Who got you into snowmobiling and when; and what was their influence on you with regard to the sport?
My mom and dad got me into snowmobiling when I was about 7 or 8 years old. My first sled was a 1979 250 Yamaha Inticer that we got from my dads uncle. They bought in brand new in 1979 and we still have it today. My dad raced back in the 70 and 80’s and he has a bunch of trophies and all his old race jerseys. So I would say that really made me want to follow in this foot steps.
When did you start racing and what is your proudest achievement so far on the track?
I started racing in 2014, my first race was at Marion. I won all my classes that day. I was officially hooked. My proudest achievement would have to be my multiple runner ups at Eagle River World Championships. They are also some of my saddest, as I should have won and driver error cost me.
What is your career goal as an owner?
My career goal is to win multiple Eagle River World Championships in Multiple classes.
What were the driving factors to start the race team?
I became a part of this racing team when my dad couldn’t race anymore, so I took over for Him. I was off to college in North Dakota when he got back into racing. An unfortunate injury forced him to stop racing and focus on being team owner instead. We finished building the sleds to my comfort and haven’t looked back since.
My grandfather got me started in racing by telling stories of him racing and working ¼ midgets and raced all around Detroit with all the greats of that time. As for snowmobiling, we lived in Marine City and got to watch racing at the Southeastern Michigan Conservation Club. My brother started racing first, and the next year I started racing. The people that helped me out was my dad, Tom Smith, RJ Smith, Jim Zweng and Frank Cullimore of Sports Hut. Sports Hut was our first sponsor and Yamaha.
I raced at a lot of local clubs on oval tracks and drags in 1981. I was Michigan Champion in A-stock, and qualified for the world series of drag racing. I placed 5th out of 40 sleds. My goal is to continue building sleds for my son, Mike Warchol, and continue to improve our race team. Also I would like to continue to work MIRA, Soo I-500 and Eagle River.
My son showed interest in the sport, so I thought it was something we could do together. Also his first time racing was at Marion and he won all his races he was entered in, so that was a good sign. •
