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POLARIS SWITCHBACK XCR GETS TOUGH LOVE

NOS IN HIDING FULLERTON’S OBSOLETE SURPLUS THUNDER STRUCK JIM ADEMA’S T-JET SUDS AND SLEDS SHOP BEER FLASHBACK

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*Offers valid on new 2015 – 2018 Polaris snowmobiles. On approved Polaris purchases. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may b required. Sales tax, registration fees, and dealer fees not included. Rate and down payment based on credit approval criteria. Offer is subject to credit approval. The 2 Yea consists of a standard 1 year factory warranty plus an additional 2 years of additional factory warranty coverage. The additional factory warranty offer is subject to a $50.0

*Deferred payments: Example where the Amount Financed is $10,000, your Down Payment is $0 with no interest until March 1, 2018 and no payment until April 1, 2018 follow

Note: The above financing programs are offered by Sheffield Financial, a Division of Branch Banking and Trust Company. Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Approval, an bureau risk score of 700. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Offer effective on eligible change without notice.

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be extended or terminated without further notice. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Program minimum amount financed is $5,000 and 0% – 10% down payment ar Factory Warranty offer consists of a standard 1 year factory warranty plus an additional 1 year of additional factory warranty coverage. The 3 Year Factory Warranty offer 00 deductible per visit after the first year. All rebates are paid to the dealer. Valid at participating Polaris dealers only. Offers are valid between 11/01/17 – 12/31/2017.

wed by 36 monthly payments of $311.02 each. Interest rate is 7.49%.

nd any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Rate advertised is based on minimum e and qualified units purchased from a participating Sheffield dealer. See dealer for product eligibility and qualifications between 11/1/2017 and 12/31/2017. Offer subject to

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ETCHED Throwing down at sundown.

Rider: Brett Turcotte Location: Colorado Backcountry Shooter: Joshua Duplechian

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TRUST Skijoring is one part snowmobile, one part skiing, and one part insanity.

Riders: Marc Marquez and Hannes Trinkl Location: Pass Thurn near Kitzbuehel, Austria

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DEEP ACCESS A marriage between snowmobiles and snowboards has allowed riders to gain access to untouched powder in some of the backcountry’s most remote locations.

Rider: Shin Campos Location: Revelstoke, Canada during the filming of Red Bull’s Book of John J.

contents

64 56

FEATURES

34 40 56 12

SCENE IT

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW

TIME TRACKS SNO-JET THUNDER JET

STRETCHED FOR TERRAIN 2018 POLARIS SWITCHBACK XCR

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

72 64 72 80

BACK THROUGH THE AGES 5 DECADES OF YAMAHA

SHOP MOTIVATION 5 ICONIC SLEDDER SUDS TO WRENCH BY

N.O.S IN HIDING BILL FULLERTON’S OBSOLETE SURPLUS

96 GEARBOX COLUMNS 16 DRIFTS

RICHARD KEHOE

28

WINGING IT WITH LEVI

LEVI LAVALLEE

32 BACKCOUNTRY

CHRIS BURANDT

106 FLOAT BOWL

PAT BOURGEOIS

80 40

DEPARTMENTS INDUSTRY NEWS 18 WORD SEARCH 26 27 SUDOKU TAKE 5 38 ANCHOR OF THE MONTH 46 LAWN ORNAMENTS 48 52 GOT RISER BRAH? 54 ROACHED 5 MINUTES WITH CKX 90

107 SPECIAL INSERT

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USXC TOUR PROGRAM

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Head office address is PO Box 551, 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada. Telephone 1-888-661-7469. Printed in Canada by LoweMartin Group, Dollco Division. • Copyright 2017 OSM Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Subscription rates for magazine $19.00 per year, $29.00 for 2 years. $37.00 for 3 years.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

drifts

Richard Kehoe

‘TIS THE SEASON, NOW LET IT SNOW ALREADY!

From a distance it looked like an ’82 Excel III. Once you get a little closer you see it was roached out buggy.

MY

countdown to the snow falling is similar to my 4 year-old son’s anticipation of Christmas morning. Over the past few weeks we’ve been busy attending tradeshows, snowmobile races, walking swap meets and gathering in the shop with our sleds, where the pre-season B.S. meter is always at a season’s high.

The fall of 2017 marked our first year producing and promoting the Peterborough Sledarama Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet. What a treat it was. The swap was like a treasure box; I walked in and was blown away. Sure, it’s not close to the same size as Hay days, but it is fully focused on sleds and sleds alone. It’s all snowmobile odds and ends with a few gems, and of course, some junk – basically a sledder’s paradise. People come from all over Ontario, Quebec, and even a few came in from New Brunswick to walk it, shop it, and of course, haggle it.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

We were deep in the swap at around 10am, about five hours behind the professional swappers, when we stumbled upon two vintage snowmobile signs in mint, “must have” condition.

They were propped up in a legit booth, set up by an experienced swapper out of Quebec. Matt, Logan, and I approached the guy, and within two sentences, we’d struck out on making a deal. Turns out this guy was a little more experienced than the rest of us. He caught the original owner – a swapper from out east, met him at the gate, and took them off his hands before they even made it in his booth. We’ve learned that the real gold comes out and is sold at around 5am during set up. Our purchase attempt makes our above advice hold true, we should have been on the fence line, watching what was coming into the swap. You live, you learn!

Accepting that the sign deal fell flat, we pressed on with chins high, to see what else was lurking in the icy isles.

We were busy photographing finds for our new OSM “Roached” edit feature, and row after row, the Roached sleds crawled out of the woodwork. As we rounded the east corner, the clouds parted and a ray of sunshine lit the hood on an old, beaten 1982 Excel III. I have many memories of this sled and one comes to mind; in ’83, on my older brother’s 12th birthday, my Dad took him to get his snowmobile license, and Dad passed his 1976 ET 250 down to him. He later went out and bought the ”big” sled, a new Yamaha Excel 340 with electric start. I spent a lot of time on this sled, and the thought of running it out of fuel in the field brings back a lot of memories that I would gladly relive with my kids.

Being a self-proclaimed swap veteran, that unfortunately didn’t set the alarm clock, I began to show a little interest towards the Excel, and asked who owned the beauty.

“I do, $600!” I raised a brow, took a step toward the sled, and begin to ask a few vital questions, predictably starting with, “Is it a runner?”

Not long into the interrogation, I noticed the young swapper who was 15, maybe 17 years old, didn’t know a lot about the sled, but was eager to close the deal stating, “With some light buffing, this thing is mint!”

Upon further investigation, it turns out that the only thing about this sled that was an Excel III was the hood!

It was a roached out ’81 Enticer, which will be featured in an upcoming issue of OSM. Out of curiosity, I asked the owner what else was in the sled, referring to parts. The young swapper looked at me, started walking away and said, “Sir, I have about two hours into that sled, I bought it this morning.”

This entrepreneur probably doubled his money by moving the sled across the parking lot. I believe that he too, got to the swap early. Smart Kid! I hope you enjoy this issue of OSM, and we’ll see you on the trails.

Affectionately known as the “Big Sled”, the Excel III produced a lot of memories.

news 02 IT’S OFFICIAL – SNOCROSS IS AXED FROM WINTER X GAMES

WHITE 01 CHALLENGE INTRODUCES BACKCOUNTRY RALLY RACING TO SNOWMOBILERS

Patrick Trahan is well versed in the unique and challenging world of rally racing. After all, he has 3 Dakar Rallies and more than a dozen other similar races highlighting his motorcycle racing career. Now he’s looking to bring this type of racing to snowmobilers with the Le Challenge Blanc. To be accurate, this winter will mark the fourth edition of the event, which started with just 8 participants and grew to 62 last year. This year, Patrick is looking to expand the appeal of the event beyond the borders of Quebec. Traversing 600Km in two days, this rally format race is not about speed, but more importantly, precision and endurance. Using what rally competitors call a roadbook, the objective for competitors is to follow the outlined route as accurately as possible. Not for the meek, a rally event such as the White Challenge will test the perseverance of competitors. Those old enough to remember will recall the legendary Harricana snowmobile race which was similar in nature. Patterned after the Paris-Dakar, and running for the final time in 2002 after debuting in 1990, the race is often deemed one of the toughest of all time in snowmobile competition. The Le Challenge Blanc hopes to follow in these same footsteps. For more information visit www.challegeblanc.com

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

To say the writing was on the wall would be a huge understatement, but the crew from ESPN Winter X Games made it official this past November when they announced the sports and disciplines slated for the 2018 event. Absent from the list was snocross, the competition which first brought snowmobiles under the Winter X Games banner in 1998. This year would have marked the 20th year of competition for snocross at the big, made for television event, but it wasn’t meant to be. Snowmobiles will still be part of the mix in 2018, with Speed and Style and Freestyle in the mix, but those too could be nearing the end of their run with competitors dwindling and the interest in snowmobile tricks in general, apparently waning. The one potential bright spot in the mix is the return of snowbikes, both in cross competition and newly added freestyle. Last year’s snowbike was surprisingly entertaining and competitive, and if more adept riders are in the field this winter, it should prove to be even better. Winter X Games 2018 in Aspen, Colorado is slated for January 25-28, and daily schedules can be found at www.xgames.espn.com

03 ROTAX BREAKS

THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER BARRIER WITH FIRST ELECTRIC POWERPACK One of the most renowned engine builders in the entire snowmobile industry has its sights set on a new kind of power, and the new Thunder Powerpack is quite likely just the tip of the iceberg. Rotax recently announced the introduction of the new electric powerpack as part of an all-electric, zero-emission, low-noise racing kart. The new powerpack utilizes a highperformance lithium-ion battery, with a capacity of 2.5kWh, and is capable of top performance reaching 20kWh. What does that mean in real world terms you ask? Well, according to BRP officials, the new powerpack, when nestled into the kart, can deliver 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 120km/h.

Not too shabby! BRP officials went on to say, “This new powerpack is a ground-breaking development, and we are very excited to be taking our first step in to the world of electrification.”

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news

04

2018 SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

The inductees were announced for this winter’s Snowmobile Hall of Fame ceremony in St. Germain, Wisconsin, during the annual Ride with the Champs event February 17, 2018. They are Team Decker Racing, Bryan Dyrdahl, Trapp Brothers Racing Team, and Rick Ward. They will join more 100 other racing and industry inductees who are

currently members of the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. The Ride with Champs weekend has become a highlight of winter for many snowmobile enthusiasts, regardless of their racing passion. The weekend includes a host of trail riding opportunities, an evening dinner, the induction ceremony, and most importantly a chance to meet,

talk with, and ride with the sports racing heroes of both yesterday and today. The event has been a sell-out for the past several years and interest continues to grow. For more information and to get your tickets before they’re gone, visit www. snowmobilehalloffame.com

Team Decker Racing of Eagle River, Wis., has been synonymous with snowmobile competition for five decades. Dick and Audrey Decker and their sons Mike, Steve, Allen, and Chuck, plus daughter Mary, have been integral to the fabric of oval racing, thanks to multiple endeavors including: ownership and operation of a successful dealership; racing on the Ski-Doo factory Sno Pro team; a performance race shop; a snowmobile tour company; and most notably, ownership of the Eagle River Derby Track. Along the way, Team Decker earned a World Champion title, Sno Pro Driver of the Year honors, and multiple USSA High Point Championships.

Bryan Dyrdahl of Bagley, Minn., is one of the all-time great snowmobile cross-country racers. During a 20-year career that began with a win aboard a Kitty Cat at Eagle River in 1987, Dyrdahl amassed wins at nearly every premier cross-country event in the ISOC, FANS and USCC circuits aboard Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo machines.

He stands alone as the only racer to have won five I-500 cross-country events (2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009), plus he was a three-time USCC High Point Champion, and was part of the 2009 Soo I-500 enduro-winning team.

A champion and sportsman in equal measure, Rick Ward of Sugar City, Idaho, was a legend in western snowmobile competition, and one of the all-time great hillclimb competitors. Ward won 18 hillclimb World Championships, numerous class titles, five Jackson Hole King of the Hill honors, and multiple victories at other hillclimb events. He raced exclusively on Polaris snowmobiles, and was both inspirational and influential to other racers while serving as manager of the brand’s Western racing program. He died in a motor vehicle accident in 2009, at age 47.

The successful duo of Lynn and Wayne Trapp were a force to be reckoned with in snowmobile oval competition in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Hailing from Woodruff, Wis., the brothers captured wins at many premier regional and national events, including class championships at Eagle River and the Sno Pro 440 class points championship in 1974. They were members of the Yamaha Factory Race Team that worked on the brand’s Research and Development program, and were independent drivers aboard Arctic Cat later in their careers.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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05

SNOWMOBILES REMAIN SHUT OUT OF PROPOSED IDAHO WILDERNESS AREA

A recent ruling by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Cheryl Probert this past November will keep snowmobiles out of a popular riding area along the MontanaIdaho border, often referred to as the “Great Burn”. Despite allowing summer motorized use by ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles, which Probert credited with improving the trails and campsite/parking area, keeping snowmobiles from the same area was, according to Probert, in line with “the goal of retaining wilderness character”. Probert went on to say, “The Forest Service Manual states that any area recommended for wilderness or wilderness study designation is not available for any use or activity that may reduce the wilderness potential of the area.” Apparently, those rules only apply to snowmobiles, and the decision frustrated some snowmobile activists who feel the decision was reached along ideological terms and not practical thinking. “At the end of the day, I think everybody didn’t have a good concept of the almost zero environmental impact snowmobiles have on the areas we are able to access,” said Stan Spenser of the Missoula-based Backcountry Sled Patriots group. The area’s designation as a recommended wilderness was made by President Obama, but congress has yet to take up the recommendation. (excerpts of this story were sourced from the Missoulian)

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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I know many of you are so eager to take a gander as to what lies inside each new issue of On Snow Magazine you that may have overlooked the new logo design our crackpot graphics guru developed last year. The fresh new look was so well received we had many of your snow jockeys clamoring for decals so you could adorn your snow rocket. Well your wish has been granted and you can pick up a few of these fancy new decals at several shows and events where our boys have a booth set-up or are merely talking smart at the local watering hole after a day of riding. Our pal Jason, who is sales manager for one of the big OEMs scored himself some stickers this fall and quickly improved the looks and performance of his leafer buggy in just seconds.

We’re pretty sure these decals add 5mph too.

PAUL 07 TEUTUL SR. AND MIKEY COMING TO MOTORCYCLE SUPERSHOW

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

As if you needed a reason to attend the biggest motorcycle show in Canada, but we’re giving you one anyway. This year’s big show at the International Centre, January 5-7, 2018, will feature special guests Paul Teutul Sr. and his son Mikey. Unless you have spent the past two decades living under a rock, you know Paul is the head man in charge at the worldfamous Orange County Choppers (OCC), the shop that the highly successful American Chopper television series was built around. For more information on appearance times and to purchase advance discount tickets visit www.motorcyclesupershow.ca

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news

09 MILK MONEY GENEROSITY GOES VIRAL, NETTING NATIONWIDE DONATIONS

A simple act of kindness and generosity by Michigan’s 5-year-old Sunshine Oelfke exceeded everyone’s expectations. When Sunshine learned that some of her fellow students couldn’t afford to purchase milk during her school’s snack break, she went home, emptied her piggy bank and put the money to good use by helping those less fortunate. Sunshine was saving the money for her very own Arctic Cat snowmobile, but those dreams were quickly trumped by her compassion for others. Soon her story went viral and a Go Fund Me page which was set up by her grandmother, Jackie Oelfke, exceeded more than $13,000. Soon after, Sunshine and Jackie presented her school with a check for $5,000, more than enough to cover the cost of milk for the 74 pre-Kindergarten and Kindergartners for the rest of the school year. It was then when the tables turned, and Textron Specialized Vehicles surprised Sunshine and presented her with her very own Arctic Cat ZR 120. “We were so touched by Sunshine’s generosity that we were eager to do something special for her and show our support for the Ishpeming community,” said Kale Wainer, Snow channel marketing manager at Arctic Cat. According to Wainer, the company is also donating snow gear to the school for those who may not have access to adequate winter gear.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

Venture Viking

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JANUARY 4-6, 2019

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

27

winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

FINDING THE RIGHT TRAIL

Red Bull - New Year, No Limits 2011; Embarcadero Bay, San Diego, California - New world record of 412ft on a snowmobile.

S

NOW IS ON THE GROUND! Not quite enough to ride yet, but it is feeling like winter already! We are way ahead of the 60-degree days we had last year at the beginning of November, and I have a feeling we are going to be waking up to those blue bird skies with a blanket of fresh snow on the ground real soon.

I get so jacked up thinking about the approaching winter season. I picked up my sleds, finished up my pre-winter tasks, and have an awesome winter planned out.

Plus, we just got the green light on a big project this winter so we are extremely excited about that.

I can’t say too much about it yet, other than it’s going to be super.

We were also just invited to Winter X Games for both Freestyle and Speed and Style. The first time I competed in both of these events, we took Gold in both, and were chosen as the male athlete of the X Games in 2008.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

I have the best fans in the world!

The challenge of trying to figure out how to learn freestyle, and maintain speed and style while still being atop snocross racer was a daunting task! It made me look deep into how I went about things, and come up with what seemed like an unrealistic plan at the time, if I was going to succeed. What a blessing it turned out to be. After having success at the 2008 X Games, I left with much more than two Gold Medals and a new car for being the male athlete of the X Games, I also left with a belief that I could do anything if I put my mind to it! In a five-year stretch starting in 2008, we won seven X Games medals, a snocross championship, broke the record for the longest jump in history, started a race team, won a Pro Lite championship with the team, and was chosen as the 19th most influential person in Action Sports by ESPN. I had a system and it was working.

Pinch me moment, 2008 Brainerd International Raceway - it’s not every day when you are on the top of the box next to these two legends.

onsnow osmmag.com

NYE 2011 - Robbie Maddison and myself jumping side-by-side over the Embarcadero Bay in San Diego.

More recently, I’ve been asked to tell my story to businesses, schools, and snowmobile associations. At first I thought, “Seriously, you want to hear about me?” Not really knowing what I was doing, I threw a little presentation together which, admittedly looked more like a Slednecks video than a presentation. But a couple of years ago, I was hired by a multi-billion-dollar corporation to come and speak to their sales department about my story and how I’ve been able to achieve the things I have. That was enough motivation for me to really spend some time to dig into the outliers of why things have really taken off for me. It must have really resonated with that particular corporation, as they’ve had me back two more times to talk with other divisions within their company.

