John Natalie notched his first overall win of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series under the lights at Ballance Moto X in Oakland, Ky.

Natalie, the defending AMA ATV MX Champion, won Pro both motos on his factory Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 and climbed to within 15 points of first place in series points. DS 450 pro Joel Hetrick recorded a solid third-place finish to join his teammate on the Pro class podium.

“The Motoworks / Can-Am team had a great weekend at round five of the AMA ATV MX National Series in Kentucky. Our Can-Am pro racers had a tremendous Saturday night, dominating the second moto and earning first and third overall. John Natalie rode brilliantly on his Can-Am DS 450 and truly earned the top spot on the podium with a history-making win at the first-ever night race for AMA series. He was in true championship form,” stated Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Fellow Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racer Joel Hetrick earned third overall to maintain his third-place position in the standings. Can-Am amateur class racers also won a total of six classes aboard the DS 450 in Kentucky.”

The Kentucky race marked the first time in the history of the AMA ATV MX series that the races would be held at night under the lights. Past Grand National Championship TT races have been held under the lights, but never a motocross event.

Motoworks / Can-Am pilot John Natalie excelled aboard his DS 450 during the evening racing at Ballance Moto X. After posting the fastest qualifying time, he came out of the first-moto gate in second place. He quickly passed for the lead and then fought off one challenger before notching his first moto victory of 2012.

He followed up that win by earning the moto two holeshot and, after being pressured by his teammate Hetrick, leading the entire race for a 1-1 moto sweep.

“I had a great weekend. I had a great night and I am really happy to take the win here. This was really a unique race for us and is one for the history books and I am glad to put Can-Am on top of the podium for it,” said Natalie.

Hetrick, who earned third overall with his 4-2 moto finishes, ended the second moto just two seconds behind Natalie as the Motoworks / Can-Am tandem dominated moto two.

The Pro class podium in Kentucky was Hetrick’s fourth trip to the box in five rounds, including one overall victory. He now securely sits in third place in the Pro class standings after five rounds of racing.

“Moto two went well for me. I followed John off the start and just rode a good race,” said Hetrick. “It was a little different racing at night, but I didn’t have any problems.”

Can-Am X-Team member and DS 450 racer Merrill Crose won three of the four classes he entered, including the Open A, Vet 30+ and Junior 25+ classes.

Amateur class racers Travis Spader (4-Stroke A), Chase Henry (College 16-24) and C.J. Dollarhide (4-Stroke B) also earned class victories aboard the Can-Am DS 450.

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.

BRP is adapting its strategy to its growth plan by reorganizing part of its operations.

Starting in 2013, the company will expand its existing production capacity in Mexico by transferring engines currently being manufactured in Juárez to a new plant. The assembly of watercraft (PWC) will also be transferred from Valcourt to the new plant. In addition, BRP will assign the North American distribution of its parts, accessories and clothing (PAC) to a logistics provider.

The transfer of the PWC assembly to Mexico will enable BRP to be more competitive and it will free space on the main assembly line in Valcourt to increase the roadster production and meet the increasing demand.

The transfer of engine assembly to the new plant in Mexico will allow for increased production capacity in Juárez, which will help meet the fast growing demand for allterrain and side-by-side vehicles already manufactured in that plant. By using a specialized firm to handle the North American distribution, BRP will gain greater flexibility to meet the projected growth of its PAC business and will reduce capital investment while improving customer service.

“Building a global multi-market business is an ongoing process. To remain a market leader, BRP needs to constantly challenge itself and adapt to change,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO. “This is not the first time that we change things at BRP; nor will it be the last. While we remain very much committed to our heritage and roots in Valcourt, we must become more flexible to leverage our growth opportunities.”

Over the next 18 to 36 months, approximately 500 employees will be affected by these decisions. These employees will be presented with options including positions within or outside BRP or retirement packages greatly minimizing the number of layoffs.

