Ted Otto to Retire

Ted Otto, the flagman for the USSA was inducted into the Snow Rangers Hall of Fame on January 13th, 2005 but it was not just for his legendary flagging performances. 

Ted’s career began in the motorcycle industry where he was the 1964 AMA Motorcycle National Hill Climbing Champion.  He was also a competitor and announcer at Ascot Speedway in California. 

Ted’s involvement in the snowmobile industry began when he was hired by Polaris Industry and he formed the Polaris Thrill Show.  The Thrill Show continued through the late 60’s and early 70’s performing at many events.  It was during this time that he started flagging snowmobile races.  Ted’s other contributions began with the invention of the tether switch after witnessing a young boy killed by a runaway sled.  He designed and built a switch to shut off the engine when the rider fell off.  He also brought with him safety items from motorcycle racing such as leather suits designed for cold weather and shin guards to protect the drivers’ lower legs.  Ted’s greatest concern was always the safety of the drivers.

This year Ted plans to retire.  Ted has been at 21 Plymouth Races and we are privileged to be one of the last three races Ted will flag.  Ted will be at Ironwood,  Michigan first, Plymouth second and then to Eagle River ending a 40+ year career as a flagman.  Ted figures during that time he has flagged over two million sled laps and he was hit by sleds four times, once at Plymouth.  He has also flagged three generations of at least two USSA families.  Ted has never worn a hat or cap no matter how cold it has been.

So the Plymouth Snow Rangers will not say good-bye, only ‘so-long’ and we hope to see you again.  Good luck Ted!!