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NEW ARCTIC CAT MODELS ON THE WAY

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NEW ARCTIC CAT MODELS ON THE WAY

In the ATV and SXS biz right now there are three companies leading the way making big investments in a risky economy in their ATV and SXS product lines.

Arctic Cat’s Wildcat is a bold and very strong example aimed at gaining share in the profitable and growing SXS biz.

Arctic Cat CEO Claude Jordan has done nothing but hold the throttle wide open since taking the helm at the Minnesota-based company and the Wildcat exemplifies his determination.

In the ATV business it’s no secret Arctic Cat is way overdue for a new sport ute 4×4 chassis, which we think could change the look and flavor of Arctic cat’s current 4×4 product profile.

Arctic Cat already has a superb motor lineup covering everything from 450 4WD buyers up to 1000cc monster sport ute pilots.

For a new chassis we’d expect to see continued rough terrain mobility, except with a significant increase in ride quality and sizable handling improvements.

GNCC Congratulates 2012 Class Champions

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This season marked an incredible year of racing in the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series.

The 13-round series wrapped up last weekend at the Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., where AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley secured his second XC1 Pro class title, while KR4 Performance’s Jason Thomas clinched his first XC2 Pro Lites title on the motorcycle side. While XC1 Pro ATV champion Chris Borich wrapped up his fourth consecutive title earlier in the season, Tireballs-backed Patrick McGuire secured his first XC2 Pro Am championship at the season finale.

But the XC1 and XC2 class champions are just part of the 2012 GNCC Championship roll call. In GNCC, the afternoon race consists of not only Pro and Pro Am classes, but also the “A” and “B” classes – making for a fast-paced afternoon of racing from the first row to the last. On ATV’s, Brycen Neal claimed the competitive College A (16-21) class title by only six points over Landon Wolfe, finishing as the Top Amateur of the afternoon race. Other “A” class champions include Fred Marley in Junior A (22+), Todd Demaree in Vet A (28+) and Senior A (38+) champion Tom Wright.

Other “B” class ATV champions include the College B (16-21) champ Jay Shadron, Junior B (22+) champion Randall Maupin, Travis Hill in the Vet B (30+) class, and Senior B (38+) champion Leroy Shook.

On the bike side, 250 A champion Grant Baylor took Top Amateur honors once again this season by finishing the highest of any amateur racer in the overall point standings. Open A class champion Adam Bonneur contested Baylor and many others for the top amateur position, while Austin Lee took home the 200 A class championship before moving into the 250 A class for the last two rounds. Derrik Allen took the 4 Stroke A Lites division and after securing the class championship and Top Amateur honor, moved into the XC2 class for the final round. Phil Smith won the Vet A (30+) class once again and Josh Scott grabbed the Senior A (40+) title.

In the “B” class category, it was Michael Hall that claimed the Open B championship and Josh Chambers with the Vet B (30+) win, while Brian Villaneueva took the Senior B (40+) class championship. Anthony Stone won the 250 B class early and tried his hand in the 250 A class for the final two rounds, while Craig Delong won the 200 B title and Dalton Cross secured the 4 Stroke B Lites championship.

The GNCC morning races consist of amateurs, senior classes, Women’s classes, and for the ATV’s includes the top 4×4 competitors. On the ATV side, Ohio’s Dave Simmons once again swept the Super Senior (45+) division with a perfect season, while dominating the morning overall podium once again. Nine-Time GNCC champ Traci Cecco claimed the Women’s class title, while Emily Wise took home the Women Amateur (15+) division title. Glenn McConnell took the Masters (50+) class championship, while Joey Margaria took home the Sport (15+) division title. Colton White won the Schoolboy (13-15) A/B class and Kody McClung grabbed the Schoolboy (13-15) Novice win. The 16-19 C class was won by Daryk Pitzer, Brigham Peterson took the 20+ C class, Raymond Edwards topped the 24+ C, while Joseph Blystone took the 30+ C division. Bryan Rausch claimed the 35+ C title and Michael Terango took the 40+ C championship.

In the 4×4 divisions, it was once again Clif Beasley who topped the U2 class and Bryan Buckhannon grabbed the 4×4 Open title over Michael Swift. Kevin Trantham took the 4×4 Lites class championship and it was Forrest Whorton with the 4×4 Senior (40+) title and Tanner Bowles topped the 4×4 Novice division.

