Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs side-by-side Pro Marc Burnett won the San Felipe 250 and Can-Am Maverick MAX racer Derek Murray finished second to give Can-Am a 1-2 finish at the SCORE International opener In Mexico.

Also, in Boyd, Texas, Hunter and Cody Miller recorded the UTV Expert and ATV Pro class victories, respectively, at the opening round of the Texas Off-Road Nationals.

“We were thrilled with Marc Burnett’s significant victory at the San Felipe 250, and to have the Murray Racing team join him on the podium,” said Jeff Leclerc, Racing Project Leader, Can-Am. “These guys have been working extremely hard, dedicating themselves to winning, and this historic 1-2 effort, which included the first-ever win in Baja for a Can-Am side-by-side, proves that both our teams and the Maverick 1000R platform are hard to beat.”

San Felipe 250

The 2014 SCORE International series opener, the 28th Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 greeted side-by-side racers with a mostly unique course that was altered due to weather and a reroute.

The revised course had racers travel roughly 219 miles from start to finish. Fourteen Class 19 teams entered the race, including three Can-Am Maverick squads. Along with Burnett and the Derek Murray, Desert Toyz Racing’s Cory Sappington, who tallied two SCORE series podiums in 2013, also raced (he finished ninth).

Burnett, a proven desert racer with numerous wins on a bike and in trucks, came into the San Felipe 250 seeking his first finish and podium behind the wheel of the Maverick. He and co-pilot Fernando Flores logged an average speed of 38.5 mph on the course, which featured heavy rain, rocks, mud and varying temperatures and elevations, in 5:41:17 to notch his first victory with the MB Motorsports / Can-Am Maverick side-by-side. He also earned the first-ever SCORE series victory and Baja win for Can-Am.

“I am really glad to be a part of Can-Am history. It was awesome to get the first win in a SxS in Baja,” said Burnett. “Racing UTVs for the first time last year was a learning curve for me. I went from racing and winning on bikes and trucks to not finishing a race in a UTV due to aftermarket parts. This year we are racing mostly stock except the suspension. We learned Can-Am builds an awesome car and there is no need for aftermarket parts.”

Burnett started seventh off the line and passed many vehicles in the first 20 miles of the race and had caught up to the class leader about 10 miles later. However, a mechanical issue slowed the team and forced it to play catch up for much of the race.

Once Burnett reached Mike’s Sky Ranch and a familiar section of the course he knew he was back in the race. Burnett drove aggressively the rest of the way and learned at the finish he had won the race.

“We pushed hard the last 40 miles of the race,” said Burnett. “We put so much time into testing the vehicle all of last year and up to the last day of the race and it paid off! I dedicated this race to my grandma who passed away in December. I would also like to thank everybody at Can-Am for believing in me, despite last year.”

The Can-Am / ITP / Murray Racing team, comprised of Derek Murray, Steve Amarine and Monty Aldrich, also had an outstanding race, completing 219 miles in a little more than six hours.

The team, racing without Derek Murray who was recovering from his finger surgery, was running with the leaders early on, but was slowed by a loose injector wire. Once the issue was fixed, the team pushed hard to the finish line, but ended up second.

TORN Opener

Can-Am racers Hunter and Cody Miller each competed in the ATV Pro and UTV Expert classes at the TORN opener, coming away with two victories and two second-place finishes. The hare scramble style off-road race was held in unseasonably cold weather in Texas.

In the UTV Expert class, Hunter edged Cody for the win. Cody was in second and Hunter in third after lap one, but lap two saw Hunter put in the fastest lap in his Maverick to take the win over his brother by two seconds. However, Cody won the seven-lap ATV Pro class race by nine seconds aboard his DS 450 over his brother.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2014 schedule, the contingency program and all amateur racer support programs, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has donated a new Special Edition Tactical Black Viking EPS SxS vehicle to the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation. The Assembled in U.S.A. Viking will be auctioned at an upcoming Foundation fundraiser near San Diego with proceeds going to the organization’s mission of supporting SEAL members’ families.

The SEAL-NSW Family Foundation is a San Diego based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds for special programs in direct support of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) families on a local, national and global scale. Details about the upcoming fundraiser on March 22 are at http://supportourwarriors.org/.

“The SEAL-NSW Family Foundation assists in supporting the families of the brave SEALs while they are protecting us, thanks to the generosity of companies like Yamaha who are committed to our military and the sacrifice our soldiers,” said Leona Sublett, director of operations, SEAL-NSW Family Foundation.

