BRP will provide nearly US $1.8 million to support its industry-leading Can-Am ATV and Side-By-Side Racing Contingency Program for the 2012 racing season.

BRP has added more regional racing series as well as improved the contingency program for select Can-Am ATV and all Can-Am Commander side-by-side vehicle racers for 2012. Racers who compete on Can-Am ATVs and side-by-side vehicles in both Canada and the United States are eligible for a cash payout through the program for the upcoming racing season.

“We remain dedicated in our support of both professional and amateur Can-Am ATV and side-by-side vehicle racers,” said Denis Morin, vice-president, Product Development & Racing at BRP. “Our class-leading contingency program is essential for rewarding those racers who choose to compete on our products and be part of the Can-Am family. Racing is deeply rooted in our heritage and serves as an integral resource for furthering product development and innovation.”

Participating racers who compete in an approved racing series aboard the Can-Am DS 450, Can-Am Outlander or Can-Am Renegade lines of ATVs and the Can-Am Commander line of side-by-side vehicles can be eligible for the cash payout.

Racers, who meet the terms of the contingency program, will be awarded cash payouts in the amount earned based on a racer’s overall finish at a qualifying event and be mailed directly to the participant or the legal guardian. Additional contingency will also be awarded to racers who secure a class championship at the end of the season.

For 2012, the revised Can-Am 4×4 Contingency Program includes more models and rebates for eligible participants. The program starts immediately and includes all new or unused 2010, 2011 and 2012 Can-Am Outlander and Renegade ATVs, and all 2011 and 2012 new or unused Can-Am Commander side-by-side vehicles.

Benefits of the program include a $1000 factory discount on all eligible ATV models and a $1500 factory discount on all eligible side-by-sides.

Racers can qualify for model rebates by purchasing a qualifying ATV or SxS, register with an authorized Can-Am dealer and then compete in their local series or a nationally recognized racing circuit. However, the number of vehicles eligible for the program is limited and once BRP reaches that number, the program will end.

Amateur racers who compete aboard the Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATV will also continue to have unprecedented access to factory racing support with the new Can-Am X-Team DS 450 Racer Support Program and more racing series to choose from in 2012.

Once the amateur racer applies with any authorized Can-Am dealer and is approved, he or she can receive factory support no matter the race series and no matter the class.

All approved Can-Am X-Team DS 450 racers will receive a one-year Can-Am X-Team membership card and a unique racer ID, which also grants them access to a $2,000 racer discount on any new or unused DS 450.

Can-Am X-Team racing members will also receive a FREE Can-Am X-Team / Motoworks Stage 1 Racing Kit (up to a $1,000 value). This factory-developed racing kit includes a racing Engine Control Module, Motoworks SR4 aluminum slip-on silencer and other race-proven items. The Stage 1 Racing Kit increases the DS 450 ATV’s crank horsepower to 50 hp – an improvement of 11 percent over stock – and improves low-end torque.

Approved racers will also be issued a $1,000 Can-Am X-Team parts, accessories and clothing account with BRP. Specific performance parts will also be discounted up to 75 percent off MSRP for approved racers.

Race-tested and approved parts include, FOX Racing Shox, 50-inch widening kits or other performance packages for specific racing applications (aside from the X mx and X xc DS 450 models).

Contingency cash is paid out in all major U.S. national racing series, including the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, AMA ATV Motocross series, World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), High Lifter Mud Nationals as well as numerous local off-road racing series.

The list of qualified racing series has expanded for 2012 to include even more racing circuits, from desert events to hare scrambles to endurance events in the U.S. and Canada.

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

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. is proud to announce that its “Real World Tough” Grizzly 700 FI EPS is the best selling big bore ATV in Alaska.

To celebrate, Yamaha is partnering with Cabela’s as the official outfitter and is giving three lucky winners the “real world” adventure of a lifetime with an all expense paid trip for two to one of the world’s toughest ATV testing grounds.

The adventure package, worth $9,200 per winner, will be full of scenic Grizzly ATV rides, guided trips to Alaska’s best fishing spots, a $500 Cabela’s gift card and much more.

Three runners up will each receive a $250 Cabela’s gift card. Specific rules, dates and entry forms can be found here [ click here ]

“The Grizzly 700 is absolutely the toughest big bore ATV out there – a claim proven over and over by third party studies and our own customers,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha”s ATV/SxS group. “Three lucky winners of our Alaskan Adventure Sweepstakes are going to get to experience Grizzly durability and reliability first hand in the Alaskan outback courtesy of Yamaha.”