On the bike side, the Senior classes provided heavy competition for class championships. The Super Senior A (45+) title went to Eric Gill, while the Super Senior B (45+) title went to Scott Skinner. Marty Jackson grabbed the Super Senior C (45+) championship. In a tie-breaking finish, it was Randall Riggs who clinched the Masters A (50+) championship over Mark Patterson. The Masters B (50+) class was won by Tim Boryk and the Masters C (50+) title went to Jay Grimes. After a perfect season, Maria Forsberg swept the Women’s class to take yet another championship, while Taylor Dressler won the Women Amateur division. The Golden Masters (58+) title went to Buster Yarbrough, while 4 Stroke C Lites went to Bailey Donell and Mason Pratt took the 250 C (12-19) title. Kody Martin grabbed the 250 C (20+), Mike Downs with the Vet C (30+) title and it was Scott Campbell with the Super Vet C (35+) championship. Joe Sarisky clinched the Open C College (14-21) title, while Scott Hite took the Open C Junior (22+) division and Tommy Fraley Jr grabbed the Senior C (40+) championship. Neil Nethery took the 200 C (16+) and the 200 C Schoolboy (12-15) championship went to Justin Lenard.

The Polaris National Guard/Coastal Drilling/Yokely Racing team, hailing from Tompkinsville, Kentucky, took the top UTV honors by winning the overall championship, as well as the XC1 Modified class title. Team Hendershot Performance claimed the XC2 Limited championship, while Team Pin It Racing took the UTV Novice division. The Single Seat championship went to Benjamin Barkley.

On the ATV side, it was Zachary Jones who clinched the 2012 Youth overall championship, also taking the 90 Open (12-15) class championship. Charlie Welch claimed the 90 Mod (13-15) CVT division, while Austin Hughes grabbed the 90 Limited (11-15) division. Catlyn Bennett won the Girls (8-15) championship, while Carter Kerens took the 90 Open (8-11) title. The 90 Mod (8-12) CVT championship went to Ronnie Molitor and the 90 Limited (8-10) title went to Derek Mitchem. In the 70cc division, it was Hannah Hunter who grabbed the 70 CVT (6-11) title.

The battle for the Youth bike championship was extremely tight; however, it was Cody Ruckle who claimed the title in the end. The Super Mini (14-15) class championship went to Jonathan Johnson, while the (12-13) division title went to Michael Witkowski. Braxton McGee took the 85 (12-15) class title, while Parker Jones took the 85 (7-11) class championship. Jesse Ansley grabbed the 65 (10-11) class title and Brody Johnson took the 65 (7-9) class title. Brittany Hesson claimed the Girls (9-14) class title.

The 2012 GNCC champions will be honored at this year’s GNCC Awards Banquet January 11 and 12 in Morgantown, W. Va. at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Convention Center. The Top 10 ATV/UTV racers in each class will receive awards on Friday, January 11 and the bikes will celebrate on Saturday, January 12. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. each night and advanced reservations are required. Keep an eye out for reservation details as they become available. For more information, please visit the 2012 Awards Banquet Page.

About GNCC Racing: The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed and draw talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network.

For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

DREAMING OF BAJA

Rick Sosebee
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DREAMING OF BAJA

It’s almost time for the men and women with a goal of conquering the toughest off road terrain on the North American continent to head south of the border and line up in the streets of Ensenada Mexico for the race of their lives.

The cool ocean air fills the small town and many race teams will be on the course weeks before the green flag is dropped to get a good look at their foe.

This year’s Baja will head from Ensenada down to the tip of the Baja California peninsula to end in LaPaz. This fact alone adds close to twice the cost, as it requires even more support.

The landscape is harsh and the chance of getting help in case of an emergency is limited to the help you may or may not have brought with you.

Chase teams simply cannot outrun their vehicles on parts of the course due to the small towns and local traffic on the rough roads that will be ever present on race day. The teams will have to organize support to be spread out all the way down the peninsula.

There’s a mystique to Baja and I long to be there every year, but this time I’ll have to stay back home and follow the race online.

I wish this year’s ATV and SXS teams well and I plan to get back to Baja real soon.

Fuel Economy and Your Toy Hauler

Rick Sosebee
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Fuel Economy and Your Toy Hauler

Pulling a trailer to your local ride area can be hard on your wallet and with fuel prices being what they are, it can be quite a juggling act to keep the tank full regularly.

I’ve recently become focused on the fuel mileage of my trusty 2005 Chevy Duramax 2500 turbo diesel.

I purchased the truck from a friend who had bought it new and I know the truck has been well maintained since because I do most all of the work on this hauler. I can tell you it’s quite a difficult task getting a few more miles per gallon out of it.

