TOGO — Togo was abuzz with excitement as snowmobile enthusiasts from far and wide gathered for the annual Irondog Vintage Snowmobile Derby.
Despite the sunny weather conditions, which posed some challenges, participants and spectators alike enjoyed a thrilling day of racing and community festivities, including a delightful pancake breakfast on Feb. 18.
One of the highlights of the event was John Kweens from Churchbridge, who brought his custom-built snowmobile, the "Hand Built Ski-doo Twin Tracker." Crafted with meticulous detail and precision, Kweens' creation showcased a fusion of innovation and craftsmanship. The snowmobile, weighing in at 500 lb. dry, boasted an array of features that captured the attention of onlookers.
The chassis of the snowmobile was constructed with welded bulkheads and aluminum plates, reinforced with sturdy support plates and roll bars for enhanced durability and stability. The tracks and suspension were meticulously designed, featuring rubber tracks from a 1990 Ski-doo Safari and a rear suspension system sourced from a 5500 Blizzard.
The snowmobile boasted a plethora of customized components, including aftermarket carb air cleaners, Go-kart race seat, rear car spoiler, and modified front and rear bumpers, among others. Each detail spoke to Kweens' passion for snowmobiling and his commitment to engineering a machine that not only performs admirably but also provides a "fun ride" as Kweens said in his press document for the snowmobile.
As participants took to the snowy tracks, Kweens' snowmobile stood out as a testament to ingenuity and creativity in the world of vintage snowmobiling. Its presence added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling event, garnering admiration from fellow enthusiasts and spectators alike.
As the day came to a close, participants reflected on the excitement and camaraderie that defined the Irondog Vintage Snowmobile Derby in Togo. Despite the sunny and warm weather conditions, the event proved to be a resounding success, leaving participants eagerly anticipating next year's instalment.
Vintage Trailblazers for the event were:
- Keith Langan,
- Doug Laviolette,
- Rob & Karen Chutskoff,
- Curtis Stone,
- Jeffery Airriess,
- Albert Konowalchuk, and
- Linda Konowalchuk.
