Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/561797
FOCUS PSB Snow www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • September 17, 2015 • 27 The Snowmobile Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Germain, Wis., has announced its four inductees for 2016: Hubert Fixsen, Steve Houle, Brad Pake and Tom Zernia. These four honorees will be inducted into the SHOF on Feb. 13, 2016, in St. Germain, coinciding with the annual Ride With The Champs and other events to which all fans are invited. Hubert Fixsen, of Willmar, Minn., was a prolific race-focused engineer for Arctic Cat and John Deere, who invented many trend-setting ideas and technologies for snow- mobiles, as well as a mechanic whose drivers notched wins in two Winnipeg-to-St. Paul I-500s, an ICCSF Championship and doz- ens of other cross-country victories. Steve Houle of Forest Lake, Minn., was a premier, multi-discipline racer for Yamaha and Polaris, who captured wins and champi- onships in the most prestigious oval, snocross and cross-country events of the 1980s and 1990s, and later built Speedwerx into a championship-producing aftermarket powerhouse. Brad Pake of Felton, Minn., was a domi- nant Team Arctic terrain racer in the 1990s who captured two International 500 cross- country wins, an ISOC championship and victory in multiple snocross and cross-coun- try events. Tom Zernia of West Bend, Wis., was a founder of International Snowmobile Rac- ing, the governing body of rules making for snowmobile competition since 1979, and for which he served as technical director while creating and enforcing fair and safe rules for all forms of racing. All race and snowmobile fans are invited to the 33rd Annual SHOF Induction Ceremony and Ride With The Champs event, where they can meet, talk and ride with many of the sport's biggest stars. The weekend includes various modern and vintage trail riding opportunities, plus a wonderful dinner and induction ceremony. In addition, the Snow- mobile Hall of Fame Museum is open for all enthusiasts to see many legendary machines and memorabilia. ISMA REPORTS 2014-15 SALES RESULTS The International Snowmobile Manufac- turers Association reports that snowmobile sales in North America continued to show a positive growth pattern in 2014-2015, with sales increases that outperformed the U.S. and Canadian economies. Supported by a strong snowmobile sales season and great snow cover in 2013-2014, sales of new snowmobiles in 2015 grew 8 per- cent in the U.S. and 4 percent in Canada. Snowmobilers and outdoor winter enthu- siasts purchased snowmobiles at a rapid pace early in the year responding to heavy snowfall the previous year along with strong positive levels of confidence. Sales slowed somewhat in December due to light snow cover, but finished on a strong note as heavy snow and cold winter weather engulfed much of North America in January, February and March. Sales of new snowmobiles sold in 2015 in the U.S. reached 58,299 units compared to 54,028 units in 2014 and 48,536 units in 2013. The sales report underscores a 20 per- cent increase in a two-year period. Sales in Canada in 2015 were 50,752 new sleds sold, up from 48,758 units in 2014 and 44,022 units in 2013. Canada has reported a 16 percent increase in new sled sales over a two-year period. Snowmobiling continues to be very popular throughout North America. Miles ridden and usage of snowmobiles increased more than 10 percent and positive expand- ing economic impact reports were the rule in the snowbelt. Snowmobilers generate more than $34 billion dollars of economic activity in North America annually. Snowmobilers continue to express a high level of interest in purchasing new snowmobiles in the future and are actively participating in the Go Snow- mobiling campaigns and club membership. Recent surveys by ISMA show that approxi- mately 70 percent of all snowmobilers are members of organized snowmobiling clubs, associations/federations throughout North America. The continued growth in interest in snowmobile club/association activity paints a bright picture for snowmobiling worldwide. Sales in Northern Europe (Finland, Nor- way and Sweden) were somewhat flat this year, and sales in Russia declined due to well- known issues related to currency value, politi- cal challenges and decline in oil prices which impacted the Russian economy. Recent surveys continue to show that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts, participating in many outdoor related activi- ties such as fishing, hunting, camping, etc. The sale of PG&A continues to be strong, with an increase on the purchasing of snowmobile related gear, trailers, cloth- ing and other related accessories. The 2015-2016 year is shaping up to be another successful year for the industry. Snowmobilers continue to purchase the new high tech products for their enjoyment and eagerly embrace new equipment used for communication, global positioning, riding directions and mapping. PSB DIGEST Snowmobile Hall of Fame names inductees