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CAT TAKES THIRD OVERALL IN BEST-IN-THE-DESERT

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Press Release –

Prowler XTZ Takes on the Fully-Modified UTV Class

By any stretch of the imagination, the goal for Arctic Cat/ Bi-Polar Prowler race team for the 2009 race season was daunting: Compete against fully-modified UTVs in the seven-event Best-In-The-Desert (BITD) off-road race series using a stock Prowler XTZ 1000 H2. And by any measure, third place overall is an exceptional accomplishment.

“We came into this series committed to show the world that the major stock components comprising a Prowler XTZ can run with the wild, one-off creations that our competition use,” said team owner/driver Jim Creagan of Yacolt, Wash. “Aside from the required roll cage, extra lighting and King shocks, our Prowler is stock, including the engine, axles and suspension arms. That makes it very satisfying to blow past the other guys.”

While the 1000 H2 EFI engine delivered speeds the fully-modified UTVs couldn’t match, BITD races throw down wicked-rough routes of rocks, holes, ledges, drop-offs and miles of whoops.

Nevertheless, the Arctic Cat/ Bi-Polar team attacked each race in the Nevada desert with the same go-for-it attitude that delivered a 1-2 finish in last year’s Baja 1000 off-road race. Two second-place finishes in the series’ longest races proved the durability of the team and Prowler, while top-fives at other events showed their consistency. Seven races entered, seven finished for third place overall series, which is an accomplishment few teams can claim.

Just as impressive, this was the first season of racing the BITD series for the team.

“Knowing the race courses makes a huge difference,” remarked Creagan. “With a year’s experience, we’ll return next year in a better position to challenge for race wins and the series championship.”

The team’s success coupled with the Prowler’s outstanding durability was an impressive combination that drew the immediate respect of other racers.

“The Nevada desert is an unforgiving place,” said Ted Bettin, Arctic Cat ATV Race Coordinator. “For a first-year effort, to finish every race and take third overall in the series proves the best-in-class performance and durability of our machines.”

The Arctic Cat/ Bi-Polar race team is sponsored by Arctic Cat, GBC Motorsports, TrailReady Beadlock Rims, Tire Balls, Vision X Lighting, King Shocks and Dragonfire Racing

About Arctic Cat – 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.

Polaris Announces 2010 Racing Contingency

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Press Release –

Contingency offered in seven racing series

Polaris today announced its ATV race contingency program for all adult classes, in seven ATV racing series, with a total purse of about $405,800.

“Polaris is continuing its commitment to ATV racing by offering a racing contingency for 2010 that spans the most-popular racing series across the U.S. and Canada,” said Eric Nault, Product and Race team manager for Polaris’ ORV Division. “We would like to thank the dedicated riders who race our products.”

Polaris is offering contingencies in GNCC, WORCS, ATVA-AMA Motocross Nationals, ITP Quad Cross, New England ATV Motocross Series (NEATV), the Heartland Challenge and Canadian Motorsport Racing Club Series (CMRC).

Racers must race 2007 or newer quads, and utility classes must be raced on a Sportsman 850 XP or Sportsman 550. More information and complete rules about Polaris’ ATV racing contingencies can be found at www.polarisfactoryracing.com.

BRP POURS $1.6 MILLION INTO X TEAM PROGRAM

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Press Release –

In 2010, BRP will inject US $1.6 million into its Can Am X Team ATV Contingency Program.

From Canada, across the United States, down to Mexico, Can-Am ATV racers should be eligible for a cash payout through this program during the 2010 ATV racing season.

Building on its successful 2009 Can-Am X-Team ATV Racing Contingency program, BRP is expanding the 2010 program to include more cash and more national and regional series in North America.

“Enhanced racer support from the pro racer to the amateur is our goal with this program,” says Denis Morin, vice–president, Product Development & Racing at BRP. “As racing is key to improving all of our products at BRP, it is nice to be able to expand our contingency program to reward those who have committed to continuing Can-Am success on the race track.”

