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History Made for Polaris Yet Again!

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History Made for Polaris Yet Again!

Press Release –

Polaris’ Doug Eichner Crowned 2009 Open Pro ITP QuadCross Series Champion

On November 30, 2008, the Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing team prepared ATV racing legend and Multi-Time World and National Champion Doug Eichner for the ninth and final round of the ITP QuadCross race held at Glen Helen Raceway, located in San Bernardino, Calif.

Going into the final round of the Open Pro class aboard the Polaris Outlaw 525 S, Eichner’s Outlaw was equipped with enhanced performance and exhaust by Yoshimura R&D of America Inc., front arms, axle and steering stem by Lone Star Racing, FOX Racing Shox suspension, MAXXIS Tires, DWT Wheels, GPR Stabilizer among other superior aftermarket components.

Eichner held a 12-point lead entering the final round of the race series and the thought of adding another “first” in the Polaris history books by delivering the first Professional Level Motocross Series Championship to Polaris was exciting for the whole team to consider. Eichner, seemingly always cool under pressure, appeared oblivious to what was at stake and approached each Moto with his typical hard-charging style.

With 14 pros at the starting gate, it was Eichner who took command of the track with a holeshot start in Moto 1, and stellar performances in each race. Eichner secured the ITP QuadCross Open Pro Series Championship with a first place finish at the final round of the season and a 20-point lead over the second place competitor.

Eichner has been a consistent advocate of the Polaris Outlaw 525 S since his very first ride on the machine claiming it to be the best handling machine he has ridden to date. Eichner’s efforts with the Outlaw 525 S garnered him six first place finishes in the nine-race ITP QuadCross Series and a total of eight podium finishes, while boasting a flawless mechanical performance year in the Open Pro Class in the ITP QuadCross Series. Eichner also won the Pro Main Event at the WORCS Lake Havasu race and the 2-hour Saboba Grand Prix aboard the Outlaw 525 S in 2008.

Eichner received supportive efforts from friend and mechanic Todd Hunt, Cheri Hunt and Caide Hunt who made the trip all the way from Utah to be present. Yoshimura’s George Fickett and friend and and pit support, Larry Heidler, were also there to provide support and add to Eichner’s cheering section.

“Each win on my Polaris machines becomes a special memory for me and I am so honored to be given the opportunity of doing my best on behalf of all the wonderful people I have come to know at Polaris. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Eric Nault, Polaris Race Team Manager, the Marketing Team and the entire Engineering Team at Polaris, as well as Dan Fisher and his superior staff at Lone Star Racing. And, since teamwork is essential, I also wish to extend my gratitude to each and every sponsor of the Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing team, crew and my family who all helped to earn this history making achievement,” said Eichner.

The Polaris/Lone Star/Eichner Racing youth rider and five-time National Champion, Caide Hunt shared some track time aboard her modified Polaris Outlaw 90 MXR. With so many competing priorities this year, George Fickett of Yoshimura and Doug Eichner were finally able to put some resources and time towards this unit and the team’s little superstar put together a performance of a win in heat 1 of the 90 cc and Above Mod Class and a near photo finish in heat 2 giving her a 1 – 2 finish and a second overall for the day. The 2009 year looks promising for this young superstar.

“We are all extremely proud and excited at Polaris with the success Doug Eichner and his team have brought to Polaris,” said Eric Nault, race team manager for Polaris. Doug brought Polaris our first Professional Level Win in 2007, and successfully demonstrated the unique abilities of the Outlaw 525 IRS including the ability to jump the IRS an unofficial 207 feet. We congratulate and thank Doug Eichner, his team and sponsors for the superior efforts in 2008 securing the following year-end results:

– World Off-Road Championship Series UTV National Championship – RANGER RZR
– ITP QuadCross Open Pro Series Championship – Outlaw 525 S
– Numerous Pro Wins and a Top-Five National Finish – Outlaw 450 MXR
– World Off-Road Championship Series – Women’s Championship-Outlaw 450
MXR” Polaris is looking forward to the return of legendary and Multi-Time World & National Champion, Doug Eichner and five-time Youth National Champion, Caide Hunt, to return in 2009 to continue their efforts to provide professional and successful performances on behalf of the entire team of sponsors.

