Press Release –

In recognition of the many sacrifices our U.S. Military soldiers overseas make to ensure our freedom, Polaris presented a check on behalf of its dealers and customers for $50,000 to the Armed Forces Foundation which supports servicemen and women and their families.

As part of the Polaris Pride Sales Event this summer, Polaris committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from ATV and RANGER sales to the Armed Forces Foundation.

Polaris has proudly partnered with the U.S. Military for years providing soldiers both here and abroad with quality off-road vehicles.

Read more about this topic here.

Press Release –

RANGER™ Side-by-Side Vehicles

Whether you want to work harder or play faster, the 2008 RANGER Side-by-Side lineup brings exciting new models and big improvements to the hardest working, smoothest riding utility vehicles on the market.

A total of six models including the improved RANGER utility lineup of the RANGER 2×4, RANGER 4×4 EFI, RANGER XP and RANGER 6×6 which will feature Dual Bore Piston Brakes with 30 percent more braking force, dash-mounted parking brake, 40 percent brighter headlines and a 1-ton hauling capacity on the RANGER XP and RANGER 6×6 EFI, and the all-new RANGER CREW and RANGER RZR will provide something for everyone in RANGER country.

RANGER CREW

The all-new RANGER CREW is the hardest working, smoothest riding, multi-passenger utility vehicle in the industry.

RANGER CREW is powered by a Polaris 700 Twin EFI engine and boasts a 44 MPH top speed.

Along with providing massive, dual, under-seat storage, the RANGER CREW has all the features that made the RANGER line one of the best-selling lines of utility vehicles including Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Polaris true All Wheel Drive (AWD).

RANGER RZR

The RANGER RZR is the fastest accelerating and only trail capable side-by-side on the market.

Powered by a Polaris 800 Twin EFI engine, RANGER RZR has a class-leading top speed of 55 MPH, is the lightest side-by-side at 945 lbs., is 50 inches wide and has the lowest center of gravity.

These features, coupled with RANGER RZR’s unique design, create a vehicle that delivers razor sharp side-by-side performance.

Built for play first, work second, RANGER RZR still provides all the utility you need including a cargo bed rated for 300 lbs with 12 tie-down points, 1500 lb. towing capacity, under-hood storage and a wide variety of PURE Polaris accessories.

Starting in August, Polaris will be doubling RANGER RZR production to keep up with the demand of this highly sought-after Side-by-Side.

“The innovative, game-changing products of our 2008 model line have every member of RANGER country excited,” said Matt Homan, general manager of the Side-by-Side Division for Polaris. “With the hardest working, smoothest riding RANGER and the introduction of the RANGER CREW and RANGER RZR, we have the dominant work vehicle, dominant play vehicle and dominant multi-passenger utility vehicle.”

Press Release –

Polaris today unveiled its product offerings for 2008, showcasing a variety of new machines that meet the wants and needs of riders including the most complete offering of ATVs in the industry, a new six-passenger side-by-side and the ultimate in style and comfort for an American luxury-touring motorcycle.

“With new innovative products fueling growth in new markets and significant product enhancements strengthening its position within the industry, Polaris is set to thrive as a powersports leader in 2008”, said Bennett Morgan, president and chief operating officer, Polaris Industries Inc. “We have created an incredible wave of momentum that is driving the business, making it stronger and gaining market share in all categories.”

All-Terrain Vehicles

Driven to meet the needs of powersports enthusiasts, Polaris has created a simplified and compelling 2008 ATV product line that caters to a wider variety of customers.

“The World’s Toughest ATVs” continue to re-invent themselves with new offerings that take the Polaris Recreation & Utility, Sport, and Youth ATV market to new levels of performance and comfort.

Sportsman® Line

Recreational and utility riders will continue to enjoy the Sportsman line with its legendary ride and handling. For Polaris’ one-up recreation and utility offering, the legendary Sportsman line has been improved and simplified.

All fuel injected Sportsman models come standard with engine braking (EBS), Active Descent Control (ADC), and some are painted in a variety of new and appealing colors. The Sportsman 800 EFI returns with 10 percent more power, standard dual exhaust, improved throttle and clutching response, and is painted, while The Sportsman 500 H.O. returns for 2008 as the best-value 500 on the market at $5,999, $500 less than its 1996 introductory MSRP.

For the customer that wants the Sportsman legendary ride and handling in a mid-size package, Polaris introduced the Sportsman 400 H.O. and the Sportsman 300.

Sportsman Touring

With the 2-Up market continuing to grow, Polaris introduced the Sportsman 800 EFI Touring and the Sportsman 500 EFI Touring for 2008. The Touring models offer more passenger room, along with better ergonomics and value than the competition.

