The Polaris Ranger RZR continued its winning ways by sweeping the podium at Pit Bull Tires King of the Hammers race. With a field double the size of last year’s, and five manufacturers represented, the RZR dominated the 58-mile race that featured a variety of terrain including flat lake beds, steep rocky canyons, and brutally-rough desert sections.

First place went to defending champion and solo racer, Mitch Guthrie. Guthrie piloted his No. 555 Ranger RZR across the finish line ahead of Ranger RZR No. 11 piloted by Kyle Knosp. In third, was Brandon Schueler with the No. 1919 Jagged X/Polaris Racing rock Ranger RZR that was featured on the TV show, Destination Polaris.

King of the Hammers is a week full of off-road fun that continues to grow each year with spectators and competitors coming from all over the world. The King of the Hammers Side-by-Side race took place on Thursday, February 11, the day before the full-size buggy main event.

Yamaha has announced plans to transfer all of its ATV production currently in Japan to the United States. Production will be integrated into Yamaha’s manufacturing plant in Newnan, Ga.

One of the goals of the transfer is to allow Yamaha to respond to market needs more quickly by maximizing production in the United States, the country with the largest demand for ATVs

“We are pleased to have this additional ATV production transitioning to YMMC in Newnan, Georgia,” says Mike Martinez, general manager of ATV & SxS Operations, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. “We expect this transition to have a positive impact on the local economic community and provide worldwide recognition for our state-of-the-art facility and its ability to produce durable and reliable off-road vehicles.”

HCR Racing has announced that it will be a contender in what’s referred to as “The Toughest One-Day Off-Road Race On The Planet, the King of the Hammers on Feb. 8-13th.”

HCR Racing is out to prove the quality of its products by racing an Arctic Cat Prowler XTZ only equipped with HCR Racing’s 6+ long travel suspension and the minimum safety requirements provided as bolt-on products from HCR Racing and On Track Fab. The Prowler will be driven by Damon Cardone from HCR Racing and Nick Bulloch.

Last year was the inaugural year for UTVs racing the King of the Hammers, and every one of the UTVs that entered were highly modified racing vehicles. After seeing the punishment last year’s racers received, finishing with only HCR’s long travel suspension is certainly a challenge.

Team Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATV racer Chad Wienen is the inaugural Pro-class World MX Racing Champion after the final weekend of racing for the series. This after the Team Motoworks / Can-Am semi-truck carrying Wienen’s race ATV and all the team’s equipment caught fire on the way to the Anza, Calif. track a day before the final two rounds were set to start. After working all night Friday to prep another DS 450, the race team was ready to battle hard for the championship.

“I arrived at the scene minutes after the fire was extinguished. What I saw was devastating; thank the Lord no one was injured. To see the Motoworks team rally together like they did and overcome all the adversity thrown at them this weekend was impressive,” says Jimmie O’Dell, racing manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “This type of perseverance is of what championship teams are made. Congratulations to Chad and the entire Motoworks organization on their championship win.”

“It was pretty nerve-wracking with the rig catching on fire and the bikes getting destroyed,” says Wienen. “I think the worst part of it was for the crew because they put so much work into everything they do. They felt really prepared going into this last round and to have something like this happen was really heartbreaking for everyone. But my mechanic Ryan Cox and the rest of the team are the best and they came through and worked almost all night to make sure that I would be able to race; I really have to thank those guys for all their hard work.”

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has announced its 2010 ATV race teams. Returning to defend Yamaha’s 2009 Manufacturer’s Cup in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series are Bill Ballance, Traci Cecco, Brandon Sommers, Taylor Kiser and Walker Fowler. In the motocross world, Thomas Brown will compete in the ATVA/AMA National Motocross pro series, and Dustin Nelson returns to defend his Yamaha/ITP QuadCross Championship while also competing in the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS).

“This is the first full year of racing for the YFZ450X, and the YFZ450R returns to defend its crown after taking an MX championship in 2009,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV marketing manager. “We are proud to support the sport of ATV racing in its many venues. It will be exciting to see these teams and the two high-performance YFZs battle it out in their respective off-road environments.”

Yamaha’s 2010 ATV Race Teams include:

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) is calling on enthusiasts and industry representatives to submit comments by March 15, 2010 in response to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed mandatory standards for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs), also known as side-by-sides and UTVs.

ROHVA previously expressed disappointment with CPSC’s October 2009 vote to issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) for mandatory ROV standards. ROHVA believes this action is premature because an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process to develop standards for ROVs had long been underway. Since that time, the process has been completed and the proposed ANSI standard is under final review. Components of the standard include protective gear requirements, a certified roll-over protective structure, a minimum of three point seatbelts for each seating position, and multiple lateral stability criteria.

KTM has more than doubled its 2009 contingency payout for the 2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country season. Last year, KTM offered up $136,750 in contingency for bike and ATV classes but for 2010, KTM is offering $280,800.

“KTM understands that economic times are tough and riders can use every bit of help to keep their bikes properly maintained for race day,” says FMF/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen. “That is why KTM has decided to increase the contingency payouts in the off-road series while also expanding the amount of motocross events on the schedule. We are excited about this news and hope that the KTM riders will be equally pleased.”

For ATVs, KTM is offering $3,000 for the XC1 Pro winner, followed by $1,500 for second, and $750 for third for all 13 rounds. For the XC2 Pro class winner $1,500 will be awarded, followed by $800 for second and $400 for third. KTM is also paying out in a variety of amateur classes.

According to the American Motorcyclist Association, many off-highway motorized trails in America’s national forests could deteriorate dramatically or even disappear under the new federal budget for 2011 proposed by President Barack Obama to Congress on Feb. 1.

Under the proposal, which must by accepted by Congress before it becomes law, funding for the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Capital Improvement and Maintenance (CIM) program would be slashed by $100 million from the $538 million appropriated for the current fiscal year, which began October 1, to $438 million for the next fiscal year.

“This could be disastrous for off-highway motorcycle riders because CIM program money is used for the improvement, maintenance and operation of U.S. Forest Service roads, trails and recreational support,” says Ed Moreland, the AMA’s vice president for government relations.

Moreland notes that in explaining the reduction, President Obama’s administration says that it wants to focus the Forest Service on “road decommissioning, erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration.”

“Very little of the proposed CIM budget supports trail-building or maintenance,” Moreland said. “This is another way to limit trail-riding opportunities for families, the disabled and others who enjoy the beauty of our federal lands on motorized vehicles.
“The truth is that underfunded forest managers will find it more expedient to close trails rather than maintain them with this plan,” says Moreland. “Proper funding of maintenance programs are crucial to the administration’s stated goals of erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration.”