KYMCO USA ANNOUNCES MXU 500 IRS

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Press Release –

The 2010 MXU 500 IRS is KYMCO’s largest and most powerful quad to date. It’s Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC 498cc engine, shift on a fly 4X4 traction and industry leading Independent Rear Suspension makes even the most severe terrain conditions easy to conquer.

Smooth shifting CVT automatic transmission with forward, neutral, reverse, park, low and high gear with front differential lock will get you in, out or over any trail conditions.

Hydraulic disc brakes all around, front and rear racks, and a half-ton capacity towing hitch are all standard. Large 12-inch Kenda Pathfinder tires give this new, bigger KYMCO a substantial 10.2-inch average ground clearance.

All KYMCO ATVs and UTVs are backed by a limited 1-year warranty and up to a 4 Year KYMCO Extended Protection Plan is also available from any authorized KYMCO dealer.

BRP TAKES MEASURES TO PROTECT AGAINST RECESSION

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Press Release –

The powersports industry is hit hard by the global economic recession and BRP is no exception.

BRP is thus taking conservative actions that include reducing overall production volumes in the coming year by 20% to accurately reflect the retail and inventory realities of the marketplace; cutting expenses to a minimum; and implementing major changes to the organization.

As a result, some 550 white-collar jobs will be eliminated, 80% of which will take place this month with another 20% over the next nine months.

BRP has already laid-off some 370 blue-collar employees in its third quarter ended October 31, 2008 and another 430 blue-collar employees have received temporary lay-off notices in the fourth quarter. This workforce reduction involves all BRP divisions.

“These are very difficult decisions to make but we must take appropriate preventive measures considering the seriousness of the situation,” said José Boisjoli, president and chief executive officer. “We believe these measures will reduce our costs and make BRP less vulnerable to drastic declines in revenues caused by events outside our control, such as the current crisis,” he added.

These decisions entail:

Reducing overall production volumes by 20% for fiscal year 2009-10;

Creating two new divisions responsible for product development and manufacturing by:

1.
Merging the engine divisions (BRP-Rotax and Outboard engines) into a new one called the“Powertrain” division which will be responsible of the manufacturing and engineering activities of Evinrude and Rotax engines.

The Rotax engines will continue to be manufactured in Gunskirchen, Austria and in Juarez, Mexico while the Evinrude outboard engine manufacturing will remain in Sturtevant, Wisconsin and in Dalang, China.

The engineering departments in Waukegan and Gunskirchen as well as the new product development process including the procurement strategy for these brands will be integrated into this new division;

2.
Creating the “Vehicle Development and Manufacturing” division which will encompass the Valcourt and Benton plants as well as the Juarez plant with regards to the manufacturing of all-terrain vehicles.

Moreover, all engineering services for the Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Can-Am brands will be integrated into this new division, as well as the new product development process including the procurement strategy for these brands.

Creating a new “Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Evinrude” (SSE) division regrouping the sales and marketing activities of the North American Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Evinrude brands;

Creating the “Can-Am and Customer Service” (CCS) division which will be responsible for the sales and marketing activities of our Can-Am products in Canada and the U.S. as well as the development of a worldwide strategy related to Parts, Accessories and Clothing (PAC) in addition to Customer Service and Dealer Support Network;

Focusing on innovation by maintaining our commitment to R&D, but at a reduced pace.

“We are confident these initiatives will help us come out of the recession a stronger company because this new structure provides us with the tools to focus on cost reductions, market strategies, product launches, product innovation and to maximize synergies in both the Vehicle Development and Manufacturing division and the Powertrain division,” concluded Boisjoli.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines and karts. With manufacturing facilities on three continents, BRP products are distributed in more than 80 countries.

LEGEND AND AMBASSADOR LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION

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LEGEND AND AMBASSADOR LEAVES LASTING IMPRESSION

ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with supreme sadness Promark Motorsport International Inc., Raceline Radio Network Inc., Snow Trax Television Inc., and Dirt Trax Television Inc., announces the passing of company founder, President and CEO John Massingberd.

John departs in his 54th year, losing a brief but courageous battle with ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”.

The oldest of three sons, born in Toronto in 1954, John established Promark Motorsport International and Raceline Motorsport Television in the late 80’s to fill a void in the televising of Canadian racing events.

In 1993, he founded, Executive Produced and co-anchored Raceline Radio, Canada’s first nationally syndicated motorsport radio program, featuring Canadian racing talent. Now in its 15th year, Raceline Radio is the most widely syndicated National Motorsport radio program in Canada.

