Press Release –

ATV enthusiasts from across the US, Canada and even from as far away as Sweden came together for the weeklong experience known as The High Lifter ATV Mud Nationals.

For the seventh straight year, riders came to spend a week of mud riding, mud racing and catching up with old friends at Mud Creek Off-Road Park, near Jacksonville, Texas.

The 2009 event offered a variety of ATV related goods and services from over 70 Vendors for the riders to utilize.

Some vendors had participated before, but some new, nationally recognized companies came out for the first time this year in full force.

The Texas Ford Dealers attended and graciously hosted two of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders to sign autographs, while Monster Energy kept everyone’s thirst quenched by passing out full-sized samples all week.

The guys from Warn Industries were a huge help in offering their services to winch out riders stuck in the thick, Texas mud as well as assisting during the competitions with getting competitiors out of the mud pit when things weren’t going their way.

At the K&N Filters Awards Ceremony Saturday night, winners received a collective total of more than $30,000, which is one of, if not THE, largest payouts paid in a single mud racing event.

The event had five different competitions scheduled and a total of 907 registered competitors.

Riders had the opportunity to compete for cash and prizes in various events throughout the week that displayed some of the most impressive ATV racing machines and riders in the world.

Other events included a Children’s Helmet Drive sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation, Akraix Freestyle Exhibition sponsored by Can Am/BRP and the Polaris Fireworks Show as the finale of the weeklong festival.

Press Release –

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is contributing more than $175,000 in cash and equipment this first quarter of 2009 to ATV riding clubs, national forests, law enforcement support groups and other off-highway vehicle (OHV)-related organizations across the country.

This initial effort for 2009 is a continuation of Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative, which has poured more than $875,000 into the OHV community since the beginning of last year supporting its mission of promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas.

In this first quarter funding cycle, Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) were awarded to 15 applicants with compelling projects designed to improve OHV experience locally, regionally and nationally.

Awardees include:
· Ashland Resource Area, Oregon
· ATV Off-road Club of Michigan
· Balsam Trailblazers ATV Club, Minnesota
· Burnett County Law Enforcement Citizens Auxiliary, Wisconsin
· Colorado OHV Coalition Foundation
· Coalition of Recreational Trail Users, Minnesota
· Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
· Harlan County Ridge Runner ATV, Kentucky
· Knott County Trail Riders, Kentucky
· Leatherwood Fire & Rescue, Kentucky
· National OHV Conservation Council
· Northern Traxx ATV Club, Minnesota
· Oswego Valley ATV Club, New York
· Ride Safe Virginia
· Rock Run Recreation Area, Pennsylvania

“The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative has become a vital resource for OHV communities that are performing the on-the-ground work needed to create and maintain safe and responsible riding areas,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. “Yamaha has put more than $875,000 back into the OHV community through the OHV Access Initiative over the past 15 months. Particularly in this economic climate, these grass roots organizations need help, and Yamaha is proud to continue our support of the industry and enthusiasts through these GRANTS.”

The Yamaha OHV Access Initiative funds OHV access-related projects that include, but are not limited to:
· Trail development, restoration and maintenance
· Trail signage, mapping and map production
· Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance
· Responsible OHV riding education and outreach
· Land stewardship and education
· Legislative lobbying efforts

Press Release –

Casey Folks, Director of Best in the Desert, announced Arctic Cat has been named as the “Official UTV” of the Best in the Desert.

Folks made the announcement, leading up to this weekends popular Terrible’s 250 at Primm, April 17-19, 2009.

Folks said, “I am excited to announce this new sponsorship with Arctic Cat. The Best in the Desert Series is an ideal venue for them to showcase their line of durable Prowler UTVs and take advantage of the opportunities our series offers.”

Ted Bettin, Team Arctic’s ATV Race Coordinator, commented, “We know the connection between Arctic Cat and off-road racing is a perfect fit. What better place to show our Prowler’s high performance capabilities than in U.S. deserts featuring hard-charging, off road racing in this unique class of vehicle.”

Bettin goes on to say, “For over 40 years Arctic Cat has had a strong racing heritage; most recently being the first stock Prowler to complete, and sweep 1st and 2nd place in the Baja 1000.We are looking forward to our new association with Best in the Desert, the premier U.S. off-road desert racing organization.”

Folks continued, “We welcome Arctic Cat on-board to join our other elite official sponsors, and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Press Release –

Borich, McGill and Kiser Command GNCC Points Lead Going Into Round Five of the 2009 Can-AM Grand National Cross Country Series

Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Borich was the first repeat winner on the ATV side of the 2009 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series, taking the lead in the points race and perhaps locking down a bright championship future going into round five, the Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC. That is, if FRE KTM’s Adam McGill and Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser don’t catch up to him.

