The new independent front suspensions had changed the dynamics of snowmobile setup and the increased spring pressure used on the skis to corner hard required a chassis that would not flex. Rejean had designed the new ‘78 race sled with a tubular chassis to improve torsional rigidity and reduce weight. The ‘77 season was not one for the record books for Ski-Doo but it provided valuable lessons for Rejean and the race team to improve the ‘78 race sled and ultimately win the SnoPro High Point title with Allen Decker in 1979. The ‘77 oval race sleds came to the track with his version of an IFS, based on the Ford Twin I-Beam suspension used in their pick-up trucks at the time. Rejean Beauregard was the designer of the SnoPro race sleds at the time and he had seen the writing on the wall. The trick? An IFS ski suspension designed by Gilles that kept both skis on the ice to improve cornering control. The secret was Villeneuve’s Skiroule race sled could corner faster. The ‘76 race season had seen another Gilles Villeneuve designed race sled beat the factory Ski-Doo machines that had superior engine power.
Snomobile drag racing driver#
Three key individuals would bring the concept to life and Jacques (Jocko) Villeneuve would be the factory driver that piloted the sled on the SnoPro race circuit in 1981. The snowmobile that would change and dominate oval racing for nearly two decades was an evolution of the Gilles Villeneuve 1974 twin track Alouette race sled and the Jimmy Shampine ‘Offset” super modified race car that was dominating the Oswego, NY speedway in the late 70’s.
0 kommentar(er)