In North America, BRP is committing to pay out contingency cash in 19 race series, including the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series (13 classes), the ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship (17 classes), the SCORE International Baja 1000, the High Lifter Mud Nationals and the CMRC Canadian MX National series.

In addition to those events, BRP has pledged support to just about every major regional race series on the continent.

Racers who meet the terms of the contingency program will receive a cash payout in the amount earned based on his or her placing in the event, with payment mailed directly to the participant or legal guardian.

BRP is also awarding contingency for overall championships at the end of the season.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2010 schedule, the 2010 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.

H.A.V.A. Hosts 2nd Annual National Family Day

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Press Release –

Eighty-Nine disabled veterans and active duty military participate in shooting event

Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) hosted the organization’s 2nd Annual National Family Day on November 14, 2008 at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas.

The event was attended by 89 disabled veterans and active duty military personnel from various military facilities in the San Antonio area. These Wounded Heroes also brought another 57 family members to the fun-filled day for a total of 146 participants.

Activities included shooting demonstrations, range time, food, prizes and musical entertainment. Veterans and active duty military from across Texas and as far away as Washington state, participated in the event, which drew both national and local support.

Twenty-three companies and organizations from within the shooting sports industry supported the event along with representatives from the Texas National Guard, V.F.W., Wounded Warriors Project, Brothers of Fallen Heroes, Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association and the USA Shooting Team. In all, more than 100 volunteers helped assure these heroes and their families had a great day.

Attendees participated in range activities that featured eight stages of fire including everything from pistols, shotguns and rifles to a cowboy stage hosted by S.A.S.S. (Single Action Shooters Society).

Children of the Wounded Warriors were able to shoot an air soft action course as well. The day also featured a shooting exhibition by professionals Jerry Miculek and Max Michel. Several participants shot with Miculek and Michel in a “fun” pro-am event.

The event was capped off with a mini concert by platinum country recording artist Mark Wills and a barbeque hosted by several area VFW units. The evening festivities also featured a raffle for the participants, where winners walked away with various door prizes including firearms from Smith & Wesson, Remington and a USA Shooting Ruger 10-22 (which was autographed by the entire USA Shooting Team).

“Our mission to serve these American Heroes was accomplished on all fronts,” said Tom Taylor, H.A.V.A. Chairman. “In our second year to host this event, we more than doubled the number of participants and had a tremendous outpouring of volunteer support from the industry and other organizations in order to make the day a tremendous success. We were asked many times if we plan to host a 3rd Annual Event and we have committed to do so on November 13, 2010.”

LtCol David Barnes of the U.S. Marine Corps Patient Affairs Team added, “We appreciated the hard work and dedication that the volunteers put into this event. The chow was great and every Marine got to shoot various events and ask lots of questions. What a great time! This was a top notch event and I would recommend it to any service member. You can count on my Marines to attend next year!”

With the goal of reconnecting wounded men and women from the armed services with their love of the outdoors, the H.A.V.A. organization was developed to raise awareness and further assist disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting competitions and other outdoor activities. Those who would like to continue on HAVA’s mission, learn more about the organization and how to contribute or see photos from past events can visit www.honoredveterans.org

KYMCO USA Introduces 2010 Line Up

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Press Release –

The grounds of the historic Biltmore Estate served as a grand setting for KYMCO USA’s introduction of its 2010 two-wheel and four-wheel product lines. More than two dozen motorsports industry journalists attended the September 22-25 events.

Selected for its excellent combination of scenery and riding opportunities, the 8,000-acre estate in the North Carolina mountains is the historic home of George W. Vanderbilt with Biltmore House, the largest privately owned home in the country, as its centerpiece. Overnight accommodations and hospitality were provided by KYMCO USA at the nearby Grand Bohemian luxury hotel.

The journalists had access to nearly the company’s entire U.S. product line – and KYMCO USA will be offering 17 two-wheel models and 11 four-wheel models for 2010.

