2013 AIMExpo: Driven Racing Oil RZR XP 1000

Driven Racing Oil was displaying its wares at the 2013 American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando, Fla. While Driven does make engine oil, gear oil, transmission fluid, coolant system additive, wax and cleaner for ATVs and Side-by-Sides, that’s not what attracted us to the Driven booth.

Perhaps the nicest looking RZR XP 1000 we’ve seen yet drew us in like a magnet. The RZR was only slightly modified with a roof, light bar, tire rack and extra storage, but combined with a slick “Driven” graphics package it is a beauty.

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2013 AIMExpo: Cycle Gear BiLT Explorer Gear

The Cycle Gear booth at the 2013 AIMExpo has some high-end off-road riding gear we haven’t seen before. BiLT Explorer gear is available in several iterations, but two stood out to us – BiLT Explorer H20 and BiLT Explorer Air.

Made for wet weather riding, the BiLT Exprer H20 Jacket ($399.99) features zip-entry ventilation panels up front with fold-away feature. Long zip-entry vents on back feature multi position airflow control, while a rear pocket comes with rubber tab pullers. The H20 pants ($359.99) feature hip pockets with rubber tab pullers and long zip-entry vents on the front thighs. As well, the pants have an elastic waist with pull through adjusters and rubber grip strip.

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Top 10 Honda ATV and UTV Innovations
When we look to the future of off-road we see not only equipment for sport or recreational use but for machines that will serve a purpose to make our live…
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Fowler Outduels McGill at Powerline Park GNCC
Borich finishes on the podium

In the second-to-last round of the 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series, AmPro Yamaha’s Walker Fowler took home the checkers after a thrilling battle with Precision/ITP/Lonestar/Axis/Baldwin Racing’s Adam McGill.

Thousands of fans were on hand for the 12th running of the ITP Powerline Park GNCC to see Fowler earn his third victory of the season.

McGill carried the early momentum after claiming the $250 DeRisi Racing/Team Woodhead XC1 Holeshot, with five-time XC1 Champion Chris Borich and Fowler close in tow. Kevin Yoho put his BNR Motorsports machine into fourth place on the opening lap, while JB Racing/Cheerwine/Can-Am’s Jarrod McClure began in the fifth place position.

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Is Polaris Building a Single-Seat RZR?
Patent documents reveal plans for a one-passenger UTV

Anybody who’s been following the ATV and UTV industry over the last six years or so can see that Polaris is unafraid to take big risks. Is the company that brought us the first ever Sport UTV working on a single-seat version? If documents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office are any indication, then the answer is a resounding yes. Time for some rampant speculation about a new Polaris RZR!

Before we dig in, we should point out that just because a company has issued a patent doesn’t mean anything will ever reach production. However, we will assume it’s a project that is being (or has been) seriously considered.

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Top 10 ATV Videos
Huevos 3 – H-Bomb Films The third installment of the popular Huevos Grandes Series, this video introduced us to the wild man who became somewhat of…
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AIMExpo Outdoors! Gets Interactive

One of the big features of the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), which opens its doors on Oct. 16, is AIMExpo Outdoors!, the event’s interactive and experiential outdoors space. The nearly 400,000 square-foot area located on the grounds of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) will feature a variety of activities throughout the five-day event geared towards trade, media and consumers.

The centerpiece of AIMExpo Outdoors! are the demo areas, designated for testing the newest 2014 models for dirt and street. Off-road enthusiasts can enjoy key Suzuki ATVs, while Yamaha will showcase its brand new Viking Side-by-Side. Additionally, Kymco and Massimo Motors will feature a selection of ATVs and Side-by-Sides. For the street, Yamaha will showcase its newly introduced 850cc FZ-09 triple by offering the product’s first public demo rides. Suzuki and KYMCO will also offer demo rides on select road bikes and scooters.

Yamaha Viking Forum

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Mint 400 Champ Sporting Pink Ribbon at Off-Road Expo

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month so it is fitting that two-time Mint 400 UTV winner Lacrecia Beurrier’s RZR sports the pink ribbon in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Lacrecia will be helping people to “think pink” at the Off-Road Expo in Pomona, Calif., this weekend as part of the DragonFire Racing display.

“The pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness is not something Lacrecia just slapped on the car because the Off-Road Expo happens to be held in October,” says DragonFire social media manager Chris Moore. “She was running the ribbon and pink trim for both her Mint 400 wins. When she is not ripping it up on the race course, Lacrecia’s ‘real’ job is a registered nurse in Lake Havasu, Arizona.”

