsoring 16 year-old Sport Lite rider Jordan Brinkman. Brinkman ran partial circuits in the past and raced the Grassroots circuit last year but says he’s excited to be part of a team this year and get in a full ISOC season. “I’m entered in all the regional and national races and it’s been going good so far. Right now I’m top five in points in the regionals. Nationally I’m doing okay but there’s definitely room for improvement.” Of course, you can’t have a great racing team without someone to keep the sleds running. For Woodie’s that someone is Crew Chief Chad Morehouse. “I can’t say enough about Chad,” says Woodie. “He has really pulled the team along and worked super hard to get us going in the right direction.” JAN 2015 2016
175 // Joachim
284 // Jordan To keep the all the sleds in top form, Lite and Pro 16-29.” In order to make that Morehouse has help from Harnois, podium, Kaden says he will do what he has Langevin and Campbell. Morehouse and done in the past, work hard and learn. “You the team have been wrenching on sleds have to put in the time and listen to people for years and know what it takes to keep who have things to teach you,” says Kaden. them going. “When get home for the “I also watch all my races and races of the week we take all the sleds and tear them pros. I try to learn from my mistakes and down,” Langevin explains. “We go through learn from what other people do well.” everything to make sure it’s clean and safe. Maintenance is where races are won.” He Taven is looking to stay on top and says says at the races you just have to be ready she’s focusing on winning races—or more for anything and you have to work fast. accurately, winning more races. She will “The team goes to work hard in the trailer continue racing the Junior boys class, and we do everything we can to get the Junior girls class and Women’s when she rider back on the track.” The guys put in a has the opportunity. ton of hard work and that’s something that Beyond the season, Taven says she hopes Woodie doesn’t take for granted. more girls will get involved in the sport. “I Woodie’s Racing is backed by Arctic Cat, just love racing. It’s so much fun!” FXR and a slew of other sponsors. “The Like Kaden and Taven, Brinkman also support is great,” says Woodie. “For being a has his eye on the podium. “I need to stay new team we’ve made a lot of progress and consistent and I will eventually get to the we’ve been able to get really good sponsors podium,” he says. “I haven’t made it yet but that do a lot for us.” I’ll get there. I am sure of that!” With a couple of months left in the season, The team will wrap up the ISOC Snocross Woodie says they are looking forward to season at Lake Geneva and then head Kaden’s return. “He is really the one who out west and run with RMSHA (Rocky got this whole thing started so we miss Mountain States HillClimb Association). having him out there for us. This is a kid, “The plan is for Kaden to do hill climbs in who despite all his injuries, has racked up Jackson, Targhee and Beaver,” says Woodie. 150-160 podiums, a sport and sport-combo “I think Mike (George) is going to try a championship and Junior championship.” couple too.” After that, the team will head to Crested Butte for the last Hillcross and Kaden is ready too. He says he is determined Hillclimb races. // to bounce back from this latest injury and finish the season on top. “I’m really, really, really looking forward to a podium finish by the end of Lake Geneva. I’ll be racing Sport on Saturday and Sunday and in the Showdown at Sundown I’ll be racing Pro JAN 2015 2016
WOODIES RACING SPONSORS: Artic Cat, FXR, Speedwerx, Toyskinz, AMSOIL, C&A Pro Skis, Apex Graphics, Rox Speed FX, FOX, Stud Boy, CMP, Speed Punks Specialized Images, Advance Flooring Solutions, Intermountain Roofing, Stone Works of Jackson, Rexburg Motorsports, Asterisk, Anderson Realty/ Sherri Owens, All Powersports, Caliber, Tootsies North, Precision Chiropractic, Velocity Streetwear, 1st Bank and Woodie’s Towing & Transport.