“The SEAL-NSW Family Foundation has an important mission, and Yamaha Motor U.S.A. is proud to make this donation as well as help spread awareness of the Foundation, its mission and its needs,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “The people that this Foundation serves have extraordinary responsibilities in their daily lives, and their families deserve extraordinary support from the rest of us.”

Yamaha introduced the new Special Edition Tactical Black Viking EPS SxS at the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas earlier this month. The new SE Viking combines an aggressive flat black painted appearance and popular accessories – molded sun top, overfenders, mud flaps, an under-seat storage box, bed rail accessory mounts and exclusive black cast aluminum wheels – with classic Yamaha durability and off-road capabilities. The SE Tactical Black Viking 4×4 EPS will be available in the spring of 2014 with an MSRP of $13,749.

“Yamaha is proud to support American servicemen and women and their families whether through this donation, our sponsorship of the Honored American Veterans Afield or through our involvement in the Ride for the Military motorcycle safety training,” Nessl said. “We encourage everyone to check out the SEAL-NSW Family Foundation to determine how they can also get involved.”

Follow Yamaha at facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors and www.twitter.com/YamahaOutdoors

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 www.yamaha-motor.com.

The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) announced today that Marshall Distributing, a highly regarded wholesale distributor of ATV, motorcycle, PWC, snowmobile and UTV parts in addition to motorsports apparel, has signed on to become one of the event’s newest distributing exhibitors. The 2014 event is scheduled for October 16-19 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

Marshall Distributing visited AIMExpo last October and saw the event’s success first hand. Now the company joins as an exhibitor and will interact directly with members of the trade, media, and consumer segments of the powersports industry while also hosting members of its dealer network.

Marshall Distributing Owner and Founder Roger Marshall explained his reasons why participation in AIMExpo was something he couldn’t pass up. “After attending the inaugural AIMExpo this past fall and seeing the true potential that it provides to dealers, and the excitement created for the consumer, we embrace the opportunity to share the vision with Larry Little and his team,” said Marshall. “This is absolutely the appropriate platform to showcase the variety of products we offer in the motorcycle, ATV, PWC, snow, and growing UTV markets. We strongly believe this is the type of industry function that Marshall Distributing belongs at to support our dealer network and share our long-time passion with the industry.”

Featuring nearly 200 companies in its network, Marshall Distributing has become an industry leader in the distribution of aftermarket parts and accessories for all segments of the powersports marketplace, whether on dirt, pavement, water, or snow.

Created in 1964 in Cass City, Mich., Marshall Distributing has expanded over its 50 years of existence to include distribution centers in Clifton Park, N.Y., and Sparks, Nev., with a continued exploration towards even greater growth.

“With such a long legacy in powersports and an impressive roster of brands that is continuously growing, Marshall Distributing is well positioned to take full advantage of the AIMExpo vision,” said Larry Little, Vice President & General Manager, Motorcycle Group. “Roger Marshall and his team have recognized the value AIMExpo provides by experiencing it in person. We look forward to integrating them into the 2014 event and are excited about the opportunities their involvement will bring to AIMExpo’s continued growth. We will have AIMExpo show-only specials exclusively for dealers in attendance that will certainly make it worth their while to be there,” commented Marshall Distributing’s President and COO, Joe Mooney. “We are looking forward to the opportunity of unveiling our new products and brands to our dealers, as well as showcasing them to the media and consumers.”

Over 220 exhibitors are already committed to AIMExpo in 2014, including many new companies like Marshall Distributing and the event continues to grow and further establish its position within the powersports marketplace.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) has announced that Masafumi “Masa” Nakagawa will succeed Takeshi “Tak” Teranishi as president of the company, effective April 1.

Nakagawa, who spent six years at KMC’s Irvine headquarters in the late 1990s, will transition to his new position when Teranishi, who joined KMC in 2009, leaves to assume the presidency of Kawasaki Motors Corporation Japan.

Nakagawa, the new KMC president, joined the parent company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) in 1977, after receiving a degree in Economics from Kyoto University.

He held several titles within KHI and subsidiary companies in Japan and Europe in addition to his earlier posting in the United States. Most positions emphasized marketing and sales, and included a three-year stint as the managing director of Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V. as well as his recent position as general manager of the Marketing and Sales Division of KHI’s Motorcycle & Engine Company in Japan, where he was also promoted to executive officer in 2010.

“Masa’s experience in all aspects of Kawasaki’s business operations will allow the company to continue its growth path and strengthen efforts to broaden our brand’s impact in the powersports arena,” said Teranishi, the outgoing KMC president.

