Vol. 5 Issue 11
NOVEMBER 2014
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OWNER PRESIDENT – Scott Robinson scott@wheelsofthunder.net 612-730-3719
OFFICE STAFF AR/AP – Sara Robinson 763-421-4400 EVENT COORDINATOR – Sharon Robinson 763-421-4400 SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT – Vince Griffith info@wheelsofthunder.net 763-421-4400
EDITORIAL STAFF Special Features
EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR editor@wheelsofthunder.net 763-421-4400
Team LaValle: A New Chapter ................4
NASCAR - On the Fast Track .................20
Photographers/Writers Page 32
MYLIE LAVOLD TOM EDWARDS BILLY BOYLE JENNA OSTERLUND CEAJA PHILP STEVE CASPER
ADVERTISING STAFF
Rally’s & Shows
Wild Bill 120 .......................................14
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World Championship Derby ..................36
SALES – Scott Robinson scott@wheelsofthunder.net 612-730-3719
Frankensteiner’s Ball .............................40
Winter Spectacular ...............................46
SALES – Mike Peterson mike@wheelsofthunder.net 763-331-2310
Reviews & Tech
Hooze 4x4 .........................................26
SUBSCRIPTIONS $34.99 1 year - Printed Media $12.99 1 year - E-Subscription PHONE: 763-421-4400 www.wheelsofthunder.net All content published herein is owned exclusively by Wheels of Thunder Magazine. Reproduction or further dissemination of the content herein is strictly prohibited without the express written authorization of Wheels of Thunder Magazine.
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Princeton Speedway .............................32
Departments
Garage Built.........................................10
Boiling Point .........................................12
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ABATE of MN ......................................43
Game On! ...........................................48
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Written by Michael D. Peterson Photography by Wayne Davis Photography
n September Levi LaVallee announced his retirement from snocross racing after a very successful 14 year pro career. He began racing at age 12 and turned pro at age 20. He won numerous races and awards along the way including being named “Fan Favorite” for 5 consecutive years. Levi reached the pinnacle in 2009 when he won the Pro Championship title for the Factory Polaris Team. 5 years ago he formed Team LaVallee with this day in mind. He wanted to be able to stay close to the industry he loved while mentoring other riders and providing insight that he has gained from numerous years of experience. With the upcoming season fast approaching, we sat down with Mr. LaVallee to talk about these recent developments and to see what his plans are moving forward.
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Team LaVallee Story: A New Chapter
Q&A with Levi LaVallee: WoT: First of all, congratulations on the birth of your daughter! How has the new addition to your family changed your overall perspective on life in general? Levi: It makes me appreciate the small things. Just being around her and enjoying the face time I get with her, it’s amazing. I think about the small things more than I did in the past. Usually I am just rushing
and running all over. Now I really look forward to getting home to seeing my daughter. WoT: In September you announced that you would be retiring from snocross racing. Obviously this is just the end of one chapter. What is next for you personally/professionally? Levi: It’s about closing one chapter and opening the next. But really I’m just changing my direction in snowmobiling. I will still be heavily involved just doing different things/different events. I will still be competing in all snowmobile events at the Winter X Games. And I will be going just outside the box a little bit, snowmobilingwise. WoT: You formed team LaVallee 5 years ago so you could stay involved with the sport you love after retiring. Now that this day has come, what excites you about the upcoming season? Levi: I’m excited about some of the things we have done to improve for this season. I believe it is going to help our riders compete at a higher level. Kyle, Jake, and Andy have really stepped it up a notch and I really hope that we can see these improvements out there on the track.
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these at the fullest, you are destined for success! WoT: What changes have you made to your team in preparation for the upcoming season? Levi: One thing that we have done is moved Andy Lieders up into the Pro Class with me stepping away from snocross on the national series. Andy has taken my spot in our race trailer. We have changed things from updates to the sleds and updates to the training program. So hopefully these changes will pay off in the long run. WoT: Tell us something unique about yourself that your fans are more than likely unaware of. WoT: What goals do you have for your team this year?
Levi: Hmmm, that I love being out on the lake about as much as I love being out on the snow.
Kyle Pallin 324
Levi: The goals I have for the team this year
Full Name: Kyle John Pallin
are to never stop improving and always give 100%. That seems like pretty easy goals, but at the same time if you execute
##
Race Number: 324 Hometown: Ironwood, Michigan WoT: How long have you been in racing? Kyle: This will be my 12th year racing snowmobiles, and each year just keeps getting more fun! WoT: What inspired you to begin racing? Kyle: As a little kid, we always had snowmobiles. I enjoyed trail riding with my family on the weekends. When my brother was 14, he got interested in racing, and my parents bought him his first racing sled. I watched him compete at 3 races and it looked like he was really having fun. I asked if I could take his sled around the track for a few laps and after that I was hooked for good.
stay safe. If I do these things I’m hoping that it takes me to a Points Championship this season.
WoT: What are your personal goals for this season?
WoT: What has been your greatest racing accomplishment in your career so far?
