Chilly weather and thick snow may be a nuisance for most, but bring perfect conditions for racing snowmobiles—vintage snowmobiles that is.
The novel sport has grown in popularity in recent years with races happening across the nation’s Snowbelt each winter.
Interest in the sport usually begins with the discovery of an old sled.
John McGuirk has been a collector of antique snowmobiles for over 30 years. McGuirk found his first sled in 1972. He had purchased and restored it from a neighbor who was throwing it away. Since then, the snowmobile made its way around Michigan at winter carnivals and ice fishing derbies.
“You discover an old snowmobile that needs to be stored,” says McGuirk about the hobby. “You get satisfaction in restoring it and showing it. It’s twice the fun when you can get one and ride it somewhere like they did 45 or 50 years ago.”
The Antique Snowmobile Association defines the antiques as models created in 1968 or earlier. According to McGuirk, most of the originals were rear engine machines with crude wood runners, chains, and metal slabs with no breaks or lights. They were mainly used by hunters and trappers before making its way into recreational industries.
The modern design of snowmobiles was developed in 1960 with sales reaching their peak in 1970.
“It’s revitalizing the use of older snowmobiles that were set aside in barns or garages,” said McGuirk. “It’s a fun thing to do if you live in the snowmobile belt.”
Races occur each winter and some draw thousands of racers, owners, and spectators with some of the largest events held in the northeast.
“It’s an exciting thing to do. You’re not going fast. You’re in the snow and the woods and you’re enjoying yourself. It’s a fun thing to do with friends,” says McGuirk.
In St. Germain, Wisconsin, a 175-mile long “Vintage Challenge” is held for two groups of participants in vintage sleds in Wisconsin’s woods. The event is in its 27th year and draws over 100 riders.
The Great Eastern Whiteout in Fulton, New York, draws thousands of spectators. According to organizers, it is the largest antique snowmobile show in the northeast with over 250 racing sleds and another 400 for show.
The novel sport has grown in popularity in recent years with races happening across the nation’s Snowbelt each winter.
Interest in the sport usually begins with the discovery of an old sled.
John McGuirk has been a collector of antique snowmobiles for over 30 years. McGuirk found his first sled in 1972. He had purchased and restored it from a neighbor who was throwing it away. Since then, the snowmobile made its way around Michigan at winter carnivals and ice fishing derbies.
“You discover an old snowmobile that needs to be stored,” says McGuirk about the hobby. “You get satisfaction in restoring it and showing it. It’s twice the fun when you can get one and ride it somewhere like they did 45 or 50 years ago.”
The Antique Snowmobile Association defines the antiques as models created in 1968 or earlier. According to McGuirk, most of the originals were rear engine machines with crude wood runners, chains, and metal slabs with no breaks or lights. They were mainly used by hunters and trappers before making its way into recreational industries.
The modern design of snowmobiles was developed in 1960 with sales reaching their peak in 1970.
“It’s revitalizing the use of older snowmobiles that were set aside in barns or garages,” said McGuirk. “It’s a fun thing to do if you live in the snowmobile belt.”
Races occur each winter and some draw thousands of racers, owners, and spectators with some of the largest events held in the northeast.
“It’s an exciting thing to do. You’re not going fast. You’re in the snow and the woods and you’re enjoying yourself. It’s a fun thing to do with friends,” says McGuirk.
In St. Germain, Wisconsin, a 175-mile long “Vintage Challenge” is held for two groups of participants in vintage sleds in Wisconsin’s woods. The event is in its 27th year and draws over 100 riders.
The Great Eastern Whiteout in Fulton, New York, draws thousands of spectators. According to organizers, it is the largest antique snowmobile show in the northeast with over 250 racing sleds and another 400 for show.
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