Durmont Wahl

Early Life
Durmont Wahl was born in 1945 and grew up north of Greenbush, Minnesota, the third child of Erling and Helen Wahl. Raised on the farm, Durmont and his brothers learned hands-on mechanics and innovation from their father — experimenting on projects like sno-planes while helping with farm work. That practical, problem-solving upbringing became the backbone of his lifelong career in snowmobile performance and racing.

Getting Started in the Snowmobile World
In the mid-1960s Durmont and his brother Dennis took their first steps into the snowmobile industry working for Martin Johnson, a local subcontractor for Polaris, where they welded suspensions. Both brothers raced Sno-Jet sleds wherever they could, sharpening the driving and mechanical skills that would define Durmont’s career.

Team Arctic and Rise to Prominence (1970–1981)
Durmont’s big break came in 1970, when Dave Thompson of Team Arctic invited him to join the Arctic race department. Durmont accepted and became a mainstay of the original Team Arctic, concentrating on engines and chassis. As a key tuner and setup master, he helped produce and support Arctic Cat Hall of Fame champions such as Charlie Lofton, Larry Coltom, Dave Thompson, and Bob Elsner. Durmont remained with the original Team Arctic until Arctic Cat temporarily went out of business in August 1981.

Wahl Bros. Racing — Building a Legacy (from 1981)
In August 1981, Durmont and his younger brother Dave formed Wahl Bros. Racing. Starting in Durmont’s garage, they built their first “Wahl Bros. Special” for sale and expanded into making suspensions and components for oval and drag racing. While Arctic Cat was out of business, Durmont and Dave produced motor work and built replacement tracks — including tracks for Certified Parts Corp (CPC). From those garage beginnings the business grew into a respected name in high-performance snowmobile parts and race chassis.

Crew Chief, Family Team, and Continuing Work
Durmont took primary responsibility for building race sleds and served as Crew Chief for Team Wahl Racing. Team Wahl has included drivers such as brother Dave, son Terry, grandson Jordan, nephew Dustin, Brandon Johnson, Blaine Stephenson, Tom Olson and Tanner Foss. Durmont’s hands-on chassis work, tuning expertise, and old-school mechanical instincts have kept Team Wahl competitive across generations.

Honors and Legacy
Durmont Wahl was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2005, recognizing his influence as a tuner, builder, crew chief, and mentor. Today he continues to design and build race chassis, sustaining a long-standing tradition of performance, craftsmanship, and family success in the snowmobile world.

Dave Wahl #74

Early Life & Background
Dave Wahl was born in 1959, the youngest of five children of Erling and Helen Wahl. He was raised north of Greenbush, Minnesota. From an early age, Dave was introduced to snowmobiles and racing through family involvement in the sport, following in the footsteps of his older brothers Dennis and Durmont. At age 12, he began racing the family’s 340cc Arctic Cat Panther and later tried a John Deere 295 S before gravitating toward oval snowmobile racing.

Racing Career & Achievements
Dave’s racing and sled-building career is among the most distinguished in snowmobile oval racing history. He was involved in constructing his own race sled designs while attending a vocational tech college in welding, building an independent front suspension (IFS) special that debuted with a win in the 1978 Sno-Pro opener. In 1980 he qualified for the World Championship in his first attempt, though did not finish due to mechanical issues. In 1981, Dave and his brother Durmont founded Wahl Bros. Racing, developing custom sled chassis, components, and continuing to race and support drivers. Dave earned three World Championship titles: in 1990, 1996, and 1997. He also competed in many high-point races, qualifiers, and events including the Eagle River Derby, where the Wahl brand became well known. Dave retired from competitive racing in 2000, offering a transition of responsibilities to family members like his nephew Terry and later his son Dustin. He was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2005. Even after retirement, Dave has remained active in the industry, continuing to design sleds, offer technical expertise, and lead Wahl Bros. Racing.

