Team UXC Racing would be out at full force at GNCC’s First Round, Wild Boar, in Palatka, Fla., and would go one, two both in the 4×4 Pro Class and overall, with the Scrambler XP 850 EPS.

After starting mid-pack, Kevin Trantham and Michael Swift would pull the lead on the second lap with Michael Swift in front and teammate Kevin Trantham in second. During lap three, Swift encountered a lapped rider which gave Trantham the opportunity to capture the lead.

The duo crossed the finished line grabbing the top two podium positions in the Pro 4×4 class. Trantham and Swift also secured the top two overall podium positions for the morning ATV race.

“We had an awesome day out there. We have worked hard and we did just what we needed to do today putting the Scrambler first and second overall on the podium,” said Swift.

All Team UXC members completed Round 1 with good standings. Don Higbee finished with a third place finish in the 4×4 Senior class. Higbee battled for the lead throughout the race.

Graham Widdicombe lined up in the 4×4 A/B class alongside teammate Chris Robinson. Robinson made a rare appearance at Round 1 after the TORN Round 1 was canceled due to inclement weather. He came away with a respectable second place finish.

Widdicombe encountered issues in the last lap of the race that set him back to a ninth place finish. Nic Snyckers wrapped up a fourth place finish in the 4×4 Novice class.

The next GNCC race is The General, in Washington, Ga., March 14-15, which also is the first UTV and Single Seat round.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel, and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel, and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles (ORVs), announces a partnership with the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) to sponsor GNCC’s newly-added Single Seat Class.

In January 2014, Polaris introduced the revolutionary 32 horsepower, single-seat Polaris ACE which was designed to combine the size and nimble handling of a Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) with the confidence and comfort of RANGER and RZR side-by-sides.

The vehicle generated so much interest that six months later, the company introduced a second model with a 45 horsepower ProStar 570 engine. The ACE architecture appealed to a wide-variety of riders, including racers, which was demonstrated last fall when GNCC and Polaris offered an exhibition ACE Editor’s Race at the Ironman, in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

“GNCC is excited to introduce the Single Seat Class into our racing format,” said GNCC Director Tim Cotter. “When Polaris commits to something, they commit 100 percent and we have no doubt that the ACE is destined to be a main stay in off-road.”

The GNCC Single Seat Class will be available for single seat production models up to 570ccs, and engine and suspension modifications will be permitted. The vehicles will race on the UTV course but in a separate race from the UTVs.

“ACE inspires confidence, is comfortable and is incredibly capable making it a great option for the beginner racer, as well as a fun platform for the more experienced,” said Donna Beadle, race team manager for Polaris. “GNCC races offer the type of terrain where ACE shines and we look forward to working with them to promote the class.”

As part of the sponsorship, Polaris is offering racer discounts on select ACE vehicles to those racers who raced any vehicle in at least half of the races of a qualifying racing series in 2014, and intend to race full 2015 season in the Single Seat Class.

For all other racers, Polaris will offer their Reimbursement Program for new 2014 or 2015 ACEs purchased after Sept. 1, 2014.

Racers interested in this program will receive a $1000 reimbursement at the end of the season as long as they competed in more than half of the qualifying events.

The reimbursement will be limited to the first 50 qualified submissions.

More information and complete rules about Polaris’ Racer Discount and Reimbursement Programs can be found at polarisfactoryracing.com.

The first GNCC Single Seat Race will be at The General, March 14, in Washington, GA.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel, and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel, and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles and The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announced a national partnership recognizing the industry-leading utility vehicle (UTV), Polaris RANGER, as the “Official UTV of the PRCA, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.”

“Given that the majority of our members and fans reside in rural America, this partnership is a perfect fit,” stated PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “Polaris RANGER’s commitment to ProRodeo truly shows the marketing efficacy of this sport and we are proud to have them onboard.”

The newly-formed partnership includes Polaris RANGER joining the PRCA’s family of national sponsors and serving as the Official UTV of the PRCA, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will be renamed the “Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER”

PRCA World Champions and all RNCFR champions, effective next month in Kissimmee, Fla., will each receive a Polaris RANGER, as well as both of the Remuda Award winners. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund will also benefit with fundraising activities for these two entities.