McGill is fast behind with only eight points separating him from Borich and Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser behind McGill by just three points. The three have been trading in and out of the lead during the course of the season.

Houser Racing’s Bryan Cook is fourth in points and with defending GNCC Champion Bill Ballance recovering from an injury, the door is open to any of the four top riders as they prepare for round five at the historic Loretta Lynn Ranch this weekend.

The soil of the track is sandy, so the track gets whooped out. Some sections are covered in small, shale rock, probably not tire-cutting stuff, but enough to ruin traction. The whoops and the heat and humidity indigenous to this area can sap a rider’s strength. That, combined with the trio’s command of the points race, makes it hard for any rider to move up and become a viable contender.

Ballance struggled at the first two rounds of the season but made it up to the podium at Steele Creek and Big Buck, putting him fifth in the series, behind Cook, who won the Steele Creek race. Cook is now fourth in points, 21 points behind Kiser. Yamaha’s Donald Ockerman and Brandon Sommers are behind Ballance in points, but have yet to make it onto the podium this year.

Press Release –

Defending AMA Pro ATV Champion Dustin Wimmer’s winning streak ended when Honda’s Joe Byrd topped him at the Ballance MX two weeks ago in Bowling Green, Ky.

The duo resumes their battle this weekend at the nationally recognized Birch Creek Motorsports in Danville, Va., as the fastest motocross riders on four-wheels head to round four of the chase for the most prestigious championship in their sport. The event also marks round three of the amateur portion of the National program.

The Birch Creek track is technically challenging and takes advantage of the hilly terrain, using strategically placed single, double and triple jumps. This includes several table top jumps, whoops and sand sections.

The track surface features good old Virginia red clay on the hills with sand sections in the flats. Tickets on Sunday are $15 for fans ($10 for ages 6-11), and admission includes full pro pit access, and an autograph session.

Byrd, the 2006 and 2007 AMA Pro Motocross Series’ Champion from Union City, Tennessee took third at Glen Helen and second at Millcreek and nabbed first at Ballance MX. Josh Creamer, of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, took second at Glen Helen and, despite a hard crash at the in Alabama, improved to come in fourth at Ballance MX.

His teammate Chad Wienen has proven fast this season, but mechanical troubles have hurt his efforts early in the season. Wienen improved at Ballance MX, carrying solid 2-2 moto scores. Similarly, 2005 Champion John Natalie has been fast, but unlucky, so far this year on his Warnert Racing Can-Am. He needs a win this weekend to climb back into the championship points race.

In addition, nationally-recognized stars including veteran Doug Gust, Jeremy Lawson, Josh Upperman, Pat Brown and a crop of hard charging rookies will make up a full gate of talent in the AMA Pro ATV Class.

The pro class will feature two 20-minute races on Sunday, taking place at noon and 3 p.m., with the combined scores of both races determining the overall winner.

The pro riders will run as part of a full schedule of amateur racing, including classes for Youth, Women and veteran riders. Amateurs will practice on Friday and race on Saturday and Sunday. Pros will practice on Saturday and race on Sunday.

To get to the track from US 58 East of Danville, VA across from Airport go north on Kentuck Road (State Route 729) 12 miles to track on left.

Press Release –

TRV 1000H2 Dominates Pro and Open Classes

Team Arctic mud racers have come full circle since last season’s introduction of the Thundercat. That full circle ran around the competition all weekend at Mud Nationals, this time aboard the TRV 1000H2.

“I’m unbelievably proud of our Team Arctic racers and the dominating results they posted at the Daytona 500 of mud racing; Mud Nationals,” said Ted Bettin, Team Arctic ATV Race Coordinator.

“At the end of last season, Arctic Cat promised our racers we would work on the problems that plagued them. This year we came back with new racing set-ups in the TRV chassis, and they kicked some serious butt. With the help of the Arctic Cat built 1000 motor and a little more tuning, these TRVs will be unstoppable.”

Charles Touchet of Maurice, Louisiana, piloted his TRV 1000H2 to victory in the premier Open Class in the Mudda-Cross event. The next day, Touchet repeated with a second place podium in the Open Class of the Mud Bog race.

Teammate Charlie Neese from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, found himself in the first place driver seat as he won the Pro Class aboard a similarly prepared TRV 1000H2.

Other notable performances were from Anthony Abrameit aboard his 650H1 in the Bogger Class of the Mud Bog race. Representing Arctic Cat dealer, Brazos Cycles in Richmond, TX, Abrameit took third place.

Look for other Team Arctic Racers, Mark Kelly, Mike Johnson and Travis Tucker at the next race on the CMR mud racing calendar, April 24-26 in Choudrant, Louisiana.

Go to www.championshipmudracing.com for more information.

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

Press Release –

KYMCO USA has teamed up with one of the legendary names in racing: four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt.

Under an associate sponsorship agreement, KYMCO will support the Foyt #14 car throughout the 17-race IndyCar season.

