Top Maker of Sport ATVs Shows Appreciation and Support of the Sport

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the top maker of sport ATVs, rolled out a big blue tractor trailer full of ATVs, motorcycles and giveaways in a “red carpet” display of support for racers and fans at the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series finale in Crawfordsville, Indiana, last weekend.

“Yamaha congratulates all of the competitors and top finishers in this year’s GNCC series, and we want to especially recognize Taylor Kiser, Walker Fowler, Kristen Atwell, Traci Cecco and all of the Yamaha-mounted riders for their great seasons,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group marketing manager who was onsite at the Ironman event.

Prior to the weekend’s festivities, Yamaha distributed free admission tickets to fans through 12 area Yamaha dealerships. Throughout the ATV and motorcycle racing events on Saturday and Sunday, fans and racers alike were given VIP treatment in a show of support for the entire sport.

Onsite, Yamaha rolled out a demo truck, offered free rides on new 2011 motorsports products and displayed a full lineup including YZ motorcycles, YFZ450X, YFZ450R and Raptor 125 sport ATVs, and the new Grizzly 450 EPS 4×4 ATV.

In addition to showing new product, Yamaha gave away more than 750 free “2010 Amsoil Ironman GNCC” embroidered beanies to spectators in attendance. Big blue also put together a special Yamaha Care Package and gave one to the top Yamaha racer in each class for the 2010 series.

This surprise bonus package included an embroidered beanie; GYTR hat; GYTR, Yamalube and Yamaha stickers; various Yamalube chemical products and cleaners; and a voucher for a custom embroidered Yamaha jacket.

“We appreciate all of the Yamaha riders who battled this year and understand that racing in the GNCC series is a major commitment,” Nessl said. “Boasting the strongest line of sport ATVs, Yamaha is equally committed to the sport. Thanks to everyone who races Yamaha.”

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.

In Honor of National Hunting & Fishing Day Yamaha’s ATV Sweepstakes Remains Open Through November

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles for outdoor enthusiasts, has donated a new 2011 Grizzly 450 with Electric Power Steering (EPS) in honor of National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day’s celebration of outdoor recreation and conservation. Yamaha wants to remind outdoor enthusiasts that they can still register to win.

This year’s NHF Day celebration was held on Saturday, September 25, 2010, and proved to be a great success – with 120 registered events held in more than 40 states.

The Yamaha ATV sweepstakes, which remains open through November 30, 2010, was promoted online and at NHF Day events nationwide. Anyone can enter to win by registering online.

“As a sponsor of NHF Day for the third year in a row, as well as a partner with numerous other conservation organizations, Yamaha supports preservation efforts across numerous recreational activities,” said Steve Nessl marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “NHF Day celebrates sportsmanship values, ethical outdoor activities and conservation – all of which are principles Yamaha has always promoted and will continue to support. NHF Day is reflective of Yamaha’s core recreational values and we are proud to sponsor this important and commemorative day.”

“Year after year, NHF Day’s successful events showcase the celebration’s effectiveness in promoting the importance of a healthy environment in outdoor sports throughout the nation,” said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. – the official home of NHF Day.

“Yamaha’s donation for the ATV giveaway is a prominent feature in NHF Day’s celebration. NHF Day is very grateful that Yamaha’s similar interest in conservation has provided support for this important cause in the hunting and fishing communities.”

The sweepstakes is open to all outdoor recreational sports enthusiasts. One lucky winner, 18 years-of-age or older, will receive a 2011 Grizzly 450 EPS. Approximate retail value is $7,499. No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes continues to be open until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on November 30, 2010. The winner will be determined by random drawing.

More information on NHF Day is available at www.nhfday.org.

Complete rules, entry details and additional information are available by visiting www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday.

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.

Christopher Twomey to Retire as CEO at Year End, Remain Executive Board Chair; President and COO Claude Jordan to Succeed Twomey as CEO

Arctic Cat Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAT) announced today that Christopher Twomey, 62, plans to retire as chief executive officer at the end of December 2010. He will continue to serve as executive board chair to ensure a smooth transition. The company named Claude Jordan, 54, to succeed Twomey as president and chief executive officer on January 1, 2011.

“During the past two years, Claude played a significant role in the company’s return to profitability, despite a recession that hit the power sports industry hard. His understanding, energy and passion for this business will serve Arctic Cat well.”

The company’s leadership succession plan accommodates Twomey’s decision to retire after serving as Arctic Cat’s CEO for 24 years. He became president and CEO in 1986, was named a director of the company in 1987 and assumed the board chair position in 2003.

During his tenure, Twomey led Arctic Cat through an initial public offering in 1990, increased the number of employees from 99 to more than 1,300 people, and grew revenues from $7.5 million to more than $450 million in fiscal 2010. Under Twomey’s leadership, Arctic Cat also entered the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) business, which now accounts for the largest percent of the company’s revenues. Twomey’s contributions to the industry were recognized by his being named to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2008.

“First, the board wants to thank Chris for his leadership of the company for more than two decades. He built Arctic Cat into a market leader in the power sports industry, and is leaving the company in strong financial shape with an outstanding team. We look forward to continuing to work with Chris as board chair,” said Kenneth Roering, lead director of Arctic Cat’s board. “The board also congratulates Claude on his new role. He has a proven record of success at Arctic Cat and a deep understanding of the company’s business. We are confident in his ability to continue to profitably grow the company and enhance shareholder value.”

Jordan joined Arctic Cat as president and chief operating officer in 2008, and was elected to the company’s board of directors in August 2010. During that time, Jordan has been responsible for Arctic Cat’s operations and has led the company’s ATV business for the past two years, implementing significant product line changes and increasing Arctic Cat’s ATV market share.

Twomey commented: “During the past two years, Claude played a significant role in the company’s return to profitability, despite a recession that hit the power sports industry hard. His understanding, energy and passion for this business will serve Arctic Cat well.”

“I’m excited to build upon Arctic Cat’s strong reputation, and I look forward to working with our dedicated employees to grow this business,” Jordan stated. “My initial priorities are to continue carrying out Arctic Cat’s strategic plan and to further enhance the company’s profitability and operational efficiency. Arctic Cat is well-positioned for success. We have the vision, proven strategies and talented people to achieve our long-term goals.”

Before joining Arctic Cat, Jordan was employed most recently in executive positions with The Home Depot and General Electric. Jordan served as vice president of The Home Depot and president/general manager of its THD At-Home Services, Inc. business from 2003 until 2008.

Prior to that, Jordan was with General Electric Company from 1998 to 2003. During his last four years with General Electric, he served as president and CEO of GE Water Technologies, a worldwide water treatment manufacturing, sales and services business. Before heading GE Water Technologies, Jordan spent a year in business development with GE Power Systems, managing mergers and acquisitions for new initiatives.

Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., a master’s degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Arctic Cat – Arctic Cat Inc. 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 Global Select Market under the ticker symbol ‘ACAT.’ More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available at www.arcticcat.com.