ELEPHANT LAKE — Owners and fans of vintage snowmobiles made their way in large numbers to Elephant Lake on Saturday for the 40th Annual Melgeorge’s Resort Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Race, greeted by ideal conditions for both circuit and straight-track racing.
Racing groups formed a small village along the west shore of the cove at the resort, while the south shore featured a wide array of vintage sleds on display for visitors to admire.
An outdoor food stand drew a constant line of people waiting for pulled pork, cheeseburgers, and brats, taking some pressure off the restaurant inside the resort, which remained packed throughout the day. Overhead, a drone captured footage that was shared on social media, bringing the festivities to those unable to attend.
And in a quiet, fitting tribute, the show award for best restored snowmobile was renamed the Dave Iverson Award. Iverson, who passed away in February, was president of the Voyageur Country ATV Club and led the development of the new Voyageur Trail Society snowmobile groomer facility in Orr. He was also a member of the Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club.

Race results
Antique
Rear engine 8HP and under: 1. Lee Carlson, Culver, 1963 Abe Matthews Trailmaker; 2. John Hayes, Breezy Point, 1963 Sno-Tracker.
2 Cycle 9HP and under: 1. Todd Carlson, Duluth, 1966 Polaris Colt; 2. Wayne Schlauderaff, Detroit Lakes, 1966 Foxtrac RT10.
2 Cycle 10HP and over: 1. Ted Beck, Markham, 1965 Ski-Doo; 2. Kery Johnson, Saginaw, 1965 Ski-Doo.
4 cycle 9HP and under: 1. Jayce Lachowitzer, Hutchinson, Arctic Cat 100 1962; 2. Nick Novak, Mazeppa, Polaris Sno-Traveler 1963.
4 cycle 10HP and over: 1. Nick Novak, Mazeppa, Arctic Cat Panter 1968.

Classic
250-300 cc’s Stock Air Cooled: 1. Seth Laveau, Wrenshall, 1980 Yamaha Enticer; 2. Glen Ware, Nickerson, Polaris Colt 295 1972.
250-300 cc’s Modified Air Cooled: 1. Marvin Stadin, Holyoke, Ski-Doo 245 RV 1975; 2. Nick Slavicek, Osage, Yamaha GP292 1973.
340-400 cc’s Stock Air Cooled: 1. Charlie Boehm, Brussels, Wis., 1975 TNT Ski-Doo; 2. Scott Wright, Orr, John Deere Spitfire.
340-400 cc’s Modified Air Cooled: 1. Jeff Harmen, Orr, Arctic Cat 340 Jag 1978; 2. Marvin Stadin, Holyoke, Snojet 340 Thunder Jet 1974.
440-500 cc’s Stock Air Cooled: 1. Jaymes Scholz, Ely, 1973 Mercury Max; 2. Chad Laing, Vadnais Heights, Mercury Trail Twister 240.
440-500 cc’s Modified Air Cooled: 1. Jesse Brunner, Cook, 1977 Arctic Cat El Tigre 5000; 2. Eric Janssen, Cambridge, 1976 Pantera.
500 cc’s & up Stock Air Cooled: 1. Cody Long, Orr, Arctic Cat El Tigre 1977; 2. Wayne Schlauderaff, Detroit Lakes, 1972 Ski-Doo TNT.
500 cc’s & up Modified Liquid Cooled: 1. Derek Bartz, Barnum, 1979 Yamaha Enticer; 2. Brian Johnson, Embarrass, 1976 Ski-Doo TNT RV.
500 cc’s & up Modified Air Cooled: 1. Todd Nelson, Naples, FL, 1972 Ski-Doo Blizzard; 2. Jack Novak, Mazeppa, 1981 Arctic Cat El Tigre.

Vintage
250-300 cc’s Stock: 1. Braden Gabrielson, Orr, 1982 Ski-Doo Citation.
250-300 cc’s Modified: 1. Terry Luomanen, Barnum, 1982 Yamaha Brava.
340-400 cc’s Stock: 1. Brian Johnson, Embarrass, 1979 Yamaha Enticer; 2. Woody Rutledge, (city not listed), 1980 TXL Polaris.
440-500 cc’s Stock: 1. Troy Westendorf, Holyoke, 1981 Ski-Doo Blizzard 9500; 2. Tom Long, Orr, 1980 Arctic Cat El Tigre.
440-500 cc’s Modified: 1. Nels Gabrielson, Orr, 1982 Polaris TX 440; 2. Jack Novak, Mazeppa, 1981 Arctic Cat El Tigre.
Kitty Cat: 1. Braxton Long, Orr, Kitty Cat; 2. Kander Thomas, Frazee, 1970 Sno Pony.

Show trophies
Elemer Smith Award: Best unrestored - Todd Nelson, Naples, Fla., 1975 Arctic Cat 2440.
Dave Iverson: Best restored - Nick Novak, Mazeppa, 1963 Arctic Cat 100.
Best cutter: Pull behind - Les Huganen, 1967 Ski-Doo Alpine w/ 1969 Skiboose.
Best dressed: Suit/outfit/hat, vintage style - Lisa Waletzko, Willow River, 1971 Polaris TX 440 Star Fire, blue snowsuit.
Crowd pleaser: This sled had wood cleats - Scott Gillette, Stacy, 1963 Hus-ski.
Judges choice: Derk Bartz, Barnum, 1979 Yamaha Enticer.
Judges choice: Katie Ezell, 1969 Mucaro.
Judges choice: Dorian Rutledge, 1975 Polaris 500 LTD.
Judges choice: Brenda Edmondson, 1976 Ski-Doo TNT.