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Suzuki Takes Podium at Birch Creek National

Suzuki Amateur ATV racers took a total of 17 Podium Positions, including 4 wins, 8 second place finishes, and five third place finishes at the Birch Creek ATV National.

Suzuki makes some of the most competitive ATVs in the world, and the Suzuki amateur racers at the recent Birch Creek ATV National know it. 

Suzuki racers took a total of 17 podium positions in a variety of classes, including four overall wins, eight runner-up finishes, and five third place finishes.

American Suzuki Motor Corp. would like to thank those racers who choose to ride Suzuki, and congratulate the following riders on their podium finishes:

– Kyle Grissom, Chase Cunningham, and Larry Miner, who swept the Junior 25 Plus class with a 1-2-3 finish for Suzuki.
– Chase Snapp, who took first in the Pro-Am Production class, and second in the Pro-Am Unlimited class.
– William Lloyd and Josh Williams, who piloted their Suzukis to a 1-2 finish in the Open B class.
– Dallas Tapscott and Thomas Mcarn, who took first and third in the Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) class.
– Daniel Holisington and Ryan Wilson, who went 2-3 in the 450 C class aboard their Quadracer R450s.
– Frankie Wyant, who took second place in the Open Class.
– Ryan Wheeler and Stevie Lloyd Jr. for taking a 2-3 finish in the 4-Stroke C class.
– Clayton Chin in the Production C class, who took second place aboard his Suzuki.
– David Henderlite, who took second place in the Veteran 30+ class.
– Jacob McGraw for putting his Suzuki on the podium in the 4-Stroke B class.

Suzuki ATVs are known for being great racing machines, just ask Rockstar Makita SuzukiÂ’s defending back to back ATV Motocross Champion Dustin Wimmer, or his teammate and this seasonÂ’s current points-leader, Josh Creamer! So if you are an amateur racer looking to get the edge on the competition, head to your local Suzuki dealer and check out the latest Suzuki racing machines!

About Suzuki: The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.

BEST IN CLASS: DUAL PURPOSE UTV

WINNER: Polaris Ranger XP HD

Any of the three UTVs on this page could qualify easily for Best in Class kudos but Polaris has simply overwhelmed us with its revamping of the Ranger into the new and completely re-thought Ranger XP.

We’ve been telling you how important it is for SxS manufacturers to adapt power steering technology to their products and Polaris is first-in with this feature.

We’re not surprised to tell you what a great idea it is. Along with the HD’s self-leveling rear suspension system that can handle enormous cargo loads and still… handle, there’s the Ranger’s switch from struts to double A-arms up front and fresh refinement to nearly every other area of the chassis.

Polaris has sent notice it intends to wow potential buyers with out-of-the-box thinking.

This Ranger sends everyone else back to the drawing board and guarantees the HD will absolutely have to be copied.

RUNNERS UP

Yamaha Rhino

With thousands of Rhinos sold, its design speaks much more loudly than any hype we could generate.

Available in a stripped down 450 iteration as well as several versions of an incredibly torquey 700 EFI single, the Rhino hasn’t needed to evolve much since its inception; the engineers got it right from the beginning.

This is a great handling, well equipped UTV that nearly perfectly bridges the gap between off-road performance and workhorse utility.

Arctic Cat Prowler 550 XT

The Prowler’s rugged construction, great styling and the fact it weds to several different engine variations makes it a solid bet for Best UTV consideration.

The 550 is particularly appealing because of its torquey EFI ‘hemi’ engine and full compliment of 4WD features.

Like all Arctic Cats, the Prowler boasts enormous ground clearance and a number of unique features like a 2-inch hitch receiver, large underhood storage and a durable composite cargo box.

Yamaha Aims to Improve Nation’s Busiest Forest

SBNFA Has Model OHV Program Supported in Part by Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., employees joined members of the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA) by volunteering more than 500 hours to improve off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and staging areas and plant 2,250 trees in the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF).

As part of its OHV Access Initiative, Yamaha works closely with the SBNFA sponsoring a number of OHV trails and adopting trail 3W14 as well as the Pinnacles Staging Area in the SBNF trail system near Lake Arrowhead, Calif.

On Saturday, April 24, members of YamahaÂ’s ATV & Side-by-Side (SxS) department along with representatives from the ATV enthusiast press participated in an OHV area clean-up led by staff and volunteers from the USFS and SBNFA in and around Yamaha’s adopted areas.

Throughout the day, teams worked around Pinnacles and across miles of adopted and nearby trails clearing brush, removing litter, cleaning culverts, building water breaks and generally improving the areas.

“The OHV Access Initiative is a major priority for Yamaha, and we understand the future of our business and lifestyle depends on supporting this mission of safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas,” said Mike Martinez, General Manager of Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Department who also serves on the SBNFA Board of Directors. “The SBNFA, in conjunction with the USFS and corporate partners, has a multifaceted and model OHV program. We encourage other OHV groups to take a look at what we’ve doing here in Southern California and consider how they might implement similar programs in other parts of the country.”

