Dear SkiPost;
We all usually have a box of various race waxes and generally mixed brands. While using an under layer wax of a different brand (same temperature ratings) than the top final wax layer could there combinations react with each other ad give a slower / or faster finish due to the different additives? What about using different brands of Fluoro top coats affecting the base wax coats.
What are your experiences/thoughts ?
Hello,
Last week we put together a list of all of the waxes the Saab Salomon Factory Team has used throughout the season, and the bottom line is that the Factory Team uses SWIX and only SWIX wax. These waxes are designed to work/bond to one another. The variations between waxes are often subtle, but over the course of races subtle differences result in precious seconds.
Our best recommendations are using waxes that we have become very familiar with, and for us it is exclusively SWIX. SWIX Fluoro top coats use the same fluorocarbon chemical formula in the Low, High, and Pure Fluoro layers - this results in the best possible bond between the layers.
Ultimately we recommend that you use what we're using to win races - SWIX. Learn a brand by using it for glide and kick. This will give you the perfect platform of knowledge to experiment later, but we are confident that if you choose SWIX to fill your wax box you will not have to look elsewhere!
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| Factory Team Talks About Podiumwear |
Podiumwear Mt. Borah Custom suits a hit with the Saab Salomon Factory Team. Now you can order the same proline fit for you and your buddies at the Birkie.
Podiumwear Mt. Borah offers custom ski suits with World Cup cut and for skiers of all abilities. If you and your buddies want to get together and design a suit for next season, we can make it. We have made Farmer John overall suits, retro Swedish suits, even full camo suits. We don’t charge by color or art, the most you’ll pay for your suit is $180. Our minimum order size it six, so it’s easy to get started and with a one piece reorder policy, as your ski group picks up new members, they can look great as well. Our design team will help you turn you idea into a ski uniform, and the fit and comfort will be unmatched. Here is what the Factory Team skiers have to say about our uniforms.
Rebecca Dussault
"Having worn about every brand of ski suit on the market, I can speak to the high quality and functionality of Podiumwear Mt. Borah ski suit. Often times unisex ski suits don't fit in certain places, but I feel like my Podiumwear Mt. Borah suit was custom made for me. It is very warm and has super breathability which I need for every race. Love it. Wear it everyday."
Tad Elliott
"The Podiumwear Mt. Borah race suit is the best fitting custom race suit that I have ever used. It fits snug and tight, and being skinny that is something that I have not had before. Thanks to Reid for getting such great suits, and I think that they are some of the best looking ones out there."
Justin Freeman
"The new suit has been great - it fits well, the top especially is tight enough to support muscles but doesn't restrict motion, and it has stood up to many wash cycles without any apparent wear."
Michael Sinnott
"I wear Podiumwear Mt. Borah for both the Factory Team and for my club, Sun Valley. Its great the way they produce very detailed, custom designs at the drop of the hat. I was becoming tired of the way every team looked the same. Its not just that the lycra looks sharp, its tight and fits the body well, where others seem to be made for an extra long or extra jacked super human. I'm a fan."
Kristina Trygstad-Saari
"The Podiumwear Mt. Borah lycra is the most comfortable and best-fitting custom lycra I've ever worn. I think it's flattering as well, which is nice for race and podium photos."
Patrick Weaver
"I think the Podiumwear Mt. Borah is a great fit. I like the fact that the cuffs around the arms, ankles and waste seem to be more sturdy then most suits. When you put the pant tights on they actually feel like they are going to stay on. The pattern of the suit is pretty cool as well. We receive a lot of compliments on how that is done."
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| Saab Salomon Factory Team Talk Birkie Fever! |
By Lars Flora
Saab Salomon Factory Team
The Saab Salomon Factory Team has plenty of experiences with the American Birkie. It has been the focal point for our team for the past 15 years. With a new sponsor and new flashy black suit we have Birkie veterans and rookies coming to throw down on Saturday. Here is an inside look at what's on the mind of Saab Salomon Factory Team members in the days leading up to the race.