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2013 Ironman GNCC Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country series will go pink at the season-ending Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Ill. on Oct. 26-27 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Nearly 10,000 spectators are expected to attend the race.

The goal of Ironman’s pink-effort is to raise awareness and funds locally for breast cancer care and research, while also bringing the GNCC Racing community together for a cause that transcends racing. The pink livery will make a dynamic contrast to the woods, hills and mud of the iconic Ironman GNCC.

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Borich Clinches Fifth Straight GNCC Title
Bithell takes checkers at Car-Mate GNCC

Though Chris Bithell managed to hold him off and take the overall victory, Chris Borich’s second-place finish at the inaugural Car-Mate Gusher GNCC was enough to secure his fifth straight AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series championship in Foxburg, Pa.

With a steady rain pouring down, the afternoon race kicked off with Borich claiming the $250 DeRisi Racing/Team Woodhead Holeshot Award. From there, it was a close-knit battle to the woods on the opening lap between BNR’s Kevin Yoho, Borich and DeRisi Racing’s Eric Hoyland. However, it was the Reliable Tool Supply/Maxxis rider Bithell who checked in with the lead on Lap 1, followed by Borich, Hoyland and AmPro Yamaha’s Walker Fowler.

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DragonFire Racing Planning Big Reveal at Sand Sports Super Show

DragonFire Racing will be unveiling its 2014 product line at this weekend’s Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, Calif. As well, DFR promises to reveal its most audacious project yet.

“Honestly this is the biggest unveil in DragonFire’s history, literally,” says social media manager Chris Moore. “Not to let the cat out of the bag, but I can say the vehicle we are unveiling has the biggest displacement of any project build we have ever done!”

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Borich Edges Fowler at Unadilla GNCC
GNCC returns after summer break

The 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series returned after a two-month summer break at Unadilla Raceway in New Berlin, NY for round 10 of the series. Chris Borich fought off a tough challenge from Walker Fowler to secure the XC1 victory.

It was Waynesburg Yamaha/GT Thunder’s Jeff Pickens (12) who shot out to claim the $250 DeRisi Racing/Team Woodhead Holeshot Award and the early lead but AmPro Yamaha’s Fowler quickly took over out front. Maxxis-backed Borich jumped in right behind Fowler and the duo began their race-long battle for the lead.

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Warn Industries 350th Exhibitor at AIMExpo

AIMExpo event producer Marketplace Events has announced that Warn Industries has signed on to become the 350th exhibitor for the Oct. 16-20 show.

“It wasn’t that long ago that we were announcing our 250th exhibitor, which was a huge landmark for the inaugural show,” says Cinnamon Kernes, show director. “To realize that in a little over a month we’ve welcomed 100 additional companies to be a part of AIMExpo speaks volumes about how the industry has embraced the show’s vision. Businesses have grasped the fact that AIMExpo is the only national show platform to showcase new products and promotional activities for the 2014 selling season. With more than a month to go we’re looking ahead to our 400th exhibitor!”

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Top 10 Sand Dune Riding Locations
Riding sand dunes on an ATV or a Side-by-Side is a freeing experience. You can pretty much cut, carve, climb and go wherever you want (within reason).Expe…
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2013 Oregon Dunefest Report
2013 Oregon Dunefest Report: Our fearless writer made the long drive from Las Vegas to Winchester Bay Oregon for his favorite event of the year Dunefest. From carving bowls in the Oregon dunes to watching the best freestyle riders on the planet Dunefest is not to be missed.
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Thomas Brown Earns First Career Win at ATVMX Finale
Wienen, Hetrick complete podium at Loretta Lynn's

Thomas Brown (Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer) won his first ever ATVMX Pro class event as the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA, wrapped up this weekend at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

Brown made his pro debut in 2009 and has been working towards his first victory ever since. Brown has been present on the podium at all but two rounds this season and was able to secure second place overall for the 2013 Championship points this weekend.

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Polaris To Auction Off RZR XP 1000 at Dunefest

Polaris brought its brand new 2014 RZR XP 1000 to Dunefest this week in Winchester Bay, Ore., giving attendees an early look at the 107-horsepower Sport Side-by-Side.

“This is the fastest we’ve ever brought a RZR product to consumers,” says Jason DiFuccia, marketing manager for RZR. “We are extremely excited to be part of DuneFest and show off the new king of sport side-by-sides.”

