Doing it for grandma: Kelowna sledder named finalist for North America’s best snowmobiler

KELOWNA – Justin Evans wants to be named the best snowmobiler in North America for his grandmother.

Evans, 28, has been riding snowmobiles since she first took him at three-years-old.

“She was the craziest old lady you’d ever met,” he says. “She raced quarter mile, rode bulls and steers, barrel raced and we always snowmobiled together. It would be unbelievable to win something like this and share it with her while I still can.”

Evans was one of 16 contestants selected out of thousands based on a submission video and bio, and was announced as a finalist this week. He is up against American sledder Ben Hietpas to see who can get the most online votes.

“It would be a dream come true. I’ve never been in a situation like this. It’s very humbling,” he says. “I really just want to win it for my grandma.”

Evans, a volunteer with Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, is hosting a barbecue and silent auction fundraiser at Valley Motor Sports this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with all proceeds going to the group. The event will include a barbecue and silent auction.

Cast your vote for Justin Evans at the contest website.

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