Rhino 700 FI with Genuine Yamaha Accessories will be Given Away to Support NHF Day

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles for outdoorsmen and women, is supporting the National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) again in 2012 and this year is giving away a Rhino 700 FI SxS with a full suite of Genuine Yamaha hunting accessories through its annual online sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes is being promoted at NHFD events nationwide and anyone can enter to win by simply registering online at through the end of October 2012.

“The National Hunting and Fishing Day is an important reminder and educational tool promoting the significant and positive impact these activities have on our country,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Yamaha is proud to be involved with NHFD, and we look forward to giving away the new Rhino to some lucky outdoors enthusiast this fall.”

Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 22. NHFD serves as the most effective grass roots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, NWTF and NHFD, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

“We’re thrilled to have Yamaha on for another year of support,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs for Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. – the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. “The ATV giveaway has been a huge hit amongst NHFD participants, and we look forward to another great turnout at all of our events nationwide.”

One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2012 Rhino 700 FI that is assembled in the U.S.A. and comes with a number of hunting accessories.

Total approximate retail value is $13,387.40. No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on October 31, 2012. The winner will be determined by random drawing.

More information on NHFD available at www.nhfday.org. Complete rules, entry details and additional information are available by visiting www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday and you can follow Yamaha Outdoors at www.facebook.com/yamahaoutdoors

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, race kart engines, 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.

Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racer Joel Hetrick finished second at round seven of the AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series, while teammate and defending champion John Natalie finished fourth. In the New England ATV Motocross Series (NEATV-MX), BCS Performance / Can-Am racer Josh Creamer won both the Pro and Pro-Am classes at round six.

“Our Can-Am racers battled the heat and elements to bring home some impressive top finishes at the AMA ATV MX Nationals and at the NEATV MX regional series,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Joel Hetrick was clearly a top performer all weekend in Ohio, as he was the fastest qualifier, won moto one, earned second in moto two and took second overall in the Pro class. I was proud of the way he battled back from a poor start in the second moto to finish second overall. Defending Pro class champion John Natalie had a difficult time adapting to the track at round seven, but still sits in second in the points race with three rounds remaining. Josh Creamer continued his dominance in the NEATV series, convincingly winning all four motos he entered. We’re excited to have him join John and Joel in Unadilla for round eight of the AMA ATV MX series.”

AMA ATV MX

The Sunday Creek Raceway track was rough and riders were having a tough time finding the perfect machine set-up. To add to the tough conditions, the temperatures were near 100 degrees with high humidity, causing fatigue for many racers. After posting the fastest lap in timed qualifying, Hetrick came off the line for moto one in second place.

By lap three, he had taken over the lead. From there, Hetrick extended his lead and eventually won the moto by almost 10 seconds. It was his second moto victory of 2012. Natalie, coming off back-to-back wins at the previous two rounds, started fourth in moto one and then picked up another spot a few laps later. He ended the moto in third place.

Hetrick had too much wheel spin at the start of moto two and came out in eighth place. However, he soon passed his way into fourth, behind Natalie. Hetrick stayed behind him for a couple of laps, before making a pass for the third position. He then went after the second-place racer.

After a few failed passing attempts, Hetrick made one stick and was in second and in hot pursuit of the race leader. The Can-Am racer had reduced the leader’s gap to just two seconds by the final lap, but ran out of time to challenge him before the checkers flew. Hetrick had to settle for a 1-2 finish and second overall. Natalie ended the second moto in fifth place to earn fourth overall for the day.

“It was hard to pass out there, but I got around and caught up. It took a lot out of me and I got a little tired, but I gave it my all out there and I made it on the podium, so I’m pretty happy overall,” said Hetrick. “This [finish] really helps me in points and I just want to go out there and keep winning motos.”

Travis Spader (BCS Performance / Can-Am) won the Open A, Junior 25+ and Vet 30+ classes and took second in the 4-Stroke A class. Can-Am X-Team racer Chase Henry was third overall in the Production A class, posting 4-2 moto scores.

NEATV-MX

Creamer once again dominated both the Pro and Pro-Am classes, grabbing three out of four holeshots and winning all four motos, at round six of the NEATV-MX series, which was held at MX 207 in Maine. Creamer won the first Pro class moto by almost 15 seconds. He grabbed the second-moto holeshot and never relinquished the lead on his way to another 1-1 sweep in the series.

The Pro-Am class played out very similarly for Creamer, as he took both holeshots and led both motos from start-to-finish and posted another convincing victory. Creamer, a former AMA ATV Pro MX Champion, plans to compete at the Unadilla, N.Y., round of the AMA ATV Motocross series on July 14th. Along with fellow Can-Am Pro class racer Richard Pelchat from Canada, Creamer will compete in the Pro class with Natalie and Hetrick.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the ’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

With summertime in full swing, this is the perfect time to think about off-road ATV and Multipurpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) fun, and Honda is proud to announce another wave of dirt-going models for 2013.

“This new release once again demonstrates the broad capabilities of Honda’s ATV and MUV product line,” says Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “These four machines—the TRX450R, TRX400X, TRX250X and Big Red—all hit distinctly different segments of the off-road market, yet each is outstanding in its class and they all remain extremely popular.”

