ITP Racing Review: 2011 GNCC Season
After thousands of laps at 13 different locations in the eastern U.S., the 2011 Grand National Cross Country Series came to a thrilling — albeit delayed — conclusion at Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. This location was originally to be round five, but diabolical weather forced a rare postponement and shift to the end of the schedule. Final celebrations may have been late in coming, but in the end there were a number of ITP riders heading for happy holidays.
Foremost Insurance/Warnert Can-Am teammates Adam McGill and Chris Bithell were consistent frontrunners all season in the premier XC1 Pro class. Implementing ITP Holeshot GNCC and QuadCross XC tires, McGill won two events and stepped onto the podium eight other times to claim an excellent second overall for the year. Bithell appeared in the top three a total of six times to finish a close fourth in the final standings.
ITP Racing Review: 2011 National MX Season
ITP was once again heavily involved in the ATV MX National Championship Series and would like to recognize the success of its top riders. The following is taken from an ITP press release.
Whether they chose ITP’s Holeshot or QuadCross lines of tires or T-9 Pro Series wheels, these riders demonstrated the talent and commitment it takes to set themselves apart from the competition.
For example, Jeffrey Rastrelli of Palm City, Florida, came out on top of an extremely hard-fought Pro Am Unlimited championship battle. He captured four overall wins in the series’ 11 events, and was in the top three at every race but one. Rastrelli also competed in the Pro Am Production class and finished the season with fourth place in the points, taking one victory and five podiums along the way.
New Sizes and Finishes for STI's HD1 Series Wheels
STI Tire & Wheel has recently added two new finishes to its lightweight HD1 Series, for a total of three choices: the original Slik-Kote has been joined by new Machined and Black options.
As well, STI is offering new sizing for those new Machined and Black HD1 wheels. First offered in the 12×7 size, those finishes have been expanded to 14×7 sizing as well. That larger size significantly widens the range of customization and performance possibilities. According to STI, this taller size provides handling and ride advantages in most conditions. All STI HD1 wheels are designed to fit most popular utility/4×4 ATVs and side-by-side UTVs.
Polaris Introduces Doors for Ranger RZR Lineup
Pure Polaris is now offering accessory doors for all two-seat Ranger RZR vehicles.
“To provide Ranger RZR 570, 800, S 800 and XP 900 owners the best in comfort, quality and style, the new doors are designed with a lightweight aluminum skin and durable steel hinges,” Polaris says in a release.
According to Polaris, the doors offer superior ergonomics and increased protection from mud and debris. Compared to competitive doors that can take hours to install, Polaris boasts that the Pure Polaris doors take less than 45 minutes, with no cutting, drilling or welding of the chassis. For a more complete look, the brushed aluminum finish complements Pure Polaris’ aluminum accessories, and the doors fit with all Pure Polaris products.
STI Offering 2+5 Offset on HD2se Wheels for Polaris Owners
STI is now offering the 12×7 HD2se wheel in a unique 2+5 offset, which addresses several tire and wheel issues for Polaris owners. No other aftermarket wheel is currently available in these dimensions.
STI says Polaris ATV riders have found that it’s difficult to use a front tire wider than nine inches. A tire that’s 10 inches wide or more will cause clearance problems and rub the chassis on the inside. The STI HD2se 2+5 wheel allows the use of wider tires, often the desired setup for mud riders. A set of these wheels also widens the stance by six inches over stock, adding lateral stability without the need for spacers.
Polaris RZR owners will benefit from this wheel as well. Many aftermarket wheels create clearance issues with the right rear engine mount.
Holz Racing Unveils Three New RZR XP Upgrades
Holz Racing Products has introduced three new bolt-on upgrades for the Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900. According to HRP, each new product features 4130 chromoly steel construction and OEM-like fit and finish.
The EZ-Steer A-Arm Kit ($899.95) for the Polaris RZR-XP 900 is designed to improve front suspension geometry while greatly reducing steering effort.
“With enhanced handling and steering geometry, it’s like having power steering, without the extra weight and higher cost of the power steering,” Holz Racing Products says in a release.
EZ-Steer A-Arm Kit Features:
– Made in the USA using tig welded 4130 chromoly steel
– Improved steering and handling performance
– Less steering effort = Less fatigue on the driver and steering components
– Superior material and craftsmanship = More durable than the stock components
– Stock Replacement arms accept all of the stock hardware and stock length shocks
STI Releases Wheel Solution for Polaris RZR
Many off-road recreation areas and land management agencies currently limit vehicle width to 50 inches or less. This can present a problem for Polaris Ranger RZR 800 and 570 side-by-side UTV owners. Although these models meet the 50-inch-maximum trail restrictions as they come from the factory, STI says that no aftermarket wheels have been available to maintain that narrow legal width until now.
