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Camp Well with Camp Chef

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The cold weather in many parts of North America are putting excursions on hold for some of us, but soon you’ll be loading up your ATVs and heading to your favorite spot to camp and do some riding.

Even us snowmobile-crazed, winter-loving outdoor enthusiasts have just about had enough of winter and are ready for some leisure time that involves one layer of clothing and flip-flops.

Even an outdoorsman can appreciates the luxuries of home. So next time you go camping, pick up a few essentials from Camp Chef.

If you haven’t heard of Camp Chef already then maybe you’re new to this whole “camping thang” or you’ve just become accustomed to charred meat and lukewarm cocoa out of a thermos. People – stop the insanity!

Camp Chef offers everything under the sun to make your camping experience one that will keep the entire family asking, “Dad, when can we go again?” And yes, this includes the Missus.

Camp Chef has an assortment of powerful ranges and grills for preparing delicious (un-charred) dinners, griddles for making the ultimate camp breakfast in style, ovens for baking and even smokers for making ribs to die for.

Camp Chef cast iron Dutch ovens are the latest hot item and you’ll find an endless supply of accessories and gadgets for making your camp kitchen the most popular place in the woods.

Camp Chef even sells hot water heaters so you can stop being blamed for the funky stench in the tent.

Visit www.CampChef.com and give 5-star camping a try.

RZRs Clean Up at Cahuilla Creek

Polaris RANGER RZRs had another clean sweep of the top three positions in the Side-by-Side Class 1, at the Cahuilla Creek WORCS race this past weekend, in Anza, Calif.

National Guard Polaris Coastal DragonFire Yokley Racing Team Driver William Yokley finished second and continues to lead the points for the class.

First place went to Beau Baron and third to Ryan Piplic, both also racing RANGER RZR XP 900s. National Guard Polaris Coastal Yokley Racing Team Driver Scott Kiger had to miss the race due to emergency surgery.

Next race for Yokley will be the GNCC race, in Gosport, Indiana, on May 14-15.

About Polaris – With annual 2010 sales of $1.99 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the Polaris RANGER Side x Sides, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also 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 MidCap 400 stock price index. Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com

Six Top-Ten Finishes for IMS Products

Round 4 of the WORCS ATV Series took racers to Cahuilla Creek in Anza, California this weekend. IMS Products rider Beau Baron finished second overall while IMS finished with 6 riders in the top 10.

Beau Baron made his first podium appearance of the series with a second place finish in Round 4. Beau battled for with several other riders for the top spot and made a late pass to secure second place. Baron has been putting together strong performances all season and this one puts him in third place in the series.

David Haagsma fought with the leaders early in the race but settled for fourth place. Jarrod McClure finished fifth to round out the top five spots. Haagsma is in fifth in the points standings while McClure sits in seventh.

Robbie Mitchell finished sixth and is in eighth in the points. Josh Row took seventh place and is sixth on the leaderboard. Dustin Nelson took the holeshot but had to settle for tenth following some mechanical difficulties. Nelson remains high in the standings at fourth.

IMS finished Round 4 of the WORCS ATV Series with six riders in the top ten. Those same ten riders are also in the top ten in the points standings moving into the next round. WORCS ATV heads to Clay Peaks in Payette, Indiana June 3-5 for Round 5.

About IMS: IMS Products was founded in 1976 by riding and racing enthusiasts. IMS markets motorcycle & ATV aftermarket parts through distribution, dealer direct, and consumer direct sales. IMS is the world leader in fuel delivery management systems as well as numerous hard parts such as Foot Pegs, Shift Levers, and Hand Guards. IMS Is the Official fuel system of Factory Suzuki Off Road, Am-Pro Yamaha, Factory Honda Off Road, Team Green Kawasaki and Factory KTM. Visit us on our website at www.imsproducts.com.

YAMAHA’S 2011 ‘YAMABUCKS FOR YOU’ PROGRAM RETURNS

Yamaha Motor Canada is bringing back the popular ‘Yamabucks For You’ program that successfully launched last year.