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Wienen Sweeps Motos at RedBud to Clinch ATVMX Championship
Seventh straight win for back-to-back champion

Chad Wienen left little doubt who the top ATV motocross rider on the planet is this past weekend at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Mich. Wienen (Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer) swept both motos to secure his seventh straight victory and clinch his second consecutive national championship at Round 9 of the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship Series.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet. This season has been so surreal and now that I’ve clinched my second consecutive national championship it’s more than a dream come true,” says Wienen. “I’m still looking forward to one more round of racing but I’ve been working my entire life to win a championship and now that I’ve done it two years in a row I can’t believe it, makes me even hungrier for more.”

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Top 10 Off-Road Riding Locations
Despite the ongoing battles to keep our OHV lands open, the truth remains that the United States is blessed with some of the most amazing ATV and UTV riding…
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Top 10 ATV Racers of All Time
Since the dawn of factory-backed race teams in the mid 1980s, the ATV racing industry has gone through some serious transitions, near catastrophes and fought…
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Wienen Racks Up Sixth Consecutive ATV Motocross Win
Creamer, Natalie finish on the podium

Chad Wienen’s dream season continued this past weekend at Unadilla Raceway as he secured his sixth straight overall victory at the eighth round of the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship Series, sanctioned by AMA. Wienen was joined on the podium by Josh Creamer and John Natalie.

“I’m so thankful for the season I’ve been having so far it’s been a lot of hard work and dedication. Holding onto the red points lead plate at the end of each race weekend is what keeps me motivated as we wind down on the season,” says Wienen.

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Top 10 ATV and UTV Rallies
As much as I enjoy having the open dunes to myself on a weekday afternoon or pinning it down a trail without having to worry about oncoming traffic, there is…
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Wienen Races to Fifth Straight ATV Motocross Victory
Defending champ earns 1-2 moto finishes at Steel City Raceway

Though it was four weeks since the Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship series last held an event, Chad Wienen certainly didn’t look rusty. The defending champion raced to 1-2 moto finishes at Steel City Raceway to earn his fifth straight overall victory.

Pennsylvania native John Natalie grabbed the moto 1 holeshot as the field came roaring into the first turn aboard his MotoSport.com Motoworks DWT machine. Natalie led the tight field until halfway through Moto 1.

“I had a good jump off the gate and was able to run a good moto, leading up until halfway when I made a mistake and fell back into second. I knew I had to ride smart but I was happy to be able to get a good result in front of all my hometown family and friends that came out to support me this weekend,” says Natalie.

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Top 10 Mud Riding Pictures
Anybody who has ever squeezed the throttle on an ATV or UTV has at least tried to get a little muddy from time to time. Of course, some people take it to the…
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Fowler Bests Borich at Snowshoe GNCC
Neal secures his sixth XC2 win of the season

Walker Fowler conquered Saturday’s rough and tumble AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC racecourse at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain, besting points leader Chris Borich and the rest of the XC1 field by over two minutes.

The Snowshoe GNCC showcased a concrete start, sending waves of five riders per row in increments of 10-15 seconds through the downtown village of Snowshoe Resort. AmPro Yamaha‘s Walker Fowler jumped out to the front on the opening lap and the Ohio native didn’t seem to look back from there. Borich had a small slip-up on the opening lap but the defending champion managed to put his Maxxis-backed Suzuki into the second place position early on where he set his sights on the leader Fowler right away.

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Top 10 Most Expensive ATVs and UTVs
No matter what you’ve got in your garage, chances are you want something better. Though most of us will never be able to own the best of the best, i…
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Kawasaki Teryx4 Riding at The Lone Ranger Premiere
We Live the Legend in New Mexico

Kawasaki Motor Corp., USA recently invited a select group of off-road publications to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the opportunity to attend the premiere of Disney’s blockbuster summer film The Lone Ranger and then sample its capable Teryx4 UTV over a few miles of arid Southwestern desert terrain not far from where some parts of the movie had been filmed. Although I’m normally a two-wheeled guy, when ATV.com drafted me for this gig, I gladly accepted. Visit picturesque Santa Fe, attend a movie and drive some kick-ass UTVs? Count me in.

On my way to Santa Fe I couldn’t help but wonder about Kawasaki’s stake in The Lone Ranger. I’d seen the trailers for the film, and I had also perused Kawasaki’s static “Live The Legend” Teryx4 promotional tie-in ads, but I still didn’t get the connection. I hoped it would all make more sense before the trip was over.