Diesels have many little improvements that seem to get better performance from the engine, but not much MPG gain.

There are many tricks that supposedly produce better fuel mileage but it’s very hard to determine which ones work and which ones are bogus.

The first tip I tried out was a vinyl bed cover. This was advertised as a gas saver because it allowed the air to flow over the bed and made the truck more aerodynamic. I did notice a little gain, but only on long highway use.

I then replaced the stock air breather and installed a larger exhaust that yielded no real gains either.

I’m really digging deep to save on fuel expenses because I’d rather spend money on fuel for my ATV than for my truck. I think I may just have to accept the fact that it’s going to be an expense of owning a huge diesel truck to tow my ATVs and side-x-sides.

Honda of South Carolina to Produce Side-by-Sides

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American Honda announces that production of Honda side-by-side MUVs will transfer in 2013 from Honda de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (HDM) to Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) in Timmonsville, SC. Honda currently markets the Big Red side-by-side in the U.S.

These changes are part of a global Honda strategy tied to future growth forecast in the side-by-side segment. Current plans call for the completion of side-by-side production at HDM in 2013, with production to begin at HSC in the summer of 2013 to meet the needs of U.S. customers and for export to global markets.

Currently dedicated solely to the production of Honda all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), HSC has the capacity to produce more than 250,000 vehicles and 310,000 engines annually.

Based on the increased production capacity and future expansion potential, it was determined that HSC was the right location for Honda side-by-side production.

HSC is one of nine major Honda factories in the U.S. Since it began operation in 1998, HSC has manufactured more than 2.5 million Honda ATVs.

Following the move of side-by-side production, HDM will increase capacity for the production of additional two-wheel products to meet growing market demand in Mexico.

About American Honda – American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers.

For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

Yamaha Announces New Rhino Body Kit

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Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.’s, Parts and Accessories Division (YPAD) is offering a new Rhino Body Kit, giving owners yet another way to personalize their Yamaha Rhino Side-by-Side vehicles.

The eight-piece collection includes a front bumper guard that mounts to the OE bumper, two-piece wraparound front overfender flares that extend the OE front fenders an additional 4.125 inches, rear overfender flares that add 3.375 inches to the rear fenders, and a shaker-style hood scoop.

All components are made from double-walled and UV-resistant roto-molded linear low-density polyethylene and are designed to fit all Rhino 700, 660 and 450 models.

The base MSRP of $289.95 will appeal to Rhino owners looking for an affordable way to customize their vehicles while offering owners added debris and front bumper protection.

The kit – Yamaha part number DBY-ACC56-00-8 – is available through authorized Yamaha dealers nationwide. Yamaha has nearly 140 Rhino parts and accessories in the new 2013 Outdoors Accessories & Apparel Catalog, which is also available through Yamaha dealers. Rhino add-ons can also be found online at www.yamaha-motor.com.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. – 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.

Ego and Rookie Riders

Rick Sosebee
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Ego and Rookie Riders

I ride all over the USA and Canada and have ridden in Jamaica and Mexico as well and there’s always an air of ego amongst ATVers no matter what country I’m in.

If I’m asked, I usually try to share whatever advice I can offer to eliminate errors less experienced riders may make and also to ease first time jitters and keep the entire group safe on the ride.

Doesn’t matter if it’s at a hunt camp or at a pay-and-ride location, there’s always one person who will never admit they’re in over their head as a new rider.

Seems folks think just because they’re riding an ATV or SXS they have to prove things to other more experience figures in the group.

No matter which vehicle I choose, ATV or SXS, there’s at least one person who’ll say they can ride anything and have been riding their whole life. When they finally get on the machine I notice a very familiar look of frustration and fear as we head out on the ride.

It doesn’t take long to figure out they actually have zero experience or simply lack the ability to ride the terrain I picked and were just too embarrassed to share that small yet important bit of information.

So what’s the right move? Should I patiently ask if I can help or just sit back and watch an accident unfold?

Bottom line is, if you have a chance to ride an ATV or SXS and you’re inexperienced, don’t try to do everything an experienced rider would because eventually the trail or vehicle will expose your weakness.

If you don’t understand how to operate high/low gear, switch from 2WD to 4WD or are unsure when to use the brakes, don’t start the machine until someone has gone over this with you.

Furthermore, if there’s any part of a trail system you cannot navigate safely then simply don’t do it! Bury your ego, be honest with yourself and you’ll be on your way to becoming a better rider.