Proving the Grizzly is “Real World Tough,” a recent third party study by ADP Lightspeed showed that Yamaha has the most durable belt driven drivetrain in the industry – a critical feature in Alaska’s remote areas.

Combine this durability 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, the big Grizzly is not only the toughest but also the most off-road capable ATV in its class.

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. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com

A trend became evident at the recent Grand National Cross Country series awards banquet held in Morgantown, WV on December 2nd.

As rider after rider stepped up to the microphone to talk about their 2011 season, many of the top finishers uttered the phrase, “I’d like to thank GBC Motorsports.”

Building off of a successful year in 2010, the team at GBC Motorsports hand-picked some of the best riders in the GNCC series to campaign their products in 2011.

Earning seven of the Top 20 Overall positions in year-end points, including five class championships, it is clear that GBC Motorsports continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

New to the team for 2011, Bryan Cook led the way for GBC by earning a podium at Snowshoe, several top 5 finishes, and #9 for 2012. Kevin Yoho turned many heads in his first season of XC1 competition and his consistency has earned him a place in the top 10 as he prepares for his sophomore season with the #10 on his machine.

GBC riders Jeff Pickens, Eric Hoyland, Johnny Gallagher, Aarol Bright, and Parker Jones each earned enough overall points to land themselves within the Overall Top 20 on the season.

Forrest Whorton’s 45+ Utility class championship, on the strength of twelve race wins, made him one of the most dominant riders in this year’s series. Nathan Hornacek led the Junior B class from the early rounds of competition and sealed his class championship a full three races early.

Pro Women’s rider Kristen Atwell finished the season in third place in her class. Her GBC-equipped quad carried her to an impressive nine podium finishes on the season.

Garon Davis used his experience and trail savvy to outlast his younger competitors in the Sport class to compile six race wins and the class championship. Chris Stanton bested the 35+ class, adding to the tally of top performers who chose to compete with GBC Motorsports tires.

GBC Motorsports Director, Randy Tsai, has been a driving force behind the aggressive growth of the brand and is committed to the on-track success of the products in the toughest racing series around.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the impressive results of our riders in GNCC competition this year,” Tsai said. “We take racing very seriously at GBC and utilize the knowledge gained on the race track in the ever-evolving development of new and improved products.”

Tsai went on to say, “Having the great stable of riders that we have makes me very optimistic that even bigger and better things are coming for 2012 and beyond.”

For more information on GBC Motorsports’ lineup of ATV, UTV and SxS tires visit www.gbcmotorsports.com

Honored American Veterans Afield hosted 150 disabled veterans and wounded active duty personnel and their families (over 250 attendees) at HAVA’s 4th Annual National Family Day at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday November 12, 2011.

The day of shooting, entertainment, food, raffles and fellowship also featured exhibitions by USA Shooting Team members Mark Weeks and Haley Dunn. The event offered a unique 10 stage 3-gun competition format while still keeping fun and safety at the forefront. Tremendous industry volunteerism made this possible.

Numerous shooting sports companies contributed prizes for the adult raffle which awarded over $10,000 in prizes and hunts to these deserving American heroes including firearms from Smith & Wesson, Mossberg, Glock and Sig Sauer. XS Sight Systems hosted an air soft course of “fire” and a Kids Raffle which awarded prizes to all of the youth attendees.

Local VFW District 20 served lunch and dinner for the attendees and 200 local middle-school children created personal thank-you notes to the troops for their dedicated service.

Since 2008, HAVA’s National Family Day has served over 600 Wounded Warriors and family members and has become the shooting sports industry’s finest expression of its appreciation of those who serve so valiantly.

“It is our privilege to represent the industry in thanking those disabled veterans and wounded active duty heroes and their families who have given their full measure of commitment to defend America’s freedom,” said HAVA Chairman Tom Taylor. “National Family Day has grown into a major event for the wounded warrior families from Brook Army Medical Center, numerous transition house facilities and Fort Hood; and our attendance has tripled since the initial event despite numerous other Veterans Day and Marine Birthday festivities. Our focus on support for the entire family is unique and the sacrifice of spouses and kids is applauded. We believe that getting the disabled and wounded out on a hunt or to a shooting event is sound therapy for those who are trying to rebuild their lives and reinforce confidence in the future despite personal challenges. Several dozen shooting sports companies have joined this effort and we solicit support from all interested companies and volunteers.”

