2026 RWC: 50th Anniversary of the Dator VC Goals

[JoeRainville]

Hi Guys,

Thinking about how this fall is the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Liquidator and it's many tag lines such as "Introducing more racing snowmobile than we have ever introduced before..." There has been quite a bit a chatter about "How many Liquidators can we get to the HOF for 2026 to celebrate the 50th anniversary" of the machine. Lets not forgot its also the 50th for Enduro Team Deere and Nelson's I-500 win in January of 76. Plus Brian, Bob Enns and Tom Otte winning ICCSF races and taking 1st, 3rd and 4th in overall ICCSF points for the 76 season.

Since the success of the 76 and then the 77 season was built upon the earlier efforts from Jr. Peterson racing a 1972 Model 500 in the I-500, to the first factory team in 73, then the 295/s that the factory team racer John Orvis took to 10th place and then independent Tom Otte rode to 9th in the I-500 in January of 1975. The factory team came back in 1975 with John Carlson's 3rd and Roger Jansen's 4th place I-500 finishes and Independent Otte winning the North Dakota's Governor's Cup.

These are just a few examples of why I would encourage my fellow Deere collectors to bring not just Liquidators the HOF next year, but any and all race sleds: 295/s, 340/s, Dators, 78 CC Liquifires, etc. Machines with race history would be special guest of honor in my opinion. Anyone brave enough to ride a real race sled on one of the Deere rides that week, from the Lake Gogebic Tribute Run, Bogie Bash Ride, John Deere Reunion Ride or finally the RWC-Vintage Challenge would be a brave and hardcore vintage rider!

I hope to see you guys there,
-"John Deere Joe" Rainville
Misguiding your adventures since 2010 or so

[ihengineer76]

I’m ready!

[JoeRainville]

Tom,

The Vintage Challange Vintage Guide Committee (VCVGC) called an emergency meeting concerning this discerning post.

Brian and I decided that you are cheating.

-JDJR