Racing News

2011 Pequot Lakes

The Pequot Lakes Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous started some 17 years ago. Usually on the third weekend in January, the Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes Minnesota turns into an outdoor museum of snowmobile
history. For many, it's an annual weekend affair, with a trail ride on Friday afternoon followed by a bonfire and
social hour at the American Legion. Saturday's festivities include a sled show and the infamous Antique Snowmobile Races. Using the Antique Snowmobile Club of America (ASCOA) official race formula, based on sled year, weight, horsepower and time; riders line up and race their 1966 and older sleds to compete in the drag, oval, reverse oval and obstacle course races. Following the show and races, is social hour, antique/vintage sled apparel style show, dinner and the awards ceremony with a guest speaker. On Sunday morning there is a build your own omelet breakfast at the Legion.

As for this year, Friday morning, temp was reading 38° below in my truck, while hooking up the trailer, I wondered what kind of turnout we'd have this year. Despite the crazy cold temperature and windchill, 93 sleds showed up for the trail ride and bonfire on Friday. Saturday's show included 147 sleds and 33 that had registered for the races. For many years, there has been only one Larson Falcon at the show. Rumor had it, four more where planning on
attending this year. And as guys will be guys, the topic of racing just had to be brought up. Normally the drag and oval race only race two sleds at a time. For a special event this year, they added the "Falcon Challenge," a five sled wide drag and oval race which all five Larsons lined up to walk the walk. Jim Sailor, from Gilbert Minnesota, claimed
the top spot in both races. Walking around looking at the sleds you get the opportunity to see some pretty unique
sleds. Occasionally, there are multiple sleds of the same year and model, such was the case this year. But a highlight this year was, that there were four 1965 Polaris Voyagers at the show that had sequential serial numbers,
3090, 3091, 3092 & 3093. Pretty remarkable considering it's been some 46 year since these four sleds sat next
to each other. They were lined up and a few photos were taken to remember the moment.

The show is always a good time,
it is often said, 'It's not a big show, but it's a fun show!" So clear you calendar for next year and come
check it out.

Wahl Bro's Vintage Challenge

Wahl Bro's Vintage challenge 2011.

The Wahl Bro's Vintage Challenge was set up once again as a three race series. Eleven classes consisting of 1985 and older Superstock, Supermods, and Vintage IFS classes. These classes will score points at each of the three races. There are no additional entry fees to run the WBVC. Show up, enter and run your classes and you will also be scored in the series. At the 3rd race the high point Driver of each class will win a very nice trophy supplied by www.wahlbroracing.com along with $90.00 1st-$60.00 2nd-$30.00 3rd. This is in addition to the normal purse paid at each race.

The first race was in Rock Rapids, Iowa again for the third consegetive year in a row on December 18, 2010. The races were sponsored by the Lyon County Snow Lyons. Their hard work showed as the 3/8's mile track was in excellent shape. The weather was very comfortable and perfect for racing.

The 2nd race of the WBVC series was held at the awesome race site in Big Lake, MN. This race site is new to the ORA, but has been the host of many good races in the past. On Saturday the weather turn out to be somewhat blustery and cold, but the track was in excellent condition for the races. Several drivers exchanged wins for the first race in Rock rapids, IA making the points very close moving into the third and final leg of the series. All classes were still up for grabs heading to Ogilvie, MN!

The final race was held at Ogilvie, MN Friday Night, February 4th under the lights. The Ogilvie track is one of the finest Speedway's in the state of Minnesota! What a race perfect evening it was. Running the 11 WBVC classes on Friday night was an excellent way to kick off the weekend for the ORA "US Nationals" The fans definitely got what they came to see! It was a true evening of very strong head to head competition in all 11 classes. Many classes were decided by one point or ended up tied. Four classes needing to go to the tie breaker to advance the winners.

The overall points Champion also ended in a tie with Travis Hilmerson and Matt Geode. After the tie breaker and for the second time in four years Travis Hilmerson was crowned the over points Champion of the WBVC for 2011. Travis had also won the overall points Championship in 2008.

A big thank you goes out to the sponsoring groups, Dave Wahl of www.wahlbrosracing, Jim Hilmerson of www.hilmersonsportscenter.com and www.hilmersonrv.com, Rock County SnoLyons. The race sites at Rock Rapids, IA, Big Lake, MN, and Ogilvie, MN. Last but not least, all the drivers and the ORA staff for putting on some of the best racing in the Nation.

2010 Outlaw Grass Drags

The saying goes "Build it and they will come". The Rum River Trails Association built it and for 17 years snowmobile fanatics have been coming to Princeton, Minnesota on the last weekend in August for The Outlaw Grass Drags and Swap Meet. The 3 day event has something for everybody with snowmobile grass drags, huge swap meet, manufactures and dealer tents, ATV pull, Free ATV test rides, kid events along with good food and cold beer. Put in for that vacation day because you're going to want to be here on Friday. The Swappers come in early and you need to be there to have first chance at the treasures that come to the Outlaws. Vintage is very popular at this event so a large selection of old sleds and parts can be found. Of course deals on used sleds from all years abound thru out the swap.