At the January 2025 Midwest Ride-In in Elk River, Minnesota, we witnessed a heartwarming reenactment.
On Saturday morning, January 25, attendees were allowed to run their old snowmobiles on the ERX Motor Park snocross track – which had been flattened out by the ERX groomers into a “suspension-friendly” profile.
It was a glorious sunny day and we were busy taking pictures of the old sleds tooling around the track. Then, we noticed a couple of former I-500 race snowmobiles. (You know, the famous Winnipeg, Manitoba to St. Paul, Minnesota, cross-country terrain race that crossed the border and made instant heroes of those who finished the grueling 500-mile, multi-day event.)
Soon, it became apparent that the two 1975 machines were staged next to each other for a photo shoot. Curious, we walked over and made introductions.
We learned that these two machines and drivers were actual participants in the 1975 Winnipeg to St. Paul race. Sandra Schutz (nee Court) endured and finished the race on her blue Scorpion Whip. As Sandy tells the tale, the second-day leg of the race, southbound from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, was delayed by morning fog. Drivers were held back at the starting line for an hour. Sandy struck up a conversation with Floyd Beumer who was staged next to her, he piloting a John Deere 340/S.
Someone took a picture of the two of them fist-bumping their gloved hands at the start line, wishing each other luck.
Fast forward to the 2025 Midwest Ride-In, some 50 years after the fact, and these two re-created the moment of that fist-bump!
After our photos, it was sure fun and inspiring to see them zoom off, “racing” each other on that snocross track. I was impressed, especially having learned that Floyd is 87 years old. (And I’ve decided I’m not divulging Sanda’s age.)
Awesome story.
Awesome pair of historic racers at the greatest sled race (I-500 Winnipeg to St. Paul).
This is such a fun story. The story hints at even these two sleds being the original sleds from back in the day. If that’s true even that part of the story is special.
Sandra has always been very active in the vintage hobby so no surprise to see her out there. Its great to see Floyd out here at 87 years old.
I hope this is an annual part of the MVSS Midwest Ride-In for years to come.
The sled Floyd is on is the original one from the race. Sandra is on a clone as the original is in her house. My brother, Keith Beumer rebuilt Floyd’s and made the clone with Sandra’s permission. It was great to watch the sleds reborn and bring smiles to the drivers.
I have a brother that raced in that race in the late 70s and early 80s the race started in winnipeg and finished the 1st day in Thief riverfalls the 2nd day from there to Bemidji the next day to Alexandria then the next day they finished on White bear lake he still rides to this day it was a very fun race to go up and watch good times back then !
I was amazed when I heard their history that day after talking to them and recreating the magic moment. Truly an honor to be a part of this bond between two interesting competitors and friends. Not sure who the gentleman was that was helping them at ERX but will be a lifelong memory for me. A friend of mine named C.J. Ramstad said it’s not just the photos, it’s the people and their stories! I miss C.J. and try to carry on a small portion of his mission for the world of snowmobile enthusiast’s. If you want to see more photos and videos of this check out osterphoto156@gmail.com. Thank you, Doug Oster
It’s been fun to see now the collectability of these old Winnipeg to St.Paul race sleds and memorabilia related to the race itself. There are a number of people collecting this stuff.
Also, seeing Doug Oster’s name right above, Doug needs a big shout out for all his great pictures he has shared of action at the MVSS Midwest Ride-in in recent times. He does a great job!!
Kudos to my brother!