Completely new for the U.S. market are the Like 50, a scooter with vintage Euro styling, and the Maxxer 375 4×4, which blurs the line between sport and utility ATVs. KYMCO is also introducing new versions of existing models, including Limited Editions of the UXV 500 4×4, MXU 375 4×4 IRS and MXU 500 4×4 IRS.

For the Biltmore Estate event, KYMCO created separate schedules for journalists based on whether they review for two-wheel or four-wheel enthusiasts.

Activities held September 22-23 for the two-wheel journalists included scooter rides and photo/video opportunities on the Biltmore Estate grounds, as well as an afternoon ride along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Larger and mid-size models were used for the Parkway ride, while several of KYMCO’s popular 50cc scooter models were available for side-by-side comparison rides over a closed course on the grounds.

During their own two days in Asheville, September 24-25, editors reviewing KYMCO USA’s four-wheel lineup had access to 70+ miles of trails that make up the Biltmore’s own Land Rover Experience Driving School course. Winding through a largely agricultural part of the estate not typically open to guests, the course passes through vineyards, fords streams and provides steep descents, side-hill traverses and uphill climbs that offer views of nothing but sky.

In addition to the magazine reviewers, representatives of leading industry-insider and dealer publications also attended.

The complete KYMCO USA executive team was on hand to meet with the journalists, organize in test rides, and answer questions on the spot. KYMCO USA president and CEO Eric Bondy was available for one-on-one interviews, and at the introductory press conference, he introduced a special guest from the parent company KYMCO in Taiwan, Senior Vice President Mr. Kou-Chang Su, for his perspective.

KYMCO’s Expanding Four-Wheel Product Line

On the four-wheel side, the big news for 2010 is the Maxxer 375 IRS 4×4. A true cross-over sport-utility with independent rear suspension, the Maxxer is powered by an air-cooled 366.9cc SOHC engine delivering 26hp. Weighing in at 452 pounds, the Maxxer 375 is outfitted with KYMCO’s proven automatic CVT transmission, maintenance free sealed shaft final drive, shift on the fly 2WD and 4WD, independent dual A-arm suspension front and back, hydraulic dual discs in front with a single disc in back, and 12-inch alloy wheels helping achieve 10 inches of ground clearance.

The Maxxer 375 will be available in black, red, blue and white with special graphics package options designed to appeal mainly to female riders.

In a first, KYMCO USA has introduced 2010 LE (Limited Edition) models of the UXV 500 4×4, MXU 375 4×4 IRS and MXU 500 4×4 IRS. The MXU 500 and MXU 375 LE models come standard with a 2,500lb winch, KYMCO 12-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and KYMCO by KOLPIN rear contoured cargo box, gear grips and side-view mirror hand guards. The UXV 500 LE comes with a 3,000lb. winch, KYMCO 12-inch alloy wheels, KYMCO by Seizmik soft enclosure with full windshield, and KYMCO by KOLPIN gear rail package and gas pack. All three LE models feature a distinctive black-on-black color scheme.

About KYMCO USA – KYMCO’s roots in the motorsports industry go back to its founding in 1963 as the Kwang Yang Motor Company, Ltd., with headquarters in Taiwan. Long a leader in quality, fuel economy, and versatility, today KYMCO manufactures motor scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs at five plants in Asia, including the main facility in the city of Kaohsiung.

KYMCO is the largest scooter manufacturer in Taiwan and currently exports to 88 countries worldwide. All KYMCO plants use the latest technology for the engineering and production of reliable engine, chassis, and other components. Since 2004, KYMCO has been officially accredited for ISO-9001 quality in manufacturing. KYMCO is committed to maximum customer satisfaction and constant innovation, making use of the most advanced CAD/CAE tools to bring superior engineering and design to their products.

The company’s partner in the United States is KYMCO USA with headquarters, marketing and distribution centered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. KYMCO USA is dedicated to building the brand’s reputation and market share through superior value, frequent new product introductions, strategic industry partnerships, and excellence in dealer network support. KYMCO USA has a reputation and expertise gained through over 30 years in the U.S. motorsports industry.