The administration’s budget proposal is also disturbing because it comes at a time when the Forest Service is creating a new planning rule to manage the 193 million acres it controls nationwide. The Forest Service says it is starting the process guided by the principles of restoration, conservation and protection of ecosystems. This proposal could shut out off-highway riding.

The AMA strongly advises its members and all other off-highway vehicle riders to contact their federal elected officials and urge them to oppose any cut in the U.S. Agriculture Department’s capital improvement and maintenance budget.
Contact information for all federally elected officials can be found on the AMA’s official web site. Just enter a zip code in the “Find your Officials” box. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available to send to federal elected officials immediately by following the “Take Action” option.

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its OHV (off-highway vehicle) Access Initiative, GRANTed (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nations Trails) more than $80,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009.This brings the program’s year-end funding total to more than $685,000 and two-year total to more than $1.3 million in support of the OHV community nationwide.

“Yamaha is proud of the OHV Access Initiative’s success reaching riding areas across the country and promoting safe, responsible recreation,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/SxS Group marketing manager. “While we’ve enjoyed great progress the past two years, we’re most excited about the future of the program as we meet the continuing and expanding need for OHV support. Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative will continue to provide essential resources to OHV riding clubs, state associations and public land management agencies at local, state and federal levels for years to come.”

The 2010 Access Initiative GRANT schedule is now available here along with the application form and guidelines. The 2010 GRANT submission deadlines are:

• Q1 Submission Deadline: March 31, 2010
• Q2 Submission Deadline: June 30, 2010
• Q3 Submission Deadline: September 30, 2010
• Q4 Submission Deadline: December 3, 2010

Polaris comes into the 2010 race season with teams competing in the Grand National Cross Country series (GNCC), World Off Road Championship series (WORCS), ATVA Motocross National (AMA), Best in the Desert (BITD), TORC, MS4X, LUCAS and Mud racing. Polaris also will continue to offer its race contingency program.

“We continue to be committed to ATV and Side-by-Side racing and are excited for another successful year,” says Eric Nault, product and race manager for Polaris’ ORV division. “2009 was a great year for us with Ranger RZR’s continued racing successes, new milestones with the Outlaw 450 MXR and a solid finish for the Sportsman XP in its first full year of racing. We look to continue the momentum into 2010.”

Rath Racing

Teixeira Tech has introduced a new gusset kit for the Yamaha Raptor 250.

Retailing for $120.00, the 34-piece gusset kit, according to Teixeira Tech, hits all the necessary stress points and adds an additional motor mount for more strength.

Teixeira Tech gusset kits are cut using a CNC Waterjet machine for the utmost in precision and accuracy. Waterjets do not generate heat thus there is no distortion to the metal.

For more information, visit TeixeiraTech.com.

Motowoz Performance Systems is the presenting sponsor for the inaugural 2010 Grand National Championship ATV Spring National held at Oak Hill MX in Decatur, Texas. Held Feb. 26-28, the event is open to all riders of all skill sets.

“I have known the track owners, Jeff and Dawn Oldenburg, for years and I am excited for this opportunity,” says Motowoz Owner Jim Jaworski. “Oak Hill MX is a world-class facility. Jeff and Dawn are exceptionally organized and do an excellent job of track maintenance and promoting.”

“We’ve known Jim for years through the ATV scene in Minnesota,” says Jeff Oldenburg. “We appreciate his level of commitment for this sport and know he produces quality products. It’s great to have him on board.”

Polaris Industries Inc. today announced its acquisition of swissauto Powersports. Based in Burgdorf, Switzerland, swissauto has expertise in designing and developing high-performance and high-efficiency engines and innovative vehicles. According to Polaris, the acquisition will further strengthen the company’s global engine and vehicle design capability while also enhancing Polaris’ European presence.

Founded in 1987, swissauto’s core capabilities are in development, prototyping and manufacturing of internal combustion engines. Polaris has a long history of working with swissauto. The high-performance, four-stroke Weber engine that Polaris uses in several current snowmobile models was developed by swissauto.

In addition to recreational vehicle engines, swissauto also has a strong tradition of developing top-tier racing engines for World Motorcycle GP. The company’s V4 2-stroke 500 cc engine drove 29 wins, 41 Poles and 3 World Championships during the 1990s. A completely new racing bike was also developed by swissauto and competed aggressively against larger Japanese OEMs during the late 1990s. This bike achieved the pole position twice during it’s first season of racing and ranked in the top ten several times.

“Swissauto has industry leading powertrain design and development capabilities and a strong understanding of turbo-charging and high-performance engines,” says Polaris Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wine. “This acquisition directly supports our stated objectives to be the best in powersports and a global market leader.”

Polaris acquired the powersports portion of swissauto and will continue to operate in the current swissauto facility located in Burgdorf, Switzerland. The automotive division of swissauto was not involved in this acquisition and will continue to operate autonomously.

In 2010, BRP’s Can-Am ATV racers will be out in force competing on race tracks across North America.

Looking to build on the 2009 multi-championship success, BRP is pledging support to various race-team partners and more than 20 factory-supported racers in the Can-Am X-Team support program. In all, more than 30 racers will have some level of factory backing as they compete in all the major national and regional ATV-racing series in North America.

“At BRP, every product we develop sees benefit from successes on the race track,” says Denis Morin, vice-president, Product development & Racing. “Last year marked the most successful ATV-racing season for Can-Am with seven Pro and amateur overall championships. With multiple riders receiving support from BRP once again this season, we are confident to bring home more championships than ever before.”

Team Warnert Racing / Can-Am

A report released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC 2008 Annual Report of ATV Deaths and Injuries”) shows a continuation of the decline in fatalities and injuries associated with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use. According to the CPSC, total ATV-related injuries in 2008 decreased 10 percent from 2007, with injuries to children under 16 declining six percent.

CPSC also reported that the risk of injury per 10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use declined by 15 percent from 2007 to 2008. This is the seventh straight year that injury risk for ATV riders has decreased, and it is now lower than at any time since CPSC began calculating this injury risk in 1985. Four-wheel ATVs have become increasingly popular with an increase of more than 300% since 1998 in the number of vehicles in use to over 10 million.

