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Hall Of Famer Jim Wergin dies at 47; first ‘Racer of the Year’

Snowmobile Hall Of Famer Jim Wergin passed away May 5 near his home in Hazelhurst, Wisc. He was 47.
Wergin enjoyed a storied racing career that spanned 15 years. In 1986, he was named Snow Week magazine’s Racer Of The Year, the first-ever driver to get that honor. In 1998, he was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall Of Fame.
Wergin made a name for himself in the late 1970s and 1980s as a top independent driver on the United States Snowmobile Association (USSA) circuit. He drove his Rhinelander Yamaha-sponsored sleds to consistent oval track championships in the Modified, Mod Stock, Stock and Pro Stock classes. He became known as one of the toughest racers competing on the USSA circuit.
The 1985-86 season was Wergin’s banner year. He dominated the USSA circuit winning high point honors in Formula III Ovals, Pro Stock Ovals, Mod Stock III Ovals, Stock B Ovals, Stock C Ovals, Pro Stock snocross and Pro Open snocross.
After his racing career, Wergin had a brief stint as crew chief for Yamaha’s snocross team.
Wergin will be missed by many in the industry, yet his legacy will live on. He will be remembered as a tough competitor and a good all-around person.
Changes to WoodysWear
International Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. (IEM) and Image Authentics have on good terms mutually agreed to end their business relationship. Effective May 6, 2003, Image Authentics, will no longer manufacture, distribute or sell WoodysWear clothing and promotional items, according to Randy Oberson, IEM vice president. IEM says it plans to contact each company involved in the distribution of WoodysWear.
2004 Arctic Cat Sno Pro features new engine package
Arctic Cat
released several changes for its 2004 Sno Pro race sled that includes a 6-inch higher seating position, a steering post moved 9 inches forward, new suspension calibration, and a new engine package.
Consumers can get their first look at the 2004 Sno Pro at the Haydays Grass Drags and Swap Meet September 6-7 near Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
The 2004 Sno Pro has a revised hood and belly pan design. The front suspension utilizes Fox Zero X shocks with external compression and rebound adjustment. Also, the front end is tipped two degrees to improve drive axle clearance and provide more aggressive steering.
Under the hood, the engine incorporates a three-port exhaust, a 4 to 5 HP increase, improved acceleration, improved throttle response and a TEAM Industries driven clutch. The drive system was also strengthened.
The steering post has been moved over the engine that allowed engineers to move the top of the post 9 inches forward and 7 inches higher than the 2003 Sno Pro. A new 5-gallon fuel tank design offers better ergos. A new, lighter seat offers a 6-inch higher seating position.
A straight tunnel with wider running boards and flatter footrests offer more durability and better ergos, according to Arctic Cat. A deeper lug track has also been added (1.7-inch tall lugs). The rear suspension utilizes an external rebound adjustment on the Cross-Link and has improved calibration and durability.

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