STI is now offering a new “Polaris 50-Inch Trail Legal” wheel alternative that utilizes a 6+1 offset to keep the standard RZR 800 and 570 to within 50-inch allowable limits. This 6+1 STI HD2 is available in 12×7 and 14×7 sizes with the Polaris 4/156 bolt pattern. According to STI, no other aftermarket wheel is offered in these specifications.
This same wheel will also benefit owners of Polaris Sportsman XP 850 and 550 ATVs. STI says it’s the only aftermarket option that keeps these models close to OEM dimensions (adding just two inches to overall width), which still provides plenty of clearance for most aftermarket tires and keeps them tucked in under the fenders to maintain good splash protection.
STI says its new wheel features a durable matte black finish with bright machined accents, topped with a tough matte clear coat. Like all STI HD Alloy series wheels, the HD2 comes with a lifetime structural warranty, made possible by he HD2’s unique inner and outer heavy-duty wheel lip reinforcement. The HD2 boasts load ratings of 700 lb. for the 12-inch size and 800 lb. for the 14-inch size. A matching HD logo wheel cap is included with every wheel.
GBC Gives Away First Set of Bomb Squad MX Tires
STI Releases New Vortex V-Roll Line of Sand Tires
STI Tire & Wheel boasts that it is transforming sand tire technology with the introduction of the all-new Vortex V-Roll line of tires.
“The Vortex V-Roll is a game changer for owners of large displacement UTVs,” STI says in a release. “Designed specifically for big-bore side-by-sides, this tire delivers the high performance needed for heavier, high-horsepower applications.”
This lightweight, 4-ply tire is being introduced in a 27×11-14 front and a 27×14-14 rear. By mounting on a 14-inch wheel, STI says the result is a super-wide, high-flotation footprint that keeps the machine on top of the sand instead sinking in. Also, this tire was designed to achieve a very low-profile sidewall to enhance handling by minimizing tire flex and lateral roll. According to STI, the sizing ensures proper front and rear brake clearance for all popular UTV applications.
Arctic Cat Releases Host of New ATV and UTV Accessories
Arctic Cat has releases four new products to keep your ATVs and Prowlers looking and performing their best. New ATV windshields, plow kit, cargo box lift and custom wheels are available at most Arctic Cat dealerships and online at Store.ArcticCat.com.
Windguard Windshields
Protect yourself from the elements with a new Windguard Windshield from Arctic Cat. Made from polycarbonate with lightweight aluminum brackets, the Windguard Windshield features a dust management system whereby negative pressure behind the shield reduces dust from swirling in the rider’s face. It also has a built-in beverage holder and is available in clear, or clear with either black or red accents. Windguard Windshields attache/detache to the handlebars in 10 seconds, with no tools necessary and fit most full-sized, 1996-newer Arctic Cat ATVs. The MSRP of the Windguard Windshield is US$179.95/C$209.95.
STI Unveils Two Special Edition Wheels
STI Tire & Wheel’s stylish HD Alloy wheel line has gotten longer with the introduction of the HD2se.
This HD2se (special edition) comes in two new finishes. One is a gloss black with bright machined accents, topped with a tough clear coat. The other is the HD2se iChrome, produced with four layers of an iridescent paint to give the wheel what STI call a “liquid chrome” appearance. According to STI, the iChrome subtly changes coloration and shading depending on lighting and viewing angle. Matching HD logo wheel caps are included with both of these wheels.
Creamer Takes Over NEATV-MX Pro Points Lead
Motoworks / Can-Am pro ATV racer Josh Creamer won both pro motos aboard his DS 450 ATV at round 10 of the 2011 New England ATV Motocross Series to take over the Pro class points lead. Creamer put together two come-from-behind rides winning the mud-filled first moto and also the second Pro moto to post his fifth overall victory of the season, pushing his class points lead to 10 with only two rounds remaining.
“Creamer may not have gotten off to a good start in the motos, but he displayed the composure of a true champion as he rallied in the mud to notch two moto wins, take the overall victory and the overall Pro class points lead. Josh has won three straight races now and he definitely has his Can-Am dialed in,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am.