Kyle: My personal goals are to just go out there and give it my 100 percent every time I’m on the track. Always keep it fun and
Kyle: My greatest accomplishment so far has been taking 3rd in the overall Pro Open Points this past season.
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WoT: What are your hobbies away from the racetrack? Kyle: When I’m not racing I really enjoy riding dirt bikes, running, hiking and any watersports. I really enjoy the outdoors in general, and like to be active as much as possible.
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Jake Scott 42 ##
Full name: Jake Scott Race Number: 42
Hometown: Port Jefferson Station, New York WoT: How long have you been in racing? Jake: This will be my 8th season racing and 5th doing the ISOC National circuit. WoT: What inspired you to begin racing? Jake: I have always been really competitive and raced motocross growing up. When I found out that you could race snowmobiles as well I was instantly hooked!
that leads to a top 5 in points!
WoT: What are your personal goals for this season?
WoT: What has been your greatest racing accomplishment in your career so far? Jake: My greatest racing accomplishment has to be when I won the 2012-2013 Pro Lite points championship.
WoT: What are your hobbies away from the racetrack? Jake: Some of my hobbies away from the track are riding motocross, wake boarding, and my favorite thing is doing anything with fast cars involved.
Andy Lieders 857
Jake: My personal goals are to stay safe, do the best I can do, have fun, and hopefully
##
Full name: Andrew Paul Lieders Race Number: 857 Hometown: Colby, WI
WoT: How long have you been in racing? Andy: 8 years WoT: What inspired you to begin racing? Andy: I raced motocross and wanted something to do during the winter so a got into racing snowmobiles. I really enjoyed it and away I went! WoT: What are your personal goals for this season? Andy: It will be my rookie year in Pro Open so I'm not sure what to expect. Right now I just want to try to be on the line for the finals and see where I stack up. WoT: What has been your greatest racing November 2014
accomplishment in your career so far? Andy: Probably when I swept the weekend last season at the Ironwood National. It was just a weekend that I felt amazing on and off the sled.
WoT: What are your hobbies away from the racetrack? Andy: I really enjoy hunting and fishing. It is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If I have free time I usually try to hit the woods or water! www.WheelsofThunder.net
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Owner/Enthusiast:
Greg Root
Woodbury, MN
1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Stock Original Original Stock This is is where where itit all all started! started! This
Sound Familiar? Do you have a story of your custom ride? E-mail editor@wheelsofthunder.net and you could be featured with your ride in the next issue! Page 10
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As all of us growing up we saw the movies like ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ and ‘Bullet’. They had these 67 & 68 Fastback Mustangs in them and someday we wanted to get one! So at the Back to The 50’s Car corral I found this 68 Mustang and it was in great shape for a Minnesota car. I had 2 friends look at it and they thought the same. Well I bought it, drove it all summer as a driver and had fun! Even thought my hair was growing back. (no tickets yet)
has to be for painting it black. Then took car to Raymond Auto Body in St. Paul for Paint. Then I started the hard part of putting the car back together without me putting a scratch in it, Brice took care of that also.
The motor was gone through; heads were ported and dressed up with all the goodies to make it look ‘Old School’ under the hood. Then with Alum 5 Spoke Wheels and Mickey Thompson Tires we were ready to After storing it for the winter, I got it burn rubber. (no tickets yet) back out again and thought, ‘lets tear this apart and redo this Fast- Now that car is done, I take it to car back!’ Oh Boy! shows and for rides down to Redwing. It gets a lot of attention! I The body work started in March and think everybody knows a Mustang was finished in June. I had replaced when they see it, and give me the all outside chrome, lights, bolts, thumbs up. Being retired now, I screws, gaskets, new seats, headliner, enjoy building cars to drive, but visors,...well you get the picture. never seem to keep them very long When we would put an old part on as I’m always looking for a New Projit, it looked bad so we just bought ect. Maybe a Factory 5, 66 Cobra everything new on the car. Roadster next. A good friend, Brice Anderson who Past Projects: does all my body and prep work, did *1932 Highboy (steel car) another perfect job on this, which it *1946 Ford Truck
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Written by Billy Boyle
EBOLA – “I’LL WASH MY HANDS OF IT” Say good bye to the long day’s summer and hello to the dark and coldness of the winter. Aside from the winter season sucking the energy from us, it also plays havoc on our health and wellbeing. How many of us just plain on plan on contracting that horrible winter flu or a nasty cold? I suppose we all can deal with the minor type illnesses, however now the attention of the world has been captured by Ebola. Unlike colds and the flu infectious diseases can be untreatable and fatal. Some of these viruses like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), H1N1 also known as the Swine Flu and now one of the most notorious and contagious viruses Ebola, has now made it to the shores of the USA. The largest outbreak to date is the ongoing the West African Ebola outbreak, which is currently affecting Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Ebola contained mostly in West Africa region has a high risk of death, killing between 25% and 90% of those infected with the virus. Those high and low statistics are based on the numbers infected in those countries where most people that live there have little knowledge of prevention or treatment. Their problem is now the world’s problem and based on the World Health Organization (WHO) could be the greatest infectious disease killer that we have seen in centuries. What makes matters worse is this; we are coming into the flu season how do we determine if someone has the flu or has contracted Ebola? Here are the initial symptoms, Signs and symptoms typically start between 2 days and 3 weeks after contracting the virus, with a fever, sore throat, muscle pain and headaches. Then, vomiting, diarrhea and rash usually follow. Do the symptoms sound like the flu? How many Americans will be off and running to the Emergency Room the minute they start to feel ill? What will the clinics and the Page 12
