Cool News

AmSnow’s N.Y. Shootout Dec. 12

2009-11-20T19:26:00Z

AmSnow along with Dynotech Research will stage its 20th Annual Adirondack Shootout on Dec. 12 in Woodgate, N.Y.

That's right, 20 years of testing snowmobiles on the snow and head-to-head. Plus we'll gather dyno test figures too. This is one of the first snowmobile events each season in the East, so come join us for a full day of fun and speed runs.

We'll test a flock of new stock snowmobiles from the Big 4 on the 1000-foot acceleration course in Woodgate. Like last year we'll have several stock classes including stock 600, 800, and Unlimited.

In addition to the stock, just out of the box, sleds, we'll have a Trail Mod class and Lake Race class for those of you who just "gotta know" what the best performance add-ons are for this year's new snowmobiles. We'll report all the results in our upcoming February issue.

Thanks to our sponsors: Dynotech Research, Stud Boy, Spectro Oils, White Lake Polaris, Smith Marine Ski-Doo and Excell Motorsports.

Obama signs appropriations bill giving funds to Recreational Trails Program

2009-11-20T19:21:00Z

President Obama has signed the 2010 Interior Department and related agencies Appropriations Bill which gives funds to the Recreational Trails Program, according to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations.

This bill provided large increases for the National Park System, 17% increases , on top of an economic stimulus law in February that provided the Park Service with an extra $1 billion for a broad array of projects.

Included in this legislation was a temporary spending resolution to keep the government in money until all other spending bills are completed. This lasts until December 18 and includes, among many other items, the Recreational Trails Program. At this point, it appears there is still disagreement between the House and Senate on a longer extension. One of the issues is the funding of the Highway Trust Fund. Gas taxes now make up only about half of the needed $500 billion. If RTP funds are important to your snowmobile clubs and state association, you may want to remind your elected officials of their importance.

AmSnow Visits Snowmobile Avalanche Seminar

2009-11-19T20:26:00Z

If you ride out west, you NEED to take this class! Being Wisconsinites, we don't get to spend as much time in the mountains as those who live in the Rocky Mountain states, but even those who only take a few trips out west should have basic avalanche knowledge.

Last week we attended an Avalanche Awareness, Avoidance, and Rescue class for snowmobilers put on by instructor Mike Duffy at The Englehart Center in Madison, Wisconsin. You may recognize Mike's name as he is AmSnow's resident avalanche expert, has written avalanche articles for the magazine, and has more accredidations than we can count. Owner Robert Hintz and his crew from Engelhart's teamed up with Mike to offer this class after the crew took several trips out west and realized midwest guys often don't have the mountain knowledge that the locals out west do.

Mike's class is something everyone should take as it covers numerous important topics such as the International Avalanche Danger Scale, avalanche reports, signs of instability/stability analysis, choosing the right equipment to carry, avalanche beacons, rescue methods, terrain evaluations and more. The most important thing we learned in the class was that avalanche knowledge is the most important tool you can have when riding out west. That, and never travel somewhere that your gut tells you is unsafe. Take it easy, and play it safe. No hillclimb, or sidehill thrill is worth dying for.

One important take-away from the night was recognizing the 5-signs of instability which are listed below.

- Significant snowfall in the last 24 hours, recent natural avalches on the same aspect, wind and windward and leeward slopes, collapsing or cracking of the snow, and rapid rise in temperature.

For more information on avalanche classes and avalanche topics visit: www.avalanch1.com

To visit one of the midwest's premier motorsports, accessories and apparel centers visit www.engelhart.com

MS Snowmobile Tour 2010

2009-11-19T20:24:00Z

The MS Snowmobile Tour 2010 in Wabeno, Wis. has been scheduled for January 28-31 in an effort to raise funds to assist people living with Multiple Sclerosis .

The tour includes lodging, experienced guides, mechanical support, food, entertainment and more.

All riders are assigned to a group for the weekend.

The ride has a $45 registration fee and a minimum pledge of $650.

For more information visit their website at wisMS.org or 800-242-3358.

AMSOIL Duluth National may be rescheduled

2009-11-19T20:20:00Z

ISOC Racing plans to make a final decision on rescheduling the Thanksgiving weekend snocross race on Monday, November 23 at 9 am.