FOLLOW WOODIES RACING ON FACEBOOK: WoodiesRacing98
MEDIA CONTACT: speedpunksracing@gmail.com
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2015-2016 AMSOIL CHAMPIONS
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PHOTOGRAPHY by Mike Roth
PIRTEK SNOCROSS NATIONAL JAN 8-9 // CANTERBURY PARK . SHAKOPEE . MN
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PAGE 17
WRITTEN by Gary Mangiapia
NEW BEGINNINGS OF SLED TUG HILL ] N A G E B L L A T I [ HOW
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How did Sled Tug Hill come about! It was a real need for Snowmobilers who would drive sometimes up to 7 hours to ride the Tug Hill Plateau. Sometimes that drive ended in finding out conditions on some trails were not rideable. In the early winter of 2011 Tug Hill was hit with a lake effect snow storm. It totaled 5 feet of snow. Excitement was all around us knowing that we were about to have one of the best years. Groomers in their glory grooming “The Hill”, preparing the December base. And a turn of events couldn’t have been more devastating – “RAIN” – but rain is OK, if it turns cold and it did, it also setup a fantastic solid 2 ½ foot base. Weather turns and starts to warm up, really warm. When temperatures rise to 50-60 degrees the snow disappears across New York and the entire Northeast. There was no snow in the Adirondack Mountains, no snow to be found anywhere. Tug Hill’s Trail Base survived and we were left with a two-foot base. My wife and I rent a farm on top of Tug Hill, warm weather or not, we along with others head up to Tug Hill. But as we arrive on Friday night we are happy to see a fresh snowfall of 3 inches, but we also notice a not so great solid ice base but we could ride our snowmobiles. Saturday morning, we take off for a ride on our sleds to explore the hill and see for ourselves what is happening to the hill. We are riding our sleds in not the best conditions for snowmobiles. The new snow keeps our sliders happy and lubricated. Making a stop at the local tavern for lunch we notice that it’s totally empty. We had to figure out a way to let everyone know “Tug Hill” was open and ready to ride! So I can come up with the concept of volunteer snowmobile trail reporters that would ride the trails and report what the conditions are whether they are good or bad. But HOW! I decided that a website would be a good start and I was lucky enough to get the URL www. sledtughill.com came about. Sled Tug Hill was born. The site was now in its infancy and I had to learn fast. A forum, 2 reliable reporters signed on; Tricountytrail and GJbain, then Yorkchamp. With these three Sled Tug Hill Snowmobile Reporters and I on board covering Tug Hill we were on our way. GJBain is covering Old Forge. My wife joins shortly thereafter as Debbiedoo. The success the first year was 500 forum members and the word spreads far and wide. This is how Sled Tug Hill began. This year we added Sled Old Forge. This has been a huge success and 10 Sled Old Forge Trail Reporters have signed on. Weather, weather JAN 2015
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radar and trail cams were added plus so much more. We are excited to have a website and share our story. In early 2014 Sled Tug Hill TV was started. We worked hard to give a great experience for the snowmobile world streaming snowmobile videos and a snowmobile show. Sled Tug Hill TV’s debut with thousands watching we were lucky enough to interview Bret Rasmussen. More snowmobile personalities gave interviews on Sled Tug Hill TV. Chris Burandt has been a regular guest. Sled Tug Hill TV had interviewed High-country Octane Videos Riders, including Joe Gill and my friend Chris Case. The list grew of snowmobile personalities. Please watch our streaming videos on Sled Tug Hill and Sled Old Forge. We are so happy to announce that 140,000 snowmobile riders have watched Sled Talk TV as it is now called. I know how advertisers are happy. If you would like your company video commercial streaming on Sled Talk TV. Please go to the website and contact us. Our intentions are to have a series of articles about Sled Tug Hill, and Sled Old Forge and the New York Snowmobiling riding scene. We invite everyone to visit Sled Tug Hill. Please check out our websites www.SledTugHill.com or www. SledOldForge.com for the latest on what’s going on in the New York Snowmobile Regions of Tug Hill and Old Forge. We’ve added a guided tour service “Sled Tug Hill Guided Tours. All of our contact information is located on our website www.SledTugHill.com. //
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WRITTEN by Carrie Borchardt PHOTOGRAPHY by Doug Oster
LONG LAKE
vintage snowmobile racing
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The Long Lake Vintage Snowmobile Racing Crew started back in 2004 when Pete Stanius together with a group of family and friends put together a “One Lunger” Vintage Snowmobile Racing Circuit that now some 12 years later, would turn into something they would have never imagined.
over the One Lunger- 100 Vintage Race which is now on its 19th Year of existence. Funds from the various races are donated to several organizations and Community Improvement Projects.
