waconia vintage ridein shows historic speed runners
Amsnow
The 13th Annual Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Ride-In recently took place in Waconia, Minnesota. According to officials, it drew a record crowd this year, putting it in position to keep its World's Largest Vintage Sled Event status.
The special theme this year was historic speed run sleds. The 1969 World Record holding Ski-Doo Double Eagle was on hand with its twin 669cc engines. Bob Sell came out from Pennsylvania to show the Johnson Pegasus for the first time in the Midwest. The Pegasus is the current land speed record holder. The Delano Sports Center sponsored the Boss Cat III's appearance at the Waconia show. Paul Groth displayed his Budweiser Sno-King.
Former Hollywood stuntman Ky Michaelson had his rocket-powered Ski-Doo for the show. Chuck's Parts of Merrifield brought out one of the factory Scorpion 740cc speed runners. Finally, AmSnow Test Rider and vintage sled collector Les Pinz brought the Polaris X3 speed run sled. The X3 has not been seen for nearly 30 years.
An ice drag race was also held in conjunction with the Ride-In. The race drew 162 entries, with drivers from six states. There were 24 classes, covering antiques to 800cc factory mod racers.
Next year's Waconia Ride-In is tentatively set for January 31-February 1, 2004. For more information call Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc. at 651/649-4688.