The Wiseco John Penton Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) event featured both ATV and side-by-side vehicle racing and was held Saturday, June 1 in Millfield, Ohio.

Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs pilot Kyle Chaney won the UTV XC1 Modified class in the third round of the six-race SxS series. Can-Am X-Team racer Michael Swift finished third on the UTV XC2 Limited class podium with his Team UXC Racing-backed Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs.

During round seven of the ATV portion of the series, Can-Am 4×4 racers won five morning classes, led by U2 class winner Rob Smith, who also earned second overall on the morning podium with his Renegade 800R X xc.

“I was very pleased with our Can-Am racers’ results at The John Penton GNCC round in Ohio. We had the most successful weekend of racing ever from our side-by-side racers. Kyle Chaney drove an outstanding race to earn the first GNCC UTV XC1 Modified class overall victory with the Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs. We had six Can-Am side-by-side vehicles finish inside the top 10 of the XC1 class and earned at least one podium in every GNCC SxS class,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Our Can-Am Renegade and Outlander racers continue to dominate the morning racing as we won all five 4×4 classes, highlighted by Rob Smith’s second-place finish on the GNCC overall podium.”

Starting from the third row, Kyle Chaney and co-pilot Denny Napier pulled their row’s holeshot and were quickly on the heels of the second-row racers. From there, the JB Off-Road / Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs pilot set his sights on the leaders. He quickly moved into sixth after lap one on adjusted time.

With two laps remaining, Chaney caught up with the race leaders and kept his Can-Am in contention for the race overall. He became the overall XC1 class race leader on the final lap, based on adjusted time. Chaney went on to win his first GNCC UTV XC1 Modified class victory with the Can-Am Maverick 1000R side-by-side. He is tied for second in the UTV XC1 Modified class with three UTV rounds remaining.

“The Maverick 1000R worked awesome. I knew the speed and ability was there, we just needed some luck and we got it. I know that this will be the first of more wins,” said Chaney. “My setup is dialed in, so I am not changing anything heading into the Masontown GNCC.”

Can-Am drivers earned six of the top 10 UTV XC1 Modified class finishes. JB Off-Road’s Tim Farr and co-pilot Julie Farr earned sixth place in Ohio. Team Zakowski Motorsports’ Zac Zakowski edged Louis Powersports / Can-Am X-Team racer Cody Miller for seventh. Larry Hendershot (Team HP/ NC 44) was ninth ahead of Team NC Powersports’ Stuart Weeks.

In the UTV XC2 Limited class, Michael Swift (Team UXC Racing / Can-Am) drove his Can-Am Maverick to a podium finish. The third-place finish was his best of the UTV season.

In ATV action, Rob Smith (Can-Am X-Team) won the U2 class, took second on the GNCC overall morning podium and the top spot on the 4×4 podium. Round seven was his third class win with his Can-Am Renegade ATV. Can-Am Renegade racer Jordan Phillips took second. Swift, who also competed in the ATV morning race on his Team UXC Racing / Can-Am Renegade, finished third and trails Smith by four points heading into round eight.

Bryan Buckhannon led the 4×4 Open class from the first lap to the finish, winning by almost a full minute over Can-Am racers Sam Williams and Zakowski. Buchannon is now a perfect 7-for-7 in the 4×4 Open class this year on his ATV Parts Plus / Can-Am Outlander 800R.

Can-Am Outlander 500 4×4 pilot and defending 4×4 Lites class champion Kevin Trantham won his class by more than 10 minutes and also earned fifth overall in the morning race. Scott Day and Bill Nativio finished second and third on their Can-Am ATVs.

Forrest Whorton won the 4×4 Senior (40+) class for the fourth time this year. Chris Gray and David Jessee made it an all-Can-Am podium, earning second and third. Chad Moret, who won his first race of 2013, and Ryan Smith went 1-2 in the 4×4 Novice class on their Can-Am ATVs.

JB Off-Road / Can-Am DS 450 Pro Jarrod McClure finished 11th in the XC1 ATV Pro class and 25th overall. He’s currently ranked eighth in the class points race.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2013 schedule, the ’13 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

BRP has expanded its line of Can-Am Maverick 1000R side-by-side vehicles with the addition of a four-seater, new X packages, all-new Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) and new colour schemes. The Can-Am Commander family of side-by-side vehicles will also feature Tri-Mode DPS and the all-new Commander XT-P package. For 2014, the full line of Can-Am side-by-side vehicles and ATVs continues to deliver class-leading performance, precision-engineered handling and driver-focused designs.