A year later, Massingberd launched Snow Trax Television which is now in its 14th year and is broadcasted nationally in both Canada and the United States. In 2004, Dirt Trax Television, a companion program focusing on the All-Terrain Vehicle market, was launched and has reached similar acclaim with North American enthusiasts.

Massingberd’s energy, infectious sense of humour and genuine charm is what contributed to John’s larger than life persona. His unique vision, business acumen and strong sense of dedication is what drove him to break new ground in the televising and radio coverage of Canadian motorsport racing and the world of snowmobiling and ATV recreation.

His efforts and legacy have been submitted to The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame for induction consideration. A special memorial ALS snowmobile ride in John’s name is also planned for this winter season. All proceeds from the charitable ride will be donated to help family’s whose loved ones are stricken with ALS.

A reception to celebrate Massingberd’s life is in the planning process, as is a special tribute broadcast on The Raceline Radio Network. A series of special segments celebrating John’s most memorable experiences as host of Snow Trax Television is also planned for this broadcast season.

Under the management of a dedicated team of individuals, the properties of Raceline Radio, Snow Trax Television and Dirt Trax Television will continue to strive forward and break new ground in delivering entertaining and content rich programming to Motorsport and Powersport enthusiasts alike.

We all sincerely appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the ALS Society of Ontario or your local Snowmobile Club.

LATEST ISSUE HITS NEWSSTANDS

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LATEST ISSUE HITS NEWSSTANDS

This issue features the Best In Class awards along with a 550 class showdown featuring the POlaris XP against the Yamaha Grizzly.

Plus we show you how to get more out of your current stallion with some help from the aftermarket industry.

We also feature the RZR S, Suzuki 750 KingQuad and take you to Texas for some good old fashioned mud riding with Arctic Cat’s MudPro.

Subscribe today and get 12 issues for $12.00!

OUTDOORSMAN: Where the Liars Gather

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By: John Arkwright

Hunters love nothing better than telling about their monster bucks or their bull moose with a 50-inch rack. Few will tell you about the one that got away, though.

You know, those episodes that make you feel like you’re one of the Hope Brothers – Little and No. Those times when everything that can go wrong, does!

I hunted several years before I shot my first big buck and it was one of those times when you might not want to tell the whole story. I was hunkered down, sitting on a log in some balsams on the edge of a beaver marsh.

The chase had just started when I spied a deer trying to pussyfoot out through the line. From the glint of the sunlight reflecting off its rack, I knew it was a big one.

When it finally stuck its head out enough for me to get a shot, I took it. A split second after I fired, the log I was sitting on broke and down I went flat on my back, looking up at nothing but the blue sky. I jumped up and the deer was nowhere to be seen.

I was pretty sure of my shot so I started legging it through the tall grass across the marsh until I promptly fell into a creek. Finally, I got to the far side of the marsh and, sure enough, there was a 10-point buck within five yards of where I’d shot it. Yeah, I did the buck dance!

Over the years, Jim Hill, Kevin Stack, Jim Brogan and I have done a lot of hunting and fishing together so it seems only fitting they share the spotlight with me on this editorial. Jim Hill was walking to his watch one morning when he came up on a 10-point buck about 30 yards away.

Amazingly, it was quite content to watch Jim put his clip in his rifle (a semi) and rack the action, raise the gun and then… CLICK ! The shell hadn’t fed into the chamber. No worries here, just repeat the sequence again. He did… and several more times.

The buck, tired of watching this show walked off into the bush followed by the clip from Jim’s rifle. A good reason to get out and fire that rifle before the season starts.

Last year, Kevin, who is never in a hurry to get up in the morning, goes for a walk and comes upon a big doe. Kevin has the deer in the crosshairs, slides off the safety and squeezes the trigger and nothing happens. Now what? Just as he starts to pull the gun down, it goes off. Needless to say, the deer lived to see another day.

Kevin cleaned the gun again that night. They say all things happen for a reason. Well, get this: The next morning Jim meets Kevin heading out at the crack of 9:30 (early for Kevin) on his ATV. Within 15 minutes he’s back and has shot a real nice buck, not a mile from the camp. I guess it pays to sleep in.

