Xtremplus’ Willy Alcaraz made it an unprecedented fourth time he’d win the Dakar and the third time riding solo, this time in a RZR XP 1000.

This year’s Dakar Rally was 9,000 Kilometers, spanning three countries with 140 competitors taking on some of the toughest geography offered in an off-road race.

Alcaraz, similar to the bike riders, would run the race without a windshield and faced the heat, cold, rain, hail, salt, temperatures below zero, altitude and at the end of the race, a storm and mud. He would not only take his class but also finish in 46th place out of the 67 remaining cars in the car category.

“I am exhausted! This Dakar was hard until the very end, but I am happy to get the fourth victory in T3 and the third in Solo,” said Alcaraz. “At the end, in spite of the bad weather, I was able to manage my distance and make it to the end. The Polaris RZR XP 1000 is a well-made machine that has been magnified by the preparation of one of the most professional workshops in Pont de Vaux. I want to thank Nico, Manu, Thierry, Francis, Sylvain, Alexis, you guys do an extraordinary work every night to make the RZR as new, and in a very friendly environment and good humor which makes me feel better when I get to the bivouac every evening. Also, I want to thank Marco Piana, Norberto Cangani and Steven Griener in the T4 truck (race truck), because we know that in case of a problem, they are not very far.”

Along with Alcaraz, Xtreme Plus’ Team Munk/Delaunay, also in a RZR XP 1000, would take second in the T3 category and 55th overall.

CLICK HERE for a race recap, Dakar fans can check out Polaris’ new Dakar race page.

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.

Co-pilots Sara Price and Erica Sacks will take on grueling 9-day race in the deserts of Morocco, Africa

Team Kawasaki IMG Motorsports announced today that they will support the first ever American Side X Side Team to race in the 2015, 25th Anniversary, Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. Sara Price and Erica Sacks will be tackling one of the toughest All-Female Sporting events on the planet in a factory supported Kawasaki Teryx® Side X Side built by IMG Motorsports.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is a 9-day race located in Morocco, Africa where approximately 160 teams and 300 competitors come together to tackle the terrain without the help of GPS. Using nothing but outdated maps, teams are forced to navigate through the incredibly tough terrain with nothing but a compass and their will to succeed.

This navigational challenge will be a true test for the Kawasaki IMG Motorsports team. They will navigate with the goal of traveling the shortest distance from Point A to Point B, ranging anywhere from 700 miles to 3,000 miles.

Emily Miller, former pro racer and one of the first Americans to participate in this race, is mentoring Sara and Erica along with Kirsten Kuhn, who is the US Team/Media Liaison for the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. Sara and Erica will have to overcome the challenges of a language barrier, an unvisited country, and unfamiliar desert.

Sara Price previously raced for Kawasaki as a professional women’s motocross racer making history in 2010 as the first ever female factory supported racer in motocross. Sara also achieved over 16 Amateur Championships on a Kawasaki during her amateur racing career as well as medaling in X-Games.

Sara crossed over into the Side X Side racing in 2012, racing many different disciplines in a UTV and fast became a force to reckon with. She is also going to be the youngest American to race in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles’ 25-year history.

Erica Sacks has over 15 years of off-road racing experience. She has been all over Baja and has raced the longest race in the US, giving her the knowledge necessary to compete in this long race. She has raced in a variety of off-road cars from Trophy Karts to Class 1 cars, and has the experience and navigational skills required when racing in the most prestige races held in Baja. She recently finished second place in a UTV at the 2014 Lake Elsinore Grand Prix.

“Racing in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles has been a dream of mine to test my skill and also have this experience of a lifetime. Having a long history working with Erica from on-the-track to in the garage, I feel we couldn’t be a better team to do this. I’m very excited to be back with Kawasaki and have their support and can’t wait to make America proud” commented Sara Price. Erica’s excited about this new partnership as well and commented, “When Sara came to me about being her teammate for the rally, I thought this is crazy, but what a fun experience! Sara and I have been friends for many years. This last year I have been involved as her spotter in her UTV racing and working together with her on her UTV. I’m looking forward to taking our racing friendship to Morocco as team USA, Kawasaki, IMG Motorsports.”