hospitals do when they have large numbers of people seeking medical treatment? So what can we do to minimize getting the flu? Why I stress avoiding the flu is simple, if we stray away from the simple illnesses that are what I would consider today as minor it might save us a whole mental anguish. Even the flu kills 30000 Americans each year, but that number reflects mostly people that have existing respiratory problems. If you all remember H1N1 – Swine Flu I had been part of a strategy meeting in the Twin Cities in 2009 that was focused on what could happen if we had a major outbreak in the US. The concern was that the workforce in manufacturing settings where a good portion of the workers were non-English speaking may not practice proper hygiene techniques at home. If infected with the virus much of that demographic population could shut down the American manufacturing plants just by the volumes of workers infected. Think about how much product or food is produced in the United States. Shutting down several
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high volume manufacturer or food processing plants could crush the economy. If you haven’t seen a movie that came out a couple of years ago called “Contagion”, find it, rent it, Netflex it and pay attention it could happen here. Look at is happening to date in Dallas where the first known cases have developed. The Center for Disease Control and the Hospital where the first patient sought medical treatment did one of hell of job, and I mean that in a negative way. The first patient Thomas Duncan was treated and released came back for a second visit and sat in the damn waiting room for several hours. The other patients could have been you or I or a sick kid all that potentially could have been exposed. To matters worse everyone in the link from the time this walking parasite entered the United States should been identified and quarantined. The nurse that treated him came down with Ebola and the nitwits at the CDC were more concerned with her dog than all the others that were part of the treatment and laboratory team. November 2014
The CDC allowed not one but two hospital personnel the freedom to travel; the nurse that traveled to Cleveland called the CDC to inform them that she was not feeling well. Sure enough she comes down with Ebola, but exposed every human being in the several days of traveling, socializing, eating in restaurants and drinking in bars. The second person in the link a laboratory technician was allowed to travel on a Cruise Ship that was denied entry in to a Mexican Port. The lab tech is quarantined and confined to a cabin and several thousand people on the cruise are on edge. That is a worst case scenario, what if these infected people went to a sporting event, Mall of America, wedding or your kids school? Our illustrious Government Medical Agency and the leader of our nation just don’t get it. After the press got a hold of it we find that President Ombola or Ebamba whatever you want to call him, cut 71 million dollars from the CDC and Emergency Preparedness budget. Way to go Pres!
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Back to the Flu and preventing illnesses with our manufacturing workforce. The action plan was simple wash hands repeatedly and use hand sanitizer at work and at home. A simple education to the entire workforce, it didn’t matter what language you spoke or where your roots were from. It was all “hands” on deck. They say we touch our face two – three thousand times a day. Think about it? If that’s the case every time you touch your face you potentially could be spreading germs that are camped out on your hands. Washing your hands often and I mean getting in the habit
of every opportunity you get to soap, scrub and rinse will reduce the risk of colds and flu. Here are the results of the production plant I worked in. The winter of 2009 and 2010 we had the lowest number of sick calls in the 50 year history of the company. It told us one important thing, washing the hands often at work and at home will avoid colds and flu. Are you getting my point? Avoid the flu don’t freak about Ebola. Avoid the flu and you don’t have to worry about the minute you or your kids have a fever, a sneeze, the chills or aches that Ebola just took over your body. I am not saying that washing your hands will prevent or reduce Ebola, but we don’t know that yet? To my Wheels of Thunder readers, friends and family my Boiling Point message to you is this, use your head, lend a hand in preventing the winter illnesses, but make sure it is washed. You and your family will be glad you did. AhhhhhCho!
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n 1948 Bill France established the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. Today fans across the country know it as NASCAR; it is one of the most popular forms of motor sports. The first race was in Daytona Beach, Florida on a track that was a combination of paved surfaces and ocean wave hardened beach front. Today’s high tech race cars wouldn’t do well in those racing conditions. Their 1940’s and 1950’s counterparts weren’t too far from what was available on the show room floor at many auto dealerships.
