At the recent snowmobile show held in Montreal I had a chance to meet Yamaha Canada’s latest addition to snowmobile racing, Team Yamaha Pimpichuu. To my knowledge this is the first all-Aboriginal team to officially become a factory racing team. I interviewed the Cree-history-making team starting with captain Larry MacLeod and his two racers, Norman and Claude Coonishish. Micheal Prince, the team manager, tells me that the Raid des Braves has a chance of happening.
The Nation: When did you find out that you guys were Team Yamaha Pimpichuu?
Larry MacLeod: Well, we got invited to ashow in St. Jerome near Montreal. We went overthere with a list we had made ourselves. We had a small list of what we were going toask Yamaha for this year. They were willing to sponsor us. Mike, our manager, and myself decided that we’d let Yamaha start the talking first. We asked them what they were willing to give. Finally they gave more then we asked them for so we never showed them our list. They gave double what we had considered asking for.
What did you get?
Well, we’re getting four free machines, the 700 Mountain Max triple models, about $10,000 in free parts, clothing for everybody, that’s about 15 people including the women. Our part of the deal is to promote Yamaha and the machines.
Tbu’re the first Native factory racing team I guess?
Yes, you could say that. It feels great. It feels good. I’m hoping to get a better deal next year if it goes good.
Do you think It will go good?
Yes. I think it will go good if everything goes the way we want it to. If we make no mistakes. All it takes sometimes is one mistake.
Are you getting salaries?
No, one day, maybe eventually, [laughter]
I guess you’ll be looking for other sponsors?
Yeah, we definitely need other sponsors for this because the machines and parts, etc. come up to $70,000 but our entry fee is $10,000. If the Raid des Braves or another one like it goes through that’s another $8,500. Then we still have our gas to pay, the mechanics, the lodging and the food.
How many races are you looking at?
Right now we’re looking at three mini-races of three days, 350 kilometres each. The big race is 2,500 kilometres. If the Raid goes through that’s another 3,000 k’s there.
The mini-races are in January, one’s in Quebec, one’s in Lac St. Jean and there’s contacts being made in Ouje-Bougoumou, Chibougamau and Mistissini. If everyone says yes then there’ll be one. Hopefully everyone will say yes.
How do you feel about all this?
Norman Coonishish: I feel good. I’m ready to race!
How do feel about promoting Tbmaha and being a factory racer?
It feels good to be a part of a factory racing team. We’ve got just about everything we need to have a good year but, yes, we’re looking for more sponsors
Norman, Larry and Claude.
Claude Coonishish: I’m happy that Yamaha is sponsoring us. We will try to win again. We would like to help Tàmaha. So more snowmobiles will be bought… That’s why we’re with Yamaha.
Claude’s statement was translated from Cree to English. My thanks to Neil for his assistance
So this Is the first time a Native team has been sponsored as a factory racing team?
‘femaha Canada Representative: Yes, and actually it’s the first time in Canada that Yamaha Canada is sponsoring a team. It’s usually only the U.S. that sponsors teams. We have decided to go with Team Pimpichuu.
Obviously we know they are winners and I’m sure they’re going to perform very well this year. They’re good people to be with. Michael Prince is an excellent person in marketing. He’s the one who brought the team to Yamaha. I would have to say they are a perfect team altogether.
It’s a perfect match between the team and Yamaha. I hope and I’m convinced thisrelationship could last many years.