“The CPSC report again shows that the commitment of the member companies of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) to rider education, parental supervision, and state legislation is working,” says Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, SVIA. “Since 1984, the major manufacturers and distributors of ATVs in the United States have worked closely with the CPSC to implement ongoing safety initiatives.”

With rain inundating the desert southwest for most of the leading days to the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) opening round at Speedworld MX Park near Phoenix, Ariz.; it appeared the race would be a muddy mess. However, the rain stopped just in time to limit the mud and actually enhanced the race course. In the end, Team Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATV racer Josh Frederick was able to finish second in the pro class, while his teammate, Dillon Zimmerman was fifth.

“I plan to stay consistent and put the Can-Am back on the podium at round two,” says Frederick. “I’ve been training hard because I really want to win back that championship this year.”

“Team Motoworks / Can-Am team is hungry to win back the WORCS championship and Josh’s strong second place finish is a good start to that goal,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Racing Manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “It is nice to get this first race out of the way and now we can concentrate on consistent finishes by all the racers on the team this season.”

The Best in the Desert “Parker 250” was the inaugural ATV race of the 2010 for Christy’s Racing. Veteran team member Dave Scott has been joined by young-gun Cody Mitchell to contest the Pro Quad class.

Getting off to a fantastic start, the team piloted the Duncan Racing powered TRX-450r to a second place finish. Although this year’s course included lots of pace-slowing challenges, Dave and Cody managed to cross the finish line physically in first place, but eventually settled into second on corrected time when race winner Josh Frederick arrived a few minutes later.

“It was great to have such a smooth first race, we showed up, added race gas and went for it” says Dave Scott. “We are really looking forward to the rest of the season”

ATV enthusiasts looking to add power and power and performance without breaking the bank should check out the latest Big Gun exhaust.

Big Gun’s new ECO System Exhaust, according to the company, delivers improved performance, power, and sound for a lot less money than you’d expect to pay. The ECO slip-on exhaust retails for just $239.99 and includes a six-month warranty.

Features & Benefits
• Economically priced high quality Slip-On exhaust system
• Quiet 96db’s track and trail legal (with Vortex quiet insert #41-E0053 sold separately)
• USFS forestry approved screen type removable spark arrestor included
• Tig welded stainless steel pipe construction
• 6061 Brushed aluminum muffler housing
• Brushed stainless steel muffler tip
• Slip fit mid pipe design allows movement of the sub frame and prevents breaking of muffler brackets
• 6 Horsepower increase on most models
• 6 Month Big Gun warranty
• High quality and performance
• Made in the USA
• Available for all popular Sport & Utility ATVs

BRP has announced the roster of Team Warnert Racing / Can-Am, which will compete during the 2010 Grand National Cross Country race series. Team Warnert Racing / Can-Am looks to build upon a successful 2009 GNCC season that saw four GNCC championships, including a perfect season (13 races, 13 wins) in the 4×4 Limited class. Race-prepped Can-Am Outlander 800R EFI XT, Can-Am Renegade 800R EFI X xc and Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATVs will race out of the Warnert Racing hauler next season at all 13 stops of the GNCC series.

“Our partnership with Warnert Racing has produced multiple championships for the past several years and we are happy to continue that partnership for 2010 and beyond,” says Denis Morin, Vice President Product Development and Racing at BRP. “Next GNCC season will be an exciting one for everyone here at BRP and on the Warnert Racing / Can-Am GNCC team.”

A total of seven racers will contest the 2010 GNCC season for Team Warnert Racing/ Can-Am and each of the team members have been working hard during the off-season to be ready to go when the opener rolls around in March.

“For this year, we’ve put together an impressive team of off-road racers who are all more than capable of showcasing the abilities of our Can-Am ATV line-up out on the challenging GNCC courses. We are expecting multiple championships again next year from our Warnert Racing riders and crew,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Racing Manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP.

2010 Warnert Racing / Can-Am Roster:

The tandem of Josh Frederick and Dillon Zimmerman finished ahead of all other Quad Pro class competitors, racing a Team Motoworks-prepped Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATV at the Best In The Desert Parker 250 desert race.

Cutting across the desert at breakneck speed, the riders quickly established themselves as the team to beat during the three laps of the 83-mile loop. Frederick and Zimmerman finished the race in just over five hours, nearly two minutes ahead of second place.

“The Motoworks team was testing different setting, using the Parker 250 as a tune-up race for the upcoming WORCS series,” says Jimmie O’Dell, Racing Manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “So it was icing on the cake to get the big win for the DS 450! Josh and Dillon rode a blistering pace and we are encouraged with the great start to the 2010 season.”

Frederick is no stranger to success in desert racing, as he was the Best In The Desert Quad Pro champion in 2005. His teammate, Zimmerman, is a relative newcomer to pure desert racing, but has quickly established himself as a young talent in the ATV racing world.

Bryan Buckhannon, who regularly races the Grand National Cross Country Series back east, took to the desert aboard a Can-Am Outlander 800R EFI ATV with teammate Richard Goforth. The two riders raced to the Quad Amateur win and finished the race 10 minutes ahead of second place in the class.

The next race for the two Motoworks riders will be the WORCS opener January 24 near Phoenix, Ariz. Both riders are also racing the DWT World MX Racing Championship with the final two rounds February 6 and 7 near Anza, Calif. Buckhannon will race the 2010 GNCC opener on February 28 in Florida.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2010 schedule, the 2010 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, visit Can-AmXTeam.com.

Related Reading
BRP offers up $1.6 million in 2010 ATV contingency
2009 Can-Am DS 450 Review

Coming off its third Best in the Desert Championship for the 2009 season, Jagged X started 2010 with a bang, taking the checkered flag at “Epic Racing Products Parker 250.”

The starting line was crowded with 17 side-by-sides lined up with the Jagged X No. 1919 Ranger RZR starting in fifth position. Fighting the early morning sun and thick dust Brandon Schueler was able to work his way to the front of the pack and hold off the huge field to cross the finish line first, more than four minutes ahead of the next racer. Ranger RZRs dominated the field finishing first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth.

“This race marked the 21st consecutive finish for Jagged X and Polaris proving once again that Ranger RZR is the hardest working, smoothest riding and hardest racing side-by-sides in the world,” says Bill Schueler of Jagged X. “We want to thank all the people and sponsors that help us to make our racing program what it is.”

Pro Armor, an industry leader for protection products that cover sport ATVs and side-by-side vehicles, has announced a lineup of protection products for utility ATVs.

“The first vehicle that we will make sure you are covered on is the Yamaha Grizzly,” Pro Armor says in a release.