About HAVA – HAVA is a 501(c)3 organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting sports and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are NSSF, Smith & Wesson, Mossberg, Yamaha Outdoors, Crimson Trace, Leupold & Stevens, Surefire, Hornady, Ruger, XS Sight Systems and FMG Publications among numerous contributing companies. Those who would like to learn more about the HAVA mission can do so at www.honoredveterans.org

Can-Am off-road racing teams posted class victories in two different desert racing events.

Derek Murray piloted the Murray Motorsports’ Can-Am Commander 1000 to victory at the Henderson 250 in the Best in the Desert series in Nevada.

The four-man team of Carl Vella, Mike Penland, Rick Matteson and Ryan Robey teamed to ride a Can-Am Outlander 800R ATV to a class win at the 44th Annual 2011 SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in Ensenada, Mexico.

At the BITD event in Henderson, Nev., Derek Murray drove and Bill Kugel co-piloted the Can-Am due to Jason Murray, the driver of record, being ill. Even without his brother by his side, Derek Murray was determined to win.

The Commander 1000, prepped by Desert Toyz, started in seventh place, but slowly worked its way to the front of the side-by-side vehicle pack.

Three miles into the third lap, the team took over the lead and drove a clean, fast race from there to the finish line to record its first overall win of 2011. The Murray Commander team ended the BITD season ranked third in the final Pro UTV class standings.

“We are extremely happy to have won the Henderson 250 as it is the final race of the season and determines the outcome for the season due to it being a double points race,” said Derek Murray. “We knew all season the Commander had what it takes to be a top competitor in the most competitive desert racing series in the USA. We’re excited that what we knew finally came to fruition in Henderson. It shows that the Commander is a great, reliable and fast machine that’s able to be modified to any rider’s needs.”

In Baja, the Vella / Penland team was the only ATV in the Limited Utility (Class 26) ranks to finish the race. The team, riding a modified 2011 Outlander 800R X xc finished the Baja 1000 course in 26:26:44 and averaged more than 26 mph. Their victory, combined with an earlier win at the Baja 500, also secured the SCORE Series Class 26 championship.

“The Can-Am Outlander made our victory easy,” said Penland. “This makes six Baja 1000 wins that I’ve been involved in and this one means just as much to me. We just rode smart, raced hard but conservatively and stuck to our race plan. Rick and Ryan rode for the San Felipe section, which was a solid 200-mile stretch of challenging, deep whoops, and did a great job. This was a complete team effort and we were happy with the results.”

Arctic Cat launched its first on-line Arctic Store in the U.S. late May and has now launched its second on-line store in Canada.

Consumers in Canada are now able to shop for Arctic Cat parts, oil, garments and accessories on-line and have them delivered to their home or to a nearby Arctic Cat dealer.

From dirt to snow, Arctic Cat makes on-line shopping easier to match the perfect product to your riding style and machine.

Just to name a few of the consumer benefits:

– 24-7 shopping: On-line orders are allocated within 24 hours and the consumer usually receives their order within 7 days either at their home or nearby dealer pick-up.

– Easy Navigation & Product Searching: Parts can be searched by category, by model year or model name, color or size.

– Secure, Confidential and Reliable: Built-in security measures protect your information from loss, misuse and alteration. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are currently accepted.

– For dealer pick up orders, the consumer indicates which dealership they want to visit for order pick up (within a 150 mile radius).

“As on-line shopping becomes quicker, easier and more popular, our new on-line store will give consumers more access to Arctic Cat products and product information at any time. We partnered with Shopatron because their Coex Freedom technology funnels consumer orders to our participating dealers for fulfillment,” said Mary Ellen Walker, Vice President – General Manager of PG&A division. Walker goes on to say, “No doubt our dealers will see new customers and sales growth of their Arctic Cat parts, garments and accessories without the investment of building their own internet store.”

The Arctic Cat on-line store also utilizes new technology from ARI – PartStream; an ever-expanding collection of parts diagrams dating back to 1974. This feature simplifies a consumer’s search for the exact part they require regardless of the age of their machine.

Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minn., designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol “ACAT.” More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available on the Internet at www.arcticcat.com.