Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV - October 2023

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What’s Inside UNDER THE HELMET:

Kovar-Pike Racing Winter’s Coming

More trails and new Keweenaw grooming operation in progress

Empowerment in Overdrive

Off road racing benefits girls

I-500: Racing is Racing

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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WINTER’S COMING!

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EAST JORDAN: FALL IS AGLOW ON THE BREEZEWAY!

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EMPOWERMENT IN OVERDRIVE

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UNDER THE HELMET: KOVAR-PIKE RACING

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Gaylord...................... 5 Curtis......................... 9 Sault Ste Marie........ 11 Epoufette................. 11 Hulbert..................... 11 Newberry................. 12 East Jordan........14-15 Copper Harbor........ 17 Indian River.............. 18 Deer Park................. 35 Calumet................... 35 Grayling................... 35 Marquette................ 35 Rexton..................... 38 Elmira....................... 38 Midland.................... 38 White Pine............... 38 Quincy..................... 39 Hubbell.................... 39 Paradise.................. 39 Lake Gogebic.......... 40 New Lothrop............ 40 Naubinway............... 41 Houghton Lake........ 41 White Lake............... 41 Grand Marais........... 41 Manistique............... 43 Fenton..................... 43 Twin Lakes............... 43 Seney....................... 43 Grand Traverse........ 44 Greenland................ 44 McMillan.................. 44

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • OCTOBER • 2023

| 3

from the editor

W

e’re wrapping up another great month at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV and can’t believe fall is in full gear. Tomorrow Scott and I, along with several friends and family will be meeting an RZR RIPN` RENTALS in St. Helen. We will be spending the day checking out the trails, local restaurants and sites in the St. Helen area. We can’t wait to share the story.

Hope each of you have an upcoming adventure you’re looking forward to.

As Scott and I traveled the state for Michigan Snow this last month – I couldn’t help but notice the trail network. Honestly, this summer I haven’t been on the trails nearly as much as I had hoped – my job often interferes with my social calendar… but as I was noticing the various trails it got me to thinking.

Most of the folks I ride with are fairly fit and I’m a computer jockey. I literally run to stay fit, so my legs will be fine for sled season – but my arms – are not at all in shape for sled season. SO

– if you’re like me and you’re starting to wonder what kind of epic arm issues those first few rides might bring – here’s a thought that might save you a bit. May sound basic, but youtube has all sorts of videos for arm exercises. If you can fit in 10 minutes 3 times a week – grab some arm weights -you might be a much happier rider at the start of this winter.

There’s all sorts of great stuff to get you into a bit better condition for season from walking at home, to arms, to stretching – you name it.

Just some food for thought as we switch gears and start thinking of our winter Michigan Snow and ORV issues! We have a little time to improve our overall fitness level prior to the first ride of the season and it could prevent an injury as well as make that first ride so much more fun.

By the way if any of you are near the Flint Farmer’s Market at 8am on Saturday’s – Scott and I are usually there with our running/walking club. We’re more than willing to add members anytime. We will talk snowmobiles, ORV’s, trails and clubs from 8am to 9am in order to distract ourselves from the

fact we are traveling on two feet rather than riding a sled or ORV. Keep in mind, we’re not fast and tend to walk one minute and jog one minute until breakfast at Steady’s Eddy’s (located in the Farmer’s Market). If exercise is not your game – always feel free to join us at 9. The breakfast and coffee is worth the wait or worth traveling for!

However you’re preparing for snow season, you we invite you to be active in your local snow and ORV groups.

Our trails need you. Head on out to the MISORVA website to find a complete list of Snow and ORV groups in Michigan. We look forward to seeing everyone at local events, chapter meetings and volunteering in support of Michigan Snowmobiling and ORVs. As always, please remember to keep our veterans and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. Be safe and enjoy the trails until next month.

As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at scottd@faragoassoc.com

PUBLISHER | Peter Farago

VOLUME 57 - NUMBER 2

EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki

Founded September 1967

ADVERTISING MANAGER | Scott Drzewiecki

EXECUTIVE OFFICES, ADVERTISING, EDITORIAL AND CIRCULATION OFFICES:

CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR | Michelle Sheridan

30600 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 306 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48434 810.348.1325 scottd@faragoassoc.com www.michsnowmag.com

THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER+ORV is an independent publication endorsing the goals of MISORVA, and other associations. Opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the editor or contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of the MSA, or their board of directors. Reproduction of material in whole or part is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the publisher - all rights reserved.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER and ORV INC., The Michigan Snowmobiler is published 10 times per year, September through February and May through August.

4 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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Call or go online for your subscription today 810.348.1325 | michsnowmag.com

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4 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - November, 2019

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MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • OCTOBER • 2023

| 5

WINTE COMING

6 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

R’S G!

JESSE WIEDERHOLD VISIT KEWEENAW PUBLIC RELATIONS/EVENTS COORDINATOR

F

all colors begin to turn in late September in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but the Keweenaw Trails Service (KTS) is already thinking of snowier days and revving engines.

The organization has big plans for the upcoming season and is anticipating the return of a closed portion of Snowmobile Trail 3 through Dollar Bay and Lake Linden. Snowmobilers will have new towns and fresh miles of trail to explore.

The Keweenaw’s snowmobile offerings are growing, and the KTS must keep up.

Right now, construction is underway for a new groomer barn. KTS needs to get out of its current building as soon as possible and into the new one. A central location of the new barn in Calumet will be large enough to house five machines inside and would allow the organization to host fundraising events. Spending money keeping the original, aging facility running is hindering the group’s new mission. The old barn is in Mohawk, which is further north from Calumet.

“The current facility doesn’t have any of the infrastructure that is needed to properly maintain over $1 million in groomers,” said Mike Borlee, KTS treasurer. “These machines are $350,000 continued on page 8

Take a breather on Brockway Mountain Drive to see a snowy Copper Harbor and its icy shores.

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • OCTOBER • 2023

| 7

VISIT KEWEENAW

More trails and new Keweenaw grooming operation in progress

KTS

A groomer is treated to the norther lights on their route. continued from page 7

the future to help with raising awareness and fundraising efforts.

However, the new barn still needs to be completed before this can happen. When the new barn was being built, it turned out to be a tad short at the doors to fit groomers, so an addition was needed.

“Now that we’ve moved forward, we’ve had the addition put on,” said Borlee. “We have close to $200,000 of in-kind and private donations to this stage. It’s going to take a couple hundred thousand more to

get this completed with doors on, with the proper firewall protection.

Everything needs to meet code so we can get an occupancy permit.

Ideally, if we can raise those funds, there’s a good chance we could have this thing in operation for the upcoming season.”

However, it’s difficult to raise funding with a short window leading to December, when the trails open.

There are still critical pieces needed for the barn to function. continued on page 10 VISIT KEWEENAW

apiece. This new facility that we’re working on to try to raise funds to finish, allows for everything that meets code for operation standards. It’s got plumbing in it, it has bathroom facilities, proper heating, proper ventilation.”

