THE 1985 ARCTIC CAT COUGAR SE

Snowmobile Magazine - October 1984
NEWSREAL - The Arctic Cat Cougar SE Snowmobile.  The boys at Thief River Falls don't need any special reason to celebrate, but they cooked up the SE version of The Cougar for a celebration anyway.  In addition to special SE graphics on the hood and tunnel, the Cougar SE comes standard with the swaybar for the ski suspension and handlebar heaters for those high-mileage riders this special Arctic Cat is sure to appeal to this season.

GILLES VILLENEUVE RACING SKIROULES

Snow Sports Magazine - January 1976
Snow Sports Digest - 1976 Professional Racing Preview
SKIROULE - Gilles Villeneuve came out of Quebec during the 1973-74 season to set  the snowmobile racing world on its ear excitement-wise by premiering the Alouette twin tracker SnoPro racer and then coming in on a conventional sled to capture the Eagle River World Championship Trophy.
Last year his activity was reduced to part-time and spotty appearances, but whenever he did appear, he was competitive.  This year Villeneuve will be back on the track, piloting a green machine, Skiroule.
Its fitting-Villeneuve got started in snowmobile racing on a Skiroule back in the late 1960's as a member of Skiroule's factory team effort then.
Little is know at press time about exactly what the snowmobiles will be, except that they will likely be what Skiroule has in its mind for its 1977 lineup and that they will be powered by Kohler "water burners"  Its also doubtful that Villeneuve will be running a twin tracker, but no matter what he's driving, with Villeneuve back on the track, there's bound to be excitement and there will be yet another color on the starting line

ARCTCO SAYS "NO" TO POLARIS

Snowmobile Business Magazine - April 1988
Thief River Falls, Minnesota - Arctco Inc., manufactureres of Arctic Cat Snowmobiles, recently issued a "no thanks" response to a $25 million dollar acquisition proposal from EIP Associates, Garden City, New York.  EIP an affiliate of Shearson Lehman Hutton, is General Partner of Polaris Industries General Partnership, which acquired Polaris last fall.
The proposal and subsequent position statements from both Minnesota based snowmobiles manufacturers, was made public by an article in the March 16th issue of The Minneapolis Star Tribune which disclosed the offer.
Chris Twomey, president and chief executive officer of Arctco, issued a firm response to the proposal, saying the Thief River Falls manufacturer would "take appropriate" measures in blocking the proposal merger.

RUPP DEALERS MAKE YELLOWSTONE TRIP

Snowsports Dealer News - February 1974
Mansfield, Ohio - Rupp Industries has announced that it will be sending 75 of its dealers in Michigan on an all expenses paid trip to West Yellowstone, Montana in February.
The dealers and their guests will spend four days sightseeing and snowmobiling in The West Yellowstone area, according to Lloyd Larsen, Rupp National Sales Manager.

SNOWMOBILE DRAG RACING

Snowmobile Magazine - November 1981
DRAG - Snowmobile drag racing expands.. Organizes under new IRSI banner.
Drag racing for snowmobiles is on-the grow again for 1981-82 as the many associations sancthioning this popular form of competition to expand their schedules and develop as an overall federation under the guidance of Olav Aaen in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  The new federation, called International Snowmobile Racing Inc., will function this winter as the communication center for drag racing.
An expanded World Series of snowmobile drag racing has also been scheduled for February 27-28th in Alexandria, Minnesota.  The series concept for drag racing has grown steadily and the 1982 edition is expected to be the biggest quarter mile event ever.

SPEEDWAY SOLD TO FOX CORPORATION

Snowsports Dealer News - April 1974
Mansfield, Ohio - Snowsports Dealer news has learned that Speedway Products, Inc. has been sold for an undisclosed amount of cash to Fox Corporation, Janesville, Wisconsin according to Bill Graff, a Fox spokesman.  The company acquired "the entire Speedway line and most of the company's assets".
John Morrow, former Speedway president, has also moved to The Fox Corporation and has been named Vice President of operations.

ARCTIC CAT AD

Snowmobile West Magazine - September 1987
Snowmobile Ad - ONLY ONE COMPANY BUILDS A SLED FOR THE FASTEST RIDER IN THE WORLD, THE SLOWEST RIDER IN THE WORLD, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
From the unbeatable fast Wildcat 650 to the only children's sled in the world-The Kitty Cat. No one makes a wider range of snowmobiles than Arctic Cat.  Thats because no one understands snowmobiles like Arctic Cat.  We know different people enjoy the sport in different ways, and so we make thirteen snowmobiles to choose from.  Everything from the best selling trail riding Cougar and the new two-up Cheetah Touring to The economical Jag and the luxurious electric start Panther.  No matter what kind of snowmobiler you are, we've got just the snowmobile for you.

