A few weeks ago I received a batch of repro decals — iconic versions from the orignal Winnipeg I-500 cross-country — from Steve Dahlen of St. Hilaire, Minn. (first town south of Thief River Falls on Hwy 32).
Steve made my day for two reasons: the amazing decals; and the more concrete news that of a St. Hilaire-area cross-country race this winter for two classes of vintage sleds, plus the Sno Pro 500 racer.
The 10 to 11-mile course will consist of classic cross-country terrain: ditch and river.
Details are still in play at this point, but the plan is for a 1974-older class that will run a single lap, followed by a 1984-older class that will go 4-5 laps of the same course.
Later in the day, a 85-hp class will see modern Sno Pro 500s (and perhaps Yamaha Phazers) go enough laps to get tired, but not so many to require a fuel stop.
Dahlen himself is a longtime racer, tuner and race-maker. He was one of the original guys behind the Pine Lake (Minn.) cross-country, has tuned xc sleds for a few people over the years, and is now into vintage. So he’s got the resume of experience to pull off a fun-size-fits-all “local” cross-country in the heartland of such events.
Feb. 4 is the proposed date of the event. I’ll definitely post more info here when the details are fully sorted.
For now, enjoy the following decals that will grace my sled this season (thanks Steve!).
I’m definitely going to run with the rabbit this season.
And I’ll be running leaded premium that I purchase at the local Standard Station.
A fresh pair of BRES plugs for every race.
And a cool Hamm’s to celebrate upon seeing the finish line.