The program distributes thousands of dollars worth of Yamabuck gift certificates to Yamaha enthusiasts across the country via motorcycle track days and amateur MX, Enduro and ATV racing.

“For many of our customers, the track becomes their second home during the riding season. We want to show our support to members of the Yamaha family who help to represent us at tracks across Canada.” Commented PR Specialist, Bryan Hudgin.

Street motorcyclists who take their Yamaha to selected track day organizations will receive a one time, $75 Yamabuck at event registration.

Racers will receive varying amounts based on their finishing position in the classes and events specified. The Yamabuck certificate is redeemable at any local Yamaha dealer for purchase towards anything Yamaha Motor Canada sells including units, parts, accessories and apparel.

“What is unique about ‘Yamabucks for You’ is that, for the racing portion of the program, amateur racers may not even need a podium finish to reap the rewards. For instance, if a racer finished 15th but was the third finishing Yamaha in the class, the racer would still qualify for a Yamabuck.” relayed Hudgin, “It’s a way for us to say thank you to many of the customers who have chosen Yamaha and help support them, if even just a little, at the track.”

All Yamabucks will be distributed by track and series promoters at the event or the conclusion of the series for which it is designated to.

Click here for more information.

TRITON ANNOUNCES DEALERS OF THE YEAR

Triton Corporation is eager to present the 2010 U.S. and Canadian Dealer of the Year. This honor is awarded to Ingles Performance for the 2010 U.S. Dealer of the Year and Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales for the 2010 Canadian Dealer of the Year.

This recognition is awarded to dealers who have excelled in performance in areas of quality, service, sales, and marketing. Through the past year, these dealers have worked hard to represent Triton Trailers and have shown their dedication to the product.

Ingles Performance is located in Phoenix, New York. It is a family owned and operated dealership and has been growing strong with Triton for 19 years.

The team at Ingles Performance takes great pride in being a Triton Trailer dealer and providing their customers with best trailer experience. Ingles Performance believes in the industry and it shows by their level of inventory they carry so that any consumer can see what Ingles and Triton has to provide. They carry Triton snowmobile, enclosed, utility, ATV, and personal watercraft trailers.

“Everyone at Ingles Performance always has time to talk trailers,” said Jim Fisk of Fisk Distributing, Triton’s regional distributor in north eastern U.S. “Their knowledge and excitement for the industry far exceeds any other.”

Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales is a family owned trailer dealership located in Shelburne, Ontario. Even though they are a smaller business, it does not stop them from reaching out to consumers and assisting them with a Triton trailer that fits their needs.

They are well known in their area for their customer service, knowledge, and friendliness and that is what keeps them being successful for the past three and half years. They carry Triton snowmobile, enclosed, utility, ATV, and personal watercraft trailers.

“Even with Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales size, they still push to grow and stay on top of the market,” said Paul McNichol of Alumite Enterprises, Triton’s regional distributor in Eastern Canada.

Triton also awarded eight other dealerships for their performance making them along with Ingles Performance and Scott Reinhart Trailer Sales, the Top Ten Performing Dealers of 2010.

These dealers are Charlie’s Cycle Center of Limestone, N.Y., D.R. Trailer Sales of Milan, Mich., Enns Brothers of Oakbluff, Manitoba Canada., Foster Bros. Marine of Delano, Minn., Jet Chevrolet of Federal Way, Wash., KenÂ’s Sports of Kaukauna, Wis., Martin Equipment of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, and Reinhart Trailer Sales of Brampton, Ontario Canada.

Triton Trailers wants to congratulate the Top 10 Triton Dealers of 2010 on all their accomplishments during the past year. The dealers, as well as Triton’s entire dealer network, has worked hard to give consumers the best trailer and/or accessory Triton has to offer.

With the variety of trailers and accessories Triton has to offer, dealers have proven to consumers why Triton is the right choice. We thank them all for their dedication.

BEST IN CLASS: BEST DUAL PURPOSE UTV

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WINNER: 2010 Can-Am Commander

The Commander can perform yard chores or ranch work in a way never believed possible with this incomparable Big-Gulp box. This SxS is fully utility-capable proven by its first-ever dual level, dual tailgate dumping cargo bed.