HOW TO GET SPONSORED

Rick Sosebee
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HOW TO GET SPONSORED

I’ve been seeing emails and posts on various sites lately and it seems like fair game on getting sponsorship for racing.

There are so many companies willing to give the right applicants assistance including some freebies, but at the very least heavy discounts on products that you use each weekend at the events.

This is something I would’ve loved to have as a young rider early in my racing career.

I’ve also heard some racers complaining about the amount of support they have available to them from each of the companies offering it.

Its hard for me to think that a rider with one season under his belt could have a program refined enough to get a free quad and piles of cash to support him as a racer. If you think any of these companies owe you big loot simply because you can ride a wheelie farther than anyone in your neighborhood you’re delusional. Recognition takes time and some really good riders barely have what they need even at the pro level.

The fact that you can get any help at all in this type of economic climate is a blessing and should be held at the highest level of appreciation. Each sponsor should be treated like it’s just as important as the other.

If you’re looking for help for the 2013 season then you need to start filling out applications now. If you’re lucky enough to get assistance in the way of a discount or a freebie from time to time, cherish that and let the sponsor know every time you can just how important they are to your program.

WHICH TRACK KIT SHOULD I GET?

AJ Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I have a 2011 700 TRV. Can you give me advice on which track system to purchase? Looking at a Tiger Trax or Tatou 4s system.

Also own a Honda 350 and the only advantage is the 4s can be placed on it as well.

Thanks and I appreciate any advice.

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for submitting your question.

To answer this honestly I must say I do not have first hand experience with the Tiger Tracks. I’ve used almost every other design but not the Tiger Tracks system, but here are my observations as I did research them this morning and have some advice.

If both are the same cost I would pick the 4S Camoplast kit in a heartbeat. Camoplast’s business is tracks and track kits, they are tried and trusted and I have put them through some incredibly gruelling tests both summer and winter and never had one fail, both on an ATV and a side by side.

The 4S kit is designed to be used 4 seasons if you so choose, so you never need to worry if you put them on a little early and don’t have enough snow or keep them on too late.

Non-4-season kits such as the Tiger tracks system will experience overheating issues if you run them without enough snow, this will cause premature wear and can even melt components. As I said before I don’t have first hand experience with Tiger Tracks however I have had these issues with similar winter-only designs.

Camoplast also offers multiple gearing and mounting options so if you do decide to trade your ATV in down the road you have no problem going from an Arctic Cat to a Polaris to a Kawasaki to a Honda, they sell the adapters and main Sprockets to work with almost every ATV ever built.

This also makes resale of the tracks more desirable, as a buyer will have the confidence in paying a premium for a product he/she can still purchase parts and adapters for.

While I’m sure the Tiger Tracks will work well in the snow, if you are not paying a premium for the 4S kit, I would hands down pick that every time.

Camoplast backs its product up, sell parts should you require them, make a specific 4-season product and I fully believe it’s the best track kit for the money.

I’ve tried to break them by overloading and running vehicles through touch rocky terrain, mud, hard packed, and even on asphalt and just can’t get them to break or de-rail a track. They are one solidly designed kit.

Hope this helps and thanks for watching the show!

AJ Lester

Yokley Snags GNCC Open Modified UTV Championship

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William Yokley and his National Guard / Polaris / Coastal / Yoshimura / DragonFire /Yokley Racing RZR XP 900 took the GNCC “Open Modified” UTV Championship for fourth consecutive year with Yokley’s teammate, Scott Kiger in his National Guard / Polaris / Coastal / Yoshimura / Yokley Racing RZR XP 900 taking second. RZRs proved to be a dominant force in the class taking the top five spots for the season.

The last UTV race of the season, The Amsoil Ironman, saw three RZRs on the podium for the “Open Modified” class with Yokley taking top honors. Teammate, Kiger, had an unfortunate incident where a tree became lodged between his wheel and frame leaving him in last after the first lap. Kiger was able to pick cars off one-by-one for the remainder of the race to finish fourth and seal second place for the year.

“We would like to congratulate William and Scott on another awesome GNCC side-by-side racing season,” said Donna Beadle, race team manager for Polaris Racing. “They made it an exciting season and once again, brought home the championship.”

Yokley Racing is sponsored by The Army National Guard, Polaris Industries, Coastal Racing, Yoshimura, Kenda Tires, DragonFire Racing, EXIT Suspension, Keizer Wheels, Holz Racing Products, Tireballs, Moto Pro Training, Monavie, March Westin, TUSK Off-Road and Big Country Powersports.

About Polaris – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER 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 vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships. 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 vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polarisindustries.com.

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