During Teranishi’s tenure at KMC, the company introduced several new products that have helped to increase its market share. Included among these are the Ninja 300, KLX 250S, Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Teryx4, Brute Force 300 and Jet Ski Ultra 310 series.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcyles, ATVs, Side X Sides, and personal watercraft through a network of more than 1,200 independent retailers, with an additional 7,400 retailers specializing in Kawasaki general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, Calif. headquarters. Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.”, is recognized worldwide. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles.

Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at kawasaki.com.

BRP will provide U.S. $1.4 Million to support its industry-leading Can-Am ATV and Side-By-Side Racing Contingency program for 2014.

Regional and national racers competing with Can-Am ATVs and side-by-side vehicles in the United States and Canada are eligible for a cash payout through the program for the 2014 calendar year of racing.

“Racing has always played a key role in the composition of Can-Am DNA. By offering an industry-leading contingency program, along with our unmatched amateur support program, BRP has added incentive to those Can-Am owners who choose to race with our products,” said Jeff Leclerc, Racing Project Leader, Can-Am. “These racer-influenced programs serve to reward dedicated product enthusiasts for their brand loyalty and also support them in their pursuit of success on the track. Ultimately, it’s a win-win, as we fully understand that racing has made integral contributions to product refinement and innovation at BRP.”

Competitors are eligible for cash payout if they race in an authorized racing series with an approved Can-Am vehicle, which includes ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.

A racer can then earn a payout if they meet the terms of the contingency program and earn a qualifying finish at an approved event. Payments are mailed to the participants or their legal guardian. A participant can potentially earn additional contingency if he or she wins a class championship in an authorized series.

Championship contingency can vary by class and racing series. An archived file of complete U.S. and Canadian contingency submission forms and racing series schedules for both ATV and side-by-side racing is available in both English and French here: http://can-am.brp.com/off-road/community/racing/contingency.html

Contingency cash is paid out in many major U.S. and Canadian national racing series and includes motocross, hare scramble, desert, endurance, mud and other forms of racing. Approved series include the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, AMA ATV Motocross series, AMA HS Nationals, World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), Best In The Desert, ATV Mud Nationals, national endurance events and numerous other regional off-road racing series. The list of qualified racing series in both the U.S. and Canada, has expanded for 2013 to include more forms of racing for both ATVs and side-by-side vehicles.

For complete details of the 2014 program and more Can-Am racing information, visit www.can-amxteam.com.

BRP announces that it will continue its Can-Am Amateur Racer Support program and expand its support for side-by-side racing for 2014.

Owners with eligible, 2012 or newer, Can-Am ATV or side-by-side vehicles can apply for the program. The amateur support program compliments BRP’s industry-leading US $1.4 Million Can-Am X-Team ATV and Side-By-Side Racing contingency program.

“BRP understands the passion and commitment required to compete for racing championships. That’s why we created both our Can-Am Amateur Racer Support and Can-Am X-Team contingency programs as a way to bolster and reward racers for their efforts,” said Jeff Leclerc, Racing Project Leader, Can-Am. “By offering a diverse array of eligible vehicles for the support program, we’re opening it up to both ATV and side-by-side performance enthusiasts across North America. We view it as a way give back to those who choose to support the brand and, win or lose, we’re thrilled that they selected Can-Am.”

Amateur racers who want to partake in the program must purchase a qualifying new or unused ATV or side-by-side vehicle and register with an authorized Can-Am dealer.

The list of ATVs includes the all 2012 or newer DS 450, Renegade and select Outlander (see rules) models. For side-by-side vehicles, they can purchase a 2013 or newer Can-Am Maverick 1000R or 2012 or newer Commander.

Once they become eligible, racers who compete in applicable regional or national racing series can qualify for a vehicle rebate. Qualified racers can receive up to a $1,000 factory discount on all eligible ATVs and up to $1,500 on approved side-by-side vehicles. However, eligible vehicle numbers are limited and the program will conclude once BRP reaches that number.

Qualified racers can receive cash payouts in the amount earned based on their qualifying finishes. Payments are mailed directly to the participant or legal guardian. Upon the conclusion of the 2014 season, BRP will also award contingency payouts for overall championships earned.

Contingency cash is paid out in numerous U.S. and Canadian national and regional racing series. Those series include the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), Best In The Desert (BITD), SCORE International, Mud Nationals, Championship Mud Racing, 12 Hours of La Tuque and many more.

For 2014, the program has expanded its reach to include additional side-by-side racing circuits. The Can-Am X-Team Racing Contingency Program will be announced in a separate release.

For complete details of the 2014 program and more Can-Am racing information, visit www.can-amxteam.com.