Business & Legacy
Beyond racing, Dave’s influence extends through the operations and reputation of Wahl Bros. Racing, which has built hundreds of custom sleds, components, and maintained a tradition of innovation in the snowmobile racing community. His designs and technical leadership helped shape oval racing sled standards and influenced many racers in the field. Dave is widely viewed not only as a champion driver, but as a builder and mentor whose legacy continues to permeate the sport.

Recognition & Honors
Inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2005. His sled-building and racing achievements are frequently cited in the snowmobile community as benchmarks for performance, design, and competitive integrity. The Wahl name, and the number 74 associated with Dave, remains iconic among oval racing enthusiasts.

Personal Life & Character
Dave has long been regarded as a dedicated and inventive individual in the motorsports and snowmobile racing scene. His willingness to push design innovations, especially early front suspension systems—and his hands-on approach to sled fabrication reflect a deep mechanical aptitude and commitment to the sport. Though he stepped away from full-time racing in 2000, he remained involved and respected as a senior figure, resource, and mentor in the snowmobile community. Additionally, his roots in rural Minnesota and his family’s legacy in snowmobiling shape much of his identity and recognition among fans of the sport.

Terry Wahl #47

Terry Lee Wahl – A Legacy on Ice Oval
Terry Lee Wahl, born January 8, 1972, is the youngest son of Durmont and Dyann Wahl. Raised in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Terry grew up surrounded by engines, speed, and competition. From a young age, he had a knack for working on anything mechanical — demolition derby cars, bikes, and snowmobiles all fell under his skilled hands. That passion for machinery and performance would set the stage for one of the most accomplished careers in snowmobile racing history.

Early Racing Years
In 1991, Terry officially launched his snowmobile racing career behind the handlebars of an Arctic Jag sled. His natural talent quickly became evident, and by 1993, he was racing a Mod 500 before moving to a Ski-Doo Formula 1 twin tracker for the renowned Wahl Bros. Racing team. He later signed with Polaris Racing in 1998 and drove in the  Champ 440 class until 2005.

Terry’s breakthrough came in 1994 when Snow Week magazine named him Rookie of the Year. His performance on the Ski-Doo Twin Track machine brought him multiple victories, including an unforgettable 1995–96 season where he and fellow racer Dave dominated the circuit, winning every race of the season.

The Boswell Super Sled Bonus
One of Terry’s most remarkable achievements came in 1996, when he claimed the coveted Boswell Super Sled $50,000 Bonus — awarded only to a racer who could win 3 out of 4 designated events in a single season. Terry sealed the deal with a win at the spring Beausejour race, cementing his status as one of the sport’s elite. That same year, he earned a place in the Snow Week Top 10.

World Champion
In 1998, Terry captured the World Championship title at the legendary Eagle River Derby Track, riding a Ski-Doo Champ 440 sled. This victory remains a defining moment in his career, symbolizing years of dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Track Records and Legendary Status
Terry’s dominance extended far beyond a single event. He holds the record for most wins at the Canadian Power Toboggan Championship in Beausejour, Manitoba — an incredible seven victories between 1995 and 2005. In 2013, his iconic number 47 was retired at the Grand Prix de Valcourt track in Quebec, where he also holds the record for most wins, claiming the prestigious race six times.

Life After Racing
Continuing the proud Wahl family tradition, Terry raced until his retirement in 2005. Today, he resides in Greenbush, Minnesota, with his family. Far from stepping away from the sport entirely, Terry remains deeply involved in the snowmobile world as a key engineer and partner at Wahl Bros. Racing — passing on his knowledge, innovation, and passion to future generations of racers.

Hall of Fame Induction
In recognition of his extraordinary achievements and contributions to the sport, Terry Wahl will be inducted into the Snowmobile Racing Hall of Fame in February 2026. This honor cements his place among the greatest racers of all time and ensures his legacy will inspire snowmobile enthusiasts for generations to come.

A Lasting Legacy
From his early days in Thief River Falls to the highest podiums in North America, Terry Wahl’s career has been defined by speed, skill, and a will to win. His name is etched into the history of snowmobile racing, not just for the titles he’s won, but for the way he’s carried forward a family tradition and inspired racers worldwide.