Team USA, Kawasaki, IMG Motorsports are asking for their fans be a part of this amazing, first-ever American race team at the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles! A Crowd Funding Campaign has been started to help support this team at www.darkhorsepros.com/campaigns/88, where fans and supporters have the chance to come on board to join and support them in this amazing journey.

The team can also be followed on their journey, from training for the rally to daily updates in Morocco at facebook.com/TeryxGirls or use Official Hashtag #TeryxGirls on social media sites.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced plans to build a new production facility in Huntsville, Alabama to provide additional capacity and flexibility as the company continues to experience rapid growth. Located Southwest of Huntsville City Center, the 600,000 square-foot facility will focus on off-road vehicle production.

Polaris selected Huntsville due to its skilled workforce, history of technology and innovation, existing utility infrastructure, and strong local and state resources supporting economic development. The 453-acre Huntsville site offers Polaris close proximity to its key customer base in the Southeast U.S. and strong logistics network.

“This new facility will complement our already strong and growing North American manufacturing footprint by reducing pressure on our existing facilities and enable each to remain focused on their current product lines as we continue to meet the demand for our innovative, quality products.” said Ken Pucel, Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering, and Lean, Polaris Industries Inc. “We are grateful to the city of Huntsville and the state of Alabama for their support as we invest in our shared future.”

Polaris will design and develop a lean and flexible facility to drive continuous improvement from the start. The new plant in Alabama will become part of our North American plant network and will reduce complexity within the existing plant network and enable logistics optimization.

The facility will have multiple assembly lines providing flexibility to quickly replenish demand and support continued product innovations. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the plant will support several core processes including, vehicle assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injection molding. At full capacity, the site will employ at least 1,700 people.

“I am honored to welcome Polaris Industries to Alabama,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “The Alabama workforce, our business climate and our quality of life continue to make Alabama extremely attractive to companies. I am confident that Polaris will soon experience the same type of success that other companies in Alabama have already experienced. Alabama’s success in advanced manufacturing is a result of the state’s successful Accelerate Alabama plan, and Polaris’ off-road vehicle production strategy fits perfectly within our manufacturing goals. Today’s announcement will create at least 1,700 well-paying jobs in Huntsville. I look forward to the completion of this state of the art facility next year, and a continued partnership with Polaris.”

Polaris will break ground on the Huntsville facility in the first quarter of 2015 with completion slated for early in the second quarter of 2016. Production will begin shortly thereafter.

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.

BRP and Mossy Oak, outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, have concluded a joint marketing agreement to bring the ultimate powersports experience to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

“You’d be hard-pressed to find a hunter or land owner that doesn’t own an ATV or side-by-side vehicle. These vehicles have become a necessary tool for outdoors people,” said Chris Paradise, Sr. Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for Mossy Oak. “With the addition of Mossy Oak to the tough and powerful Can-Am off-road line-up, the best of concealment and performance are combined for the must-have, all-terrain vehicle.”

“The timing of our new agreement with BRP could not be more ideal given that 2015 marks the launch year for Mossy Oak’s all new Break-Up Country pattern, which will be featured on future Can-Am products. We at Mossy Oak consider this revolutionary new pattern to be our best ever and are very excited to work with BRP to bring it to life for our loyal Mossy Oak consumers,” added Ben Maki, Sr. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Mossy Oak.

“Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts demand the best from their ATV or side-by-side vehicle,” said Louis Lévesque, vice-president, Global Marketing and Consumer Experience. “Our agreement with Mossy Oak will strengthen BRP’s Can-Am off-road line-up offering to give owners the ultimate all-terrain vehicle.”

Mossy Oak produces officially licensed products of Haas Outdoors Inc. Haas Outdoors Inc. is headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak. Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, MOOSE Media, Nativ Nurseries, GameKeepers and Mossy Oak Properties.

BRP (TSX: DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3 billion from 105 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,100 people worldwide.

For more information about Mossy Oak, visit mossyoak.com. To learn more about Can-Am, visit can-am.brp.com.

As part of RZR’s continuing innovation and commitment to its enthusiasts, Polaris is announcing several new models featuring new paint schemes and graphics, and a new RZR XP 1000 EPS model with the first-ever Internal Bypass Shocks available on a side-by-side.

The new RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition is hands-down, the best performing suspension ever offered on a sport Side by Side, featuring highly-tuned FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks, re-tuned coil-over springs, new front stabilizer bar and softer rear bar. The vehicle offers the next generation of suspension innovation that takes Razor Sharp Performance to a whole new level.

