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PIAA to Sponsor WORCS 8-Hour UTV/ATV Race

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Press Release –

PIAA Corporation, a leader in Powersports lighting and accessories, has teamed up with the World Off-Road Championship Racing Series to host WORCS’ first ever PIAA 8-Hour UTV/ATV Endurance Race, announced PIAA Powersports Business Unit Manager Gordon Robertson.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at Speedworld Raceway in Surprise, Ariz., and will feature racing for a variety of UTV and ATV classes.

In addition to brainstorming the concept for the inaugural race, PIAA will be the presenting sponsor, providing financial support as well as offering a lucrative contingency program that will encourage racers to use PIAA halogen and HID lighting products. And, since the race starts at 4 p.m. and finishes at midnight, having a PIAA-equipped vehicle will be a distinct advantage.

“PIAA is excited about helping this inaugural event be a success,” Robertson said. “This is a great opportunity for us to show the ATV, UTV and Powersports industry that PIAA lighting products are indeed the best in the world, proven everywhere from the Daytona 24 Hour sports car race to the World Rally circuit.”

While there are a handful of ATV endurance races held in the U.S. (such as the 12 Hours of ATV America each fall), the PIAA 8-Hour will be the first time an endurance race will include the wildly popular UTV classes. “UTV racers will have the opportunity to prove who is the fastest as well as the toughest,” Robertson said.

“Everyone knows that WORCS races are the ultimate test of man and machine,” explained WORCS owner Sean Reddish. “Teaming up with the industry leader in performance lighting and putting on an UTV- and ATV-only 8-hour endurance race was a perfect fit.”

It will be a standard endurance event with teams racing non-stop for eight hours around a 5-mile loop that starts on the Speedworld motocross circuit then heads out into the Arizona desert. There will be separate overall winners for both divisions, UTV and ATV.

For UTVs, racing classes include Unlimited, Modified, Stock, and Ironman/woman; for ATVs, classes will be Pro A, B, and C; Women’s Pro A and B; Veterans 30+; Masters 40+; and Ironman/Woman.

PIAA’s contingency awards should inspire all competitors: Overall finishers will be awarded $1000 for first, $500 for second, $250 for third. In addition, each class winner will receive $250. To be eligible, vehicles must use PIAA HID or Halogen lamps and run PIAA decals

For entry and class information, plus rules and regulations, visit worcsracing.com, or call 435-635-1597. For details on all PIAA UTV and ATV lighting products, visit piaapowersports.com.

New 2008 ARGO Models DVD

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Press Release –

We are pleased to present to you the most exciting ARGO DVD ever created! A New Vision of the Off-Road is packed full of information about how the ARGO will allow you to explore the possibilities and live the outdoor dream.

Experience all 2008 ARGO models – in Action and at Work. New for 2008 is a thorough comparison to other types of off-road vehicles “Dare to Compare” as well as exciting video clips demonstrating the Argo’s performance in challenging environments.

The new DVD contains the following videos:

• The 2008 Model videos such as the new 8×8 Frontier 650, 6×6 Frontier 480 and 580 as well the Jim Shockey Limited Edition Signature Series 750 EFI. In addition, find out why the 8×8 Avenger and the ARGO 6×6 Frontier 650 will continue to be the best selling models.

• ARGO in Action, ARGO at Work, Applications and Capabilities

• Dare to Compare video proving that the ARGO is the better choice

• Enjoy breathtaking views and see thrilling action as the ARGO masters the Rubicon Trail. Explore Canada’s North or climb the highest volcano on Earth – the Ojos del Salado in Chile.

Contact us today to experience the ultimate off-road vehicle!

Call 1-877-ARGOATV ( 24 h service) or 519-662-4000 (customer service) and visit ARGOatv.com

Creamer Takes Season-Best Fourth at Final WPSA

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Press Release –

Monster Energy Kawasaki ATV rider Josh Creamer ended the WPSA season with an impressive fourth-place finish at Field of Dreams Motocross Park.

Creamer narrowly missed the holeshot and jumped behind the leader on his Kawasaki KFX®450R. He stayed close for most of the 14-lap race, holding on as long as he could before eventually coming across the finish with a season-best fourth place.