On Sunday, nearly 90 Yamaha employees along with family and friends joined a second-year program by the USFS, the SBNFA and the Los Angeles-based TreePeople organization to help reforest burn areas in Southern California.

This joint effort was launched in response to the devastating Southern California wildfires in 2003 and 2007 where 185,000 acres burned in the SBNF. The program’s goal this year is to plant 25,000 bareroot seedlings, and Yamaha’s group planted a single-day record near Big Bear Lake, Calif. Through its efforts the past two years, Yamaha’s groups have planted more than 3,400 seedlings.

“It was exciting to see so many Yamaha employees get involved in Sunday’s tree planting efforts,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Department Marketing Manager and OHV Access Initiative Review Committee Member. “Supporting our local and OHV communities is important to Yamaha, and we plan to continue growing the OHV Access Initiative and supporting more outdoors areas across the country. By putting our best foot forward, we can set a positive example for everyone who enjoys outdoor recreation.”

The SBNF is the mountain playground to 24 million Southern Californians – or 10 percent of the nation’s population. Given its proximity to this population base, the SBNF is an “urban” forest and, consequently, is the most recreated and populated national forest in the system. Over 15 million people recreate annually on the SBNF and 60,000 reside full- or part-time.

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

Since launching in 2008, the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has injected more than $1.4 million into its mission of supporting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas.

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

The next GRANT application submission deadline is June 30, 2010. Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess.

For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamahamotor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

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 companyÂ’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.

BEST IN CLASS: BEST SEGMENT MAKER

WINNER: Arctic Cat MudPro 700

Just when it seems like every idea has been milked in the ATV business, someone comes up with a completely new concept.

In the case of Arctic Cat’s MudPro, it looks like the idea was such a bulls-eye, it caught the competition completely off-guard.

Since the first MudPros were introduced, they’ve been selling like rain hats in a monsoon. This year thereÂ’s an even wider range of models being offered.

Because of its combination of amazing ground clearance, big tires, special EFI mapping and lowdown gearing it’s an amazing performer in the deepest quagmires.

Of course, the big air intake funnel at the front is the single item that makes it immediately identifiable and causes all the commotion when ATVers are gathered around for a look.

This is an incredible package, offered right from the factory, that obviously has grabbed the attention of a market not many knew existed.

Congratulations to Arctic Cat for keeping its thumb on the pulse of the ATV business and for being willing to take a big risk with an exciting new product.

RUNNERS UP

Polaris RZR

Although the “Razor” has been around a couple of years now, we can’t help but notice that no other manufacturer has actually come up with a viable competitor to it.

This means the idea behind a high performance, off-road buggy for the masses was so far off everyone elseÂ’s radar screen they havenÂ’t been able to catch up yet.

The execution of a phenomenal idea, capable of reaching into the dreams (and wallets) of thousands of potential buyers has created its own industry segment and even a sub-category for our Best-In-Class Awards.

Polaris Ranger EV

Polaris deserves recognition for coming up with a concept that, in theory, should produce yawns and turning it into something fun and exciting.

Not only is the EV an answer to the environmental lobby but it’s also completely functional as a work beast and surprisingly good entertainment off-road.

It’s slightly smaller dimensions work in its favor to deliver agile handling and less weight to ensure the battery system has decent range.

Could be the first of many electric off-road vehicles… as a matter of fact, we’d bank on it.

Why EPI Products Work so Well

EPI has been developing performance clutch kits for snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs since 1991.

The company has grown from being a basement-based hobby to its current Headquarters & Operating Complex in the Baxter, Minnesota industrial park where EPI ships daily to distributors and dealers around the world.

EPI’s focus and commitment has always been to test every machine at its own test facility and proving grounds.

Here, real-world scenarios are created and true performance gains can be achieved by tailoring tuning to each customers requirements.

Naturally, as the clutch business grew, EPI expanded into other areas of the driveline such as wheelshafts, CV joints, U joints, bearings, seals and suspension components.

EPI now offers full lines of many driveline components and rebuild kits to restore your machine to like-new condition.

The company’s most recent new product launch has been an exclusive line of Severe Duty Drive Belts for ATVs and UTVs.

As enthusiasts found more ways to modify and use their machines, EPI saw the growing need for a “Severe Duty” belt that could withstand the stress and heat of extreme applications.

EPI’s goal with its line of Severe Duty Belts was to make the best belts you can buy, period.

Although testing is hard work, you can rest assured EPI is dedicated to having the very best performance products available for your machine.

Owner, Darcy Harbutt, says: “Don’t worry about us, we’ll just keep on plowing through the mud, climbing the hills, blasting over the dunes and hitting the fresh powder so you can have the best Clutch Kits and replacement parts available.”

Now go out and enjoy your ride and remember, if you have an EPI Clutch Kit installed… HOLD ON!

EPI clutching is the Best Answer!