As I developed my presentation, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the good, the bad, and the ugly of what has created the successes and failures throughout my life. It was an eyeopening process to say the least. When you start to think about all the people, places, and experiences that have influenced you throughout the years, and the lessons you’ve learned from

them, it starts to put into perspective how all of it begins to work together. It was crazy to clearly see what the key elements to my successes and failures were, and sometimes how they were repeated with almost identical results! The interesting part was how much has stemmed from snowmobiling. The countless lessons learned from snowmobiling are the things that I am most grateful for. I wish I could say it was a smooth ride to learn those lessons, but unfortunately, most of them came the hard way. The kind that you realize while lying on the couch blowing snot bubbles during the “post-injury reflection time”!

I have a love/hate relationship with injuries. First, injuries suck! The pain, discomfort, and recovery are the terrible parts! But there is a huge blessing in each injury, if you take advantage of it. Injuries force you to slow down from the “busy life”, and they instantly give you the time that you “didn’t have” to reflect on what is going on in your life. The simple action of reflecting on what is going on, and then creating a better plan for achieving the things you really want can change the course of your life. The sad thing is that we normally can’t find the

Winter X Games 2009, the first time a snowmobile rotated twice. I didn’t stick the landing, so it didn’t count, but I still call it a pretty good accomplishment in my book.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

29

winging it LEVI LAVALLEE time to do this because we are too busy! But like I said, injuries suck, but the massive setbacks are God’s way of saying - “Hey! You’re on the wrong trail! It hasn’t been groomed in a month, it’s a field of moguls! To top it off, it’s not even heading where you want to go! I would suggest you try a different trail.”

If you listen, eventually you will find the right trail and the best part is, many times that trail leads to a whole new trail system of even better trails!

As I get ready to give my presentation at the Iowa State Snowmobile Association (ISSA) Annual Convention, I think about all the “trails” I’ve been on. A lot have led to dead ends, downed trees, dirt, rocks, and open water. But on the other hand, I think about those days of bluebird skies, a pile of fresh snow, and riding with friends and family as we have the time of our lives!

We all get on the wrong trail at some point, but if we take the time to stop and look at the map, check the GPS, or check the compass, we will find the trail which will lead us to where we really want to be. If we apply that to our lives, it’s well worth the time spent to stop when you are on a “bad trail” and come up with a plan and a new trail that leads you to those bluebird skies!

Double gold at Winter X Games 2013.

2008 was the year my career changed from snocross racer to racer and freestyle rider.

The biggest moment of my snocross career, taking home the championship title in 2009.

2009 was a good year. Championship, X Game Silver Medal, and Fan Favorite Award.

It’s always an honor being asked to share my story.

I have dreamt of moments like this, pretty crazy when they come true.

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backcountry CHRIS BURANDT

FREAK STORMS

OCTOBER 3RD BABY!

L

iving out west certainly has its advantages when it comes to being obsessed with mountain riding. One of the biggest ones for me, especially here in Colorado, is the ability to take advantage of those freak early season storms.

Each and every year, the anticipation of when our first snow is going to come absolutely kills me. Will it be a crazy September storm like we had in 2006 when I rode September 27th in 3ft of pow? Or will Mother Nature tease me all the way until the early parts of November, where at that point, my snow withdrawal is at an uncontrollable level!

Luckily for me, the “big one” came super early this season. September in Colorado was a stormy one that dusted our high peaks several times with snow, but didn’t deposit quite enough for a rip session. However, as weather reports started rolling in on October 1st, the snow totals predicted looked promising and the waiting game began.

I get pretty wound up about these first storms. So much so, that I can’t really sleep, and find myself having to check my phone and the weather station totals pretty much hourly. Yah, I have an issue I know!

With snow starting the night of the 1st and continuing through the 2nd, I started making the calls to my partners in crime, who shake their heads every time my call comes about the first ride. They know I have issues, but what the heck, how can you not be up for an adventure like this!

Since I didn’t really sleep that night of October 2nd, I was up at 4:30, got the trailer loaded, and was on the road at 5:30. It’s snow time!

One of the best parts of adventures like these is the laughing, reminiscing, and story telling on the way up the mountain. Chuckling about the previous year’s junk show we had, trying to get to the snow, making fun of the dude who pushed it a little too far and bent his a-arm, (That was me.. lol) and savoring that feeling that not many other people in the world are going to be on a snowmobile this day are all things that make these early season rides so memorable.

Like it is every year on our first ride, October 3rd did not disappoint! It was actually one of the best early season rides I’ve ever had, and worth every sleepless hour, even with one slightly bent a-arm. What? I couldn’t help myself, OK! Oh yah, and anytime you can make the internet jealous, that’s pretty fun too. Already looking forward to next year’s early season rodeo ride!

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sceneit

The 30th Annual Toronto

International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show We hope you didn’t miss it! The largest snowmobile show across North America came in like a freight train this past October. With its high intensity freestyle show, racing, new product displays, and we can’t forget to mention the 2018 sleds from each manufacturer – the tens of thousands of powersports enthusiasts that filtered through the show were “pleased” to say the least. Everyone came with the winter snowmobile itch and left with smiles on their faces in excitement for the upcoming season.

Mark your calendars for next years show, October 19 through 21st 2018 at the International Centre. www.torontosnowmoibleatvshow.com

The Yamaha booth was filled with the latest and greatest 4-stroke snowmobiles, everything from the mountains to the trails. Even the highly anticipated 2018 SnoScoot was on display, the adults seemed more excited than the kids.

YouTube sensation Larry Enticer was at the show in the STV and OSM booth, showing off his Denim and Yamaha Enticer collection. He even took a lap around the 120-race track for the screaming fans!

As you can see from this photo, she will be the one getting a new sled for Christmas this winter.

2018 Polaris Rush Pro S 600….

She knows what she wants!

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Heath Frisby, Brody Wilson, and Cody Elkins once again put on a fantastic Freestyle show for the crowd of indoor spectators. Still amazes everyone the tricks that these riders can pull off….

CSRA had the lovely Rockstar Girls handing out some energy boost to keep everyone going as they all walked the biggest snowmobile show.

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Just a glimpse of Hall 1 of 4, if you needed some new gear this season this was the show to be at with a variety of brands to choose from with some massive irresistible clearance sales.

This is one way to transport your buggy! Marlon Truck Decks Side-x-Side Loader.

If you were looking for an enclosed trailer with an abundance of features and accessories, this was the show to hit up. Manufacturers were showcasing big displays and taking custom orders on the spot.

Snowmobiling is about having fun and spending time with family and friends!

Keep warm and safe this winter, and remember, “safety never takes a holiday!”

No matter the race or the stakes, you always want to win! Competition heated up on the last day of the Toronto International Snowmobile ATV & Powersports Show.

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sceneit

To top off the Event Centre features, Nick and Ernie were pulling off some freestyle stunts on their highly modified street bikes, yes burnouts were included!

Folks had a chance to take out the new Toyota Tundra at the show this year.

Might as well have a new truck to go with that new sled!

The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports show is like walking into a snowmobile dream with all the sleds, gear, parts, accessories - and you can even have a beer in hand while touring the show. What more can you ask for?

For Team Green fans, the 2018 Arctic Cat sleds were on display flashing their newest and greatest features for the upcoming season. People were drooling over these sleds.

Ski-Doo riders packed in to take a closer look at the new iron released by BRP. Why wouldn’t you buy a new sled right?

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One booth that always catches everyone eye. The abundance of vintage and classic signs is perfect for the man cave, garage, or living room - if the wife approves of course.

One of the highlights of the show is the Dayco 120cc race that is held every year. This is a great way to get the 120 racers some early practice before the CSRA Race series begins. Dayco has sponsored the 120 race for fifteen consecutive years.

New to the show this year was the Argo test track. Show attendees had the chance to sit in the passenger seat and take a drive over an obstacle course. Yes, they did have an indoor pool for the Argo to drive through. AWESOME!

If you were at the show you probably grabbed the latest OSM issue and lined up to get a photo with Larry Enticer. The Man… The Myth… The Legend!

The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show is dedicated to giving back to the snowmobile community. At each show, the OFSC districts across Ontario receive a FREE booth to promote their riding locations and district. We would like to thank the volunteers who put in the time to help grow the sport.

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take 5

MORGANA

GREATNESS

With the kick-off to the snocross season just weeks away and we wrap up this issue of OSM, there has been plenty of office banter going down regarding the current state of affairs in snocross. With dwindling participation in the top ranks, major rule changes in the Pro-Open class, and the recently announced elimination of snocross from Winter X Games, the snocross community is buzzing with finger pointing and arm-chair quarterbacks as to how we got here, and more importantly, how to fix it. Never ones to sit on the sidelines, here is our five, sure-fire ways to make snocross great again.

Back in the late 70s through the mid-1980s, Morgana Roberts, better known as Morgana the Kissing Bandit, made quite a name for herself when she rushed the field or court during professional baseball and basketball events and placed a big fat kiss on the likes of Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, George Brett, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. No doubt, snocross could benefit from our own “kissing bandit” who would rush the track and lock lips with top riders at the most unsuspecting times. Better apply some extra lip balm boys.

WIPEOUT

Hey, snocross is tough, but if you want to make it more entertaining, throw in some obstacles. Tearing a page out of the Wipeout gameshow playbook, we envision a track littered with giant swinging red balls, automated punching boxing gloves, and pits of mud. Add in a couple of Japanese game show announcers with subtitles and online viewership would explode.

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STREAKERS

Nothing kicks off a sporting event party quicker than a naked body running through the stands and field of competition. If the national snocross scene wants to get more eyeballs on the sport, what better way than to “bare” the “fruits” of your labor for fans everywhere to appreciate. We can see the headlines now, “There’s a new moon rising over snocross”.

TAILGATING

Light the grill and crack a cold one, tailgating is an American sporting tradition. Places like Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and First Energy Stadium in Cleveland are considered some of the best places to tailgate before a big game. Imagine turning the parking lot at Canterbury Park or Horseshoe Valley Resort into a vast sea of charcoal grills and bean bag toss tournaments.

MASCOTS

Here’s a way to break up the monotony and boredom of grooming breaks and meaningless PA announcers babbling about nothing. Fans slip into their favorite mascot costume and hit the track running. Sparky the Spark Plug, Stanley Stud, Parker Piston, and Connie the Connecting Rod are at the line kids…. winner gets a corn dog.

#mbrpnation Follow Us @mbrp_powersports

LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN

ENHANCED SOUND AND PERFORMANCE

2-YEAR WARRANTY

“The benefits of MBRP – It gives you more power, it’s more responsive and the weight savings are huge!”

- Ryan Hunt #729 Pro Athlete from Bailey Motorsports

trail exhaust

race exhaust

headers

See our MBRP Snow / ATV & SXS product at mbrppowersports.com ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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time tracks

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THE BENCHMARK

PURPOSE BUILT SNO-JET THUNDER JET

W

hen Conroy of Texas purchased Sno-Jet in 1968, the tiny manufacturer founded in Thetford Mines, Quebec, suddenly had legitimate backing. Conroy of Texas was also the producer of Glastron boats, thus it had manufacturing experience, dealer and distribution experience and, of course, fiberglass manufacturing experience to help thrust the Sno-Jet brand forward. It was a far cry from the little basement fiberglass manufacturing company that founded Sno-Jet in 1964.

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Jim Adema en route to another Thunder Jet win.

Jim unfortunately lost his life during competition on December 14, 1975 in Ironwood, Michigan.

Conroy of Texas was serious about building its new snowmobile brand, and, like many other manufacturers of the time, decided racing was a good way to achieve that. Enter Duane Aho, a young engineer tasked with the job of making Sno-Jet competitive on the ice ovals. Aho made great strides for Sno-Jet, introducing an aircraft-riveted aluminum tunnel design and cleated Arctic Cat track. But the sled was heavy and Sno-Jet was running the previous year’s Yamaha engine,

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so it was down on power as well.

Another seemingly small happening for Sno-Jet in 1968 had to do with a guy named Jim Adema. That was the year Adema began racing Sno-Jet snowmobiles for Watercraft Sales in Rockford, Michigan. Adema was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up trying to figure out ways to go fast. As a boy, he built a go kart and powered it with a washing machine motor. Later, he went drag racing with a homemade go kart

powered by a 350 Chevrolet V8 taken from a Corvette. He progressed to racing Late Model asphalt cars before marrying his wife Pat in 1968 and switching his focus to snowmobiles.

Adema was a machinist by trade, a skill that dovetailed perfectly with his interest in speed and racing. Aho possessed engineering skills, but Adema knew racing. Together, the pair would produce a race-focused sled that would turn the snowmobile world on its ear.

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The Exclusive Polaris Ride Command™ Ride Command revolutionizes your snowmobiling experience by connecting you with your device, sled and fellow riders. Winner of the trip will experience a 4 day / 3 night snowmobile tour, in Ontario’s Algoma Region, with the Crew of On Snow Magazine through all the twists and turns following a pre-set route on your phone. This free app is available for download today by searching “Polaris Ride Command” in the App Store or Google Play.

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Utilizing RIDE COMMAND you will follow the route along amazing trails, stopping at epic points of interest and lodging at fabulous snowmobile accommodations.

ENTER TODAY AT www.osmmag.com/command NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. Eligibility: Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open only to those who sign up at the online sweepstakes page and who are 21 as of the date of entry. The sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of USA and Canada and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Polaris and On Snow Magazine (the “Sponsors”) their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, suppliers and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

For complete contest details please goto www.osmmag.com/command

time tracks

Since Sno-Jet was using engines sourced from Yamaha, it had to find a way to compensate for lack of horsepower. Aho and Adema figured if they could produce a lighter snowmobile that handled better, they could gain a competitive edge. Their pursuit of lightweight and optimal CG, (center of gravity) in many ways established a snowmobile design mantra that remains to this day.

Aho and Adema set out to dramatically improve the heavy and slow Thunder Jet model from 1971. Using high copper content 2024-T6 aluminum for the bulkhead, and high-strength aircraft grade 7075-T6 aluminum for the tunnel, the chassis was assembled using aircraft construction technology and riveted together. The bulkhead was designed so the engine could be mounted as low as possible, and once assembled, the top of the engine was a scant 23-inches from the ground. The bare chassis weighed just 40-pounds.

Many race sleds of the day featured the engine on top of the tunnel, or just in front of the tunnel. Sno-Jet spent many hours experimenting with different ski stance measurements, different spindle-to-track measurements, and different engine 44

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placements. With the ’72 Thunder Jet, they settled on a 32-inch ski stance. But the engine placement is what set the sled apart from its rivals. The team offset the engine to the left, and placed it further forward over the skis to help the sled travel more evenly across rough track surfaces, and more importantly, navigate the counter-clockwise ice oval tracks that comprised the premier racing venues of the day.

Other noteworthy features of the sled were its fiberglass belly pan, complete with sides that could be unlatched without opening the hood for easier access to clutches. The tunnel was tapered, narrow at the top and wider at the bottom, so the rider could move around easier. There were two track lengths - a 116x15.5 used on the 650 and 440 and a 102x15.5 used on the 300. The 650 Thunder Jet weighed in at just 280-pounds.

From the moment it hit the track, it was clear the Thunder Jet was the sled to beat. Adema won Mod I and Mod III at Eagle River in 1972, besting the factory heavyweights. The next year he came back and won Mod 1, Mod III and Mod IV, and in 1974 he won Mod I and Mod IV. The Thunder Jet even spawned copycat racers, including the 1974 Eagle River World Champion Alouette, which was heavily based on the 1972 Thunder Jet.

Sno-Jet produced the Thunder Jet in limited numbers, supposedly only 100 of each model, supporting racers with a contingency program. The 1973-74 season saw new rules introduced, namely that race sleds had to be based on stock production sleds, a production venture Sno-Jet wasn’t prepared to take on. Kawasaki purchased the Sno-Jet brand and stuck their name on it beginning in 1975. The sled pictured here is a 1974 model, the last of the Sno-Jet line. It was originally powered by a 340cc engine, but is now sporting a 440 with a Genuine Yamaha Technology GYT Kit.

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anchor of the month

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2007 Arctic Cat Jaguar

Anchor of the Month

Arctic Cat Jaguar NAME: ________________________________________________________ Twin Spar, Tubby, Jagermeister NICKNAMES: ___________________________________________________ Thief River Falls, Minnesota (I know, I can’t believe it either) BIRTHPLACE: __________________________________________________ A lot of my past boyfriends said I was wide BEST PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES: ____________________________________ in the hips but oh-so-comfortable. However, I love how I can just get comfortable ______________________________________________________________ with nearly any man regardless of shape or size. ______________________________________________________________ Basket Case by Green Day, American Woman by FAVORITE SONG OR BAND: _______________________________________ The Guess Who ______________________________________________________________ THINGS OVERHEAD AT THE LOCAL WATERING HOLE:

“I’m going on a diet…next year.” ______________________________________________________________ “Hey, let’s not talk about how overweight I was or OFF-THE-RECORD QUOTES:________________________________________

how I was slower than a rock rolling up hill…Okay? Let’s focus on my adjustability…I _________________________________________________________________________ was adjustable you know. I could fit any rider…lots of adjustments…did I mention I _________________________________________________________________________ was adjustable?!” ______________________________________________________________ The winds of change were whipping the coat-tails of many manufacturers around their legs during the mid______________________________________________________________ 2000s. The 2003 Ski-Doo REV had caught everyone off-guard, both in design, but even more so, with the level ______________________________________________________________ of acceptance the sled garnered with enthusiasts. Model year 2003 was a watershed mark for new snowmobile ______________________________________________________________ introductions. Joining the REV was Yamaha’s RX1 and the Arctic Cat Firecat. The Firecat was pure Cat - lean, ______________________________________________________________ low, and fast as hell. It was the kind of snowmobile Arctic Cat faithful expected from their brand, but for all the ______________________________________________________________ goodness the Firecat delivered, it was in many ways, outdated before it ever hit the snow. The low in the saddle ______________________________________________________________ seating position was going the way of the Dodo bird. Thus, when Arctic Cat carted a path to develop what would ______________________________________________________________ later become known as the “Twin Spar” chassis, they literally completely changed their approach and benchmarks ______________________________________________________________

from previous designs. When the first Twin Spar Jaguar arrived, it received a lukewarm reception. The sled was big, ______________________________________________________________ unsightly, heavy, and worst of all, from the perspective of Arctic Cat faithful, it was slow. In hindsight, we have ______________________________________________________________ learned the Twin Spar was designed to address the shortcomings of the REV, with a focus on comfort, “weight ______________________________________________________________ and performance be damned”! In that regard, the sled was spot on. It was very comfortable and stable, and to help ______________________________________________________________ it get there, the sled featured a host of user adjustments including seat, footrests, and even the windshield. Yet, ______________________________________________________________

the sled lacked the kind of performance and menacing looks that Cat fanatics demanded. But the Jaguar did set in ______________________________________________________________ motion a level of improved quality, attention to detail, and vastly improved comfort and ergonomics that Arctic Cat ______________________________________________________________ sorely needed. In fact, the Twin Spar remains one of the most comfortable trail sleds of the modern era. ______________________________________________________________ ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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lawn ornaments Snow is here, but don’t let it keep you from hitting those backroads, or even your neighbor’s yard to get those shots of those illustrious Lawn Ornaments.