On Jan. 23, 2016, the Stage was set for the 4th Annual Andy Englund Fast- Fifty on Long Lake in Isanti County……The sweet smell of racing fuel filled the air, the music that played was that of “86 One Lungers” waiting for the GREEN flag to drop! 86 “Many of the racers started racing with us Sleds all racing for Andy. The winner in the Youth class. It’s fun to watch them of each class getting a 76” tall trophy ! The group started when Pete wanted to improve year after year and become our Classes include HR, HD and Relic. Drivers bring “Vintage Racing” closer to home. Track Champs and Season Points Winners!” are paid out 76% of entries. With a strong racing background Pete Stanius together with cousin Carrie In 2012, we lost one of our greatest and The track is laid out on the lake and is Englund- Borchardt and a group of most admired racers. Not only was he 2.50 miles of winding curving and straight volunteers started this adventure by a racer with our group, he was a Son, a aways. The race is 20 laps- may the best putting together a first season of Vintage nephew, a cousin and a friend to so many. man win. That is if the sled holds together. Snowmobile Races on Long Lake in Isanti Andy Englund, #76…. The race is followed by a silent and live County. “We started with a white board, Andy passed away on Dec.21, 2012, when auction, door prizes and Andy Englund a few clip boards, straw bales and a few he was on his way home from working Fast- 50 Shirt/ hat sales. cones. We ran 7 Classes of Vintage Races in North Dakota. Andy was a great racer. on Long Lake. We also ran at the Rodeo He spent several hours working on his The past three years, Annual Andy grounds at night- under light when it sleds, fine tuning them, building them Englund Fast-50 raised over $25,000.00 was -20 below weather. Using Carpenter faster, stronger and more powerful. He which has been donated to Minnesota Pencils to write with because our pens designed and engineered parts and pieces Deer Hunters Association, Quality Deer would no longer work, we pulled it off and to improve the machines. He won so Management, Pheasants Forever and Isanti had a great time!” many times people often thought he was County Sportsmans Club Youth Day and cheating…. But as he sported the sticker Compassionate Friends. The Long Lake The first two years of the races, funds on his sled “We’re Not Cheating- You Vintage Snowmobile Racing Crew will be from the events were donated to the Isanti just Suck” that pretty much summed it making the 2016 donations at the spring Fire Department. As the organization up. Andy worked for all his checkered Season Points banquet. continued to grow they also donated to flags and trophies. Spending hundreds of the Long Lake Improvement Association hours on this sport he truly loved. Andy Next up for the Long Lake Vintage Racers to Lake Improvement Projects. was also a huge sportsman and loved is the 19th Annual One Lunger -100. One The Long Lake Vintage Snowmobile wildlife, hunting and fishing. He spent Hundred Miles of Vintage Snowmobile Racing Crew now consisting of 6 members several hours planting food plots, raising Racing at it’s Finest! The race is hosted who put these events on each year, Pete & pheasants, turkeys and building the “Next by Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd. Classes include HR, HD and Natalie Stanius, Carrie & Mitch Borchardt Generation Hunters”. Relic. Trophies to the top 10 winners in and Jim & Wendy Englund. Together with a crew of several volunteers and After his passing, the group decided to put each class. sponsors the group races during the winter a race on in his honor… A 50 Miler, which Regular Races will be held on Feb. 13th, and also holds an annual “Vintage Car & he always wanted to do…. The “Andy Feb. 20th and Feb. 27th. Visit www. Motorcycle Run” in August and an annual Englund- Fast 50” . With the short race vintagesnowmobileracing.com for a “Soup Off” in December that kicks off the season, this had to happen fast. Within complete schedule including location and 3 weeks after his passing the 1st Annual racing season. class information and rules. Andy Englund Fast- Fifty took place. The Long Lake Vintage Snowmobile Crew With over 60 entries it was a great race to For additional information contact Pete at now some 12 years later is running 17 honor Andy. All funds from this race were 763.286.3283 or Carrie 612.282.6246 Classes and anywhere from 150 to 200 donated to several Wildlife Management entries per race, the Vintage Circuit is Projects in Andy’s memory. Hope to see you at the races! // running strong! The group also took
JAN 2015 2016
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2016 TOP 5 IN EACH CLASS HR 1st Place // Mitch Ramacher HR 2nd Place // Alec Nesbit HR 3rd Place // Jay Englund HR 4th Place // Eric Pracher HR 5th Place // Pauly Behun HD 1st Place // Dustin Fratzke HD 2nd Place // Scott Harms HD 3rd Place // Jimm Loss HD 4th Place // Zach Omara HD 5th Place // Brian Kramer RELIC 1st Place // Aaron Patton RELIC 2nd Place // Tyler Gilber RELIC 3rd Place // Brent Ringline RELIC 4th Place // Trenton Autio RELIC 5th Place // Paul George
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WRITTEN by Mitch Edwards