“We successfully recovered from the recession by making critical investments and difficult decisions. We collaborated with our employees to maximize efficiency. However, we still have challenges stemming from regulatory constraints in several emerging markets. As we continue to expand our global presence, we will require more manufacturing flexibility so that we can secure our presence in these countries,” concluded Boisjoli.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 100 countries. BRP currently employs more than 6,000 people worldwide.

BRP’s 2013 Can-Am ATV line-up is led by the nextgeneration Outlander MAX family, all-new Outlander 1000 X mr ATV, an added Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) package and other key models and upgrades for the new year including completely new Outlander 500 and 650 ATV line-ups.

BRP also made significant upgrades to the engine calibration of its Can-Am Outlander 500 ATV. A 15-percent power increase over last year’s model means the Rotax 500 engine remains the most powerful engine in its class. With the addition of the Outlander DPS package*, the Outlander 500 DPS model is arguably the best value in its class.

“This year’s updates to the Can-Am ATV line-up are not only about bringing more technology and advancements to the industry, but more about bringing more value to the consumer,” said Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, North America division. “With updated models and packages like the Can-Am Outlander 500 DPS model, more than ever, BRP gives consumers even more reason to visit a Can-Am ATV dealer and test-ride a machine.”

The Outlander MAX line consists of four Rotax engine packages (1000, 800R, 650 and 500)* and all models will now feature the second-generation Surrounding Spar Technology (SST G2) frame for unmatched comfort and performance.

The MAX platform also received an entirely redesigned passenger seat system for additional comfort, convenience and improved ergonomics. A visually stunning Pearl White painted finish is new on the MAX LIMITED model.

“With the all-new Can-Am Outlander MAX ATV line-up and the host of updates and new machines in the 2013 model year, BRP continues to invest in building the best possible riding experience for our consumers,” said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager, International division. “The passion our ATVs create in consumers the world over is a key driver to the momentum BRP continues to see in international markets.”

In addition to the Outlander MAX updates for 2013, the mud-specific Can-Am Outlander 1000 X mr model is based on the new MAX chassis as well.

Available in either its trademark yellow and black X-Package theme or an all-new NEXT G-1 Vista camouflage finish*, the Outlander X mr ATV features a larger, relocated radiator, ITP wheels, larger, restyled analog / digital gauge package, rider-adjustable air-controlled suspension and other refinements for the new year.

Its Rotax 1000 engine means it is the most powerful ATV ever built for tackling the mud-riding parks around the world.

Many of the remaining Can-Am ATV models in the line-up also received the updated SST G2 frame and suspension changes, as well as the integration of BRP’s exclusive Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) system.

In fact, a DPS package model, which includes DPS with Visco-Lok QE and cast-aluminum wheels, will be offered as a price point ATV in all four (500 cc+) Outlander ATV segments*.

BRP also introduced the sport-touring themed XT-P packages for both the 800R and 1000 onerider Can-Am Outlander and two-rider Outlander MAX configurations*. Both the 800R and Outlander 1000 XT-P get the new analog / digital gauge package, but also have a full FOX suspension system, 12-inch (30.5-cm) aluminum beadlock wheels, racing-inspired handlebars and an exclusive colour scheme.

The DS 450 ATV also returns for 2013 with FOX Float X EVOL piggyback shocks standard on the front of the DS 450 X mx model. This represents the most advanced stock front shock in the industry.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 100 countries.

www.brp.com

*Some models, equipment and accessories may not be available in all countries.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.’s, OHV Access Initiative – the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs) – approved 10 new projects supporting responsible, safe OHV riding and open, sustainable OHV access to trails and riding areas across the country.

The GRANTs were awarded in the first quarter of this year, and support a variety of local, regional and national organizations.

“Yamaha received a number of quality applications this past quarter from U.S. National Forest properties seeking support for the restoration or improvement of their OHV trail systems,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV and SxS marketing manager. “Public lands are a vital source of OHV trails across the country, and with dwindling budget allocations from the federal government, the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has become an important resource to land managers across the country.”

