Marlyn Englert
Marlyn Englert
Marlyn Englert
DATE OF INDUCTION: February 15th 2020
CAREER SPAN: 1986-2002
COMPETITION TYPE: Speed Runs
BRANDS RACED: Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha, Arctic Cat
AGE AT INDUCTION: 81
A true pioneer in snowmobile speed run competitions, Minnesota native Marlyn Englert has always had a penchant for going fast. From the moment he rode his first snowmobile, he looked for ways to make it go faster. His passion for speed eventually led him to become one of the original founders of the National Straightline Snowmobile Racing (NSSR) organization, the sport’s premier speed run circuit. In NSSR competition Englert would go on to set multiple world records and receive Best Crew Chief and Best Engineered Sled honors during his 16-year professional racing career.
Englert’s love for speed grew during 20-years of competitive NHRA automotive drag racing. When Englert discovered snowmobiles in the early 1970s, he did the two things he knew best; he modified them and began racing. One of the founders of NSSR, Englert was also a pioneer of the Unlimited class, for which he built several innovative and blistering-fast snowmobiles. His obsession and expertise resulted in him building the first snowmobile to eclipse 140mph using a snowmobile engine. Englert’s snowmobiles were both powerful and efficient. He spent equal time refining and aligning the chassis and suspension to gain every possible advantage. This relentless pursuit for speed led him to become a true innovator in the sport. Team Englert was the first to successfully use nitrous oxide-injection, as well as one of the first to employ a parachute. In total, Englert captured 45 NSSR World Records including 76 first place runs, and the Open Fuel 1 and Open Fuel II World Championship.
Although he was a driver at heart, Englert’s greatest achievements was his innovation, fabrication and tuning skills on speed machines. As a competitor, his sportsmanship and willingness to help other racers gained him the respect of the entire snowmobile racing community. Englert retired from competition in 2002. He lives in Brooklyn Park, Minn., with his wife Connie.
45 NSSR World Speed Records • 76 First Place Finishes • Open Fuel I and II Championships • NSSR Driver of the Year • NSSR Best Crew Chief and Best Engineered Sled Honors