On January 29-31, 2016 sled lovers from all across the U.S. and Canada descended on Waconia, MN once again to celebrate all things vintage snowmobile. On the heels of last year’s highly successful 25th Anniversary show celebrating “MINNESOTA ICONS” (Arctic Cat and Polaris), Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows Waconia Ride-In celebrated the lesser knowns, dubbed “MINNESOTA ORPHANS.” The event, held annually at the Lake Waconia Regional Park and Event Center, has grown to be the single largest and most comprehensive vintage snowmobile gathering in the world. PAGE 28
PHOTOGRAPHY by Waconia Ride-In Committee
Events kicked off Friday night with the Ice Breaker social and sneak peak of the Ballroom display. Many of the sleds on display had never been seen, let alone heard of by the majority of the general public. Questions like “What is that?” were very common as 32 different MN manufactures of yesteryear fought for their attention. Many of these sleds had extremely limited production numbers. For example a sled like the SnoWolf, which borrowed designs from Sno-Pony, only completed 17 sleds by the time the doors closed. But here some 40+ years later a proud SnoWolf (and owner) sat on
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the coveted ballroom floor at the largest vintage snowmobile event in the world ready to tell their story. And quite the story it is. It starts with an avid collector named Rick Stockey and his observant wife Vicki. Turns out Vicki was talking about Rick’s hobby when a coworker mentioned she might have something of interest in an old garage. After a little reconnaissance Vicki and Rick’s brother rescued the pair of sleds and gave them to Rick for his 50th birthday. The most amazing part is the sleds also came with a 55 gallon drum JAN 2015
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full of new original factory parts. Rick was able to restore the SnoWolf from the ground up using brand new parts, just like they did on the assembly line some 40+ years ago.
Unseasonably warm weather did not slow registrations for Sunday’s snowmobile show and display in the park. Debuting this year was the new Ultimate Builders Custom class. Jason Johnson of Belle Plaine, MN took first place with his Center stage was the SNO-JOB dragster, creation named Zephyr LT175. Powered made famous by Ky “Rocketman” by an 18 hp V-Twin Briggs and Stratton Michaelson of Sno-Pony and all things and a hydrostatic drive Jason built this rocket powered. Ky spoke at the sold-out custom sled from the ground up. His banquet Saturday evening of the dyslexia vision and execution is exactly what the that often held him back in school as a Ultimate Builder class is all about. child. He is an insatiable dreamer and some encouragement at the right time put The Ride-In Committee would like to him on his life’s path to build and design thank the Carver County Sno-Runners, incredibly cool rocket powered machines. Chaska Sno-Hawks, Southwest Trails, Outside was parked one of Ky’s more MnUSA Region 8 and the Westonka recent rocket powered speed machines. SnoBlazers. Without their help and the His crew is attempting to break 400 mph over 200 volunteers the Ride-In would in the quarter mile in the next few years. not be possible. Event proceeds are used to support these clubs, trail systems and Also speaking at Saturday evening’s other snowmobile related causes. And banquet was Normatt Products founder let’s not forget the Watertown Lions who Matt Riesgraf. Normatt toys have become serve those delicious pork chops right off one of the most sought after collectibles the grill. in the vintage snowmobile hobby, with many of them trading hands for several Next year is our 27th annual event hundred dollars (or more!) each. Matt celebrating Sno-Jet and Kawasaki branded spoke of the early days of designing sleds. Mark your calendar for January 27, the toys then trying to sell the major 28 and 29, 2017 and make plans to attend snowmobile manufactures on the idea. An the largest vintage snowmobile show in incredible display of model snowmobiles, the world. // trailers, and cutters intrigued visitors all weekend long. Matt believed this was the largest Normatt toy display ever put together. The Ride-In Committee would like to thank Matt and his family for the extended time he spent talking to the many, many collectors that gathered around the Normatt display all weekend. Mild weather in MN this winter forced the Waconia Ride-In crew to cancel both the drag and oval races on the lake. Poor ice conditions simply did not allow for the heavy equipment necessary to prepare the tracks. Thankfully there was enough ice to handle our signature trail rides...the 11am Vintage trail ride and 2pm Classics ride. Over 680 sleds participated in the Vintage ride this year. Thanks to our friends at Eagle Eye Photos LLC you can see some of the antique, vintage and classic snowmobiles on the trail ride and also grasp the size of the parking, swap meet and Ballroom areas. Check out the YouTube video at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qYEv0g9wqNY&feature=youtu. be PAGE 30
EVENT DETAILS CAN ALWAYS BE FOUND AT: www.mwvss.com
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WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED by Tom Edwards
DISABLED VETERANS
& DRAG RACERS A W I NNI N G TEAM