1985 SKIDOO CITATION LS/LSE

Snowmobile Magazine - November 1984
AD - Take a Fling on The Best Economy Buy in The Business.
Citation LS/LSE - You simply can't buy more snowmobile for the money, because from the tip of its flexible plastic nose piece to its cushiony Torque Reaction slide suspension.  The Citation LS is all new, All Skidoo - and light years ahead of the competition.
So, take one home to the kids, Or take one out for a fling.  When you ride a new Citation LS, you can fool around to your hearts content - because we didn't when we designed it.  SKIDOO, Built for The Long Run

SCORPION BULL WHIP

PROFESSIONAL RACING PREVIEW
Snow Sports Magazine - January 1977
In keeping with past company policy, Scorpion will not field a factory snowmobile racing team of professional racers, but will offer contingency prize money to independent racers who win with the new Bull Whip cross country snowmobile.  Scorpion will also have a support vehicle at selected races to
assist drivers with technical advise and parts.
In making the announcement, Scorpion race director, Jim Engen, said "we're really excited at tne prospects or the Bull Whip.  This sled, with its unique construction and new Cuyuna engine is strong, light and will be extremely competitive."
Prize money for Bull Whip racers will be awarded at all International Cross Country Federation events.
The St Paul-to-Winepeg 500, Michigan's Triple Crown and the Kawartha Cup in Peterborough, Ontario.

THE 1983 POLARIS INDY 600

Snowmobile West - 1983 Buyers Guide - September 1982
Polaris Indy 600 for 1983 promises to be the fastest production snowmobile on the snow this season, with its three cylinder  597cc liquid cooled engine.
As a point of pride, Polaris has applied the spit-and-polish of brushed aluminum and branded its engine with The Polaris Indy 600 name.  Although handling a machine of the 600's power could have been a challenge, Polaris independent front suspension works in unison with the rear suspension for a balanced ride and handling ease.
In performance and design, the Indy 600 is superlative, and the snowmobiler who grabs its throttle has captured the best and fastest the industry has to offer-and with first class looks. 

POLARIS DOMINATES ALEXANDRIA SNOPRO

SnoSports Dealer News - January 1977
Alexandria, Minn.- Polaris backed up it's remarkable showing at Ironwood the week before by winning three of four SnoPro classes at the Dayco Holiday Spectacular held in Alexandria, December 18th and 19th.  Brad Hulinga was again the big winner as he toke the Super Mod I and II titles plus the Hetteen Cup as the top point man in SnoPro competition.

MORE ABOUT MYSELF

Before I get into blogging about classic and vintage snowmobiles, I would like to tell you a little more about myself.  As I've illustrated in my profile within this blog, my life has been centered around snowmobiles which includes the present time.  I was a Rupp dealer from 1969 thru it's death in 1978.  In 1980, I, along with some help made an attempt to bring Rupp Industries back into existence.  "GO HERE", To read all about this attempt.  In 1984, I moved to South Dakota and went on to expand my snowmobile parts and accessories operation by the name of SnoCat Shack and later was renamed Sport Shack, because of a legal matter.  I sold Sport Shack in 1996 and started a company by the name of Battery Shack and sold over 14,000 batteries in 10 years. "CLICK HERE", To learn more about this business.

1984 YAMAHA PHAZER

Snowmobile Magazine - September 1983
After almost three years of rumors, The Yamaha mystery sled appears as The 1984 Phazer...as close as 
coming from a fresh sheet of paper as anything ever built by Yamaha.
The rumors begin surfacing in 1980 Yamaha, in the process of introducing the SR-V and deep in the concept stage for the new SRX (later V-Max), had a third sled underway in the development process."Something really new and different."  This phrase was the only acknowledgement we could get from the sources inside Yamaha and while these five words didn't contain many satisfying details, we were intrigued by the rumors and confident Yamaha could indeed come up with a snowmobile model truly new and different.

KAWASAKI LEAVES SNOWMOBILE BUSINESS

SnoGoer Trade Magazine - August/September 1982
Kawasaki Motor Corporation, USA (KMC)  Has discontinued the development and production of snowmobiles, the company has announced.  No 1983 models of snowmobiles will be built, but parts and service for existing Kawasaki snowmobiles will continue to be offered to consumers thru Kawasaki's dealer network.
The decision to leave the snowmobile industry will not affect John Deere snowmobiles, which use Kawasaki engines.  John Deere purchases it's engines directly from Kawasaki Heavy Industries and never has dealt with KMC.