Grizzly owners can now protect their ATVs with Pro Armor front A-arm guards ($104.95), rear A-arm guards ($119.95), front skid plate ($114.95), mid skid plate ($103.95), and rear skid plate ($102.95), all available in a brushed aluminum finish.

Features
* Made from high quality durable aluminum
* Direct bolt on, no drilling
* Recessed mounting holes
* All high quality zinc plated hardware
* Forged mounting hooks

KTM and Eichner Racing have announced a partnership for the 2010 WORCS and ITP QuadCross seasons in which Doug Eichner will compete aboard KTM SX ATVs. Eichner’s first race aboard the KTM 450 SX ATV will take place at the opening WORCS round at Speed World Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz., January 22 weekend.

“We are excited to have a talented, multi-time champion in that of Doug Eichner represent KTM here on the West Coast,” says KTM ATV Product Manager Chris Vogtman. “Eichner can still haul the mail and he’s well liked and very approachable at the track. And, with Eichner riding orange, there’s no doubt he’s still a championship threat.”

“Eichner Racing is excited to be hooked up with KTM and the fastest racing machines on the market,” says Eichner. “We know the machines have what it takes to be competitive out of the box and we look forward to a great 2010 season with KTM.

“I firmly believe KTM has the most ready to race product on the market and I like my chances this year.”

In addition to racing in the displacement limited 450 Pro class at WORCS and ITP QuadCross, Eichner will compete aboard a 505 SX ATV in the Open Pro class at select QuadCross events.

Related Reading
2009 KTM 450 & 505 SX Review
2008 KTM XC 450 Review

Polaris Defense has introduced its new Low Speed Vehicle, the Polaris EV LSV, designed for on and off-road use.

“We are excited to introduce the Polaris EV LSV to the military market,” says Mark McCormick, managing director of Polaris Defense. “The features and superiority of our product will greatly benefit applications that require vehicles with on and off-road capabilities.”

Based off the RANGER EV platform, Polaris’ first off-road, electric vehicle, the Polaris EV LSV includes the necessary features including horn, turn signals, automotive-quality windshield and rear view mirror, for on-road use. With its 30 horsepower electric motor, quiet operation, 50 mile range and 25 mph top speed, the Polaris EV LSV is the most-capable LSV available for military use. The unit features three modes; High for speed, Low for towing and hauling, and Max for maximum range to ensure the best use of power and battery life for any application.

Tarantula Performance Racing’s latest project took Yamaha’s new YFZ450R and improved its track-ready prowess ten-fold.

TPR is well known for its part in producing the Spyder Quad, a tarantula-themed custom Suzuki LTR450 that made its debut with Douglas Wheel Technologies at the 2008 Indianapolis Dealer Expo. But the Spyder Quad, with all its industry-leading aftermarket additions, was destined to be a show piece that, to this day, has never hit the track.

This season, TPR took a different approach with the Tarantula Performance Racing project Yamaha YFZ450R. TPR built the YFZ-R to debut its new line of Race Safer Pro combination nerf bar and heel guards, but the TPR crew also wanted this quad to perform on the track and not just be another show queen.

GBC Tires has announced they will return to the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series with a contingency payout almost double of the one offered in 2009. GBC Tires Contingency payout for 2010 is a whopping $224,500.

“It’s basically a grass roots program to support Pro-Am all the way down to schoolboy and youth ranks,” says David Hunsucker, events and marketing coordinator for GBC Tires. “We’ve upped the contingency from last year and we look forward to being back to a busy schedule with GNCCs and other events. We also have a new motor home and trailer and we aren’t going to be hard to miss at the races.”

GBC Tires has aimed its 2010 program at the XC2 Class and the amateur and youth ranks for those who finish through fifth place. The XC2 class winner will receive $300, followed by $200 for second and $150 for third.

Racer Productions, producers of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, have announced the third-annual season of the UTV/side-by-side portion of the GNCC series.

“We’re excited for another great year of UTV racing,” says Jeff Russell, GNCC trail boss. “The UTV races are always action-packed with good competition.”

Six rounds of the 13 stop GNCC series will include a UTV portion. The first race will kick off at the Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Ga. on March 6, and the run to the championships will end at the Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Ind. on Oct. 23-24.

Class Championships will be determined by a team’s best finishes in a minimum number of five events. A team must enter a minimum of five events in order to be eligible for series awards and national class ranking. The minimum number of events does not have to be in the same class. AMA Membership is not required to compete in the UTV classes.

The UTVs will race at the following GNCC rounds:

Rd 2 Maxxis General GNCC, Washington, GA , March 6-7
Rd 4 Pirelli Big Buck , Union, S.C. , April 10-11
Rd 7 Moose Mountain Ridge, Somerset, PA, May 22-23
Rd 8 Wiseco John Penton, Millfield, OH, June 5-6
Rd 12 ITP Power Line Park, St. Clairsville, OH, October 9-10
Rd 13 The Ironman, Crawfordsville, IN, October 23-24

The UTV Series will continue to offer four classes, with Open classes in Modified and Limited designations, and Lites classes in Modified and Limited designations, for machines up to 750cc.

The 2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series kicks off on February 27th- March 2nd as part of Bike Week at the Westgate River Ranch Resort in River Ranch, Fla., with ATVs racing on Sunday, February 28, and bikes racing on Tuesday, March 2.

Related Reading
2010 Can-Am GNCC Series schedule announced
Over 1,100 celebrate 2009 Can-Am GNCC season

With a sweep during last weekend’s DWT World MX Racing Championship doubleheader at Glen Helen Raceway near San Bernardino, Calif., Team Motoworks / Can-Am is now in the commanding spot atop the Pro-class points championship. Motoworks racer Chad Wienen was unstoppable on his Can-Am DS 450. He took both Pro motos in round three for the overall, and repeated his performance in round four.

“Chad really impressed the entire Motoworks / Can-Am team this weekend,” says Jimmie O’Dell, racing manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “He went out, worked hard, and swept all four pro motos for an amazing weekend of racing. What a great way to start the year off for Can-Am!”

“It feels really good to go out there and win four motos back-to-back,” says Wienen. “It was a good weekend for our team with three of our team making the podium.”

Rath Racing has added to its lineup of Polaris Ranger RZR products by releasing its new steel doors to fit every UTV in the RZR family.

“Our commitment has, and always will be to the consumer, and maintaining the integrity of a product we are proud to put our own name on,” says Jennifer Rath. “After working with some of the best riders in the industry, and our partnership with Polaris Industries we have taken a lot of consumer feedback and funneled that into the final design.”