“Polaris RANGER is excited to continue our support of the sport of rodeo,” said Beth Shimanski, marketing manager for Polaris. “ProRodeo participants are some of the most passionate and dedicated individuals, and this partnership lets us celebrate them and their fans. We look forward to an exciting rodeo season.”

Polaris RANGER provides the hardest-working, smoothest riding UTVs for uses ranging from farming and hunting, to recreational and off-road trips. The line-up consists of premium and value offerings with seating from two to six, in electric, gas and diesel power options to cater to a wide variety of consumer needs.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel, and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel, and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was awarded the 2015 FinOvation Award from Farm Industry News magazine for its Viking VI Side-by-Side (SxS) utility vehicle.

The FinOvation Award is designed to celebrate the spirit of innovation and recognize new products that have received the most interest from Farm Industry News readers. This is the second consecutive year Yamaha has received the award. In 2014, the premier Viking model that introduced the first true three-person seating capacity in a SxS vehicle earned a FinOvation Award.

“We’re honored to receive the FinOvation award for a second consecutive year,” said Steve Nessl, ATV/SxS marketing manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation. “It’s especially rewarding to know the award is based on positive responses from people who rely so heavily on their utility vehicles for day-to-day toughness, durability and performance in the field.” Nessl accepted the award on behalf of Yamaha at the 50th Annual National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville.

In its report announcing the 2015 FinOvation Award winners, Farm Industry News wrote, “Yamaha made a statement with the new Viking side-by-side. This machine offers six-person seating, more room for cargo and has a number of convenience features, including electronic power steering and differential lock.”

Yamaha introduced the Viking VI EPS six-person SxS in June 2014. The extended cab Viking VI combines Yamaha performance and durability with the comfort and convenience of a Viking—with maximum headroom, legroom and shoulder room for six occupants.

Similar to the three-seat Viking introduced in 2013, the Viking VI is made for tough off-road duty and features Yamaha’s industry-leading Ultramatic fully automatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive system, Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Yamaha’s proven and powerful 700cc-class engine. With 600-pounds hauling and 1,500-pounds towing, the Viking VI is made to be the toughest, hardest working and most off-road capable six-person SxS ever.

“We know farmers and ranchers demand the hardest-working and most dependable equipment for use on their operations,” added Nessl. “It’s rewarding to know the Viking models have earned their stamp of approval.”

Yamaha is committed to continually expanding its line of class-leading SxS vehicles and has recently unveiled the all-new Wolverine R-Spec. “With the introduction of the Wolverine R-Spec, Yamaha is furthering its position in the growing multipurpose SxS segment of the off-road business,” added Nessl. All of Yamaha’s ATV and SxS vehicles are being assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit yamahamotorsports.com.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced its 2015 ATV race teams featuring reigning champions and contenders riding the 2015 Yamaha YFZ450R in both the national MX and cross country series.

Leading the MX teams for Yamaha in 2015 is three-time AMA Pro ATV champ Chad Wienen on his Wienen Motorsports/SSI YFZ450R. He is looking forward to starting his title defense at the inaugural Daytona SX event. Maxxis/Moto-XPerts Thomas Brown, who took third in AMA Pro ATV competition in 2014, returns to Yamaha again this season and also has his sights set on a 2015 championship.

In Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) competition, N-Fab/Am-Pro/Moto-XPerts Yamaha’s veteran Walker Fowler will once again challenge for the XC1 pro class championship after only missing that mark by mere seconds this past October.

Maxxis/SSI Chris Borich, who has won the past six straight GNCC pro championships has made the switch to Yamaha and will be on a YFZ450R this year, while N-Fab/Am-Pro/Moto-XPerts Yamaha’s Cole Richardson, who captured the XC2 class championship with eight wins in 2014, will be looking for a repeat.

“Yamaha has a long history of supporting ATV motocross and cross country racing and we have assembled an even stronger team of riders to add to the legacy of the Championship winning YFZ450R this season,” said Donnie Luce, Yamaha’s Off-Road/ATV Coordinator.

