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JAMIE CHISHOLM TAKES POSITION WITH MTA

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Longtime powersports industry professional Jamie Chisholm has assumed the role of National Accounts Manager at MTA Distributing.

Chisholm’s primary responsibility will be to work closely with all the major accounts in the U.S. and Canada and grow their sales with MTA. He will be operating from the MTA West office in Corona, California.

Chisholm got his start in this industry at Cycle Country Accessories Corporation. He has spent the last 12 years at ITP, taking care of technical support and the management of all ITP accounts in the U.S. and Canada. He is married with two daughters, and likes to spend his free time riding ATVs and UTVs in the deserts and sand dunes of southern California.

“Being able to step into an organization where I can have a significant impact was very appealing.” said Chisholm. “I now welcome and look forward to the growth this new position will provide.” Chisholm can be reached at (951) 660-6852 or jamie.chisholm@mta-la.com.

Larry Popp, the CEO of MTA Distributing, said, “Jamie is highly respected within the powersports industry and we feel very fortunate to have him join our company. He brings a great deal of knowledge and passion to our table. We’re extremely happy to welcome Jamie to the MTA family.”

MTA is a prominent North American wholesale distributor of a wide range of motorcycle, ATV, UTV and golf cart parts and accessories. MTA was established in 1975 and now operates facilities in Louisiana, California, South Carolina and Ohio.

For more, visit www.mtadistributing.com. Phone: (318) 255-0049 (East), or (951) 272-0971 (West).

FIRST LOOK: 2011 ARCTIC CAT 350

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This is Arctic Cat’s value priced entry into the 4-wheel drive sweepstakes this year and it’s surprisingly well equipped.

First, the price comes in at a jaw-dropping $5,499.00 US and that’s with a ton of great equipment included.

Cat’s own 366cc carbureted single is used here and it’s equipped with the easy starting electric choke mechanism used in the past.

This feature eliminates a lot of fussing at start-up and idle, even when it’s cold. There’s fully independent A-arms both front and rear and the 350 uses the same Duramatic tranny as its other kin, only without the selectable feature.

Since the 350 is always in 4WD, there’s a limited slip front differential plus low range and engine braking are still in play.

This nimble, very light ATV impressed us with its ability to scale steep hills and climb over big stuff easily.

The engine, the same 4-stroke single used in the former 366, is a plonker with incredible torque on tap for its size.

There’s a 2-inch hitch receiver, digital gauge, twin taillights and back-up lights included and the same 10-inches of ground clearance as its more powerful sibling, the new 425.

A lot here for the money, believe us. Check out arcticcat.com to find out more.

Polaris Ltd Edition ATVs and Side-X-Sides

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Polaris Industries today announced the company’s new limited edition ATV and Side-by-Side offerings. All units will be available in dealerships in February.

ATV

2011 Sportsman XP® 850/550 EPS-Pearl White

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Pearl White automotive-style paint
· Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
· Active Descent Control (ADC) and Engine Braking System (EBS)
· Lock & Ride front storage box
· 2500 lb. winch
· 14-inch machined black cast aluminum wheels with Carlisle AT 489 II tires

2011 Sportsman XP® 850/550 EPS-Midnight Black Metallic

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Midnight Black Metallic automotive-style paint
· Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
· Active Descent Control (ADC) and Engine Braking System (EBS)
· Lock & Ride front storage box
· 2500 lb. winch
· 14-inch machined black cast aluminum wheels with Carlisle AT 489 II tires

Side-by-Sides

2011 RANGER XP® 800-Midnight Black Metallic

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Midnight Black Metallic painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side decals
· Custom Indy Red hood accent decals
· Indy Red painted front and rear suspension springs
· Custom Sandstone hood accent decals
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Indy Red deluxe seats
· 12-inch black Crusher rims with PXT tires

2011 RANGER XP 800 –Orange Madness

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Orange Madness painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side decals
· Custom Matte Black hood accent decals
· Orange Madness painted front and rear suspension springs
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Orange Madness deluxe seats
· 12-inch black Crusher rims with PXT tires

2011 RANGER XP 800 –Boardwalk Blue

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Boardwalk Blue painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side decals
· Custom Bright White hood accent decals
· Bright White painted front and rear suspension springs
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Boardwalk Blue deluxe seats
· 12-inch black Crusher rims with PXT tires

2011 RANGER XP 800 XP EPS –Sunset Red

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
· Sunset Red painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side decals
· Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Sunset Red deluxe seats
· 12″ black Crusher rims with PXT tires