“It was important to us not to sacrifice any of the key features that set our products apart from the competitors as we designed these, such as the quality of material and workmanship,” says Daryl Rath. “Above all release a product that performs the way our customers wanted it to.”

Polaris Industries, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has recalled about 8,500 2009-10 ATVs due to a steering problem.

According to the CPSC, the front suspension ball joint stem can separate from the steering knuckle and cause the rider to lose steering control. Polaris has received 19 reports of incidents involving recalled ATVs. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves model year 2009 and 2010 Polaris Sportsman ATVs (models listed below) with certain VIN numbers. The ATVs were manufactured between January and August 2009 and sold at Polaris dealers from February 2009 through November 2009 for between $7,500 and $10,800. The VIN number and manufacture date are located on the right front of the ATV on the frame rail next to the front shock.

Kymco USA has been named the official scooter and ATV supplier for the National Hot Rod Association.

The NHRA will use Kymco ATVs and scooters at Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events. Kymco vehicles will also be used at five NHRA-owned and operated drag racing facilities.

“We are pleased to welcome Kymco USA into the NHRA family of official sponsors,” says Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president-sales & marketing. “The quality scooters and ATVs that Kymco USA provides NHRA will certainly help our Safety Safari team as well as our track officials do their jobs in a more efficient manner. In turn, we feel the partnership will offer exceptional exposure opportunities to generate awareness and recognition for Kymco USA.”

MCX-USA has announced the release of its Stage 2 Polaris RZR Turbo Kits to complement its top selling Stage 1 RZR Turbo Kits. The new kits are designed to take your RZR from a stock rear wheel horsepower (rwhp) of 37-43 to over 125+ rwhp.

The Stage 2 kit includes:
* Low Compression Forged PIstons
* Fuel Pump
* Fuel Regulator
* Billet 40cc Stroker Crankshaft
* MCX-USA Tuning Display
* Lifters
* Pushrods
* Camshaft
* Dynatek
* Extra Injector
* Blow Off Valve
* Miscellaneous Gaskets, Shims, Hoses, etc.

Team Motoworks / Can-Am racer Chad Wienen swept both motos to take the overall win at the opening round of the DWT World MX Racing Championship near Mesquite, Ariz.

Wienen quickly worked his way to the front of the field in the first Pro 450 moto for the win, and took the holeshot during the second moto and never looked back aboard his Can-Am DS 450. His teammate, Jeremie Warnia took second overall in the opening round.

“The entire Motoworks team worked hard this weekend and both Chad and Jeremie are going very fast on their DS 450s this season,” says Jimmie O’Dell, racing manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “This first race was a great kickoff to the upcoming season and we are looking forward to solid results and championships in 2010 from the Motoworks / Can-Am team.”

The ATVPG and the ATVA, administrators of the ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited, have announced the creation of a North and South Challenge. Consisting of six races each, the Challenge is a program within the Championship Series established to accommodate those who are unable to contest the entire National circuit.

“In these tough economic times, we had a lot of requests to make it possible for families to still participate in the Nationals,” says Sam Gammon, director of the ATVPG. “Although winning a Challenge title does not supersede a National title, it does merit prestige for riders who chose to participate.”

For riders who attend all six events of either the North and/or South Challenge, the Top 3 in each of the 35 amateur and youth classes will earn special awards at the final event of the series. Points will automatically accumulate for both the AMA ATV Motocross Championship and the respective North/South Challenge at each National event.

To view the complete Challenge Information: http://www.atvmotocross.com/pages/amateur-racers/2010-north-south-challenge

The opening round of the 2010 ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited and the South Challenge will kick off on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Millcreek Raceway in Pell City, Ala.

The ATVPG and the ATVA, administrators of the ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited, have announced the Supplemental Rules and Classes for the 2010 Season. With several modifications to both the class structure and rules, these changes were made to address concerns presented by riders and industry leaders. Notable changes were made to the Women’s and Veteran 30+ classes as well as the Schoolboy Sr., while the Supplemental Rules address protest fees and stricter pit vehicle requirements.

“We had several requests to re-evaluate the Women’s class structure,” said Sam Gammon director of the ATVPG. “The Pro-Am Women’s class was suffering with many riders feeling they were not ready to be considered an A level rider when competing against their male peers, therefore the class was altered.”

In an effort to inspire growth for a premier Women’s class, the Pro-Am Women’s class has been merged with the Women’s class, and a Women’s C class has been created. The Women’s class becomes the premier class for women and will feature several of the same benefits as the former Pro-Am Women’s class, including both motos on Saturday, five laps per moto and a season ending bonus.

The Veteran 30+ classes also presented the same challenges as the Women’s; therefore a Veteran 30+ and Veteran 30+ C class were created. The Schoolboy Sr. class age will be lowered from 15 to 14 to accommodate those riders making the transition to larger machines. The addition of a 50 CVT (6-8) class, requested by many during the proposal period, will allow for riders to remain competitive on an entry level 50cc longer.

Regarding the Supplemental Rules, the protest fees demonstrate substantial changes in an effort to develop a fee structure that better represents the actual cost of tearing down a machine.

At all national events, pit vehicles and their operator(s) must be registered for a fee. All operators must be 18-years old and present a photo ID when registering their vehicle. In addition, all registered operators will be required to wear a special non-transferable wristband, indicating their ability to operate a registered pit vehicle.

To view the complete 2010 Classes: http://www.atvmotocross.com/pages/amateur-racers/2010-national-classes

To view the complete 2010 Supplemental Rules: http://www.atvmotocross.com/pages/amateur-racers/2010-supplemental-rules

The 2010 ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited will kick off on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Millcreek Raceway in Pell City, Ala.

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series has lost one of its most loyal family members. Aurora, Ohio’s John Gallagher Sr. passed away tragically on Monday in a work-related accident. He was 63-years-old.

No one in the 35-year history of GNCC Racing has competed in more GNCC events than Gallagher, and probably no one has won more, either. Gallagher competed and won on both ATVs and bikes for a large portion of his career. Most recently, he won the 2008 Super Senior (50+) ATV Championship and finished third in the class in 2009. The entire GNCC Racing family mourns the passing of Gallagher, and the racing community is urged to keep John Sr., his wife Maryellen, and children John Jr. and Brooke in their thoughts and prayers.

Polaris has announced its 2010 ATV race contingency program for all adult classes, in seven ATV racing series, with a total purse of about $405,800.