Turn the page and the Commander answers the call of every high performance SxS buyer with a fire-breathing 85-horse 1000cc V-twin or, in its tamer iteration, an 800R version.

High-tech engineering drips from the Commander in the form of a drive-by-wire, dual mode throttle while the best-ever safety net-seat belt combo keeps operators from moving at more than 5-mph if not fastened.

Whether you order up the 70-horsepower 800 or the 1000, this is one dual personality, versatile rocket of a SxS.

RUNNERS UP

Polaris Ranger 500 EFI

When Polaris upped power in the wildly successful mid-size Ranger 400 to full-on 500 EFI status we knew the company had created an enormous problem for itself. The problem? How to build enough Ranger 500s!

This latest up-powered version of the mini-Ranger is both quick and nimble, yet fully utility capable. WeÂ’re sure itÂ’ll find as much use on weekend family rides as it will at the hunt camp, cabin or job site.

Yamaha Rhino 700

The 700 Rhino is believed to be the best dune rocket by thousands. We think it’s legitimately dual purpose as a result of its great 4WD system, its smaller size and its torque-blessed 700cc single while offering a nice dump box and great towing capability.

Yamaha has been at the forefront of SxS safety and the current rendition of the Rhino is as safe as any side by side offered today.

Polaris to Acquire Global Electric Motorcars LLC

Provides future growth opportunities within the low-emission small vehicle market

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced an agreement to acquire Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM), a wholly owned Fargo, N.D. based subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC and manufacturer of premium electric-powered vehicles.

GEM is the recognized leader within the low-speed vehicle market, with a well-respected brand and approximately $30 million in sales during the 2010 calendar year.

Since the company was established in 1998, they have placed over 45,000 electric-powered vehicles on the road worldwide.

GEM has developed business-to-business sales expertise within the fleet and government vehicle markets, and has created a competitive advantage with core competencies in make-to-order vehicle fulfillment and mobile service support.

“GEM provides Polaris with an established position in the low-emission small vehicle market and supports Polaris’ strategy of penetrating on-road market segments poised for growth,” said Scott Wine, Polaris chief executive officer. “We are excited about the outlook for growth within this market space, and are looking forward to developing even stronger growth prospects for the GEM business.”

“Our vision is to accelerate profitable sales growth for GEM, by combining Polaris’ strength in new product innovation with the most-recognized brand in the low speed vehicle market space,” said Mike Jonikas, Vice President of the On-Road Vehicle Division. “These new product efforts for GEM will be supported by an expanded distribution presence within select domestic and international markets.”

The agreement to acquire GEM will officially close within the next 60 days once Polaris secures the required state sales certifications to sell GEM products.

During this interim period, since Polaris will not yet have officially acquired GEM, operations will proceed as usual and Polaris will continue to learn and understand the GEM business through information exchange.

Following this interim period, Polaris will be in a position to outline specific plans for the GEM business.

News From Team High Lifter/Polaris Racing

Team High Lifter-Polaris Racing has come out fighting in 2011 with complete domination in the RUV class, taking two top podium spots and one third podium in the first races of the season.

The first stop of the CMR Series at Southern Ridge ATV Park in Dozier, Alabama saw Brian Haughton dominate the RUV class as he rode to first place on a 2011 Polaris RANGER RZR XP 900.

Haughton, who wears the #50 jersey, also piloted the same RANGER RZR XP 900 during the 2011 High Lifter ATV Mud Nationals, the Granddaddy of all mud racing events, held at Mud Creek Offroad Park in Jacksonville, Texas.

The No. 50 jersey placed first in the RUV class of the Polaris Mudda-Cross and third in the RUV class in the Can-Am/BRP Mud Bog.

Haughton drove a 2009 Polaris Sportsman 550 to an exciting third-place finish in the bogger class of the Polaris Mudda-Cross. This year marks Haughton’s second year on Team High Lifter-Polaris Racing.

