News and Events

Photo Credit Jim Lehocky/SooLeader

By Duke Kleman
Marine, Motorcycle, & Powersports Technician Instructor

A couple weeks ago, we were fortunate to welcome back one of our standout alumni: Vince Vanslyke.

During his visit to ATCC, Vince arrived with an incredible surprise—thousands of dollars’ worth of donated training components from Fox USA to support our Powersports students. His generosity and commitment to giving back speak volumes about his character and his passion for the industry.

Vince spent time speaking with both our first- and second year classes, sharing insights from his career journey—from his work in engineering and development at Polaris to his current role as a Suspension Specialist with Fox USA. He offered students an invaluable look into pathways for employment, career advancement, and what it truly takes to thrive in the powersports world.

Later that afternoon, Vince and I sat down together and talked privately—about racing, shared stories from the past, mutual connections in the racing community, and of course, the upcoming International Soo 500, the legendary 24 hour snowmobile race. Vince has come close to winning this grueling event many times, and this year he spoke with a confidence that was impossible to miss: “We’re going to win it.” Vince rides for the Hetteen Heritage Racing Team, carrying the name of one of Polaris’ founders into modern competition.

Yesterday morning, February 7th, 2026, the 24 hour Soo 500 began. Vince quickly put his team in the lead within the first few laps, setting the tone for what would become a hard fought, back and forth battle among the top three teams. Hour after hour, the Hetteen Heritage riders held strong.

And I am incredibly proud to announce that they did it. They won.

The Hetteen Heritage Racing Team are now the International Soo 500 World Champions.
Watching Vince and the team finally claim this victory—a dream they has chased for so long—left me emotional and speechless. These moments, these successes, remind us of the passion that brought so many of us into teaching. Stories like this fuel our purpose, and Vince’s journey is now another legendary chapter we are honored to share.

A champion and Legend...