These ten organizations were awarded GRANTs totaling more than $100,000 in the first quarter 2012 funding cycle of the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative:

– Bell County Fiscal Court – KY
– Coastal Off Road Riders Association – N. Charleston, SC
– Highmarket Wheelers – Lewis County, NY
– Indian Valley Creek ATV Club – Champion, PA
– Lassen Land and Trails Trust – Lassen County, CA
– National FFA
– North Florida South Alabama Motorcycle Club – Pensacola, FL
– Responsible Recreation Foundation – Arvada, CO
– Superior Ranger District, Lolo National Forest – Superior, MT
– Topsham Trailriders ATV/Snowmobile Club – Durham, ME

Yamaha is actively seeking qualified projects at local, state and federal levels. The current OHV Access Initiative GRANT application form and guidelines are available online at

www.Yamaha-Motor.com/OHVAccess. The deadline to submit an application for consideration in the second quarter GRANT funding cycle for 2012 is June 30, 2012.

The quarterly review calendar for 2012 is as follows:

Submission Schedule (Approval Deadline)
– April 1 – June 30, 2012 (July 31, 2012)
– July 1 – September 30, 2012 (October 31, 2012)
– October 1 – November 30, 2012 (January 11, 2013)

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative is the industry leader in Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails (GRANTs).

Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, maintained and rehabilitated countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-bearing streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience.

Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs and associations, national, state and local public land use agencies and other members of the OHV community in the United States. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects.

Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

– Trail development, restoration and maintenance
– Trail signage and map production
– Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
– Land stewardship, trail safety and education

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., raised more than $11,000 through its recent “Assembled in U.S.A.” Grizzly Giveaway. The funds will be split evenly and donated to the Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and Feed the Children (FTC) charities.

Through the fundraiser, which was launched last fall and ran until April 23, Yamaha donated a one-of-a-kind
2012 Grizzly 700 FI EPS ATV (MSRP $9,749) to help raise awareness and money for HAVA and FTC.

Yamaha collected $5 donations from individuals entering to win the new Grizzly. William Rice from Newbury Park, Calif., was the randomly selected winner of the new Grizzly ATV.

“Yamaha Outdoors was part of founding HAVA five years ago and has been an ongoing sustaining sponsor in support of its mission to serve disabled vets and wounded active duty military personnel in outdoor sports,” said HAVA Chairman Tom Taylor. “HAVA is grateful for this additional support which will allow for even more hunts and shooting events for the American Heroes the organization serves.”

“We are so thankful for the generosity shown by Yamaha and their employees in supporting children and their families,” said Feed The Children spokesman Tony Sellars. “Efforts of companies like Yamaha help us put food on the table for families that otherwise might have gone without.”

The Grizzly 700 FI EPS is Yamaha’s flagship ATV with top-of-the-line features like Electric Power Steering (EPS), fuel injection, Ultramatic automatic transmission, On-Command push-button four-wheel-drive, four wheel independent suspension and much more, making it the toughest, most off-road capable ATV in its class.

“Yamaha donated its top of the line Grizzly 700 ATV to help raise the most money possible for HAVA and FTC – two organizations that Yamaha is very proud to support,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager. “Yamaha congratulates Mr. Price for winning the Grizzly and thanks everyone who made a $5 donation as part of this sweepstakes.”

The Grizzly that William Price won is Steel Blue with cast aluminum wheels and has a unique red, white and blue U.S.A. themed graphic kit.

It was one of the first Grizzly 700 ATVs to come off Yamaha’s production line in Newnan, Ga., last May – significant because it marks Yamaha’s long-term strategy to move the production of more ATV models to the U.S.

Yamaha is a founding sponsor of HAVA, an organization created to help disabled soldiers and veterans with the healing process through active participation in outdoors sports.

Yamaha has worked with Feed the Children for more than 10 years raising several hundred thousand dollars and feeding tens of thousands of children. Yamaha will donate all money raised through the raffle evenly between the two organizations.

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.