I
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In the beginning... Written by Tom Edwards
In their earliest days a NASCAR race ready car could be purchased for about $4,000, a small fraction of the current price tag. Those cars actually used street tires and roll bars were not mandatory equipment until the 1952 season. In the early days of the sport, to check tire wear during a race, 2 time champion Tim Flock installed a small door on the floorboard of his car and opened it with a rope. The first tires manufactured specifically for NASCAR racing were produced in 1952 by the Pure Oil Company. The following sea-
son a number of auto related industries made “severe-use” kits for the cars they had on race tracks in the early sponsorship days. The cars rolling off assembly lines in Detroit were no match for the stress and strain of NASCAR racing. The kits provided improved suspension components that upgraded the car’s handling and durability. In 1955 General Motors introduced the 355 cubic inch small block Chevy engine. That power plant, with some 21st century updates, is still used by GM race teams. The last few years of the 1950’s and the early 1960’s saw the addition of 4 new tracks as the sport’s popularity was growing. Those tracks were in Daytona Beach, Hanford, California, Concord, North Carolina and Hampton, Georgia. In 1964 Plymouth and their driver Richard “The King” Petty introduced the hemispherical head combustion chamber engine. It is better known as the hemi and it helped Petty win the ’64 Daytona 500. Like so many other motor sports racers, Petty was a second generation driver. His father, Lee Petty was a pioneer in the early days of NASCAR competition. Richard’s son Kyle has also had on track success. Ralph Earnhardt helped the sport gain acceptance in its formative years. His son, Dale “The Intimidator” Earnhardt established himself as one of the most successful and popular drivers and, no surprise here, his son Dale,
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Junior also has a loyal following of racing fans. The Jarrett family is another branch on the NASCAR family tree. Ned Jarrett is a 2-time champion and his son Dale earned a title. The Allison brothers, Bobby and Donny have established they know their way around a race track. Bobby Labonte is the 2000 champ and his brother Terry won the 1984 championship. Rusty Wallace and his brother Kenny have enjoyed success on the NASCAR circuit. Darrell Waltrip and his brother Michael have combined for 3 Daytona 500 wins. The current chairman of NASCAR racing is Brian France, the grandson of founder Bill France and the son of the long time driving force of the circuit, Bill France, Junior. You probably see a pattern developing here. Interest in the sport is nationwide. Racing fans pack the stands and follow the extensive televised coverage helping the sport maintain consistently high TV ratings. Fans have said they enjoy the entire NASCAR experience; the sights, sounds and strategies involved in winning a race. Seconds, or, in many cases, fractions of a second can determine who wins and who is, as they say in the racing world, the first to lose; the title given to the second place finisher. Knowing when to make a pit stop, replacing just 2 tires or all 4 when every second counts, modifying the air pressure in the tires by as little as a quarter of a pound and a variety of chassis adjustments are among the many decisions crew chiefs make during a race. There is one other factor that every racer will tell you can help determine the outcome of a race, luck.
Having followed motor sports for years, I have no idea how many times I have heard a driver say “I’d rather be lucky than good” during a post race interview. Your car can be set up perfectly and the driver is at the top of their game, but a multi-car accident can end their racing for the day. As anyone that has attended a NASCAR race can tell you, once you go you’re a fan for life. One indicator of the sport’s popularity can be seen at grocery stores. NASCAR drivers can be seen on cereal boxes, soft drinks, and magazine covers. If you only purchase NASCAR related items, you will probably have too many items for the express lane. I can’t imagine anything that has Jimmie Johnson’s picture on it staying in one spot too long after it starts moving. I have seen him race many times. Once he gets going, he moves along at a
brisk pace. That’s how you earn 6 championships. Surveys of motor sports fans consistently show they are a very “brand loyal” group. Sponsors know that having their logos on the side of NASCAR’s 200 MPH billboards is money well spent and provides an excellent return on investment. With television coverage that airs in sought after time slots and drivers references to major sponsors during interviews and public appearances, an increasing number of corporations don’t hesitate to sign multimillion dollar sponsorship agreements with the top teams. In some cases, race team budgets are in the neighborhood of those of some “stick and ball” sports. The memorabilia associated with the sport is a large market. Die-cast cars, trading cards, figurines, jackets, hats, shirts and pins are among the items fans keep adding to their collections. On and off the track, the sport’s popularity is at a high level and its future is bright enough to need dark sunglasses. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway built by Bruton Smith, expanded the already expansive seating when the Dale Earnhardt Terrace was built shortly after the track hosted its first race. NASCAR races there have produced some of the largest attendance figures for any sports event west of the Mississippi River. The 36 race season begins and ends in the state where it started, Florida with the Dayton 500 opening the season; the finale is at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hang on race fans. It looks like NASCAR is getting ready for another exciting finish.
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From humble beginnings come Great Things.
“I
came home
one day to find I was
suddenly a single dad. I had two young girls, a one year old and
three year old…”
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That was how Hooze 4X4 started 26 years ago. At the time, Jeff Myrmel was working six days a week for an employer in the automotive repair industry. When Myrmel approached his employer asking to work 5 days a week so he could care for his childern, his request was coldly denied. With his back against the wall, Jeff started working out of his garage at home. Unfortunately, after only a few months, city zoning put the kibosh on that idea. But Myrmel was determined to find a way to support his family financially and still spend time with his kids. So, he went out and rented his first shop from one tough landlord.