2011 RANGER XP 800 EPS -Browning Edition with Pursuit® Camo

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
· Exclusive Browning Edition RANGER with Pursuit® camo hood, dash and glove box with custom-matched side decals
· Factory Installed Polaris 4500 lb. winch
· Dual Lock & Ride® black gun scabbards, positioned above bed
· Custom cut & sew Browning seat with Buck Mark decal
· Matte Black steel rims with Polaris PXT tires

2011 RANGER CREW 800 EPS –Turbo Silver

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
· Turbo Silver painted hood, dash and glove box with custom matched side decals
· Turbo Silver painted front and rear suspension springs
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Turbo Silver deluxe seats
· 12″ Black Crusher rims with PXT tires

2011 RANGER RZR 800 –Screamin’ Yellow

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Screamin’ Yellow painted dash and rear panels with Gloss Black painted hood
· Custom graphics package
· Color matched painted front and rear suspension springs
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Carbon Fiber seats with RZR emblem
· Maxxis tires on 12″ Black Crusher rims

2011 RANGER RZR 800-Sunset Orange

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Nuclear Sunset Orange painted dash and rear panels with Gloss Black painted hood
· Custom graphics package
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Carbon Filter seats with RZR emblem
· Color matched front and rear suspension springs
· Maxxis tires on 12″ Black Crusher rims

2011 RANGER RZR 800-Walker Evans

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Indy Red painted dash and rear panels with Gloss Black painted hood
· Custom Walker Evans graphics package
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Indy Red seats with RZR emblem
· Color matched front and rear suspension springs
· Premium Walker Evans Shock Package
· Maxxis tires on 12″ Black Crusher rims

2011 RANGER RZR 800 EPS-Super Graphite Rally

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
· Super Graphite painted dash and rear panels with White Lightning painted hood
· Custom rally graphics package
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Carbon Filter seats with RZR emblem
· Color matched front and rear suspension springs
· Maxxis tires on 12″ Black Crusher rims

The MSRP (US) is $11,599, and the MSRP (Canada) is $14,499. Machines are available in US and Canadian dealerships in August.

2011 RANGER RZR S 800-Rally

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Sunset Red painted dash and rear panels with White Lightning painted hood
· Custom “Rally” graphics package
· Custom three-color cut & sew stitched Black, Sunset Red and White seats with RZR emblem
· Color matched painted front and rear suspension springs
· Maxxis® Bighorn® tires on 12″ black Crusher rims

2011 RANGER RZR S 800-Desert Tan

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Desert Tan painted dash, hood and rear panels
· Custom graphics package with Black Polaris star on hood
· Custom cut & sew stitched Black and Carbon Fiber seats with Red RZR emblem
· Maxxis® Bighorn® tires on unique Desert Tan painted steel wheels
· Hi/Lo LED headlight package
· Headache net

2011 RANGER RZR 4 800-Rally

Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· Sunset Red painted dash and rear panels with White Lightning painted hood
· Custom “Rally” graphics package
· Custom three-color cut & sew stitched Black, Sunset Red and White seats with RZR emblem
· Color matched painted front and rear suspension springs
· Maxxis® Bighorn® tires on 12″ black Crusher rims

2011 RANGER RZR XP 900-White Lightning

· Additional features on the limited edition model include:
· White Lightning dash and Black painted hood
· Custom Xtreme graphics package
· Custom two-color cut & sew White and Black seats with RZR emblem
· 12″ black Bruiser rims

Yamaha Contributes more than $265,000 in 2010

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Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.’s, national OHV Access Initiative contributed more than $265,000 in GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nations Trails) in 2010. 

The program, with a mission to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas, has invested more than $1.5 million into these critical issues to date.

Through this program, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of trails, kept open countless riding areas, improved staging areas, built bridges over fish-baring streams and partnered with local riding communities across the country to improve the OHV experience for all. 
 
“Yamaha is proud of the hard work accomplished through the support of the OHV Access Initiative, but there is always more to be done,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV/SxS marketing manager.  “Riding clubs and land managers across the country have put the resources of the OHV Access Initiative to good use, and we continue to encourage more of them to look to Yamaha for support.”
 
Yamaha has reaffirmed its commitment to the OHV community in 2011 and is now actively seeking qualified projects from nonprofit or tax exempt organizations at local, state and federal levels.
 
“We have seen the effects of the economic downturn on the local level.  It is a challenge for OHV clubs and riding areas to maintain their trails and take on new projects, but we are here to help,” Nessl said.  “If you work for a national or state forest, or are a member of a local riding club, we encourage you to check out the guidelines, application and examples on our website, and consider how you might incorporate an OHV Access Initiative GRANT as you maintain and improve your riding area.”
 
The final Yamaha OHV Access Initiative GRANTs for 2010 included $102,000 awarded to seven organizations for projects such as trail construction and maintenance, mapping, and education programs promoting awareness of safe and responsible riding practices. 

