The 37th Annual Snowmobile Hall of Fame inductions and Ride with the Champs fully delivered on its tradition of legendary snowmobile personalities; great riding experiences; historic snowmobiles and memorabilia on display at the SHOF, entertainment, friendship, and the induction of four great HOFers. All took place at the SHOF headquarters in St. Germain, Wis.
This was the second year since we added the Fri Night Fish Fry to the official activities of the weekend, and was another hit. This year’s entertainment was Frustration to Factory, the story of Team Frustration, with a video and presentation by Todd Simison followed by stories and Q&A with Team Frustration racers Frans Rosenquist and Jim Dimmerman. The addition of a professional audio/video crew has elevated the experience for everyone.
Saturday’s RWTC was excellent, with multiple groups exploring what were fantastic trails and awesome riding conditions. We shortened many of the rides this year to allow for more stops/conversations, as well as an overall more manageable schedule that allows attendees plenty of time throughout the day.
Saturday evening provided fun and memorable for fans and inductees alike. The autograph session brought dozens of HOFers and celebrities, including Burt Bassett, Jim Kedinger, Team Goodwin, Joey Hallstrom, Jamie Anseeuw, Gary Moyle, Dimmerman, Rosenquist, Herb Howe, Bobby Enns, Zach Herfindahl, Roger Skime, and others.
The induction ceremony was powerful and fun, with four inductees who are true legends of the sport. While 3-time World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve was unable to attend, the speeches and excitement delivered by speed run stalwart Marlyn Englert, 4-time World Champion P.J. Wanderscheid, and cross-country champion Archie Simonson were as enjoyable as they were memorable. The sport of snowmobile racing is lucky to have great champions who are also great people.
The entire weekend was sponsored by Livingston’s Arctic Cat of Hillsboro, NH. Owner Steve Livingston is a generous supporter of the SHOF, and he was there with his wife Sam to share his passion for the sport. That support, coupled with the gifts provided by outstanding silent and live auction items, will help keep the SHOF on its path of honoring the men and women of the sport. Our next event is the 17th Annual Classic Sled Roundup, presented by Livingston’s Arctic Cat, May 23-24. The 38th Annual RTWC/HOF induction will take place Feb. 12-13, 2021. For more information, visit snowmobilehalloffame.com.
– John Sandberg