TRX450R: A winner, plain and simple

By winning races in virtually every form of ATV racing as well as racking up a string of exciting victories in the grueling Baja 1000, the Honda TRX450R has rightfully earned a place far above all others in its class.

At the same time, this race-proven durability makes it a great match for recreational riders as well. So no matter what you may plan for your weekend of riding, you’ll surely find the TRX450R comes out as a winner, plain and simple.

Price/Availability: TBD

TRX400X: A legend in its own time

Aggressive styling, loads of performance and renowned Honda reliability all combine to give the TRX400X near-legendary status among the ranks of sport ATVs.

Its bulletproof 397cc RFVC (Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber) engine has earned its place as one of the all-time great engines by offering both power and durability in spades.

Yet sophisticated features such as a five-speed transmission plus Reverse and electric starting bolster the fun part of the equation as well.

All in all, the TRX400X delivers all the goods for those in search of a performance-packed ATV that also includes Honda’s famed excellence of design.

Price: TBD. Availability: Fall 2012.

TRX250X: Longtime favorite for beginners and experienced riders

Aggressive, race-inspired styling gives the fun-to-ride midsized TRX250X a distinctly sporty look. Yet thanks to its torquey powerplant and Honda’s innovative and easy-to-use SportClutch along with other great features, this versatile machine remains a favorite among beginners as well as longtime riders.

Price: TBD. Availability: Fall 2012.

Big Red: Working hard, day in and day out

The Big Red MUV has a reputation for being a hard-working machine that’s way ahead of all other options and that’s a standing it’s earned the old-fashioned way—out in the field, working day in and day out.

Multiple patents and numerous automotive-based technology features add to Big Red’s superior handling, secure feel and comfortable ride. Yet it works harder than ever, thanks to its 675cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine, excellent load-carrying and towing capacities, sophisticated suspension, comfortable bench seat and a Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) that meets OSHA requirements.

Price: $11,699 – $12,299. Availability: August 2012.

About Honda – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers.

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

Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racer Chris Bithell finished second overall at round eight of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series held in Snowshoe, W.Va.

Can-Am racers Andrew Langston (4×4 Open) and Jordan Phillips (U2) each won their class and finished first and second on the morning overall podium.

“Motoworks / Can-Am XC1 Pro Chris Bithell provided this team with some much needed momentum and drive for the remainder of the season after earning his best race finish of the year this past weekend at Snowshoe. He now sits firmly in fourth place in season points, just four points out of third. Some of our X-Team-supported 4×4 racers faced challenges this past weekend, but Forest Whorton and Kevin Trantham continued their winning ways aboard their Outlander ATVs,” stated Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “And the depth of Can-Am mounted racers in the field was very evident, as Can-Am ATV racers earned five class victories and the morning overall. It’s great to see Can-Am privateers race their way to victory and take full advantage of the Can-Am Amateur Racing Contingency Program.”

This round of the Can-Am GNCC racing series is staged atop Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains at more than 4200 feet and is truly a rider and fan favorite due to it’s picturesque views and resort-type atmosphere.

Snowshoe is considered one of the roughest, most challenging GNCC courses in the series and features a unique asphalt street starting line, demanding hills as well as rough-and-rocky trails.

Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 pro Chris Bithell started on the front row and remained in fourth place pacing himself in the early stages of the race.

Just before the final two laps, he made a charge and passed two riders on his way to the second position. During the fifth-and-final lap, Bithell continued to close the gap on the race leader and eventual winner but had to settle for second overall. The runner-up finish was Bithell’s best finish of 2012.

“I was in the top five and I just kept working my way up and in the final lap, I started to reel in the leader, but I ran out of time. It was a tough track, but it was a lot of fun,” said Bithell. “I can’t thank Can-Am and Motoworks enough for putting together such an awesome machine for me and doing everything they can to make sure I get on the podium.”

In the 4×4 Open class, Can-Am X-Team members Michael Swift and Bryan Buckhannon led the majority of the race, but both fell victim to a horrid bottleneck late in the race. Can-Am / Zakowski Motorsports privateer Andrew Langston took advantage of their problems and grabbed the class lead.

He went on to win his first ever 4×4 Open class event and the morning overall. Swift eventually recovered to regain second place, but Buckhannon, the reigning 4×4 Open class champion, got horribly stuck while trying to navigate around the bottleneck. Once Buckhannon got rolling again, he finished fifth in the class. He still holds the class points lead.

“I am so stoked to take the overall win. I knew that Swift and Buckhannon were out front and when I saw they had issues and I got by, I knew I was in the lead in our class, but wasn’t sure about the overall. I was really pumped to take that win,” said Langston.

Heading into Snowshoe, defending U2 class champion Cliff Beasley was undefeated in 2012. However, he day ended short after a crash on lap two. Beasley’s misfortune allowed young North Carolina rider Jordan Phillips to take over the lead aboard his Renegade 800. He held on to notch his first U2 class victory and grab second overall in the morning race.

Kevin Trantham continued to dominate the 4×4 Lites class aboard his Outlander 500. He took over his class lead during the first lap and went unchallenged all the way to the finish to earn his seventh win of the season.

Forrest Whorton claimed another class overall win, edging fellow Can-Am X-Team rider Mike Penland for the win in the 4×4 Senior division.

“I had a really solid race. The track was pretty tough, but I just did my best out there and I finished really well,” said Whorton.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the ’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.