Andy Gerlach- What is your all time favorite Birkie moment on and off the race course?
My favorite moment is every year when the race is over and I can say “The skis ran well, the feeds went as planned, no poles were broken and we won!”
Chad Giese- You grew up in the heart of Birkie country and raced the course numerous times. What is the key part of the course to execute perfectly on Saturday?
The start. If you miss the break, you are stuck in the group you are with for the rest of the race. Be in position to make the break. That is the key to a good Birke.
Evelyn Dong- Do we refer to you as the Birkie King or Queen? What did it mean to win the Birkie last year and your thoughts on a repeat?
I don't think I'm referred to as the Birkie Queen. I hope not. Winning the Birkie was a huge boost for me last year. I've been known as a distance specialist and winning the Birkie legitimized everything. I'd love to repeat this year but I'm definitely up against tougher competition. Plus I’ve been injured and sick more than usual this year.
Kristina Standberg- For being a dominant classic skier, would you like to see the Birkie Elite Wave be classic? After watching you win the last five Supertours, will your skate demons be put to rest come Saturday by winning the ultimate North American Skate Race?
I would love to race a classic Birkie! Not only because it would be better for me personally, but also since the "original Birkie" (the Norwegian Birkiebeiner) is a classic race. Some of the marathons in Europe are raced classic and skate on alternating years and I think that's a pretty good system. I've been working hard with my skate technique and I think I'm finally starting to see some results. It would be a fantastic feeling to be the first lady across the finish line on Main Street in Hayward!
Fabien “The Wax Tech” After participating in the Birkie for the first time last year, what is the most important part of the course to wax for? Is it key for the wax team to eat the Blondeau’s family Fondu the night before the Birkie? I here it brings good luck to the team.
To me, it's important to wax for the second half of the race! In February, the days are getting warmer by 10:00am, it's important to have good skis for the second half with a lot of flat and downhill! So I would advise to wax for the second half with something colder and harder underneath.
I think it is important to feed well before a long and hard 50k like the Birkie. So a fondue with good French cheese is one of the best way to get energy for a full race! Of course, it is always nice to have a nice dinner together and hopefully this will give us a good luck to have great results on Saturday.
Tad Elliot- Following in the footsteps of Carl Swenson as a pro mtn biker and skier, how does your background prepare you for your first Birkie and who is your pick for the Tour of California win?
My mountain bike back ground will hopefully help me with my fist Birkie because I will be more comfortable at racing for around two hours and in a pack. I don't have too much experience at long distance racing on skis so I am going to prepare for the Birkie just like a Mountain Bike Race…hopefully it works.
My pick for the tour of California race is, Durango Home Boy, Now Boulder Home Boy, Thomas Danielson. I will also be watching Christian Vande Velde! Hopefully Garmin Chipotle will take home the win.
Mike Sinnott- As a first time Birkie entrant, what are your thoughts going into the biggest race in America? Have you ever tried a pickled turkey gizards and are you thinking of breaking the record? I mean total pickled turkey gizs post birkie night?
I'm pretty excited, and surprisingly not very nervous- although that will no doubt build as the people begin to show up. I've been slowly attending larger and larger events, and each time it's cool to see the enthusiasm of the Nordic Community. So, shockingly, I’m looking forward to the chaos and whatever other whirlwind that comes. It should be fun. I think someday I'd like to comeback and ski from the middle of the 10th wave, just to experience the swarms of humanity. But, that’s before I have seen it in action, so... What? Gizzard is my favorite dish!! Even though wild turkey gizzard is a little gamy, I can still put back my fare share.
I was lying before. Don’t make me eat one of those.
Laura McCabe- Describe your first experience or memory with the Birkie?
My first Birkie was in 1991 or 92, I was in in awe from the start, with the excitement of the big crowds, the singing of the National anthem and the energy surrounding me. I remember being astonished with all the spectators and the funny costumes you skied by on Bitch hill. I remember the struggle in passing trains of men, but also the positive reactions that always came from their mouths. The lake was grueling and there was a big head wind though the pain was quickly diminished as you turned down Main Street to the roar of the crowd. I cannot remember what my place I was that year but it was an experience that will not be forgotten.