As a Vietnam veteran and drag racing fan fiber body for 6 of the 24 races. For my with paralysis to stand and walk again. To that has enjoyed the fastest motor sport wife Cathy and me, seeing the car at the date, Gary has taken more than 200,000 in the world for years, I have always fall race in Las Vegas was memorable. For steps. While Cathy and I were in the appreciated the connections the military the 2015 season Jack sported an Infinite Funny Car pits I had the honor of having and the National Hot Rod Association Hero Foundation paint scheme on his a brief conversation with him. Along have maintained. Those relationships go fuel coupe and will have the same design with his wife Mari, Gary will provided back decades, from the Navy sponsored on the Elapsed Time record setting Dodge feedback in order to modify the suits that will be worn by other veterans. As noted dragsters driven by Don Garlits and Charger for the 2016 season. on the Infinite Hero website, “What is a the Army backed Funny Cars of Don Prudhomme to the current high speed Between rounds of qualifying at our hero? The heroes of today do not wear race cars. Former Air Force Sergeant first racing seeing the Infinite Hero capes, masks or mechanized suits. Our Jack Beckman has driven 2 cars that have Foundation car at The Strip at Las Vegas heroes silently serve, provide aid around featured military related sponsorships Motor Speedway Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) the world and defend the freedom in their paint schemes; the Mail for Gary Linwood was interviewed and that and quality of life that all of us enjoy”. Wounded Warriors and Infinite Hero was shown on the replay screen. During Although I was only with him briefly, I Foundation nitromethane fueled Don his 20th combat mission the helicopter know Gary personifies that definition of Schumacher Racing Funny Cars. For Jack, he was piloting experienced catastrophic the word hero. a cruise down the track at more than 320 mechanical failure and crashed. It left the MPH is standard. During the 2014 season Afghanistan and Iraq veteran paralyzed Founded in 2011, the Infinite Hero the 2012 Funny Car champion drove a from the waist down. Through the Foundation has donated nearly $2 million race car that featured the Infinite Hero support of the Infinite Hero Foundation, to groups that support veterans injured Shield in the paint design on the carbon Gary became the first military recipient of while serving in combat zones and have an exoskeleton, a suit that enables those come home in need the same level support PAGE 36
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they have shown this nation. As a veteran that collects drag racing memorabilia, I learned about a great way to generate financial support for the I. H. F. during a conversation I had with Jack Beckman at a race in Brainerd, Minnesota. Don Schumacher Racing sponsor Oakley has help create Infinite Hero challenge coins. They are carried in the car during each pass down the track and Jack autographs the Plexiglas case that houses the coins with the name of the track and the speed of that run. It was a nice addition to my collection with the $100 cost going to a great cause. They are available in Jack’s pit area with information about them available at info@infinitehero.com. The Infinite Hero Pledge, in part, contains the following: “Infinite Hero’s pledge to those that risked their lives is to reward their sacrifice and bravery with support that articulates our gratitude. We partner JAN 2015
with like-minded organizations to provide access to innovated rehabilitation programs that address the unique needs of veterans and their families”. Years ago a member of the Vietnam veterans group I am a member of told me “We are members of a fraternity unlike any other”. As a veteran that has received a significant level of help from Disabled American Veterans, I was pleased to learn about the efforts put forth by the Infinite Hero Foundation to be there for disabled veterans. Funding to keep the Infinite Hero Foundation car on the track is provided by Terry Chandler of Chandler Aviation. She is a long time straight line racing fan and supporter of Don Schumacher Racing. At the post-season NHRA awards banquet Terry was presented with the Blaine Johnson Award in recognition of her giving spirit. For the 2015 season Infinite Hero generated in excess of
$300,000 through its NHRA and Don Schumacher racing programs. With the help it has provided veterans, the Infinite Hero Foundation and the car that sports their name had a great year. I look for that to happen again during the 2016 seasons. This veterans thanks all those involved in a great project. As drag racing legend Don Schumacher said “The Infinite Hero program honors us by letting us help their wonderful foundation. Helping the Infinite Hero program is what makes being involved in NHRA drag racing even more special”. I’d like to thank Santa for the Infinite Hero crew shirt and hat he left under our Christmas tree this year. //
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GEAR UP FOR WINTER Our SV1 Snow Vests are designed to offer impact and abrasion protection while riding in the snow. They are fully adjustable for a customized fit. Both vests are equipped with the RECCO Avalanche Rescue System in case things go south and can be worn under or over a snow jacket.