The Mohawk building houses an inefficient heating system that is costly to keep running. KTS is unable to fit all its machines in the old building, and it’s not up to code to host events. This is something the club hopes to do more of in

Ride safe and within your limits on the trails to keep and others safe.

8yourself | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

eptember, 2019

they made the move to make the move.

Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out.

Some really good fun. the end of And, some really good first part of comradery.” t in June.

As for me, of got this ecourse I had to sample g me over all of this, in the name brats, corn of journalistic integrity, and a few of course. So, I can marshmalsay that without a a second doubt that the burgers ught I had were really good. The t a month corn on the cob was Had some awesome. Martin and I ues lately both commented on ook a good the fact that this was se pill botreally tasty corn for the now what I early part of summer.

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Marournalistic integrity, Then, I watched as d, really good d, some some really good id, “We had course.

So,a reIsomecan mradery.” ave mradery.” good turn out. where everything Martin’s brother Al As me, of ofa The Sault Groomer Barn, As for me, y that without e really good fun.

Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa around the rsethat II had sample urse had to sample ubt the burgers happens. some really good toasted up some of in good. the name name of this, this, the re really The Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. adery.” picnic, so ournalistic integrity, integrity, As nournalistic on for theme, cobofwas the fire for his grandmarshmallows over 150 members. Then, course.

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ort

the fire for his grand daughter Alexa.

She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.

Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about

esome.

Martin and I The The SaultGroomer Groomer Barn, where everything Sault where everything they also have about daughter Alexa. Barn, She that without ythis, that without in the name aa happens.

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Here isgrand Dennis Hank ofthat Chippewa theMartin esome. andI IMotors, lythat part ofburgers summer. esome.

Martin and they have about daughter Alexa.

She they alsoalso have about daughter She LeeAnn Izzard. ment, they groom ever,and I Alexa. did somewhat good. Theon hreally commented on really th commented d, the funky green Commercial mem- of really seemed enjoy 30 30 Commercial memseemed to to enjoy about 102 miles of a faux paux.

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Then, thethe fire traditional for his grand fact this was ershmallow fact that this was Martin also told tasty fluff stuff bers.

Martin also told the traditional tasty ome. Martin and I daughter Trails.

9 mistook Alexa a also haveIncluding about Alexa.

Sheforthey tasty forthe the treat ally tasty corn for that at the motreatofofsummer. summer.HowHow-meme that thememmoslly also corn downright commented on really 30 Commercial seemed enjoy milesat within the City him.

OK, toshe is 13, ly part of summer. summer. rly part ment, groom ever, didsomewhat somewhat ment, theythey groom ever, I Idid act that this was my ty.

Plus, Prince, bers.

Martin also told the traditional tasty skinny, and had short Limits of the Soo. d, the green d, the funky funky about miles afaux faux paux. first,me tasty forgreen the treat about miles of of aof paux.

AtAt first, that102 at102 mosummer. e fivecorn pound Shi- ofofhair. rshmallow fluff stuff stuff But, notHowafor him.

ATrails.

Which isthe pretty fluff arshmallow part of summer.

Including 9 in mistook Alexa Trails.

Including 9 cool, mistook for a ament, they groom ever, I didAlexa somewhat ussthe mix side kick told also downright also downright her. itself.

A+ the funky green miles within the CitySoo him.

OK, she is13,13,about miles within thefor City OK, she 102 miles of ofhim. a faux paux.

Atisfirst, the hot dogs y.that Plus, Prince, mymistook hmallow fluff stuff ty.

Plus, Prince, my onof being sledder Anyway, back skinny, andhad had short Limits of Trails.

Including Alexa for ato the skinny, and short Limits the the Soo.9Soo. e five pound Shi-him. re also just perfect. ealso five downright pound Shimiles within the City OK, she 13, hair.

But, notaisa him.

Which is pretty cool, hair.

But, not him.

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SSA. Martin happily Prince, mix kickmy told uPlus, mix side kick told skinny, and had short Limits of Then, I watched as her. itself.

A+ for the Soo her. itself.

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They are pulling translates into about rtin’s brother AlSSA. artin’s brother Al has about6060 Family groomers, Tuckerstwo has about Family groomers, twotwo Tuckers en, I watched as told me that the club The SSA has three sted up some some memberships, asted whichandand a Piston Bully. which a Piston Bully. n’s brother Al hasmemberships, about 60 Family groomers, two Tuckers rshmallows over translates arshmallows over translatesinto into aboutand They are pulling about They pulling two two ed up some memberships, which aare Piston Bully.

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The Sault Groomer Barn, wher happens. Here is Dennis Hank Motors, and 60 LeeAnn Izzard.

over

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The S groomer and a They ar

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VISIT KEWEENAW

Massive groomers push mounds of snow – sometimes all day long during the midst of the Keweenaw’s winters. continued from page 8

Glide through frozen Keweenaw forests this winter on your favorite sled.

“The optimistic goal right now is to raise enough funds to get the concrete slab poured,” said Borlee. “We have the HVAC system and a lot of that is in-kind and donated. We need the floor and garage doors. You add those two things, and you’re close to $100,000. The garage doors alone are going to be $50,000. That would get the facility secured and enclosed. Then we could work on building the firewall, getting the proper finish with an office area and bathroom facilities.”

Visitors to the Keweenaw and residents alike have come to expect premier conditions. While pushing for the new barn and hoping to open before the snow falls, the KTS must also maintain a new stretch of trail this winter. Snowmobile Trail 3, or ATV Trail BD has been closed for years and underwent major construction this summer. It will open first to snowmobilers riding between Dollar Bay and Lake Linden, and adds a new way to head north in the Keweenaw. Without Trail 3, traffic was limited to one route heading north from Hancock.

“It was well-used and took a lot of effort to keep that one maintained properly,” said Borlee. “What it’s going to do is benefit those businesses on that route. When you take away that winter business, for small communities on that route it’s a big hit.”

Borlee expects businesses – especially diners, bars and gas stations in the areas will see an increase of commerce with traffic from the trail reopening. Stop at continued on page 12

10 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

tween the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly. They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there

SAULT STE MARIE

un-noticed by most sledders.

And, a reroute in the Raco area. Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year. Probably

watch

Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.

the race

Also, they ke membering the ber One Rule: you have a s picnic, you hav vite the re Thanks again g always… What said, “Good Good fun. Goo radery.”

ride the trails &

streets

Alexa Peterman & Grandfather, Al Cottle shar a moment over Smores. Yum Yum.

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CHOKO AND THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER MAGAZINE DRAWING - ENTER TO WIN Men’s & Ladies Choko - 2-piece Suit (2 Winners)

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Ride in the clouds along the frozen track of Brockway Mountain this winter. continued from page 10

Some of the BEST Fishing & Hunting Michigan has to offer.