“I got an awesome start,” said Creamer. “I really liked the track. It was probably my favorite all year long. It had a lot of jumps but was also very technical and allowed for some good racing.”

He added, “This year has been great in my eyes. We came in with a new team and a new quad and put out a good showing. Next year will only be better.”

Teammate Jason Luburgh started at the back of the pack and made several passes to move from 14th to eighth by the halfway mark. Baldwin Motorsports Kawasaki’s Josh Upperman and Luburgh got tangled up but Luburgh was able to keep his position. Upperman went down and eventually fought back to finish 12th.

“The season went how we had hoped,” said Team Manager Jimmy White. “With very little testing before the season started, it caused the team to work extra hard. By mid-season, Creamer was consistently in the top-five and Jason made improvements as well. Overall, I was very happy and this was a great way to end the season.”

WPSA, ATV Series Round 10: Field of Dreams Motocross Park –Boswell, Pa.

SuperQuad Pro 450 Class Results

1. Chad Weinen, Galena, Ill., Suzuki
2. John Natalie, Jr., Houtzdale, Penn., Honda
3. Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa., Suzuki
4. JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MOSNTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
5. Richard Pelchat, St. Romvald, QC, Yamaha
6. Joe Haavisto, New Ipswich, N.H., Suzuki
7. Doug Gust, Salem, Wis., Suzuki
8. JASON LUBURGH, ZANESVILLE, OHIO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
9. John Ragon, Milan, Tenn., Suzuki
10. Harold Goodman, Brownstown, Mich., Honda
12. JOSH UPPERMAN, LOUISVILLE, OHIO, BALDWIN MOTORSPORTS KAWASAKI

SuperQuad Pro 450 Class Standings

1. John Natalie, Jr., Houtzdale, Penn., Honda, 388
2. Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa., Suzuki, 377
3. Chad Weinen, Galena, Ill., Suzuki, 365
4. Doug Gust, Salem, Wis., Suzuki, 345
5. Keith Little, Spruce Pine, Ala., Honda, 267
6. JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MOSNTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 253
7. Harold Goodman, Brownstown, Mich., Honda, 231
8. Russell Shumaker, Bristol, Wis., Suzuki, 218
9. Joe Haavisto, New Ipswich, N.H., Suzuki, 217
10. JOSH UPPERMAN, LOUISVILLE, OHIO, BALDWIN MOTORSPORTS KAWASAKI, 204
11. JASON LUBURGH, ZANESVILLE, OHIO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 190

Epic Racing Products Accepting 2008 Rider Resumes

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Press Release –

Epic Racing Products™ is now accepting resumes for their 2008 Team Epic Rider Support program. Resumes will be accepted until November 30, 2007.

Riders racing in all local, regional, and national – MX, Cross Country, Desert, TT, Super Moto, and Off-Road series will be considered. Epic A-arms have taken ATV riders to the podium at all levels and we look forward to more championships in 2008. All Epic Racing Products will be available via a new online store at EpicRacingProducts.com.

Riders should include the series and class they will be racing in 2008, ATV year, make, model,   grade and GPA (if applicable), a photo of their current race ATV, and future racing goals. Riders should email their resume to ridersupport@EpicRacingProducts.com or mail to Team Epic Inc. ATTN: Rider Support P.O. Box 28909 Las Vegas, NV 89126.

Epic Racing Products is looking forward to the 2008 Race season as we expand our line of Honda, Yamaha, and Can-Am products to include a complete line of products for the new Can-Am DS 450.

Suzuki takes WPSA Manufacturer’s Cup

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Press Release –

The final round of the WPSA 10 round series was held amongst the gentle rolling hills of Boswell, PA. Cool temperatures and a brisk breeze made for a refreshing if not chilly weekend at Field of Dreams Motocross Park.

As Team Rockstar / MSR / Suzuki / Yoshimura / Pro Taper came into the weekend, Suzuki had already dominated the Manufacturer’s Cup so much that they just had to basically show up with one quad on the starting line.

The series individual riders championship, however, was another story with Suzuki being 11 points down on Friday. Even though the team had won half of the races of the year, there were still enough points outstanding to threaten an overall win by the team points leader – Dustin Wimmer.