SV1-TRAIL SNOW VEST // Durable Ballistic Nylon and Ballistic Mesh outer shell construction // Removable wind stopper fleece collar // Hi-Vis reflective piping // Ignition kill tether attachment
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PHOTOGRAPHY by NSSR & Rich Harmer Photography
Chetek wi
// FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016 \\
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NSSR was raising the temperature at the Chetek, Wisconsin Winterfest with this Speed Run! National Straightline Snowmobile Racing held the fourth race of the NSSR 2015 Super Series on Lake Chetek in Chetek, WI for the “Fire on Ice” show. Temperatures ranged from -8 to +20 F degrees with a light wind of about 7 to 10 mph from the South to Southwest during the day. The 1000 foot shaved ice track was aimed to the East and slightly North with a crosswind from the right. Overall the temperature for the day was perfect and a few even took off some layers of clothing for the Bikini Race. Racers were in attendance from North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois! The stage was set for a great day of racing action with mostly sunny skies for the day. Racer entries included 92 on the Pro track and 115 on the Fun Run track for a total of 207 entries and nearly 770 passes between the two shaved ice tracks. NSSR Racers posted seven new World Records at this race, taking advantage of the great winter weather! Nearly 41 of the 92 Pro Entries on the Pro Track ran at speeds of 120 mph or better in this competition. The great Weather brought out the fans and spectators for the food, beverages, kids activities, and the many other events that the Chetek Chamber and Community Businesses put together for this great celebration of winter in Chetek! Over 800 fans and race supporters were on hand to witness the record setting runs throughout the day. The Radar Run Track had a large number of modified sleds, vintage hot rods, and ATV’s run some great speeds during the day and having a great time in the competition. Kelly Klemme of Bettendorf, Iowa ran his Artic Cat in the Just for Fun Class and posted a 137.86 mph pass. Konur Pasko rode his 1981 Ski Doo Blizzard 9500 to a pass of 83.36
mph in the Vintage Class and he drives this baby to high school every day at Cumberland, WI. Brit Hodgeson of Chetek, WI ran his Custom built ATV through the traps at 87.82 mph! New this year to the event was the Bikini Run on the 500 foot snow track put together by the Chamber to raise money for the Pink Ribbon Advocacy Group who provide support to Breast Cancer patients locally around Chetek. They raised $1700 in their first year at this event with four participants. Great work on this folks and look for this to only grow in support! NSSR has seen a large number of records raised to a new level at the Winterfest in Chetek due to this being the last race of the year and most of the tune ups on these Hot Rods being close to perfection. That being said, competitors put on their game faces and managed to put up Seven new World Records! Scott Kostman came out swinging again with his Artic Cat XF 8000 to raise his record in the Stock 800 single pipe class to an amazing 118.518 mph in the 1000 foot mark. Brice Konsela raised his Trail Stock 500 record on his Polaris to 93.506 mph. Josh Dempsey brought out the Pro Stock 500 Ski Doo to make a new record at 115.046 mph. Steve Spire defended and raised his old record with a new mark at 135.211 mph with his nitrous sniffing Artic Cat F7 tuned by Straightline Performance. Fast Eddie Ensor came from Sheridan, IL to ride the Turbo Cat of Martin Racing to an amazing 172.455 mph in the Pro Max class with a tune up by Glen Hall. Devin Spindler rode his 1979 Polaris Centurion 500 for a record in the Vintage Stock A class to a 96.644 mph run. Sher Christianson rode the 1978 Ski Doo Blizzard down the track for a new record in Vintage Stock C class for an 85.714 mph pass. All records require a run within 2% to back up their World Record run!!