"If on Monday morning at 9am, we are not 100% certain the race can be run and the snow necessary for the event will be made, the event will be postponed for two weeks," said Scott Lorentz, ISOC Director of Operations. "We know a lot of fans and race teams travel a long way for this event and we are trying to be as proactive as possible with this decision."

If the event is postponed ISOC said no other race's schedule will be effected by this decision. However, the race would be rescheduled for Dec. 11-13. This will be the weekend before the Milwaukee Mile race.

"We have twenty‐one snow guns waiting in place to make the snow for the event," said Terry Mattson, Visit Duluth President/CEO. "Based on the years of experience with this event and looking at the weather forecast, we believe we can still have enough snow for a great race. But if we cannot guarantee it for our fans and racers, we want to make sure they can plan accordingly."

Go Pro Schools features Ride with Brett Bender

2009-11-19T20:20:00Z

GoProSchools.com's second year of hosting a snocross school will feature Brett Bender instead of Robbie Malinoski.

Last year Malinoski and GoProSchools.com started the new snocross school. This year's Pro snocross racer Bender will be the pro on staff and teaching people at this unique camp where average Joes learn how to ride like the Pros.

The event will take place on Jan. 2-3, 2010 in Fort Edward, NY.

In addition, there will be a "Western NY Snocross Industry Rally" the same weekend.

This event will allow nonparticipants to test out a snocross track, ride a low 120 displace or Premier snowmobile and listen to a live DJ.

For more information visit their website, GoProSchools.com.

Ultimate Sports, Inc.'s patent for new snowmobile track system progresses

2009-11-17T20:02:00Z

Indiana based, Ultimate Sports, Inc. has moved forward with the patent process on the new snowmobile track assist unit. The project name for this unit will be the "Thruster," according to Global News Wire.

"Thruster" system will fit all popular late model snowmobiles produced by Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski Doo and Yamaha.

"We have been busy testing multiple pre-production prototypes, and the results have been exceedingly positive. Our new patent-pending 'Thruster' snowmobile track assist system will revolutionize the snowmobile industry in track floatation, corner control and overall grip in all snow conditions. Floatation take off will be increased by 15% to 35%; corner control by 10% to 25%. Overall grip increase will be between 20% and 40%, depending upon the snowmobile and application it is used on,"said Kevin Metheny, President of USI.

Sales of this new system will be through USI's existing distributors and dealers. Existing manufacturers who currently purchase USI's product line such as Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski Doo and Yamaha, will be given an exclusive opportunity for pre-launch inspection.

BOSS Racing signs Turcotte and teams prepare for ISOC opener

2009-11-16T15:29:00Z

Photo courtesy of Steve @ WFO FOTO

Just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend ISOC season opener, BOSS Racing has announced the signing of Pro Snocross racer Bret Turcotte to their Ski-Doo Boss Racing team for the 2009-2010 season.

In the 2008-2009 season Turcotte raced at the Duluth, Minnesota race as an Arctic Cat racer. This year, on November 27, he will in the famous yellow and orange colors at the line.

"We have brought him back to Ski-Doo where his roots are, and with the combined efforts of our industry partners, we are powerfully positioning him to dominate the field," said Garry Querel, BOSS Racing's team owner.

In other racing news, Arctic Cat has released their 2009-2010 snocross season lineup.

"Look at our list of racers, and not just the headline-winners," said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. "Across all disciplines and geographic areas, these racers and teams carry the passion of this company through their dedication, sportsmanship and, ultimately, their success. Their efforts are appreciated by everyone in the Arctic Cat family."

On the national circuit, 2008-2009 Semi-Pro snocross racer Dan Ebert will be racing Pro for Team Arctic.

Also, new additions to the team include: Ryan Simons, Cory Davis and Zach Pattyn.

Their entire team consists of:
- defending X Games champ Tucker Hibbert
- Ryan Simons
- Garth Kaufman
- Dan Ebert
- Cory Davis
- Zach Pattyn
- Logan Christian
- Cody Thomsen
- Kyle Pallin
- Justin Steck
- Dusty Miller
- Jacob Muller
- Jacob Blanshan
- Devin Bertoch
- Nathan Moritz
- Matt Pichner

Finally, Yamaha's Iain Hayden, who last year suffered a shoulder injury, reported to be healthy and ready to race in Duluth.