Quincy’s Restaurant in Dollar Bay for a filling bite to eat or stop tahquamenoncountry.com further in Lake Linden PO Box 574 | Newberry, MI 49868 | (906) 287-1962 at the Loading Zone II as you travel down the “Clean comfortable room unridden Snowmobile “Clean comfortable room at reasonable rates” Trail 3. Enjoy new views, at reasonable rates” • Free Extended and sights of a frozen Portage Canal and a Continental906.293.4000 Breakfast RESERVATIONS: white dusted Torch Lake.

• Free Wi-Fi Another business • FREE Extended • Indoor Pool, Whirlpool,888.315.2378 Sauna Continental Breakfast riders may enjoy on EMAIL: • Trailer parking • FREE Wi-Fi the eastern trails of newberryabvi@gmail.com • Indoor Pool,906-293-4000 the Keweenaw is the redlion.com/newberry.com Whirlpool, Sauna 888-315-2378 Reservations: Dreamland Bar in 12956 State Route M-28 - Newberry • Email Trailer Parking : newberryabvi@gmail.com Bootjack. Head north www.redlion.com/newberry.com from the Portage Lake 12956 State Route M-28 - Newberry Lift Bridge up toward Dollar Bay, and then take the Dreamland Trails to the Dreamland Bar. You can stop to eat Condo Units - can sleep up to Wander. Explore. Discover. fish fry, burgers, pizzas 8 people w/ full kitchens plenty of other OR Oneand to six bedroom JUST OFF THE TRAIL New motel rooms trailside options to fuel cabins on w/2Burgers, queen beds Pizza you up. Todd Sarzayn, Groomed trail right to our parking lot Lake and ownerSuperior of the Dreamland 13032 St Hwy M123 • Newberry, MI 49868 Located 1 1/2 miles Bar, operates a small Call for Reservations 906-293-1906 11 Beers on Tapwww.DuffysUPMotel.com snowmobile club called East of Grand Marais Friday’s Fish Fry the Valley Sno Drifters One mile to the Daily Specials! responsible for grooming west of trail 8 Check us out facebook the Dreamland Trails, which are a unique ride.

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“The Dreamland is a 110-year family-owned business,” said Sarzayn.

“We have a full menu of food and drinks and the Dreamland is very family and snowmobile friendly. From Dreamland to Trail 122 (about 10 miles) there is a narrow, slow-winding trail. We groom it with a John Deere SXS. When I say the Dreamland Trail is narrow and you drive slow, there are places where it is only six feet wide and very curvy.”

Looking ahead, the KTS is focusing on getting its new home open to keep up with the Keweenaw’s winters and the usage by riders.

With 300+ inches of snowfall annually, winters are perfect for riding but do take a toll on machines. The new barn will allow for groomers to thaw out properly between shifts, something that isn’t always happening now

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in Mohawk. The KTS is collaborating with Michigan legislators like Rep. Greg Markkanen, and local recreation organizations to spread effective messaging about the club’s efforts and challenges with state funding systems. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also been a great help, securing nearly $10 million in state and federal funding that was used to repair Trail 3 this summer.

“Most of the clubs in the state of Michigan do a 40-mile loop,” said Borlee. “There are clubs in the state of Michigan that groom in a twothree-year period what one of our groomers does in one month.

So, that mechanism works for them because they’re still able to use some volunteers on those short runs.”

KTS pays its

groomers. Something being considered is increasing the cost of out-of-state trail passes.

Borlee suggests that revenue could help combat maintenance shortfalls. The club also has a GoFundMe Page for supporters to directly contribute to the project. Think about becoming a member of the Keweenaw Snowmobile Club, and test out the new trail this winter. Watch out for the KTS yearly raffle, which gave away over $5,000 last season.

For more information about the Keweenaw’s endless opportunities for winter adventure, go to www.visitkeweenaw. com. Consider making a trip and seeing the beautiful winter wonderland of the Keweenaw. Heavy snowfall, hundreds of miles of trails and good times are waiting for you here. •

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| 13

17

Fall is Aglow on The Breezeway!

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f you are searching for a memorable region to experience fall, the C-48 Breezeway communities of East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood is a “must”. The 26-mile scenic rural route takes the “leaf peepers” over drumlins and scenic views. Farm markets, corn communities offer from ormazes, art galleries, resale chards, corn mazes, pumpkin shops, restaurants, specialty stores recreational patches, artand galleries, resale opportunities located shops, hand are blown glass throughout the communishop, antiques, restaurants andties. much more. you are lookingPumpkin for The IfEast Jordan hiking experiences The Fest will be celebrated on

of Activities

efore now Flies!

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dan mes

is the DNR’s only state Area Chamber of Comdesignated trail in northern merce at (231) 536-7351 Michigan. The country’s or info@ejchamber.org. To longest wooden suspenlearn more about the artists sion bridge awaits you at and sculptures visit www.

Boyne Mountain in Boyne jordanartwalk.com. Another Falls. Sky Bridge offers a “must visit” attraction on spectacular view for miles, The Breezeway, Raven Hill all four seasons, however Discovery Center offers fall is definitely the most an experience for all ages colorful! Take a chairlift up to enjoy and learn about to the top of the mountain science, nature and techand then enjoy an exciting nology. Located on The walk across the Sky Bridge. Breezeway (mile marker For the art lovers, The 15) the center features Breezeway features unique one-of-a-kind exhibits and art galleries and displays. has been the site of several The Jordan River Arts Smithsonian traveling exCouncil is located downhibits. For more information town East Jordan on Main on the Center visit www.

Street. The all-volunteer MIravenhill.org. organization showcases If you are headed north local artists in their Gift to visit our region, visit the Shop, displays, exhibits Clare Welcome Center and workshops throughand check out our showout the year. A visit to the case exhibit featuring The center promises to inspire communities of September, 2019 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILERBreezeway 17 you. The Jordan Art Walk, East Jordan, Ellsworth and Breezeway offers five in downtown Take a selfie by Wednesday, October 16thalsoVisit our East website Atwood. at nature preserves showcases twenour case and email it to us! from 5:00 PM on to the 7:00 PMJordan, www.ejchamber.org. route with several As snowmobile and downtown East other Jordan fea-ty (20) sculptures dotted preserves a short distance winter enthusiast await the turing children’s games, ven-throughout GAR Park, from Checkspecial out the salesMemorial Park and Sports- colder temperatures and dors,C-48. business Little Traverse Conservancy man’s Park. The amazing snow there is an abunand events, pie contest, face website at www.landtrust. sculptures are the works of dance of activities and painting and details.

Twister Joeartists from throughout the org for preserve experiences to enjoy!

Northern Michigan’s Kayakers are invited toFavoriteUnited States and East JorFor more information Balloon more. enjoy theArtist Chainplus of Lakes dan High School students. contact the East Jordan WhenTrail planning your fall Water that begins in colorThe Honor Star in GAR Area Chamber of Comtour and event destinations…

Ellsworth at River Park Park is the most recent merce (231) 536-7351 or make sure East ofJordan isstudent sculpture and pays info@ejchamber.org • and offers 82 miles paddling.