In addition to the recent wins, Team High Lifter-Polaris Racing has added Josh Monroe to its ranks. Hailing from Wylie, Texas, Monroe will wear the #22 jersey. Team High Lifter-Polaris Racing – including Haughton and Wylie – will race in Canton, Texas on April 30.

About Polaris – With annual 2010 sales of $1.99 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the Polaris RANGER Side x Sides, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also 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 MidCap 400 stock price index. Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.

2010 BEST IN CLASS: Best Value UTV

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WINNER: Polaris Ranger 400

The concept of a lighter, slightly smaller Ranger is fresh thinking in an industry that continues to add more features, more weight and more dimensions.

For one thing, the Ranger 400 lacks none of the 4×4 goodies found on its bigger siblings and its strut front end and IRS back end deliver an incredibly cushy ride.

The same hi-low range, true 4×4 Polaris setup is included and its carbureted 455cc mill is a perfect match to its weight.

For utility use and work around the ranch, we found the 400 every bit as useful as bigger models and the benefit of smaller dimensions really paid off when we got it out on the trails.

This UTV fits into tight spots you’d never dream of attempting with a full sized SxS.

The Ranger 400 is fast and nimble and comes with a price tag that’ll take you back about ten years.

There’s really nothing it doesn’t do well and it’s become our favorite ride both for work duties or when we want to go for a mud-slogging, hill climbing rip-up-the-dirt ride in the outback.

RUNNERS UP

Arctic Cat XT 550

Cat reduced its number of Prowler models offered this year but kept the 550 in the lineup. Good on them because this is one of the best deals in the business.

The fully equipped XT550 offers all the great 4WD features you need and maximum levels of cargo capacity both in its cargo bed and up front.

Its torquey 545cc engine has EFI and classy items like aluminum wheels and digital instrumentation put it in line with much more expensive offerings. A great buy and full value for the money.

Polaris Ranger 500 EFI

This all-new and very logical extension of the Ranger 400 phenomenon features downsized dimensions and a hefty 498cc mill with EFI.

All the great mobility benefits of the smaller, lighter Ranger platform are included here and, with so much power on tap, it will out-pull and out-cargo many bigger UTVs.

This engine-chassis combination puts the 500 in the hot-rod category for performance and handling and adds tremendous bang-for-the-bucks. It even fits in the box of a full-sized pickup.

OUTDOORSMAN: Changin’ Times, Changin’ Needs

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When we started in ATV publishing biz 13 years ago, it forever changed the way I enjoy the outdoors. Up until then I had spent a lot of time on and around ATVs, but I’d never owned my own ATV or felt a strong desire to purchase one.

In those early years we piled loads of miles on the latest and sometimes not the greatest ATVs the industry had to offer. The big debate of the 90’s was the emergence of Polaris’ belt driven CVT vs. the time tested standard synchromesh gear transmission and for the most part there was no talk of purpose-built 2-uppers or side-x-sides.

Manufacturers soon recognized the changing needs of their target market and it wasnÂ’t long before we saw Bombardier introduce the 2-up Traxter Max. John Deere had the Gator and Kawasaki had it’s Mule, but Polaris set the bar to new heights with the introduction of the Polaris Ranger 4WD.

Each year I am privileged to a long list of press units on loan to us for evaluating, but I have personally laid down my own money for three: a 2-stroke 400 Polaris Explorer, a Can-Am 400 Outlander and I now own a 400 Polaris Ranger.

The Explorer and the Outlander were absolutely stellar ATVs meeting – for the most part – all my needs as an outdoorsman, but after filming the “Camp Life” segment for Dirt Trax Television last summer I realized the versatility of the Ranger was unmatched for doing what I love.

I enjoy bass fishing the backcountry lakes in my area and I can throw my 14-foot Sportspal on the boat rack secured to the Ranger, load the tackle and cooler in the box and fasten my electric trolling motor on the tailgate. All this and have a fishing buddy sit next to me to chitchat while we ride out to the boat launch.

I certainly have taken my share of good-natured ribbing about being too old for ATVs, but the funny thing is my Ranger seems to be everyone’s favorite when we plan a fishing adventure and I am more often than not relegated to the passenger seat.