Rebecca Dussault- Here is a simple bet. If you win the Birkie you will make a comeback for the 2010 Olympics? Will you take it?
Bet? You Bet. I already have the wheels all moving in that direction regardless of what goes down at the Birkie. We've been praying about it as a family and trying to search our hearts and see if this is where God wants us to be. Right now, considering that Sharbel is totally healthy it seems more likely than not. If I don't hit any unforeseen roadblocks then I'll be there, will you?
See you on Saturday. |
Test Salomon's Latest at the Birkie Demo Thursday and Friday
(February 19th and 20th).
The Best Just Got Better!
Salomon's all new Equipe 10 Skate Ski- the AWD of Skate Skis.
Salomon's all new Slab Pro Skate Boot - with Power Hold.
Salomon, is the most successful ski, boot and binding in American racing. Athletes on the complete Salomon system won the majority of America's SuperTour races in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, and both the Men's and Women's 2008 American Birkebeiner. In 2009, 20 of 36 USSA SuperTour races along with the Noquemanon, Owl Creek Chase, City of Lakes Loppet, Alley Loop, Seeley Classic, Boulder Mountain Tour and the Mora Vasaloppet, have been won on Salomon Skis, Boots, and Bindings.
Test Salomon at the Birkie and find out why it is becoming America's #1 choice!
Andrew Gerlach
Saab Salomon Factory Team
www.EnjoyWinter.com
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| IMPORTANT RACE WAXING CONSIDERATIONS
FORECAST
Friday night cold and mostly cloudy. 40% chance of snow. Low -7F / -21C. 7-10mph WNW wind. Saturday mostly cloudy and cold. High of 15F/ 10C. Humidity 70-80%. 9-11 mph NW wind. 20% chance of snow.
COURSE CONDITIONS
Track has firm base. Snow is moderately abrasive due to the sharp new snow crystals and transformed snow that is being brought to the surface by the tilling of the grooming machines. Some dirt is present. Dry friction is present due to cold temperatures.
WAXING CONSIDERATIONS
1. BASE PREPARATION
Clean glide zones with Swix Base Prep 99 using the “hot scrape” method. Scrape and
brush using Swix Fine Steel brush (T192/T188). This is very important to “open” up the base
pores to receive race wax. If you are going to be using Swix Cera F, you may want to try our new base cleaner & conditioner, I0084 to enhance flouro base bonding. After cleaning, apply one layer of Swix MB77 base conditioning wax. Scrape and brush with the new Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
2. DURABILITY
For a race of this length it is very important to use several layers of wax and make sure the base pores are 100% saturated and proper base hardness is achieved. We are recommending HF and Cera F waxes because of their strength, durability, and wide temperature ranges.
3. BRUSHING
Be sure to treat each wax layer as if it is a final race layer. We recommend using the
new Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R) as the first brush after scraping. This is by far the
best brush to use for removing excess wax from fine structure. Final polish with a Blue
Nylon Brush (T0160) is recommended.
4. SKI SELECTION & STRUCTURE
Use a medium flex ski with a fine structure. If you need to add structure, use the Swix T401 Super Riller and apply a .50mm linear rill. Do a final brushing after applying rill with your blue nylon polishing brush.
Visit www.swixracing.us for detailed application instructions!
GLIDE WAX APPLICATION
Note that we have (3) levels of glide wax choice based on your wave position and
how you classify yourself.
SPEED-AT-ALL-COST WAVES Elite & 1-5
Base Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF6BW. Scrape and brush with Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
Race Overlay: Apply Swix FC07 Cera F Powder. Iron in with one pass (5-7 seconds) w/ iron temperature
at 155C. Let cool 5 minutes. Brush up powder using Swix Black Nylon brush (T0194/T199). Iron second time as above. Let cool 5 minutes. Brush out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164B/T198B) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160/T186).
