Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/4049
2009 MODSTOCK 49 It has been nearly 20 years since a decision was made to create a new snowmobile publication dedicated to the gear heads of snowmobiling. And as the brain-trust at SnoWest magazine discussed what this new magazine—Mod-Stock Competition—needed to represent, we realized that the first cover photo had to make a defining statement as to what the title was all about. A name of a 27-year-old snow- mobile racer from Sugar City came up in the discussions. This young man was just starting to get on the radar of the hillclimb circuit and had gained a reputation as being able to build mod sleds. He was a true sledhead … and he basically represented who Mod-Stock was created for. It was spring of 1990. The snow was starting to give way to the warm winds that dry the ground and make way for the planting season. We needed to get our cover photo soon. So on a sunny afternoon, we met up with Rick Ward on the roll- ing dry farms in eastern Idaho between Newdale and Tetonia off Highway 33. Ward was in the process of tuning a sled he had just finished building and would be using in the next season's hillclimbs. We found a patch of snow just off the highway and we turned Ward loose. That was the makings of our first cover, the first face of Mod-Stock. And since that time, Mod-Stock has represented the "Christmas Catalogue" for snowmobil- ing enthusiasts. This past fall, we all mourned the loss of a snowmobile racing legend. Rick Ward was killed in a tragic acci- dent will riding his motorcycle. He left behind him his lovely wife, Michelle, of 25 years, and three children. Since that first cover photo, Ward had risen to the highest level of com- petition in the hillclimb circuit, win- ning 18 world titles and being named "Racer of the Year" three times. His list of victories and accomplish- ments are too numerous to mention in this small article. And perhaps the impact he made on the sport of snow- mobiling will continue to be felt for years to come. For those who knew Rick, his character, sincerity and kindness were unmatched. He was truly a good person. His presence on the first Mod-Stock cover will always serve as a reminder of both the potential on the machine and the potential of the man. Rick, you'll be missed. e First FaCe OF Mod-stock