Jordan Wahl #747

Early Life and Racing Beginnings
Jordan Wahl was introduced to the world of snowmobile racing at the age of 8, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Terry, and grandfather, Durmont Wahl. Growing up in Greenbush, Minnesota, Jordan became a prominent figure in the KC Pro snowmobile circuit. He quickly made a name for himself by securing the KC Pro Points Championship title twice and clinching an Eagle River KC Pro victory.

Transition to the 380 Sprint Class
In 2009, Jordan transitioned to the 380 Sprint class, where he showcased his exceptional skills and determination. That same year, he won the World Championship title in this class, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the snowmobile racing community.

Dominance in the Formula 500 Class
The fall of 2009 marked a significant milestone in Jordan’s career as he began racing in the newly introduced Formula 500 class. Demonstrating remarkable proficiency and adaptability, Jordan dominated the class and secured the Formula 500 World Championship at Eagle River in 2011.

Pro Class History
In 2012, Jordan made his debut in the Pro class by piloting a Polaris Champ 440. He made an immediate impact by qualifying for the World Championship race on his first attempt. Over the years, he qualified for five World Championship titles, showcasing his consistent performance and competitiveness at the highest levels of snowmobile racing.

Recognition and Achievements
Jordan’s exceptional talent did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he was honored as the United States Snowmobile Association (USSA) Driver of the Year. That same year, he finished second in the TLR circuit points standings and secured second place at the Eagle River World Championship, narrowly missing the top spot in a dramatic finish. In 2014, Jordan continued his successful streak by winning the Wausau 525 TLR Cup and finishing third in the TLR Points Series, further cementing his status as a top-tier racer.

Retirement and Continued Involvement in Racing
After a successful racing career, Jordan retired from competitive racing in 2018. However, his passion for snowmobile racing remained unwavering. He continues to contribute to the sport by working at Wahl Bros. Racing in the fabrication and welding department, applying his expertise to support the next generation of racers.

Legacy
Jordan Wahl’s journey from a young enthusiast to a World Champion exemplifies dedication, skill, and a deep-rooted passion for snowmobile racing. His achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future racers to pursue excellence both on and off the track!

Tom Olson #39

Tom Olson is a distinguished snowmobile racer whose career has been marked by consistent excellence, versatility, and commitment to the sport. Born in 1989 in Waunakee, Wisconsin, to Don and Linda Olson, Tom developed a passion for motorsports early in life. Growing up in Waunakee, he enjoyed trail riding snowmobiles, playing on the lake during summer months, and participating in competitive hockey, all of which contributed to his active lifestyle.

Early Years and Vintage Racing
Tom’s racing journey began in 2005 when he entered the vintage racing scene aboard a 1973 Arctic Cat EXT 340 in Northern Wisconsin. His early years were spent competing in various vintage circuits, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. Over time, he transitioned to more competitive classes, including Formula 500 and Factory Stock 600. Tom’s dedication and talent led to several notable victories including a 2015 Eagle River Vintage Super Mod 340 Championship, 2016 Sport F500 World Championship and 2018 USSA F500 Points Championship.

Transition to Pro Racing & Continued Success
With the retirement of Team Wahl drivers Dustin and Jordan, the team sought a new talent to join the Pro Champ class. Tom’s experience and athletic abilities made him an ideal candidate. In the 2018-19 season, he made his debut in the Pro Champ class, driving his first Pro Champ sled and earning the USSA Driver of the Year award. Tom’s success continued with the addition of an FIII sled in the 2019-20 season where he went on to become the 2020 Eagle River FIII World Champion, Bonnechere Cup Winner and Eagle River World Series winner in both the Pro Champ and FIII Class. In 2021, he secured Runner-Up in the Pro Champ class at the Eagle River World Championship final, contributing to Team Wahl’s impressive first and second-place finish at this prestigious event. Tom’s recent accomplishments include winning the 2023 Sprint World Cup in Pro Champ and the 2024 FIII final at the Grand Prix de Valcourt.