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McGill Edges Borich at Mountaineer Run GNCC
Wolfe earns first XC2 win

Adam McGill got out to a flying start at the Parts Unlimited Mountaineer Run GNCC and kept it up until the checkers, earning his first win of the season. McGill bested current points leader Chris Borich in an exciting battle in Masontown, WV for round 8 of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series.

McGill began his day on the right foot, taking the $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing XC1 Holeshot Award in front of his hometown crowd of friends and family. Four-time GNCC Champion Borich jumped into the second place position right away, while JB Racing/Can-Am’s Jarrod McClure began the afternoon in third. Reliable Tool Supply/Maxxis’ Chris Bithell and AmPro Yamaha’s Walker Fowler also put themselves into the top five battle right way and the lead pack rode wheel-to-wheel on the opening lap.

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Wienen Wins at Birch Creek ATVMX National
Fourth straight victory for defending champion

Mother Nature was less than cooperative as the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA, made its way to Danville, Va. for the Birch Creek National. Despite the foul weather, defending champion Chad Wienen found himself on the top step of the podium for the fourth straight time, securing his fifth overall victory of the year.

“I wish the weather was something we could control but I’m just really glad we have our mud set up dialed in and we have our machines working really well,” says Wienen.” You never know what is going to happen in the mud but I’m always thrilled to come out of a weekend that can go any which way on the box and still holding onto the red plate.”

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2013 Brimstone White Knuckle Event Report
2013 Brimstone White Knuckle Event Report: Looking for a great place to ride on Memorial Day weekend we loaded our Kawasaki Teryx4 on the trailer and headed to Huntsville Tenn. for the Brimstone Recreation White Knuckle Event.
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Borich Back on Top at John Penton GNCC
McGill, Bithell complete XC1 podium

Two weeks ago Chris Borich looked human for the first time all year, finishing third at the Limestone 100 GNCC after winning the first five rounds of the 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series. Anybody celebrating his demise was reminded this past weekend at the Wiseco John Penton GNCC that the four-time series champion is still at the top of his game. Borich made one of his patented last-lap passes on Adam McGill to secure his sixth win of the season.

Eric Hoyland began his day by grabbing the $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing XC1 Holeshot Award ahead of a stacked field of riders. It didn’t take long for the veteran front-runners to take the lead, beginning with Lonestar Racing/Precision/ITP’s Adam McGill, who crossed the line in first on the opening lap. Borich put his Maxxis-backed machine right behind McGill, while Reliable Tool Supply/Maxxis’ Chris Bithell, BNR’s Kevin Yoho and JB Racing/ Can-Am‘s Jarrod McClure followed close behind.

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BRP Loans 40 Can-Am Vehicles for F1 Grand Prix Du Canada

BRP will have a significant presence at the upcoming Formula One (F1) Grand Prix du Canada. While BRP had designed and produced the winning trophies for the third straight year, it will welcome the public at its booth and has loaned 40 Can-Am vehicles to be used by F1 teams and race administration.

“We are very pleased to have BRP as a partner this year,” says François Dumontier, president and CEO of Octane Racing Group Inc., promoter of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. “To have a Québec-based manufacturer and reputed company like BRP exhibit its products and have access to their high end vehicles is certainly a great help.”

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Wienen Races to Third Straight Win at Sunset Ridge MX
Natalie, Creamer finish on the podium

Half way through the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA, and defending champion Chad Wienen (Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer) looks poised for a repeat. Wienen earned his third straight overall victory and fourth out of a possible five as the series turned to Sunset Ridge MX for round 5.

“I always look forward to the Sunset Ridge MX race, I have a ton of family and friends that come down to support me and it makes the weekend that much better,” says Wienen.

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GBC Motorsports Prepares for White Knuckle Event

GBC Motorsports returns as an official event sponsor of the Brimstone Recreation White Knuckle Event. The annual Memorial Day weekend celebration draws racers and enthusiasts from across the country for the Wild Mountain Rampage and other attractions and events.

Brimstone Recreation’s big spring event, set for May 24-26, features a variety of fun activities for ATV and SxS riders, including the Pro Armor Moonshine Run, mud bogs, drag races, and guided rides through more than 300 miles of roads and trails. The White Knuckle event is always capped off with a performance by a country music artist, and this year Jamey Johnson will take the stage to wrap up a memorable weekend for all in attendance.