Whether they are near mint, running on spray, or put out to pasture, nothing says “I’m a sledder” better than a broken-down sled parked in the yard. To entice you even further, our staff here at OSM has designed an all-new Lawn Ornament shirt for the season, and one could be yours if your submission is selected as tops in the grass. Simply email us your pics to lawnornaments@osmmag.com. Here’s to good hunting.

Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you spot a good slapped out, blacked out V-max 4 with the original aluminum skis just resting in a field. With the lean on this beauty - we’re guessing minor suspension work.

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It’s obvious the front storm door and the Indy Lite are decoys meant to distract from the real jewel tucked away under the tarp.

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Old Man Winter has a few tricks up his sleeve. Although the massive wood pile, Massey Ferguson snow blower and Honda lawn mower are distracting – The classic Ski-Doo 340 Olympique with homemade wheelie bar that Evil Knievel would be proud of, is the true find… And we are not even going to comment on the safety of the tire swing.

This issue’s winner of a pit-stain-free t-shirt is Chris from Minnesota and this “secure” Polaris. Yup, that’s a three-in-a-row under that cowl.

At first glance we applaud the owner for safely parking the BMW in front of the trailer. At second glance, we weren’t sure if that was “The CLUB” fastened to the steering wheel enforcing the sleds safety. But then at third glace we noted how he had blown out all of the tires, again for the safety of the sled. But the key here is the perfectly placed blue garbage can.. Homemade booby trap!

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It’s was a sad day at OSM when we received this entry, so cruel. Were you really in that much of a rush that you couldn’t dig up another piece of sheet metal for the o’l El Tigre?

Now that’s a lot of abandoned S#!T in a field! Lucky for us, OSM’s Logan, aka. The Loggy Bear, was able to find this unique compilation of S#!T and only submitted this photo to get a free T-shirt. This blown out 1999 MZ Z 700, minus a seat and handle bars, a thumb warmer and we’re guessing a track based on the fact that the drive axle is sitting where the gas tank should be. This honey isn’t moving anytime soon.

Thank you Jeremy from Keswick, who submitted this “deck lurker”. Although he forgot to give any details about his find, we honor him with 3 points and an OSM Lawn Ornament T-Shirt, she was tucked away tight.

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GOT RISER

Go

big or go home…if you like your bar risers tall and proud, (or simply come across one in a parking lot) snap a few pics and send them our way. The kids down the hall who monitor the fashion trends say these new “Got Riser” shirts are gonna be the next big thing. If one of your riser pics tickles our fancy, we’ll send you one in the mail. Just email us at gotrisers@osmmag.com

This issue’s riser submission comes from Andrew from the outskirts of Chatham, Ontario. Mike writes, “Dear Unshaven Editor, I’m unshaven as well! Here are some pics of by buddy Mike’s old Frankenmonster. His bars are jacked!” Uhhh yeah, and by the looks of it, so are his riding skills! Your shirt’s in the mail.

SEND US YOUR RISER PICS! gotrisers@osmmag.com

Send in your “Got Riser Brah” photo for a chance to win a complete PowerMadd make over.

Package includes: Fuzion Handguards, Adjustable Risers, Riser Bag and More!

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JAN 5-7, 2018 • INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • TORONTO PRESENTED BY

FRIDAY JANUARY 5: 12PM - 10PM • SATURDAY JANUARY 6: 10AM - 9PM • SUNDAY JANUARY 7: 10AM - 5PM J 2018 NEW MOTORCYCLE DISPLAYS J HOT SHOPPING DEALS J HUGE DEALER EXHIBITS J 500 EXHIBITORS SPAN OVER 7 HALLS J PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR SALE

J MEET INDUSTRY CELEBRITIES J 100 CLUBS, RIDES & RALLIES J CANADA CUP CUSTOM COMPETITION J GIANT USED BIKE MARKET J CENTURY OF MOTORCYCLES EXHIBITION

ONE OF CANADA’S MOST FAMOUS SWAP MEET’S TOOK PLACE AT THE 20TH ANNUAL SLEDARAMA IN PETERBOROUGH THIS PAST NOVEMBER. The crew

from OSM was on site and found enough Roached out sleds to write an entire coffee table book. For this issue we zeroed in on this deluxe looking 1984 Pantera. Priced at a fair $500, the owner had a book of quotable impressive and persuasive swapper sales pitches. Some may remember him as one of the best watercross racers of all time, Mr. Steve Charity. Now back in the day we simply knew him as “Stretch”.

All original stickers were in good shape, resembling a Bob Seeger album cover.

Mailbox numbers were also the original custom numbers. No expense was spared in customizing decals on this find.

We found it odd that the chicken wire with some S.O.S. pad like fabric mixed in with a few sticks was left on the dash. This is a dead give away that the Pantera has spent some scary nights alone in a barn where the mice are kings and the cats are scared.

When things don’t quite work like they did in the showroom, just keep adding rivets.

We liked the simplicity of the dash with the easy to use gauges. The tack and speedo were both easy to locate when looking down at your knees. The gas cap is neatly hidden by an un-cracked plastic door, keeping it very tidy looking likes gramps’s old Buick. Our only improvement for the gauge cluster would be to put a clock in the space provided for the middle empty gage – Noted. JVC did this exact same thing in 1982 and it turned into millions. Everyone went out and bought a new VCR that had a clock…. No brainer.

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Minor fiberglass damage can be fixed or covered by a sticker - Noted.

Good news is that trail pass stickers are much larger than they were back in 1986.

While inspecting the trunk to ensure that the rodents haven’t set up shop, we learned some vital information - this Pantera is a plug hog and sometimes tricky to start. The seller thought of that and tossed in a sandwich bag full of plugs. Nice and useful.

We weren’t able to reasonably grasp how this bumper was cut like this without having a bent belly pan or suffering any hood. damage.

After we snapped this picture we were asked to leave. This one wasn’t a runner, but what a find – this swap was a dream with vintage gold around every corner. Great people, a great effort and we learned something.

We opened the hood, and it was crystal clear that the last 3 plus decades had taken a toll on the ol’ Pantera. Even a quick trip to the local Rust Shop wouldn’t be able to reverse what has set in.

The visual inspection says it all… We’re starting off assuming it didn’t get to the swap under it’s own power.

The tow ropes still fastened sent a clear message.

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WORDS AND PHOTOS: PAT BOURGEOIS The first time the XCR nomenclature adorned the hood of a Polaris, it was the early 1990s, and cross-country terrain racing was king. Given this badge to identify the sled’s purpose-built, cross-country racing pedigree, the sled first appeared in late fall of 1990, and was identified as merely a red and white XC 400. But those in the know were keen on the sled’s true

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intentions. Nestled under-hood was a Fuji 440, and surrounding it was a host of durability and performance enhancements, all designed to give the Indy the edge to beat the competition across the line in the legendary Jeep 500 cross-country race, running from Thunder Bay, Manitoba, to St. Paul, Minnesota.

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IT

didn’t take long for Polaris faithful and race fans in general to refer to the “hopped-up” sled as the XC Racer. Thus, the following year, the XCR was born.

Year-over-year, the XCR would debut during the Polaris race school, a late fall tradition for all manufacturers during the heyday of terrain racing. Each time the XCR would usher in the latest technology and durability enhancements. Those that were deemed successful would often make their way onto consumer sleds in subsequent years.

While the Indy was already a homerun snowmobile, the XCR was even better.

The Indy was known for its ability to “run wounded”, a term terrain racers would use to describe a sled’s ability to keep clicking off miles at near wide-open throttle, even after taking on damage. The Indy, and to an even greater degree the Indy XCR, was unquestionably the best at

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this trait, and one of the biggest reasons the XCR dominated terrain racing during the 1980s and into the early 90s.

When we first learned Polaris was bringing back the XCR badge a winter ago to adorn a “beefed-up” AXYS based Rush, we were skeptical at first. Our fond memories of the XCR and its history of being tough as nails were at risk of being watered down if the “new” XCR didn’t live up to expectations. We were happy to discover that it did. After a year on the snow with the Rush XCR, fond memories of the XCR returned as we dished out a season of punishment on less than ideal snow conditions, with big rewards and zero failures.

So, it came with little surprise when the success of the XCR was injected into the more popular and stretched Switchback platform for 2018. After all, if what’s good for the goose, should most definitely be good for the gander.

KNOWN FOR ITS ABILITY TO “RUN WOUNDED” …THE XCR, WAS UNQUESTIONABLY THE BEST AT THIS TRAIT

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HARDENED SOUL The goodness comes in the form of list of Polaris Race Technology components that transform the already good Switchback into a terrain taming weapon that not only lives through abuse, but frankly loves it.

The toughness starts at the back where a Pro-XC suspension gets a full, race-ready treatment with a chromoly rear pivot, a heavy-duty front track shock mount, a chromoly front torque arm, reinforced rail beams, solid mid-rail wheels, and direct from the IQR snocross racer, rear axle wheels. Nearly all of these components are more about taking punishment versus improving performance, which is just fine as we feel the Pro-XC rear is currently the industry standard for ride performance.

The toughness continues with a solid, hardened jackshaft which meets up with a brake rotor that was developed for the race track. Featuring a larger surface area for improved performance and increased cooling, the oversized rotor is further assisted with an integrated, hood-mounted

air scoop. Mated to the system are performance brake pads that Polaris refers to as Type 81. The pads are designed for high heat, and even under heavy trail braking on a tight trail we only initiated subtle fade after several miles of overly aggressive use.

Lastly, the final component of the XCR transformation are the premium Walker Evans shocks found on all four locations.

The ski shocks as well as the rear track shock feature both high and low speed compression adjustability. The adjustments are bit awkward compared to the easy to tune FOX Quick Switch units found on many other sleds, but if your butt can detect subtle nuances in valving, these shocks offer the same subtle variances in tuning to match.

The all-important front track shock is also a Walker Evans unit, but lacks any type of user tuning. Instead, Polaris opted for an oversized 2-inch body to allow for more oil volume, resulting in improved damping control and quicker recovery.

TERRAIN TAMING WEAPON THAT NOT ONLY LIVES THROUGH ABUSE, BUT FRANKLY LOVES IT

There’s no magic happening inside the Walker Evans shocks, just old-school, high-pressure gas shocks with a well-tuned valving stack.

The dual knob compression adjustment found atop the remote reservoir lacks the easy to tune virtues becoming more and more common on other shock designs.

Aside from the large XCR nomenclature adorning the hood, the externally mounted hoodscoop for brake cooling is a sure-fire giveaway to identify the XCR package.

Both the high-speed and low-speed adjustments on the Walker Evans race shocks offer up a broad range of adjustment. Too much so perhaps for average tuners, but ideal for those with a “well-tuned” bottom side.

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Office space is minimalistic yet functional. Improved fit and finish in this area would give Polaris a boost in showroom appeal.

RACE INFUSED…NOT RACEY When it comes to any snowmobile claiming to have a race-bred pedigree, our backside cringes from past experiences of sleds with too-stiff calibrations and race only ergonomics. Often times these sleds look sexy on showroom floors, give you bragging rights at the local water hole, and feed your go big bump ego. But when it comes to real world recreational riding, they deliver less than ideal results for all but a few of the most adept and true race-pace riders.

The XCR Switchback is one of those rare sleds that serves up race ready components, looks race day ready, will bloat your ego to massive proportions, and is geared for abuse. More importantly, it backs up that toughness with a ride quality that will satisfy the majority, and can still be tuned to meet demands of the elite few, and you know who you are.

In out of the box tune, the sled is firm but compliant, delivering balanced feedback through the bars, seat, and chassis

“THE PRO-XC REAR IS CURRENTLY THE INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR RIDE PERFORMANCE”

Nine years removed from the first iteration of the “outside-the-tunnel” design the Pro-Ride introduced, Polaris has finally nailed the design and calibrations. The Switchback XCR has one of the best out-of-thebox calibrations on snow for 2018 for performance riding.

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that is in the Goldilocks zone. Not too soft, yet not teeth jarring firm.

If pushing the limits is where you want to ride, the Walkers are up to the task, and can deliver near-true race-ready ride calibrations.

But beyond the ride calibrations, we were even more smitten with the entire demeanor of the Switchback XCR. The AXYS chassis is truly at home with the slightly longer 137-inch wheelbase of the Switchback. The sled feels planted, tracks laser straight through trail chop, and the back-end pivots on cue in sweeper turns, rarely wanting to over-rotate, unlike the short-track Rush.

Early on, we found the Pro-Ride, and to a lesser extent the AXYS chassis, to lack the true precision we craved for highspeed trail carving. But year after year, Polaris engineers have continued to refine the Polaris performance trail breed, making this nag harder and harder to detect. While we wouldn’t call the Switchback to have exacting precision, we’d be hard pressed to find another “out of the box” sled that can match it with the same easy to drive and assured nature.

“STARTER AND RING GEAR THAT SOUNDS LIKE A BOX OF MARBLES AFTER THE FIRST WEEK”

The horizontal mounted rear shock on the Pro XC has lost some of the finicky nature it was known for early on, yet pre-load adjustments are still very important and a pain to make.

Seems few talk about braking performance as of late, but truth be told, the industry has taken a step backwards from where it was 15-years ago. Given the race nature of the XCR, the Switchback takes a step in the right direction with an oversized, jack-shaft mounted rotor and high-temp pads.

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For the past two winters, the Pro S Switchback has been the sled no one wants to leave behind, thanks to its combination of comfort, performance, and versatility. We expect more of the same with the XCR in 2018.

Complete engine rebuilds

A wide range of shortblocks, crankshafts and cylinders in stock Large inventory of replacement parts

Trust your engine to an expert

YOUR SLED DESERVES

THE BEST

For more information, contact your local dealer 62

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With more power, bigger tracks, tighter under-hood confines, and greater demands by riders, belt performance remains a hot-button issue. Still, common sense prevails, and we’ve been more than satisfied with both performance and belt-life with our latest Polaris buggies.

Of course, no sled is perfect and the XCR Switchback still carries with it a few nags. Tops on the list is lack of rebound control for the rear shock. Polaris engineers tell us adding rebound control is something they feel could potentially do more harm than good to the Pro XC suspension. Many riders don’t have a complete grasp on how to tune rebound control, and adding the adjustment could only sour overall ride compliance. Frankly, we agree with them, yet we’d still like to see this option on the XCR package. The Pro XC suspension has become a winner, but we still find occasions where rebound feels too slow, causing the suspension to “pack-up” when hammering repetitive big moguls at high speed. Other smaller nags including a starter and ring gear that sounds like a box of marbles after the first week, and a too small Polaris Interactive Digital Display. We can overlook the screen size though, given just how good

the entire Ride Command application and supporting components are. The ability to have an integrated and searchable digital mapping system on-board and on your smart phone is so huge, we can’t imagine riding without it.

Oh, and what about the engine? While there has been plenty of buzz surrounding the new 850 Rotax motor from the XCR’s competition across the border, we feel the latest generation 800 Polaris mill is every bit as potent. Tickle the injectors with a nudge of the throttle, and the eagerness of the twin-cylinder two-stroke to increase revolutions is nearly unbridled.

The motor is a ripper, revving freely with a ferocity that is nothing short of addictive.

Add this quick to spool nature to a chassis and suspension calibrations that is light, playful, predictable and precise, and you have all the ingredients to make the XCR a winner once again.

DELIVERING BALANCED FEEDBACK THROUGH THE BARS, SEAT, AND CHASSIS THAT IS IN THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE

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This

winter, Yamaha Snowmobiles is celebrating 50-years of making tracks. While they came late to the party in comparison to other brands, they cemented their place within the industry by introducing a host of technological advancements, many of which remain industry standards today. For model year 2018, Yamaha is celebrating this achievement with select models sporting limited edition graphics, anniversary badging, and in some instances, more industry-first technology.

In recognition, here’s a look back at some of the most iconic and important Yamaha snowmobiles.

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> 1968

SL350

To get the ball rolling, Yamaha built just 300 of this 1968 model, and the number still known to exist today is much smaller. They are in many ways, very different than the full production 1969 SL351 most remember as being the “first” Yamaha. The SL350 was first introduced in September of ‘68 at a trade show in Chicago.

The 1969 SL351 borrowed heavily from Yamaha’s engine expertise in motorcycles, and the twin-cylinder two-stroke engine demonstrated this accordingly, with its aluminum cooling fins, five-port design, and Yamaha’s exclusive Autolube oil-injection system, a first for the industry.

> 1976

SRX440

Yamaha had plenty of success between 1968 and the arrival of the SRX440 and little brother 340 in 1976. Sleds like the air-cooled GPX and the opportunity to purchase factory tuned pipes for select models, something that was unheard from other brands, had firmly positioned Yamaha as a leading brand in just a few short years. The SRX however, was a sled that further catapulted Yamaha forward in sheer technological might. Featuring an innovative radiator and heat exchanger cooling system, the SRX was incredibly light and incredibly fast. The SRX would become a force to be reckoned with on the race tracks, and remains highly coveted amongst collectors.

> 1978

SSR440

While not a consumer sled, this production racer demonstrated the seriousness of Yamaha’s racing efforts on ice ovals, the then preeminent form of snowmobile competition. With an extremely low center of gravity, comprised of lightweight components, and featuring an independent front suspension, it was Yamaha’s first foray into independent design. Soon after, the company would chart their own unique course in independent ski suspension development with struts, and market share leadership would soon follow.

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> 1982

ENTICER 340

No mention of Yamaha’s snowmobile history would be complete without the inclusion of the Enticer. It would prove to be the ultimate “starter” sled for thousands of snowmobilers, and it remains as coveted today as it was then. Powered by a toughas-nails fan cooled engine, the Enticer was light, fun, and delivered a level of dependability that was thought to be nearly impossible in the 1970s. It would become the template by which all other “entry” sleds would be measured, and in many ways still are today.

> 1982

BRAVO 250

Hot off the success of the Enticer, Yamaha continued to look for ways to get more new riders into the sport during hard times for the industry. Their answer was the lightweight and very affordable Bravo. Powered by a simple 250 two-stroke single, the Bravo proved to be an enormous success, so much in fact, it would become the company’s longest running model. It’s not unusual to see Bravo models making laps in backyards across the Snowbelt to this day, as rugged and reliable now as they were then.

> 1984

PHAZER

There is no other snowmobile in Yamaha’s 50year history that is more significant or more recognizable than the Phazer. It was a dramatic departure from the norm, for both Yamaha and the industry. The space age design however, captured the imagination of snowmobilers everywhere, and the sleds lightweight, go-anywhere, overachieving, and bullet-proof performance helped to propel Yamaha to the forefront of the industry.

In fact, the Phazer became the world’s best-selling snowmobile, and according to Yamaha, it retains that honor today.