“As promised, we have grown our Can-Am side-by-side vehicle line-up to include the 2014 Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000R. We also outfitted both the Maverick and Commander side-by-side vehicles with an all-new Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering that further enhances handling and offers more convenience for our customers,” said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, North America division. “BRP now offers a highly innovative, versatile and diverse family of side-by-side vehicles for both two and four passengers that continue to strike a chord with off-road consumers around the world.”

This new 101-HP Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000R side-by-side vehicle has the same proven engineering of the original two-seat Maverick 1000R model, but features seating for four full-sized adults, rear passenger-specific ergonomics and a 75-cm (29.5-inch) longer wheelbase. It is also available in an X rs package with X package accessories, including a complete FOX suspension system. New to the Maverick line-up is a Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering package and a new narrower-width Maverick 1000R X xc package for trail riding enthusiasts. White is a new base colour. A white with black and Can-Am Red colour schematic is also available on X package vehicles.

The Commander line, which offers both an 800R and 1000 Rotax V-Twin EFI engine, now has Tri-Mode DPS package with Visco-Lok QE (quicker engaging) for precision handling. The new Commander 1000 XT-P wears XT package accessories and a sportier FOX suspension. All Commander side-by-side vehicles also get a new ECO mode switch for normal operation. Linear throttle response can be selected through “Sport” mode.

“The global market is extremely demanding, seeking new and more useful products annually. We have met the needs of the global consumer by offering a deeper, more capable side-by-side line-up with the updated Can-Am Maverick, new Maverick MAX and Commander line-ups,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager, International division. “Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, X packages and comfortable seating for four adults with the all-new 2014 Maverick MAX 1000R side-by-side make our line-up far more versatile and deliver on the promise of ‘The Ride Says It All.'”

BRP’s full line of ATVs continues to deliver the most horsepower in the industry. Performance and recreational enthusiasts alike will also appreciate the Can-Am ATV line-up’s superior handling and user-friendly ergonomics. Whether it’s racing, exploration or hard work, there’s a Can-Am ATV for all consumers. Both the side-by-side vehicle and ATV line-ups offer full compliment of clothing and accessories for 2014.

About BRP – BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles. Distributed in 105 countries, its portfolio of brands and products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Spyder roadsters, Evinrude outboard engines, as well as Rotax propulsion systems. BRP employs approximately 6,800 people worldwide.

www.brp.com

Can-Am ATV and side-by-side racers notched several podium finishes this past weekend in four different racing series across the United States.

Hunter Miller won the UTV Expert class in his Can-Am Maverick 1000R side-by-side at round four of the Texas Off-Road Nationals in Decatur, Texas.

At the 2013 AMA Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship series in Illinois, Can-Am Pro Josh Creamer earned third overall on his Can-Am DS 450.

Iowa ATV Hare Scramble Series racer Zac Zakowski drove his Can-Am Maverick 1000R to second overall in the UTV Open class.

Travis Moore earned second in both the Pro and Pro-Am ranks at round four of the New England ATV Motocross series in Pennsylvania.

“Our Can-Am racers had a great showing at several different racing series, highlighted by Hunter Miller winning the TORN series UTV Pro class overall with the Maverick 1000R and with Can-Am DS 450 Pro Josh Creamer earning third overall in the Pro class at the Mtn. Dew ATV MX Nationals.” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Our ATV and Maverick 1000R racers continue to impress by earning podiums at races across the US.”

TORN – Round 4

Round four of the TORN series was held at rocky Eagle Canyon raceway in Texas. Can-Am X-Team racer Hunter Miller drove his Louis Powersports-backed Can-Am Maverick 1000R side-by-side vehicle to third after the first lap.

After falling to fourth on lap two, Hunter Miller took over the lead one lap later and never relinquished it. It was the first victory piloting the Maverick 1000R for Hunter Miller, who consistently put in the fastest laps and one of only three side-by-side pilots to finish of the nine entered.

Hunter Miller is currently fourth in points, but missed the previous round. Hunter and his brother Cody Miller also competed in the ATV Pro class on Can-Am DS 450 ATVs. Cody, the class points leader, took second and Hunter finished third.

“My Can-Am Maverick was dialed in and was running awesome,” said Hunter. “After I took over the lead, I knew I just had to drive smart because the rocks were really bad. I’m happy to get the win for Can-Am, Louis Powersports and the rest of my sponsors.”

Four other Can-Am racers won their class at round four, including Renegade ATV racer Chris Robinson (Utility), Lott Blackmon (Over 30 C), Cain Shaw (Pee Wee C) and Commander side-by-side pilot Travis Brown (UTV Intermediate).

ATV MX Nationals – Round 5

Creamer (BCS Performance / Can-Am) finished third overall at round five of the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship series at Sunset Ridge MX in Walnut, Ill. Creamer, second fastest in qualifying, paired a fifth-place finish in moto one with his popular win in moto two to earn the third spot on the Pro class podium.

