Prince Albert resident competes in International motorcycle building competition

Duane Zolinski is 64 years old and is building a motorcycle as a part of an online competition ranging across North America. With the support of his following on Facebook, he has made it through to round three of the contest and is currently in 2nd place.

The competition is called ‘Dream Chopper’ and is organized by Orange County Choppers founder Paul Teutul Sr. The winner of the competition will receive a custom dream bike, built from scratch by Teutul, and will also be on an upcoming episode of OCC, and will receive a feature on the cover of Cycle Source Magazine.

During an interview with paNOW, Zolinski said this is a dream come true.

“I’ve always been a fan of OCC on TV, Zolinski said. “I was probably his number one fan. It would be a lifetime opportunity to meet Paul Sr. I think him and I would be best buddies if we ever had the chance.”

National

Canadian Indigenous leaders call Biden's apology for residential schools 'first step'

15h ago

Suspects at large

Hunt for suspects continues in challenging conditions near Thunder Rapids

Oct 25, 2024

Election 2024

Prince Albert voters share why they support their chosen party

Oct 24, 2024

Zolinski added his love for bikes began when he was a small kid when his dad bought him a mini-bike and he started working on them when he was 12.

Duane Zolinksi’s motorbike he is working on for the Dream Chopper contest. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

He also explained during round one he was in a group of 125 contestants, he was voted through in 2nd place and has held that position up to round three and needs to be in the top five to move on further.

When entering the contest, Zolinski thought he would not stand a chance. The support he has received, to him has meant everything.

“All my friends and family have gone above and beyond supporting me, it has been spectacular,” Zolinski said. “My expectations were exceeded; I did not even think I would make it out of the first round. Right now, I’m going for it all the way.”

Zolinski said his favourite part of the experience has been reconnecting with old friends who have reached out and shown their support.

“I’ve had friends I haven’t heard from for a long time, and for them to come and re-acquaint themselves, and their daily commitment has been amazing,” Zolinski said. “It has been a great pleasure having everyone supporting me. It’s been a great experience.”

The motorbike Zolinski is working on for the Dream Chopper contest. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

One of Zolinksi’s long-time friends Todd Chamberlain said he would like to see someone local win a contest like this.

“Here we have a Western Canadian, Saskatchewan biker guy that has a legitimate shot at doing this, Chamberlain said.

“Whether you know him or not go online, vote, and share. We got a good shot and getting a local guy on a National show.”

The Dream Chopper competition is also raising money for the Hudson Valley SPCA. Donations can be made through voting.

Editor’s note: a previous version of this story incorrectly said Zolinksi was the only Canadian in contention in the competition. There is another local man in the running and we’ll have a story on him as well.

—

Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8