Jim Beilke of Race & Rally magazine decided in 1974 that Minnesota really needed to have a big time snowmobile race like Wisconsin. So he created the “Dayco Holiday Spectacular” and it was just that – spectacular. The local hotels were overwhelmed, the fairgrounds were stuffed with racing fans and the action on the track did not disappoint.
There were two big prizes that weekend. The Hetteen Cup, named after Polaris and Arctic Cat founder Edgar Hetteen, and the 15 lap 440X race. The Hetteen cup could be won by anyone. It was based on points across all classes. Larry Rugland would take that title, becoming the first name on the Hetteen Cup.
Later in the day on Sunday, as the sun began to set, Larry chased team mate Don Omdahl for a few laps until Don’s kill switch came off for a moment. That was all Larry needed to get past Don and continually extend his lead until the very end.
This photo was taken moments after the 440X win.