Racing Style and Recognition
Known for his strategic approach and consistency, Tom has been recognized as a formidable competitor in the snowmobile racing community. His ability to adapt to different sleds and racing conditions has earned him respect among peers and fans alike. His performances at events like the Eagle River World Championship have solidified his reputation as a top-tier racer. An injury lead to an end to Tom’s career with Wahl Bros Racing in 2025. 

Legacy & Lifestyle
Outside of racing, Tom serves as a Development Project Manager for Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. In his off-season, he trains for and competes in ultramarathons, enjoys time on the local lake with his wife, Judith, and spends quality time with family and friends. His commitment to staying active and engaged in various pursuits reflects his dynamic personality and dedication to excellence.

Dustin Wahl #74

Early Racing Beginnings
Dustin Wahl began his racing career at the young age of 15. In the spring of 2000, at a race in Beausejour, MB, Dustin’s father, Dave Wahl, borrowed a Polaris XCF 440 sled from Andy Moyle for Dustin to try. Dustin won that race in the junior class, marking the start of an impressive racing career. By the fall of 2000, Dustin was racing his own Polaris XCF 440 sled for Team Wahl.

Rising Through the Ranks
Over the next several years, Dustin continued to climb the competitive ladder. He raced in the Pro Stock 440 and 600 classes through 2005, accumulating numerous wins. In 2002, Dustin experimented with a Champ Lite sled and raced a few times before moving up to the Champ Pro class due to limited participation in the Lite division.

Professional Success
Dustin quickly found success in the Pro Champ class. In 2007, he achieved a series of remarkable accomplishments: being named Snow Week Racer of the Year, claiming the Millenium/V-Force Championship, and securing the WSA Points Championship. Dustin also triumphed in the prestigious Grand Prix de Valcourt race three times on his Pro Champ sled.

Simultaneously, Dustin raced a Formula 1 (600) Open sled, winning the World Championship in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Over the course of his career, he qualified for the World Championship race a total of 11 times.

Retirement and Personal Life
Dustin officially retired from racing in January 2017. He and his wife currently reside in Greenbush, MN, where he remains connected to the snowmobile racing community and is integral to the day-to-day operations of Wahl Bros. Racing.

Brandon Johnson #22

Early Life and Introduction to Racing
Brandon Johnson was born in 1985 in northern Minnesota. At just 7 years old, he began his racing career in 1992 by competing in the KC Pro circuit. He started with a stock Arctic Kitty Cat and later upgraded to a modified sled built by his father, Dale Johnson. In 1996, at the age of 11, Brandon clinched the Eagle River Kitty Cat World Championship title, marking the beginning of a promising racing journey.

Progression Through Racing Classes

• 1997–1999: Brandon competed in the Junior Novice class on a Puma 340 within the KC Pro Circuit.
• 2000–2004: He transitioned to the SLEDS vintage circuit in northern Minnesota, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on different sleds and terrains.

Joining Wahl Bros. Racing
In November 2004, Brandon joined Wahl Bros. Racing. With his extensive snowmobile racing background, he was a natural fit for the team. In 2005, he began racing a Semi Pro Stock 440 sled for Team Wahl, achieving several successful wins in the Semi Pro Stock classes over the next couple of years. In the spring of 2007, at the Beausejour races, he raced a Wahl Pro Champ chassis for the first time.

Career Highlights

• 2008: Brandon was the Millennium/V-Force Champion, finished 4th place at the Eagle River World Championships, and was named Snow Week’s Rookie of the Year.
• 2010–2011: He secured two consecutive CPTC championships.
• 2011: Brandon won the Wausau 525, a significant event in the racing calendar.
• 2012: He triumphed in the Sweet Sixteen at the Eagle River Derby.
• World Championship Qualifications: Brandon qualified for the World Championship race eight times during his career.

Retirement and Continued Involvement
Brandon retired from professional snowmobile racing in 2015. Despite his retirement from active racing, he remains an integral part of Wahl Bros. Racing. He continues to contribute by handling special orders and providing technical support to customers, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience in the field.

Legacy
Brandon Johnson holds a special place in the history of Wahl Bros. Racing as the first non-Wahl family member to race under the team banner. His dedication, skill, and contributions have left a lasting impact, and he is regarded as a valued member of not only the racing community but the Wahl family.