"I'm happy to say that I'm feeling one-hundred percent fit and I'm really looking forward to getting back into action," Hayden said.

Take a free tour of AmSnow.com this weekend!

2009-11-12T15:42:00Z

From noon Friday until 8 a.m. CST Monday, November 16th, all the great features that are available only to registered users or magazine subscribers will be available to everyone, including you. For free!

Find out what you've been missing! Then, if you like what you see, come back on Monday, November 16th* and register on AmSnow.com for free or subscribe to American Snowmobiler magazine right now.

*During the times mentioned above, you will not be able to register for a new account or log in to AmSnow.com with an existing account. Reader forum users will be able to post as long as they've logged in and have a cookie set prior to the times mentioned above. The site will be back to normal and open for new registrations at 8 a.m. CST Monday, November 16th.

Chris Burandt joins Polaris freestyle snowmobile team

2009-11-09T16:32:00Z

Former Arctic Cat freestyle snowmobiler, Chris Burandt has joined the Polaris freestyle and back country team, according to a Polaris press release.

Burandt will ripping at the Winter X Games with his new Polaris snowmobile. In addition, he will shoot Slednecks with his new snowmobile.

"I have never been so excited for an upcoming season as I am for this one. The new challenge, the new people, the new sleds and my new team at Polaris... what a way to start the year," Burandt said.

Burant's support crew will join him in the move.

He has been snowmobiling for more than 25 years, and has achieved great success in the back country, hillcross, hillclimb and especially freestyle competition. He won the snowmobile freestyle gold medal at the 2007 Winter X Games, and has won multiple Red Bull Fuel & Fury championships. He is also a two-time Freestyle Sno-X (FSX) Rider of the Year.

Starting this winter, Burandt will take his extreme riding customers to new heights as he makes Polaris RMK Deep Snow models the sleds of choice in the Burandt's Backcountry Adventures rental fleet. "With the awesome power to weight ratio the RMK's bring to the table, the rippy feel of the clean fire engines and the unmatched performance of the RMK suspension this will definitely be a year that not only my clients but myself as well will take backcountry riding to a whole new level!"

Burandt's Backcountry Adventures provides groups and individual riders with the opportunity to experience Colorado's backcountry with some of the world's premier deep snow riders as their guides. The business is located near Kremmling, Colorado, about 90-miles from Denver, with riding adventures offered from December 1 until June 1, riding conditions permitting. Polaris plans to leverage this by rolling out a contest this November giving consumers and dealers a chance to win a Backcountry Adventure complete with lodging and hosted by Chris Burandt.

Scott Swenson, VP of the Polaris Snowmobile and PG&A Division, said everyone at Polaris is excited about Burandt joining their ranks.

"Chris is one of the biggest names and most respected freestyle/freeride riders and he is going to thrive on the performance, quality and Terrain Dominating Control of our RMK models," Swenson said. "He compliments the incredible lineup of racers competing on Polaris snowmobiles."

Canadian rescued from Arctic ice floe after snowmobile breaks down

2009-11-09T16:30:00Z

A Canadian teenager has been found drifting on an ice floe in the Arctic Sea with two polar bear cubs, according to BBC News.

The 17-year-old was out on a hunting trip with another man when their snowmobiles broke down. The teenager set off to find help, and he became stranded on an ice floe.

According to reports, a mother polar bear's carcass was found on the ice floe. The teenager shot the bear out of self defense.

Search and rescue teams were parachuted after three days onto the ice floe after spotting the Inuit boy.

Read this entire rescue story

Stimulus funds push forward 47 snowmobile infrastructure projects in Ontario

2009-11-04T16:06:00Z

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) has 47 new infrastructure projects worth $4.3 million presently underway on Ontario's snowmobile trails, according to a OFSC press release.

These projects are part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, through a $25 million investment to expand Canada's national trail system announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last spring. The OFSC is adding to its $1.88 million federal stimulus allocation from this fund to deliver the $4.3 million investment in Ontario snowmobiling.