The first Pro class moto was delayed close to an hour as lightning and thunderstorms engulfed the Hurricane Hills motocross park in Clifford, Pa. The track was left a water-logged mess, but the Pro class took to the line in spite of the conditions. Creamer was the last pro off the line, but quickly found his way into the top three. After passing into second, Creamer then followed early moto leader, BCS Performance / Can-Am DS 450 racer Cody Miller, for a couple of laps before taking the lead and the win.
A missed shift put Creamer to the back of the class at the start of the second moto, however, Creamer pushed his DS 450 into the top three, again, and soon passed his way into second place. He then passed for the lead later in the moto and held on for another overall victory and his fourth win the last five rounds of racing.
“The weather was horrible. There was a torrential downpour and lots of lightning before we were supposed to start lining up and they had to delay the race for an hour until it cleared. That made the track really muddy for the first pro moto,” says Creamer.
ITP Adds to Delta Series of Steel Wheels
Owners of Yamaha Grizzly ATVs now have more options when it comes time for wheel replacement. ITP has just added two more choices to its Delta Series line of steel wheels, designed specifically for the 2007-2012 Grizzly 550 and 700. Until now, steel wheels were not available anywhere for these models.
ITP’s Delta Series steel wheels are made in the USA and feature a lightweight D-window center. ITP says the Delta Series combines a high strength center with precision rolled rims to produce wheels that are 35% stronger than OEM wheels.
Kolpin Outdoors Buys Cycle Country ATV Accessories Division
Polaris Introduces PS-4 Extreme Duty 4-Cycle Engine Oil
FLY Racing Unveils 2012 Collection
FLY Racing has unveiled its 2012 lineup of racewear, helmets, protective products and casual wear.
You can check out the 2012 Evolution Racewear, Kinetic Racewear, Kinetic Girl’s Racewear and F-16 Racewear below.
Polaris Unveils New Line of Fuel Additives
Polaris has just introduced a new line of fuel additives designed to protect your ATV from modern Ethanol blended fuels.
According to Polaris, it is critical to treat the fuel used in vehicles that see limited or intermittent use (like many ATVs) with a fuel stabilizer and carbon clean.
“Polaris Fuel Stabilizer and Carbon Clean are designed and tested by the engineers at Polaris Industries to address the negative effects of today’s fuels as well as prevent fuel degradation in all Polaris vehicles,” Polaris says in a release.
Fuel Stabilizer- Ethanol-blended fuels such as E10 are more likely to contain water and can start to go bad as soon as they enter your fuel tank. With vehicles that see limited or intermittent use the moisture content in fuel can surpass the fuel’s ability to hold the water. When this happens, water will separate and pool in the lowest parts of the fuel system resulting in problems such as hard starting, no starting and corrosion. Polaris Fuel Stabilizer addresses the negative aspects of this process known as phase separation. In short, Polaris says using its Fuel Stabilizer is an inexpensive way to protect your Polaris vehicles.
ITP Riders Find Success at Snowshoe GNCC
For the second time this year, ITP-mounted Adam McGill and Chris Bithell finished 1-2 in a Grand National Cross Country Series event. The Foremost Insurance/Warnert Can-Am teammates topped the Snowshoe GNCC, round eight of the 2011 series at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, some 4,800 feet high in the hills of West Virginia.
It was a big payday for McGill, as the Snowshoe GNCC rewards the winner an eye-popping $5,000 (the largest purse on the circuit). The win also moved McGill into close contention for the series championship with five events remaining on the 2011 schedule. Bithell holds third in the XC1 Pro class standings.
The key moment in the wet and sloppy race came on the last lap when McGill turned risk into reward by blasting directly through one of the many challenging mudholes while leader Bithell chose a more conservative route. McGill kept his momentum from there and finished the four-lap, two-hour race just 14 seconds ahead of Bithell. Both riders chose ITP’s Holeshot GNCC tires for the front of their Can-Am DS 450s, and ITP’s QuadCross XC tires for the rear.
Holz Releases Quick Release Fire Extinguisher Mount
PRP Seats Offers Cash Back to King of the Hammers Winner
MX Vs. ATV: Alive Trailer [video]
New Book Details Southern Nevada Off-Road Trails
Ringing slot machines, elaborate, star-studded shows, and glamorous hotels may come to mind when you first think of Nevada, but the state has a bounty of riches to be found outside of the city centers. Discover Adler Publishing’s latest release Nevada Trails Southern Region ($24.95), and explore Nevada’s amazing backcountry.