Camoplast 4S Track Kit

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I just watched the Dirt Trax episode about Camoplast tracks on the 850 XP. My dealer has sets in stock that I’m going to purchase and I would like to know how do I know if I got the lastest edition tracks from my dealer and not carry overs from last year.

Can you give me the model number set you used on your recent broadcast? Or any other info.

Thanks

Bob

P.S. I just wrote the Outdoor Channel and told them how informative your show is.

Reply:

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your question and for the kind words to Outdoor about our show. You have no idea how far that goes in helping us build even stronger relationships with our networks. Its greatly appreciated.

I have tried to find the actual part number for the track kit we installed on the show but cant find it anywhere. I can tell you that on e of the biggest and most noticeable differences between the 2008 and 2009 versions of the Tatou 4S kit is the wheels.

Take a look at what the wheels look like at www.camoplast.com and make sure the wheels in the track system you’re buying are the same style. The previous year’s kit uses more of a snowmobile-style idler wheel instead of a dedicated track kit wheel.

Its a pretty noticeable difference as the new wheels have a shock absorbing rubber surround with holes drilled through the side (you can see them in the pic on the Tatou 4S page of the website) If you look at the installation video titled “quick installation” on the multimedia page youll see that kit does NOT have the holed drilled in the wheels. That is an older kit.

I know this isn’t really a scientific way to tell the difference but the rest of the changes arent as obvious as this one difference is.

Of course, the best way to make sure you getting the newest kit is to call Camoplast and ask about the part numbers your looking for. They may also be able to give you information on any updates that may hve made to the kit this season, that may not be included on the kits your dealer has in stock.

I hope this helps a bit and thanks for watching!

Luke Lester
Dirt Trax Television

Are ATVs Built By ATVers?

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Now that Dirt Trax has tested the KYMCO 500 ATV and found that it is good (and I must say a well priced machine) I am looking forward to you testing their side by side.

Also when you do any report I am interested in how good the compression braking is. Plus, a few years back Polaris put the rad in the skid plate loation and had no compression braking. What were they thinking?

Plus if you can see the winch spool on factory installed winches, but you can’t on an Outlander. How are you going to respool the winch properly? Was it designed by a ATVer or not?

Ed

Reply:

Thanks for your comments. Its always nice to hear what our viewers are looking for from our segments. I will take your suggestions into consideration next time im doing a test ride.

I agree with yoru point as well. Many ATVs seem like they weren’t designed by people who actually ride. Though sometimes its simply a case of the people who design them don’t necessarily ride the same way we do.

None are perfect but we’ll keep pointing out what needs to change and hopefully one day we’ll get there.

Thanks again,

Luke Lester
Dirt Trax Television

2-Up Seats on ATVs

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I recently got back into riding and just picked up a new ATV. I was told that its illegal to ride 2up on an ATV that is not factory equipped with 2-up seating. Is there any truth to this?

I know they still sell the rear seat/storage boxes that can be mounted to the rear rack. Seating may be a bit cramped and the ATV slightly unstable due to having the rear passenger’s weight behind the rear axel, but is it actually illegal to use these now?

Also near where I live its legal to ride on the streets. I seem to recal that the speed limit for atvs is 30 km/h less that the posted limit. Just needed clarification on this.

Thanks for the help, and great job on the show.

Sid

Reply:

Thanks for your email!

First – the use of a “King/Queen” style two up seat on an ATV built for one is the number reason for ATV flipovers and resultant injuries.

These things are incredibly dangerous and we have spoken against them often on Dirt Trax and in All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine. We would strongly encourage you not to put anyone you care about on one of these things.

You need to check your municipality to see if they have enacted their right under the Off Road Vehicle act to open up streets in the areas you wish to ride. This is a local issue you should research.

Unfortunately, actual built-for-two-up ATVs right now are not legal for two up riding in Ontario while there is no legislation in Ontario banning King/Queen seats.

We expect the Off Road Vehicle act to be amended in the next year to address this contradictory (and patently dumb) error. Enforcement of the law is another issue.

