Cool News

The Snowmobile Hall of Fame (SHOF) announced on December 3 the inductees for 2009: Mike Houle, Paul Groth, Ken Konop and Donald Finck. 

They will be formally inducted into the SHOF during the annual banquet on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009.

Mike Houle is synonymous with oval racing greatness, having risen to the top of that discipline in the 1980s and continuing as one of the best in the 1990s. Houle, of Cedar, Minn., made his mark in the Midwest snocross and oval circuits aboard Polaris and later with Ski-Doo. A smart, strong rider who was set-up rider whose style often drew on strength, Houle enjoyed multiple wins at the Eagle River World Championships, USSA High Point titles and MRP championships.

Speed run competition achieved high popularity in the 1980s, due to the fantastic machines, competitive personalities and outstanding speeds. Paul Groth of Frontenac, Minn., was chief among these protagonists and a driving force in speed run popularity. His reiteration of Boss Cat II as the Budweiser Sno-King brought a huge multinational advertiser to the sport and set multiple speed records in the NSSR circuit.

For more than 30 years snowmobile racers and trail riders have enjoyed greater personal safety thanks to Ken Konop, inventor of the Saf-Jac protective vest. Inspired by the accidental death of his wife, Jacque, at a snowmobile race in 1974, Konop brought his Saf-Jac to market for the 1975 season. It has since established a legacy of quality and safety, having prevented countless serious injuries to thousands of thankful riders and racers.

Donald Finck has served as president, director and trail master in the Vermont Association Snow Travelers (VAST), as well as introducing innovative snowmobiling services and programs in the association. Finck, now of Carson, Wash., also founded the successful and venerable Rock Maple Racing Circuit in Vermont.

For more information on the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum, including attending the 2009 induction banquet and Ride with the Champs, go to http://www.snowmobilehalloffame.com or call the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum at (715) 542-4HOF (4463).