Last year Jim Brogan’s dad took a shot at a deer standing broadside about 70 yards away and missed. Jim asked his dad if he had checked his rifle before the season. After a terse reply, we set up a target at 100 yards.

The rifle was shooting 14 inches high and eight inches to the right. Jim tells his dad: “I guess being retired… you don’t have much time to sight your rifle. Ouch! Maybe a little harsh but good reason to get out before season and test shoot your firearms.

While duck hunting one night with Jim I had a misfire. The action barely opened and the shell failed to eject. Cursing myself for a bad hand load I cleared the gun and while doing so I noticed the next shell was too light (no shot in it).

Now I’m really ticked off because the mallards were decoying like crazy. Still thinking I messed up my hand loads, I realized Jim wasn’t shooting either. I looked over and he’s laughing so hard he has to hold his sides. Tears are running down his face.

As it turned out, he had doctored the loads while I set up the decoys. Some people have too much time on their hands!

HIGH RANGE: Amazing Shift

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By: Motorhead Mark Lester

There’s no denying North American economies are feeling pain right now. It’s predicted the number of branded new car dealers in the US could drop significantly in the next twelve months. Guess what? We think that forecast is mostly true in the powersports biz, too.

While this is not rosy info, it points to a future when retailing motorized equipment will be more profitable and rewarding. The pressure on retailers in the powersports biz has been relentless the past three years.

Margins have dropped and demands from OEMs have been tough in terms of loading up dealers with new equipment. Specifically, we’ve heard a number of dealers claiming this imminent, if not inevitable, rationalization of dealers will be a good thing, long term. However, short term, retailing is taking a hit.

How about some good news? Recently, we’re been blown away with the release of new product for MY2009. This issue is bristling with all-new models. From Polaris, the re-invented Polaris Ranger and high performance RZR “S” would have been enough for one year.

But the release of the new XP Sportsman in two engine sizes has us reeling! By Polaris’ own admission, the XP represents its single largest investment in a new product ever and that includes snowmobiles, ATVs and Victory motorcycles.

Add in the new Ranger lineup with improved suspensions and a full heavy duty Ranger line with electro-hydraulic attachments pointed at the commercial end of the side-by-side biz and you’ve got a blockbuster 2009 line-up.

Just down the road in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Arctic Cat has released a gargantuan new UTV, the Prowler 1000 and a new 550 engine for both ATV and UTV use.

Throw in the new MudPro 700 and you have another manufacturer investing big jing this year. Yamaha has been at the game too, landing the groundbreaking Grizzly 550. Suzuki has extensively revamped its 450 QuadRacer and 750 KingQuad.

There’s more excitement in varying degrees from other players this year, too. When you spin all this new product excitement down, two very positive facts emerge. First, the sale of more powerful, upscale ATVs is strong.

Conversely, the entry level, lower performance models are not so hot. Clearly, the sizzle is off the 450cc Pure Sport market – a market dominated by 18-24 year olds, the same demographic hardest hit by the weak economy.

The second reality is a biggie. The sale of SxS models is advancing rapidly. Since the day it was first introduced, Polaris has not stopped building RZRs in Roseau.

The release of the factory hopped-up “S” version covered in this issue will add even more momentum to RZR sales. The same is true at the other camps. Arctic Cat is claiming the Prowler is responsible for up to 20 percent of its ATV sales right now.

Here’s what’s even more impressive: this percentage is expected to climb higher over the next twelve months. Yamaha, Kawasaki and now Honda are all smiling about the sale of their UTVs. Here’s what we look for: way more models in the UTV biz.

Strangely, sales of UTV off-road vehicles are not being recorded anywhere. While big seven ATV sales numbers are readily available, not even the larger players in the SxS biz have a handle on the size of the UTV market.

The reality? Upscale customers: those ATV buyers less affected by current economic strife, are an increasingly larger part of the ATV demographic landscape.

With Sport-Ute and SxS prices near or above the 5-digit mark, it’s great to see our sport moving ahead in tough times on the strength of these customers.

At All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine we’ve heard the message loud and clear. Our editorial plans are directly linked to your buying habits.

We’re already on it and ready to bring you more tests and informative insights on the 4-wheelers you’re most interested in buying.

‘UNLEASH YOUR RAGE’ CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED

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‘UNLEASH YOUR RAGE’ CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED

Here’s good news! Carolyn Yarbrough of Friendsville, Tennessee is the Winner of the Unison “Unleash Your Rage” contest presented by All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine.