SPEED-AT-ALL-COST WAVES 6-10
Base Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF7BW. Scrape and brush with Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
Race Overlay: Apply Swix FC07 Cera F Powder or FC78 SuperCera. Iron in with one pass (5-7 seconds) w/ iron temperature at 155C (165C for FC78). Let cool 5 minutes. Brush up powder using Swix Black Nylon brush (T0194/T199). Iron second time as above. Let cool 5 minutes. Brush out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164B/T198B) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160/T186).
PERFORMANCE PRO WAVES 1-5
Base Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF6BW or HF6. Scrape and brush with Swix
Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
Race Overlay: Apply new Swix FC7BS Turbo Solid. Rub on layer & lightly cork in. Rub on 2nd
layer. Iron in with temp. at 150C, one pass length of ski. Let cool 5 minutes. Brush out
with Wild Boar Brush (T0164B/T198B) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160/ T186).
PERFORMANCE PRO WAVES 6-10
Base Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF7BW or HF7. Scrape and brush with Swix
Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
Race Overlay: Apply new Swix FC7BS Turbo Solid. Rub on layer & lightly cork in. Rub on
2nd layer. Iron in w/ temp. at 150C, one pass length of ski. Let cool 5 minutes. Brush
out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164B/T198B) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160/T186).
PERFORMANCE WAVES 1-5
Base Wax: Apply one layer of Swix LF6. Scrape and brush with Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
Race Wax: Apply two layers Swix HF6 or HF6BW. Scrape & brush out using Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160/T186).
PERFORMANCE WAVES 6-10
Base Wax: Apply one layer of Swix LF7. Scrape and brush with Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R).
Race Wax: Apply two layers Swix HF7 or HF7BW. Scrape & brush out using Swix Steel Brush (T179O/T179R) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160/T186).
KICK WAX APPLICATION
You will have to decide between two options for kick based on the developing weather: hardwax or a klister & hardwax combination. See details below. Swix will be at the coliseum for waxing advice, tips & clinics.
KICK ZONE PREPARATION
Remove old kick wax and clean base with Swix wax remover and Swix fiberlene. Let base
dry. Use 80-100 grit sandpaper and sand kick zone in a manner parallel to the ski base, not
cross hatching! The Swix T0011 Cork & Sandpaper combi tool works great for this! A typical
adult hardwax kick zone is 60-75cm from the heel forward. A typical adult klister kick zone is 60-65cm in length. You will now have to choose your kick wax binder from the 2 options below.
BASE KICK WAX-hardwax binder (if surface is mainly new snow)
Apply a generous layer of Swix VG35 Base Wax. Iron in @ 110C. Let cool. Apply two layers of Swix V40 Blue Extra. Cork very smooth between each layer. Let cool. You are now ready to apply final race hardwax wax (see below).
BASE KICK WAX-klister binder (if no new snow or very little new snow)
Apply a layer Swix KR20 Base Klister. Iron in smooth, 110C. Or, try our new KB020 base klister spray! Let cool until hard (set outside). Apply one layer of KR40 Kyrstal Klister. Let cool until hard (set outside). Apply two thin layers of Swix VR40. Cork very smooth between each layer. Be gentle. This ski is ready to race on. Waves 6-9 use VR45.
RACE KICK WAX (for hardwax)
Waves Elite & 1-5: Apply 6-8 thin layers of Swix VR40.
Waves 6-9: Apply 6-8 thin layers of Swix VR40/45 HardWax. Alternate layers and end with VR40.Cork smooth after each layer. Do not “drag” all the wax down or up the kick zone. Cork in both directions: pulling up from the heel & down from the high point. Build the wax in the middle of the kick zone which is directly under the ball of your foot in a pyramid fashion.
SWIX SPORT WISHES YOU A GREAT 2009 BIRKEBEINER! |
| Events/Clinics/Announcements |
Calling All Birkie Enthusiasts!