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2013 Rally on the Rocks Report
2013 Rally on the Rocks Report: Whether you enjoy rock crawling sand duning or playing in the mud do yourself a favor and make it to Moab Utah for the Rally on the Rocks at least once.
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Fowler Topples Borich at Limestone 100 GNCC
Neal earns fourth XC2 victory of season

It took six rounds of the 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series, but Walker Fowler proved that Chris Borich is human by taking the checkers for the first time this season at the Dunlop Limestone 100.

It was an exciting battle from start to finish in the two-hour Limestone GNCC as AmPro Yamaha’s Fowler, Reliable Tool Supply/Maxxis’ Chris Bithell, Maxxis-backed Borich and Lonestar Racing/Precision/ITP’s Adam McGill challenged the race-win all afternoon. But it was Waynesburg Yamaha/GT Thunder’s Jeff Pickens who took the early lead, grabbing his second straight $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing XC1 Holeshot Award. It wasn’t long before Fowler jumped out front, with the trio of front-runners close behind.

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Wienen Wins Again at Wildcat Creek MX
Hetrick breaks clavicle after winning first moto

Chad Wienen used 3-1 moto finishes at Wildcat Creek MX in Rossville, Ind. to secure his second straight victory at Round 4 of the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship.

Josh Upperman, aboard his Baldwin Motorsports PEP Upperman Racing machine, grabbed his first SSi Decals holeshot award of the 2013 season in moto 1. But it wasn’t long before Joel Hetrick, who came out of the first turn in second place, found his way around Upperman to take over the lead. From there, Hetrick found a comfortable pace in front of the rest of the field and was able to maintain the lead in order to take the moto 1 win.

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Building a Serious Mud Riding Machine
Building a Serious Mud Riding Machine: Before you slog your trusty ATV or UTV into the mud you need to make sure your machine is up to the task and that you have some basic mud riding knowledge.
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Borich Continues Dominance at Mammoth GNCC
Fifth straight win to open season for defending champ

Even Mother Nature can’t stop Chris Borich this year. The four-time defending Grand National Cross Couuntry Series champion fought off the mud, rain and his competitors at the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mammoth GNCC in Park City, Ky. for his fifth straight win to start the season.

Taylor Kiser made a valiant return to GNCC, taking home second overall, while Jeff Pickens secured his first-ever XC1 class podium.

Waynesburg Yamaha/GT Thunder’s Pickens got off to a stellar start, grabbing the $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing XC1 Holeshot Award. However, HMF/GBC/Yamaha’s Johnny Gallagher claimed the early lead as the deep field of XC1 riders headed into the muddy woods of Park Mammoth Resort. Maxxis-backed Chris Borich had trouble firing up his machine, taking off dead last from the start, but it didn’t take long for him to catch the leaders on the opening lap.

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Rise of the Wildcat
Arctic Cat quickly carving out a niche in the Sport UTV class

Less than two years ago Polaris sat basically unchallenged as the king of the Sport Side-by-Side class. While it still controls the majority of the market share in this lucrative segment, Polaris now has to look over its shoulder at two challengers – including one hungry cat in its own backyard.

Like Polaris, Arctic Cat calls Minnesota home. Also like Polaris, Arctic Cat now has multiple vehicles to choose from in the Sport SXS class – with more on the way soon. Arctic Cat took a little longer to capitalize on sport-specific UTVs, but it has jumped in with both feet with five models in the works. Is there something in the water in Minnesota? Or maybe it’s just a northern thing? After all, the only other manufacturer to dabble in this segment is BRP/Can-Am, which calls Quebec, Canada home. Seeing as these machines are most at home kicking up sand in the desert, this seems a little odd.

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Wienen Stays on Top With Win at Maxxis Bluegrass National
Natalie, Brown join Wienen on podium

Defending champion Chad Wienen took home a victory and extended his series points lead as the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA, visited Balance Moto X in Kentucky for the Maxxis Bluegrass National.

Wienen (Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer ) earned his first SSi Decals Holeshot Award of the 2013 season in Moto 1. With a clear track out front, he charged ahead and found a pace that created a three-second gap on the number two position by the end of lap one. Wienen never looked back and had a 25-second gap on the rest of the field when he took the checkers and the Moto 1 win.

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UTV Riding and Zombie Hunting
We kick up some dust and dabble in archery in West Virginia

I don’t want to have to deal with a zombie apocalypse, but I feel a little more prepared now if it ever comes up – thanks to Kawasaki.