The stimulus money is flowing, so the OFSC work is already benefiting the Ontario economy. The 47 "shovel-ready" projects are creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for tourism businesses. The trail improvements will also allow more Ontarians to go snowmobiling in a safe and responsible manner. The infrastructure projects occur in all 17 OFSC districts and include placing new signage on over 15,000 kilometers of trails, installing or repairing over 60 bridges and numerous culverts, and undertaking upgrade projects on almost 6,000 more kilometres of OFSC snowmobile trails.

"Many remarkable projects are underway, such as building a 240' bridge near Gravenhurst (Muskoka) and an inter-district undertaking to revitalize the RAP Tour (Ride ‘Round Algonquin), Ontario's premier signature loop for snowmobiling," noted Mike Farr, OFSC trails manager. "Our clubs and districts have hit the ground running to ensure that every project delivers a significant return on investment for Canadian taxpayers."

Canadian Tourism Lanaudière releases snowmobile trail maps

2009-11-04T16:05:00Z

Tourisme Lanaudière announced the release of their free 2010 snowmobile trail map and 2010 ATV trail map.

The maps are available at tourist information and tourist welcome locations throughout the region. They can also be obtained at businesses featured on the maps, as well as from certain ATV and snowmobile clubs. Or you can order the maps at www.lanaudiere.ca.

The maps feature a network of 2,300 km of well marked and regularly groomed trails criss-crossing the region, as well as 10 recommended circuits for you to explore. Four of the circuits are under 200 km and six are over 200 km. The map also features many useful services for snowmobilers: restaurants, lodging, gasoline, snowmobile rentals, dealers, tourist attractions, etc.

the interactive trail map available at www.snowmobilecountry.ca. Use it to work out your own itinerary based on the type and length of tour you want to make. The site also has regular updates on trail conditions in Lanaudière.

If you're an ATV-ing fan, our 2010 ATV trail map is essential! Explore more than 2,125 km of trails available in all 4 seasons throughout the region. The map also features many useful services including restaurants, lodging, tourist attractions and dealers.

Where you can pick up your map:

- Joliette: tourist information office 450　759-5013

- Saint-Donat: tourist information office 1　888-783-6628

- Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon: tourist information office 450 835-2105

- Terrebonne: tourist information office 450 964-0681

- Saint-Côme: tourist welcome office 450 883-2730

- Saint-Felix-de-Valois: tourist welcome office 450 889-8161

- Saint-Michel-des-Saints: tourist welcome office 450 833-1334

Visit www.lanaudiere.ca for more details and to download maps.

USCC schedules race school for Nov. 21

2009-11-04T16:04:00Z

USCC announced their USCC Race School will be held November 21 in Mounds View, Minn.

"This will be a great opportunity for racers and crew members to get all the information they need for the upcoming season from USCC officials, factory personnel and vendors. You will have the chance to have all your questions answered,"said a USCC representative.

Attendees will also get a chance to meet with Race Department and/or Engineering personnel from each manufacturer to get the very latest setup and race tips for your race sled. A variety of vendors will be on hand with their latest products and other items to get you ready for the race season.

The cost for the school, including lunch, is $35.00 per person if paid prior to November 14th. A very limited number of spots will be available for those who don't pre-register, however the cost will increase to $50.00. There is a block of rooms reserved under "USCC" for this event. The room rate is $89.95 per night. Hope to see you there!

Go to usccracing.com to download the registration form.

What: USCC 2009-2010 Race School
When: November 21, 2009, 8:30-3:00

Where:
AmericInn, Mounds View
2200 Hwy. 10,
Mounds View, MN 55112
Toll Free: 800/396-5007
Direct: 763/786-2000

Yamaha Motor Co. promotes new president

2009-11-04T16:04:00Z

Yamaha Motor Co. recently announced Tsuneji Togami as its' new president, Chief Executive Officer and Representative Director effective November 1, according to their website.

This decision was made at the Board of Directors meeting Oct. 26, 2009, according to their website.

Prior to this position, Togami was Yamaha Motor Co.'s chairman and director.

Former President Takashi Kajikawa will now be Yamaha Motor Co.'s director.