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   Longville’s Levi LaVallee, was recognized for his vast contributions to the sport of snowmobiling with his induction into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (SHOF) in a three-day celebration February 15-17 in St. Germain, Wisconsin. Alongside LaVallee fellow inductees were; Corey Davidson, Russ Lemke, and Jeff Ludwig. 

“I want to thank my hometown of Longville and all the people for the support over the years. Heck they even named January 31st Levi LaVallee day which is so cool.” - excerpt from Levi’s induction speech. Photo submitted.

The 2024 class of inductees is representative of all aspects of snowmobile competition, from behind the scenes to atop the podium, with each having left an indelible mark that was celebrated throughout the weekend.

   It is difficult to put into words the success and accomplishments LaVallee has achieved in his career and very hard to narrow down just “a few” photos to show as well. However, friend and SHOF board member, Pat Bourgeois was able to beautifully sum up Levi’s career for his plaque, which is on display at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame Museum in St. Germain, Wisconsin. 

“LEVI LAVALLEE

A champion, a record setter, and a showman, Levi LaVallee is considered as one of the most recognizable, popular, and accomplished snowmobile racer/athletes of the modern snocross and freestyle era. Levi’s love for competition and jumping propelled him into the national spotlight, and as the industry ushered in a new era of big-air snocross and extreme sports, Levi LaVallee became one of its biggest stars.”

LaVallee was presented his plaque by Snowmobile Hall of Fame President, Craig Marchbank. Photo submitted.

 

   Growing up in Longville, Levi started racing snowmobiles at the age of 10, and his penchant for speed and style was evident. Early on he would split his time between regional cross-country races and snocross. A true privateer with his father Larry serving as mechanic and his mother Debbie keeping everything running smoothly, Levi worked his way up through the Semi-Pro ranks. After being selected to join the Factory Polaris snocross team as a Semi-Pro, Levi bested many of the top pros to earn a spot in the Winter X-Games snocross competition in 2003, and soon after began racing at the Pro level. With wins, style, and an infectious smile Levi quickly became a fan favorite, winning the honor four times, and he claimed the Pro Snocross Championship in 2009. But it was his love for jumping and his showmanship that would make Levi a household name beyond the snowmobile industry. He would go on to win 13 Winter X-Games medals in various competitions including seven golds; he became the first person to rotate a double backflip in competition; and he set the World Record Snowmobile Distance Jump of 412-feet in front of a global television audience. Levi was named one of the twenty-most influential people in Action Sports by ESPN, and his accomplishments and success also led him to become the first Red Bull snowmobile athlete, further expanding his fan base. Beyond racing, Levi embraced the digital age and would create some of the most watched snowmobile videos ever produced including Urban Snowmobiling which showcased Levi riding through the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota.

   Levi retired from racing snocross in 2014, and from freestyle competition in 2018, but continues his involvement in snocross competition as a team owner with his good friend and long-time crew chief Glenn Kafka. Having raced for and represented Polaris for his entire career, he remains one of their most popular ambassadors. Levi resides in Longville, along with wife Kristen and their children Liv and Lavin.

   LaVallee, along with his family, friends, sponsors and a few surprise out-of-town guests, celebrated the induction and accomplishments over the fun-filled weekend. Before LaVallee gave his induction speech a surprise “Congrats Levi” video was played of those who have made a big impact in Levi’s career but were not able to make it live to the induction; some people included in that video were Team LaVallee (Crew and Riders), Tim Bender (SHOF Member and previous Crew Chief), Travis Pastrana (Action Sports Legend), and Jerry Bernardo (X Games Commentator, Friend) - to name a few. LaVallee ended the night with his induction speech that was a combination of heartfelt memories, thank you’s and an inspiring message.

   “In 4th grade I wrote a report about becoming a professional snowmobile racer. I wrote about being able to race in front of people, taking pictures and signing autographs, people cheering for me, and everything I thought it would be like. I think about the 4th Grade Levi who’s dream was simply to become a professional snowmobile racer. He would have never guessed that becoming a professional racer was just the beginning, nor would he have ever imaged that he would be here today. In closing I have a quote from Michelangelo that this reminds me of - “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Aim high GO BIG IN EVERYTHING YOU DO! Thank you.

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