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> 1986

1986 INVITER

If you take the time to visit Yamaha’s corporate website where they highlight significant vehicles throughout the company’s history, or even take a gander at their brief 50th look back in their 2018 snowmobile brochure, you won’t see the Inviter anywhere. Most likely because when it was introduced, it failed to meet expectations and sold just as poorly.

Yamaha was most likely looking to capture lightning in a bottle twice, after the runaway success of the Phazer. As the market share leader, Yamaha felt it was their duty to play this role to its fullest, and that meant looking for ways to get more new people into the sport. The Inviter was one such attempt, and for that reason, as well as the breakout design the Inviter introduced, the sled is an important footnote in Yamaha’s history.

Being a leader comes with responsibility, even when the product isn’t successful.

> 1988

SNOSCOOT

Another example of Yamaha’s desire to grow the sport while enjoying the market share driver’s seat came in 1988. The SnoScoot was vastly different, and was in fact a hit. But the sled’s initial success with dealers is also what cut the model run short. Dealers were so enamored with the little scooter turned snowmobile, they ordered far more than demand could handle.

Soon, carry-over units were piling up at dealerships, and Yamaha was forced to blow them out at discount prices, hurting the sled’s long term potential. Of course, in later years the SnoScoot and bigger brother SnoSport became highly coveted, fetching as much as three times their original value.

> 1992

VMAX 4

It was the era of the muscle sled; horsepower and speed ruled the day. Where others offered triples and big displacement twins with tuned pipes, Yamaha approached the muscle game with a snowmobile that would shock the industry. This was no “me too” effort.

Featuring two twin-cylinder two-strokes conjoined by a crankshaft, the four-cylinder muscle sled was a vehicle that only Yamaha could bring to market.

Nothing looked like it, nothing sounded like it, and nothing performed like it. While heavy, the smooth flowing power was totally unlike any other muscle sled of the day. The VMAX-4 may not have been the fastest, but it was far and away the most technically advanced and refined.

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> 1997

MAX 700 SX

By the mid-1990s, the snowmobile landscape had changed dramatically. The suspension wars were in full swing and Polaris had risen to the top of the heap, thanks to the success of their independent front suspension Indy.

Others followed suit in hopes of grabbing a piece of the fast-growing Polaris pie, and in 1997 Yamaha followed suit, abandoning their strut suspension, which at one time helped the Phazer climb to the top of the heap. In its place was an all-new trailing arm suspension called the Pro Action, and when harnessed with the smooth, quick revving power of Yamaha’s engine, became an immediate success.

> 1998

SRX 700

With suspension innovation taking center stage, the muscle era was starting to wane, but it still played a significant role in everyone’s new model portfolio. Knowing they needed a new trump card, Yamaha demonstrated their engine building expertise in spades with the introduction of the triple/triple SRX 700. Featuring an all-new engine with electronic power valves, flat slide carbs, and digital ignition, it was nothing short of a lake racing weapon, with a level of refinement and smoothness that is still spoken of in high regard today.

> 2003

RX1

If the 1984 Phazer is the most significant sled in Yamaha’s 50-year history, the 2003 RX1 is easily number two. While not the first four-stroke sled in the industry, the RX1 was the first performance fourstroke that proved to the disbelievers that power, performance, and fun could come in the shape of four-cycle power. The high-tech fourcylinder borrowed heavily from Yamaha motorcycle’s road racing division, and the sweet sounding rear exit exhaust transformed the industry and carved out a formidable fourstroke segment of the market that remains today.

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> 2007

PHAZER

With enthusiasts calling for lighter sleds and reduced retail pricing, Yamaha once again broke away from the pack and charted new ground with the 2007 Phazer. Designed to be light, nimble, comfortable, fun, and customizable, the Phazer was unique in every way. With an MSRP of just $6,399 for the base model, and delivering formidable performance from its 80-horsepower, 500cc two-cylinder fourstroke engine, the Phazer left the gate with plenty of traction. But a flooded used market, sagging industry sales, and a Phazer platform that remained virtually unchanged for several years, saw the spark and opportunity of the Phazer glimmer and fade over time. Nonetheless, the Phazer represented another example of Yamaha’s willingness to take a significant product risk.

> 2011

APEX

It had been ten years since Yamaha made the decision in 2001 to eventually walk-away from two-strokes, and become a four-stroke only snowmobile company. Leading the pack was the Apex. Year-over-year, the Apex received refinements and tweaks, making it the most successful and popular four-stroke snowmobile in the industry. It was in model year 2011 when Yamaha introduced another first to the industry, in the form of Electric Power Steering (EPS). The fluid and effortless nature transformed the Apex into an even better high-performance trail machine, and erased the “heavy” four-stroke stigma in the minds of many.

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> 2014

SRVIPER

The industry was rocked during the winter of 2013, when swirling speculation and rumors of a forthcoming joint working relationship between Yamaha and Arctic Cat were confirmed. With “Chicken Littles” screaming the sky was falling, the relationship proved to be a match made in heaven for both companies.

The first joint model produced was the SRViper, and it brought immediate and brisk retail sales to Yamaha. The Arctic Cat/Yamaha relationship continues today, and with each model year, the fruits of their labors continue to break new ground and elevate the success of both companies simultaneously.

> 2017

SIDEWINDER

Despite all the success and technological firsts Yamaha has introduced over the past five decades, the company remains first and foremost an engine manufacturer. They solidified this fact last year when the dropped an absolute power bomb on the industry. The 2017 Sidewinder delivered a level of power that was and is unprecedented. The Genesis 998 triple turbo produced a claimed 180-horsepower, easily making it the most powerful production snowmobile ever. Third party numbers put the power in excess of 200-ponies, and coupled to the smooth and controlled delivery, the Sidewinder was untouchable.

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who?

ARE GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN

Native to the windswept fields and ditches, swamps and thickets, and deep forests of the northwoods, Goodwood and Beerstein are salt-ofthe-earth, down-home country boys who’ll just as soon drink all your cold ones or steal your girlfriend.

They work hard and play harder, spending every spare moment scaring up game, hooking big ones and, of course, making things faster. Especially snowmobiles. They share their stories here each month because they said not everything in snowmobiling starts and ends with a flat brim hat (actually it’s because they lost a bet, but they don’t like people to know they lose so we can’t say that).

Iconic Sledder Suds to Wrench By

BY GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN

It’s hard to believe, but this is already the 5th year that the crew at On Snow has been sampling and recommending the best brews in North America to grace your shop fridge, and assist you with those late-night wrench sessions and bench races .

Now it goes without saying, we would never endorse tipping a cold one and riding, but when the day is done, we oftentimes have a hankering for tall frosty. This year we wanted to tip our caps to the brews that made snowmobiling great. During the 1970s, beer companies were promoting snowmobiling and snowmobile racing in a big way. Thus, we deemed we should sample these fine elixirs that supported the sport, and when it comes to old sleds and old beer, no one can do it better than our curmudgeonly duo of Goodwood and Beerstein. Pop a top boys!

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Schmidt Now if there was ever a beer that spoke to sledders, well here she is. Now me and Goodwood we like our beer…just about any kind that’s cold, open, and free is our favorite, but you see here this Schmidt stuff knew the best way to a sledder’s heart was through the hops, or something like that. Now back in the day, when all the willy-nilly safety folks were inside playing bingo at the VFW, well guys like me and Good were out riding and tipping a few cold ones. Now the big beer companies, they seen what was going on here and figured they could sell more beer if they cozied up to us sledders. Well the kids over at Schmidt brewery in St.

Paul pretty soon had their fancy logo on all sorts of sledder deals.

Race bibs, trail signs, even one of their beer cans had a picture of a Minnesota sled right on it. It was an Arctic Cat, but she wasn’t a fast one if I remembers. Heck, both me and Good have a few race bibs with Schmidt on them…and given how darn fast we was, I reckon we crossed the finish line in first place wearing one of them. Probably drank a few right after too. Now you can still sip these Schmidt beers, just not with the fancy can.

Still tastes purtty good too and makes your shop look legit.

Shop Beer Value – 8...legit 10 if ya got a sledder can with beer still inside.

Chug It or Pass to a Friend – She’s a keeper with a real nice body.

Old Style Ain’t nuttin gets ol’ Good and me worked into a lather quicker than a good sledder race. I mean, me and Good, we make a purtty good team with ol Good workin’ the pits and smooth talking the race directors and such. See, when it comes to winning races, there are two ways you can go about it…work real hard and hope for the best. Or grease the skids a bit, and port those transfers and shave the head till you’re dang near detonating the good fuel you got at the air strip. So, you see we like to win, and if we’re gonna stock up our fridge with some cold ones to share…or better yet, drink ourselves, well then it’s gotta be something we stand behind. Now ol’ Good, he remembers the good ol’ days of snowmobile racing better than me. Mostly cause we burned castor oil in most of our buggies, and also because of that one time. But that’s another story. Anyway, Old Style was our kinda beer because they liked winners, just like the ad says. We also liked it ‘cause it was cheap and a lager. Nothing sips or chugs better than a crisp lager…that’s what I always say, especially when that’s what they hand you on the podium. Beers for winners is my motto.

Shop Beer Value – 7 That’s not the beer talking either.

Chug it or Pass to a Friend – Never hand me a beer unless its open.

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Pabst Blue Ribbon Some of you kids are probably drinkin’ Pabst because it’s “cool” these days to be retro. Well, all Pabst does is bring up bad memories for me and Beer. See, this one time we were holed up with these to lil snow bunnies in my old fish shack. Well, these girls are thirsty, so Beer heads out to get some frosties for ‘em. He throws a few under the seat of our old Johnson ice fishing sled and heads on back to the fish house. Those girls were happier than a kid winnin’ his first Kitty Kat race when they grabbed for those pounders. That is until they opened ‘em and they sprayed all over the place. Seems ‘ol Beer had ‘er to the bars on the way back and they

got all shook up. Needless to say, they hightailed it outta there, leavin’ us with some flat PBRs. Shop Beer Value: 4 Bad memories, too retro.

Chug it or Pass to a Friend: Leave these pounders to the guys with the tight jeans, beards and newsboy hats.

Black Label Now I’m not one to brag, but since them paper pushers in the Toronto office were too damn cheap to pay ol’ Goodwood and myself to tell you young folks about “real” snowmobilers, well they gave us beer instead. Damn fair trade if you ask me. Anyway, me and Good, we like beer. Just about any kind frankly, but the old Black Label brand holds a pretty good spot in our craw on account of that one time. See, this here beer wasn’t always called Black Label. Just cause the interweb tells you it was, don’t always mean it’s so. See, back when we were younger fellers, ‘bout all we thought about was racing sleds and drinking beer. Somethings never change I guess, but you see me and ol’ Good, we didn’t always have this shop. Back then we were living, wrenching, and racing out of a 64-passenger bus we bought for $300 bucks from the Our Lady of Peace first Lutheran church in the next town over. She ran purrty good, and after gutting her out, the bunks slept nice too. Anyway, with all our money tied up in mod Walbro carbs and Salsbury clutches, Goodwood decided we could brew our own beer, you know, to save some money, and more importantly, increase our volume. Turns out it was damn good. No surprise really, if there is anything me and Good know, it’s sleds and beer. Now back in my big cross-country racing days, I bent a few rules. Hell, even got caught a few times. Well Good, he went

ahead and named his home brew after me. Called it Black Flag Hops. Pretty soon we had everyone in the pits swilling the stuff, and Good became the most popular guy on the circuit. Then one day some suit wearing clown from the big city offered Goodwood a pile of cash to buy the recipe. Way we figured it, with that much money we could buy all the beer we’d ever need. Long story short, that suit dude ended up changing the name to Black Label. Says it was more appealing to other folks. Go figure.

Also turns out me and Good, we way underestimated our thirst. We burnt through that drinking money by the end of the season.

Shop Beer Value: 4 This here is more like one of them conversation beers than a sipper.

Chug It or Pass to a Friend:

Leave it on the shelf and talk about how fast you once were.

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coors Ahhh…as far as I’m concerned, ain’t too many things better than sippin’ suds in the shop, cept’ if you’re chugging back that golden elixir while watching the go-fast guys in the tight leather pants, lay down some laps at the Derby. Now me and Goodwood, we’ve been around fer some time now. Heck, we remember when those ice oval things were a pretty big deal. Yup, those fellers that raced those big-time races were genuine heroes to most folks. Of course, I reckon both Good and myself could have run with just about all of them if it weren’t for account of that one time in shop class when that bandsaw got away from us. Anyways, what

I’m trying to say here is oval racing was king, and just about every big brew maker on this side of the great lakes was looking to sink their claws into folks like us who watched those guys. Way those brew master guys figured it, if they supported the sport, well hell, you’d support them right back. For the most part, they were right.

Seems like some folks these days could learn a lesson from all that.

Shop Beer Value: 7 We’d give the old banquet beer more points, but on account we are fresh out in the shop fridge, a guy’s gotta drink what ya brung.

Chug it or Pass to a Friend: Finders keepers is what I always say.

Blatz Come to think of it, me and Good ain’t never seen much of this beer round our parts. After I put on my cheaters, I saw it was from one of those places out west, like you know, where they made those cowboy films. Damn, I love that John Wayne guy. If he ever rode sleds, I bet ya anything he’d be throttling one of those big Hirth Honker triples. Anyway, this here beer, me and Good never realized it was beer on account of the name and all. I just figured it was some engine oil additive like Sea Foam or STP. But since I’m such a good tuner, we never use the stuff…same goes for this here beer.

Shop Beer Value: 3 But it might free up a stuck exhaust valve so don’t throw it out.

Chug it or Pass to a Friend: If you give this beer to your friends, who needs enemies?

Molson Me and Beerstein, we ain’t got no education other than the school of hard knocks. But it doesn’t take one of them fancy business degrees that all those tight pantwearin’ kids want these days, to tell us a beer company ain’t got no business givin’ out safety awards. Here, hold my beer…and don’t drink none, cuz I know how much was in there!

Shop Beer Value: 7 Points for being safety conscious Chug It or Pass to a Friend: We’d be fine keepin’ these around, especially when our friends from the Great White North are in town and wantin’ to watch some hockey.

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Grain Belt When it comes to beers that me and Good really like, we rarely look too far past the shop doors here in Minnesota. As you know, we like our beer cold and open, and just about any beer will put a smile on our face, especially after an all-night wrenching session on our unlimited outlaw drag sled.

That buggy is damn fast. Anyway, whenever folks drop by our shop, and that’s pretty often, seeing how everyone wants a piece of our go-fast knowledge, they always talk about how friendly the folks in this state are. I guess that’s what they mean when they say, “Minnesota Nice”. Well I’m here to tell you it’s not just the people, it’s the beer…actually probably more the beer. Back in the good ol’ days of snowmobiling, the big Minneapolis based brewer of Grain Belt had a soft spot for sledders. They sponsored all sorts of snowmobile activities, and they even had some real nice ads and such featuring sleds. More importantly, Grain Belt is a real good beer. Matter of fact, it’s a staple in the shop fridge. For decades it’s been known as the “the friendly beer”, or as me and Good call it when sipping pounders, “The Big Friendly”, and that’s not the beer talking.

Shop Beer Value: : 9 Only because we grade on curve and we never were too good in school.

Chug It or Pass to a Friend: Grain Belt is for everyone, and we’re more than happy to share, providing you brought enough for everyone.

Genesee When you are world renowned travelers like me and Good, you see some things, and well, we’ve seen some things. Like that one time when we were tapped to go run the hot-shot shoot out in upstate New York for one of those other sledder rags. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it plenty of times, but it’s worth saying again cause ol’ Good and me, we’re pretty dang fast on a snowmachine. So, if you’ve never been to that part of the east, well you see folks out there talk real fast and kinda funny too. Well, after we got done mopping up on those East Coast go fast shops at the shootout, we made the

big shot promoter buy us some suds. Turns out this Genny beer is kinda of a big deal out there.

Guess its older than dirt, started way back in 1878. Well if there’s another thing Good and me know about other than beer and sleds, that’s being old. Guess you call that one of those rare perfect nights for most folks. Seems it happens to Good and me all the time.

Shop Beer Value: 6 We’d give it an 8 if that magazine hot shot is buying again.

Chug it or Pass to a Friend: The label’s pretty plain, so you better chug it fast before you change your mind.

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LaBatt Let’s face it, our friends up in the Great White North have given us a lot of great stuff. Heck, let’s talk about SkiDoos, hockey, Rush, and April Wine just to name a few. Ain’t nothin’ more Canadian than Labatt. Now, some folks wonder how Labatt came to be known as “Labatt Blue”, and me and Beer got a theory ‘bout that. See, this one time we decided to make a trip to the snowmobile Mecca of Valcourt to see what ‘ol JA Bombardier saw up there that made him want to put tracks on a machine and go snowmobilin’. Now, we ain’t sure if this place is even habitable by people, cuz the whole time we were there it was somethin’ like -35 and it felt like the wind was comin’ straight from Siberia via the North Pole. Tryin’ to make the best of it, me and Beer

Blitz Beer Anyone who knows anything about snowmobilin’ knows that a lot of snowmobilin’ is actually driving. We’re talkin’ road trips here. And one thing’s for sure, on a snowmobilin’ road trip you’re gonna end up at some pretty remote places, and some pretty questionable establishments. Like this one time, me and Beer were chasin’ snow across three states and found some pretty top-shelf riding. Worked up a powerful thirst doin’ it too. So, on the drive back we’re lookin’ for a place to crash and some cold ones to sip and heck,

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we got lucky cuz the only two places open were the local motel and the gas station.

Now, what they passed off as a beer cooler actually had some meat sticks, cheese, a smoked ham, some sodas, and what-not. It also had and some kinda beer called Blitz. We figure it must be a local craft brew, so we scooped some up along with some meat sticks and cheese, and headed back to the room. Let me tell you, we’re not sure if it

was the beer or the viddles, but there was some Blitzin’ goin’ on that night.

Shop Beer Value: 2 It was cold, and that always earns some points Chug It or Pass to a Friend: We all got that ridin’ buddy who no likes to have around, right? This is his beer.

bought some pounders (Labatt) and cracked ‘em open. Well, let me tell ya, we sure as heck found out where the name “Blue” came from after that weekend.

Shop Beer Value: 8 You don’t need no mountains to turn blue.

Chug it or Pass to a Friend: Beer and me, we always have a few in the shop fridge, so we can look important when the Ski-Doo race director stops by asking Beerstien for tuning tips.

Olympia Beer Back in the day, me and Beer heard there was some fast racers out west. Like, way out west, past Winnipeg. So, we head out to this Washington place, and run into some guy hucking some old Ski-Doo off some drifts. If ya ask us, the feller looked a little funny, like he was more worried about his Brylcreem helmet than running that Olympic. So, me and Beer, we figure why not tip a local cold one. Well, we don’t talk about their beer much. Let’s just say it was a long drive back to the shop after that time.

