Owner:Jerry Kienbaum - Northwest Museum of Vintage Snowmobiles
Made: 1976
Make: Arctic Cat
Model: 440X Twin Track Sno Pro
Design Engineer: Roger Gage
Restored: 2010
Coordinated by: Jerry Kienbaum
Chassis Restoration: Roger Gage
Fiberglass Restoration: Arthur Bonenfant
Decals: Frank Sadlon, E-Graphics LTD.
During the year 1976 this one and only Arctic Cat Twin Track 440X was designed and built in
Thief River Falls Minnesota by Roger Gage in coordination with the Arctic Cat Research and
Development Department.Roger Gage and the Arctic Cat Advanced Racing Department built five different twin track
race sleds during the years 1974 to 1979.Mike Hornai of Arctic Cat was instrumental in the design and development of the original
fiberglass body for the 440X. The twin track and roll cage design was a 1970’s era of innovation
to help create safer race sleds for the drivers in the professional circuit.Sno Pro Racing and the consumer snowmobile market took a dive during the fuel crisis of
the mid 1970’s. As a result, Arctic Cat was faced with financial troubles and ended
R&D programs like this, eventually closing it’s doors in 1980.This particular sled was sold in 1980 by Dave Thompson who was in the Arctic Cat
Race Department. A farmer near Thief River Falls Minnesota purchased the sled,
retiring the 440X to the farm for personal enjoyment.In 2007 Mike Johnson [aka: Sled Digger] located the sled and contacted Jerry Kienbaum
in Spokane Washington to take a look at the 440X. The sled was routed to Eastern Washington,
then wound up being purchased by an individual from the midwest. The ' 76 440X was then
transported back to the midwest. Two years later the gentlemen that had bought the sled
in 2007 decided to sell it and call Jerry to see if he still had interest.Jerry indeed purchased the sled this time around, routed the sled to Eastern Washington
and accumulated the correct OEM parts necessary to do a complete restoration. By October
2009 Jerry had the sled, plenty of parts and "the" plan. The entire contents and outline was
then transported to Western Washington to it’s original innovator, Roger Gage at the
beginning of 2010.Jerry Kienbaum is an expert at snowmobile restoration and sourced the detailed parts
required for authentic OEM restoration. Roger Gage recreated his original design with
complete chassis restoration. Arthur Bonenfant completed the incredible fiberglass
craftsmanship. Custom decals special ordered from Frank Sadlon at E-Graphics.Within the first 60 days of 2010, this sled was ready to be tested by Jerry’s designated
driver, Jeff Biddiscombe in West Yellowstone Montana.Friday March 12th, 2010 the Arctic Cat 440X arrives early for the show in West Yellowstone.
Jeff & Roger Biddiscombe met with Jerry and unveiled the sled for Saturday’s display
at the 7th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Roundup.It received the WSVSA 1st Place Race Restored Trophy that Saturday in West Yellowstone.
The following Wednesday SNO PRO USA was there to get the scoop from Jerry, take
some fresh photos and roll the 440X back into the museum until it‘s next event.This is a true one of a kind race snowmobile and X marks the spot for all of the Xcitement
that surrounds it. Jerry Kienbaum coordinated another eye popping restoration that will
provide a fresh archive of snowmobile history and innovation.On Display Now:
Call to Schedule your visit: Jerry Kienbaum, Owner Curator / TELE: (509)220-7091
Roger Gage went to college
and studied to be an engineer. He graduated in 1970.
After graduation he went
to work for Arctic Cat in the New Product Department.
In 1974 he was promoted
to the Advanced Research and Development Department. Later in 1978
he became chassis engineer
for the race team. Two years later Arctic Cat closed down.
In 1980 Roger went to
work for Bayliner Boats for a period of 9 years.
Roger also had his own
business building custom car trailers.
Next he went to work
for Basketball Products as Vice-President of Engineering.
The company sold to new
owners back east.
In 1990 Roger went to work for Boeing and maintains employment there currently.
January 2010 Roger was
able to turn back the clock and restore one of his
own innovations
he engineered for Arctic Cat in the 70‘s.
The restoration turned
out incredible and has renewed a 34 year old
race snowmobile
into a fresh archive to show everyone “How It Was” in 1976
Arctic Cat 440 Liquid Cool Engine
This '76 Arctic Cat 440X
and 100+ more Vintage Snowmobiles can be seen at
the Northwest
Museum of Vintage Snowmobiles in Spokane, Washington.
Call Jerry and schedule
a time. TELE: (509)220-7091.
