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Passing the torch in snowmobile racing youth movement
Episode 383
December 12, 2021
Team OCD gets new member
John Holmquist wanted to pass the torch within Team OCD and did so by selling his tried-true 2004 Arctic Cat Firecat 600 to 16-year-old Jesse Taggett of Woodland. Taggett in turn welcomed 11-year-old newcomer Tristen Merchant, Caribou to Team OCD. Tristen purchased Jesse’s 2005 Firecat 500.
At Team OCD’s Taggett Racing shop where preparations of both Jesse Taggett’s and Tristen Merchant’s Arctic Cats was underway. Involved in the project left to right, Rylan Masse, Rick and Jesse Taggett, Sam Marquis and Tristen Merchant. Marquis would finish second in the Stock 850 class on Saturday. They are all vital parts of Team OCD’s youth movement which is necessary for the future of the sport. (Bill Merchant photo)
In typical Team OCD fashion, Taggett invited Merchant to Taggett Racing Headquarters where he proceeded to show the youngest member of the team tuning and set up techniques. They went to nearby Caribou Lake, the site of the Larry Doody Memorial Radar Run to finish the work started in the race shop.
The Memorial Race would be the site for Merchant’s debut on the “big” Firecat. In addition, he would enter his Open 200 cc Artic Cat.
Maine House of Representative’s District 149 Sue Bernard enjoying the debut of Team OCD newest “big” machine at the Caribou Snowmobile Club Radar Run on Caribou Lake Saturday. Left to right, Representative Bernard, Aspen and Kylee Morrill, Everett Merchant, Bill Merchant, Tristen Merchant and Sue Merchant. Everett and Sue are Tristen’s grandparents. (Bill Merchant photo)
Sue Bernard House District 149 representative commented about the racing efforts of Tristen Merchant of Team OCD, “Yup, his racing is awesome, but his character simply can’t be beat. I saw an entire family rally around this wonderful young man…not in a manner that lifts work off his shoulders, but rather supports his endeavors, and celebrates his work ethic and accomplishments.”
“What a difference it would make if every child had outstanding parents and extended family to teach the values so obviously instilled here? The Merchants are truly blessed with a great family and young Tristen will grow to realize this more and more in his life. I have great hope for our future knowing kids like him are in the wings!”
Results from Saturday’s radar run on Caribou Lake:
Cody Thibodeau with Race Director Nick Morrill. Cody won the Stock 850, Stock 1000, Improved Stock 500 and second in Improve Stock 1000. He brought home his share of hardware! (Caribou Snowmobile Club photo)
Kyle Anderson at speed on his Arctic Cat at the Caribou Snowmobile Club’s Radar Runs. Anderson won the Improve Stock 600, Improve Stock 700, Improve Stock 800, Improve Stock 1000, Prostock 700 and second in Prostock 1000. He was the event’s winner of the most classes. (Black Dot Photography)
Multiple Spud Speedway stock car race winner, Connor Thibeau, showed his prowess behind the handlebars of a racing sled by winning the Prostock 1000 class at 109 mph and second in the Open Mod at 115 mph. (Caribou Snowmobile Club photo)
Top speed for the event went to Dustin Haines aboard his Arctic Cat. His speed was 119 mph. Matt Whitten and Steve Pytko shared second fastest speed at 116 mph. (Black Dot Photography)
USAC National Champions 2021 left to right, Buddy Kofoid, Penngrove, California NOS Energy Drink Midget champ, Brady Bacon, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Amsoil Sprint Car champ. and Kody Swanson. Kingsburg, California, 6-time Silver Crown National Champion. As a side note, the trophies were built by Ellsworth, Maine’s Tom Michael Patsis, Cold Hard Art (CHA) based in Brownsburg, Indiana. (Dave Olsen photo)
Racing is very much a family affair as attested by this photo. Left to right Darla Swanson mother of Kody, Jordan Swanson, wife of Kody, Adam and Trevor sons of Kody and Jordan, Kody and his Dad Mike Swanson. The family is getting to be pros at this award stuff since this is Kody’s 6th National USAC Silver Crown Championship. This championship was unprecedented in USAC history because Swanson relied on three different teams to sew up the championship and became the first USAC Champion in 27 years to win despite missing one race. Swanson missed the May 29th dirt track race at Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. (Jordan Swanson photo)
Six-time USAC Silver Crown Champion Kody Swanson announced that he will be pursuing another title in 2022 with the help of two teams. Doran Racing led by Kevin Doran will field Swanson’s pavement cars. Christopher Dyson Racing led by Sean Michael will provide the dirt track cars. (Courtesy Kody Swanson Racing)
“We have lost a true racing legend and a champion on and off the track. Al was the quiet leader of the Unser family, a tremendous competitor and one of the greatest drivers to ever race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. From carrying on his family’s winning tradition at Pikes Peak to racing in NASCAR, sports cars, earning championships in INDYCAR and IROC and, of course, becoming just the second driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times, Al had an amazing career that spanned nearly 30 years. He produced two championships and three wins for our race team, including his memorable victory in the 1987 Indy 500 when he famously qualified and won with a car that was on display in a hotel lobby just a few days before. We were honored to help Al earn a place in history with his fourth Indy victory that day, and he will always be a big part of our Team. Our thoughts are with the Unser family as they mourn the loss of a man that was beloved across the racing world and beyond.” – Roger Penske
Indy 500 4-time winners in a tribute photo arranged by AJ Foyt on the most famous “yard of bricks” in the world at Indianapolis, Indiana. Left to right AJ Foyt, Al Unser Senior, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves. (Photo courtesy AJ Foyt Racing.
Let’s go racing,
Tom Hale
Soli Deo Gloria (Isaiah 9:6)
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