Snowmobile Hall of Fame

"C. J. Ramstad Photography Collection"

	-1982, an idea is born, Loren Anderson now living in Minocqua, WI, ponders why no Hall of Fame for Snowmobiling, 31 years ago
	-1983, first organizational meeting held in Minocqua, Mike Trapp, C J Ramstad and Larry Bosacki join as founders, 30 years ago,
	-1984, first Ride With The Champs, leaving from Bosacki's Boathouse, 29 years ago
	-1986, Incorporated as a non-profit, 501(C)(3)
	-1988, Held first induction ceremony, Eagle River, 25 years ago
	-1989, opened first museum in rented space, Eagle River
	-1993, relocated museum to rented space downtown Minocqua
	-1994, relocated museum to rented space on east side of St. Germain
	-2000, relocated museum to Anderson Bldgs, west side of St. Germain
	-2008, Grand Opening of our own new facility on Sled World Blvd, St. Germain
30 Year History Video	-2012, begin the celebration of 30 years, Sharing the passion....keeping the dream alive !

In 1983, while trail riding near Minocqua, Wisconsin, Mike Trapp, C. J. Ramstad and Loren Anderson were talking about the great and exciting history of snowmobile racing. Mike was a two-time Eagle River World champion and Loren had been a number one bib in open and 650 classes. CJ talked of the fantastic photo library he had which told the thrilling history of racing. Before that day's riding was over, the three had decided that a museum and a hall of fame should be created to honor the race drivers and to display their unique and exciting sleds. The idea for the Hall of Fame and Museum was born. Loren and Mike approached Larry Bosacki of Bosacki's Boathouse in Minocqua. Larry joined the team and offered his restaurant for the first RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS headquarters.

Bob Elsner's 1981 Arctic Cat Sno-Pro Racer Mike and Loren were very involved with Minocqua Lions Club Snowmobile Races each year at Winterama. It was natural to combine a fund-raiser for the Hall of Fame with the event. Thus, the first RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS fund raising event for a future Hall of Fame and Museum took place January 27, 1984. Riders from all over the Midwest were able to spend an entire day riding with the first celebrity guests. Steve Ave, Allen Decker, Mike Decker, Jim Dimmerman, Bobby Donahue, Bob Eastman, Bob Elsner and Mike Trapp donated their time and efforts to help make that first RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS a success.

In 1986, the RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS was headquartered in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Participants have a fun filled day of riding with some of racing's greatest names. In 1987, Al Unser, Jr. joined the ranks as he spent the day riding through the beautiful Northwoods. Since the first ride in 1984, dozens of celebrity drivers and Hall of Famers have participated in the annual celebrity ride. The entry fee includes breakfast, lunch the Hall of Fame banquet and each rider gets to keep their souvenir bib and a lot of great memories. In 1986, Meyers Snow Plow became the corporate sponsor of the annual RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS. From 1992 -1993, Roetin Industries was the ride sponsor of the annual RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS. Woody's Traction Products became the sponsor for 1994 - 1999. FAST / INJEX OIL / BLADE were the sponsors for the 2000 through 2002 events. WOODY'S returned as the sponsor for 2003 which marked the 20th anniversary of the prestigious and very successful RIDE WITH THE CHAMPS.

Four Generations of Ski-Doo Race Sleds - Bob Anderson's 1992 Twin-Track, Brian Musselman's 1984 Soo-500 Winner, Gerard Karpik's 1978 Cross-Country, Duane Frandsen's 1967 World Championship Sled In 1985, the SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME and MUSEUM was incorporated and received tax-exempt status. In 1988, the first ten racers were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Each year, four more people are inducted into the hall. In 1989, the Hall of Fame leased space for a museum in downtown Eagle River at the corner of Highway 45 and 70 West. Since 1993, the Hall of Fame Museum has been located in St. Germain, Wisconsin at 8481 Hwy 70 West. Historic photos and memorabilia are on display. The museum has more than 60 historic sleds in its collection. Plaques commemorating all Hall of Fame inductees are on display.

LOCATION MAP

In December of 1998, the Board of directors accepted the gift of acreage on Highway 70 West in St. Germain. A "Building Block Fundraising Campaign" has now been started to build the new Hall of Fame and Museum. Call the Hall of Fame for information regarding donation levels and naming rights for major donations. To follow the construction progress go to our BUILDING page.

INVESTMENT LEVELS

Join and support the SNOWMOBILE HALL of FAME. Annual memberships are $25.00. Life memberships are $500.00 and plaque will have your life contribution listed and displayed in the Hall of Fame. Life members receive a personal plaque.

For information contact Loren Anderson at 715-542-4HOF (4463) or email: loren@snowmobilehalloffame.com.