Vintage snowmobiles tackle road course at Piscataquis Fairgrounds

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — It was a snowmobile lover’s “blast from the past” at the Piscataquis County Fairgrounds Saturday.
    A nice collection of Moto-Ski, Chaparral, John Deere, Snow-Prince, Johnson, vintage Yamaha, pre-1970 Arctic Cat and other classic sleds was on display in the parking area while snowmobiles from the same era competed on a twisting road course.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    MOD MADNESS — A pre-1973 single-cylinder modified heat race gets underway at the Vintage Snowmobile Race at the Piscataquis County Fairgrounds.

    The weather was near-perfect with sunny skies and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees for most of the day.
    Competition was fierce among the 50 registered drivers who maneuvered the tight turns set up on the harness racing track.
    There were six racing divisions, although some sleds could compete in more than one class: 1973 and older single cylinder stock, 1973 and older single cylinder modified, 1973 and older twin cylinder, pre-1980 440cc or under, any year production leaf spring single cylinder and powder puff.
    Organizers also added a 120cc division for youngsters who raced on the oval portion of the course.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    TIGHT TURN — Nick Huff of Hampden (left) leads the pack in the pre-1980 440 cc feature race.

    “This is a very challenging track,” said Ricky Romano of Poland, who won the leaf spring production and 44 cc and under features. “If you miss the first turn, chances are you’re going to come close to missing the other ones. But I really like it, and I hope they run it again. We’re always looking for places to race.”
    Pat Garand of Sidney won the 1973 and older single cylinder stock feature in a rare 1972 Elan SS. “I’ve had this sled for about 12 years, but don’t get a chance to race on a course like this very often. I like it. I’m the type of driver who races his (behind) off, so this is perfect for me,” Garand said.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    CLASSICS ON DISPLAY — While several owners raced their sleds on the Piscataquis County Fairgrounds Saturday, many others just brought their machines for an exhibit in the parking lot. Many were rare sleds from long-defunct manufacturers like Snow-Prince and Moto-Ski.

    Dan Bishop, one of the race organizers, said that he was pleased with the turnout although he noticed a drop-off in attendance later in the day. “We think a lot of parents and family friends showed up to specifically watch the kids’ race, then left,” he said. “But this is all new to us; so if we do it again, we may change some things around.”
    The races were scheduled to run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the final checkered flag came out at about 3:20 p.m. “So we hit that target pretty well,” he added.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    THE WINNER — Pat Garand of Sidney takes the checkered flag in the pre-1973 single-cylinder stock feature.

    Bishop said parking was the major problem. “We just ran out of space. The town could only move the snow so far,” he said. “I also could have used about 20 more volunteers, especially (track) corner workers. I’m going to talk to some of the drivers and get their input, too.”

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    SNOW-BUG — A pair of rare 1969 Snow-Bug sleds were brought to the Piscataquis County Fairgrounds by Kevin Smith of Seal Harbor. The single-ski snowmobiles were only produced for about five years, but were considered rugged, workhorse sleds. Note the one on the left used by the Maine Warden Service, complete with clips to hold axes.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    YOUNG GUNS — A nice field of youngsters riding 120 cc snowmobiles takes the green flag under near-perfect racing conditions.

Official results

1973 or Older Single Cylinder Modified Class
1. Ricky Romano
2. Jacob Bissonnette
3.  Mike Morris
1973 and Older Single Cylinder Stock Class
1. Pat Garand
2. Mark Newcombe Jr.
3. Mike Morris
1973 or Older Twin Class
1. John Gurney
2. Nick Huff
3. Nick Pelletier
Pre-1980 440 cc and Under Class
1. Ricky Romano
2. Pat Garand
3. Daytona Gould
Any Year Leaf Spring Prod. Single Cylinder Class
1. Jacob Bissonnette
2. Adam Polviner
3. Brandon Farrin
Powder Puff Class
1. Jamie Dufour
2. Vicki Pomeroy
3. Michelle Benner