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| 15

Empowerment in Overdrive How Off-Road Racing Benefits Girls

BY MELISSA SULLIVAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n the world of motorsports, where roaring engines and adrenaline-pumping speed rule the track, a quiet revolution is taking place. Girls are stepping into the driver’s seat of off-road & snowmobile racing, proving that this thrilling and traditionally male-dominated sport holds tremendous benefits for them.

Beyond the thrill of competition, off-road racing offers young girls a unique set of advantages that help them grow into empowered individuals. Michigan Snowmobiler & ORV Magazine is celebrating the rise of fearless female competitors in motorsports; this month we interviewed Emma Honeycutt.

She started racing when she was 7 years old, racing snocross in 2020 thru the Michigan Sno-X Series at Double J Ranch in Rothbury, MI. She also races SXS every chance she gets.

She has finished 3 full Season Series of the Regional Snocross Circuit. Last year was her first season competing in the Amsoil Na-

16 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

tional Snocross Series. She raced at Canterbury Park in Shakopee MN, as well as Cannonsburg Ski Lodge, in Grand Rapids MI. Last summer she completed the Kids Motocross Circuit at the Cadillac Motorcycle Club on her Kawasaki KLX 110 This summer she has been competing in the Kids Trail Master Challenge Race at Twisted Trails in Copemish. Racing a 200cc Polaris RZR, her first race she swept both heats bringing in 1st place overall.

Off-road or snowmobile racing is more than just a motorsport; it’s a platform for personal growth, and empowerment. Girls who venture into this thrilling world are gaining valuable life skills, breaking stereotypes, and setting inspiring examples for others to follow. As they steer their way through the snow, dirt and mud, these young racers are also steering towards a future where girls can confidently pursue their passions and aspirations in any arena they choose. Off-road racing is not just a race; it’s a

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SKILL DEVELOPMENT Off-road racing demands a diverse skill set that includes precision, problem-solving, and adaptability. Girls who immerse themselves in this sport learn to navigate through tracks and uneven terrain with finesse. These skills are not only thrilling but also transferable to real-life situations, fostering a strong sense of competence.

Racing off-road is not without its challenges, and girls learn to handle the pressure of competition and the inevitable setbacks that come with it. This experience builds emotional resilience and equips them to bounce back from disappointments with renewed determination.I asked Emma

what she thought the most important skill racing has taught her…

“How to be a good sport!! What does that mean? -Being happy for your friends, even when that means you didn’t win -Cheering everyone on, like wishing them good luck at the start line & telling them good job at the end of a race -Making sure we all take care of each other and helping each other as much as we can.”

In order to support her hobby she has also learned to work hard to earn money and sponsorships required to compete and maintain her equipment.

“I Raise chickens & turkeys” She has a following of customers who she sells Farm Fresh eggs

to all season long. She Markets her turkeys at the Traverse City Fair as well as selling them to private individuals for donations to her Sno-X funds. “We collect pop cans from friends/family & businesses.” Emma helps Mom return them by the truck load. “Her trip to Cannonsburg last season was paid almost primarily thru pop can donations!!”

“Racing costs add up quickly, especially when racing multiple circuits, in multiple states. Finding Sponsors is a year round process of filling out applications, creating Racer Resumes/Profiles & writing letters seeking support.”

BIGGEST MISTAKE MADE & WHAT DID YOU LEARN “Forgetting to check the gas before riding… Mom and I took my full sized sled to the track for the first time without my Dad. We were so preoccupied with all the other things

we needed to remember about the new sled that we forgot to check the gas!! After a few laps I ran out and it took 4 Dads at the track to help us get it started again!! Oops!!

How embarrassing!!”

MENTORSHIP AND ROLE MODELS As the number of girls in off-road racing grows, they find themselves surrounded by supportive communities and role models who have paved the way. These mentorships provide guidance and inspiration, encouraging young girls to reach for their dreams without hesitation.

“We are so incredibly thankful for those who chose to support Emma!!

We really couldn’t provide her with all these amazing experiences without the help of her Sponsors!!

Most are small businesses who truly take a personal interest in wanting to be a part of her journey. It continued on page 20

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empowerment continued from page 19

warms my heart to know she has that many people in her corner, cheering her on!!”

I have noticed myself that there seem to be more girls racing as children than adults. Emma agreed, “Yea, I think there are, but I don’t really know why”. Emma’s mom also races so I asked Mom’s opinion too. “I think a lot of women who are involved at the track are Mom’s who are invested in making sure their daughters/children are ready and able to race. Racing is an expensive and time consuming sport & it is a huge commitment to take on racing as a parent WITH a young child. I commend all those parents who are able to pull it off!!”

FAVORITE RACE Emmas Favorite race was her last race of last years Season at Cannonsburg Ski Lodge. Also the last year she would be participating in the Amsoil Circuit.

It meant a lot to her to be able to race on her “home turf” National Race before she didn’t have an opportunity to. The weather was awful. 40 mph winds and raining ice pellets. She almost backed out, but she persevered and pushed on.

She raced both her 200cc sled as well as her transition sled. Mom and Dad couldn’t be more proud for her commitment to the sport that day Girls who venture into this thrilling world are gaining valuable life skills, breaking stereotypes, and setting inspiring examples for others to follow. You go girls! •

20 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

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I grew up snowmobiling a lot and running small town races as a kid and hanging around few guys older than me that ran I-500 and just couldn’t get away from racing

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Pike Racing

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Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on your regard to the sport?

My dad always sponsored late model cars and would bring me to the pits after the races when I was young. I have been hooked on racing ever since. continued on page 24 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • OCTOBER • 2023

| 23

under the helmet | owner interviews BRYAN KOVAR continued from page 23

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?

I started as kid in 80s racing and been doing it ever since. Winning Eagle River as a owner in 2023 What is your career goal?

To win SOO I-500 What were the driving factors to start the race team?

I wanted to stay around snowmobile racing and win the Soo 500 with a team of good friends that love the sport too

JACK KETVIRTIS continued from page 23

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?

Our business has always supported local racers within our community, so I have been involved my entire life. My proudest moment was winning the world championship enduro race in eagle river.

What is your career goal?

I have two career goals, the first would be winning the SOO I-500; I started riding my snowmobile to the I-500 from Marquette and watching as a spectator when I was 17 years old. My second career goal is to win the MIRA points championship.

How did you become part of this racing team?

I had been sponsoring Kovar Racing Sled for a few years; but in 2020 I had an opportunity to become a co-owner with Brian Kovar. I am very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing group of knowledgeable guys.

DRIVER INTERVIEWS continued on page 26

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| 25

under the helmet | driver interviews driver

Dan Maki

Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on your regard to the sport? My dad used to race when I was younger and I often got to tag along to the races, that’s when it became a dream of my own to follow in those footsteps. Being involved and at the track at an early age helped to develop a real appreciation for what it takes to be successful in this sport and all the work that needs to be put in.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track? I started racing on dirt bikes around the age of 5 or 6, I dabbled some in snocross around the ages of 1314, continued racing motocross and then around 2012 I think, is when I started racing the oval circuit. I would say my proudest moment is after my partner got tragically

killed in a race in mt. Pleasant, that we were able to come together again as a team and push through some hard times to eventually find some success again, it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever encountered, but we’ve become a closer group because of it.