“Polaris is continuing its commitment to ATV racing by offering a racing contingency for 2010 that spans the most-popular racing series across the U.S. and Canada,” says Eric Nault, product and race team manager for Polaris’s ORV Division. “We would like to thank the dedicated riders who race our products.”

Polaris is offering contingencies in GNCC, WORCS, ATVA-AMA Motocross Nationals, ITP Quad Cross, New England ATV Motocross Series (NEATV), the Heartland Challenge and Canadian Motorsport Racing Club Series (CMRC). Racers must race 2007 or newer quads, and utility classes must be raced on a Sportsman 850 XP or Sportsman 550. More information and complete rules about Polaris’ ATV racing contingencies can be found at PolarisFactoryRacing.com.

Related Reading
2009 Factory Polaris Rath Duro team recap

Team Christy put together a remarkable 2009 race campaign as the four-year-old race team from Burbank, Calif. contested both the SCORE and the Best in the Desert series. The team finished on the podium in every race and earned three championships in the process.

SCORE

Christy’s retained its class 24 (Pro 450cc) #1 plate from 2008 and started the year off strong with a win at the San Felipe 250. Keeping the momentum moving, the Baja 500 was up next and another victory was the result.

The real work came in November as the team contested the 42nd running of the notorious Baja 1000. This year’s 1000 was shortened to 631 miles, however most of the 328 entrants would agree, this was the toughest course in recent memory. Christy rider Dave Scott will never forget his after dark ride through the infamous “Mikes Loops” including a failed headlight and freezing temperatures. Rebounding from several mid-race mechanical issues, the goal shifted from winning to finishing! After over 29 hours of racing, the team crossed the finish line in 3rd place.

With only 24 points separating the top three teams heading into last weekend’s BITD Henderson Fabtech Desert Classic, the Jagged X/ Polaris Racing team had little room for error. When the dust cleared, the second place finish was enough to secure the Jaggged X team the “1900 class” championship with their Ranger RZR for the third time in a row.

“This racing season has been exciting season for us and for the entire UTV class,” says Bill Schueler of Jagged X. “The points chase has been anyone’s guess all year long. Overall this has been a great season for Jagged X and Polaris Racing. We are looking forward to next season which begins in just a few short weeks back at Parker, Ariz.”

After a strong start at Parker this year, Jagged X fell short at the next two races but then turned it around winning the “ Vegas To Reno” and the “ Silver State 300.” The team ended the season with two second place finishes at the “Primm GP” and at the “Fabtech Classic” and clinched its third consecutive BITD Championship.

In 2010, BRP will inject US$1.6 million into its Can-Am X Team ATV Contingency Program. From Canada, across the United States, down to Mexico, Can-Am ATV racers should be eligible for a cash payout through this program during the 2010 ATV racing season.

Building on its successful 2009 Can-Am X-Team ATV Racing Contingency program, BRP is expanding the 2010 program to include more cash and more national and regional series in North America.

“Enhanced racer support from the pro racer to the amateur is our goal with this program,” says Denis Morin, vice president product development & racing at BRP. “As racing is key to improving all of our products at BRP, it is nice to be able to expand our contingency program to reward those who have committed to continuing Can-Am success on the race track.”

Over 1,100 members of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series racing community arrived at the annual series’ banquet, held at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, WV to celebrate the season’s accomplishments a final time in 2009. The banquets – held on Dec. 4 for ATVs and Dec. 5 for motorcycles – recognize the top-ten riders in every GNCC class and also present a variety of specialty awards to riders as voted on by their fellow racers and GNCC staff.

While riders, friends, fans and family enjoyed a buffet meal, photos from the year flashed across two projector screens until the awards ceremony began. On the ATV side, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chris Borich was presented with the Rider of the Year Award for toppling Yamaha’s Bill Ballance’s nine-year win streak and taking his first GNCC championship. Ballance was named the rider with the most wins in GNCC history with 68 wins. Ballance currently leads Barry Hawk, who won championships on bikes and ATVs by one win on the all-time list.

Warnert Can-Am’s Michael Swift won the Utility Rider of the Year award after he finished the season undefeated in the 4X4 Limited class. Doug Howarth won Youth Rider of the Year award for clinching the 90 Modified (12-15) class championship.

The AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by KTM North America, rocked Las Vegas Friday night, Dec. 4. A sell-out crowd helped celebrate the evening as AMA national champions were honored for their excellence on the track throughout the 2009 season.

AMA Racing champions and their families, friends and fans joined the AMA at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to celebrate the successful seasons of some of the country’s most-talented motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) racers.

“All AMA Racers are born and bred with exceptional levels of dedication, talent and guts — but only a few become champions,” says AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “At the Hard Rock this Friday night, many of our best were with us, and we turned the spotlight on them. Whether they are the very young or the not-so-very young, high-flying, bar-banging motocross racers or observed trials masters — those magicians with two wheels and a motor — they all got their due. It was our honor to recognize these incredible individuals for their successful seasons in 2009.”

The AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by KTM North America, kicked off a two-day celebration honoring motorcycling’s greats at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock. On Saturday night, Dec. 5, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame officially inducts its 2009 class.

American Suzuki announced at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California on Dec. 4 its racing agenda for 2010. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki racing efforts won an unprecedented six ATV and motorcycle championships in 2009 and Suzuki has committed to putting the QuadRacer back on top of the podium in 2010.

“Suzuki products are truly industry leading and we stand behind them 100 percent,” says Steve Bortolamedi, senior advertising manager. “We proved that last year with our six titles. For 2010, what better way to demonstrate this again than by putting our reputation on the line?”

Suzuki will commit to a larger racing effort along with returning sponsors Rockstar Energy Drink and Makita tools, which will be managed by long-time partner Yoshimura R&D of America. Yoshimura will house all of the Rockstar Makita Suzuki racing teams under one roof.

“Yoshimura will be managing Suzuki racing efforts in Supercross, Motocross, Road Racing, and ATV Racing,” says Yoshimura R&D Senior Vice President Don Sakakura. “We hope to be able to showcase the performance of the Suzuki line of high-performance motorcycles and ATVs. Suzuki is proud of their products and is ready for the upcoming racing season. We at Yoshimura are equally looking forward to 2010.”

Back-to-back AMA ATV Motocross champion Dustin Wimmer will defend his No. 1 plate aboard the QuadRacer R450, and he will be joined by Josh Creamer, who picked up two wins while riding for Kawasaki in 2009.