Not every manufacturer has the foresight to keep off-road editors trained in the art of fighting off the undead, but how else will anybody read about the latest products from Kawasaki when the going gets tough. Keeping the messengers safe seems like smart thinking to me, but I may be biased.

To train us media types in the art of combat, Kawasaki enlisted the help of Hoyt Archery, Delta McKenzie Targets and Realtree and flew the lot of us to West Virginia where the Hatfield-McCoy Trails would host our one-day boot camp. Look for a full story on this awesome trail system in the coming weeks.

RESEARCH: Read our review of the Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4

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Borich Uses Last-Lap Pass To Win Big Buck GNCC
Four straight wins to start the season for defending champ

Four-time defending Grand National Cross Country Series champion Chris Borich picked up his fourth straight win to start the 2013 season at the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC. Borich used his signature last-lap pass on teammate Chris Bithell to secure the victory.

Borich got things started perfectly, claiming the $250 Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing Holeshot Award. However, Borich has made it apparent that he doesn’t like to lead the race early on and that’s when the he went into reserve mode.

AmPro Yamaha‘s Fowler took the reins from there and led the entire opening lap, but it didn’t take long for Lonestar Racing/Precision/ITP’s Adam McGill to try his hand at the lead on Lap 2. McGill led Fowler, Borich and Bithell into the VP Racing Fuels Pro Row where all the top riders received their first fuel stop. Borich interjected himself into the lead several times throughout the first half of the race, but it was Reliable Tool Supply/Maxxis-backed Bithell who maintained the position out front.

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Hetrick Sweeps Motos at AMSOIL Spring National
Wienen, Brown complete podium

We may be just two rounds into the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA, but it’s already looking like we’re in store for a memorable season.

As the series headed to Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville, Tenn. for the AMSOIL Spring National, Joel Hetrick swept both motos, closing the gap to only one point behind series points leader Chad Wienen.

“I rode really smooth and was able to put a good distance between myself and the rest of the field early on,” says Hetrick. “It took a lot of dedication to keep pushing each moto without pressure right behind me but I’m pumped for my first overall this season.”

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Borich Stays Perfect With Win At FMF Steele Creek GNCC
Bithill, McGill complete XC1 podium

Four-time Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) champion Chris Borich is looking awfully tough to beat this year. Borich picked up his third straight win to start the season at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC, besting teammate Chris Bithell in the final moments of the two-hour race.

Thousands of spectators were in attendance for Round 3 of the 13-race series and there wasn’t a shortage of racing action at the picturesque Steele Creek Campground in Morganton, NC.

Borich came out swinging as the green flag dropped, grabbing his first Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing Holeshot Award of 2013. However, it was Borich’s Maxxis-backed teammate Chris Bithell who took over the lead on the opening lap. Borich stayed close in tow, while BNR Motorsports rider Kevin Yoho latched onto the leaders to run in the third place position early on.

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2013 High Lifter Mud Nationals Report
2013 High Lifter Mud Nationals Report: The annual High Lifter Mud Nationals took Jacksonville Texas by storm during the final week of March and there was plenty of great food fun racing and mud to be shared by all.
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Wienen Wins Muddy ATV Motocross Opener in Georgia
Hetrick, Creamer pick up moto wins

Riders hoping to start off the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA, with perfect conditions may have been a little disappointed this weekend as the Aonia Pass MX track in Washington, Ga. was wet and muddy.

Defending champion Chad Wienen scored a 3-2 finish to secure the overall win aboard his Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer machine. Wienen was able to secure top five starts, allowing him to move into a favorable position to take the overall win.

“I’m happy with the outcome. Anything is possible with a mud race but I’m really excited to be leaving still carrying the red number plate,” says Wienen.

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2013 Tri-State ATV Jamboree Report
2013 Tri State ATV Jamboree Report: As the snow begins to melt in Southern Utah ATV and Side by Side enthusiasts from around the nation flock to one of the most ATV friendly places in the country for the Tri State ATV Jamboree.
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Borich Makes Last-Lap Pass To Win Maxxis General GNCC
Fowler, Gallagher join Borich on the XC1 podium

Chris Borich doesn’t just win with great regularity in the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series – he seems to do it with a very distinct style. The four-time GNCC champion picked up his second straight win to start the 2013 season this past weekend at the Maxxis General GNCC the same way he usually does – by making a last lap pass for the lead and never looking back. Perhaps we should just call the move “The Borich.”