Blaine Stephenson #102

Early Beginnings: The Kitty Cat Years
Blaine’s racing career began at the tender age of three when he started racing Kitty Cats in 1999. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become a storied career in snowmobile racing.

Transition to Amateur Oval Racing
In 2008, Blaine made the move to amateur oval racing, competing in the Jr. Novice and 380 Sprint classes aboard a Wahl Bros. Racing (WBR) trailing arm chassis. This transition marked the beginning of his ascent in the competitive racing scene.

Dominance in the F-500 Class
The year 2011 saw Blaine step up to the F-500 class, piloting a WBR-prepped sled. His prowess on the track was evident as he secured victories at prestigious events, including the Eagle River World Championship in 2012, 2013, and 2014, as well as the Canadian Power Toboggan Championship in 2014.

Ascension to the Champ 440 Class
In 2015, Blaine graduated to the Champ 440 class, riding a WBR A-arm chassis equipped with a Larry Rugland-prepared Polaris engine. Despite facing a steep learning curve, he made all event finals he participated in, except for the Eagle River World Championship, and was honored with the TLR Cup Rookie of the Year award.

Overcoming Adversity
A devastating crash in 2017 sidelined Blaine, but his resilience shone through. After a full recovery, he returned to the track in 2018, clinching three victories, including his first World Championship win. By season’s end, he secured second place in the TLR Cup Points, and Stephenson Racing was named Team of the Year.

A Historic Partnership
The successful 2018 season caught the attention of Durmont and Dave, leading to a collaboration between Stephenson Racing and Wahl Bros. Racing. This partnership ushered in a period of dominance in the sport, with Blaine and the team securing numerous race wins, three consecutive Pro-Star Cup Championships, four straight World Championships at Eagle River from 2018 to 2021, three Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (2020, 2023, 2025), a Grand Prix in Valcourt (2023), and a Bonnechere Cup in Eganville.

Personal Life & Legacy
Outside of racing, Blaine resides in Hutchinson, Minnesota, with his wife Alexis and their daughter Rory.Blaine Stephenson’s journey from a young racer to a dominant force in snowmobile racing is a testament to his unwavering dedication, skill, and passion for ice oval racing. His achievements continue to inspire aspiring racers and solidify his legacy in snowmobile racing history.

Tanner Foss #111

Early Life and Background
Born in 1998, Tanner Foss grew up in the Greenbush, MN area and is the second oldest of eight children: seven brothers and one sister. Growing up in a large family in northern Minnesota, Tanner developed a strong sense of teamwork, determination, and perseverance that has benefited his racing career.

A Late Start on the Ice Oval
Unlike many racers who begin their careers as kids, Tanner was a late bloomer in the snowmobile racing world. At the age of 21, one of his friends invited him to test drive an ice oval sled. On December 1, 2020, in Strathcona, Minnesota, Tanner took his first lap on ice and from that moment on, he was hooked.

Early Racing Career
Tanner began his competitive journey with the Davy Racing Team, piloting an F500 sled. During his first season on the Central Minnesota Pond Racing (CMPR) circuit, he consistently finished near the top, earning several podium finishes. After two seasons with Davy Racing, Tanner decided to purchase his own F500 sled. He spent countless hours testing and refining his skills on the ice in Strathcona. His dedication paid off when he captured the F500 Country Cat Series Championship in 2023.

Advancing to the Champ & F3 Class
Following his F500 success, Tanner was approached by Team PDF with an offer to step up to the Champ class for the 2023-2024 season. For the 2024-2025 season, Tanner joined DL Racing, where he made the move to the F3 class. His rookie year in the division was impressive, earning a 5th place finish at the World Championship. Later that season, Tanner filled in as an alternate driver for Weatherill Skeleton Racing and stepped in for Wahl Bros Racing during select events.

Looking Ahead
Tanners’ rookie performances have earned him a full-time position on the Wahl Bros. Racing team going into the 2025-26 season where he will race both a Champ 440 and F3 chassis.