Lets face it. Almost every ATV on the market has electronic fuel injection and your options for gaining performance are pretty limited by complicated electronics.

Sure, you can mess with exhaust systems and intakes and even reprogram your EFI map, but if you don’t know what you’re doing you can end up with a real mess.

Here’s where the real performance gains are coming from these days. Clutch mods. Yup, you can improve the amount of power you’re getting to the ground in a pretty significant way by installing a clutch kit from a reputable tuner like EPI and instantly get results that are quantifiable.

That means you’ll be able to tell the difference right away! No hocus-pokus, either. A new primary clutch spring and some specially profiled ramps installed on an ATV can turn a turtle into a rocket – all without touching the stock engine.

The best part is, EPI does all the R & D work for you. They’ve already trouble-shot the clutch kit designed specifically for your wheeler and know precisely what the end result will be.

All you need to do is bolt them on and you’ll reap the rewards of faster shift up, better backshifting and increased mid-range performance.

EPI does more than clutching, too. You can order ball joint kits, brake pads, CV joint kits, wheel bearings, shafts, tie rod ends and even lift kits for most popular makes.

You need to make a trip to erlandsonperformance.com and check out the full array of goodies EPI offers for your 4-wheeler or UTV right now!

KYMCO Official Supplier of GRAND PRIX DU CANADA

Speed, class, excitement, distinctiveness – all words synonymous with KYMCO and the celebrated FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA.

It is with much enthusiasm that we announce KYMCO Canada as the Official Scooter, All Terrain and Utility vehicle supplier of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA for the 2010 event!

The GRAND PRIX DU CANADA in Montréal is the only Formula 1 event held in North America in 2010 and is the longest running Formula 1 event outside of Europe. In fact, June 11-12-13 2010 will mark the 31st edition held on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and will kick off the summer festival season in Montréal.

As the official vehicle supplier of the event, an entire fleet of KYMCO scooters, ATVs and UTVs will be on site during the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA weekend moving race teams, organizers and volunteers around the island with ease!

Fans will have an opportunity to visit the KYMCO on site display and witness for themselves that performance is not only reserved for professional race car drivers!

One lucky fan will also ride away with a brand new KYMCO B&W 250 scooter adorned with custom carbon fibre graphics!

To learn more about KYMCO and its line of scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, visit www.kymco.ca.

Klim and Blue Ribbon Coalition Join Forces

Nate Blaylock announced today that the two Idaho based entities will partner this summer to increase membership in the Blue Ribbon Coalition (BRC) and to drive involvement in the public lands debate.

“Klim has long held a concern for the preservation of trails and riding areas.” said Mr. Blaylock. “Powersport enthusiasts do not destroy, they enjoy. The tempo of land use closures have dramatically increased in the last year. We are concerned, but not dismayed. We are determined to do our part.”

The Blue Ribbon Coalition has admirably fought for recreational access to public land since 1987.

With members in all 50 states and its headquarters just 60 miles south of Klim in Pocatello Idaho, the nonprofit organization has represented the OHV enthusiast in significant national battles and often come away with important victories for the industry.

From May 19th until August 19th 2010 everyone that joins, extends or renews a BRC membership will receive a $25 dollar gift certificate good for Klim technical dirt riding gear.

Visit www.Klim.com for more information.

$3,000 Pro Purse Announced for Klim Big Sky XC

The Klim Big Sky XC announced today a $3,000 Pro Purse for the 2nd annual race at the Big Sky Ski Resort August 21-22.

The 2010 edition is round 6 of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series, and falls on an off weekend for WORCS, AMA Hare and Hound, OMA and GNCC.

The facilities are excellent and the terrain is even better. World class lodging is located steps away from the race start. Pro riders will enjoy big mountain racing on the Black Diamond course that strikes a perfect balance between extremely technical and pure fun.

The weekend’s racing also includes youth, novice and intermediate racing on the Green Square and Blue Diamond courses.

There’s also plenty to do for the non-racers in the family including golfing, fly fishing, zipline tours, day trips to Yellowstone National Park and much more.

Contact Joe Miller at 406-581-3491 for race information or visit www.Klim.com.

Do You Really Like The Sportsman XP?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Do you guys actually like the new Polaris XP ATVs or is it just an ATV you ride because Polaris is a sponsor?

I have ridden Polaris before and didn’t enjoy. Are they different now?

Nick

Reply:

Hi Nick,

Yes, we really do like Polaris ATVs. Polaris is a sponsor of our show for sure but that has NEVER caused us to like one ATV over another. For instance, I LOVE the Brute Force 650 engine – one of my favourite engines of all time and kawasaki doesn’t sponsor Dirt Trax.

In my opinion Polaris ATVs have always been good and from my experience they have always been tough, excellent performing ATVs.

Everyone seems to have a horror story about one ATV or another that will shape their opinions about one brand or model vs another. Around here we test everything and have always have above average experiences with Polaris ATVs under all conditions.

Thanks for watching!

Luke Lester
Dirt Trax Television