The new FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks found on the RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition generates highly-progressive damping that gives the vehicle a plush ride with all the bottom-out resistance expected from an ultra-performance off-road vehicle.

The shocks have large diameter bodies (3 in/7.6 cm rear, 2.5 in/6.4 cm front), reservoirs and increased fluid capacity for dramatic improvements in heat dissipation, fade resistance and durability. The internal bypass technology offers more zones than a conventional shock for better tenability and performance for the smoothest ride available on a side-by-side and better handling over a wider range of terrain at any speed.

To complement the new shock package, Polaris outfitted the RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition with redesigned coil-over springs. The progressive rate upper spring is a lighter-weight spring that absorbs small impacts while the stiffer, main spring maintains ground clearance and absorbs bigger impacts in rough terrain.

The RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition also is the first RZR XP to feature a front sway bar and also has a redesigned rear sway bar with 25 percent less stiffness. Combined with the FOX Podium Internal Bypass Shocks, the sway bars dramatically decrease body roll and improve vehicle handling and comfort.

Along with the new suspension package, the RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition features Matte Turbo Silver paint, cut and sew seats, new graphics package, innovative 6-Point harnesses and the Polaris Interactive Digital Display which is an integrated, industry-leading LCD display and gauge with full-featured GPS, mapping capability and compass.

The display also features integrated Bluetooth functionality and shows the speedometer, tachometer, dual trip meters, odometer and maintenance warnings along with a digital clock, and operating conditions including fuel level and diagnostics.

The RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition will be available in dealerships starting in February 2015.

Along with the new RZR XP 1000 EPS FOX Edition, Polaris also is announcing several other new models with new paint scheme and graphics which include the following:

– 2015 RZR 570 EPS Black Pearl
– Additional features on this model include:
– Electronic Power Steering
– Engine Braking System (EBS)
– TURF Mode
– Sealed under hood storage
– Maxxis Tires with Cast Aluminum Rims
– High / Low beam headlights
– Black Pearl paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR 900 EPS Trail Blue Fire

– Electronic Power Steering
– High Performance Close Ratio AWD
– Engine Braking System (EBS)
– TURF Mode
– Driver’s Side Seat Slider
– Cast Aluminum Rims
– Blue Fire paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR 900 EPS Trail Gloss Nuclear Sunset

– Electronic Power Steering
– High Performance Close Ratio AWD
– Engine Braking System (EBS)
– TURF Mode
– Driver’s Side Seat Slider
– Cast Aluminum Rims
– Nuclear Sunset paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR S 900 EPS Voodoo Blue

– Electronic Power Steering
– High Performance Close Ratio AWD
– Driver’s Side Seat Slider
– High Performance Steering Wheel
– Voodoo Blue paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR S 900 EPS Stealth Black

– Electronic Power Steering
– High Performance Close Ratio AWD
– Driver’s Side Seat Slider
– High Performance Steering Wheel
– Stealth Black paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR XP 1000 EPS Stealth Black

– Electronic Power Steering
– Stealth Black paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR XP 1000 EPS Orange Madness

– Electronic Power Steering
– Orange Madness paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

2015 RZR XP 4 1000 EPS White Lightning (Monochrome)

– Electronic Power Steering
– White Lightning paint
– Custom graphics package
– Custom cut & sew seats with RZR emblem
– Color-matched painted front and rear suspension springs

All models will be available in dealerships starting in January.

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.

Polaris Industries today announced the company’s newest ATV and RANGER offerings.

These units will be in addition to the Model Year 2015 line up announced in July. All units will be available in dealerships in late January.

ATVs

2015 Sportsman XP 1000-Titanium Matte Metallic Limited Edition

Launched for Model Year 2015, Sportsman XP 1000 leads the Big Bore category in power and performance. Based on the revolutionary XP chassis, the Sportsman XP 1000 offers the smoothest, most-refined ride in the industry coupled with the highest performance in its class due to its 88 horsepower ProStar single overhead cam 1000 twin-cylinder Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI) engine.

