November 30, 2002 – Pequot Lakes, MN - The Antique Snowmobile Club of America, in their bi-monthly publication Iron Dog Tracks publishes the first of two articles titled Trail-A-Sled Remembered. The article provides an inside view of Trail-A-Sled, Inc.'s formative years.
Dick Harrison to be inducted
October 30, 2002 – Grand Rapids, MN - The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame announces the upcoming induction of Dick Harrison, Trail-A-Sled, Inc. co-founder in the category of inventor/manufacturer. Induction ceremonies to be held the weekend of February 22, 2003 in Grand Rapids, MN.
Aitkin Independent Age
October 9, 2002 – Aitkin, MN - The Aitkin Independent Age publishes a moving story titled Scorpion history is part of the culture ... Crosby man patents track; develops snowmobiles. Penned by editor Ann Schwartz, the article covered Dick and Eileen Harrison's recent 50th wedding anniversary.
Trail-A-Sled Remembered
October 2, 2002 – Crosby, MN - The Crosby-Ironton Courier publishes a two-page story titled Trail-A-Sled Remembered, Crosby Natives Pioneered the Early Snowmobile Industry highlighting TAS' crucial role in the development of modern snowmobiling. The article also included several rare photographs.
Harrison Anniversary
September 28, 2002 – Deerwood, MN - Dick & Eileen Harrison (TAS co-founders) celebrated 50 years of marriage. Several hundred people attended the open house celebration that included several programs and a wide range of Scorpion memorabilia. Old photos and video footage were also on display. Several vintage snowmobiles graced the hall, including contributions from Ed Webb (Sno-Stuff), Mike Linnenkamp, Elrey Granbar, and Les Pinz. ASCOA President Dave Guenther presented Dick with an honorary membership and the Harrison children provided their parent's with a copy of Dick's patent for the molded rubber track (the original having been destroyed in the tragic 1967 fire).
Trial by Fire
September 20, 2002 – Fultonville, NY - The VSCA publishes Trial by Fire, The True Story of Trail-A-Sled. The article provides a balanced and fascinating account of the firm's history.
How I Made My Fortune Using Other People’s Money
March, 2002 – Atlanta, GA - Legendary Atlanta-based entrepreneur and philanthropist J.B. Fuqua publishes his memoir, How I Made My Fortune Using Other People’s Money – Longstreet Press. J.B. Fuqua owned Scorpion from 1969 through 1973.
Glenwood - Lakeside Ballroom
February 9-10, 2002 – Glenwood, MN - Scorpion snowmobiles were the featured sled this year at the Bonanza Valley Trailblazers second annual vintage rally. Many die-hard collectors braved the winter’s worst weather to attend the rally, held at the Lakeside Ballroom. Dick Harrison, company co-founder, was on hand to answer questions and mingle with the crowd. Les Pinz, former Scorpion dealer, racer and collector presented an oral history of Scorpion’s founding, including the firm’s early years when it was known as Trail-A-Sled, Inc. Ed Webb of Sno Stuff displayed his 1967 Scorpion – one of three that ran the legendary endurance run from Crosby, MN to Anchorage, Alaska in February of 1967. Steve Rothfork also presented his extremely rare matched set of Scorpion Sno-Pros (79, 80, 81). The event was covered by local ABC affiliate KSAX-TV and featured an interview with Les regarding the Alaskan endurance run.
There's No Sled Like An Old Sled
January, 2002 - Brainerd, MN - The Lake Country Journal publishes a fascinating article, There's No Sled Like An Old Sled which provides an introduction to antique snowmobiling and features the activities of the ASCOA and their Annual Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous, held in Pequot Lakes, MN. An overview of Trail-A-Sled, Inc. history was also provided.
SRP Shuts-Down
2001 - Manistee, MI - After producing only sixteen 890 cc machines, Scorpion Recreational Products, LLC (SRP) announce the termination of their efforts to revitalize the Scorpion brand. Sighting vendor problems and financial difficulties, the group sadly shuts-down, closing yet another fascinating chapter in Scorpion snowmobile history. See MaximumSled.com for an on-line critique of the failure, Scorpion and Trail Roamer Bite the Dust.