As the heat races commenced on Saturday, a couple of races put Dustin within 9 points by the end of the day, but only a wing and a prayer could give him top honors.

Sunday was a day of waiting. With both sets of heat races run on Saturday, there was little to do but practice, strategize and try and relax.

At the start of the main, Natalie grabbed the holeshot with Wimmer and Wienen running three and four behind him. Both moved up a notch by overtaking 2nd place Creamer. Wienen then charged ahead of Wimmer and was suddenly on the heels of John Natalie. This lasted for a couple of laps until Chad finally edged him out in a tight turn on the white flag lap. At the checkers, it was Wienen, Natalie and then Wimmer.

“It was tough to catch Natalie when he had such a strong start,” Wienen said after the race. “But every race I’m in, I never give up and was able to finally pass him on the last lap for the win. I wanted to end up the series with the most wins (5) and I did it.”

Suzuki’s Rod Lopusnak was happy with the day’s win and of course with the coveted Manufacturer’s Cup. “This is the second year in a row that most races that have been won were on a Suzuki, and we’re really proud of that. This really demonstrates how good the bike is and the kind of commitment that Suzuki has made to the sport of ATV racing.”

Lopusnak went on to comment about 2008. “We’re really excited about coming back with three of the top riders in the country. Doug Gust, Dustin Wimmer and Chad Wienen are going to be tough to beat. With the new 2008 QuadRacer R450 and this incredible combination of riders, it’s going to be an exciting year ahead for Suzuki and Team Rockstar/MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper.”

FIRST SPYDER ROLLS OFF ASSEMBLY LINE

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Press Release –

Today marked the beginning of a new era for BRP as its first on-road vehicle, the 2008 Can-Am™ Spyder™ roadster, rolled off the assembly line in Valcourt, Québec.

A three-wheel vehicle (two in the front, one in the rear), the Spyder roadster offers the performance of a traditional motorcycle with much of the peace-of-mind of a convertible sports car. It is powered by a Rotax® 990 V-Twin engine, produced by BRP Rotax, the company’s Austrian division and a world leader in engine development.

“This is a very important day in the history of BRP,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO, BRP. “Our employees around the world have a lot to be proud of as we bring to the market a product that is a true paradigm shift, a completely new and unique vehicle, one that will redefine the roadster category. The Can-Am Spyder roadster is yet another testimony of BRP’s passion for innovation and for the powersports industry,” he added.

The February 2007 launch was followed by a targeted marketing campaign in both North America and Europe, which gave potential clients the opportunity to ride the new roadster.

“Since its official unveiling, the Spyder roadster has been a hot topic among powersports enthusiasts, open-road newcomers and media alike the world over. To date, more than 20,000 consumers have tried the Can-Am Spyder roadster in 11 American states, four Canadian provinces and eight European countries,” concluded Boisjoli.

The first units will be delivered to selected dealerships across North America in October while dealers in International markets will receive theirs at the beginning of 2008.

In 2008, BRP will pursue its go-to-market strategy and deploy the Can-Am Spyder roadster to approximately 20 additional American states, a few other Canadian provinces and 15 countries in Europe, South America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The roadster’s worldwide deployment should be completed within the next two to three years.

The first Spyder roadster to roll off the Valcourt assembly line will be delivered to Jay Leno, a well-known collector and restorer of era-defining cars and motorcycles, columnist in Popular Mechanics Magazine, and host of the iconic U.S. television programme The Tonight Show.

Case Saver Shift Bracket- Suzuki LTR450

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Press Release –

Why? In extreme conditions, if the rider lands on the shift lever off a jump, it can bend the stock shift pin or worse, break the case.

Hinson Clutch Components Case Saver Shift Bracket replaces the stock bracket and shift pin with high quality steel pieces and also braces the pin to other points in the case to avoid the stress caused by the rider stepping on the shift lever.