Any sensible Law Enforcement Officer knows that two-up ATV’s are the best and safest way to transport two while King/Queen seats are decidedly not. However, you need to know what the stance is in your area.

Good luck,

Motorhead Mark

Soft Power From Can-Am Outlander 800R

Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Recently Luke did a review on Dirt Trax Television on Can-Am’s Outlandler 800 with power steering. I believe that it was a 2010. He mentioned that the power was off down low when compared with an 2008.

Is this the new norm for Can am? Can it be fixed with a new clutch kit like the one you guys put on a Polaris 800? This really leaves me baffled as to whether I should buy a Can-Am.

Thanks for your help.

Bruce

Reply:

Hey Bruce,

Thanks for your question. Here’s some insight into the Outlander 800R lineup for 2010. In 2009 the 800R came out and everyone was amazed by its power. The problem was that it hit so hard down low it became hard to control in tight situations and was actually frustrating to ride sometimes.

No doubt, if you were on a fast trail or open fire road it was awesome. But picking through rocks and tight stuff was difficult. So, for 2010 Can-Am softened the clutching on all 800R powered ATVs, which made them infinitely easier to ride in the tight stuff.

It didn’t hurt the top end at all but, softening the clutching did make them feel a little less impressive on initial squeeze. Even though we did ask for this change, we think they may have softened it up a bit too much. Now the 800Rs feel lazy on in initial squeeze and believe me, its not the motor. This is still the most power ATV you can buy.

I really do think a clutch kit, or even getting clutching from an 2009 would bring back that insane bottom end snap. The ’09 clutching would obviously bring back that lack of slow speed control, but if you can live with it, it sure feels good.

I hope this helps explain things and on a side note, the 800 MAX still has enough down low to pull 2-up wheelies.

Sincerely,

Luke Lester
Dirt Trax Television

ITP BAJACROSS TIRES DOMINATE THE BAJA 1000!

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Press Release –

There is no tougher test of man and machine than the SCORE Baja 1000. ITP has just aced that test by winning the 2009 event in the Sportsman UTV class on BajaCross tires and T-9 Pro Mod wheels.

This class was dominated by the Team Green Kawasaki DragonFire Racing team, with Reid Nordin, Hans Waage, Todd Romano and Larry Roeseler at the wheel of their Kawasaki Teryx.

This talented crew enjoyed a nearly flawless run, completing the 672-mile/1000-kilometer course in northern Baja in a time of 24:32:37, for an average speed of 27.41 mph over what many considered to be one of the most demanding Baja 1000 courses in some time.

Of 328 starters, just 185 finished — only 56.4 percent! It was the second big win for the team this season, having captured the Baja 500 in June on BajaCross tires as well.

If not for some fuel-related technical issues, the second car fielded by this team could have had a real shot of making it a one-two performance. Driving duties in the DragonFire Racing-prepped ITP/Carlisle Teryx were handled by Dave Roberts, Bob Viau, Chris Koch, John McCarthy, Cody Currie and Fred Sutter, with backing from Black Rock off-road wheels and Ultimax performance belts.

This entry was the fourth Sportsman UTV entry to cross finish line in Ensenada, but was just outside the official time limit. This was an outstanding performance for a team with limited experience in Baja, in a new car that was put together in a very short timeframe. Everyone agreed that it was a great adventure, and vowed to return.

Both teams benefited greatly from the durability and performance of their ITP BajaCross tires and new ITP T-9 Pro Mod spun aluminum wheels (with ITP T7 Beadlock rings).

In an event that’s notoriously tough on tires, neither team suffered a single tire failure. The Roberts-led squad even ran the same set of tires and T-9 Pro Mod wheels they used for over 200 miles of pre-running in the weeks leading up to the event! It was an outstanding debut for the T-9 Pro Mod, proving their lightweight yet durable capabilities in the world’s most rigorous test lab.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this inspiring effort. You showed once again how tough it is to compete in the Baja 1000, and how ITP tires and wheels can stand up to the test!