Skirt a section of the Nellis Air Force Range, the 3.1-million-acre, government-owned site that encompasses Area 51, the Nevada Test Site, and Yucca Mountain. View wild horses in their natural habitat. Enjoy a drink in the Santa Fe Saloon, a historic watering hole located in the old mining town of Goldfield. Explore the ruins of southern Nevada’s many ghost towns. Travel through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and enjoy stunning views on the shore of the lake, south of the awe-inspiring Hoover Dam.
This book includes 44 of southern Nevada’s most scenic routes and best off-road trails, located near the towns of Las Vegas, Laughlin, Tonopah, Goldfield, Beatty, and Pahrump. Each trail includes a fascinating history of notable Nevada places and residents, with a focus on the state’s boom and bust mining days. Hundreds of color photos help bring the trail to life, while numerous historical photos allow you to compare today’s landscape with that of the past.
Can You Fill a Flat Tire From Your Exhaust Pipe?
Yamaha Offers Free One Industries Graphics Kit Promotion
Yamaha is rolling out an industry-first promotion with One Industries to give new buyers in select states the opportunity to order a free customizable graphics kit. For now, anyone in Arizona, California, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington who buys a new Raptor 700, YFZ450R, YFZ450X or Raptor 250 model ATV can order this free kit here.
There are seven unique kits available for each model in different colors, styles and designs. Riders even have the option to customize their own kit by adding their name or race number. Photos of the kits and more information about this limited time promotion can be found here.
“Yamaha sport ATV customers now have a new option to customize their rides with an exclusive One Industries design,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV/SxS marketing manager. “As the leader in the sport ATV market, Yamaha is always looking for innovative ways to offer our customers something different. This new promotion with One gives Yamaha riders an exclusive, free option not offered anywhere else.”
More information and photos are can be found below the jump.
Pro Armor's "A Day in the Life" Promo [video]
Aftermarket Opens for Can-Am Commander
The aftermarket for side-by-sides is absolutely massive and obsessed with improving performance and adding style to the latest and greatest UTVs. These companies were waiting with baited breath for the new Can-Am Commander, so when it was unveiled in June we knew it wouldn’t take long before we started seeing products. After all, this was perhaps the most anticipated and long awaited performance UTV ever.
We can’t possibly keep track of every aftermarket company, but the first one notify us about a Commander-specific product is Holz Racing Products, who unveiled a new long travel suspension kit for Can-Am’s side-by-side.
Though Holz isn’t quite ready for its long travel kit to hit dealerships, it has given interested early Commander buyers a first look.
Pedal Powered Side-by-Side [video]
Inventor Greg Fisher designed a two-person, pedal powered, four wheeler called the Quadracycle.
At first glance it looks like a glorified bicycle, but a video demo (available after the jump) of the Quadracycle shows it is capable of some modest off-roading.
Both driver and passenger have pedal systems which, in addition to a small electric motor, allow the Quadracycle to travel fairly quickly and over small rocks and other moderate obstacles. The Quadracycle seems like it would be a little tippy and prone to rollovers if you’re not watching what you’re doing, but the same can be said for some ATVs and UTVs we’ve seen.
MIT Student Develops Off-Road Wheelchair [video]
Even though we’re an ATV web site, just about all things off-road are of interest to us. One thing we saw that we were eager to share was a new off-road wheelchair.
With the goal of providing affordable transportation to disabled people in developing countries, MIT PhD student, Amos Winter developed what he calls the Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC). Check out two videos of the LFC below the jump.
Traditional wheelchairs are at their best on paved surfaces or indoors, but they are not meant for much off-road use. Unfortunately, many people in developing countries who need a wheelchair don’t live anywhere near paved roads, so they have to travel over dirt roads and other obstacles that just aren’t passable with a normal wheelchair.
2010 Indy Dealer Expo ATVs and UTVs
The Indianapolis Dealer Expo is the industry’s largest ATV trade show. Search around and you’ll find all the latest and greatest aftermarket accessories for ATVs and UTVs. It’s an off-road tuner’s paradise.
Instead of merely showing you their latest products by themselves, most of the aftermarket manufacturers instead choose to display their wares by incorporating them into the vehicles they are designed for. What this means is the Dealer Expo is a fantastic showcase for project quads.
We decided to compile a photo gallery of all the best sport quads, utility quads and side-by-sides we could find at the Expo. Some are actual race vehicles from events like the Baja 1000 or National ATV motocross championships, while others are brand new units outfitted with the cool products found at the show.