Stop by the Saab display at Riverbrook Bike and Ski
Seeley, WI
Thursday 12-6, Friday 10-6pm
Enter the raffle to win Salomon Swag. Make sure you check out the 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi, with XWD, on display next to the Saab tent. XWD is not just all-wheel drive; it's Saab's innovative new cross-wheel drive system. The result is better handling, improved stability and a sportier driving experience
Saab Salomon Factory Team athletes won last year's Men's and Women's American Birkebeiner and thanks to Saab they are ready to defend the titles.
http://riverbrookbike.com/
www.Saabusa.com
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Saab Salomon Factory Team member Chad Giese will be hosting a
Pre Birkie Swix Wax clinic at FinnSiSu
Thursday, Feb. 19th at 6:30pm.
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Plum was on hand for the 2009 Owl Creek Chase, a 21 kilometer Nordic race
over a wide variety of difficult terrain. We spoke with
announcer/coordinator Mike Trecker, Rebecca Dussault (Women's 1st Place,
SAAB Salomon Team), Matthew Gelso (Men's 1st Place, University of CO) and
Tad Elliot (Men's 2nd Place, SAAB Salomon Team) about the intensity of this
race, the mental challenge it presents as well as the history of Nordic
Colorado.
http://aspen.plumtv.com/node/501631
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CXC is happy to work with SkiPost in offering the following products to
help make this year faster than last! Your purchases and support will help
shape the future of Nordic skiing in the US.
TRAINING LOG FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES. LOG IT! - NEW
Provides a template for recording daily training throughout the year, broken into 13 four-week periods, interspersed with photos and stories to inspire your training. Take advantage of the introduction to help build a plan for your season, then record and adapt your training over the year as your fitness progresses. The log is written by US Ski Team member and with forward by US Ski Team head coach Pete Vordenberg.
CXC ACADEMY (WEB BASED) – NEW
Training plans for high school, Junior Olympics, college, elite, masters and Birkie skiers with daily workout examples. Video of technique progressions, ski specific workouts, interviews and other useful materials.
“CXCAcademy.com is one of the best things to happen to XC skiing in the United States. Anyone who participates is truly rewarded with excellent training programs and technique examples”.
CROSS COUNTRY TECHNQIUE FUNDAMENTALS (CD-ROM)
This CD lays the foundation for both Classic and Freestyle techniques on which we can build a consistent technique program that will continue to develop great cross-country skiers for years to come.
WAKE UP! IT'S TIME TO TRAIN (DVD)
70 minutes of exclusive interviews with US National Team coaches, drills and
technique, fitness testing, sports physiology, core strength, training volume, intensity levels, race footage, and much more.
X-COUNTRY (DVD)
The inside story on one of the toughest sports around by top World Cup racers.
COMPETITIVE CORE TRAINING - REAL TRAINING FOR REAL ATHLETES (DVD)
Competitive Core Training provides the exercises and workouts that will help athletes of all ages, abilities, and sports develop a strong, flexible core that is essential to athletic performance and success.
Visit the CXC Store at:
www.cxcstore.com
and CXC Academy at
www.cxcacademy.com
_____________________________________
Ski and Tea
is a women's year-round ski-specific training group in the Birkie Trail area (Cable, Hayward, Seeley) founded by Linda Cook and Juli Lynch. Our group goal is to have every woman who comes "Be and Feel Successful and Proud To Be a Skier!" We are a mix of abilities and ages with a motto of "No Woman Left Behind!" Our first day of training together was January 4, 2008 with 8 women showing up. We now have over 104 women on the mailing list for our weekly newsletter.
