Vintage I-500: "New" 621?

[JoeRainville]

The USXC announced on Facebook that the I-500 is a go for this year from Winnipeg to Bemidji. The vintage leaf spring and classic IFS classes will be run the last day, Saturday Feb 10th. Despite my less than stellar record at this event, I always seem to have a great time anyway and look forward to attempt #5.

It's not 100% certain what sled I will be on, as the "new" Deere isn't quite finished, but should be for the race. Just in case, the 80 Liquifire is getting an NOS stator and coil, along with a new SPI CDI box to hopefully put the ignition issue to rest. My mechanic and partner in crime Adam is coming up this year and may run the old sled.

I hope to see Gablers 1978 technical masterpiece out there again. Any other JD's planning to make the attempt? Wade? Any support crew like a Dustin or two making the trip? What about our Crew Chief St. Rupp?

Catch you later, Liquidator!
-Joe Rainville
#621 Liquifire Racer
I-500 Victim more than not

[JoeRainville]

As a brief recap of last year, the amazing Glen Wasmuth of Saskatchewan, Canada completed the race on his original 340/s that he raced back in 1975. It was an honor to share the trail for a few minutes with Glen.

Gabler finished his first ever I-500 attempt on his very well prepared and tested 78 Liquifire.

Good old 621 started loosing power where she wouldn't take full throttle but ran well at 3/4. I assumed I was loosing the ignition, but tried to keep her rolling as she was still quite fast at 3/4 throttle with the clutching sorted out this year. Unfortunately I has a small get off and the sled wouldn't re-fire about 5 miles from the gas stop...bummer, but a very fun race for 55 miles or so before that!

So far I think the best a Deere has done is 6th place. I am quite sure our sleds have the potential to do better than this, but the Cat's and Polaris' that take the podiums are very well sorted out with experienced drivers. In this history of this race, a Deere is the only non-current manufacturer to ever win it...

[JDT]

Wouldn't miss it. I'll be there.

[jep_800]

Good Luck this year Joe! Hope Deere has a nice showing!

Jason

[JoeRainville]

Thanks Todd, look forward to seeing you there. I have two rooms at the Casino for Thursday and Friday nights since I wasn't sure who was coming up or not.

Jason, I hope to start a new trend and cross the finish line this year...and look forward to seeing other Deere's there also. Haven't heard much from the other guys, but my old Liqufire should have a new pilot with my mechanic and sled builder Adam on board.

The new "621" is nearly finished. Shocks were the last big thing we needed, and they shipped earlier this week, luckily. Adam has the freshly rebuild Kiortiz powerhouse bolted into the restored chassis while I am finishing the suspension down here in FW. While tight on time, we should have a few days to test and tune in TRF as I plan to pull in Thursday morning to the Casino as does Adam.

After that its onto St. German for a week of casual riding before another crazy weekend!

-Joe Rainville
"621" I-500 attempt #5

[JDGuy]

Joe: I have a premonition, this is your year, it's going to be good.

[croyturbo]

Good luck Joe.

[JoeRainville]

Thanks Chris and Guy, I am hoping for either a great finish or at least an entertaining attempt!

-Joe