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is conducting a voluntary recall of certain 2010 Can-Am Outlander and RenegadeATV models equipped with Dynamic Power Steering.

According to BRP, an electrical short circuit to ground of the DPS may occur. This can cause your vehicle to suddenly steer left on its own and in some situations the operator could lose control of the vehicle.

So far the CPSC has received one incident report, but no injuries or material damage was reported. About 2,400 units are affected by the recall. These units were sold throughout Canada and the United States from August, 2009 through November 2009 for between $6,800 and $13,500.

BRP has already sent by mail a Safety Recall Notice to all known registered owners of these vehicles. This letter urges the owners to contact their authorized BRP Can-Am ATV dealer to have their vehicle repaired.

Arctic Cat and its factory off-road racers are setting more “firsts” for the company and the sport of off-road racing than anyone else.

The Arctic Cat/Fines Double Racing team (FDR) delivered another record-setting performance at the SCORE-Tecate Baja 1000 off-road race, winning the 4×4 Utility ATV class aboard the powerful Thundercat 1000 H2. The FDR team swept the entire 2009 SCORE series, including wins at the Baja 250 and 500.

The Arctic Cat/FDR team achieved its unmatched results by pressing the advantage of the industry’s most powerful production ATV. The 951cc V-Twin with EFI helped provide the muscle, torque, horsepower and acceleration necessary to dominate the demands of high speed desert racing.

The American Honda / Matlock Racing Pro ATV team of Wayne Matlock, Harold Goodman, Wes Miller & Josh Caster won the 2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 on Nov 20th with a time of 16:54:52 (39.78 mph) and secured the season championship.

The Matlock Racing team started out the SCORE season with an Overall win aboard the Honda TRX700XX at the SCORE San Felipe 250. The team was once again the fastest over the course at the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 but after the shake up with new penalties and the move to 2nd place, the team was hunting for a win at the Baja 1000.

Matlock Racing drew the second starting position and Wayne Matlock took the first shift. The quad quickly moved into the lead even before leaving Ensenada on a course that many racers said was the roughest course they had ever seen. During Matlock’s first section he didn’t have to deal with the Ensenada morning fog that is normally present during the start of the race but he had to dodge his way around the slower motorcycles that started ahead of the quads while fighting to see in the thick dust and silt before handing the quad off to Josh Caster at race mile 39.

Tarantula Performance Racing’s new Race Safer Pro nerf bar and heel guard combination is now available for most adult sport ATVs.

Feeling as though little developments have been made on ATV nerf bars in the past 20 years, TPR set out to revolutionize ATV nerf bar design and create a more secure platform for ATV racers. Radically different, the TPR Race Safer Pro nerf bars are like no other ATV nerfs on the market.

The Race Safer Pro nerf bars feature five specially designed outer bar bends. The front of the nerf bars mounts between the A-arms and engine mounts, where the bar extends outward on each side away from the quad before two slight bends direct the bar towards the rear of the ATV. The bends near the front mount tuck the nerf bar close to the front wheel – minimizing the chance of another ATV’s wheel becoming stuck and causing a crash – without impacting turning radius or suspension travel.

Yamaha Outdoors continues to support National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) and has announced the winner of the 2009 Yamaha-NHF Day sweepstakes. Determined by random drawing, Yamaha congratulates Richard Letissier from Dallas who has won a new 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI ATV with Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, National Wild Turkey Federation and NHF Day, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. During its second year partnering with NHF Day, Yamaha was able to help make the 2009 celebration a great success – with registered events taking place across more than 40 states.

“Conservation efforts for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities are very important to Yamaha, and through our partnerships with awareness programs such as NHF Day we can expand our own efforts to support safe, responsible enjoyment of these activities,” says Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Congratulations to Mr. Letissier, and we hope he enjoys his new Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV with electric power steering and the most off-road capability in its class – a perfect ATV for outdoorsmen.”

At the New England ATV motocross year-end banquet in Massachusetts, nine Can-Am DS 450 riders were recognized for success throughout the 2009 season. Representatives from BRP were present at the event to thank those riders who earned contingency cash for podiums and four class championships during the course of the race season. It was a great night of celebration for not only the ATV racers, but everyone involved in the NEATV-MX organization.

In all, Can-Am DS 450 racers finished on the podium 103 times across six classes in the 12-round race series. Also, three DS 450 racers were able to finish the season on top of the points table and win class championships in the 30-Plus A, 25-Plus Open, Production B and 30 B/C classes. In all, BRP paid out more than $50,000 USD in contingency to racers in the NEATV-MX series for 2009.

The three racers winning championships were: Roy Lampron (30-Plus A and 25-Plus Open), Mark Gehring (Production B) and James Mondo (30-Plus B/C). Each of these three NEATV-MX champions took part in the Can-Am X-Team DS 450 EFI Amateur Racer Program through their local dealerships.

For past couple of months we’ve had a 2009 Suzuki QuadRacer LT-R450 in our garage and we were looking for a way to add some additional horsepower without opening up the engine cases. Because of its very successful relationship with Suzuki ATV racing, we called up Yoshimura R & D to see what was available in the way of bolt-on power.

For more than 50 years Yoshimura has been developing some of the most powerful performance modifications for motorcycles and ATVs on the planet. It so happened that Yoshimura just released its new PIM II mapping unit and wanted us to test it out. In addition to the PIM II, Yoshimura also sent along a few other top selling products. For the everyday rider on a budget or a serious racer, Yoshimura has a product that can help you get the most out of your ATV.

We first started by applying Yoshimura’s popular Cherry Bomb. This is by far the cheapest and easiest way to add bolt on (or in this case plug in) power to the LT-R450. At a very reasonable price of $39.95 you can add horsepower in minutes! Installation was quick and easy as you simply plug the unit in and you are ready to hit the track. It’s pretty incredible how much power this little unit can add. The Cherry Bomb can be run with the stock exhaust or with an aftermarket exhaust. After playing around for a while with the Cherry Bomb and the stock exhaust, we decided to add a Yoshimura exhaust to the mix.

Tarantula Performance Racing is now accepting sponsorship applications for ATV riders campaigning in the 2010 race season.

TPR is offering limited sponsorship contracts for racers in all disciplines of ATV competition on the local, regional and national levels. Those disciplines include motocross, cross country, desert, flat track, endurocross and other forms of quad racing.

Performance products and services available from TPR include frame repair work and gusset kits including optional installation, the new Race Safer Pro nerf bar line and the line of products for DRR youth ATVs.