What is your career goal?

My career goal is probably not unlike others, and that’s to ultimately win the SOO I-500 How did you become part of this racing team? I became apart of this team originally I think just because I was a local kid that had a passion and background in racing. Bryan needed a young driver and I could fill that void, I’m proud of what we’ve become since then and all the things we have accomplished, I’m not sure we knew at the time where we were headed or what we would become.

driver

Tyler Town

Who got you into snowmobiling and when; what was their influence on your regard to the sport? My dad got me into snowmobiling when I was 6 years old. He raced dirt cars my entire childhood and started racing sleds at Cherry Speedway. He has been a huge influence and mentor for me throughout my racing career. I feel very fortunate to have him around at the races for advice, and the years of racing experience he has is a huge asset.

When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track? I started racing go-carts, cars, and dirt bikes when I was young, but started racing snowmobiles competitively when I was 15. I started racing vintage sleds and moved to modern sleds from there. I have

26 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

a few big achievements on the track, but the two that really stand out to me are from this past 2023 season winning the World Championship enduro and setting a track record up at the Soo in the Meijer Pro Shootout.

What is your career goal?

This year I would love to be able to compete for the points championship in MIRA, I would also love to win the SOO I-500. That is a big one for anyone in our sport!

How did you become part of this racing team? I joined the team in 2019.

Dani and I rode together at Lincoln for the first time that year and we clicked from there. I couldn’t be happier about to be a part of Kovar-Pike Racing. We have an awesome group of guys who always build fast sleds for Dani and me to ride.

PRO ENDURO RACING CIRCUIT JANUARY 6-7th

KINROSS, MI JANUARY 20-21st

EAGLE RIVER, WI JANUARY 27- 28th

TRAVERSE CITY, MI FEBRUARY 10-11th

GAYLORD, MI FEBRUARY 17-18th

LINCOLN, MI BY D E T N PRESE

1-500 the finish line

Racing is

BY RIC FEDERAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

28 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

I

Racing

n a recent article I had written titled “ Where do we go from here?”, I mentioned racing is racing, If you’re a true race fan it doesn’t matter what type of racing you’re following. Race fans tune into races due to racing being competitive, fast and offering all the high octane activity and excitement racing provides.

That being noted, let’s take a look back at the last finish at the 2023 I-500. It was the closest finish in snowmobile endurance racing history. Talk about “High Octane” excitement......

Due to such a close finish, the I-500 Board of Directors recognized the opportunity to plan a “ Pure-Michigan Summer Tour” to promote the sport of endurance racing and of course, the International 500 as well.

The objective also included strategic planning in an effort to get race fans thinking “ Racing Year-Round”. Auto racing comes to an end moving into the fall season. That’s the time snowmobile race teams are in full gear for winter racing activities.

The ‘Pure-Michigan Summer Tour” was a logical way to share information. Visiting race venues throughout Michigan allowed the I-500 to share information and stay connected with race fans who truly understand and enjoy racing. The results of the summer tour couldn’t have been better. Once the word was out within the snowmobile racing community that the “Summer Tour” was taking place, teams that race at the International 500 lent support by offering to provide racing sleds to display at the various race venues. Teams who race at the I-500 showed complete support for the efforts to promote the sport of oval ice racing and the I-500.

In addition, i-500 race team drivers volunteered to help by attending the venues and signing autographs and answering questions about the sport, sleds and continued on page 30

MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • OCTOBER • 2023

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1-500 the finish line continued from page 30

oval ice racing.

The support offered by each venue was phenomenal. Each race track offered first class hospitality and were excited to lend support to snowmobile racing. The International 500 would like to share our appreciation for the support given by each auto race track. Special thanks to Birch Run (Dixie Race Track), Owosso Speedway, Kalamazoo race track, Berlin Race track, Corrigan Race track, Norway Race Track, Kinross SpeedPark. Onaway Race track.

Sharing information about the snowmobile endurance racing was spectacular and priceless. A special thanks to the “Voice of the I-500”, Matt Prieur who helped facilitate the summer tour scheduling with the track owners. The International 500 Directors are working on the potential to continue the “Off-Season” tour promotion moving forward into next year. I’ll end this update information by stating.... “ Racing doesn’t stop when the leaf’s fall.... All the excitement of racing continues into the winter months at the International 500 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan “Come On UP!!!” Commence making plans now to attend the 55th. running of the world’s most exciting snowmobile endurance race.

Okay, race fans.... It’s time to move into the race infield and enter into a segment titled “ TECH CHATTER”. A segment dedicated to the technical aspect of racing.

We’re going to visit the race “ Tech Crew” staff who serve as the tech team for the International 500.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term “ Tech” as it relates to racing, I’ll give you a brief insight as to what is meant by the term related to snowmobile racing.

At the I-500 every race sled must go through a series of examinations and inspections performed by professionals titled “ Race Tech’s”.

These individuals are trained and certified by a race sanctioning body

30 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

known as I.S.R. (aka: International Snowmobile Racing). The objective as race technicians is to inspect vehicles making certain all race teams are SAFE and are following rules and guidelines.

At the International 500, race technicians perform under the jurisdiction of the “ I-500 Race Committee”, which is spearheaded and supervised by the I-500 Race Director. In a future article, it is my intention to interview and share the knowledge and perspective of I-500 Race Director, Bill Cryderman.

In the meantime, I’d like to introduce to you the lead Tech, some of his staff and share the interviews I had with these outstanding individuals......... let’s read on shall we?

INTRODUCING: Mr. Jamie Vincent Hails from Petoskey, Michigan I-500 Head Tech Director : 2018 to present ISR Certified as Race Director Ric: In general, a lot of people don’t know what goes on in “ Tech” as it relates to racing at the I-500.

Jamie: First and foremost, is making sure that EVERY sled that goes on the I-500 track is SAFE for competition. SAFETY is everyone’s utmost priority and it starts with sleds and drivers.

Ric: How many tech’s work on your staff at the I-500?

Jamie: There are several tech’s who work the I-500. Steve Lacoursiere, race director- Bill Cryderman and Caroline (Brandow) Kohm.

Caroline is the first women to tech at the I-500 and she volunteers as part of our Canadian family of I-500 volunteers. ( ALL TECH’S are ISR Certified).

Ric: The I-500 rules are set by ISR standards. Can you elaborate on the ISR involvement?