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Written by Mylie Lougheed
“It was rough for awhile,” admits Myrmel. “I didn’t have any cash flow or assets so if I needed an oil filter or any parts, I had to run out to Champion and get them.” Myrmel says he might have “winged it” in the beginning, but since then he has steadily built his business. Hooze 4 X4 is now in its third building located in Ham Lake, MN and things are looking better than ever. Hooze 4X4 does everything from factory scheduled preventive maintenance to mechanical repairs on both foreign and domestic vehicles. “No job too big, no job too small,” says Myrmel. “We are a full service shop. We also specialize in the areas of drive-line repair and diesel performance. We’ve serviced drive-lines since day one and we have really moved into the diesel world over the last 8-10 years.”
Over the past few months, Myrmel has really focused on building the diesel performance side of his business by teaming with B&C Diesel. B&C is Brian Rickard and Corey Glenna. Both worked at Hooze previously and then left briefly to start their own diesel performance shop. They always maintained a close relationship with Myrmel, both personally and professionally. Recently, Myrmel bought out his partner and reached out to Rickard and Glenna to join forces. Back under one roof; the two entities are a perfect complement to each other. We cover everything from basic to high performance diesel needs on all makes and models, explains Rickard. “We work on the daily drivers to the full blown race or tractor pulling trucks. We can help people whose vehicles have inadequate options by improving things like towing, breaking and cooling. We are very in tune with what’s trending in the high performance diesel business, so we also help those customers that want to go faster, pull more, and have a lot of horsepower!” Rickard says he and Glenna are very happy and excited to be back working with Myrmel and the Hooze team. “We never stopped working together, even though we had separate buildings. Now that we are under one roof we can deliver better customer service and give the customer an all around better experience.” A team that sticks together is part of what makes Hooze who they are, a family. Currently, there are seven employees plus Myrmel. “Everyone has been here for a long time,” says Myrmel. “Most of the team members have been with me for anywhere
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Much the same as the Hooze team cares about each other; they also sincerely care about their customers. Providing their customers with the best service and top quality parts and repairs are the reasons why Hooze 4X4 has been in business for over 25 years. They are recognized as an Auto Service Plus Service Center and employ ASE certified technicians. “If the customer is not happy, I’m not happy,” says Myrmel. “At the end of the day, it has to be a winwin for everybody.” Kristine says she tries to greet customers by name, or at least remember something
from 10-20 or more years. It’s definitely a comfortable atmosphere to work in and be a part of.” Those aren’t just words; Hooze is a family business in the truest sense. Myrmel’s youngest daughter, Kristine, has worked in
9th grade. “I worked part-time after school. I mostly helped with inventory, paper filing and cleaning,” Kristine recalls. “I did a lot of toilet scrubbing!” Over time, she started answering phones and working more with customers. Today, she works the front desk, does a lot of inventory and is in charge of the company website, online marketing and social media. “I still get to clean the bathrooms, just not as often as before, we all help out,” she jokes.
about them. With a customer database of over 18,000 people, she says it’s hard to remember everybody. “But we are not too big that we forget about those personal touches that really make a difference.”
the shop for 11 years now. “It was probably more daycare when she started,” jokes Myrmel. “But she hung in there and has become a huge or maybe even the biggest asset to the business. Customers are always checking up on her and threatening that she better be here next time!” Kristine remembers going to work with her dad and hanging out at the shop when she very young (not unusual for the kids of small business owners). She remembers her and her sister, Jessica, playing house in the shop school bus to stay out of dad’s hair. She officially became an employee in
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Those personal touches have earned Hooze 4X4 loyal customers and friends over the years. “We have a group of older men who like to come in for a cup of coffee and just visit,” says Kristine. “They might not even be getting their vehicles serviced. They just stop in to say hi, get out of the house and of course, harass the boss man.” Born of necessity, built by determination, and grown by a dedicated team, Hooze 4X4 is proof in the philosophy of the American Dream, “Americans achieving prosperity through hard work.”
Hooze 4X4 1435 147th Ave NE Ham Lake, MN 55034 763-413-4944 Hooze4X4@comcast.net Facebook: Hooze 4X4, Inc www.hooze4x4.com
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Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (M-F)
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S
eptember 19 and 20 were the final two nights of this racing season at the Princeton Speedway. The 2nd Annual P-Town Showdown took place both Friday and Saturday Nights with a great showing of cars.