Other features found on the Sportsman XP 1000 are the new high-performance, close-ratio, On-Demand, True All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for improved traction; Electronic Power Steering (EPS); Polaris’ Engine Braking System (EBS) with Active Descent Control (ADC) to control downhill braking for optimal control and smooth, even deceleration to all four wheels; a Polaris HD 2500 lb/1133 kg winch and new plow accessory integration so the vehicle can work harder.

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Polaris Interactive Digital Display with GPS- An integrated, industry-leading LCD display and gauge with full-featured GPS, mapping capability and compass. The display also features integrated Bluetooth functionality and shows the speedometer, tachometer, dual trip meters, odometer and maintenance warnings along with a digital clock, and operating conditions including fuel level, diagnostics and more.
· Premium Fox Podium X, 24 position compression adjustable front and rear shocks
· Titanium Matte Metallic premium paint
· Color-matched A-Arms and Springs
· Cut-and-sew seat
· Front storage box
· Hand guards
· Thumb and hand warmers
· Front bumper

2015 Sportsman Touring XP 1000-Pearl White Limited Edition

Also launched for Model Year 2015, the Sportsman Touring XP 1000 shares the same class-leading power; smoothest, most refined ride; high-performance, close-ratio, On-Demand True AWD; EPS; EBS with ADC; winch and plow integration, but offers a longer chassis to accommodate a passenger.

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Polaris Interactive Digital Display with GPS- An integrated, industry-leading LCD display and gauge with full-featured GPS, mapping capability and compass. The display also features integrated Bluetooth functionality and shows the speedometer, tachometer, dual trip meters, odometer and maintenance warnings along with a digital clock, and operating conditions including fuel level, diagnostics and more.
· Premium Fox Podium X compression adjustable front and rear shocks
· Pearl White premium paint
· Color-matched A-Arms and Springs
· Cut-and-sew driver and passenger seats
· Front storage box
· Mirrors
· Hand guards
· Driver and passenger hand warmers
· Front bumper

2015 Sportsman 570 SP – Black Pearl Limited Edition

For Model Year 2015, Polaris added a new premium, one-up vehicle to the 500 class, the Sportsman 570 SP. The vehicle features several upgraded refinements found on premium model ATVs including Double A-Arm Front Suspension; standard Electronic Power Steering (EPS); high-performance close-ratio, On-Demand, True AWD System; EBS with ADC; premium automotive paint and cast aluminum rims.

Additional features on the limited edition model include:

· Black Pearl premium Paint
· Color-matched A-Arms and Springs
· Color-matched rack extenders
· Cut-and-sew seat
· Aggressive 26 in/66.04 cm PXT tires
· Polaris HD 2500 lb. winch

RANGER

Model Year 2015 brought a 13 percent increase in power to its flagship RANGER vehicle, the RANGER XP 900. The upgraded 68 horsepower ProStar 900 along with RANGER XP 900’s other class-leading features such as payload, towing, ground clearance, suspension travel and torque ensures the vehicle stays the hardest working, smoothest riding side-by-side in the marketplace.

The vehicle also features new, intake openings, on the pillars behind the driver and passenger, allowing for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems.

Polaris is introducing two more RANGER XP 900 models which include:

2015 RANGER XP 900 EPS–Sunset Red Silver

Additional features on the upgrade edition model include:

– Sunset Red and Silver automotive-style paint and graphic package
– Sunset Red and Silver cut and sew seats
– Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
– PXT Tires on cast aluminum wheels

2015 RANGER XP 900 EPS–Sandstone Metallic

Additional features on the upgrade edition model include:

– Sandstone Metallic automotive-style paint and graphic package
– Sandstone Metallic cut and sew seats
– Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
– PXT Tires on cast aluminum wheels

2015 RANGER Diesel HST & RANGER Diesel HST Deluxe

The three-passenger RANGER Diesel HST and RANGER Diesel HST Deluxe offer customers considering a utilitarian side-by-side the most comfortable and easy-to-use options on the market.

The vehicles will continue to offer key features that are important to the agricultural and rural lifestyle customer such as diesel power with a hydrostatic transmission, hydraulic power steering, an industry-exclusive treadle pedal, multi-link coil over De Dion rear suspension and premium Lock & Ride PRO-FIT cab system, complete with climate control and new hinged doors with operable windows, which is standard on the RANGER Diesel HST Deluxe.