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I was totally check and do in Tech at the through tech more than • Family-friendly the ifthings have in awe. All hadonce. some ie: I-500? theythey go faster mental development had to deal with every • Local in St. Helen, MI Jamie: Certainly.... Inspecthan a set time, Tech will • Surrounded by miles of off-road trails. tions and examinations are bring them in for a look. If extensive. Some of the they have to replace a piston PRICES VARY DEPENDING ON DAY. inspections include but are or engine during qualifynot limited to what I’m about ing, they’re required to go OVERNIGHT OPTIONS AVAILABLE | 7 DAYS A WEEK to share. Tether / Kill switch Coffee through tech again. Here’s a • Complimentary ler Parking Rooms operation, Handle bars being fact Coffee to ponder.... Teams can• Non-Smoking room me • Complimentary Trailer Parking • Ample •King & Queen Size Beds Rooms Non-Smoking • Cable room Extended • Sauna/Game • plug’d on the end and are not replace a crank or crank rking Coffee Complimentary • Parking ler ee •King & Queen Beds Cable Extended • Parking At Door •king Internet Wireless • Area pair structurally sound.

Tail lights racerefrig.

•Large with Size Freezer Coffee • Complimentary Roomscase at any time during • Non-Smoking room me s• Heated Internet Wireless • Area Repair •Large refrig. with Freezer Rooms must be operational, even • Non-Smoking week once the sled•King has & Whirlpool m Queen Size Cable • Extended YEAR ~ OPEN SNOWMOBILING ON ON rking •Large & Beds Sauna Coffee ary •King & ALL Queen Size Beds •King & Queen Size Beds YEAR ALLregistered. ~ OPEN SNOWMOBILING Cable ON NFORMATION • Extended •Large Whirlpool & Sauna when the sled is off.

Snowbeen Internet Wireless • Area pair crossing without trails •Large refrig. with Freezer groomed of s ng Rooms • Wireless Internet •Deluxe Hot Breakfast rea flap crossing •Large refrig. with Freezer without trails groomed of miles Enjoy •Large refrig. with Freezer •Deluxe Hot Breakfast must track 3 •King &YEAR Queen Size Beds neighborhood quietthe in a touch Located able ALL OPEN SNOWMOBILING ON •Large Whirlpool &TRAIL Sauna •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE ACCESS 3 does neighborhood quiet in a~ALL Located street. a ON YEAR ~ OPEN SNOWMOBILING •Large Whirlpool & Sauna TRAIL ACCESS with the driver seated.

The Ric: When “ •DIRECT TECH” SNOWMOBILE EAR •Large Whirlpool & Sauna MOTEL TERRACE #419 Trail On M-28. of south s ernet crossing without trails groomed of blocks •Large refrig. with Freezer •Deluxe Hot Breakfast #419 Trail On M-28.

• Next to Gas & Convenient store of south crossing without groomed • Next to Gas & Convenient store Hot Breakfast tracktrails must be the proper at3theBreakfast I-500•Deluxe commence for sing • Complimentary Coffee AD THIS WITH STAY Parking YOUR FFALL • Ample Trailer neighborhood quiet a in Located •Deluxe Hot YEAR EN AD THIS WITH •Large Whirlpool & Sauna STAY YOUR OFF 10% •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS 3 neighborhood quiet a ted in •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino Rooms Non-Smoking • room Sauna/Game • •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS speed The ski-carrace teams? duth Trail On M-28. ofrating, s3south •King & Queen Size Beds Cable • Extended Door Parking • At #419 crossing ut #419 Trail On •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS of M-28.

• Next to Gas & Convenient store •Deluxe Hot Breakfast • Next to Gas & Convenient store bide runners are checkTHIS All sleds Internet at the I-500 Heated Repair Area • for •Large refrig. with Freezer 906-387-2735 ADJamie:• Wireless WITH STAY YOUR FF 3 906-387-2735 orhood AD THIS WITH STAY OUR YEAR ALL OPEN ~•Convenient SNOWMOBILING ON INFORMATION •Quiet Location •DIRECT SNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS •Large Whirlpool & Sauna•Near Casino • Next to Gas &are Convenient store •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino the correct angle and sharpchecked the morning of 49862 MIgroomed MI trails without crossingM-28 ST. • MUNISING, ST. • MUNISING, miles of Enjoy49862 OSPECT 420 PROSPECT M-28 - Munising, 49862 - Munising, MI MI 49862 #419 •Deluxe Hot Breakfast • Next to Gas & Convenient store ness. The width of the sled 3 the I-500 Main event.

At thatSNOWMOBILE TRAIL ACCESS quiet neighborhood in a street. Located a•Quiet •Convenient Location •Near Casino •DIRECT 906-387-2735 www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com 06-387-2735 www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET AD WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET HIS blocks south of M-28. On Trail #419 • Next to Gas & Convenient store •Convenient •Quiet Location •Near Casino is measured and recorded, time, weWITH take samples THISfuel STAY OFF YOUR MI 49862 CT ST. • MUNISING, M-28 -ADMunising, MI•Quiet 49862 49862 MI 10% ST. • MUNISING, OSPECT M-28 - Munising, MI 49862 •Convenient Location •Near Casino The clutch guard must be from ALL sleds and comwww,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com .TERRACEMOTEL.NET www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com 906-387-2735 WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET 906-387-2466 reinforced properly, The- 420 pare them samples we M-28 - Munising, MI 49862 M-28 Munising, MIto 49862 MI49862 ST. • MUNISING, PROSPECT 49862 M-28 Munising, www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com rear of the tunnel must be -WWW.TERRACEMOTEL.NET take duringMI the49862 race at race www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com www,northstarhotelpicturedrocks.com closed properly, The engine teams trailers. and chassis must originate from a stock based machine Ric: Holy cow dude.... and have confirmed serial YOU are busy during the numbers. Hiem joints on the morning of the I-500 main steering and also check fuel event. What do you do to make certain teams are once you have all sleds and running fuel to I-500 specs. drivers checked?

Jamie: I’m done with Tech Ric: What about the driver’s on race morning. From there safety equipment? What do I’m switching duties to assist you do in tech regarding the I-500 Race Director (Bill their gear for SAFETY? continued on page 32

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MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV • OCTOBER • 2023

CESS re Casino

Continued on page 28

rk “the Bird” rych, another faus Detroit Tiger.

Mark was totally dedi-

RACE MOTEL AREA THIS

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1-500 the finish line

continued from page 31

Cryderman) and Co-race director (Scott Lacoursiere) with race related duties I’m deemed qualified to do.

Such items as, injury reports, penalty assessment, track inspection during the race and I also spell track officials for eating breaks.

Ric: The positive growth of the sport in general is happening at a fast pace.

What do you see as a contributing factor for the fan base interest and race participation each year?

Jamie: I feel it’s because the sport is competitive

and exciting to race fans in general. Our teams and drivers are the best of the best worldwide bar none. * Teams racing at the International 500 come from throughout the United States and Canada.

Ric: In race perspective, the I-500 embarked on a New “Pure-Michigan Summer Tour “ to promote the sport and International 500. From your perspective, what does this mean to you and the sport?

Jamie: The sport of oval

32 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

ice racing and I-500 are experiencing positive growth due to the behind-thescenes endless passion being applied to promoting the two entities. It takes an enormous amount of people dedicated to the sport and International 500 snowmobile race.