AmPro Yamaha‘s Walker Fowler and Borich were comfortably in front of the pack on the last lap when Borich made his move. By the time Borich took the checkers with Fowler in tow, the pair had built a five-minute lead o the rest of the field. Johnny Gallagher, who hadn’t made a podium appearance in a decade, finished third.

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Borich Wins Season-Opening River Ranch GNCC
McGill and Fowler complete the podium

Brand new season, same old results for Chris Borich. The four-time GNCC champion opened the 2013 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series with a victory at the Moose Racing Westgate River Ranch GNCC in River Ranch, Fla. In a hard fought two-hour battle to the finish, Adam McGill and Walker Fowler rounded out Sunday’s podium behind Borich.

XC1 Pro class rookie Braden Henthorn grabbed the first holeshot of the 2013 season aboard his Team Woodhead/DeRisi Racing Honda machine, battling with teammate Eric Hoyland early on. However, it wasn’t long before the GNCC veterans of Lonestar Racing/Precision/ITP’s Adam McGill and reigning champion Chris Borich took over the lead battle, followed closely by fellow Maxxis-backed rider Chris Bithell. The trio flip-flopped for the lead throughout a majority of the two-hour race before Borich eventually set a pace that was hard to match up front.

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2013 Indianapolis Dealer Expo Report
Top new products featured in Indy

If looking at the newest tools, tires, racks or lights makes you dream of a fat tax return check, the 2013 Indianapolis Dealer Expo is the place you want to be. Of course, not everybody was able to make it to Indianapolis this past weekend, so we combed every inch of the showroom floor to bring the show to you.

The 2013 Indianapolis Dealer Expo certainly felt a little smaller this year, but we still were able to find plenty of interesting new products that should keep the off-road world happy over the coming months. Here’s a few things we’d like to put on our wish list for 2013:

New Tires From Maxxis and CST

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Guthrie Wins His Fourth King of the Hammers UTV Race
Only three of 35 UTVs finish the grueling race

Mitch Guthrie earned his fourth win at the 2013 HCR King of the Hammers UTV race in Johnson Valley, California, but it was by the slimmest of margins. He earned the win over Jon Crowley by a mere 16 seconds – impressively close considering the racers were on the course nearly eight hours.

“It feel great,” Guthrie said at the finish line. I definitely couldn’t have done it without my son. He worked his butt off. We had to winch a lot. It was tough.”

Like most teams, they weren’t without trouble during the race.

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Firearms Training With Yamaha at Gunsite Academy
The southern gentleman's tactical paradise

In the final months of 2012 Yamaha extended an invitation that to me was probably the most exciting off-road event I’d heard of in quite some time. The release of the Tactical Black versions of Yamaha’s Grizzly 700 and Rhino 700 lines would combine not only the vehicles, but also great firearms from Ruger and a facility where we could use them freely and safely – Gunsite.

Gunsite is a very well organized tactical training facility just outside Prescott, Ariz. that teaches everyday civilians, as well as law enforcement and military personnel, to become better trained in the use of combat and personal protection situations where a firearm may be useful. The courses are always packed full of fellow citizens who wish to learn to better safely handle the handgun or rifle of their choosing.

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Best ATVs and UTVs of 2012
We look at the best machines in every class

We find it hard to believe that an entire year has passed us by and we are already looking for a whole new year of incredible off-road machines and products. The last thing we ever expected to catch us off guard was the industry that we love so much, but in 2012 we lost our breath more than once – especially on the UTV side of things. The trend setters brought out off-road rigs that made the entire community do a double take.

With a new year upon us, we decided to highlight a handful of our favorite ATVs and UTVs that, in our humble opinion, stepped above grade or helpe elevate the off-road market. Though it was hard to choose just one machine as an overall winner, we managed to pick out what we thing are the best machines in each class for 2012.

ATV/UTV of the Year
Polaris RZR XP 900

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A First-Timer's Guide To ATV Racing
Getting started racing is easier than you think

I don’t know about you but where I grew up, ATVs were used for work and recreation. While I had read about all the big racing series and was familiar with all the big names in the sport, racing, and the whole ATV racing environment, was pretty foreign to me. Yeah it looked cool, but all those guys had fancy (and expensive) ATVs and they all raced in far off places like Tennessee and Alabama. How was a kid from a tiny town in Oregon supposed to find a way to get involved in ATV racing?

Well it took me a few years, but by my sophomore year of college, at the urging of my dad, I started digging for a local ATV motocross series so I could give this racing thing a try. At that point I had ridden a couple of small practice tracks so I felt comfortable on table tops and small doubles, but the notion of lining up and doing battle with other racers was very intimidating.

