About Us
Pro Vintage Racing
Pro Vintage Racing (PVR) was founded in 1995 by a trio of enthusiasts—Audrey Decker, Larry Smith, and Fred Smith—with the goal of structuring the sport of vintage ice oval racing. They crafted the classes and rules for a Wednesday race that would precede the World Championship. The races would have a date of 1974 and older. A dozen racers participated in that inaugural event. This group is recognized for establishing the World Championship Vintage Weekend at Eagle River with The Decker family. Eagle River Vintage weekend has seen more than 1200 entries in a weekend.
PVR hosts 3 to 5 annual races, featuring 35 to 45 different snowmobile racing classes. With a robust membership that has now grown to 200 plus members, PVR has become the largest vintage snowmobile racing organization. Snowmobiles manufactured in 1985 and earlier are eligible for vintage racing. Additionally, other classes have been introduced over the years to accommodate the growth of ice oval racing. Some classes now showcase brand-new, hand-built snowmobiles powered by engines from one of the big three manufacturers.
PVR takes pride in its race day organization, with a committed team handling scoring, flagging, and race directing to ensure a smooth event. Opening online registration a week prior to the race day significantly reduces the time spent organizing in the morning. The classes are arranged the day before, and with a quick check-in from the driver on the morning of the race, we're able to start racing promptly with minimal delays.
PVR is dedicated to collaborating effectively with promoters, sponsors, and other organizations. We take pride in our competitive racing atmosphere, which fosters a sense of camaraderie. After the day's events, you can often find the racers together, laughing and enjoying each other's company.
In 2020, PVR sought to implement a significant change within the organization. PVR partnered with several esteemed organizations, including ISR, USSA, and WCDC. Together, we have created something unprecedented in ice oval racing. The three organizations are dedicated to collaborating effectively rather than competing against one another. Thanks to our strong working relationships, we maintain direct communication regarding rules, policies, and scheduling.
Watching vintage racing is like stepping back in time, featuring iconic brands such as Ski-Doo, Moto-Ski, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Yamaha, Scorpion, Skiroule, Rupp, Mercury, Sno-Jet, John Deere, and Chaparral.
PVR offers the following classes:
Pure Stock: This is one of PVR’s newest classes; it is a great class to introduce yourself to racing. A number of snowmobiles start out as pure stockers, and are eventually modified to race in super stock.
Relic Class: Featuring snowmobiles that were built before 1971. These snowmobiles are modified race snowmobiles that have been updated with some newer technology that brings faster and more exciting racing. One of the most exciting snowmobiles of the era was the Arctic Cat 800cc powered in one of the smaller chassis of the time.
Mod Stock: Snowmobiles in this class are 1974 and older; most of these snowmobiles are original race snowmobiles with minor modifications. The rules limit the number of modifications to keep the snowmobile in a more original state the other modified classes. This class was designed to mimic how PVR’s first class in 1995 began. Mod Stock snowmobiles when modified would be in a Pro Mod and Super Mod class.
Pro Mod: This class also started in 1995. This is a modified class and is known as the flagship class of PVR. The snowmobiles in this class are 1974 and older, and manufactured specifically for racing. Meaning it is not a snowmobile you could purchase off a dealerships’ floor. Many of the snowmobiles in this class were produced in limited quantities.
Super Stock: These snowmobiles we're built before 1985. Racers have used the trail snowmobiles with minor modifications to bring more power to the track. There were many manufacturers in the mid ‘70s and 80’s, offering a variety of options to choose from. Every brand and every color can be seen in the super stock classes.
IFS, IFSX: This class is the next generation in vintage racing. These snowmobiles, like the Pro Mods were designed for the race track. The new independent front suspension has raised the bar in racing. IFS snowmobile motors were designed to increase the power and speed to make for some incredible tight racing. IFS class snowmobiles are 1982 and earlier. The classes are 250cc, 340cc, and 400cc.
Formula 500: This class was designed to have one model of snowmobile that does not allow any major modifications. The class is a driver’s class since all the snowmobiles are basically identical lit is the driver that wins this race. Race snowmobiles in this class are built from a 1989-1992 Polaris Indy 500 carbureted model snowmobiles. However, any hood designed is allowed, giving the driver’s the option to personalize their snowmobile.
PVR has several specialty classes that include:
Juniors: The juniors program has two divisions. In Juniors 1 drivers can race a Pure Stock 400 fan, and Pure Stock 400 Free Air, this class is for driver’s ages 11-17 years of age. Juniors 2 is a Super Stock 340 Free Air, this class is for drivers 13-17 years of age.
Womens: The women’s class is a Super Stock 340 class.
Seniors: This is a class for drivers 60 years of age and older. It too is a Super Stock 340 Class.
Super Seniors: This is a class for drivers 70 years of age and older. It too is a Super Stock 250 Class.
Masters: Drivers in this class are 50 years of age and older. It is a Pro Mod Class and snowmobiles are 1985 and older. IFS Masters: One of the newest PVR classes for drivers 50 years of age and older running a 340cc IFS snowmobile.