I teared up today

[Liquifire 4/6]

It was not until today that I noticed a message dated Nov 26/2020 from Jon Carlson in my messages. How I wished I'd seen it a year ago but I missed it. I'd have so liked to have met him. In his message, he stated his desire to build a custom sled that would resemble his #54 340/S. He said his #54 is currently in 100% original condition in the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and that he would like to create a custom sled that would convincingly resemble it but with some more modern day components, many of which he specified. He expressed his desire to ride the sled in the Hall of Fame Ride With the Champs and asked if I might be interested in building the sled for him. I would have been so thrilled (and honored) to work with him on such a build. I am very sorry to have missed seeing the message and missing out on the opportunity to work with a very talented man. He and Brian Nelson and the entire Enduro Team Deere were all heroes of mine when I was a youngster.

Here's a short quote from the message......."I think the Liquifire chassis with rear exchangers and front bulk head heat exchanger will work fine for the 340/S custom, I suggest a twin water cooled fuel injected engine with around 100 HP, cross country bars, current design rear skid, rubber track, hydraulic brakes, plastic skis, and livery number and graphics from the 75 #54. Let me know if you may have an interest......I've got some sleds and parts available to start the recreation." He also mentioned he would like to do a custom based on his 78 Cross country Liquifire someday as well.

In another part of the message, he writes "I still enjoy riding and still ride at speed. BTW there would have never been a Liquidator developed had we not taken 3rd and 4th in the 1975 I-500 race. #54 is significant in Deere history and that race started 375 sleds and only finished 20, 1 second separated 3rd and 4th. Over 3 days racing below -30 and 600 miles."

God, that would've been fun to work with him on that build. I so regret missing that message and hope he wasn't too upset that he received no reply.
I really admired Jon. God Bless him and his family!

[nick80lf]

I recall seeing Jon at one of the HOF events I attended, never did get the chance to speak with him. Reading this i had two reactions.

1. Wow
2. Tribute sled

[jep_800]

I agree! Tribute Sled!

I’ve had several posts that Jon commented on, and was always humbled he would take the time to do so. He was gracious and seemed a classy guy through and through.

Never got the chance to meet him either but wish I had.

I think finishing a sled that he envisioned would be a great project.

Jason

[400brian]

Chuck Moser has a 54 tribute sled close to done, if it is not already done, and he was working with Jon on that.

[Liquifire 4/6]

I am so happy to hear that Chuck worked with him on the #54 tribute sled. I look forward to seeing what Chuck has come up with. It is just so saddening that Jon will be unable to ride it. He'd have ridden it fast for sure.

[AirborneX4Special]

Chuck's on it. Great to hear.

[400brian]

Yes, I had so hoped Jon could make it to the Elk River show. Chuck was hoping so as well, but had told me in August that Jon had told him he didn't think it likely. It sucks.