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Arctic Cat Hosting Wildcat Demos at Glamis

We’ve been lucky enough to flog the Arctic Cat Wildcat on some gnarly desert terrain, but not everybody has had the opportunity. If you want to get behind the wheel of this four-wheeled beast, Arctic Cat is hosting a series of Wildcat demos in Southern California’s Imperial Sand Dunes – aka Glamis.

“The new Drive Evolution Wildcat trailer display will be the epicenter of demo ride opportunities, as well as a place where Arctic Cat consumers can relax, and associated aftermarket partners can display their Arctic Cat off-road vehicles and product,” Arctic Cat says in a release.

Arctic Cat is inviting all Side x Side enthusiasts to experience a Wildcat first-hand on the following holiday weekends. More dates will be added in the future.

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Where Have All The Sport ATVs Gone?
A look at the erratic past, present and future of Sport ATVs

A quick look at the modern ATV landscape reveals quite a different picture than just a few short years ago. Before the economic crisis took a strong hold, seven manufacturers offered ‘race-ready’ 450cc Sport ATVs – most of which were new or recently updated. Since the 2009 model year only two manufacturers have even offered an updated model and several others have seemingly abandoned the class entirely.

While it may appear that the very future of this class is on shaky ground, we’re not quite that pessimistic. But before we look at what the future may hold, it makes sense to look at the recent history of Sport ATVs to see what we can learn.

In The Beginning

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Borich Wins Season Finale at Loretta Lynn's GNCC
McGuire clinches XC2 Pro Am championship

Maxxis/Yoshimura’s Chris Borich used one of his patented last-lap passes to secure the victory at Sunday’s Parts Unlimited Loretta Lynn’s GNCC finale. Borich fought his way by Ballance Racing Yamaha‘s Taylor Kiser to take over the lead and lock in his tenth win of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country season in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

It was Bowers/Coastal National Guard/Yokley Racing’s Jarrod McClure who secured the $250 Motosport.com Holeshot Award and jumped out to the early lead on the historic Loretta Lynn’s motocross track. McClure was followed by a whole slew of top runners, including JG Offroad/FRE/American Honda‘s Brian Wolf who led the pack on Lap 1. However, it didn’t take for the lead position to change once again as Walker Fowler put his Ballance Racing Yamaha machine out front next.

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How To Get Sponsors For ATV Racing
Sponsorship etiquette and things to keep in mind when approaching sponsors

As racing season draws to a close, racers and team managers are beginning to make plans for 2013. Whether you’re a first time racer or a seasoned veteran, having the right team of sponsors and supporters in your corner is essential to putting together a winning program. In a difficult economy, it’s all the more important to make yourself stand out from the crowd and show a company why you’re a worthwhile investment.

I worked for a season as the sponsorship program director for a reputable tire and wheel manufacturer. In one season I reviewed over 400 sponsorship applications ranging from first timers to multi-time national champions. I’ve seen just about every format of resume imaginable and even debated with racers as to how much they believed they were entitled to.

The important thing to keep in mind when approaching potential sponsors is that sponsorship is a business arrangement. A company that offers you any level of support by way of free product or even a discount believes that you will promote its brand and ultimately help it sell product. Yes, most companies believe in supporting the sport and for that reason will sometimes offer discounts to racers knowing full well that they aren’t getting a great deal of exposure. That is their way of promoting the growth of the sport and helping young up and comers get a jump on their racing career.

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Fowler Earns First XC1 Win at Ironman GNCC
Mother Nature made things interesting in Indiana

With nearly 10,000 spectators cheering on the four-wheeled racers at the Amsoil Ironman GNCC (Round 12 of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Championship Series), it was Ballance Racing Yamaha’s Walker Fowler who took home his first XC1 Pro class win in Crawfordsville, Iind. Heavy rains leading up to the event made for an unpredictable 11-mile course, filled with plenty of deep mud pits and rocky hill climbs, ultimately leading up to a five-way battle for the lead in the final moments of the intense two-hour race.

Indiana’s very own Craig Bowman grabbed his first $250 Motosport.com Holeshot Award of the season, leading a stacked field of competitors on the opening lap. Bowers/Coastal National Guard/Yokley Racing’s Jarrod McClure was the first to take over the lead on Lap 1, beginning a constant trade-off that would highlight at least four different leaders throughout the afternoon.

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