Shop Beer Value: 3 Me and Beer never much liked this one.

Chug It or Pass to a Friend: Pass it on to some western dude

Hamms Me and Beerstein, well, let’s be honest, we’re not gettin’ any younger. Let’s just say when your racing class has a number after it, you either got your mom waiting for you at the end of the race with a Kleenex and a hot bowl of soup, or you’re seein’ how many days you can get out of that free t-shirt you got out of some guy’s old swag bin at the swap meet. A guy’s gotta stay hydrated, and beer, well that stuff’s been a part of snowmobilin’ since guys were arguin’ about slide rail suspensions being’ a fad.

Most folks don’t know this but Beerstein, he used to be a pretty fast cross-country racer back in his day. So fast that some of those factory guys even accused ‘ol Beer of cheatin’.

Road runnin’ or something’, who knows? One day Beer really got the best of these guys and their shiny factory sleds. Most of ‘em left in front of Beer, and right there at the end of the day they come in and there sits ‘ol Beer’s buggy, lookin’ just like it did when he left the line. Now, back in the day, people weren’t so scared of everything comin’ back to bite ‘em,

and this race was sponsored by Hamms Beer, and, since Beer was hangin’ his hat on that particular brand’s tasty pounders about that time, these guys got suspicious, sayin’ he had somethin’ goin’ on with Hamms. Now just cuz a guy likes a certain beer, it don’t mean nothin’.

But where it got real weird was when this crazy feller accused Beer of bein’ the Hamms Bear at the races. Said that’s how he was cheatin’ ‘cause he was wearin’ the bear suit and gettin’ by the checkpoints while I hauled his sled in the hauler. “It’s the bear suit!” this feller was yellin’. “He’s wearin’ the bear suit! He’s the damn Hamms Bear, that’s how he’s getting in front of us!”

I remember the look on Beerstein as he took a chug off a cold Hamms while some of this feller’s factory guys dragged him away. Never did see that guy again. Beerstein still says Hamms is the beer of champions.

Shop Beer Value: 8 This beers got it all folks.

Chug It or Pass to a Friend: Keep this frosty for your own self.

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Snowmobiling

is in many ways the soul of Bill Fullerton.

From racing to engineering to business management to collecting, his appetite for the sport appears to never be satisfied.

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The back shop at Fullerton’s always has an assortment of “project” sleds on hand. Most have been dropped off by customers looking for obscure parts no longer available farom the manufacturer.

It' s

all about perspective.

Whether you’re “picking” an estate sale or surfing the local swap meet, the difference between an item being a door-stop or a diamond in the rough is either based on need, or more importantly perspective. At Fullerton’s PAC, there’s no shortage of perspective.

The highly successful Bombardier parts and accessories business in Bracebridge,

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Ontario, specializes in obsolete and hardto-find parts and accessories for Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, and Spyder vehicles.

Like so many who experienced snowmobiling for the very first time, Bill Fullerton was immediately hooked on the sport. Born in California, Bill was raised as a true cold weather loving Canadian when his family moved to the small village of Port Sydney, Ontario. His love affair with snowmobiles blossomed quickly, working for a local lodge giving tourists rides

AS THE SPORT OF SNOWMOBILING EXPLODED, BILL’S INVOLVEMENT WITH RACING AND RACE DEVELOPMENT GREW QUICKLY AS WELL.

aboard a Polaris Sno-Traveler.

Bill soon owned his first snowmobile, a 1967 Ski-Doo, and from that moment on, yellow seemed to course through his veins. Riding quickly transitioned to racing, as Bill became the “tag-along” youngster with friend Rick Park and Rick’s cousin Bill.

“They started dragging me to all the local races,” Bill recalled. “I started racing in the men’s classes. My mom and dad didn’t even know I was racing until they saw my name in the local paper.”

As the sport of snowmobiling exploded, Bill’s involvement with racing and race development grew quickly as well. His racing endeavors became more serious and his organizational, management, and mechanical skills became a coveted combination of assets. He raced snowmobiles for several years; and also became deeply involved with the Canadian National Motocross program with Suzuki and secured a national title. However, a change in leadership at Suzuki saw Bill take on a new role, this time in Valcourt, working with Bobby Donahue and Doug Hayes on the 1978 Ski-Doo race sleds.

Hungry to become even more involved within the industry, and turn a passion

into a livelihood, Bill turned his attention to the business side of things and purchased a dealership from an old friend in the lake community of Muskoka, Ontario. Northland Recreation went on to become one of the largest Ski-Doo dealerships in Ontario.

“I couldn’t stay away from racing,” Bill remembers. “We’d run the dealership during the week and go racing on the weekends. It was a hectic life.

We were still raising a family with three boys…the plate was full.”

Not just busy, the plate was also full of success with racers like the late Danny Lee, who raced in the Ontario Snowmobile Racing Federation, and later with his youngest son Jeff, who raced snocross. The dealership was also heavily involved in SeaDoo racing. “Racing was a way of life for us,” said Bill, “and the focus was always to win.”

Needless to say, owning and operating a dealership of this size, and racing nearly every weekend was much more than a full-time job. “We were tired,” Bill said. “We had gotten to the point where we were only closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day…it felt like we were there all the time…so we sold the business in 2000.”

The “backroom” is where the magic happens at Fullerton’s. It’s here where we got to see sleds like this rare Double Eagle, which was nearing completion of its restoration.

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Shelves are bursting with parts inside the warehouse of Fullerton’s. While most of the true vintage stuff has all been snatched up, parts for 1980s and 1990s sleds are literally bursting from the shelves.

While no longer facing the daily grind of the dealership, Bill couldn’t get away from the long days and racing quite as easily. He soon found himself accepting a job to run Ski-Doo’s race program during the early 2000’s. They were good years, working closely with team owners and racers including Todd Wolff, Gerard Karpik, Bob Coffin, Mark Warnert, and Steve Scheuring. Behind the scenes, Ski-Doo was also working on the then all-new REV platform, and Fullerton played a key role in helping to lure Blair Morgan away from Arctic Cat to campaign the new REV racer for Ski-Doo. Still the days were long, and the industry had become a much more polished, corporate machine. It was no longer the handshake business he had known while racing as a youth or even during his time 84

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Diamonds in the rough is a reoccurring theme in Bill’s successful snowmobiling journey.

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owning a successful dealership.

The landscape was changing, but Bill sensed an opportunity.

“When I was a dealer, I of course had good contacts in Valcourt,” Bill recalls.

“Back then I used to work directly with some of the original Bombardier family members and they were very hands on.

When we were racing, we always were looking for discounts on parts, or used sleds, or whatever we could find at the factory to help us go racing. The race department used to sell me used units or surplus parts and I’d jump in my truck, drive eight hours, and buy sleds or parts.”

Buying parts from the race shop eventually morphed into buying excess parts from Bombardier’s distribution center. “The center was on the way to the race shop,” recalled Bill. “Pretty soon I was stopping there and spending a day buying parts and shipping them back to the dealership by the truck load. We’d use a lot of the parts for racing, but as our supply at the dealership grew we started to offer them to other dealers as well.”

Bill’s surplus parts runs had soon

morphed into a gentleman’s agreement with Bombardier, and Bill was buying truckloads of obsolete parts and accessories almost weekly. “The business had changed,” Bill said. “Valcourt didn’t want to sit on older parts with very little demand, they simply couldn’t have that much inventory. So, I became the inventory for these parts. I’d get them at a good deal and I’d pass that along to dealers who needed the parts.”

This need was enough to convince Fullerton to open a new business in 2004, Fullerton’s PAC, an authorized resource for surplus and obsolete Bombardier parts.

“You know, there’s so much good old product out there running around,” Bill said. “There’s vital parts of course, like pistons or wear items like clutch components or hyfax, but then there’s non-vital parts. We’ve become the source for those types of parts and accessories.”

With snowmobile roots running deep in racing and building an accomplished business by transforming excess into success, it’s also not surprising Fullerton

Fullerton’s PAC is more than just new old stock equipment, Bill also has salvaged tunnels, pipes, bulkheads, and more. However, you won’t find any “junk” here, if it is used its either super rare or straight and clean.

When we visited Bill’s facility in the fall, the shelves were brimming with goods as he prepared for a pre-season rush of parts requests.

Fullerton’s PAC is more than just sleds though, they also offer parts and accessories for watercraft, off-road, and Spyder.

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WHEN WE WERE RACING, WE ALWAYS WERE LOOKING FOR DISCOUNTS ON PARTS, OR USED SLEDS, OR WHATEVER WE COULD FIND AT THE FACTORY TO HELP US GO RACING.

Fullerton’s private collection of sleds and parts is nearly as extensive as this business side of things.

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A racer himself and being intimately involved in the Ski-Doo and Moto-Ski race programs, it’s no surprise much of Fullerton’s collection of sleds have a racing pedigree. Note the Gerard Karpik seat cover stacked up top.

The X-2R is powered by two Rotax 797cc free air triples and in 1972, with Yvon Duhamel at the helm, the sled achieved a two-run average speed of 127.3mph. It was a speed record that Ski-Doo had sought for several years, and one that would stand for several more.

TRUTH BE TOLD, BILL’S COLLECTION OF VINTAGE SLEDS INCLUDES SOME TRULY RARE VEHICLES INCLUDING THE ONE-OF-ONE SKI-DOO X2-R has amassed quite the collection of obscure vintage snowmobiles, parts, and collectibles over the years. “I guess when you start buying up truckloads of obsolete parts…collecting sleds and engines and things like that shouldn’t really come as a surprise,” Bill joked.

Truth be told, Bill’s collection of vintage sleds includes some truly rare vehicles including the one-of-one SkiDoo X2-R. The sled was badly burned in a garage fire when Bill found it, but a slow and meticulous restoration process has the sled nearing completion.

Thanks to Bill’s vintage collection, his vast network of contacts, the success of his business, and his restoration skills, he’s now contemplating another business venture. “I’m thinking I might build another shop…the parts things (Fullerton’s PAC) is going to continue, but I’m thinking I’d like to get a little dirty…to do some hands-on vehicle reassembly and restoration.” Apparently, Bill’s perspective on some things never changes.

To learn more about Fullerton’s PAC, visit them online at www.fullertonspac.com or call at 705-646-0051.

More personal collection sleds tucked away in the basement.

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www.daycoproducts.com

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CKX

Jonathan Asselin Frenette is a marketing analyst at CKX, linking the needs and desires of customers with the design and engineering team to develop breakthrough new products like the Titan helmet.

For this issue’s 5-minute industry update, we put in a call to Canada’s CKX and marketing guru Jonathan Asselin Frenette.

Over the past couple of years, CKX has really matted the gas in terms of introducing innovative new products to the snow market, such as the oh-so-good CKX Titan Helmet. Of course, CKX is certainly not a newbie when it comes to snowmobile products. You can trace their roots all the way back to 1983, when they started making helmets and clothing for sledders.

Through the years, they expanded their offerings to include motorcycle and off-road markets as well. The Tranz helmet for example, has become one of the most iconic helmets in the company’s history, and it’s still considered one of the best premium snowmobile helmets out there. Now for 2018, the company is expanding into the backcountry with a line of clothing that is said to be just as revolutionary as the Titan. With this kind of momentum, we pulled Jonathan aside for a 5-minute update on all things CKX.

OSM: CKX has more than 30-years of snowmobile product innovation under its belt, and is one the most respected brands in the industry. How has the brand changed over this time to where it is today?

CKX: There is no doubt that the snowmobile market has changed a lot in 30 years. It might seem like worlds apart from then to now, but when you take a step back, it remains an engine powered sled with a snow loving enthusiast.

When CKX started, the objective was to make warm clothes so enthusiasts could spend the day outside, enjoying the sport. Today, the objective is still the same. However, the speeds are higher and the possibilities almost limitless as to what one can do with a snowmobile.

The biggest challenge faced by CKX and all the companies who have been around for this long is to remain relevant.

Relevance is the center of focus when you have employees who are passionate about snowmobiles. The speed at which changes arrive today are unprecedented, and that’s why today CKX also counts on numerous collaborators and testers to help bring to life the ideas of tomorrow.

OSM: I think most snowmobilers associate CKX with helmets, and you do offer several, but CKX is a brand that offers much more beyond helmets, right?

CKX: Yes, for sure! Our snowmobile helmets have always been in the spotlight, as we were one of the first companies to make helmets designed for snowmobiles. Let’s not forget that for many, the helmet is

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The Titan helmet touts a unique modular design that gives the functionality of a traditional mototype helmet with far superior sealing of cold and snow with a flip down chin guard so you never have to remove your helmet during a day’s ride to talk or take a drink. The crew here at OSM tried the helmet last year and absolutely loved it.

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CKX

the “nicest” part of their gear, so a lot of attention goes into selecting the right one. For CKX, it has always been about making snowmobile gear accessible, so it’s only natural for us to also offer jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and a lot of other accessories. Since accessibility is the key word, we look to offer great performance in our clothing as well as in our helmets, but always keeping the everyday rider in mind.

These riders don’t want to put all of their money into updating their gear every year. Accessible doesn’t mean sacrificing rider comfort, as our gear is put to the test by different riders, to make sure that it will deliver the promises in all the conditions.

OSM: Last winter CKX introduced the Titan modular helmet, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best modular, moto-type snowmobile helmets I’ve ever worn. Tell us a little more on how that helmet design came to be, and are there any changes or updates to the helmet coming for this winter season?

CKX: The Titan project started like many projects do with CKX; we spotted some strong trends in the market, we talked with users and found we had a concept that would help riders improve their riding experience.

Lots of research and development went into creating the solution. Riders were very important and involved throughout the whole process, to have maximum feedback on the helmet and goggle design. Internally we had an entire team of people deeply involved in the project. It takes a team effort to transform an idea into an actual product that works, and have it available in stores.

Last year was the first full year on snow for the Titan. Things went well and we received even more rider feedback, which helped us to further improve the design for 2018. The helmet in itself didn’t receive major changes, but some details have changed to accommodate different rider types and select, extreme conditions. With all the accessories in the box and all the adjustments that can be made with this helmet, the Titan really is the most versatile helmet on the market today. From

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More than just helmets, CKX has always offered a full line of outerwear including boots, gloves, jackets, and pants at very affordable prices. For the 2018 winter season, CKX has introduced a new backcountry line of jackets and pants.

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NOW AVAILABLE! ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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backcountry to trail and everywhere in between, the Titan performs. The biggest change to the Titan lineup is the original helmet is now joined by an airflow version, which offers all the same features, but with more ventilation. Even the 210 goggle is complemented by a fully-vented backcountry version and an electric version to ensure fogging and icing is a non-issue. It’s incredible at how much you’ll be able personalize a Titan to fit your needs.

OSM: I think a lot of enthusiasts view CKX as a brand only available in Canada, what is your reach on the US side of the border and can customers in the states purchase CKX? CKX: CKX is proud to have dealers in the US, which allows the brand to be purchased by consumers south of the border as well. For different reasons, some helmets are not sold in the US, but beyond that, all CKX clothing and accessories are available. You can visit CKXgear.com to find your local dealer and see the available products. You can also buy directly from US dealers via our website. If you have any questions, you can contact us through our website.

OSM: What’s next for CKX? Can we expect more innovations like the Titan helmet or expansion into other product lines in the future?

CKX: Last year, we were proud to launch our CKX Lab initiative, it’s our way to create more innovations like the Titan helmet. If I were to summarize it in a few words: Having snowmobile passionate employees helps spark ideas and create new concepts, but why limit ourselves to employees?

All the latest trends talk about crowd sourcing and living labs.

We wanted to go further in that direction, so we rolled up our sleeves and created focus groups, met with riders on trails, in the backcountry, and talked with dealers from all over Canada and even in the US, so the lab will hopefully spark more ideas like the Titan in the near future.

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OSM: If readers want to learn more about CKX and purchase products, what the best way for them to go about doing so?

CKX: We want to interact with as many enthusiasts as possible, to help us push the limits of the snowmobile market even further. For this reason, I would invite them to join us through our social media pages. We are continuously featuring the latest product info and videos, we even host live product launches so that everyone can learn firsthand about the latest CKX product, idea, or initiative. Our website is also a great place to check out all the gear specs and features. Of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. As enthusiasts ourselves, we like talking about anything that revs an engine.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CKXgear Instagram: www.instagram.com/ckxgear CKXGEAR: www.ckxgear.com CKX TITAN WEB SITE: WWW.CKXTITAN.COM OSM: It’s been a pleasure talking to you Jonathan. Keep up the great work!

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GEARBOX Who doesn’t love unwrapping shiny sled stuff on Christmas morning? At On Snow Magazine,

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we’re here to help you with your gift giving for that passionate sledder in your family. To follow is a list of snowmobile gear and accessories gift ideas to help make that special sledding someone very happy on Christmas morning.

1

MotorFist Blitzkrieg Frost Suit

Christmas is around the corner and it’s time to get your husband out of that old suit and into something new. Stay warm and comfortable this winter with MotorFists Blitzkrieg Frost Suit. When you first slip into this one piece suit you will notice a huge difference because of its eVent fabric outershell with fully taped seams, waterproof stretch underarm and lower back panels, and moisture wicking liner with fleece lined sleeves. MotorFist also integrated water-sealed aqua-guard front core vents, backpack friendly rear vents, and front zipper all to make sure water and moisture stays out and the warmth stays in. This one-piece suit has it all; make the riding season more enjoyable with MotorFists Blitzkrieg Frost Suit www.motorfist.com

Prospect Goggles

3

Maximize your field of vision with SCOTT’s new Prospect goggles. The newly designed goggles with increased lens size and smaller frame that sits closer to your face, provides a larger field of vision. SCOTT Prospect goggles frame technologies have a lens lock system that features four locking pins which prevent the lenses from coming out, two pivoting outriggers giving the goggles the ability to adapt to the helmets shape and seals from the elements. Also a big three layer face foam with the first layer maximizing sweat retention, second layer ensuring a precise fit to your face, and a third layer that provides a barrier around the riders face. Choose your color at www.scott-sports.com

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BoonDocker SideKick

Make this a Merry Christmas! Take your Polaris AXYS RMK 800 to the next level with BoonDocker’s SideKick Turbo Kit. This is a factory-tuned turbo kit that provides optimum boost on pump gas. With this kit you will not only get arm ripping power through out but also responsive driveability, predictable horsepower, altitude-compensating boost, and a lightweight design. Additional features include lightweight water to air intercooler and a deep snow exhaust. Keep up and check it out at www.boondockers.com.

HMK Carbon Boa Boot

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Think of your feet when making your Christmas list this winter. Maximize comfort for the feet this winter with HMK’s Carbon Boa Boot. Waterproof, windproof, and breathable membrane that will provide comfort up to -40c/-40f, keeping the toes toasty warm.