ANTIQUE SNOWMOBILE ACTIVITIES GROWING

SnoGoer Trade Magazine - December 1983
Sterling, IL - Membership and interest continues to grow in The Antique Snowmobiles Club of America, and now a Canadian counterpart to The U.S. group has been formed.
The Antique and Classic snowmobile club of Canada is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of snowmobile history.  The only qualification for joining the club is to own a snowmobile which is 1966 model or older, or a rare or antique machine that is not common on the trails today.  An annual membership costs $10.00 per family.
The Canadian group is planning to build a snowmobile museum that will house a collection of snowmobiles, stories, artwork, photographs and other snowmobile memorabilia.

THE EXISTENCE OF CLASSIC SNOWMOBILES

Fifty years ago there was only a handful of snowmobiles manufactured or in existence.  In the late 1960's and early 1970's there were over 50 companies producing snowmobiles and thousands were sold.  Presently, there are only four major companies left who produce snowmobiles. As the snowmobiles age from these four companies along with the companies that are no longer in existence is where the vintage and classic snowmobiles come from.

ARCTIC WILL MANUFACTURE SNOWMOBILES FOR SUZUKI

Snowsports Dealer News - July 1974
Thief River Falls, Minn. - Arctic Enterprises, Inc. and US Suzuki Motor Corp. have announced a three year agreement whereby Arctic will manufacture snowmobiles for Suzuki.
According to the joint announcement, a "significant number" of one model Suzuki snowmobiles will be manufactured this first year at the Arctic plant in Thief River Falls.  The snowmobiles will feature a Suzuki engine and will be sold under the Suzuki name. The first model to be built by Arctic for Suzuki will be a 440 Free Air model.
In addition to the new model, Suzuki will continue to market snowmobiles manufactured in Japan by Suzuki, and will be responsible for all sales and services on all Suzuki snowmobiles.

THE NEW 1975 BOA SKI

Invitation to Snowmobiling Magazine - Winter 1974/75
Buyers Guide to 1975 Snowmobiles - Featuring Boa-Ski
Style and dependability are what Alsport, Inc.stresses in the new group of Boa-Ski snowmobiles.  Returning this year are the SS, Mark I and Mark II series for a total of seven models.
The leader of the line is again the SS series, with 340cc and 440cc Kohler front mounted engine options.  Aluminum chassis, "Easy Rider II" slide rail suspension, speedometer, tachometer and head temperature guages for each bank are standard equipment on these models.  The 440 also features an energy-absorbing bumper of polyurethane.
The colorful, restyled Mark II machines are offered in 292, 340 and 440cc Kohlers,along with a bogies wheel suspension.  The economy model again this year is the Mark I with either a 292 or 340cc Kohler engine.

NO SRX THIS YEAR

Snowmobile West Magazine - January 1982
Merle Karst, senior vice president and director for Yamaha snowmobiles, announced on November 20th, 1981 that the 1983 model SRX500 snowmobile from Yamaha will not be released to the general consumer this season.
"We tested the 1982 SRX500 during the spring and summer of 1981 and things looked very promising at that time," Karst said, and we went ahead with production plans and produced a limited number of SRX's.  But before they were released, we conducted testing in Montana and Alaska and found that they did not meet our expectations for durability and overall trailability and therefore we made the decision not to burden the loyal SRX customers with them.  Karst said, Yamaha will continue testing The SRX and continue looking for improvements.  He said the company will continue with The SRX in the future.

POLARIS ANNOUNCES INDY 400

Snowmobile Magazine - September 1983
ROSEAU, MN. - A limited build of a third Indy model, dubbed the Indy 400, has been announced by Polaris for the 1984 season.  After finalizing the 400cc liquid cooled twin Polaris, engineers have been working on for two years, the sledmaker decided in late July to schedule the small initial build to gain consumer experience with the new design before going to full scale production for 1985.
The limited build Indy is a liquid cooled, oil injected, high-performance model positioned between the popular Trail and 600 Indys.

SNO GOERS 2nd ANNUAL SHOOTOUT

Sno Goer Magazine = October 1981
SKIDOO- THE FASTEST,  For the first two heats of the acceleration phase, Ski-Doo's Blizzard 9500 was first at the quarter, first at the half mile and first at the mile !  It  won 83 of a possible 90 points.  It was the fastest.
Ski-Doo's preformance re-established the Blizzard 9500 as a top-rated speed machine.  The changes that made the difference were recalibrated clutches, new ignition, re-worked carburation and a desire on Ski-Doo's part to show that last year's poor "shoot-out" performance was a fluke.  The 440cc Blizzard had to knock off 500cc sleds to win the title.

JOHN DEERE MILEAGE MAKERS

SNOW GOER MAGAZINE - September 1981
John Deere Trailfire - Since the 1979 model year, John Deere's Trailfire series has been an "MPG All Star."  It hasn't mattered whether it was a 340cc or a 440cc model.  The Trailfires have been 28-plus mpg getters in every recorded fuel test session to ate.