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Written by Tami Jo Kuehn Photography by Bailey Sens
The WISSOTA Street Stocks kicked off the weekend with Justin Pogones and Justin Vogel on row one. Pogones took the lead with Vogel and Ryan Pommerer in tow. Pommerer and Aaron Johnson took the sides of Vogel and went three wide for second while Tim Johnson moved in. Pogones began to pull away from the back as they battled for top points. Pogones maintained his lead through the cautions and took the win in his Wollak Construction #01. Travis Schulte and Bud Martini brought the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds to the green however the yellow waved. Martini was
alone on the restart with Shane Sabraski and Schulte in tow. Sabraski took second and Tim Johnson challenged Schulte for third. Sabraski began to close the gap Martini built as the yellow waved again. Sabraski and Johnson rode Martini’s rear as the green dropped and Sabraski kept pressure on Martini. Martini rebuilt a margin between him and Sabraski, and drove his Plato’s Closet #42 into victory lane. Dave Mass sped away as the WISSOTA Super Stock feature commenced. Dexton Koch took second and Tim Johnson grabbed third. Johnson dove to the inside of Koch for second but Sabraski then joined the fun and they battled for second. As the battle heated up the yellow waved and drivers were aligned. Mass was still in command on the restart while Johnson slid past Koch to claim second. Sabraski moved to his side and made the pass for second. Mass dominated the entire race and put his Lube-Tech sponsored #2 in victory lane. Kelly Estey and Eric Martini brought the WISSOTA Modifieds on the track surface but as the green waved contact was made and the #9e of Don Eischens shot over the tracks edge and bounced down the embankment. Martini claimed first on the restart while Estey and Thoennes battled for second. Drivers began to settle into points as another caution waved. Martini remained first on the restart and Thoennes moved into second. Sabraski made the pass for third and closed in on Thoennes, however fell off pace and Estey retook third. Martini led the rest of the race and took the
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win in his Martini Auto Parts #24. A first lap caution kept the WISSOTA Mod Fours slow, but as the green reappeared Kyle Thell took the lead. Kyle Thell tried to put distance between him and Funt, but Funt never backed down. As they pulled away from others, Hribar and Keith Thell closed in on Gilyard. Keith Thell then moved back in and aside Hribar and made the pass. Kyle Thell and Funt caught slower cars and split high and low to make the pass. The low groove was faster and they sped out of turn four with Funt in the lead. Funt rolled his #21 into victory lane. The Hornets closed out the night with Drew Johnson and Justin Schelitzche in the
lead. Johnson took first as the green waved with Schelitzche in second and. Dannie Burkholder crept ahead and moved to Johnson’s side for first. Burkholder slid past Johnson, claimed the lead, drove his #46ssg into victory lane and dedicated his win to his Dog Maizie. Night two began with the WISSOTA Street stocks. Mike Blowers and Kyle Dykhoff battled for first as the green dropped and Jordan Tollakson moved up to battle three wide. Blowers took control, Tollakson grabbed second while Jim Gullikson took third. Blowers ran his line but Tollakson continued to work the #34. Tollakson then moved to Blowers’ side and they were door to door around the surface. Tollakson bat-
tled to the end, but “The Southern Sleeper” Mike Blowers took the checkers. The WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds were next on the agenda with Denis Czech and Nick Dalronco on the front row. Czech took the lead as the green waved with Dalronco and Tim Johnson as the top three. Johnson made the pass for second while Danny Vang challenged Dalronco. After a caution, Czech remained in first but felt the heat of Johnson and Vang. Vang drove to Johnson’s door and they were side by side for second. Vang pulled ahead but Johnson kept close. Vang slowly put space between them as the race winded down. Denis Czech took the win in his Captain America #2. Tim Johnson and Shane Sabraski led the WISSOTA Super Stocks to the green, Johnson grabbed the lead and Sabraski kept close. Johnson and Sabraski soon pulled away while Denis Czech took third. Johnson ran the high groove and caught some loose clay as they rounded the curves. Sabraski took the opportunity and shot into the lead. Johnson moved back to Sabraski’s rear as the yellow waved. Four cautions kept the Supers at a stop and go pace, but with a couple laps to go, Johnson and Dave Mass remained close to Sabraski. Sabraski took the checkers in his ATM Express Services #7a. The WISSOTA Modifieds hit the clay with Jason Thoennes and Ken Hron on the front
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line. Thoennes took first and Mike Stearns moved into second. Brandon Aggen worked the low side and moved into second. Aggen then moved aside Thoennes as the yellow lights flicked on. Thoennes was alone on the restart, but again Aggen moved low and took the lead. Thoennes reclaimed the lead and held Aggen back as debris laid on the track. Again the yellow stopped the battles and more cautions followed. Thoennes held the lead through the cautions, and a last minute surge by Aggen didn’t slow him down. Thoennes took the win in his #52 Modified. Kyle Thell took the lead as the WISSOTA Mod Four feature began. Keith Thell moved into second with Bryce Bjerken in third. A couple cautions occurred, and on the restart, Keith Thell and Bjerken were on Kyle Thell’s rear. Keith Thell took second and the Thell brothers separated from the remaining cars. Keith Thell kept close to the yellow #00 and tried to make a pass every lap, but Kyle Thell kept him back. The checkers were raised and Kyle Thell took the win in his Wollak Construction sponsored Mod Four.
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Erik Gruhlke drove the #46ssg and took the lead when the Hornet feature began. A caution soon reset the field, but when the green flew it was Gruhlke and Jake Bayerl for first. Bayerl took the position while Terry Blowers moved into second. Blowers then found Bayerl’s side and he moved into the lead. Tim Lavoi took second and Bayerl held third while Bobby Blowers took fourth. B. Blowers then moved aside Johnson’s #35 with few laps to go. B. Blowers grabbed the low groove for third with Johnson at his side. The checkers were raised with Lavoi, Bayerl, Johnson, and B. Blowers in top points while Terry Blowers took the hardware.
The P-Town Showdown officially wrapped up the 2014 race season at the Princeton Speedway. Watch the facebook page and website at www.princetonspeedway.com for your banquet and 2015 race information.