To provide ultimate tension HMK has the BOA lacing system to keep the boot tight and comfortable. Also included comfort cuff that relieves pressure on the calf, true fit, and rubberized lower for increased mobility off machine and layered heel counter for increased support, stability, and durability.

Choose your size at www.hmkusa.com. And don’t forget to share your riding paradise with us for a chance to WIN an OSM &HMK prize pack to tackle the most extreme conditions. #MyRidingParadise. Submit your photos to Info@OSMMAG.COM.

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Indy Tunnel Bag

Boost CX Prime Helmet Why wouldn’t you want to look good on the trails? Well the variety of colours are endless for the FXR Boost CX Prime Helmet. Built into the helmet is an extended rubber nose frost and roost guard, dual density EPS liner, hi-flow ventilation system, and integrated, adjustable removable breath box. With its adjustable ultra hi-flow peak you will feel less drag at high speeds. Safety, comfort, and protection are what comes to mind for the FXR Boost CX Prime Hemet. Take it from the Sledding experts and go to www.fxrracing.com.

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Perfect Gift to stash under the tree this year...

Take away the added weight of wearing a backpack as you ride and add the tunnel bag for your Polaris Indy with its increased storage capacity and upgraded design for a better fit a style on the machine. Featuring rigid side panels that keeps the shape of the bag even when empty and a larger opening making it easier to access and stow away regularly needed items. Secured with a set of all-weather Velcro straps giving you the confidence knowing your bag will still be there when you arrive at your destination. Purchase details at www.polaris.com

7

Schaeffers XP 2-Cycle Oil

You never want to see the low oil light flashing at you when you’re ripping down a trail.

Schaeffers manufactures full synthetic 2-cycle racing oil that keeps your engine and critical parts clean while providing top performance.

The XP- 2-cycle oil from Schaeffers is a premium oil that reduces smoke emissions and prevents the exhaust ports from blocking and also hard carbon deposits from forming giving you a smooth throttle response. Pick up a jug of Schaeffers XP Extreme Performance 2-Cycle oil at www.schaefferoil.com

Blue Series Weights

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With winter around the corner all we are thinking about is squeezing that throttle and riding down the trails. One item that we suggest you pick up before the snowmobile season is Ibexx Blue Series weights. These weights were designed to provide a more responsive and nimble ride. The Blue Series Weights have a lower engagement, more aggressive shift profile, and are the industry’s lightest flyweights that provide a unique and aggressive ramp. You can adjust the weight by 20g with the .85g and 1.7g magnets that are provided. With in the kit, blue flyweights x3, bushings x3, magnets, and set screws x3. Take a look at the Ibexx Blue Series weights at www.ibexx.com

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SV1-Trail Snow Vest For added protection and safety on the trail throw on EVS’s SV1- Trail Snow Vest with its durable nylon and ballistic mesh that will protect your from hard impacts and abrasion. Built into the vest is an internal armor plating construction that provides a compact lightweight overall design giving you the added protection you need on the trails. Don’t make the wife worry wear an EVS SV1-Trail Snow Vest, more details at www.evs-sports.com

RacePak Vantage CL1

No one enjoys following the back of the pack, occasionally being hit by flying snowy ice chunks or snowy dust. Lets change the game this year with the RacePak CL1 from Exhaust Gas Technologies. This is an all-in-one kit that turns your phone into an instrumentation data-recording device through its D3 app. This system provides real time feedback on braking, turn in, turn out, and throttle changes. After each lap, the lap time data is presented to the driver. Take your race season to the next level with the RacePak CL1, more details at www.exhaustgas.com

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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GEARBOX

Dayco Belts

11

Make sure you have one of Dayco’s performance belts the XTX, HPX, or the HP wrapped around your clutch this winter.

Dayco belts are specifically engineered to give your machine top performance at any RPM. With high temperature polymer and engineered reinforcements, there is nothing these belts can’t go through. We can’t stress in of the importance of a spare belt, pack it before you BRAAP! Find the right belt for your snowmobiles make and model at www.daycoproducts.com/snowmobile

KLIM Aurora GTX Boot

12

Attention Lady riders: The Aurora GTX Boot is the boot that you have been looking for when it comes to comfort, performance, and all around winter needs. Having cold and wet feet is a thing of the past with its gore-tex insulated comfort footwear technology, durably nylon exterior to prevent water from entering, and moisture wicking liner to keep feet dry. Klim’s Aurora brings the Gore-Tex and #M thinsulate footwear technology to the female rider. Head over to www.klim.com for sizing and colour options.

13 14

Women CKX Oxygen Jacket

Hey Gentlemen, plan ahead and pick up the girl in your life a new warm jacket this year. Haven’t you ever heard the saying - Happy wife, happy life! This jacket will keep her warm on the coldest of rides, because of its 100 % polyester outer shell, 100 % thermoshield, 8oz on the body, and 6oz on the sleeves of the jacket keep the warmth in and the cold out. Other features include water repellent zippers, windbreaker on the inside of the jacket, taped seams, and three outside pockets. Plus it’s just that good looking. Choose between two available colours at www.ckxgear.com

Men’s Transfer Short Cuff Glove

With winter temperatures being unpredictable, you never want to be caught out on the trails on a bitter cold ride. The Transfer Short Cuff Glove from FXR has the insulation you need to beat the cold, while still feeling like a thinner style glove. The Transfer Glove has a durable nylon shell that gives it a better feel when grabbing the throttle plus they feature a breathable Hipora liner, fleece lining, and thinsulate insulation that keeps the hands warm and dry. The low profile zip cuff gives the rider a comfortable fit under the jacket sleeve. We recommend you pick up a pair before the trails are open. More details at www.fxrracing.com

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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New for the 2017/2018 snowmobile season is the SNX Pro Jacket from Fly. The SNX Pro has a 450D abrasion resistant polyester shell, weatherproof technology, magnetic full front zipper flap, and 2Cool air mesh vents that where designed to keep the snow out. The designer’s also included waterproof accessory pockets, detachable goggle wipe, and also an inside pocket for your goggles. Take on the cold with Fly’s SNS Pro Jacket. Go to www.flyracing.com for more details.

16

Fly Elite Cold Weather Helmet

A priority #1 on the Christmas list! When you check the weather network and you see a bone chilling temperature that makes you second-guess heading out on the trails, rely on Fly. Fly is making it easier with their Elite Cold Weather Helmet. This helmet has a cold weather kit that includes a breath guard, plug kit, and a custom moulded rubber nose guard to stop rocks and debris from hitting you in the nose. You will also get a precise fit with its 3 shell and 4 EPS sizes for a precise fit. To prevent over heating there are multi-port air induction cooling vents, 9 intakes and 6 exhausts, to create a massive airflow through out the helmet. Pick facebook.com/ your colour and style at www.flyracing.com

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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If you’re not up for shelling out on jewellery for the wife this Christmas, there’s the next best thing, keeping her warm with Arctiva’s Mid-Layer Insulator. Arctiva’s Mid-Layer insulator is made with a comfortable polyester/spandex blend that provides a 4-way stretch for movement and comfort. Keep warm this winter will be a breeze with Arctiva’s women’s insulator MidLayer. Purchase details at www.arctiva.com

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PRESEN Celebrity Guest Paul Teutul Sr. and the crew from Orange Country Choppers will be signing autographs (7469) 661-SHOW on Friday & Saturday at the show. Walk the show floor and scan the Giant Used Bike Market for your 888 1• ow.ca esupersh motorcycl next purchase. See thousands of Motorcycles; New, Used, Vintage, Racing, Custom, Choppers, Touring, Cruising, Performance, and Motocross bikes… Your One-Stop-Shop for Everything in Motorcycling!

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Discover the Best Shopping Bargains. Visit the Century of Motorcycles Exhibition, enjoy live bands and fashion shows, meet industry celebrities. It’s the ‘BIG ONE by the AIRPORT’, and you won’t want to miss it! www.motorcyclesupershow.ca ONAL INTERNATIRONTO TO • E CENTR TED BY

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Speedwerx Hypershift Clutch Kits from Arctic Cat Attention all Arctic Cat lovers - we found the perfect gift for you!

Looking for some added throttle response, hard pulling acceleration and optimal back shifting, check out the Speedwerx Hypershift Clutck kit from Arctic Cat. Developed for team Arctic Cat racers, you can know take the performance from the track to the trails. With this kit you will see an increase in top speed, from some models, adjustable machined weights, H5 alloy drive and driven clutch springs, and also a custom helix. The Speedwerks Hypershift Clutch Kit is available for most 2018 6000 and 8000 series ZR/ M series, plus 2017 8000 ZR/M series machines. Visit the Arctic Cat online store at www.store.arcticcat.com.

Advanced Collapse Tool Why wouldn’t you invest in a tool that will make working on your machine easier? The boys over at Ibexx developed an advanced Collapse Tool that makes it easer and quicker to adjust the primary clutch. This is a lightweight tool that you can pack with you on your ride conveniently. By using the Collapse Tool you wont have to remove the clutch off the sled for adjustments. More details on the Ibexx Advanced Collapse Tool at www.ibexx.com

20 ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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OSM Subscription

Does the Sledder in your life have a subscription to OSM? What better gift, it’s easy to register, it’s the gift that keeps giving all year long.. and it’s ON SALE NOW! Call 905-722-6766 or visit osmmag. com now to subscribe or register an xmas gift today.

Use Promo Code: Merry Sledding And Receive $5.00 off any subscription. Offer expires Jan 31 – for those late shoppers.

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Titan Off-Road Modular Helmet

When it comes to helmets that have it all, the one helmet that comes to mind is the CKX Titan Off-Road Modular helmet. An all-in-one modular helmet with 210 degree goggles with an anti-fog double lens, removable muzzle, goggle rapid clip system, and titan adjustable airflow system. CKX developed this helmet for the backcountry and trail-riding enthusiasts.

Check out the Titan Off-Road Modular Helmet today at www.ckxgear.com

23 Weather Tech Trust us - Lets upgrade those floor matts in your truck to Weather Tech floor liners this season. Weather Tech floor liners are laser measured to provide complete floor protection. This floor liner completely covers the interior carpet of your vehicle, covering the front, back and even up the sides of the vehicles footwell. Perfect for our Canadian winters, these floor liners prevent salt build-up and helps protect the resale value of your vehicle. Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourself at www.weathertech.com and find your floor liner today!... then add them to your wish list!

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 3

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floatbowl

Pat Bourgeois

HONEY BEE Back during the heyday of the sport, big social gatherings of club members was the norm. Because of their hard-work in subsequent years, we enjoy one of the most prolific trail systems of any user group, but their numbers are dwindling.

Photo from the CJ Ramstad Archives

When it comes to recreational activities, snowmobiling has an incredibly robust and vast infrastructure. Built on the backs of hardworking clubs and volunteers, the sport transcended itself into a highly organized and refined network of clubs and associations, with a spider web of trails and riding destinations that is second to none.

Back in the 1970s, when the sport was experiencing growth unlike any time in its history, so too were clubs. Snowmobiling was a social sport, and the sled was often times little more than a ticket to the bonfire on the outskirts of town. Here, a few beers were tipped, hot dogs were cooked, and entire families gathered for an afternoon of fun outdoors. Being a member of a snowmobile club during these times was just another extension of this social network, a reason to get together and share not only the enjoyment of the sport, but of each other as well.

Over time, some clubs realized they needed to do more than simply be a social activity. Attention turned to trails, access, and legislation. Yet, not all clubs made

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this transition. Those who continued to be primarily a social gathering, eventually saw their numbers dwindle and dry up as the sport experienced hard times.

Today, thanks to the work of those clubs who saw the need to become better organized, and more importantly, to better organize the sport, we are blessed with an incredible and legal network of trails and off-trail riding destinations. To get there, it required a lot of hard work, and that work continues each and every season by a small and unfortunately, shrinking group of volunteers.

Today, the responsibilities of clubs are many. While they certainly still have fun with group trips, chili cook-offs, and summer camp outs to name a few, they are also tasked with many hours of volunteer work to create the trails you and I enjoy. From working with landowners, attending legislative meetings, brushing trails, marking trails, and of course, grooming trails, there’s always more work to do.

It’s no secret the sport has been on a downturn for the past 10-years. With

less sleds being registered, the entire infrastructure generates less revenue.

Fewer sleds sold and fewer sleds registered means less revenue for trail maintenance and trail grooming. As the sport shrinks, so too does participation in clubs. Many clubs and state and provincial associations are experiencing a dramatic downturn in membership, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

This decline has prompted many associations to raise trail pass and registration fees to cover the funding gap, but this is only a temporary fix.

Rising participation costs is just another hurdle for snowmobilers to leap, who are already faced with an extremely expensive sport. While trail fees are relatively small in comparison to such big-ticket items as a new sled, it’s these fees that are often the irritant that drives the final nail in the proverbial participation coffin. And if the sport has less participants, we will continue to have less funding, less club members, and even greater financial woes.

So, is there fix? While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I do know that if organized aspects of the sport continue with a business as usual approach, we likely will continue to get the same results.

There’s an often-used idiom that says you attract more bees with honey. Perhaps it’s time to serve up a dollop of honey for the effort. With trail permits now spanning anywhere from $50 per sled to as much as $300, why not reward those who put in the work? Club volunteers could earn a discounted, or even free trail pass each season if they log a predetermined number of hours. Most clubs operate on a ratio of 20% of the members doing 80% of the work. An idea such as this would not only reward volunteers, but it could help spread the workload and more importantly, prompt non-members to join.

Obviously, rewarding volunteers for their efforts is just one small step in getting our industry healthy, but it’s a step in the right direction. While fee hikes might provide a short-term fix, we as an industry need to start thinking about big picture, long-term solutions.

Here’s another idiom; a rising tide floats all boats.

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“Watercross?!? Who said anything about watercross!” Eli Nelson keeps it pinned as warm temps created another natural terrain element.

“Dang…nature calls at the most inopportune times.”

“No sir…nothing to declare except one really fast Arctic Cat.”

The best…and I mean the best darn looking course marking crew in the cross-country.

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Track side pizza delivery for David Brown.

Lydia Sobeck (444) searches for a line to overtake Leah Bauer in the Pro Women’s class.

Semi-Pro Factory Stock 600 year-end-champ Ryan Trout gets low as he squeaks out a lead over Craig Ritzinger.

This is how you make cross-country great again.

“Hey guys, I’ve been watching those deep-snow powder riding videos…I think I have this side hilling thing figured out.”

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Despite having more than 35-years of technological advancements, racing cross-country is fun no matter the sled you drive as illustrated by Gary Tintes (7X) racing in the Vintage class and Lucas Houle (222) competing in the Junior ranks.

When they’re not racing, USXC competitors are fans just like the rest of us.

Joseph Wood just holding her wide.

“Wonder if the fish are biting?”

Nothing wrong with being friendly to the local photographer – “Finger Point”.

114

Memories of the original Winnipeg to St. Paul I-500 came alive once again as racers crossed the border and throttled down across the wide-open prairies of North Dakota during last year’s return of the legendary three-day cross-country race.

“Race the 500 they said…forecast looks to be warm they said…these race numbers should stick to anything they said…” Hey Tory, just remember to return the hair dryer to the hotel front desk when you’re done.

Dillan Dohrn sending it over a road approach in day-two competition of the 2017 I-500.

Andy Mack practicing his Santa Clause moves…

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Those Ski-Doo riders are a close-knit bunch…left to right Dustin Dohrn, Leah Bauer, and Jacob Dahle

“I hit a course marker? Naw man, you must be thinking of someone else.”

Jim Soebeck looks like he is just out for an afternoon cruise.

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> NEW

I-500 DITCH BANGER CLASS

T

here are few snowmobile races that capture the imagination of nearly every rider quite like the I-500. The legendary status of the race holds a special place in the hearts of many snowmobile enthusiast, and riders both young and old, often dream about having the chance to compete and experience this iconic race for themselves. Now they can. For 2018, USXC will offer an I-500 class designed specifically for the first-time racer.

The newly created “Ditch Banger” class will run the final day of the I-500 route; 150-miles of trails, ditches, tight woods, rivers, and frozen lakes that was described by many racers last season, as the best single day of terrain racing they have ever experienced.

The single day format will also make it easier for riders to experience the event without the added cost and time away from

116

work required with a multi-day, point-to-point race.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for first time riders to experience cross-country racing,” said USXC owner Brian Nelson.

“The third day leg of the 500 is just a fantastic mixture of terrain and should be a lot of fun.”

The class is a throwback “run-what-ya-brung’ format, allowing virtually any year snowmobile, 600cc or less, to compete. Racers must have ISR approved safety equipment as well as a one-day ISR Participant Accident Insurance card ($30). Registration cost is $125 and racers will also have the option to rent a chest protector and the required transponder at time of entry. For more information visit the USXC website and click on the drop-down race registration link at the top of the page.

RIDE WITH YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER IN THE I-500

T

he only thing better than watching your child compete in the legendary I-500 cross-country race is being right there with them on the course. This year that is exactly what parents of Junior class riders can do as they compete on the final leg of the three-day race. For each Junior race entry, one parent can ride the race route with them and share the experience of the cross-country racing like never before. The ride along opportunity is being offered in Junior 10-13 and Junior 14-17 for both boys and girls. There is no registration fee required for the ride-along-parent, who can follow their rider on any sled registered for use on Minnesota trails, only the purchase of a one-day fuel pass which will allow them to fuel using the same manifold fueling system employed by competitors.

The 125-mile route from Thief River Falls to Bemidji is an incredible mix of natural terrain and the opportunity to ride with your up and coming racer is unlike any other in racing. For more information visit the USXC home page and click on Race Registration to sign-up your youth racer for the one-day race and then purchase a fuel pass for yourself and we’ll see you on the starting line.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE SPORT

It

takes an entire team of dedicated employees and volunteers to run the best cross-country racing circuit in North America. Every winter, the USXC crew dedicates countless hours and personal resources so each of us, the racers, the fans, and the industry, can enjoy snowmobile racing at its best. For that reason, we wanted to recognize the USXC crew for all that they do and give them a special note of thanks. You are the best!

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> THANK

YOU FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON

The

United States X-Country series is set to enter its 6th season and one thing I can tell you is time sure flies. We all know the snowmobile industry can be challenging, especially when Mother Nature isn’t cooperating. It seems like she keeps her own schedule, and we are forced to work around it. Last season we ran seven events and we have seven more scheduled for 2017-2018.

Our biggest accomplishment last season was our ability to run the Winnipeg to

Wilmar I-500. While we didn’t make it to Willmar (thanks again to Mother Nature) we did make it to Bemidji, and we will be using this same route for 2018. We’ve also added some classes to the race this season and it has a new title sponsor, Christian Brothers Auto Group.

I would like to thank the sponsors that make it possible for USXC to exist. I’d also like to give an equal amount of thanks to the participants, their crews, and families.