“We are very pleased to expand into the realm of IndyCar Series racing and especially to be associated with a great team like A.J. Foyt Racing,” said Eric Bondy, President of KYMCO USA. “With the nationwide visibility that the IndyCar Series enjoys, this is a great opportunity for more people to see the KYMCO name.”

“I want to personally welcome KYMCO to our team,” said A.J. Foyt. “They make good, reliable products that perform, and I’m sure we will be putting them to the test.”

Beginning with the Streets of St. Petersburg race in Florida on April 5th, the A. J. Foyt Racing team will use two KYMCO Super 8 model 150cc scooters for transportation in and around the racing venues.

IndyCar fans will see the Foyt Racing driver, Brazil-born Vitor Meira, riding a KYMCO Super 8 with the same red-and-black paint scheme that echoes A.J. Foyt’s racing colors.
With its aggressive sportbike looks, the Super 8 150 will be right at home at the race. It features a fuel-efficient 150cc, SOHC air-cooled engine, front disc brakes, and KYMCO’s popular CVT transmission.

Meanwhile, back at the headquarters of A. J. Foyt Racing in Houston, mechanics and staff will be getting around on two KYMCO 4×4 UXV 500s. These side-by-side utility ATVs provide a comfortable ride for driver and passenger, and the 420-pound capacity cargo bed is perfect for hauling parts.

Because the UXV 500 has four-wheel drive and a full line of hunting accessories, don’t be surprised if one shows up at the 8,000-acre game ranch the Foyt family owns outside Del Rio, Texas.

Press Release –

Make plans to join KTM staff and enthusiasts for the 6th Annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally in beautiful Riggins, Idaho. This event will take place September 11-13, 2009 near the famous Salmon River.

This event provides riders of all skill levels an opportunity to ride with and learn from adventurers from all over the world. The KTM Adventure Rider Rally is designed for KTM 640, 690, 950 and 990 Adventure and Enduro owners but is open to all brands of street legal motorcycles.

The KTM Adventure Rider Rally is entering its sixth year as the only national festival for KTM owners and enthusiasts. This year’s rally offers unbelievable adventure riding opportunities as the base of the rally overlooks the famous Salmon River, the Little Salmon River and the majestic canyons. If you love KTM and you love Adventure, you won’t want to miss this event.

Participants will learn from KTM experts as they cover a technical overview of the Adventure along with varying guided riding tours each day. In addition, KTM will host free demo rides aboard the KTM street line of motorcycles to all participants. KTM will provide a lunch and BBQ dinner on Friday night as well as a special award dinner Saturday night jammed pack with fun and games.

Clear your schedule and pre-register to receive a reduced rate at $125 per person and receive a free T-shirt. This price does not include bike or lodging.

For more information call (951) 600-8007. Get your entry in now!

Press Release –

It started in Union South Carolina at the grueling Big Buck GNCC event. Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki/Yoshimura racer Chris Borich became the first double winner as he made a last lap pass for the win.

Round Three of the GNCC Grand National Cross Country series saw a tight and technical track where one mistake on the red clay could put you into the trees.

“The woods were really tight and it was easy to make a mistake.” Borich said from atop the victory podium after the event. “My Suzuki QuadRacer R450 was flawless, we were in a train there for a while, it was a good time, pretty much like trail riding. I got a good start and didn’t make any mistakes. McGill clipped a tree on the last lap, I got right on him and then passed him about a hundred yards from the checkered flag and that was it.”

Borich’s win puts him at the top of the points standings after three rounds in the series.

Meanwhile over in the AMA Pro ATV Motocross world, Rockstar/Makita /Suzuki/Yoshimura phenomenon Dustin Wimmer showed up at Ballance Motocross in Bowling Green Kentucky with three straight moto wins under his belt.

Dustin “Mr. Smooth” Wimmer was all of that in pre-race qualifying and practice sessions setting fast times in every session. Wimmer was almost a full second faster then any of the other competitors in race day warm-ups. Many trackside pundits were wondering if anyone could catch “Mr. Smooth”.

At the drop of the gate Wimmer started out in 3rd and the moto more or less settled in with little passing going on up front. The last few laps saw some closing up but at the checkers the finishing order remained the same as it was at the start. Wimmer crossed the line in 3rd place, his work cut out for him in moto two.

Moto two saw Wimmer once again cross the line in 3rd, yielding 3rd place overall; and Wimmers third straight podium finish of the year. With his placing, Wimmer retains his points lead and remains the man to beat for the title in 2009.

“My Rockstar / Makita / Suzuki / Yoshimura QuadRacer R450 ran great today.” Dustin Wimmer said after the event, “I got two top three starts and rode good all day; but could never get in the groove. I’m going to go home and do some hard work and come back strong at Danville.”