TJ Patrick Governors Cup Returns To Ironwood

On a cold day in December 1975, a young man from Illinois, a talented Junior class driver, won the Governor’s Cup at the Ironwood Snowmobile Olympus. Fast forward 44 years…… the Cup refurbished, the tradition continues. In December of 75, on his way to becoming a household name in racing, T. J. Patrick won the prestigious cup. Aboard his 1976 340 Snow Twister, Patrick charged hard through the eliminations and won the event in a dramatic fashion.

Some years ago, T.J. felt the need to bring the Cup and the prestige back to Ironwood. This year it is back again, thanks to T.J and some generous local sponsors.

T.J. has in the many years since, has remained in the heart of competition, in karts, cars, and almost anything motorsport related. Not only being the constant coach behind his daughter Danica’s rise to fame, but also creating support businesses to facilitate parts and components for race vehicles. T.J. reflected on the lack of promotion and incentives for young snowmobile racers. He seen a void and wanted to fix it. So, each year the Cup returns to its roots and a new driver takes on the challenge.

The competition is set to take place during the Ironwood January (Jan 5-6, 2019) weekend event, and many drivers are up to the challenge. Be sure to attend to see this exciting race!

The feature class will be the Junior II Sprint sleds, these large bore, air cooled two stroke sleds, feature professionally prepared chassis, have great power to weight ratio’s, and offer fan excitement with the speeds developed on the track. The talented young drivers will use the full capabilities of these sleds to capture the cup and the financial reward.

USSA has become part of the return of this event and each year looks forward to its return as part of USSA’s 51st season events.

Ironwood’s renowned track builder, and all around “go-to guy”, Tom Auvinen, feels strongly that this type of Junior Class support is what is needed to continue to build the racing “Legends” of the future.

Potential young drivers and Dad’s can get more information on Junior racing, the classes, and participation at ussaprostar.com