When I go up on the roof of the scoring trailer the morning of a race and see hundreds of racers, their equipment, and trailers, I say to myself, “This makes it all worthwhile.”

USXC is more than racing. It’s a place where the manufacturers can test their products against each other and young racers learn how to compete and be competitive, learning skills they carry with them the rest of their lives. It’s also about family, the parents, wives, friends, and relatives all working together to support their racers.

USXC is extremely fortunate to have

a dedicated and professional crew. For every event, our crew dedicate 3-4 days out of their lives, from their work routines, and away from family. They’re up early, and many times don’t call it a day until after 10PM. They do it regardless of weather and freezing temperatures. When you see them at events, say thank you, because a kind word goes along way.

They are the reason our events run to perfection.

Also, I’d like to give special thanks to our sponsors, they are the reason we can put this show on seven times a year.

Patronize them, tell them you're a USXC racer. Many have special discounts for USXC members, such as Christian Bros Auto group and Country Cat. Finally, to all our participants, thank you for making USXC the premier crosscountry snowmobile racing circuit in the country. Thank you for being so good to work with and acting in a professional manner. Ride safe, ride smart, don't ride over your head. Let's get through the season safely.

> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>

SPONSORS

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>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

> SUPPORTING

THE SPORT

To implement a first-class racing series like United States X-Country (USXC) takes a lot of dedicated people all with a passion and a vision working towards the same end goal. A huge part of this dedicated family are the sponsors who generously support the sport. Through their support, we have a venue in which to participate, spectate, and work in one of the greatest forms of snowmobile racing in the world. Their loyalty and resources are the lifeblood of USXC Racing, and for that reason we ask you show them the same level of support and to think of these companies and organizations first.

Seven Clans Casinos

Woody’s

Seven Clans Casinos and USXC have partnered to bring cross-country snowmobile racers and fans some the of the sport’s top events. For the past six seasons Seven Clans Casinos has backed major events such as the Warroad event and the granddaddy of them all, the I-500. For the 2017-2018 season Seven Clans is backing three USXC events, the Seven Clans TRF 250, the Seven Clans Warroad 100 and the Winnipeg to Bemidji I-500. In addition to supporting USXC racing, Seven Clans Casinos offer great family getaways year-round. Hotel, dining, family fun activities and some of the best gambling you will find can be found at Seven Clans Casinos. Find out more at www. sevenclanscasino.com.

Woody’s traction has been at the forefront of snowmobile traction products since the 1960s. Woody’s is a loyal supporter of USXC crosscountry racing and is a major supplier of OEM traction products.

Based in Hope, Michigan, Woody’s is the trademarked name of IEM’s private label traction devices. Find out more at www. woodystraction.com.

Arctic Cat Perhaps the winningest brand of the past decade when it comes to cross-country snowmobile racing, Arctic Cat has chosen to dedicate a healthy chunk of its engineering and racing resources to success in this arena. The company has also been a loyal supporter of the sport since its resurgence in the early 2000s. Early in 2017 Arctic Cat was purchased

by Textron, a conglomerate that produces such things as Bell Helicopters, Cessna aircraft, EZ Go golf carts and many other major brands. For more information visit www.arcticcat.com.

Country Cat Country Cat was founded in 1991 by Dave and Mark Wanderscheid. Just 16 and 20-years -old at the time, the duo have built the dealership into one of the largest Arctic Cat dealerships in the world. From new machines to its seemingly endless selection of new and used parts and accessories in its online store, Country Cat is a full-service dealer. www.countrycat.com.

Nelson International Nelson International is a family of international truck dealerships based in Minnesota and North Dakota. Nelson International features a large inventory of trucks and strives to ensure the customer leaves satisfied. Nelson International offers new and used trucks as well as leasing and rental options. www.nelsonleasing.com

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C-TEC2 Synthetic Oil C-TEC2 is an advanced, full-synthetic snowmobile engine oil formulated specifically for use in Arctic Cat snowmobiles equipped with C-TEC2 engines. Developed in conjunction with the C-TEC2 engine, C-TEC2 Synthetic Oil provides superior engine lubrication and is the best cold-starting oil on the market. www.arcticcatlubricants.com Polaris Engineered VES Synthetic Polaris Engineered VES Synthetic oil is engineered to provide the best lubrication for Polaris engines equipped with VES exhaust valves. Engineered in parallel with the engines in which it is designed to work, Polaris Engineered VES Synthetic keeps exhaust valves clean and functioning like new while offering easy cold starting and cold flow properties. Polaris Engineered VES Synthetic is the first, best choice for Polaris snowmobiles. lubricants.polaris.com C&A Pro Skis C&A Pro Skis are the choice of top racers, free riders and trail riders worldwide. C&A Pro Skis have been proven to work better than any other ski on the market. With a full lineup of skis to match any riding style, C&A Pro is the best choice for whatever riding you have planned.

They are the No. 1 choice of USXC racers. www.caproskis.net Polaris Polaris is a diverse company with a product portfolio that includes Indian Motorcycle, the Slingshot, RZR and military vehicles. But the company is rooted in snowmobiles and takes cross-country racing seriously. On any given weekend, its engineers can be found participating at USXC races in the pits and on the track, learning how to make Polaris consumer snowmobiles better. www.polaris.com

XPS 2-Stroke Synthetic Oil Ski-Doo’s E-TEC engine technology is one of the most sophisticated 2-stroke engine management systems on the planet. When developing the E-TEC engine with it’s “dry” crankcase design where fuel is injected directly in the cylinder, Ski-Doo found “regular” 2-stroke engine oils weren’t up to the task of lubricating the engine so they developed a new oil, XPS 2-Stroke Synthetic. XPS 2-Stroke Synthetic oil was proven to work by Ski-Doo engineers who spent millions of dollars and thousands of man hours in the process.

Ski Doo Recognized as the “inventor” of the modern snowmobile, J. Armand Bombardier founded Ski-Doo in 1942. Shortly after he hit the snow with is newest invention which he dubbed the “Ski-Doo.” Today, Ski-Doo is the market leader in snowmobiles and watercraft. It also builds CanAm off road vehicles and the Can-Am Spyder. www.skidoo.com

Yamaha Generators One of the world’s largest and most innovative motorsports companies, Yamaha is known for its innovative and industry-leading engine development and construction.

Yamaha’s lineup of quiet and fuel-efficient generators are available in virtually every power level. Yamaha Generators are the official generator of USXC racing. www.yamahamotorsports.com Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association is dedicated to preserving, maintaining and championing the snowmobile trail system in the state of Minnesota. Its network of snowmobile clubs run by volunteers who make snowmobiling in the state possible for everyone. MNUSA has partnered with USXC in its efforts to stage cross-country snowmobile races, particularly the Winnipeg to Bemidji I-500, in which MNUSA plays a key role. www.mnsnowmobiler.org

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> THE

VENUES

For the 2017-2018 race season USXC is once again dedicated to offering racers a challenging mix of locations and racing environments.

A mix of lake and traditional cross-country, success on the schedule means a rider must be schooled in all forms of riding and machine setup. From one-day events to the grueling Winnipeg to Bemidji, there’s something for every level of racer on the USXC schedule.

GERALD DYRDAHL MEMORIAL PINE LAKE 100

DECEMBER 16-17, 2017 Gonvick, Minnesota

For decades racers have geared up to race Pine Lake, the traditional opener on the cross-country racing circuit. Named for Gerald Dyrdahl, former racer and father of five-time I-500 winner Bryan Dyrdahl, the Gerald Dyrdahl Memorial Pine Lake is where new sleds get shaken down and bragging rights come from the MPH numbers on the radar gun. Racers will compete on a challenging ice lemans course that rewards speed and machine setup. A win here can set the tone for the entire season.

TURTLE RIVER ROUGH RIDER 100 JANUARY 6, 2018 Manvel, North Dakota

Located just North of Grand Forks, Manvel, North Dakota, will play host to the Turtle River Rough Rider 100. The race will feature a 25-mile course that will consist of ditch, woods and river. This will be tough, traditional cross-country racing that will be exciting for both fans and riders.

PARK RAPIDS 106 JANUARY 20-21, 2018 Park Rapids, Minnesota

Entering its third year on the USXC schedule, the Park Rapids 106 is quickly becoming a favorite on the cross-country calendar. Featuring a mix of woods, ditch and ice, the race will be the first terrain event the riders see after two events on ice.

SEVEN CLANS TRF 250

JANUARY 27-28, 2018 Thief River Falls, Minnesota

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The Seven Clans TRF 300 will feature much of terrain riders have become familiar with racing the I-500 over the past decade. A mix of ditch, river and woods, this event is classic cross-country and a win here is a definite feather in the cap of any crosscountry rider.

WINNIPEG TO BEMIDJI I-500

FEBRUARY 8-10, 2018 Winnipeg to Willmar

USXC is set to bring the Winnipeg race back for its second year, this time routing it from Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Bemidji, Minnesota. The course will be a mix of ditch, river and trail and will bring riders on a three-day journey south from Winnipeg to the finish line in Bemidji, Minnesota. This second running of the revived race will once again give riders a chance to put their names in the history books alongside those of Howe, Hayes, Nelson and Simonsen.

SEVEN CLANS WARROAD 100

FEBRUARY 24-25, 2018 Warroad, Minnesota

For nearly a decade the Seven Clans Warroad 100 has been the final stop on the crosscountry schedule. In 2018 it is the penultimate stop, bumping ahead in the schedule to the end of February. In Warroad riders face a mix of ice and terrain, making sled setup a challenge. A combination of speed and rider skill result in a win here.

NAYTAHWAUSH 100 MARCH 3-4, 2018 Naytahwaush, Minnesota

Set for its second season on the USXC schedule, the Naytahwaush race was a big hit last season. Located just east of Mahnomen on the White Earth indian reservation, Naytahwaush will feature a mix of ditch and natural terrain. The course here will get rough and suspension setup will be the key to success.

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> TERRAIN

WEAPONS 2018

Despite the continued focus on snocross by race departments and engineering teams, the slow return of cross-country racing to the top of the food chain has continued to push the technological advancement of snowmobiles, both for racers and consumers. Thanks in large part to rules put in place a few years ago requiring cross-country sleds to have consumer friendly traits such as oil-injection and more importantly EPA compliance, today’s race sleds are nearly identical to the sleds you can purchase for the trail. This not only makes it easier for racers to sell their sleds at the end of the season, but more importantly, pushes the development of new technology and better sleds for everyone. Here’s a look at what this winter’s top racers will be competing on.

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> TERRAIN WEAPONS 2018

SKI-DOO MXZ IRON DOG W ith only the 850 being offered in Ski-Doo’s newest generation platform; and the snocross version not meeting the requirements of cross-country racing, Ski-Doo pilots will most likely campaign a version of the MXZ X-RS Iron Dog buggy.

As the name implies, this sled was refined through competition in what is considered one of the most grueling cross-country races in the sport. Truth be told, this sled is designed to be tougher and calibrated for higher abuse than the base XRS model. Featuring a

rugged two-ply track for added durability, especially when studded, the 129-incher spins around a heavily reinforced suspension featuring stronger rails and a solid, four-wheel rear axle. Shocks are tuned for true competition, and feature compression adjustments on all four and rebound as well on the front shocks. Of course, this rugged Ski-Doo shares plenty with the XRS including wider running boards, far-forward steering post for easy-to-post ergonomics when bombing ditch-lines, and bolstered chassis reinforcements.

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> TERRAIN WEAPONS 2018

POLARIS 600 RUSH XCR N ew last season, the XCR 600 is back for 2018 with few changes, but of course it was an amazing sled last year, posting strong results and bringing back the heralded XCR trait of being able to “run wounded”. To attain this run strong attribute, the XCR is outfitted with a host of race-proven goods that can withstand the high-speed abuse only cross-country racing can deliver. At the rear a chromoly rear pivot, chromoly front torque arm, integrated rail reinforcements, solid rear axle wheels, and

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> TERRAIN WEAPONS 2018

ARCTIC CAT ZR 6000R XC F or 2018, Arctic Cat remains the only manufacturer to spend the time and resources to develop a natural terrain specific race sled, that in part could explain their continued dominance in USXC competition. This years new XC Cat comes with a host of improvements all designed to keep Arctic Cat atop the box in racing, and further push the development envelope for future consumer sleds. Leading the laundry list of new tech is a TEAM driven clutch and hollow jack-shaft that sheds more than 2lbs from the rotating

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Ski tips were dangling on day two as sending it over road approaches was required to post a top time.

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In 2017 USXC

did what ging back brin e sibl most had said was not pos ing plans cell can r Afte at. the original I-500 form pulled XC 2016, US to run the race in 2015 and nipeg Win the ing off the impossible in 2017, stag

7 race didn’t go to Willmar I-500. While the 201 during its original did all the way to St. Paul like it the International ed indl rek it run from 1966-1980, and concluding in format, starting in Winnipeg to end in Willmar, Bemidji. Originally planned Bemidji finish line. the d snow conditions dictate

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The USXC crew deserves huge accolades for all the work they did before the race to ensure a smooth transition at the international border. Once across, competitors throttled down in what was deemed the fastest section of the 500-mile race.

LIKE

the original race in 1966, the first day started cold, with 140 riders lining up in -30 Fahrenheit temperatures. Starting at the Red River Co-op Speedway in Winnipeg, the first leg featured 60-miles of extremely rough ditch on the way to the border crossing in Pembina. Both United States and Canadian customs officials did a fantastic job of expediting the crossing.

Once in Minnesota, racers encountered smoother ditches with a number of miles being groomed. This first leg of the race had two fuel stops, the first in Pembina and the second in Strandquist, Minnesota. From there the course ran south towards the Thief River and then to the

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finish at Seven Clans Casino south of Thief River Falls.

The second leg of the race course was set up by the Plummer snowmobile club as a 65-mile loop with the racers running 3 laps totaling 195 miles. This type of course design proved to be very beneficial as the fuel stop could be set up at the start finish line, the course required fewer spotters and it worked excellent for spectators as thousands turned out. This type of course setup also gets extremely rough and was a sharp contrast to the high-speed ditch racing of first day.

The third and final day featured a 125mile route to Bemidji, with the course consisting of river, ditch, tight-winding woods trails, and some lake running. Racers

THE SECOND LEG OF THE RACE COURSE WAS SET UP BY THE PLUMMER SNOWMOBILE CLUB AS A 65-MILE LOOP WITH THE RACERS RUNNING 3 LAPS TOTALING 195 MILES.

The second day features a series of three loops south and east of Thief River Falls. Primarily consisting of ungroomed ditches, the snow filled course became extremely challenging by the third lap.

Ryan Trout stands on it during day three competition on his way to a 6th place overall finish.

Herfindahl approached the finish line in Bemidji to take the win in the 2017 International 500.

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THE RACE ENDED IN FRONT OF THE COUNTRY INN AND SUITES IN BEMIDJI WITH AN EVENING BANQUET AT THE SANFORD CENTER.

voted this as their favorite leg of the event. The race ended in front of the Country Inn and Suites in Bemidji with an evening banquet at the Sanford Center.

Making this event possible takes the help and cooperation of many entities, and was the reason many said it could not be done. Dozens of permits

are needed as the course runs through many small towns as well as on state Department of Natural Resource’s snowmobile trails. The event required a huge amount of communication and coordination between clubs, the states of Minnesota and North Dakota, and the Canadian government.

Thanks to the Red

River Co-Op Speedway, the Canadian RCMP, the Manitoba Snowmobile Group, U.S. and Canadian Customs, the many snowmobile clubs that did course work and spotted along the route, the Sheriff’s Departments of Pembina, North Dakota, Kittson County, Marshall County, Pennington County, Seven Clans Casino, Red Lake

The first fuel stop of the race was in Pembina, and already early racer attrition was rearing its ugly head. Temperatures were well below zero and frostbite became a factor.

Leaving Winnipeg, racers encountered frigid temperatures and wide-open expanses of ungroomed ditch-lines which were fast and at time unpredictable.

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For those old enough to remember (and there were few in the room) the meeting in Winnipeg prior to the start of the 2017 International 500 conjured up vivid memories from those early races.

At start of the third day, racers left the line in the order of their two-day total time. The final day featured the best terrain of the 500-mile race, a combination of ditch, trails, tight woods, and rivers making it a favorite of everyone who competed.

County, Clearwater County, Polk County, and Beltrami County. Also, the Minnesota DNR, Minnesota State Highway Patrol, the Burlington Northern Rail Lines, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the many other people that made this event possible.

For 2018 USXC is excited to have a new title sponsor for this historic race, the Christian Brothers Auto Group consisting of Christian Motors in Fertile, Minnesota, Finley Motors in Finley, North Dakota,

and Christian Brothers Ford in Crookston, Minnesota. For more information and complete results from last year’s race check the USXC website (www.usxcracing.com) or the USXC Facebook page.

This season’s International 500 is slated for February 8-10, 2018 and will follow much of the same route with some key new additions as the course once again winds its way from Winnipeg to Bemidji. We hope you can join us.

THIS SEASON’S INTERNATIONAL 500 IS SLATED FOR FEBRUARY 8-10, 2018

At close of each day, racers had a short window to perform repairs to their sled, if they were lucky a quick once over was all they needed. Jacob Dahle gives his Ski-Doo a once-over at the close of day two. Jacob finished second overall in the Sport 600 Stock class just behind Derek Frie.

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OPEN

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SEASON Zach Herfindahl Zach Herfindahl has done it again, repeating as USXC Pro champion and in the process having one of his most dominant winter seasons of competition, winning nearly every race including the legendary I-500. To give you more insight into the high-speed world of “Herf” we first asked our pal Gary Walton at RideX365 to reprint this great piece on Zach which first appeared in Gary’s annual Flight 365 Volume 3 magazine. We then sat down with the champ to gain more insight on last season, his success, and what to expect when the green flies this winter.

At only 20 years of age, Zach Herfindahl has accomplished more in his young snowmobile racing career than many highly-acclaimed riders have in a lifetime. Four Pro championships with the USXC cross-country series, including back-to-back-back Pro Stock 600 titles, top a list of accomplishments that includes a weather-shortened chance at winning the Soo I-500 in his first year of eligibility.

What’s more encouraging is that “Herf” is by no means a specialist who only excels on the ice or in the ditches. For that matter, he may be one of the most well-rounded racers of the modern era. In addition to the USXC and the big oval at the Soo, he has contemplated making a run at Jackson Hole and made a much-anticipated start in snocross last season when the ISOC national tour visited Glyndon, Minnesota. In fact, it was widely thought that Herfindahl may ultimately end up in snocross, where the prospects of earning a living tend to be much better.

Despite the financial upside, one race was all Herfindahl needed to regain his focus on terrain racing. “It’s just not my thing,” Herfindahl said from a harvested corn field while shooting our feature image. It’s like moto, I love to go ride with the boys in the summer but to drive to a race and spend all day there for 15 minutes of racing, I don’t get it. I’d rather go to a hare scramble, show up at noon, race for three hours and go home.”