The next clinics scheduled are:
Ski and Tea Hosting Clinic #5 With CXC Elite Women Clinicians Maria
Stuber, Kristina Owen, Jojo Winters, and Heather Zimmerman
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
00 Warming Hut
8:00 - 12:00
Cost: $50.00
Updated Clinic Description:
Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Instruction in both Skate and Classic Technique. This clinic will be special in that four of the CXC Elite Women will be present to help out. Participants will be split up into smaller groups and will have the option of focusing on skate only, classic only, or both techniques. Most of the fundamentals learned at previous clinics will be reviewed; however, the CXC ladies have come up with some new, innovative ways to help you ingrain good technique. Afterward, all participants are invited to join the CXC Elite Women for an optional Birkie/Korte race strategy question and answer session at Mooselips coffee shop in Seeley, WI. This Clinic was to be led by CXC Elite Skier Caitlin Compton. However, we are proud to announce that Caitlin made the World Championship Team and will be traveling to Liberec (Czech Republic), to compete at that time! The Clinic will be led by the other four of our CXC Elite Skier Women! Congratulations Caitlin and thank you to Maria Stuber, Heather Zimmerman, Kristina Owen and Jojo Winters for stepping up to the plate, and to Ski and Tea for helping these Women accomplish their dream and goals. All of the revenue for these clinics goes to the CXC Elite Skier Women to help them pursue their dreams and goals!
Contact Linda Cook for registration information - lpcook@chibardun.net
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Saturday, March 7th, 2009 for the 30th Annual Rendezvous Ski Race.
The boom of the cannon will send hundreds of skiers off to the races in West Yellowstone, Montana. Challenge yourself on our famed Rendezvous Ski Trails with the 50k, 25k, 10k, 5k, or 2k events.
In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, we have invited all previous 50k winners to return. If you have been to the Rendezvous Race in the past, return for an on-snow reunion, see old pals, ski all day, and savor the delicious desserts at the awards ceremony. If this is your first time, you will be rewarded with incredible skiing, great camaraderie, and the satisfaction of completing the infamous Rendezvous Race.
The 2009 Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will once again be part of the American Ski Marathon Series. Races in the ASM series highlight long distance ski events throughout the country. This is North America's longest-running and largest citizen's racing series.
_____________________________________
The Equinox Ski Challenge
March 21-22, 2009
Rendezvous Ski Trails, West Yellowstone, MT.
www.equinoxskichallenge.com
Relay team or solo / 6, 12, or 24 Hour / freestyle
Sam Newbury
(406)-209-3533
equinoxskichallenge@gmail.com
THE 3rd ANNUAL EQUINOX SKI CHALLENGE: How Far Can You Go?
The Equinox Ski Challenge is a season finale of a nordic ski race to be held on March 21st and 22nd at the Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, MT.
Similar to the 24 Hour mountain bike races, skiers complete as many laps as they can, either as a solo entrant or on a relay team in the 6 Hour, 12, Hour or 24 Hour division. Team can be composed of 2-8 skiers. This event is ingrained with camaraderie, challenge, and commitment to the well being of the local community.
The course is a rolling 9 kilometer loop groomed by Doug Edgerton and is located just 100 yards from several hotels. Toko will have a wax technician present to help skiers wax for the changing conditions. A warming hut is also available at the start/finish. The current 24 Hour soloist record is 326km set by Snorri Einarsson in 2007. The 24 Hour team record was also set in 2007 by a trio from Big Sky, Montana at 395km.
This event is dedicated to supporting local organizations that are keeping our communities mentally and physically healthy. For the third year in a row, the Equinox Ski Challenge will donate a portion of the proceeds to the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation and to Manaia Youth Programs. Participants can also earn raffle tickets by bringing food donations for the West
Yellowstone Food Bank.
The festivities will include a potluck with beverages on Saturday evening and an all night bonfire at the start/finish line. Complete details, race updates and online registration are available at www.equinoxskichallenge.com
How far can you go?
For more information contact:
Sam Newbury
Equinox Ski Challenge
P.O. Box 184
Bozeman, MT. 59771
(406)-209-3533
equinoxskichallenge@gmail.com
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| Saab
Team Vehicles
Skis, Boots, Bindings, Technical Wear
Wax, Poles, Tools
Eyewear
Heart Rate Monitors
Media
Racewear
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Signature Grinds
Tires
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Saab
Team Vehicles
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