In addition, Yamaha will be supporting Kylie Ahart in GNCC competition as the first-ever Yamaha All-American ATV Racer. Kylie was voted to this position by her peers, friends and fans as a person and racer who embodies All-American ATV Racing values. She was awarded a complete racing package from Yamaha and GNCC and will represent Yamaha in the 2015 GNCC season on a new YFZ450R in the WXC class.

“Yamaha is proud to continue supporting ATV racing more than any other OEM. The All-American ATV Racer program is just the latest example of this support, and everyone at Yamaha is excited to see our team riders and Kylie compete on the Assembled-in-U.S.A. YFZ in 2015,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV and SxS group marketing manager.

Yamaha continues to lead the sport ATV market in sales, premier class championships and support. A key part of that support is provided by Layne Barnes and the staff of Pro Motorsports from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, through our trackside support program that is available to all Yamaha riders at each stop of the AMA ATV nationals.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States. Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit yamahamotorsports.com.

Tread Lightly!, the national nonprofit and leading organization supporting outdoor recreation, has launched the JoinTreadLightly.org URL to encourage increased membership in support of its 25th anniversary this year.

JoinTreadLightly.org is a direct link to the organization’s new member page where individuals can sign up for a range of memberships from $25 to $250 per year. Ninety percent of funds that Tread Lightly! raises go directly to supporting its mission of promoting responsible recreation through ethics education and stewardship initiatives.

“Tread Lightly!’s work impacts both land and water and is representative of nearly every form of outdoor recreation,” said Lori McCullough, Tread Lightly!’s executive director. “Growing our member base is a priority that will help Tread Lightly! continue to expand our reach and do more good for the recreational activities that we all enjoy.”

Highlights of how Tread Lightly! leveraged membership and corporate partner donations in 2014 include:

– Tread Lightly! delivered its educational and stewardship message to 40 million outdoor recreationists across the country.
– Tread Trainers dedicated more than 370 volunteer hours spreading Tread Lightly!’s outdoor ethic to an international community of outdoor enthusiasts.
– Tread Lightly!’s Respected Access is Open Access campaign garnered more than 20 million impressions through mass distribution of educational posters and outdoor PSAs.
– Tread Lightly!’s statewide partnership programs – RIDE ON Utah and RIDE ON Wyoming – reached more than 10 million people.
– Tread Lightly! coordinated five Restoration for Recreation volunteer projects that helped directly protect access to public lands.

Tread Lightly!’s ability to span multiple recreation categories – from off-highway vehicles (OHV) to hunting, horseback riding to geocaching – has made it likely the only nonprofit that has an MOU with every federal and state agency in the U.S.

“Tread Lightly! has done great work, and we have even more exciting programs planned for 2015 – we encourage everyone who enjoys our great outdoors to get involved,” McCullough said.

Tread Lightly! members receive various benefits including discounts from partner companies like Falken Tire, Discount Tire, Goal Zero, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, SRT and FIAT. Membership levels and online registration are at JoinTreadLightly.org.

Tread Lightly! is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a national nonprofit organization in October 2015. Founded in 1990 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, Tread Lightly! promotes responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs. Tread Lightly! has more than 60 official partners from various industries and is likely the nation’s only non-profit holding MOUs with every federal and state agency in the U.S. Tread Lightly!’s diverse member base enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities including hunting, angling, camping, boating, biking, four-wheeling and much more.

Become a Tread Lightly! partner or member today and start supporting access, education and stewardship at treadlightly.org.

One hundred and twenty two UTVs would line up for the Polaris RZR UTV World Championship presented by UTVUnderground.com making it the largest UTV race ever.

In the desert race, Polaris Factory Racer Branden Sims, in his Lonestar Racing No. 1913 RZR XP 1000, would take the lead on the first lap and never look back in the Walker Evans Desert Championship to win the grand prize package which included a brand new Polaris RZR XP 1000.

RZRs would take the top 11 spots in the race once again showing the dominance of the vehicle in racing.

In the Production Class, Jacob Shaw in his Magnum Off-Road Polaris RZR XP 1000 would take the win in the Holz Racing Products Production Championship and also take home a new Polaris RZR XP 1000.

Polaris Factory Racer Beau Baron would hit the podium in third with the top 11 finishers in RZR vehicles.

