Autolite, a global spark plug brand, has announced its three sponsored snowmobiles all finished in the Top 6 at the International 500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The 2018 I-500 marked the 50th Anniversary of the snowmobile race.

Bunke Racing sleds, powered by Autolite Xtreme Sport Iridium Spark Plugs, recorded an impressive race with 2nd (Taylor Bunke) and 6th (Gabe Bunke) place finishes. Yovich Racing, also powered by Autolite, secured a 5th place finish thanks to the superb racing of Isaac Wolfgang.

“The I-500 is the pinnacle of snowmobile racing and we’re proud to continue to support our racers with the latest spark plug technology,” said Jay Buckley, Autolite Technical Training Director. “It’s a thrill to join our racers at this annual showcase of the world’s best.”

Taylor Bunke’s 2nd place finish comes on the heels of an impressive race at the USXC Gerald Dyrdahl Memorial in Gonvick, Minnesota. Taylor clinched the number two position before his dad, Gabe Bunke, finished 4-seconds later to grab the third spot on the podium. It marked the first time in the history of United States X-Country Snowmobile Racing that a father and son have simultaneously earned podium spots in Pro Class racing.

Bunke Racing, powered by Autolite, has won five out of the past seven I-500 races and is poised to return to the top of the podium at next year’s signature race.

“It’s exciting to follow our racers and their performance,” added Buckley. “We’re extremely proud of Taylor, Gabe, and Isaac. It’s shaping up to be a great year for Autolite-powered sleds.”

Autolite Xtreme Sport spark plugs are engineered to meet or exceed OE designs and withstand the extreme operating temperatures experienced during a powersports engine’s combustion. They were designed with iridium-enhanced 0.6mm finewire design for improved ignitability, faster fuel combustion and a more focused ignition versus standard plugs.

For more information: International 500 and Autolite’s Iridium Powersports Spark Plug