Part # SB268, Case Saver Shift Bracket. Suggested Retail- $49.99

• Developed by racing experts to enhance the life of the cases and transmission in your quad.
• Manufactured from high quality steel

Hinson Clutch Components is the premier manufacturer of high performance clutches & components, providing to all major factory race teams, including Team Honda, Team Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Team Suzuki, Team Yamaha, and Team Red Bull KTM. Through this commitment they are proud to have won over 115, National & World, ATV, Supercross, Motocross, Supermoto and Off-Road Championships.

For more info contact hinsonracing.com.

Polaris Sportsman X2 Helps Fight Fires Abroad

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A highly-modified Sportsman X2 is helping in the effort to control the wildfires in Greece.

The first of its kind, the Sportsman X2 Wildfire was created by the Danish Company FIREXPRESS who converted the ATV into an amazingly effective fire fighting vehicle.

KYMCO MXU 500 with True Timber Camo

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Press Release –

Meeting hunters’ need for tough, reliable and affordable trail transportation, KYMCO USA has teamed with True Timber to introduce the MXU 500 Camo.

The company’s largest and most powerful quad is now available in True Timber Concealed Green Camo. This is a new pattern from the leaders in the field of digital effect camouflage.

Consisting of hardwood bark, limbs and green leaves, the detail of Concealed Green is amazing, and it looks great on the trail-ready MXU 500.

The shift-on-demand 4WD MXU 500 features a 4-stroke, double overhead cam, 499cc engine with shaft drive and KYMCO’s CVT transmission. Digital instrumentation, disc brakes, front and rear cargo racks, and a half-ton capacity towing hitch are all standard.

Big 12-inch Kenda Pathfinder tires and a substantial 10.2-inch ground clearance give solid traction and room to maneuver.

“Making our largest-displacement ATV available in True Timber Camo should move KYMCO to the top of hunters’ shopping lists,” said Bruce Ramsey, KYMCO USA Vice President for Sales and Marketing. “The MXU 500 is a workhorse equal to pulling any big game animal out of the woods.”

Suggested retail price for the MXU 500 Camo is $6499. KYMCO USA continues to offer a full one-year warranty on all ATVs along with an all new KYMCO Extended Protection Plan.

MXU 500 4X4 Camo Specifications

Color True Timber Concealed Green
Engine Type: 4-stroke water-cooled, DOHC
Displacement: 499cc
Cooling System: Liquid
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Electric w/pull start backup
Gearbox: Automatic CVT F-N-R-L-P
Drive System: Shaft with Hi/Low Gear
Drive: Shift on demand 4×4
Chassis: Steel
Front Suspension: Dual A-arm with hydraulic shocks
Rear Suspension: Swing arm with hydraulic shocks
Front Brake: Dual Disc
Rear Brake: Disc
Length: 87 in.
Width: 48 in.
Height: 47 in.
Seat Height: 31.8 in.
Wheelbase: 50.8 in.
Ground Clearance: 10.2 in. average
Fuel Capacity: 4.7 gals.
Weight: 634 lbs.
Tires: 12-inch Kenda Pathfinder

Feature Summary: Shift on demand 4 wheel drive, headlights and taillights, trailer hitch with cargo racks and front bush guards, 12” Kenda Pathfinder tires and a backlit digital dash with speedometer, tripmeter, fuel and temperature gauges.

Yamaha 700 EFI Rhino

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Yamaha’s upped the squeeze for 2008 with the re-tuning of the 700 EFI Rhino.

This new breed utilizes the Grizzly’s 700 EFI mill packed neatly into the overhauled Rhino unit. We’ve had some saddle time on this unit and it hauls donkey from a jumpy tip in straight through to full pedal with the governor screaming. 

The exterior experienced some very minor changes with a few more paint and plastic options and the addition of straight-from-the-factory half doors intended to keep legs inside the the vehicle and out of harm’s way.

The interior sees a redesigned center console complete with a small storage area, cup holders and a new automotive style parking brake.

Some safety upgrades include a passenger’s grab bar and wrist strap, relocated roll bar handle grabs and over the shoulder 3-point seat belts, all designed to reduce injury in the event of a roll over. 

There will be a variety of performance packages available including trick shocks, aluminum wheels and beautiful paint and graphics options. 

Keep your eyes open for our full test in an upcoming issue of All-Terrain Vehicle Magazine.