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52nd year Old Derby… just keeps getting better! The Official name of the world’s grandest snowmobile race is: The AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby presented by First Place Parts.com. It will take place on its time honored date, the 3rd weekend in January. In 2015 that will be January 15th – Sunday January 18th.
days of racing. All elements of what makes the Derby the biggest snowmobile race on the planet will be in place. That includes the large indoor & outdoor vendor area with exceptional buys on all sorts of snowmobile items. Hot Seats for ultimate fan comfort are, for many, the ONLY way to enjoy a day of racing. Corporate Suites are one way companies or employers can reward their customers, or business associates. Not the least among Derby fan favorites is the new LOFT, which provides sit down food service with an over view of the EXPO HALL activity.
2015 will see some changes at the Derby. One is that Sno-Cross will complete their show on Saturday allowing the Derby Track Crew to “knock down” the high spots of their race course providing spectators an unobstructed view of the ice oval for Sunday’s Final.
The Derby has a social side too. People like to take advantage of a torch lite ride to the Eagle River Hockey Dome, guided by the local Sno-Eagles snowmobile club. Fans also enjoy the “ring presentation” on Saturday night when the Top Ten Championship qualifiers receive their special
Another move, this one to create safer racing conditions will be the Derby’s endorsement of T. J. Patrick’s “snow brush”. Racers will be encouraged to use these ski and track brushes to reduce snow dust, a serious vision impediment for racers. Racing action starts a weekend earlier then Derby (January 9th-11th) with the enormously popular Vintage World Championships. This weekend has been drawing close to 1,000 entries for the past three years. For three days the classic machines of the 60s and 70s put on a show from the golden
rings. At Sunday night’s Victory Banquet, fans can see their favorite drivers receiving trophies and the much deserved “winners jackets” provided by Fly Racing. The Big Weekend comes when AMSOIL, a Wisconsin based company, turns on the lights for the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby presented by First Place Parts.com. More competitive snowmobile racing simply cannot be found anywhere else. Be it Vintage, 120’s, Sno-Cross or Ice Oval – If you can only make it to one race this winter – Make it to the Eagle River Derby – It’s ALL there.
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MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS CONFERENCE In late September I attended the 2014 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Meeting of the Minds in Kansas City. As always this was a great motorcycling rights conference filled with large general sessions and small workshops with a wide range of topics for active members of motorcycle rights organizations (MROs) nationwide. One unique session was titled “Running an Efficient MRO”. Six leaders of ABATE groups from around the nation were picked to offer advice and answer questions from the audience of several hundred people. Since ABATE of Minnesota is viewed as a leader nationwide, I was very honored to sit on this panel. Copied below are some of the highlights of what I had to say. Opening comments: “When I was in my twenties, me and all my friends had highly modified motorcycles. They were not show
bikes by any stretch, but the motors were awesome, the suspension was the best on the market, and the brakes and tires were top shelf. We lived by the motto “chrome don’t get you home”. In a way, that is the approach ABATE of Minnesota has taken as an organization. We are not into self promotion and do not run around patting ourselves on the back, but we separate the important stuff from the trivial and get the job done.” What is the best advice you can offer: “Surround yourself with good people. ABATE of Minnesota’s Treasurer is a Certified Public Accountant. Our Newsletter Editors have been highly educated professionals in the printing and technology fields. Our Secretary is truly dedicated, talented, and a pleasure to work with. And our previous Secretary was a University Professor! Our
Trustee is a member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame for his work in motorcycling rights. Our Assistant Coordinator was awarded the Silver Star while serving in the Marine Corps. And the list goes on and on. Surround yourself with good people and you can’t go wrong.” How can we get the states to work better together: “25 years ago, some great visionaries addressed that problem in our area and created Heartland STEAM, an acronym for Seminar To Educate And Motivate. This started as a five state group dedicated to sharing information, brainstorming ideas, and helping each other overcome obstacles. We have since added two more states and S.T.E.A.M. has been a tremendous success. If you do not have a working group in your region, I suggest you start making phone calls to each other and build one.” It took a lot of work to become a leader. And it will take more work to stay a leader. As another member of the panel said, “Coasting only works for going downhill”. Folks, I mean it when I say we have the best members and workers any group could ask for. You are the motor and suspension that makes ABATE of Minnesota one sweet ride. And with maintenance and fine tuning, this ride will serve us well for a good long time. If you are not a current member of ABATE of MN, please join and support our statewide motorcycling rights organization. Together we will be successful. Yours in freedom, Mack
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There was a stretch during the 1970s and 1980s when fans came from all over the United States and Canada to pack the Viking Speedways (Alexandria MN) grandstands in late December for some of the best Ice Oval Snowmobile racing anywhere in the country. For thirty years, this hallowed ground remained silent till 10GDP (Mark Barrett, Justin Marthaler, Dave Dahl, Cory Watts, Ben Johnson, Andy Radil, Todd Chan, Jeff Karrow, Rod Karrow) met in a garage and formed a plan to bring back the Historic Big One last year (1/30-31,
2/1). The group formulated a game plan that took the best classes of Vintage and Late Model Racing together in one fan friendly show. The three day event included Bill Stull’s Vintage SnoPro Series and the Tommy Lipar Racing Cup (TLR) Series for the Champs. Logistics and plans were put in motion. One of the first things to be done, was to announce a Grand Marshal-the absolute most logical choice was Jim Beilke. Beilke is a 1995 Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame inductee, publisher of SnowTech Magazine and established the Dayco Holiday Spectacular.