The race also offered a Production RZR 170 race which saw a dozen vehicles line up. Seth Quintero in his Magnum Off-Road RZR 170 would take the checkered flag and is one to watch in the future.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered parts, accessories and apparel, Klim branded apparel, and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel, and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF), a premier consumer financial services company with 80 years of retail heritage, today announced a new, multi-year agreement to provide installment lending programs with KYMCO, a leading manufacturer in the motorsports industry for more than 50 years.

KYMCO USA distributes Scooters, ATVs and Side by Sides available through more than 600 dealer locations nationwide. The agreement will provide installment financing for purchasers of new and used KYMCO products, strengthening Synchrony Financial’s position in the powersports market.

“Consumers looking to make major purchases such as the products that KYMCO USA sells are diligent when making these decisions, and the availability of promotional financing plays a key role in that thought process,” said Stephen Motta, general manager, Powersports, Synchrony Financial. “Our research* shows that powersports consumers are primarily driven by quality products, but the availability of financing is a critical component of the purchasing decision.”

A 2014 study commissioned by Synchrony Financial of powersports customers explores the path to purchase and shows that, while value is important, the majority of shoppers choose a brand based on quality and trust. Further, consumers surveyed said installment financing allows them to budget for a large purchase, know what their monthly payments will be, and keep other credit lines free for emergency and everyday uses.

“We’re pleased to work with Synchrony Financial due to their deep experience and insights into customer trends in the motorsports industry,” said Bruce Ramsey, KYMCO USA vice president of Sales and Marketing. “They clearly understand our customers and know how to provide the right financing for them to get the product they want and need.”

KYMCO’s roots in the power sports industry go back to it’s founding in 1963 as the Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd. With headquarters in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, KYMCO has long been a leader in quality, fuel economy and versatility. Today KYMCO is the largest scooter manufacturer in Taiwan, exports to 89 countries worldwide, and manufactures scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and UXV side-by-side vehicles at five ISO-9001 quality accredited plants in Asia. Serving consumers and a selection of valued OEM clients, KYMCO is committed to maximum customer satisfaction, constant innovation, and making use of the most advanced CAD/CAE tools to bring superior engineering and design to their products. KYMCO USA, wholly owned by Kwang Yang Motor Co. Ltd., is the exclusive importer/distributor of KYMCO brand products in the United States. With its headquarters, marketing and distribution based in Spartanburg, S.C., KYMCO USA serves more than 600 dealers in the U.S. and Caribbean and is dedicated to building the brand’s reputation and market share through superior value, frequent new product introductions, excellence in dealer network support, participation in enthusiast events, race support and sponsorship, and strategic industry partnerships with organizations such as AMA Pro Road Racing, NHRA, Tread Lightly!, (SVIA) Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and (MIC) Motorcycle Industry Council.

Learn more at KYMCOUSA.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today launched new tools to urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 999, The RIDE (ROV In-Depth Examination) Act.

To help show their support of this newly-introduced bill, off-road enthusiasts should click here to send a message to their local representatives.

After congress received more than 90,000 messages concerning the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) proposed mandates for off-road, side-by-side vehicles (ROVs), U.S. Representatives Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) introduced The RIDE Act.

The bill would postpone the ROV rulemaking until the CPSC’s proposals are studied and evaluated by the National Academy of Sciences in consultation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Defense (DOD).

This independent review will help ensure that ROV design standards are appropriate for off-road riding environments, will not unnecessarily compromise off-road performance and safety, and will not lead to unintended consequences. The new grassroots campaign will urge representatives of riders and dealers to support The RIDE Act.

“Polaris would like to thank off-road enthusiasts who made their voices heard by contacting their Members of Congress and expressing their concern about the CPSC ROV rulemaking,” said Paul Vitrano, VP, global government relations for Polaris. “As a result, we now have pending legislation that will help ensure any ROV standards are appropriate, but we still need your help in urging your representatives to co-sponsor the bill.”

Off-road enthusiasts looking for more information about The RIDE Act can find it HERE.

For more information about the CPSC ROV Rulemaking, visit StoptheROVMandate.com.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.
Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory, Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered Parts, Accessories and Apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Pro Armor and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at polaris.com.