Carolyn wins a brand new Unison Rage 250 ATV! Congratulations, Carolyn!

For more information about Unison visi www.UnisonMotors.com

Hogan Solos Baja 1000 Riding A QuadRacer R450

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Hogan Solos Baja 1000 Riding A QuadRacer R450

Press Release –

Suzuki-mounted Josh Hogan completed one of the most grueling off-road races run in the world – the Tecate Score Baja 1000 – and he did it entirely solo. Hogan’s feat was even more spectacular due to the fact that he had never raced in Baja before.

The 41st running of Baja 1000 started on November 21 in Ensenada, Mexico and covered some of the most rugged terrain that the Baja Peninsula can dish out. The Livermore, California Suzuki rider was one of 347 starters and 31 solo riders.

Hogan was one of only 18 who finished the race without a relief rider, and he did it with a time of 28 hours, 2 minutes and 50 seconds. This secured him second in the IronRider (solo rider) and 7th overall in the Sportsman ATV class.

Hogan came armed with a talented crew and the strong Suzuki QuadRacer R450. He got a quick start and made great time passing teams with up to five riders. As the night began to fall, he had set a consistent average speed of 36 miles per hour.

This slowed when he got to a section known as the San Felipe Whoops. “These monster whoops were so big that on a quad all I could do was take them slow and know that no other ATV was going to be making good time there as well.”

After a long night in daunting conditions, Hogan put his head down once the sun came up and pushed hard for the final hundred miles of the race.

“By the time I made it out of the whoops it was close to midnight and I had been riding for almost 16 hours. The rest of the night went by in a blur and as the sun started to rise I had finally reached the Pacific Ocean. The last hundred miles of the Baja 1000 was probably the most physically and mentally grueling test of my life. By the time I reached the finish line I could barely stand and it took every ounce of strength I had to twist the throttle.”

It was an impressive display of strength, skill, and perseverance, not only for Hogan, but also for the Suzuki QuadRacer R450.

Outdoorsman Rescued By Using SPOT

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Press Release –

Stranded in Northern Quebec, Outdoorsman Rescued After Sending Location Coordinates and Distress Message From His SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger — Injured, without supplies and more than a two week walk to the nearest village, Rejean Able was located and airlifted to safety

Globalstar Canada Satellite Co. reported today that on July 25, 2008 experienced outdoorsman Rejean Able, who was on a six week wilderness trek in Nunavik, located in the remote Ungava Peninsula of Northern Quebec, was rescued using his SPOT Satellite Messenger after a canoe accident left him stranded without supplies.

As he was approaching a series of rapids, Mr. Able lost control of his canoe and capsized. Submerged with his feet caught under the seat of the canoe, he was able to free himself and swim to the embankment, but in the process lost his canoe and all off his supplies. He also lost his rifle which he had taken for protection against wolf packs known to be in the area.

Mr. Able had his SPOT Satellite Messenger in his pocket which he was able to use to send a 9-1-1 emergency distress message with his GPS location.

His GPS coordinates were immediately dispatched to a GEOS International Emergency Response Center who alerted the nearest Inuit Village to Mr. Able, along with his need for rescue.

A surveying helicopter in the area was able to assist local authorities and airlift Mr. Able to safety.

“SPOT literally saved my life,” said Rejean Able. “Without it I would be dead.” Upon rescue, Mr. Able learned that the location of his accident was at least a 15 day walk in to the nearest village.

After returning to his home in the Mont Tremblant region of Quebec, Mr. Able is recovering from his injuries and the trauma associated with the accident but is thankful to be alive.

“I am telling all of my friends who like to venture in the wilderness to make sure they take a SPOT Satellite Messenger with them. It is inexpensive and can save their life”.

Combining reliable commercial satellite and GPS location technologies, the SPOT Satellite Messenger is a lifesaving and affordable personal safety device, designed to provide users with a vital line of communication to friends, family, co-workers and emergency services, independently of cellular coverage.

The world’s first GPS-enabled personal satellite tracker, SPOT has won numerous industry innovation awards and assisted in the rescue of over 80 individuals around the world since being introduced just one year ago.

About SPOT Satellite Messenger

The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world’s first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer’s location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center. SPOT provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how SPOT is helping users live to tell about it – from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes – visit www.findmespot.com .

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