After announcing a restyled 2009 High Performance Outlaw Sport line up, Polaris is looking for Amateur and Pro Am riders that can tear up the track and trails of, GNCC, WORCS ,CMRC, SCORE, BITD, ITP and ATVA Race Series in the 50cc, 90cc, 450 and Open classes. Riders interested can send resumes, by December 15th, to Polaris Attn: ATV Racing. 2100 Hwy 55 Medina, MN 55341. Or email to atvracing@polarisind.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

It was a weekend about firsts. This was the first-annual Heartland Challenge, it was the first time the new Polaris Sportsman 850 XP EPS competed at an AMA /ATVA Sanctioned event, and it was the first time a Polaris 850 XP EPS Sportsman took a podium spot at an AMA/ATVA Event.

The GBC Heartland Challenge was going to prove to be a challenge indeed, with temperatures dropping, rain falling and even a few stray snowflakes.  This 10-hour ATV endurance race was set up on a brutal course to test rider and machine, mentally, physically and mechanically. Eight miles of mud, hills, trees, rock piles and obstacles, to be ran at a grueling pace for 10 solid hours, no breaks, no rest, no time outs with half the race to be completed in the dark.  Calling this race a challenge seemed like an understatement.

Saturday’s main event found teams that were formed with two-to-three riders working out the strategic game plans for the day including rider swaps and fuel stops. The Polaris/Rath/Dunlop team consisted of Daryl Rath, Frank Batista and Jason Dunkelberger. Daryl Rath was going to take the green flag and clock in the first session. It was shortly after twelve noon when the signal gun was fired and riders made a running sprint to the machines to get this race underway. The pit crew watched anxiously as Rath headed out of sight and into the woods before they headed to their stations to start what would be a long day of watching and waiting. As the race continued the Sportsman 850 XP EPS handled everything and more that the track handled it, and the team found themselves running in a strong second place position. Switching riders throughout the day the team and machines continued to impress the fans, and the team was gaining on first place.

It was Batista’s turn to keep pushing forward and that he did, closing the gap even more and then taking over the lead. As he stopped to fuel the excitement in his voice rev’d the team as he announced, “We are leading…come on we are going to do this.” Darkness was coming and it was starting to feel even colder outside, but the team knew there was work to do; they still had four hours to go.

The team continued to lead as they clicked off laps and watched the clock. It was time again for Dunkelberger to get back on and go to work. Everyone was excited, the fans braved the cold to cheer the riders on, and watch as the different teams proved what they were made of. It was time for a set-back, Dunkelberger got on the machine and just before he clocked in a complete lap, his machine suffered a small mechanical mishap, a broken belt causing the loss of the entire lap’s time of 23 minutes.  Running a flawless race until this lap the Sportsman 850 XP EPS was a fierce competitor in the Utility class. Even after the loss of those precious 23 minutes, there were only two brands left on the lead Utility Lap.

With a little more than two hours to go, the team was unable to regain the lead, but accomplished the goals set by themselves and Polaris. Run a great race, prepare for the 2009 season aboard the newly-appointed contender in the GNCC National Cross Country Utility Class. That they did, with a podium to boot!

Popularity: 1% [?]

ROHVA Announces Safety Rules for Safe and Responsible Use of Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles

Receives ANSI Accreditation to Develop Voluntary Vehicle Standard for this Emerging New Product Category

Formed by the major manufacturers and distributors to promote the safe and responsible use of a new and emerging category of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) received ANSI accreditation on November 3, 2008 to develop a standard for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ROVs. In addition, ROHVA has published Safety
Rules for these increasingly popular off-road vehicles. An ROV — sometimes broadly referred to as a side-by-side or UTV — is a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four or more non-highway
tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Current models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers. ROVs’ performance and durability make them ideally suited for a variety of outdoor
recreational activities as well as many work applications. The following “ROV Safety Rules” focus on safe and responsible ROV use:

1. Always wear protective gear, use the seat belts, keep all parts of your body inside the ROV, and wear a helmet when driving the ROV for recreational purposes.
2. Never drive on public roads — another vehicle could hit you.
3. Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.
4. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
5. Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or older or have a driver’s license. ROVs are not toys.
6. Never carry more passengers than the ROV is designed for, and never allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the ROV.
7. Read and follow the operator’s manual and warning labels.

“The safety of the driver and passengers of ROVs is the top priority of the ROHVA member companies,” said ROHVA Vice President Tom Yager. “ROHVA and our member companies strongly recommend that ROV drivers and passengers follow these important safety rules to avoid crashes and injuries.” ROHVA submitted its application for accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on June 13, 2008 and received accreditation to develop a standard for ROVs on November 3. ROHVA will manage the standards development process and make certain that the final standard is in full compliance with ANSI guidelines. An approved ANSI standard for equipment configuration and performance requirements in this emerging product category will benefit consumers.
In addition, ROHVA will serve as the primary resource for information on ROVs. To coincide with its ANSI accreditation the association has launched a website, www.rohva.org, and has published ROV Safety Rules as well as a description of this emerging vehicle category. Further specific ROV educational materials are currently under development and will be posted to the site.
ROVs offered in dealerships across the country include the Arctic Cat Prowler, Kawasaki TERYX(TM), Polaris Ranger(R) and Ranger RZR(TM), and Yamaha Rhino models. The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) was formed to promote the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) manufactured or distributed in North America. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit trade association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, and Yamaha.

Popularity: 2% [?]

WHAT:
Polaris Industries will present the second-annual Sand Riot in conjunction with H-Bomb Films. The three-day dune extravaganza will include demos of the 2009 Polaris Outlaws and RANGERs, customized Polaris vehicles, live DJs and bands, vendors, kids zone, free giveaways, and Polaris and H-Bomb factory racers.

WHO:
All ATV/Side-by-Side enthusiasts are welcome to attend. This will be a kid-friendly event.

WHEN:
Friday, November 21-Sunday, November 23

WHERE:
Glamis Beach Store
Imperial Sand Dunes-Glamis, Calif.

Popularity: 4% [?]