1981 JOHN DEERE LIQUIFIRE BEST HANDLING SLED

October 1981 - SHOOT-OUT
In the handling phase of the 1981 Shoot Out on March 4, 1981 at Lake Namakagon, the 1981 John Deere Liquifire was the best handler.  Each sled had four timed attempts, of which only the best three counted.  Of those three, Deere's Liquifire was the first, third and fourth best overall.  The second best time was almost a full second and about half a mile per hour slower! That the Deere proved it was the "Best Handler"
   Scoring a perfect 90 points in the handling phase, the Deere earned another 52 points in acceleration, making a total of 142, which qualified as third overall.
   With a 440cc engine delivering 65 horsepower, the Deere suffered against its higher-powered, larger displacement competition.  So its victory in the handling phase showed that design can win over muscle.