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Well, hold on to your hats because the big guns did show up from Illinois to make some ice chips at this event. Rick Schellbach from Minnesota put in a big tune up in the nitrous breathing Super Mod two stroke and posted an amazing 164.258 mph on his machine and was the top speed contender for some time. Fast Eddie Ensor ran the Artic Cat four stroke big turbo sled at a fast speed of 172.455 mph! Mike Martin of Illinois came back to Chetek with the Busa Mod rebuilt after a crash in Menomonie from two years ago and put up the top speed at 174.193 mph to show the fans in Wisconsin how fast these amazing Hot Rods can go! The Battle of the day was in the Improved Stock Classes across the board. The Improved Stock 600cc to 1000 cc classes had 15 competitors alone and all there was from the second to first place finishers was around or less than 1 mph for the win! This NSSR Super Series event in Chetek, WI was hosted by the Chetek Chamber of Commerce along with a number of Chetek Area Businesses. We need to especially thank Mr. Rob Licht, Event Coordinator for all his efforts in organizing this event! NSSR Sponsors include Waldoch Sports, Straightline Performance, PowerMadd, ProLine Performance, Competition Sports, B&L Trailers, Wantland Racing, Wahl Bros Racing, McDonalds’s Liquors, and Bellman Oil of Bremen, Indiana. A special thanks to the Chetek Emergency Services for this event, along with the cooperation of the City of Chetek, the Baron County Sheriffs Office, and the Wisconsin DNR. NSSR welcomes the Racers and Sponsors to our Banquet on Saturday, April, 11th, 2015. We would like to thank all our sponsors and fans who make these races possible! See www.racenssr.com for more information on results and upcoming events in the Winter of 2016.
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GREETINGS AGAIN WHEELS OF THUNDER FANS! Happy New Year!! The cold has come, the snow is flying and all of my neighbors with a sled or ANYthing that’ll get ‘em outdoors is in heaven! This is what we are about. Four seasons and we embrace every single one. I’ve mentioned my neighbor Amos (“The Outdoorsman”), he’s down on the lake every day checking the ice and his house is ready to roll out With big catch’s on his radar. Welcome back to the Wheels Of Thunder Fraternity. 2016 is going to be a great year full of all you love to do outdoors. And it’s here where Wheels of Thunder continues to stay on top of its commitment to showcase Minnesota and the region’s love affair with all things outdoors. My TV show, GameON!, is grateful for our partnership with Wheels of Thunder! GameON! is your weekly TV Sports & Entertainment show that puts the focus on the huge popularity of sports in our region. In this issue of Wheels of Thunder, you’ll see, better than ANY magazine in the land, all the unique stories, pictures and sponsor lowdown right at your fingertips. It’s only found by Wheels of Thunder. We’d love for you to catch GameON!TV It’s a show that loves ALL sports, from the variety of professional, college & high school sports to all the motorsports and outdoor events that dot our regional landscape. GameON’s partnership with Wheels of Thunder is stronger than ever and just like you, we also enjoy the most comprehensive race magazine and website to be found! You know Wheels of Thunder magazine “gets it” and brings you the latest info, amazing pictures and all those terrific stories for the best motorsports fans in the country!
JAN 2015
Emmy award winning GameON! is now in its 4th broadcast season hosting shows at Birch’s on the Lake at Long Lake! GameON! broadcasts in crystal clear full High Definition and our free APP (for Apple & Android phones) is available For you to watch us on the GO! Get to us at our show website www.GameOnTvMN.com, our facebook site (friend us @ GameON on facebook), our website @ www.gameontvmn.com and 24/7 on twitter #gameontvmn. See you on TV via Twin Cities on FOX’s MY29 and in The Dakota’s and western Minnesota via MidCo Sports Network. Here’s to the New Year 2016 and snow snow everywhere! Keep your GameON!
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