Press Release –

Just three races into the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, factory Arctic Cat racer Jesse West launched himself from underdog to top dog, thanks to two podium finishes, including a win at the season opener in Vero Beach, Fla.

Competing in the ultra-competitive 4×4 Open class for the first time in his young career, West combined his win in Vero Beach with a third-place in Washington, Ga., and fifth-place in Morganton, N.C., to lead the series’ championship point chase.

West’s remarkable start to the race season is especially impressive for two reasons: He’s piloting a stock Arctic Cat 650 H1 4×4 against a field loaded with highly-modified machines as large as 840cc; and it’s his first foray into GNCC racing, in a career that began less than one year ago in the World Powersports (WPSA) Quad Terrain Challenge races.

The 24-year-old from Thief River Falls, Minn., headed to the first race unknowing of the extent of the challenges ahead of him, but confident of his ability. West’s goals for his racing are to finish well while showcasing the performance durability of Arctic Cat’s engine, chassis and suspensions.

“My 650 H1 has a lot less horsepower compared to the competition,” said West, “Which means I have to out drive them. That requires a durable bike. When they’ve tried running my pace, they’ve broken down.”

His lack of experience cost West higher placings in the last two races, but that’s part of the GNCC learning curve.

“I was leading the second race in Georgia by a nice margin, but I’d gotten three flat tires and had to slow down,” he said. “I’d used stock wheels in the previous race but the obstacles changed drastically in Georgia. I quickly learned bead-lock wheels are necessary, which we got just in time for North Carolina, but weren’t able to test before the race. I was in second place and catching the leader when the lug-nuts came loose, forcing me to stop for a repair ending in a fifth place finish.”

Chalk these up as learning experiences, of which there will undoubtedly be many this season.

Arctic Cat media spokesman Kale Wainer stated, “That’s part of why we’re racing; to learn, but also show consumers how competitive the 650 H1 can be compared to fully-modified bikes from other brands. Racing in these accelerated test conditions only helps Arctic Cat improve the bikes durability while maintaining their unmatched strength.”

West remarked on factory racing for Arctic Cat, “Racing is in my blood, it’s a passion, and a dream come true!”

Press Release –

More To Go On – That’s Arctic Cat’s claim and that’s what the company will pay Arctic Cat ATV racers who finish on the podium at the 2007 Grand National Cross-Country (GNCC) and World Powersports association (WPSA) series’ races. Payouts include $1000 for first place, $500 for second and $200 for third in the Open 4×4 (GNCC) and QTC Pro Stock (WPSA) classes.

Arctic Cat is no stranger to racing, having dominated snowmobile race venues for more than four decades,” said Kale Wainer, Media Relations. “Now that we’ve showcased how competitive our stock ATVs are on the track, the company will take pleasure in rewarding our dedicated racers and teams with a lucrative contingency program.”

Arctic Cat already has a winning record in ATV competition. In its inaugural ATV racing effort during the 2006 World Powersports Association (WPSA) Quad Terrain Challenge, Arctic Cat captured the title championship with rider Daryl Rath aboard his 650 H1 4×4.

Rath proved the durability of a stock Arctic Cat ATV by conquering the brutal rocks, mud and logs aboard a stock ATV. Arctic Cat placed four racers in the top 8 spots and vowed to return in 2007 even stronger.

Now, three races into the 2007 GNCC series, factory Arctic Cat racer Jesse West launched himself from underdog to top dog aboard his stock 650 H1 4×4, thanks to two podium finishes, including a win at the season opener in Vero Beach, Fla.

Competing in the ultra-competitive 4×4 Open class for the first time in his young career against dozens of highly modified ATVs, West combined his win in Vero Beach with a third-place in Washington, Ga., and fifth-place in Morganton, N.C., to lead the series’ championship point chase.

For complete details about the Arctic Cat ATV contingency program, contact Dawn Haugen at dhaugen@arcticcatinc.com.

Press Release –

Race day dawned sunny and beautiful at the Decatur, TX Oak Hill race facility on Sunday. Three straight days of rain, hail, and tornadoes, left most of the competitors wondering if the track owners would be able to even stage an event – but stage it they did.

The track was prepped to perfection with plentiful traction and good line selection. It was a great day for racing as Team MSR/Pro-Taper/Yoshimura/Suzuki (Energized by Rockstar) hit the track.

Heading into the first turn of moto one, Dustin Wimmer was hit hard by another rider slightly damaging his Suzuki QuadRacer® 450 in the process. Although not running at 100%, Dustin’s QuadRacer pulled him through to a 4th place finish by the end of the moto.

Dustin’s teammate and ATV legend “Digger” Doug Gust had to pull off some evasive maneuvers on the start himself but charged forward to an eventual 5th place finish.

“The track was a little spongy, but I like this place a lot,” Doug commented between motos, “I’m looking to head up front in moto two, I’m fast in the whoops and am feeling pretty good. My Suzuki QuadRacer is so hooked up, all I have to do is race.”

Moto two saw Wimmer’s Suzuki pull a monster holeshot while Doug once again had to dodge some chaos on the start, forcing him to come from behind. Wimmer set the pace for the first five laps but at moto’s end carded a hard fought second place, and third overall.

Doug meanwhile worked his way up to a 4th at the checkers to claim 4th place overall. “I feel pretty good about the day,” Gust said afterwards, “Everyone is still getting things dialed in at this early stage of the season, I do feel though like we’ve learned a lot of set-up info today and I’m getting closer to being in 100% race shape. I’m sure we will be starting the WPSA series really strong.”

Press Release –

Cooperland Motocross Raceway officials have officially invited riders competing in this year’s WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour to participate in its Spring Training race, scheduled for April 7-8.

“We’re very excited Cooperland Motocross Raceway has invited our riders to participate in their Spring Training event,” said PowerSports Entertainment, Inc. Executive Vice President of Operations Kent Lungstrom. “Competing in this event will allow our MX riders a sneak peak at a track to which we will be returning later this season.”

“Dale Schultz and his staff put on a great event and have invited key members of the WPSA racing staff to work with his crew as they prepare for our race in June,” added Lungstrom. “We’ll be testing an improved Timing and Scoring set up, processing memberships and of course, answering questions about the upcoming season. It’s a great opportunity to check out the track.”

Kevin and Kathy Mayoros have joined the ATV Tour to head up timing and scoring during the 2007 season.

The pair, who also work for the ATV Tour’s sister Snowmobile Tour during the winter, have also handled timing and scoring for the CORR and WSORR off-road racing series.

Kevin and Kathy will be on hand during the weekend to answer questions regarding transponders, as well as any other timing-related concerns.

For more information on the event, please visit CooperlandUSA.com.