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.
As the Snow Files
2000 – Lanigan, Saskatchewan - The L. Allister Ingham family posthumously publishes a detailed reference guide, As the Snow Files: A History of Snowmobile Development in North America, Snowmobile Research Publishing. This 758 page hardcover volume features a thorough review of Trail-A-Sled, Inc. in chapter 26.
Snowmobiles: From Garage Enterprise to Major Manufacturer
February 21, 1999 – Brainerd, MN - The Brainerd Daily Dispatch publishes an article titled, Snowmobiles: From Garage Enterprise to Major Manufacturer – Crosby, MN Men Were Pioneers With Their Snowmobile Plant. The article, by Dispatch Senior Reporter Renee Richardson, provides a nostalgic view of the firm and features quotes from Trail-A-Sled, Inc. founders.
Waconia Ride-In
February 1999 – Waconia, MN - Scorpion snowmobiles were the featured sled this year.
Scorpion - A Pictorial History
July, 1998 - Andover, MN - The web site, SnowConnection.com posts a well-researched article titled, Scorpion - A Pictorial History. The article, by former VSCA editor Mike Kohn featured numerous little known facts and photographs.
Scorpion Recreational Products
1998 - Manistee, MI - An investment group announces the reintroduction of the Scorpion name to high performance snowmobiling. Under development for four years, Scorpion Recreational Products, LLC (SRP), hopes to prepare several Scorpion models and 2,500 total machines for 1999. Featuring high tech features, computer-designed engineering and an innovative front-end suspension, SRP fully intends on returning the Scorpion name to its prior glory. See SnowConnection.com's on-line article, New, High-Tech Scorpion Plans to Whip the Industry Into Shape!
David Fury
October, 1997 - Minneapolis, MN - Minnesota-based journalist David Fury of Artist's Press Publishers releases the fascinating biography, Chuck Connors: The Man Behind the Rifle - Artist's Press. Chuck Connors was an influential celebrity spokesperson for Scorpion in model years 1975 and 1976.