Ric: Since 2018 and long before that, you have been involved with the International 500. What is about the I-500 that drives your passion and respect for the I-500 project?

Jamie: I turned my first oval laps at the I-500 track back in 1987. I was hooked immediately. It is the reason I continue returning each year. The people of the community and all the amazing volunteers have become my family. Simply put... They keep my passion racing.

Jamie.... On behalf of the International 500 Board of Directors and race fans, we want to thank YOU for your cooperation within this article and for all you do to promote the sport and.... for your invaluable volunteer involvement and expertise you bring to the International 500.

I’d like to introduce another member of the Inter-

national 500 “Tech Team” ENTER: Ms. Caroline Brandow.

Caroline is the first woman to serve as a I-500 race “ Technician”. We’re proud to have Caroline as part of the I-500 tech crew.

From: Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. Having Ms. Brandow and other Canadians involved with the I-500 is extremely important and meaningful to the race and sport. It is the full intention of the I-500 Project to always have our Canadian family involved .

We hope more people from the Canadian side of the river will get involved.

Same holds true for the commercial business on the Canadian side who’ve become valued sponsors of the I-500. The I-500 is an International event with the flavor of the U.S. and Canadian personalities, the sport and I-500 race.

Ric: So Caroline, how long have you been involved with the I-500 race?

Caroline: I’ve been volunteering since 2013.

Ric: How did you first get involved with volunteering for the I-500 race? continued on page 34

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1-500 the finish line

continued from page 32

Caroline: I messaged race director (Bill Cryderman) and said I was interested in helping volunteer and asked if he needed any help. He asked me to meet at the track when the watering crew was watering.

I was introduced to watering the track and how to plow the pit area of the infield. From there, my involvement simply progressed.

Ric: You’ve been involved and now are working in “TECH” for the race. What other types of volunteer work did you do leading UP to being in Tech now?

Caroline: I helped with track prep, race rig parking placement, and flagging during the main I-500 main event. I have now been to ISR training and certification process. I’m now a certified race tech. I’m very excited for this opportunity and will be working on what I’ve learned into practice this year.

Ric: In brief, what additional duties to you perform for the I-500 Project?

Caroline: I do whatever is deemed necessary and I’m qualified to do.

In the past during the off season I’ve mowed the grounds, trimmed brush, general cleaning of the facilities on site and I help where needed.

Ric: In your opinion, what is the single most important aspect of what you do now in Tech?

Caroline: SAFETY first in all areas of the race. Top priority!!

Ric: From your personal perspective, what excites you most about the I-500?

Caroline: I absolutely love winter and snowmobiles !! It’s great to see how the reach of the I-500 expands each year. It’s truly become an international event more than ever before. We have formed some great relationships with new Canadian sponsors. The biggest “rush” I get is when I’m standing on the back stretch and I hear race control say... “ Green,green,green” through my headset. Especially on the first lap when the sleds and roar of the engines go by you.

Ric: If you encounter someone who’s never been to the International 500, how would you describe it?

Caroline: Every time I meet someone who is new to the area or has never been to the i-500, I tell them that I can guarantee they have never seen anything so awesome as the I-500. It’s incredible! A whole week of events. It’s great fun for the entire family. I’ve also spoken with people who’ve watched the I-500 on FLOSPORTS and they’ve said...

“WE need to make the trip to the SOO and see this race in person”.

Ric: This summer the I-500 embarked on a “Summer Tour” of promotion for the sport and I-500, Do you feel it’s important to promote the I-500 year-round and Why? Caroline: I think the summer tour is great!! I’m happy to have been able to attend event number one at Birch Run race track. I do feel that it’s important to promote the I-500 year-round in order to get people interested in the race and community. I feel once people learn what

34 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

a great event the I-500 is, they may become more than a spectator and either want to help by volunteering or becoming a sponsor.

Ric: How do you recommend to people wanting to get involved by volunteering, get involved?

Caroline: People who want to get involved by volunteering for the I-500 can visit a link on the I-500 social media web site at: www.i-500.com Visitors to the site can also click on the “ contacts “ link and apply or get in touch with race staffing. Simply fill out the form and someone from the I-500 mgt. team will contact you. If you have any questions about volunteering reach out to any I-500 board member and they will be happy to help.

CAROLINE.... On behalf of the I-500 Board of Directors, thank YOU for your commitment to serve the I-500 Project. Our Canadian family of volunteers and sponsors are extremely important to the sport and I-500 Project. Thanks again.....

There ya have it folks...... A little information for your reading and racing pleasure. We’d like to remind everyone to plan ahead with lodging and plans for attending the 55th running of the International 500.

Until the next pit stop at the International 500, It’s......REMAI “ALL LEFT TURNS FROM HERE...”

My future articles will include interviews from additional I-500 tech’s and track officials. I’m looking forward to sharing more information from those I-500 volunteers as well.

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| 35

Up and Coming Michigan Snocross Racers

Join New Founded Team Elite Motorsports Ethan Boon

BY DOMINIC SANTINA CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY LIZZIE

T

Kaden Helsel

his summer shook up the Amsoil Championships Snocross series more than ever before. In the disbelief and shock of some long time major teams shutting down operations, arose a new race team with some roots in the state of Michigan.

Three riders from Michigan’s own snocross circuit have been signed to compete for the new Elite Motorsports.

The Ski-Doo powered team opened its doors this summer announcing a 9 rider stable including riders from the Pro class, down to Sport Lite and Transition classes.

Sport Lite riders Ethan Boon and Kaden Helsel will represent the team on the National and Regional level. While Transition rider Charlie Lucas will wrap up the Michigan based riders for the Elite Motorsports team. To add one final Michigan connection to the team, Michigan regional racer and occasional national rider Jonathan Conaway will manage the race team.

ETHAN BOON #333 One of the up and coming riders to the sport of snocross in the last two seasons. Boon joined the Michigan series two years ago, where he competed in the Junior boys classes. This last season Boon made the jump up to the sport class in regional racing. On the national circuit Boon competed in the Junior Boys 14 -15 class and later in the season made an appearance to test out

Charlie Lucas

36 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

continued on page 38

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Charlie Lucas continued from page 36

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the Sport Lite class. Boon finished both the Friday and Saturday race sessions Top 10 in overall points for the season.

Now as he turns his focus to this season, it will be a big addition to join the Elite Motorsports team after racing by himself last year. We know that he will transition fully to the Sport Lite class on the national circuit but will interested to see what that could mean on the regional circuit.

KADEN HELSEL #70 A contender in every division he raced in over the last couple years at the regional level. Helsel has been another one of the top young racers in Michigan. He was contending for junior boys championship last season before suffering a knee injury which shut his season down. Helsel and Boon ended up having quite a few bar to bar battles last season and now will become teammates.

Helsel only raced a limited amount of national events last season. However, now teaming up with Elite Motorsports, we should see him make a bigger appearance.

