Kettle Moraine Preservation & Restoration
  • Home
  • News from JD
  • About
    • Rick Dresang
    • Alison Dresang
    • Jacques Dresang
    • Paul Jay
    • Alumni/Supported
    • In Memory
  • Partners
  • Garage
  • Results
  • Historical
  • Contact

Manta Update!

2/27/2023

 
Picture
In the last few months we found out a bit more information regarding the Manta Twin Trac racer at our shop...

In the winter of 1974-1975, Speedway bike racers Rick Woods and Sumner McKnight raced two identical Mercury-powered Manta snowmobiles, modded up to compete in the USSA 440X category. McKnight's ride, s/n #2055, was later purchased our own Rick Dresang in 1980, and again in 2018.

Woods passed away in 2012. He was the 1970 and 1972 National Champion for Speedway competition, and was known largely as the first star of the sport. His younger brother Gene, also a Speedway rider, went on to race in Winston West and is still involved in the roots of the sport today.

McKnight was the first American to race Speedway bikes abroad against the British, before returning home and eventually finding his footing on four wheels, competing in Nascar Winston West from 1976-1989, and also managing six Nascar Winston Cup starts during that time frame, all at Riverside International Raceway.

[February, 1975 SnoTrack Magazine Photo]

Jim Herzig (1958-1998)

2/22/2023

 
Picture
On Feb 22, 1998, the world lost Jim Herzig in a racing accident at the Grand Prix du Valcourt.

I only recall meeting him once, but he was kind, humble, and based on the tales of people I know- usually setting the pace wherever he was competing.

Somehow 25 years have passed since that date. I recall my Dad telling me after my final middle school basketball game that his friend had passed away, and in our recent escapades restoring a snowmobile together, this time in my life has been on my mind a lot.

Next Up: 340 SRX #8A8-000361

2/21/2023

 
Picture
Now that our 1976 Yamaha 340 SRX chassis #512 is restored and flying, the build on chassis #362 can begin.

This frame was an eBay find in 2007 in Minnesota, and is absolutely pristine. Its great condition will shorten the restoration time significantly compared to #512, which we had to do some tunnel repair to.

Suffice to say, this sled is going to be a screamer, and it might have some speed mods when its all said and done.

Legend Laps - 2023

2/16/2023

 

Lettered!

2/13/2023

 
Picture
Juergen Foerster came by to handpaint the remainder of the logos on 340 SRX #512 today. Yamaha of Port Washington, in respect to the dealership that Elmer Koch purchased the sled from new on December 27, 1975, and Chargers Snowmobile Club, the association Dad raced his 340 with from 1980-1984.

Shine on...

2/9/2023

 
Picture
It runs, and it sounds like a pissed off, rabid monster that hasn't eaten since the holidays.

Hold on to your hot cocoa.

Almost.

2/8/2023

 
Picture
Some work to go.

Next week tomorrow, it flies.

Flashback: The Ski-Doo Mistake

2/8/2023

 
Picture

8A8-000512: We have the power!

2/3/2023

 
Picture

13 Days 'til launch...

2/3/2023

 
Picture
<<Previous

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017

    RSS Feed

Picture
Kettle Moraine Preservation & Restoration

KettleMorainePR@gmail.com

Hubertus, Wisconsin

'Where History and Integrity Meet'


  • Home
  • News from JD
  • About
    • Rick Dresang
    • Alison Dresang
    • Jacques Dresang
    • Paul Jay
    • Alumni/Supported
    • In Memory
  • Partners
  • Garage
  • Results
  • Historical
  • Contact