Don Pogoda pulled up to Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp at Griffiths Stadium in a unique ride.
His 1988 Lincoln Town Car is one of a kind: it’s green and white with three Riders logos, black detailing, five mini helmets hanging on the front bumper, George Reed on the hood, and Ron Lancaster on the trunk. Pogoda calls it ‘The Gene Machine’ named after the great Makowsky who was born in Saskatoon.
Pogoda has been collecting signatures on the vehicle for over a decade.
Broadcaster Joey Hadesbeck once took the car with Pogoda’s blessing to an event to collect 1996 Grey Cup team members’ signatures. Former Roughriders defensive back Graig Newman helped Pogoda with signatures from his teammates who were on the 2013 Grey Cup team.
Pogoda was patiently waiting at the front gate with black Sharpies as players left the facility on Thursday. He politely asked athletes to add to his signature collection on the car. Shawn Bane Jr. found a spot for his autograph as some teammates took in the art with four wheels for all its beauty.
According to Pogoda, the car still drives smoothly and gives him great gas mileage. There’s room left for signatures to fill up the panels on the vehicle and he’s hoping the new ones added become championship names.
The Riders start the 2024 regular season on the road at Edmonton on Saturday, June 8.