You’ll find a handful of photos after the jump, but for the Full Monty you’ll have to visit our photo gallery.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: DragonFire Racing Beadlock Wheel
DragonFire Racing has been producing some of the top ATV and UTV performance accessories for years, but it wasn’t until the 2010 Indy Dealer Expo that the Arizona-based company launched its first wheel.
DragonFire’s new aluminum beadlock wheel was completed just before the show so there was no press material of any kind available, but the rep we talked to was quite excited about it. Expect the wheel to come in sizes to fit both ATVs and side-by-sides.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Mattracks LiteFoot XL
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Kali Prana Carbon Helmet
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Utopia Optics Goggles
Dealer Expo Spotlight: O-Liminator
Dealer Expo Spotlight: CTEK Piglet
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Houser Racing Suspension Nerf Bars
Houser Racing unveiled an entirely new lineup of aluminum accessories at the Indy Dealer Expo. Perhaps the most popular ATV-related product of the entire show is Houser’s new “Suspension” Nerf Bars.
The most groundbreaking part of these nerf bars is the foot peg, which is where the “suspension” comes from. It works similar to a swing arm with a rubber isolated pivot point and replaceable cushion ball that is pre-load adjustable. The pegs are made of TIG welded Chromoly with end caps that are attached with air craft grade rivets. We can’t say enough how cool we think this peg is and how popular we think this nerf bar system is going to be.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Blingstar Heel Guard With Flex Joint
Blingstar always has eye-catching ATV accessories and its display at this year’s Indy Dealer Expo was no exception. However, the product we were most impressed with this year is also brilliant in its functionality.
Blingstar redesigned its popular heel guard for 2010 to include an anti-vibration flexible joint. The patent pending Flex Joint System, according to Blingstar, helps prevent breaking and stress cracks caused by extreme racing conditions.
The Heel Guard with Flex Joint System comes with a carbon fiber heel plate with a replaceable net system and is constructed of durable 6061 T1 aluminum.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Precision Shock & Vibe Clamp
The latest fatigue-reducing accessory from Precision Racing Products was released at the Indy Dealer Expo – the Shock & Vibe Handlebar Clamp.
The Shock & Vibe looks as simple as can be – it is a handlebar clamp after all – but Precision says it dampens several times the vibration of an anti-vibe stem. Instead of the handlebar having direct contact with metal like on a typical clamp, it is surrounded by a rubber insert.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: ProCharger Supercharger
ProCharger wants to make your side-by-side go faster…a lot faster. The Kansas-based company plans to do this with its new intercooled, supercharger that is currently available for 800 EFI Polaris Ranger models.
ProCharger’s system utilizes what it calls the industry’s smallest, self-contained gear driven supercharger – the ProCharger A-1. The supercharger kits also include an air-to-air intercooler. Combined with the supercharger, the intercooler helps to provide the engine with huge performance gains.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Warn XT HID Lights
Warn had a lot of new products on display at the Dealer Expo. Though generally associated with winches, we were really impressed with Warn’s new Extreme Terrain (XT) HID lights.
Available in four inch (for a wide blast of light) or two inch (narrow, intense beam), the XT HID lights are shockingly powerful when you accidently catch a blast in your eyes.
The XT HID lights feature forged aluminum housings, impact-resistant glass, stainless steel hardware, and silicone seals to stand up to all sorts of abuse. They will easily mount on bumpers, light bars or right on the handlebar.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Laeger's High Roller Front End
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Cycle Country Hook-A-Lift
Dealer Expo Spotlight: RideTech ShockWave
We had to look outside the main hall at the Indy Dealer Expo, but we found an interesting new suspension for side-by-sides from RideTech Air Ride Technologies.
The system is called ShockWave and it replaces the factory shock and coil springs with aluminum mono-tube shocks and sleeve style air-spring.
The ShockWave system offers seven inches of travel, adjustable spring rates, and the ability to level the vehicle when loaded and maintain a specific ride height. A control unit accessible in the cab can raise and lower the front or rear shocks at the push of a button.
Dealer Expo Spotlight: Kolpin PowerPod
Dealer Expo Spotlight: HiPer PROFill System
Long known as one of the top ATV wheel manufacturers in the industry, HiPer Technology has expanded to flat prevention.
HiPer debuted its new PROFill flat prevention system at the Indy Dealer Expo and this could be the ATV product to watch in 2010.
The engineers at HiPer have been working on the PROFill system for more than a year. The system is made up of foam inserts, but unlike other flat prevention systems, the PROFill system won’t absorb water and is very light weight. According to HiPer, the system also provides improved cornering by eliminating chatter and vibration.