GRANTs were awarded to the following organizations in the third and fourth quarter of 2010:

· High Mountain ATV Association, Wallace, Idaho
· Forest Grove District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Forest Grove, Ore.
· Northumberland County, Anthracite Adventure Recreation Area, Sunbury, Penn.
· San Bernardino National Forest Association, Fawnskin, Calif.
· Stewards of the Sierra National Forest, North Folk, Calif.
· Tillamook District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Tillamook, Ore.
· Tonto Recreation Alliance (TRAL), Tempe, Ariz.
 
A complete list of organizations that have received Yamaha GRANTs is available at: yamaha-motor.com
 

BRP LAUNCHES ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND SPRING TOUR

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PLUS A CHANCE TO WIN DREAM GARAGE

BRP is showcasing the complete BRP product portfolio with its Spring Ultimate Playground Tour, visiting select U.S. cities, along with a chance to win a $50,000 BRP dream garage.

Starting March 5 and running to April 19 with stops in traditional spring show locations for BRP’s Ski-Doo line, the tour will offer the first chance to see the 2012 Ski-Doo snowmobiles up close and personal.

As a special show incentive, visitors will receive a chance to win a $50,000 BRP dream garage – the opportunity to fill their garage with their choice of BRP products. Special coupons will be handed out at each tour stop and visitors can go online to check their fortunes.

The Ultimate Playground Tour, as a stand-alone event, steps up its offering by providing more products to view, interactive displays, product specialists to answer questions and more time and flexibility to look around – most stops will now be two days.

“Consumers have been asking for one venue to see all BRP products,” stated Marc-André Dubois, Director of Marketing for Ski-Doo. “In today’s business climate, manufacturers need to be creative and address these changing desires. We have answered with the Ultimate Playground; a one-stop display of all BRP products which makes it much easier and a less time consuming buying experience,” Dubois concluded.

Customers can expect to see current Can-Am ATVs, side-by-side vehicles and Spyder roadsters, Evinrude outboard engines, plus Sea-Doo watercraft and boats in addition to the 2012 Ski-Doo sleds.

The complete Ultimate Playground tour dates, times and locations can be found at www.ski-doo.com, along with all Ski-Doo spring shows.

Follow the Leaders

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We never like to come across as a show off with an over-inflated ego. Boasting just isn’t something our team participates in. Sometimes though a self-indulgent pat-on-the-back is fitting and on this occasion, requires no apology.

Recently our television show, Dirt Trax Television, added “Award Winning” to its moniker. The Outdoor Channel recognized it for two prestigious Golden Moose Awards, most notably, Best Off-Road Show.

Humbled? Sure. Proud? Extremely. Deserving? Absolutely! Being recognized for outstanding achievements, whether in school, in sport or in business is worthy of some accolades. What good would this honor be if we didn’t show how proud we are of being chosen as the very best, numero uno, top dogs and the leaders in what we do?

So what sets us apart from everyone else in the ATV media? For starters, our entire team rides. We ride often and we ride hard. We immerse ourselves in this business and we take great pride in reporting the most in-depth, accurate and often controversial information back to you.

We pull no punches and we make no apologies for reporting the truth and we can do this with a clear conscience because our opinions are the result of a team consensus derived from countless hours of saddle time on the ATVs and UTVs we report on.

We have a wide age range of editors on our team too, which provides the perfect mixture of experience, enthusiasm and technical knowledge. This diversity allows us to tell a story in a uniquely captivating way.

Our talented editors and camera operators – that incidentally picked up the GMA for Best Videography – are simply the best in the business with the credentials to prove it.

Our unwavering commitment to our viewers and readers is what really drives us though. Yes we have obligations to report on the products our sponsors expect, but make no mistake about it. Our opinions will never be compromised and that’s our promise to you.

If you’re craving information that’s not just regurgitated brochure fluff, then you need to follow the leaders. Dirt Trax TV and the new-and-improved Dirt Trax Magazine has more practical information to help you be an educated ATV/UTV owner than any other off-road media – hands down.

Take the time to read the next issue of Dirt Trax Magazine (April) and watch Dirt Trax Television. To get started, you can read articles on this web site and view full episodes at www.DirtTraxTV.com.

Go ahead, we dare ya.

Real World Scenario

Comment:

Dear Motorhead:

You’re Moose hunting in Northern Quebec or Ontario. You just shot a 1000 lbs + Moose. Between you and your truck you have 5 kms of steep hills full of roots, stumps, rocks, swamp, mud and it’s November so add lots of cold rain.

What quad does a guy in that situation want to get him and his animal back to the truck? I’m shopping.

