International 500...1972 vs. !978

Post by **JRC ETD** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:21 pm

In 1972 I started the I-500 with extra pockets sewn on my suit for googles, tools, plugs, face masks, tape ect. The modified 500 had a rear tool box full of belts, extra hardware, tie rod ends, more tools, throttle cables ect. my ggogles were electric heated and plugged into the dash ( bad deal, regulator went out and then melted to the face mask)..........In 1978 I started with 2 plugs fastened to the side of the cylinder, 1 belt on top of the belt guard, a Snickers bar in my zipper pocket, and 2 $100.00 bills in a inner pocket of my leathers. Your guess on the purpose of the $....needed the Snickers if I had to wait for pickup after screwing up by crashing or broke. Everything on the sled that was added was weighed....including me, in 1975 I weighed 219, in 1978 I started at 181 lbs, If you had to stop for a belt or plug you really had no chance of winning even over 560 miles and 12 hours. Was thinking about this as this week in November was the week the race team really ramped up with the first race a month away! Best JRC ETD

Horicon Joe · Post by **Horicon Joe** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:18 pm

I'll take a stab at the $200 ..........
Used to get one of the locals to actually go get your help delivered
to you ASAP .... ??????????

JOE

Horicon Joe · Post by **Horicon Joe** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:29 pm

2nd guess for me .........
Not sure if it would have been legal ...... Bribe another racer to tow you to the nearest
main road .............

Joe

Post by **JRC ETD** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:47 pm

Always short of either time, speed, directions, and fuel or all of them, thus you speak quickly without speaking with the universal langauge.....and use it in any situation as well as to buy drinks in the bar after you broke and are waiting 3 hours for your sweep team to pick you up! If you are not racing, you gotta be selling sleds! Tough to convert those Cat and Polaris owners over without some liquid help. Best JRC ETD......Rich, I have a sled identical to the Liquifire in your post picture!....13 miles on it! Factory I-500 Liquifire!

Post by **JRC ETD** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:27 am

Rich...parden......the sled I have is a 1980, a sled graphiced for promotion for the Winnepeg, which was was never raced, we had a special engine kit to make HP legal. Never been to the Soo, although Hayes's Soo Twister is at Image at ER. JRC ETD

Horicon Joe · Post by **Horicon Joe** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:18 am

The moon boots the girl is wearing in the picture brings back some memories

Post by **JRC ETD** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:51 am

AHHHHH....moon boots, Sorry about the mix-up Rich, Have you got some pics from the Soo sled, very cool! My friend Dan Enns and Guy Useldinger ran it and said it was really somthing. I always had a interest in the race and Traverse City, The Fire I have has the is very similiar to Stans factory graphic XC sled. Best Jon

Horicon Joe · Post by **Horicon Joe** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:04 pm

Rich ..... Am I seeing some sort of deflector extented off the tpr on the right side of
the sled? What is this for? A few extra holes as well?

Joe

Post by **JRC ETD** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 12:12 pm

Holes for the speed wrench on the drive shaft bearings?, Deflector to protect the toe loop?.....very cool ski's.....well done, more pics? JRC ETD