Patience for track time may not be his strong suit, but Herfindahl would spend all day in a duck blind if he could. In that short window leading up to the XC opener, you’re likely to find him in the cattails or wheat stubble managing the waterfowl population as a pro-staffer for Death Row Calls and Sitka hunting gear.

While good genes often play a role in the making of a champion, Herf is perhaps more a product of his environment. It should not be overlooked that his father, Greg, played hockey at the collegiate level, but there might just be a bit more to the fact that his uncle Tom Herfindahl was Brad Pake’s mechanic during his golden years.

When you ask Zach to name his racing heroes, Pake’s do-it-all career puts him second only to Kirk Hibbert, whose ability to win at any form of racing and willingness to talk shop with his competitors, have far more impact than any of Tucker Hibbert’s X Games medals or snocross championships.

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Deep in the woods of Michigan on the Airgroup Husqvarna, where the amateur off-road motorcycle racer finished 15th among the country’s best pros.

Originally from West Central Minnesota, the Herfindahl family has resided in the oval racing mecca of Eagle River, Wisconsin for most of Zach’s life. The Pro Champ final that takes place each January on a late Sunday afternoon at the nearby Derby track has always held a strong appeal for him, but dirt bikes were his initial vehicle of choice, and by the time the interest in snowmobile racing took hold, cross-country was the only thing on his radar.

The natural ability to keep it pinned while navigating unfamiliar terrain is a trait that continues to serve Herfindahl

just as well on two wheels as it does snow. In 2014, he made a guest appearance on a Husqvarna-backed bike at a national enduro in Michigan, only to finish ahead of one of the team’s pro racers.

The challenge now is how to monetize a red-hot career that generally takes place out of the spotlight. He has been a member of the powerful Christian Brothers Racing team for nearly all of his tenure as a pro, with each of his championships coming aboard an Arctic Cat. And, while the team certainly does not lack for resources and always fields the best

While cross-country has yet to attain the number of fans snocross attracts, Herfindahl is a favorite and always takes time to hang, sign an autograph, or snap a picture.

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of equipment, the temptation to shop the market and perhaps strike out on his own was very real right up until last fall.

The idea of securing his own sponsors and negotiating contingencies directly with an OEM tipped the scales towards hanging his own shingle.

So much so that a new Featherlite trailer was ordered and delivered to his shop in Wisconsin. But in the end, the security of a winning team and the family-like relationships he has developed with the Christians and mechanics Hector Olson and Cory Berberich won out.

Fertile, Minnesota is home away from home for Herfindahl, where he spends much of his winter at the CBR race shop.

INTERVIEW

Racing and winning the I-500 was a dream come true for Herfindahl, who describes the experience as nothing short of amazing.

OSM: Zach, you’ve been the one to beat in in the pro ranks in USXC now for the past 4 seasons, winning the championship (stock) four-years straight. Do you feel the pressure of this success?

Zach: I feel as though we go into the season each year focused on the same goal, winning races. Of course, there is some added confidence from the great seasons we’ve had in the past, but we stay level headed and show up each weekend just trying to win. It's never easy competing against the level of competition we have in USXC. OSM: Last winter the return of the I-500 finally happened, and it was a goal (dream) of yours to win that race. You were absolutely flying in that race. Tell me about that experience?

Zach: The I-500 was something I had always dreamed of...from the start up in Canada down to Minnesota was some of the craziest snow I have ever ridden in. That followed by two more days of awesome track conditions and a few hundred miles made it one of my favorite races to date. I think everyone

ZachHerfindahl should race a 500 just to get the experience it can produce. It really is a once in a life time racing experience for a lot of people. What made it better for me was my Arctic Cat snowmobile performed flawlessly during that race which made for even better experience.

OSM: What was your favorite moment from that race?

Zach: I think my favorite moment was at the border crossing. We had to carry our phones and passports to get into the United States. I was the first sled to cross so all the border agents were taking pictures of the sled and in the mean time I snapped my own photo of the sled and the border patrol looking at my info which was awesome.

OSM: Obviously last year was a very trying season for you with the tragic accident at Pine Lake where Hunter Houle, a teammate of yours, died while testing his snowmobile. How did that affect you?

Zach: You know, I think the only thing we could do was put our heads down, focus, and win races for Hunter. He

wouldn't want us to give up. It was tough through-out the year, but the team and families came together and we put together what was my best season to date for Hunter.

OSM: Do you ever think about it (the accident) while on the track? Do you ever find yourself taking less chances?

Zach: I just try to stay incredibly focused. We (the team) know what we need to do on race day. In the Pine Lake Pro Stock final, we went out and lead the whole race to take the win.

I was 110% focused throughout the entire race but the second I crossed that finish line I completely broke down in tears. It was the toughest weekend we will ever face, and we all miss him dearly.

OSM: Snocross for the past two decades has garnered most of the attention in snowmobile racing. Why did you choose cross-country?

Zach: It kind of started from the fact that my dad and I raced cross-country on dirt bikes. But to be honest I just love to ride my snowmobile and at a 137

ZachHerfindahl Zach: I'm all about our sport growing year in and year out. I would love to see more guys come out and at least give of few races a try, the more people the better is my opinion. It would be cool to get a larger volume of guys competing for the win on weekends.

OSM: How did the relationship with Christian Brothers Racing come about?

Since joining the Christian Brothers Racing team, Zach has built a relationship and a level of trust with the team that feels like family.

cross-country race you get to do that for hours at a time. I'm not of fan of the hurry up and wait scene at the snocross races. There's something about going 100 mph on a sled for hours at a time that has always just had my full attention. It's what I grew

The hardware for winning the I-500 is nearly as big as the incredible feeling of accomplishment that comes with conquering the three-day terrain event.

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up riding and what I have continued to have a passion for.

OSM: You make it look damn easy when you’re on the track, but obviously your competition is legit. Would you like to see more competitors in the field?

Zach: The whole deal started with Mike Kloety and Team Arctic when I was racing in the Junior class. Mike would help my dad and I out as much as he could and really helped us to stay involved in racing. One summer Mike called and said he'd like to put me in with the CBR guys and that's about all we got out of anyone, Ha ha! We showed up for the first time and most the guys hadn't even heard about it.

But from there on we built a relationship that has me feeling like I'm at home and we are a winning combo. I owe so much to the Christian family, they have been my second family for six years now and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

OSM: What’s a typical race weekend like for you?

Zach: On average, we show up to a race Friday morning and get everything set up. We’ll test sleds all day Friday and then go into the race weekend full-force. We have a decent number of races each day so there really isn't any time to relax and hangout, but the cross-country scene is so laid back compared to anything else which is makes for super fun weekends.

OSM: What was your favorite race from last season?

Zach: It was bitter sweet, but it would have to be Pine lake. I think as a team it brought us so close together and made us fight and work together to make it through the weekend. It's something I'll never forget and it will always have a special spot in my heart OSM: USXC features both terrain racing and ice racing…which is your favorite?

Zach: I'm a really big fan of both styles.

I love that we get to race multiple styles of races each year. It really is unique and probably one of the coolest parts of cross-country racing.

OSM: When away from racing what do you like to do? I understand you’re an avid hunter?

Zach: During the summer months, I like to ride motocross with all the boys back home, between that and water sports my summers are busy. Come fall I'm a huge waterfowl hunter which takes a good few months up of just traveling and chasing birds as much as possible.

It's hard to beat a good waterfowl hunt.

OSM: In race terms, often times racers will say they are racing at 90-95% for example and only going all out when they need to. From a spectator standpoint, you ride at a ridiculous pace. How often in a given race do you feel your riding at or beyond 100%?

Zach: When I go out on the track I am giving it my all at 100% whether I have a two-minute lead or a five-second lead. But there are always those situations where you might just need a little more speed and I just make myself go faster if I can. I think no matter what, there's always a way to go faster.

It’s what keeps me pushing to be the fastest guy.

OSM: What are your goals for the season, and would you be satisfied with anything less than another championship?

Zach: Our goals for this season are the same as they have been since I started racing…go out and win races.

If we’re winning races we will get that championship, that’s how I’ve always looked at it. It's going to be a great season!

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AARON CHRISTENSEN

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10 THE LONG DISTANCE CHAMPION Glance at a map of North America, and you’ll quickly learn a drive from Metiskow, Alberta, to Polaris home base in Roseau, Minnesota, is no Sunday drive. Unless you’re Polaris Pro crosscountry racer Aaron Christensen. Christensen has been making the 13-hour drive to race in North Dakota and Minnesota for a decade in his pursuit of USXC Pro points championships. The long-time Polaris racer made his way into the ranks of Pro snocross before making the move to cross-country, racing the national circuit and making a handful of appearances at the Winter X Games. These days when he’s not dedicating time to his wife and two kids, or working at the family Polaris dealership, he’s still setting the pace at USXC events. We caught up with Christensen to see why he switched to crosscountry, what it’s like to race 13-hours from his home, and what it’s like to be stuck in a hotel room for five days.

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Aaron: None. But that’s pretty much what we grew up with up here, we just ride wherever. We don’t have a trail system or anything like that, you just go ride where you want.

OSM: Speaking of snocross and injuries, in 2004 you broke your leg at a race in Shawano, Wisconsin, can you tell us about that?

Aaron: Well the deal with that is we had to wait in a hotel for something like five days for the swelling to go down. I just had to lay there and do nothing. Once the swelling went down we went to the hospital. That was no fun!

OSM: You finished third in the Winnipeg to Willmar I-500 last year, how did the race go for you?

If not for the amazing season of Zach Herfindahl, 2017 would have been Aaron’s year. He finished just behind Zach at several venues and did the same in the year-end standings. If he can maintain a similar level of consistency, this could finally be the year when he secures the ultimate year-end prize.

OSM: A decade ago you switched from snocross to cross-country, why?

Aaron: Yeah, my last snocross race was 2007 I think. I had some injuries and it was time for a change. I discussed it with Tom Rager Sr. and he got me set up with some stock 600s and we went to Gonvick in 2008. I didn’t do very well at first, the stock sleds were not my program,

but we kept at it until we got things straightened out. The following year was better, we won some races. Cross-country felt different than snocross, you get a little more seat time and the races are a little more laid back. I decided it was something I wanted to keep doing.

OSM: Had you done any cross-country before that?

Aaron: It was good, but I wish it would just stay in the States, I don’t think the Canada side is necessary. I say that because we had snow there, but it wasn’t a fun ride. Once we crossed the border it was better conditions. I think it’s really cool they were able to bring the race back in its original format, but considering the logistics and the costs I don’t think it’s necessary to have that format. But as far as the race goes, I ended up having some problems where I had to make up time, third is okay, but of course I want to win.

OSM: What is your favorite place to race?

Aaron: I prefer the shorter courses where we do laps. Not the real short ones, I like the 20-mile loop type stuff.

OSM: One day or multi-day races?

Aaron: One day! There again, I’m sure it’s good for the fans and the racing, but for me, I only get paid for one day. Once you start adding days then costs go up and it makes it tougher on the budget and time.

OSM: In the past you’ve stayed away from the lake races, why?

Christensen has been racing long enough to have battled with now retired cross-country racers who were at the top of their game including multi-time I-500 winner Bryan Dyrdahl and D.J. Ekre, shown here just behind the snow dust of Aaron.

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Aaron: That’s true, but now it’s going better, we got some stuff figured out last year and we were definitely competitive.

Prior to that I wasn’t a fan of lake races.

We would try our damndest…when you’re working that hard and not gaining…just racing for top 10, it makes it difficult. I never really signed up for the ice thing, but you can’t control everything. It’s not that I don’t like ice racing, I’m good at the Soo, but it just took a long time to get the lake racing thing figured out. Now I don’t mind it.

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AARON CHRISTENSEN OSM: Speaking of the Soo, you race with a few other USXC racers there like Gabe Bunke, and you’ve had great success winning that race. Why are you guys so good there?

Aaron: Really good equipment…and personally, I ride good there. Gabe’s really good there too. That’s about it, good equipment, good crew, and good riders on the sled.

OSM: Who do you like to race against in cross-country?

Aaron: Those first years when D.J. Ekre, Brian Dick, and Bryan Dyrdahl were around, those guys were all at the top of their game. For two or three years there it was pretty intense. Those guys had enough though and retired, and now it’s Zach Herfindahl. I don’t know if he’s on that level yet but he’s good, and he’s got good equipment. It’s fun to race against guys like that.

OSM: You’ve won your share of races but you’ve never been able to put together a streak of wins. Why do you think that is?

Aaron: It’s always something…sometimes the equipment isn’t as good, or there’s a

In many ways Aaron has been the “every-mans-racer”, pulling long hours in his truck to get to the races, working all week at his family’s dealership, and adapting to whatever curve balls have come his way. Bitter-cold during the I-500 in 2010 saw Aaron adapt and overcome by using the comforter from his hotel room as a warming blanket for his Polaris sled.

144

problem we’re fighting. I can’t say exactly what it is. I’ve been to the top, but just haven’t been able to stay there week after week.

customers what they need. We’re a busy place. When I’m not at work, my wife and I have two kids, 5 and almost 2, so they definitely keep me busy.

OSM: Another racer who I will say had great respect for you, once told me you’re a “cautious” rider, is that true?

OSM: You’re signed up for USXC and the Soo I-500, do you have anything else in the works?

Aaron: There’s some truth in that for sure. I have a long drive home the next day, and then there’s everything else that goes along with that during the week such as work and family. I’ve been hurt enough. I’ve had enough of that, it’s no fun.

Aaron: No, that’s it…usually that’s enough. I’ll try to get out to Jackson, Wyoming, this spring, or go on a holiday or maybe do some freeriding in the mountains. Honestly, freeriding usually ends up winning!

OSM: Any plans for the Iron Dog?

OSM: When you’re not racing what do you do?

Aaron: We own a Polaris dealership.

Ironically, we don’t sell snow machines, we stopped selling them in 2002. But we do a lot with side-by-sides and ATVs. During the week, I work at the dealership with my Dad along with a couple of employees. We all work together, there’s a lot of mechanical work and we all do everything. We have rental equipment, construction equipment, we do deliveries, anything that needs to be done to get

Aaron: No, that’s a tough one. Your first crack there you’re not really competitive, you’re just finding out what’s going on. If I was rich I’d just go there and do the trail class. Just cook wieners on the trail kind of thing. I think that would be fun.

OSM: What are your goals for this season?

Aaron: Get back on top…be a top-3 guy every race, and hopefully get some wins out of the Polaris AXYS.

> 2016-2017

RESULTS

USXC YEAR-END CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Many cross-country racers dream of winning races, however few win, instead settling for the glory of finishing and the fun of competing against friends on a cold winter’s day. But for some, winning is not only the goal, those weekend wins are marks on a journey to the ultimate victory, a class points championship. Here’s a look back at last season’s racers who reached the pinnacle achievement in cross-country racing.

Arcticwear Pro Factory Stock 600

Synthetic Semi-Pro Improved Factory Stock

FOX Racing Shox Expert 85 Improved

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Zach Herfindahl Aaron Christensen Re Wadena Alex Hetteen Ross Erdman

Arctic Cat Polaris Arctic Cat Polaris Arctic Cat

Speedwerx Pro Open

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Zach Herfindahl Aaron Christensen Wes Selby Ben Langaas Taylor Bunke

Arctic Cat Polaris Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Polaris

Dustin Dohrn Dalton Fredrickson Andy Junglen Brian Brodehl Jared Christensen

Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Polaris

David Brown Ean Voigt Nathan Joyce Cody Wolter Thomas Junglen

Woody’s I-500 Class Factory Stock 600

Ski-Doo Masters 40+ Factory Stock 600

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ryan Trout Joseph Wood Craig Ritzinger Tyler Oettinger Austin Lunde

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Gabe Bunke Brian Brodehl Chad Lian Justin Tate Mike Dirkman

Polaris Semi-Pro Factory Stock 600

Carver Performance Expert 85

Fly Racing Masters 50+ Factory Stock 600

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ryan Trout Dustin Dohrn Craig Ritzinger Timmy Kallock Dan Revering

Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Ski-Doo Polaris

Polaris Engineered Lubricants VES

David Brown Ryan Weidemann Ean Voigt Cody Wolter Thomas Junglen

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Jim Sobeck Jon Arneson Erik Nymann Eric Christensen David Wandschneider

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Polaris Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Polaris Arctic Cat

Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Polaris Arctic Cat 145

> 2016-2017

RESULTS

Arctic Cat Sport 85

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Blaise Potucek Eli Nelson Keaton Black Justin Olson Blair Herfindahl

Country Cat Vintage

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

XPS Lubricants Sport 600 Factory Stock 600

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Garet Grzadzielewski Jeff Hayford Jacob Dahle Dan Herberg Skyler Soyring

Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo Polaris Ski-Doo

Camso Sport Open

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Jeff Hayford Jacob Dahle Cade Hayford Brandon Christen Erik Nymann

Morgan Nyquist Steve Martinson Lucas Burnside Andy Mack Ben Thomas

Gary Tintes Paul Sillerud Adam Geisler Bill Young Caroline Allard

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Kawasaki

Polaris Ski-Doo Polaris Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Arctic Cat

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Jill Tangen Lydia Sobeck Savannah Landrus Jolene Bute Leah Bauer

Polaris Ski-Doo Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Ski-Doo

Yamaha Generators Vintage 50+

Arctic Cat C-TEC2 Synthetic Oil Junior 10-13

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Gary Tintes Pete Mattison Mike Bedard Glen Wasmuth David Bakke

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Polaris John Deere Polaris

Stud Boy Classic IFS 18-50

C&A Pro Trail

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OSM Magazine Women’s

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Brian Brown Kellin Geisler Ryan Nelson Tory Severson Don Killian

Nicholas Nyquist Abe Olson Caleb Nymann Lucas Houle Cooper Kangas

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Simonson Station Stores Junior 14-17

Arctic Cat Polaris Polaris Polaris Polaris

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Blaise Potucek Keaton Black Lucas Burnside Dawson Diesen Braden Sillerud

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Country Cat Classic IFS 50+

Nelson International Junior Girls 14-17

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1. Sara Larson 2. Hanna Black 3. Hannah Diesen

Brian Brown Don Killian Scott Ilstrup Steve Sherwood Dave Chambers

Arctic Cat Polaris Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat Arctic Cat Arctic Cat

5500 132nd Ave NE • Spicer, MN 56288

www.usxcracing.com email: info@usxcracing.com

2018

SNOSCOOT /// FIRST TRACKS

200 CLASS 4-STROKE ENGINE I LONG TAPERED TUNNEL I COBRA TRACK

FUN, EXCITEMENT AND A LOST SENSE OF TIME.

MSRP: $3,799

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