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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.
 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.
 In 1985, the INTERNATIONAL 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 INTERNATIONAL 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
715-542-4488 or
email: loren@snowmobilehalloffame.com. |