Additional features include a larger and taller backrest for the passenger, dual cup holders, soft, vibration-absorbing hand holds and adjustable, vibration-absorbing foot wells making them “The World’s Most Comfortable ATVs.”

Outlaw Line

Polaris’ 2008 high performance sport quad offering is the most complete ever featuring three Outlaw models designed to win on the trail, the track or in the dunes. The Outlaw 525 IRS returns for 2008 along with the new Outlaw 525 S and the Outlaw 450 MXR.

Outlaw 525 S

Featuring a premium straight axle suspension, the Outlaw 525 S is designed to dominate the dunes. The Outlaw 525 S boasts a dry weight of 375 lbs. and is powered by a 510cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled KTM engine with 39 mm Keihin FCR-MX carburetor.

Competitively priced and outfitted with the traditional tough features such as stainless steel, braided brake lines, FOX® Shox and Maxxis® Radial tires, the Outlaw 525 S is a dune enthusiasts’ ultimate machine.

Outlaw 450 MXR

This high-performance sport quad with a 449cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled KTM engine is the fastest 450 on the market, and was built for the track.

Featuring lowered ride height, premium suspension with FOX piggyback Shox and Maxxis RAZR MX tires, the Outlaw 450 MXR meets the demands of racers, and adds best-in-class depth to Polaris’ sport quad lineup.

Youth ATVs

In 2008, young riders can choose from three different, 4-stroke models from Polaris’ best-selling line of youth ATVs, the Sportsman 90, Outlaw 90 and the newest youth ATV, the Outlaw 50.

All three models continue to lead the way in rider safety with features such as a removable ignition key, electronic throttle control, daytime running lights, full floorboards and heat shield to protect young riders.

Also in 2008, all Polaris youth products will come with a DOT-approved helmet and matching jersey to teach kids the importance of wearing the proper safety gear.

“The depth of the 2008 ATV offering provides best-ever quality, comfort, value and performance to meet the needs of every ATV enthusiast,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager for the ATV Division at Polaris.

Press Release –

The 2007 season finale for the WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour, scheduled for Sept. 15-16, will be held at a different venue than previously announced.

“We were truly looking forward to finishing up our 2007 championship season in South Carolina,” said PowerSports Entertainment, Inc. CEO Rick Murphy. “The Carolina Adventure World facility has considerable potential and we hope to be able to compete there next season. We are planning to announce a replacement venue for this year’s season finale soon. We will also announce the location for our season-ending banquet at that time.”

Heavy rains, storms and flooding in the Upstate South Carolina during the last few months have hampered several construction projects on the Carolina Adventure World property.

“We wanted to make this announcement now to ensure our riders and fans didn’t complete their travel plans,” said Kent Lungstrom, executive vice president of operations for PowerSports Entertainment, Inc.

Press Release –

The WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour’s Safety Team, Trauma Care Emergency Services, was in action in Indiana, both on the track during the AMSOIL Wild Cat Open Championship at Wild Cat Creek MX, and in a Meijers in Lafayette, Ind.

The team, comprising Lewis McClain, Josh Wheelis, and Jason Sheppard, put out a small fire at the store Thursday night.

“We were in there, buying some boots when we heard someone yell ‘Fire,'” said McClain. “We turned around and saw flames and smoke. So we teamed up, each of us grabbed fire extinguishers, and put out the fire.

“That’s a first for us,” added McClain. “We’ve put out a burning clothes rack before!”

Trauma Care Services travels to every WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour venue across the country, providing everything from treatment for dehydration and bumps and bruises to full trauma care. The company is based out of Atlanta.

The AMSOIL Wild Cat Open Championship kicks off tomorrow with Pro qualifying, as well as a full card of Amateur, Women’s and Junior racing. Racing gets underway at 9 a.m. Tickets, which start at $15, are available at the gate. This weekend’s event will be telecast on ESPN2 on Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. EDT.

Press Release –

A benefit auction for the family of Chris Earlywine will be held Saturday evening at 6 p.m. during this weekend’s WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour AMSOIL Wild Cat Open Championship.

The event, from which all proceeds will go to the Earlywine family, will be held in the pit area of Wild Cat Creek MX.

In addition, ATV Racin’ Extra Editor David Screws will be selling copies of his newspaper on site all weekend with all proceeds going to the Earlywine family.

“It’s great to see the ATV racing family come together for this worthy cause,” said PowerSports Entertainment, Inc. Executive Vice President of Operations Kent Lungstrom. “Nikki and Caleb Earlywine have been in our hearts since the Virginia event, and we’re pleased to help out any way we can.”

To honor the fallen racer, Women B/C racer Carrie Auchter will carry Chris’ number 37 on her quad this weekend. Auchter competed out of the Earlywine Racing camp.

Earlywine suffered heart problems during a practice session several weeks ago in Virginia and, after being transported to a local hospital, he passed away.