An oval racing natural, “Gentleman” Jim Herzig was one of snowmobile racing’s most respected and best-liked drivers of all time. A true champion known for his steady, consistent and dependable style, Herzig was also known as a very competitive driver. During an amazing 24-year career, he posted a racing record matched by few in the annals of snowmobile competition, including four World Championship wins and two Driver of the Year Titles.

Appearing in his first races as a 15 year-old, Jim showed his remarkable talents right from the beginning, battling through 80 entries that winter to make the final in his very first major race event. No stranger to the winner’s circle in any year of his career, Jim was one driver who only got better as the years went by. Among his many accomplishments are two back-to-back undefeated seasons in Mod II scored in 1989 and 1990, stunning wins in the “Battle of the Brands” event at Plymouth, Wisconsin, in 1996 and 1998, and a five-class run at Eagle River, winning four stock and one mod class entered on the same sled.

Proud of his racing successes, Jim was also proud of his family, his work, his association with Arctic Cat and F&F Enterprises and his son, Casey, who is a racing talent coming up as well. Herzig’s career and his life ended abruptly after a tragic racing crash in Valcourt, Quebec, on February 22, 1998, after which his racing number – 45 – was retired by USSA.