The Board of Directors of the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (SHOF) and Museum in St. Germain, Wis., have announced the inductees for 2008.
Honored this year are Andy Baker of Beausejour, Man., Canada, Christopher Twomey of Thief River Falls, Minn., C.J. Ramstad of Deephaven, Minn., and Clayton Neuman of Coon Rapids, Minn. They will be enshrined Feb. 9, 2008 at the banquet held at the Whitetail Inn in St. Germain.
Andy Baker represented Polaris and Moto-Ski, beginning his race career in 1966 at age 10. Baker's respect and commitment to snowmobile oval racing produced two championship titles, presidency of the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships at Beausejour and annual devotion to the races made famous by his hometown. He has continued to help run the famed Beausejour races every year since and was instrumental in the features that have made the track famous for its speed and safety. Baker, a great "backbone" of snowmobile racing, is 51 years old.
Chris Twomey's career span started in 1983 and continues at 59 with Arctic Cat. A business tactician who guided the important business principles at Arctic Cat, Chris led the company's transition from humble re-emergence to industry innovator by combining solid management with a work environment that fostered creativity and passion. As President and CEO of Arctic Cat beginning in 1986, Twomey guided the company through more than a decade of unprecedented growth and success. Chris was certain of the need for industry solidarity, which is why he worked with other industry leaders to create the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association. His leadership and responsibility to the sport coupled with his understanding of land-use politics helped save snowmobile use in West Yellowstone National Park during a tumultuous period beginning in 2000.
C.J. Ramstad's career spanned from 1969-2007. One of the most influential writers and photographers in snowmobile history, Clifford John (C.J.) Ramstad set the standard for snowmobile journalism while creating a historical record that will forever aid and reflect the industry. His tireless involvement at all levels of the sport, from land-use advocacy to club promotion and race history preservation, made him one of the most influential and recognizable figures in snowmobiling. He founded Snow Week magazine and would write for and/or edit nearly every snowmobile publication during his career. He wrote four books and in 1983 he helped conceive and launch the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and served as an invaluable board member for 24 years.
Clayton Neuman's career spanned from 1972-2002 as he represented Arctic Cat. He was a creative, innovative engineer who epitomized the "independent" racer/tuner. He began in snowmobile drag racing combining his love for the sport with his engineering knowledge, he had great success at all levels, including the ISR World Series of Drags, MSDRA and events across North America. In 1990 Clayton built an experimental 800cc, opposed 4-cylinder engine that served as a test bed for new ideas and was raced with great success by the Neuman team. Along with brothers Lloyd, Gordon and Frank, he made the Neuman Race Team a household name in snowmobile drag racing.
Ramstad and Neuman both passed away earlier this year. Ramstad was killed in an auto accident along with his son in May. Neuman passed away of cancer in Sept. just after finding out about his induction.
The banquet will be held after the 25th Annual Ride with the Champs by Modine HotDawg Garage Heaters at 7 p.m. The Ride begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast.
Feb. 8, 2008 will be the dedication of the Ramstad Library and Media Center at the SHOF's new expanded museum building.
More info:
www.snowmobilehalloffame.com