ISHOF Inductees - 2018
Curt Kennedy - Volunteer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Curt's exposure to snowmobiling started in 1986. By 1992, he was heavily involved with the Utah Snowmobile Association (USA) and has become the backbone of that organization. He is known as the expert on public land use issues and economic analysis of the importance of snowmobiling to rural communities in Utah. He lists his most favorable experiences as Director of Public Lands for USA and has 15 years of dedicated and unassuming service to that organization. Many times, he has demonstrated the "voice of reason" when working to resolve sensitive land use issues. Among his many achievements are service to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) as treasurer for five years, assisted in founding the Avalanche Center, writing 15 different ISMA grants totaling $67,000 to be used for medial support of snowmobiling in Utah, directing the 2005 ISC and orchestrating a State Economic Impact Study. Curt received the Snowmobiler of the Year award from USA in 2003-04 for his untiring efforts to promote and grow snowmobiling in the state of Utah. His list of accomplishments fills many pages. Always the dedicated, talented and ever humble person, he has traveled the state and nation at his own expense, even when funds were available. While he is stepping away from all of these snowmobile activities and organizations to enjoy some retirement, Curt Kennedy is now being fittingly rewarded for a lifetime of service to the sport with his induction into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
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Bobby Unser - Inventor
Albuquerque, New Mexico
As a three-time winner of the famed Indianapolis 500 auto race, Bobby is primarily known for his achievements in auto racing but in the snowmobile industry, he is known as the original inventor of the independent front suspension (IFS) now used by all manufacturers. First introduced in 1972 on a Chaparral, Bobby wanted no money for his work, only full control of the design and development process. It was a unique design for snowmobiles, not a spin-off from automobiles, as it allowed for low motor placement and room for tuned exhaust pipes. When Chaparral went out of business, Polaris immediately took on the concept. Their 1977 RXL race sleds were a dominant force on the track due to their new IFS suspensions. By 1980, Polaris had IFS on consumer sleds and, by the 1990s, all manufacturers were using various designs of Bobby's original concept. But he did not stop with just the IFS design; Also to his credit came the PAC ski shock absorbers, development of plastic skis and other innovations to make snowmobiles a better product. Bobby is a die-hard snowmobiler and is always ready to appear at meetings and gatherings to lend a hand promoting the sport, sign autographs and enjoys meeting and socializing with other snowmobilers. A very creative designer and ever energetic gentleman of the sport, Bobby Unser is now being inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
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Stan Slack - Volunteer
Nova Scotia, Canada
Known in Nova Scotia as the "Gentleman of Snowmobiling", Stan Slack has been an integral part of the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) for almost 40 years. He has served nine of those years as President and was a major factor in growing SANS from six clubs (with 300 members) to 21 clubs (with over 2400 family members). He has created or chaired numerous programs and projects whose success can be attributed to Stan's initiative and guidance. These successes include trail development, youth programs and promotions, trail signing, charity events, club development and trail grooming projects. Stan has given freely and without hesitation his time and talents to represent snowmobilers on the local, province and international levels. His vision built SANS and he continues to provide the leadership and dynamic vision that leads the organization. Stan was a founding member of the Nova Scotia Trails Federation, initiated the SANS User Pay Trail Permit System, instrumental in helping set up the Off-Highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund and created the Geomapix GPS Trail Map. In 2012, Stan received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and, in 2014, was presented the Nova Scotia Trails White Hills Summit Award for his outstanding contribution to trail development in the Province. Stan's passionate, yet humble, involvement in organized snowmobiling on the local to international level demonstrate the driving force he has been in the development of the sport. It now has earned him induction into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
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Dave Guenther - Volunteer
Breezy Point, Minnesota
Dave's fascination with snowmobiles started way back in 1963 when he was in first grade. Then, in 1970, his family bought their first snowmobile. After wearing out four motors on that sled, Dave bought his first snowmobile while still in high school. He grew up in Minnesota which was, at that time, the hotbed of snowmobile manufacturing. It allowed him to associate with many icons of the new sport, establish lasting friendships with them and become very knowledgeable about the new sport that was sweeping the country. Soon the "antique" bug infected him. His first, a 1964 Trailmaker, soon led him on a journey and mission that continues today to sustain the history of the sport through the preservation of the machines that created the sport. Dave was instrumental in the formation of the Antique Snowmobile Club of America (ASCOA), has served every office in the club including nine years as President and 20 years as editor of its newsletter. He has been a safety instructor for more than 20 years and was 2010 Instructor of the Year for Minnesota DNR. With a never ending passion for snowmobiling, he has created, organized and managed numerous snowmobile shows throughout the state and has been honored with numerous awards for his snowmobile and civic achievements. For his 55 years of unselfish promotion and support of the sport, Dave Guenther is now being inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame.
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ISHOF Snowmobile Club of the Year 2018
Cumberland Snowmobile Club
Collingwood Corner, Nova Scotia, CANADA
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Cumberland Snowmobile Club of Collingwood Corner, Nova Scotia continues to grow and prosper. With 130 family members, 1300 followers on Facebook and an active website, the Club is also in tune with modern social media. A "VIP" membership contributes to the grooming expense but also offers extra privileges and perks. The Club maintains and grooms 400+ km of trails with their three groomers, all operated by volunteers. They built five warming shelters along the trail. Their annual operating budget exceeds $250,000. Each November, to start the season, the Club holds a Dream Ride Lottery and Auction. In 2017, it raised over $20,000. The Club also works with area ATV clubs to coordinate trails. ISHOF is proud to name the Cumberland Snowmobile Club with the International Snowmobile Club of the Year award for 2018. For more information on Cumberland Snowmobile Club visit www.cumberlandsnowmobileclub.com.
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ISHOF Dealer of the Year 2018 - sponsored by Snow Goer
Pioneer Motorsport Inc.
Chafee, New York
Ken Armstrong founded Pioneer Motorsport Inc. in 1964 and, together with his family, have built the business into a thriving, state of the art dealership for Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha brands, among others. A key ingredient to this success has been their hands-on involvement with local clubs. They host area club meetings, provide space for fundraisers, promote club membership, have youth rider development programs and demo rides. Working with local and area clubs has been a priority for the Armstrong family since the start. A representative of the dealership can be seen at numerous ride-ins, shows, federation events and functions. Ken has just turned 80 years old, but his son Terry and family continue the traditions he inspired. This has earned Pioneer Motorsport Inc. of Chaffee, New York the honor of being awarded ISHOF's Dealer of the Year for 2018. For more information on Pioneer Motorsport Inc. visit www.pioneermotorsport.com.
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