New for 2015, both vehicles feature a 3-cylinder, Tier 4 compliant KOHLER Diesel engine with double the alternator output, 110 amps, to power more accessories.

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.

Polaris Industries today announced Polaris RZR is the “Official UTV” of Best In The Desert (BITD) Racing Series and that the company will be sponsoring several BITD races this season starting with the THR Motorsports Parker 250 presented by Polaris RZR.

“Best in the Desert has been at the forefront of promoting desert side-by-side racing, and Polaris RZR is excited to support the series and its racers,” said Craig Scanlon, general manager of Polaris Side-by-Side Vehicles. “Our partnership with Best in the Desert will help us share the off-road racing experience with more people so we can continue to build interest in the sport.”

Along with RZR being the Official UTV of BITD and the presenting sponsor of the THR Motorsports Parker 250, Polaris RZR will be the title sponsor for both The Mint 400 in Las Vegas, NV, on March 13-15, and the first-annual UTV World Championship, to take place in Laughlin, Nevada, February 19-21. Polaris RZR also is the presenting sponsor for the Blue Water Desert Challenge to take place in Parker, Ariz., on October 9-11.

“We are extremely proud to start our 2015 race season and welcome a new partnership with Polaris RZR,” said Casey Folks, director of Best In The Desert. “This is a perfect fit since teams running the Polaris RZR have always been a dominant force at Best In The Desert events. In fact, for 2015, Brandon Schueler enters the season as the reigning Pro UTV Class Champion behind the wheel of his Jagged X Polaris RZR.”

This year’s THR Motorsports Parker 250 presented by Polaris RZR will feature a new two-race format. The race will be split into two separate races; one race for Motorcycles and Quads, and another race for the UTVs. Both races will be run on the same 80-mile loop that features some of the best spectating areas available in off-road desert racing today. The famous “Parker Python” will again be a big part of the course with its thrilling rough sections.

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.

Yamaha Outdoors has been a longtime partner and supporter of National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day), an annual celebration of outdoorsmen and women and the important contributions they make to the environment and economy.

To help raise awareness and excitement for NHF Day in 2014, Yamaha donated a Viking Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicle – a new high in the level of support for the day’s events and participants.

Dorothy Jones of Blanks, La., was randomly selected as the winner. An avid hunter, Jones will soon be enjoying the class-leading comfort and superior off-road capability offered by her new 2014 Viking. And she can take pride in knowing that every Viking is assembled in the U.S.A. at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia.

In addition to the Viking sweepstakes, Yamaha stepped up in 2014 as the founding sponsor of the all-new NHF Day Live It! Grants – a proactive, grass roots program created to celebrate hunters and anglers and all they do for conservation. Through the Live It! Grant program, NHF Day provided 13 grants to deserving organizations for 2014 NHF Day events that helped further the goal of connecting people to the outdoors.

“We’re very happy to have Yamaha as a sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, and a special thanks to the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative for its founding support of the new Live It! Grants,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. – the official home of NHF Day. “Yamaha vehicle giveaways continue to be a big hit with NHF Day participants, and the Live It! Grant program would not have been possible without Yamaha’s added contributions last year.”

NHF Day falls on the fourth Saturday of September each year and serves as the most effective grassroots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and NHF Day, among others, is the leading ATV and SxS manufacturer supporting these conservation efforts.

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 yamaha-motor.com.

Polaris Industries today announced the company will, once again, team with Xtreme Plus to take on the world famous Dakar Rally. The partnership has yielded three, back-to-back victories by solo racer Willy Alcaraz.

French Racer Alcaraz will be trying to win his fourth Dakar as a solo racer, an incredible feat given the tough racing conditions the race presents. Xtreme Plus also will field two other teams in the race, Team Munk/Delaunay from Denmark and France, and Team Gibbs from the United Kingdom.

All teams will race the RZR XP 1000 for the first time with the hopes of taking home a Dakar win.

This year’s Dakar Rally is 9,000 Kilometers, spanning three countries with 665 competitors from 53 nations taking on some of the toughest geography offered in an off-road race. Dakar fans can find the latest information on Xtreme Plus during the race on Polaris’ new Dakar race page here. The page features class and overall rank, time and a route map showing where each team is in the race.

The Dakar Rally runs January 4-17, starting in Argentina, running through Bolivia and ending in Chile.

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.