Contact Tarantula Performance Racing via e-mail to obtain a sponsorship application at brian@tprusa.com.

There is no tougher test of man and machine than the SCORE Baja 1000. ITP has just aced that test by winning the 2009 event in the Sportsman UTV class on BajaCross tires and T-9 Pro Mod wheels.

This class was dominated by the Team Green Kawasaki DragonFire Racing team, with Reid Nordin, Hans Waage, Todd Romano and Larry Roeseler at the wheel of their Kawasaki Teryx. This talented crew enjoyed a nearly flawless run, completing the 672-mile/1000-kilometer course in northern Baja in a time of 24:32:37, for an average speed of 27.41 mph over what many considered to be one of the most demanding Baja 1000 courses in some time. Of 328 starters, just 185 finished — only 56.4 percent! It was the second big win for the team this season, having captured the Baja 500 in June on BajaCross tires as well.

If not for some fuel-related technical issues, the second car fielded by this team could have had a real shot of making it a one-two performance. Driving duties in the DragonFire Racing-prepped ITP/Carlisle Teryx were handled by Dave Roberts, Bob Viau, Chris Koch, John McCarthy, Cody Currie and Fred Sutter, with backing from Black Rock off-road wheels and Ultimax performance belts. This entry was the fourth Sportsman UTV entry to cross finish line in Ensenada, but was just outside the official time limit. This was an outstanding performance for a team with limited experience in Baja, in a new car that was put together in a very short timeframe. Everyone agreed that it was a great adventure, and vowed to return.

Yamaha factory rider Dustin Nelson captured his third QuadCross Series title aboard his YFZ450R this past weekend at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California. This is Nelson’s second consecutive Yamaha/ITP QuadCross championship and his first full year of competition on the YFZ450R.

Nelson posted first and second place finishes in respective motos during the final QuadCross event, which earned him the overall victory for the day and enough points for the series championship. Also riding Yamaha YFZ450Rs this season, racers Justin Noss and Jason Dunkleberger finished in third and fourth place respectively, putting three Yamaha’s in the overall top five for the year.

“I’m really happy and excited that all of our hard work paid off in another championship for Yamaha,” says Nelson. “On today’s rough high-speed track, the YFZ450R’s handling and power just shone through.”

Team Motoworks / Can-Am is celebrating another Can-Am DS 450 championship after Jeremie Warnia raced to the ITP QuadCross Open Pro championship last weekend at Glen Helen Raceway near San Bernardino, Calif.

By winning the second moto of the Open Pro class, Warnia secured the overall for the weekend and his class championship. His teammate, Dillion Zimmerman, won the second moto of the 450 Production Expert class for the weekend and finished second in the class championship.

“Jeremie Warnia showed how tough of a racer he was by battling the rough conditions to win the Open Pro championship at Glen Helen,” says Jimmie O’Dell, racing manager for Can-Am ATVs at BRP. “We are excited he will be racing the AMA Pro ATV Nationals next year for Motoworks and look forward to seeing him build upon his success in the ITP Quadcross series this season.”

The Apache track system from BRP for Can-Am Outlander ATVs is improved for 2009 with a larger footprint for added traction and flotation. The new Apache WT (Wide Track) kit adds a third track-kit-optimized Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) mode to select 2010 Can-Am Outlander models and includes the front and rear mounting kits.

Track systems enable ATV owners to continue to work or play when the snow flies – plowing driveways, riding trails and more – by replacing the wheels with tracks. BRP used its 50 years of expertise in engineering Ski-Doo snowmobiles to develop the Apache WT, making it the ultimate track system.

For added traction and deep snow flotation, the Apache WT tracks are widened to 13.6 inches (35 cm) in the rear and 11.5 inches (29 cm) in front, for a 10% increase in surface area. Both have one-inch lugs. Two track choices are available – studded for additional grip, especially on ice, or unstudded.

The front and rear track units are designed differently for the different functions they perform. For easier steering effort, the front lugs are rounded in tire-like profile. And the front modules’ tipped up rails create a high angle of attack for easily climbing over obstacles. The rear units’ flat rail increases the contact area, providing maximum traction. Plus, both units uniquely rotate around the axle to better roll over obstacles for added capability and a smoother ride.

Cold-weather ATV riding is growing as owners look to expand their riding season. But many riders become discouraged and park their ATV for winter because of the wet and cold. The right riding gear, however, can make long winter rides a blast instead of a drag.

BRP has taken its expertise in designing extreme conditions gear for Ski-Doo snowmobile riding and applied it to a collection of ATV-specific winter riding gear, including jacket ($299.99), highpants ($249.99), riding gloves ($84.99) and riding mitts ($74.99). Like with its Can-Am ATVs, BRP is improving the winter riding experience with technology and smart design.

The RPM MAX fabric used in the jacket and highpants is windproof and waterproof – but also breathable to allow perspiration to escape. Snow, mud and rain are further kept at bay by sealed seams and logos, a powder skirt and quadruple front zipper flap (jacket), and gaiters (highpants).

The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows kicks-off its 29th season with an exciting partnership with BikeBandit.com, a trusted source for motorcycle accessories and parts, offering consumers a free $15 gift card with advanced online ticket purchases at MotorcycleShows.com/Tickets (while supplies last). Tickets for all 2009-2010 stops are now available for purchase online.

“We are thrilled to partner the world’s largest motorcycle show series with the Web’s largest powersports store for motorcycle accessories and parts – BikeBandit.com,” says Group eMedia Director James Harter. “Coupon incentives with admission were requested by more than 70 percent of our Cycle World International Motorcycle Show attendees last year (per our annual survey) so we are excited to bring BikeBandit.com on board for the upcoming season to provide our attendees with added value through this generous offer. It’s our version of a moto-stimulus package with over $500,000 in gift cards available for our fellow riders.”

Suzuki has had a very good 2009 race season highlighted b y six major national championships, including two ATV titles.

American Suzuki is celebrating its success by launching The Suzuki Champions Tour, a unique display designed to get Suzuki consumers up close and personal with the Championship winning motorcycles and ATVs at this years International Motorcycle Show. This display allows consumers to sit on some of the winning machines for a photo opportunity.

“2009 was a record year for Suzuki racing” says Rod Lopusnak, Suzuki national sales manager. “Our racing drives performance and innovation from Superbikes to ATVs to Motocross. As an enthusiast and rider myself, it’s great to give consumers a taste of what makes us #1!”