RUPP ACQUIRES ALOUETTE LINE

Snowsports Dealer News - February 1975
Mansfield -  Ohio - An agreement whereby Rupp Industries will acquire the assets of Alouette Recreational Products, Montreal, manufacturer of Alouette snowmobiles, has been reached between Rupp and Alouette's parent company, Coleco (Canada) Ltd.  Colrco had announced several months ago it was seeking a buyer for Alouette.  Coleco purchased Alouette from Bangor-Punta corporation approximately two years ago.

SNOWMOBILE RULED NOT A MOTOR VEHICLE

Snow Sports Dealer News - November 1974
ST. PAUL, MINN. - The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that a snowmobile does not come within the legal definition of a "motor vehicle."
The question, which was ruled upon by the state's high court on October 25th, arose in a lawsuit involving in a collision between two snowmobiles on a township road in St Louis, (Minn.) County in 1971.
One of the drivers involved in the collision was a minor, who sought to use the uninsured motorist coverage of his father's auto insurance policy.  The court ruled that snowmobiles are designed for travel on snow or ice, and that the legislature has passed laws to prohibit their use on public highways.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON DESIGNED FOR DOWN-TO-SNOW DEPENABILITY

Invitation To Snowmobiling "Ad" - November 1973
When you're known around the world for excellence in design, engineering and manufacturing, everything you do has to measure up to your reputation.  That's why dependability is "the plus benefit" built into every Harley-Davidson snowmobile.
Dependability, because Harley-Davidson and only Harley Davidson, designs, engineers and manufactures the major performance components in it's snowmobiles to the highest standards in the industry.
The dependability goes further than the machines themselves.  That's where our dealers come in, with factory-trained mechanics, a full supply of parts, fast,  friendly service.
Dependable snowmobiles, Dependable dealers, From Harley-Davidson.  You Couldn't ask for anything more, Except snow.
AMF Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee, Wis  53201

FOX CORP. UNLIKELY O MAKE '75 SLEDS

Snow Sports Dealer News - June  1974
JANESVILLE, WIS. - The Fox Corporation, according to an announcement by director of marketing, Scott Grafft,  "almost certainly will not produce snowmobiles for the 1974-75 season."  Fox Corporation, a manufacturer of recreational vehicles since 1946, recently purchased the assets of Speedway Products, Inc. Mansfield, Ohio, manufacturer of Speedway snowmobiles and motorcycles.
Fox is in the process of incorporating The Speedway products and designs into its product line, which also includes go karts, three wheelers, and the street legal "Tracker" sport cycle.  Grafft added that in the future all wheeled vehicles from Fox Corporation would be marketed under The "Fox" brand.

ROLLO-O-FLEX IS LIQUIDATED

Snow Sport Dealer News - May 1974
REGINA, SASK. The Assets of Rollo-O-Flex, LTD., manufactureres of Rollo-O-Flex and Wild One Snowmobiles, have been liquidated.
According to John Brennan, appointed by the court as receiver manager on behalf of  the secured creditors, the company had proposed payment of 20% of its debts in January, however when it couldn't make that first payment, the creditors committee decided to liquidate the assets and formal application for bankruptcy will be made shortly.

SCORPION BUYS JLO; WILL MOVE FACILITIES TO US

Snow Sports Dealer News - September 1974
CROSBY MINN. - Scorpion, Inc. announced it has purchased the recreational engine manufacturing  operations of North American Rockwell.  The facilities located in Pinneberg, Germany, will be moved to Scorpion headquarters in Crosby, Minnesota over a three year period.
Scorpion has utilized The Rockwell JLO engine for the past three years, and the past season used only Rockwell.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed, However, Harvey V. Paulson, Scorpion president, said the total project will be well into seven figures.

MORE ABOUT MYSELF

Before I get into blogging about classic and vintage snowmobiles, I would like to tell you a little more about myself.  As I've illustrated in my profile within this blog, my life has been centered around snowmobiles which includes the present time.  I was a Rupp dealer from 1969 thru it's death in 1978.  In 1980, I, along with some help made an attempt to bring Rupp Industries back into existence.  To read all about this attempt, "GO HERE".  In 1984, I moved to South Dakota and went on to expand my snowmobile parts and accessories operation by the name of SnoCat Shack and later was renamed Sport Shack because of a legal matter.  I sold Sport Shack in 1996 and started a company by the name of Battery Shack, which sold 14,000 batteries in 10 years.  To learn more about this business,"CLICK HERE" 

MASSEY-FERGUSON'S NEW CYCLONE

Snow Sport Dealer News - April - 1975
Massey Ferguson's new cyclone, the company's top-of-the-line model for next season, made an early appearance this winter during final tests near Crosby, Minn.  The Cyclone is powered by a 440cc liquid cooled engine, and is one of three all-new series of Massey snowmobiles for 1975-76.