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SKI-DOO’ S SNOW P. A. S. S. GRANT PROGRAM provides financial support to snowmobile clubs and associations, working to strengthen the sport at the grassroots level. The program helps fund projects that improve trails, facilities, and riding opportunities, recognizing the volunteers and organizations that work year-round to keep snowmobiling thriving in their communities. This year, three clubs were recognized and awarded $ 5,000 to put toward projects and initiatives that support their local snowmobile communities and help grow the sport.

Hinckley-Pine City Flames: Based in east-central Minnesota, the Flames groom and maintain more than 100 miles of snowmobile trails while also supporting snowmobile safety education and local riding opportunities. The club relies heavily on volunteers for trail grooming, maintenance, signage, and other projects.

Tri County Snow Checkers: A youth-focused snowmobile club, the Tri County Snow Checkers help introduce young riders to the sport and build the next generation of snowmobilers. Its grant will support the club’ s efforts to grow youth participation in snowmobiling.

Douglas Area Trails Association: The Douglas Area Trails Association maintains more than 360 miles of snowmobile trails across Douglas, Pope, and Otter Tail counties in west-central Minnesota. It works year-round on grooming, trail maintenance, signs, and bridges to keep its extensive trail system ready for riders.

THE CARL KUSTER LEGACY AWARD honors individuals whose passion, dedication, and contributions have left a lasting mark on the sport of snowmobiling. Created in recognition of legendary racer and industry ambassador Carl Kuster, the award celebrates those who embody his commitment to racing, innovation, mentorship, and growing the sport for future generations. The Carl Kuster Legacy Award is presented by Carl Kuster Mountain Park( CKMP) in partnership with Ski-Doo / BRP.

The inaugural Carl Kuster Legacy Award was presented at this year’ s Hay Days event to Joe Duncan, recognizing his contributions and lasting impact on the sport of snowmobiling. Joe is the president of X Racing, a snowmobile racing organization focused on bringing sanctioned events back to New England and creating opportunities for racers of all ages. He has been a longtime advocate for grassroots snowmobile racing, helping organize events and grow participation in the sport.

THE SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME will welcome four new inductees in 2027, honoring a group whose contributions span engine building, endurance racing, and the development of future generations of racers.

Larry Audette of The Crank Shop in Essex, Vermont, has built more World Championship-winning engines than anyone else and has earned numerous ISR engineering awards. Gabe Bunke is an accomplished I-500 enduro racer with numerous victories to his name, continuing a family legacy started by his father, who is also a Hall of Fame inductee. Tim and Roxanne Berg have been longtime fixtures in snowmobile racing and built championship-caliber engines through Black Magic Motorsports for racers including Blair Morgan and Carl Kuster. Todd Krikke holds many M. I. R. A. enduro and ice-oval victories and continues to give back to the sport through coaching and mentoring young racers.

The four inductees will be honored during the 43rd Annual Ride With the Champs Weekend, a two-day celebration taking place February 20-21, 2027, at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, Wisconsin. The weekend will celebrate their accomplishments and lasting contributions to snowmobiling. Tickets are available to purchase for $ 200 through the Snowmobile Hall of Fame at SnowmobileHallOfFame. com

6 NOVEMBER 2026 | SNOWGOER. COM