Marc

Reply:

Thanks for your email!

There’s no doubt in my mind there is no ATV ideally suited for what you’ve described – a 1000 pound load would be too much for any current ATV.

Clearly, the kind of task you have described is risky and over the limit with any current 4 wheel ATV but is completely doable with a number of SXS on the market. This scenario is perfect for a SXS with a roof to keep the “cold rain” off your neck as well.

If you must have an ATV the only unit I can think of would be a Polaris 6X6.

Hope this helps,

Motorhead Mark

Warn Industries Announces New President

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Warn Industries has announced the hiring of John Stransky as the company’s new President.

Stransky brings 23 years of experience leading branded businesses, most recently as the President of Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation.

During his tenure at Brunswick, Stransky developed and implemented strategic plans for global growth, redefining brands, improving customer service, driving innovation, and working directly with customers to grow the business.

Stransky has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arizona, and has been active in community and volunteer efforts. He will join the company January, 31.

About Warn Industries – Warn Industries is the world’s most recognized brand in off-road products such as hub locks and vehicle recovery winches. The company designs, manufactures and markets a full line of off-road equipment and accessories that enhance the performance of four-wheel-drive and powersport vehicles. Warn Industries has employees in and around Portland, Ore., Livonia, Mich., and the Netherlands.

FIRST RIDE: 2011 Polaris RZR XP

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Just before Christmas, Polaris teased us with its mysterious web campaigns promising something big on 01/01/11. Like everyone else that morning, I stumbled to the coffee pot and then hit the internet to see just what was in store for us.

We now know it was an RZR S beater: The RZR XP with an insane, sand rail styled rear suspension and a new-from-the-ground-up 875cc mill tucked transversely behind the seat. We had combed all over the Internet watching video after video anxiously awaiting our first ride. This week in Arizona we got our chance and Polaris didn’t disappoint.

Polaris isn’t a company that casually enters a market category with small hopes. Each team member works cohesively with one focus in mind: Dominance. The RZR XP is like nothing we’ve seen before (apart from a heavily modified rail). This 875cc EFI mill punches out a whopping 88 ponies.

Blasting through the desert trails this week, I was amazed at how much power was available at my right foot. What surprised me even more was the realization that my foot was only about two-thirds of the way to the floorboards! At full jam, driver and seat back become one as you’re pressed firmly to the backrest and your knuckles whiten as you hold onto the steering wheel with all your strength. At each pull, my grin got bigger and I imagined what it feels like to be a dog with my head hanging out the car window, ears flapping and tongue wagging.

Power delivery via the dual 46mm throttle bodies is immediate and each throttle body is mounted in the optimum position for fuel delivery to the cylinder. Simply put, there’s no throttle lag whatsoever. When you want to go, just drop the hammer and hold on tight.

The biggest talk about the RZR XP apart from the 900 moniker plastered on the hood is its 3-link trailing arm suspension with enormous travel. This setup is so sweet it just soaks up any bump you can throw at it. Through the whoops you brace yourself for that big spine cruncher but it never comes. Down the roughest sections, landing a big whoop or even through that surprise gravity cavity, the ride is plain awesome and the faster you take the chatters, the better the suspension behaves.

We can’t wait until spring for our press unit to show up at our door. Until then, you can expect a full review on Dirt Trax Television in the early season and in the spring issue of Dirt Trax Magazine.

For more on the RZR XP visit polarisindustries.com.

Yamaha Announces NHF Day ATV Sweepstakes Winner

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Yamaha Grizzly 450 EPS Donation Increases Awareness of National Hunting and Fishing Day

Yamaha Outdoors is pleased to announce the winner of its third annual Yamaha-National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day ATV sweepstakes.

Determined by random drawing, Yamaha congratulates Natalie Uribe-De Freitas from Santa Clara, Calif., who has won a new 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 450 ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS) valued at $7,499.

NHF Day was formalized by Congress as a public reminder that hunters, anglers and shooters are America’s premier conservation supporters who generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, the 2010 celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation took place on September 25 – with 120 registered events held in more than 40 states.

The events provided an opportunity to share the NHF Day message, introduce new participants to outdoor recreational activities, and demonstrate the positive impact these activities have on conservation efforts.

“Yamaha is proud to continue its support of outdoor recreation and to help spread the National Hunting and Fishing Day message,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Congratulations to Ms. Freitas. We hope she will enjoy the new Grizzly 450 EPS in the field very soon.”

“I want to thank Yamaha for this incredible win and for sponsoring the National Hunting and Fishing Day Sweepstakes,” says Natalie Uribe-De Freitas, recipient of the 2011 Grizzly 450 EPS. “My family and I are really looking forward to our very own ATV.”