ters. 30 to 40 years ago this was the site of some of the most important racing events in North America. Racers from the US, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Japan came for the “Richest Race in SnoPro”. The time period was from 1974 to the early 80’s. But, in 1982 the industry was suffering from a lack of snow, interest rates of over 20% with a huge carry over of unsold sleds. Things were tough. No more factory teams racing, Arctic Cat quit production, so our crew decided it was time to hang it up, too. But, though all of those years since, one thing still remained. That was the challenge and the desire of the racer to continue to compete. Snowmobile racing has struggled in those years to find a successful format that worked as well as plain, old oval racing. There was little luck in that, and this site remains as one of the very best oval tracks in snowmobiling. When I heard that a local group was going to bring back big time snowmobile racing to the Douglas County fairgrounds. I wondered to myself if these guys knew what they were getting into. This thought haunted me until 10GDP (Jeff Karrow representing 10GDP) called and wanted to talk. I figured he wanted to get inside tips and insights on how to pull this off. I was very mistaken. Instead he told me about all the research, planning and preparation that was going into it. He
convinced me that these guys were not only well informed on the task at hand, but had a handle on how to make this a good event for both the racers and the spectators. Actually, some of 10GDP were kids
sitting in the grandstand and remember all the noise, color and excitement of those years long ago. They decided it was time to renew that era with a big time race of their own-right here, in their home town. How can you not be impressed with all the work, dedication and determination they had to make it happen. “So, here we are. Just remember. This is a big race track. You’ll be able to reach some scary speeds. So be careful out there. As far as I’m concerned, the racers and the promoting group have already proven that they all are winners just by getting to this point. We want you to return to your warm homes safe and sound so you can race another day. It’s really, really good to see you all here”, Jim Beilke 2014 Winter Spectacular Grand Marshal.
At the driver’s meeting Friday, as the skis were about to hit the ice in thirty years, Beilke spoke these words to the drivers and the workers. “Welcome. It’s really, really good to see you all here. This place has been empty, cold and quiet for far too many winPage 46
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ello Wheels of Thunder Fans! As the days get shorter and the chill in the air deepens, I can hear the buzz! Minnesota's heartiest outdoor fans are thrilled that their good days are back! It's time for the snow to fly and real outdoor fun to begin, right?! If you missed it, GameON! TV recently earned four Emmy nominations surrounding our work @ GameON! GameON! hopes your fall was exciting and filled with fun. It was as gorgeous weather-wise as I can ever remember! This issue of Wheels of Thunder is once again outstanding and, as always, featuring unique stories, pictures and sponsor information that underscores the excitement around motorsports! Just like Wheels of Thunder, GameON! TV continues to grow & reach so many of you with our sports programming. We broadcast in the Twin Cities on FOX's MY29 and in the Dakota's and western Minnesota via MidCo Sports Network. GameON! loves sports, from the variety of professional, college & high school sports to all the outdoor events that dot our regional landscape. GameON's partnership with Wheels of Thunder is strong and just like you, we also enjoy the most comprehensive race magazine and website to be found! Wheels of Thunder magazine gets it and gets you the latest information, amazing pictures and all those terrific stories to the most passionate motorsports fans in the country!
GameON! offers the region a diverse and entertaining half hour of TV as we bring you the most visible and popular Minnesota sports figures. From the NFL Vikings, to the MLB Twins, the NBA Timberwolves to the NHL Wild, we also visit with the Lacrosse Swarm and Soccer United FC. There's NASCAR and we're on top of your favorite drivers too. Each and every week GameON! comes to you in crystal clear full High Definition and our first APP (it's free to for Apple & Android phones) is available for your use! GameON! TV is now offering a weekly PODCAST available @ our show website
www.GameOnTvMN.com. It's full of bits and pieces of sports from the region and what's ahead on our weekly TV show. This show is interactive so we'd love to hear from you! Please visit our Facebook site (friend us @ GameON on facebook), our website @ www.gameontvmn.com and 24/7on twitter #gameontvmn. Furthermore, GameON! Host Rod Simons has baseball on his work schedule as each and every Sunday he's joined by 4-time World Series & Twins pitching great Jack Morris for This Is Twins Territory @ 10AM on the radio home for your Minnesota Twins @ KTWIN 96.3. So, please join us for all that sports offers us here in our great neck of the woods, via Wheels of Thunder, GameON! and KTWIN radio! And get your Vikings fix with our partner in one of the largest Vikings fan websites in the world, www.PurplePride.org. Winter's here! Enjoy! Stay safe and get your GameON! Be a part of the exciting effort we're putting on! Keep your GameON!
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