He will have an adjustment to make this season changing up manufacturers from a Polaris which he has rode for quite a few years now, to now riding a Ski-Doo. CHARLIE LUCAS #345 It became very clear early last season that Lucas was ridding on the edge of danger. Lucas for the most part was riding in transition classes and looked fast. However, being young and smaller in size, he looked fearless for a young rider. He was very resilient early in the year, as he was pulling some moves usually only older riders could pull off. He ran a couple of national races and was riding well. Until a very hard crash in a regional race ended his season with a broken femur.

There is no doubt Lucas took a big step forward before the injury last season. He shown a lot of potential to compete not only on the regional level but also nationally. He stays on the Ski-Doo and will just join the team as a satellite rider. Still having some teammates at the race track or working out of the same trailer will be helpful.

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JON CONAWAY - TEAM MANAGER A primary regional racer, Conaway competed in Michigan Sno-X Pro series and was a contender in the over championship, where he ended up finishing third in points. He ran the Michigan National at Cannonsburgh as well, but will have a bigger responsibility this season. Conaway will take over the oversight of the Elite Motorsports team as team manager. He primarily will over see their pro and pro lite riders while keeping an eye on the satellite riders. Conaway is excited to see to transition to his new role: “ I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity. I have always had a passion for snocross and enjoyed being able to race the last handful of years regionally. Now I have the opportunity to help bring a new pro team to the national circuit, and I couldn’t be more pumped to do so. The whole team is filled with great people and racers. I think this team has the potential to come out and make some noise the first season”.

ELITE MOTORSPORTS RIDERS Besides having the three Michigan riders, the team will also be comprised of 3 other satellite riders : Noah Rittmer Daniels, Beckum Pete and Jacob Daniels. Rittmer Daniels will compete in Sport Lite with Helsel and Boon. While Pete and Daniels will compete in Transition 9-13 with Lucas. The team will also have Matt Greenwood compete in the Pro Am 30 Plus division.

The team will have two premier riders as well in the stable. As they have signed pro rider Gustav Sahlsten who made his rookie debut in the pro class last season for a select couple of races, before choosing to remain in Sweden for the Snowcross Super League.

Sahlsten would go on to capture back to back Super League championships by winning the 2023 championship by over 70 points. He swept the season by winning every heat race and final. We will see how that continued on page 40

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now stacks up with a full Amsoil Championship Snocross season.

The team also added Pro Lite rider Adam Ashline, who won the 2021-2022 season Sport Championship 231-536-2371 231-536-2371 231-536-2371 by over 130 points. While he did make a late entry into publisher@michsnowmag.com • Marenisco, MI 49947 publisher@michsnowmag.com publisher@michsnowmag.com westshoreresort.com the Pro Lite class last season, the team is very excited esort.com oreresort.com TRAIL PERMITS • RENTALS #1 231-536-2371 888-813-7778 to see what a full season can produce.

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES publisher@michsnowmag.com ed esort.com m M-28 MECHANICS The team has added two mechanics for their Pro and 47 231-536-2371 Pro Lite riders.

Jared Burba will be the lead mechanic 778 for the team. Burba has experience as a mechanic publisher@michsnowmag.com both for snocross and motocross for the last decade.

Last season, Burba helped his rider Aki Pihlaja earn two podiums for Green Mountain Racing. He does PRIC CA ING have some experience working with Sahlsten when he FOU N BE N WEB D ON was a fill in rider for Pihlija last season.

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vintage sled

1968 Skidoo Super Olympique From a box of parts and through trial and error, grandfather’s sled is restored and looking like new again

BY BRYAN LEHR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

H

i there, it’s Bryan again, back with my next story on sled restoration. This sled was my grandfather’s first sled that I mentioned in last month’s article. It is a 1968 Skidoo Super Olympique that he rode for four years until he purchased a 1972 440 Nordic.

After he passed, my uncle took the sled home with the intention of restoring it one day. Well, he did get it torn down and that was the way it was left for many years. After I got the bug to

restore sleds, I asked him if I could have it to restore. He gave it to me in parts, so I took it home and looked it over and started the process of restoring it even though I didn’t know exactly what I was doing or where all the parts went but I was determined to figure it out. First, I found a place to get the chassis and skies sand blasted. While that was being done, I started cleaning the different parts of the sled. Taking apart the bogie wheels was a lot of work, as you all know,

42 | OCTOBER • 2023 • MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER + ORV

to be cleaned and sanding the arms down was a long process to get them ready for painting. At this point I didn’t know anything about body work for the frame and hood.

When the frame came back it looked good and had no rust holes to worry about but needed some dents taken out and some rust pits to be filled.

So, I picked up some body filler from the local parts store and started filling the spots and boy did I get a real eye opener as to how much work that was to do body work. Not doing anything like this before, it made me understand what people meant when they said it takes a long time to make something look good. I took my time and sanded and filled and did it over and over. I also had to learn how to spray primer. I continued on page 44

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continued from page 42

had to buy a spray gun and find out how to mix primer.

After spraying the first coat I seen the spots that I missed and here we go again onto filling and sanding again and again till it looked good.

Now it was onto the hood. This was fiberglass and I have never done something like this, so after going to a few shows I talked to some people about restoration. The hood had normal spider cracks all over and I was stuck as to what to do. I then called a guy that I met at a show, and he said bring it to the next show in Cadillac MI. and he would look at it for me. I took it to him, and he told me what to do with it, so back to the garage I went.

It was just like doing the chassis except I had to grind out all the cracks and fill them, which was a long process. Again, after filling sanding and priming, I finally got it done. While I was in Cadillac, I met Chuck who was also into Skidoos. We talked for a while about sleds and restoring them. He had some nice sleds at the show. I then met him at another show, and I asked continued on page 46

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vintage sled continued from page 44

him about some parts, and he said to stop at his place, and he would have what I needed. So, I went to his place, and he had a chassis and hood with some of the steering components that I needed. He said I could have them, but I had to take the whole thing even though I didn’t need it all, but I ended up with it. He also gave me some pointers and from that meeting on we became good friends.

I then made several calls to him as to what to do with the different parts of the sleds and we started meeting at shows and talking a lot. The chrome on the sled needed to be redone so I searched out a place to have it chromed and was that expensive. Now that I had most of the sled cleaned it was time to get it painted so I took it to a friend of the family to do the painting. I wasn’t going to try painting it since I have never painted before and didn’t want to mess it up by running the paint or something. I had to order a seat cover and redo the seat which was an easy task to put it on and staple it down. Once I got all the parts back, I was able to put it together and it turned out nice.

I ordered the stickers, and they were a lot of work fitting them on the hood.

The sled was now ready for its first show. I talked to Chuck, and we were going to meet at the 2012 National Vintage Snowmobile Show in St. Ignace MI, which was held at the casino.

There were a lot of nice sleds there. What a good time we had there and talked to so many nice people. I was proud of my grandfather’s sled, and it placed third in its class at its first show, and I received my first trophy. What an honor it was for me to get this after all the work I had done to it and for my family to see grandpas sled come back to life. I think grandpa would be proud. •

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