It was the second podium finish in 2013 for Creamer, who trails second place by just three points with five rounds to go. Can-Am DS 450 Pros Jeffrey Rastrelli and Ronnie Higgerson finished eighth and 14th.

“The Can-Am was working well. BCS had it set up perfect. It feels good to be back on the box. I haven’t been here since the first round. I’ve been struggling to put two motos together,” said Creamer. “I can’t say I put two good motos together today, 5-1 is OK for third, but I’d rather be in the top three both motos.”

Can-Am X-Team racer Nick Gennusa won his first moto and was eighth in the muddy second moto to earn fifth overall in the Pro-Am class. He finished third in the Open A class behind fellow Can-Am racer Zach Harris. Can-Am racers earned a total of five additional class podiums in Illinois.

NEATV-MX – Round 4

At a wet-and-windy round four of the NEATV-MX series at Hurricane Hills MX course in Clifford, Pa., BCS Performance / Wide Open Racing / Can-Am DS 450 Pro racer Travis Moore maintained his class points leads in both the Pro and Pro-Am classes by finishing second in both classes. Moore won the first Pro class moto, but finished second in moto to for second overall. Fellow Can-Am Pro Mathieu Deroy finished fourth in both classes.

Can-Am-mounted racers Travis Spader, Jake Chamberland and Nicole Gates each earned overall class wins, contributing to another 12 class podium finishes.

IATVHSS – Round 3

At Mineral City Speedway in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Can-Am racer Zac Zakowski, who led much of the race, took second in the UTV Open class in his first race with the Can-Am Maverick. It was the first podium for the new side-by-side vehicle in the Iowa series.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2013 schedule, the ’13 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the company is donating 10 military, off-road vehicles with a combination of Run-Flat and Non-Pneumatic Tires (NPT), to enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to transport food, water and other critical supplies to survivors, in Moore, Okla.

The units will be delivered from Polaris’ Osceola, Wis. plant, free of charge, thanks to a generous donation from Bay and Bay Transport and Overbye Trucking.

“With debris on the ground from thousands of destroyed homes, these vehicles will allow us to serve in places our mobile kitchens cannot,” said Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division Commander. “We thank Polaris for this incredible gift. These vehicles will allow us to serve more people in crisis.”

The donated units, a combination of military ATV, RANGER and RZR vehicles, are outfitted with either Run Flat tires or NPTs to prevent down time. Run-Flat tires resist the effects of deflation when punctured giving the operator the ability to continue to use the vehicle; and NPTs are built to never go flat and are virtually indestructible.

“Oklahoma will rebound from this terrible tragedy, through the resiliency of its people and the assistance of organizations like The Salvation Army,” said Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chief Executive Officer. “Polaris has long supported their charitable efforts, and we hope the donation of these vehicles will assist them as they provide the affected communities with the relief they desperately need.”

To date, The Salvation Army has served more than 17,000 meals and snacks to tornado survivors and relief workers across Oklahoma, with pastoral care provided to about 800 people.

The Salvation Army is now preparing to offer long-term case management, which can include financial assistance, stress management classes, replacement furniture and much more.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s Oklahoma tornado relief efforts:

– Give online at SalvationArmyNorth.org or call 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
– Text STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation via your mobile phone. To confirm your gift, respond Yes.
– Mail a check to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Designate your gift “Oklahoma Tornado.”

About Polaris – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2012 sales of $3.2 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 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 and KLIM branded apparel and Polaris accessories and parts. 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 www.polaris.com.

The crew at STI Tire & Wheel made another pilgrimage to Moab, Utah, for the 4th Annual Rally on the Rocks.

Already one of the most popular off-road recreational gatherings on the planet, this year the primarily side-by-side UTV-oriented event enjoyed a dramatic increase in participation.

The Spanish Trails Arena was again the hub of the activities. Numerous organized trail rides staged here and a wide range of off-road industry manufacturers and retailers set up shop with demos and/or displays.

STI Tire and Wheel was included in the latter, where the new Roctane XD and HD Beadlock understandably drew a ton of attention in this predominantly slickrock setting.

Our friend Jon Crowley from UTVGuide.net even offered to show off his sweet Roctane XD/HD Beadlock-equipped Kawasaki Teryx at the STI display – when he wasn’t out on the trails anyway.

If you weren’t there, we’ve collected a few photos that should convince you to put the Rally on the Rocks on your bucket list. Check out the gallery at the STI website.

STI tires and wheels are available at finer ATV/UTV dealers everywhere.

For more information, visit www.stitireandwheel.com