Cool News

Ellis rides for Pink Ribbon Riders

2009-01-05T15:44:00Z

Derek Ellis, Avalanche Racing Semi-Pro Driver, announced his attention to pilot Kylie Abrahamson's Pink C&A Ski's and Pink Ribbon Riders sled for the remainder of the season, according to an Avalanche Racing press release.

Abrahamson suffered an injury that ended the season early in Ironwood, Mich.

"Derek came to us and asked if he could assume the helm and promote the cause," Avalanche racing said.

The Pink Ribbon Riders, a nonprofit organization, raised funds to provide financial assistance to both men and women diagnosed with breast cancer and support groups, according to Pink Ribbon Riders' brochure.

This organization will put on the 3^rd annual Minnesota Snow Run on January 9 &10 at Quadna Mountain Resort in Hill City, Minn.

The event's, a 100 mile snowmobile ride, goal was to create awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds for patients.

For more information about this event:

click here

USCC's Grafton 100's race results

2009-01-05T15:43:00Z

The Grafton Equipment 100 was the second race of the USCC's nine race schedule. Presented by Arctic Cat in Grafton, ND here are the race results:

FXR Pro 600

Bryan Drydahl 1:27:36.609
Ryan Simons 1:27:41.105
Aaron Christensen 1:28:51.631
DJ Ekre 1:29:22.303

RydeFX Pro Open

DJ Ekre 28:20.859
Brian Dick 28:21.674
Gabe Bunke 28:53.704
Dan Ebert 28:53.704

Fox Shox Semi Pro Improved

Josh Carey 30:16.681
Spencer Fett 30:40.322
Ken Christensen 30:45.465
Ryan Faust 30:47.005

Studboy Semi Pro 600

Ken Christensen 31:06.583
Sam Vandeputte 31:10.367
Cory Grant 31:29.983
Mike Dirkman 31:35.520

Yamalube 440

Scott Pivec 31:43.735
Ted Horbaty 32:24.816
Brian Carey, Sr. 32:29.168
Chris Sobeck 33:19.369

Newmans / Sledbed Amateur Improved

Adam Brandt 32:13.336
Erik Bute 34:18.180
Ryan Greening 35:37.776
Mark Arneson 35:51.571

Recreational Salvage Fan 600

Brad Cierzan 33:28.390

Action Graphics Legends 50+

Jim Sobeck 31:53.622
Doug Oster 33:18.010
Roger Gorder 34:02.731
Bob Delaloye 39:16.308

Scott USA Vet 30+

Corey Davidson 28:45.021
Chad Lian 29:32.769
Nick Roehl 30:24.518
Same Vandeputte 30:43.922

Carver Performance Jrs10-13

Cole Lian 17:26.029
Adam Mach 17:34.371
Cole Davidson 18:15.962
Tanner Kemppainen 18:21.721

Tekvest Junior 14-17

Stuart Brandt 15:32.627
Tyler Kemppainen 15:32.733
Timmy Kallock 15:59.014
Chase Nordstrom 16:14.515

RV Sports Vintage

Tom Clement 18:55.202

PowerMadd Women's

Jolene Bute 15:33.257
Jenna Sobeck 16:03.028
Pamela Williamson 17:08.234
Shelby Christiansen 20:22.072

C&A Amateur 600

Adam Brandt 32:04.893
Cody Matthews 33:05.138
Erik Bute 34:49.149
C.J. VandePutte 35:32.277

Orion Sleds & Trailers Masters 40+

Ken Christensen 30:34.025
Jim Sobeck 31:24.082
Bill Thomas 31:24.449
Brian Carey Sr. 32:24.777

Yamaha Sport 85

Steve Emerson 33:30.394
Brad Cierzan 33:50.721
Paul Anderson 34:28.461
Tyler Kemppainen 35:44. 875

SNO X 120 Stock

Garet Grazadzielewski
Nathan Lorenz
Scott McColl
Sara Larson

SnowGoer 120 Improved

Garet Grazadzielewski
Nathan Lorenz
Scott McColl
Sara Larson

Speed, Snow, Stocks, and Super-sleds at Adirondack Shootout

2008-12-18T18:32:00Z

Aftermarket company D&D showed some of their newest trail and lake racer sleds at the Adirondack Shootout.

Woodgate, N.Y. - AmSnow was back in New York this year as the official media outlet for the Adirondack Shootout. AmSnow started this event 19 years ago and with the help of Jim Czekala of Dynotech and George Taylor, the event has survived through the many years.

For the event, we dyno stock sleds, run them through a 1/4-mile test track, and record their performance. This year at the Adirondack Shootout, AmSnow handed out numerous awards including the Fastest ¼-mile Top Speed in the Stock 600, 800, and Unlimited classes. We also gave the dealers about an hour to try their hand at improving the stock sleds with a quick set-up of their own. We gave out awards for the best Stock Improved (Dealer Prepared) Fastest ¼-mile Top Speed as well in each of the three sled classes.

Bikeman Performance was also on hand with this Cat Crossfire R 1000.

Finally, a Best Average Elapsed Time award was given in each class. The Best Average ET award was determined by averaging the best Stock ET with the best Stock Improved ET that each sled posted. This nullified any motivation for those involved to "de-tune" their stock sleds in order to show big power gains and subsequently "push parts." It was in each participant's best interest to have a good Stock ET and a good Stock Improved ET.

AmSnow put these stockers to the test on Dynotech's dyno just hours before we took them out on the snow and then gave each sled two runs in Stock and Stock Improved form, to try to pull their best times and top speeds. After that, we had well-respected aftermarket companies come show us what their modifications can do to make your sled faster, handle better, and power off the line like an angry gorilla.

Volunteers helped keep the starting line clear and safe with good traction lines for the drivers.

In the upcoming February issue of AmSnow we'll have full acceleration results, dyno test numbers, trail mod tests, and lake racer results. Here's a sneak peak at how the stock sleds performed.

Stock 600cc Fastest ¼-mile Top Speed - Yamaha FX Nytro, Speed: 88.75mph

Stock 600cc Fastest Improved Top Speed - Ski-Doo MXZ 1200 4-TEC, Speed: 88.40mph

Stock 600cc Best Average Elapsed Time - Yamaha FX Nytro, Avg. ET: 13.3015sec.

Stock 800cc Fastest ¼-mile Top Speed - Polaris Dragon 800, Speed: 93.94 mph

Stock 800cc Fastest Improved Top Speed - Ski-Doo MXZ 800R. Speed: 97.82 mph

Stock 800cc Best Average Elapsed Time - Arctic Cat Crossfire R 800, Avg. ET: 12.524 sec.

Stock Unlimited Fastest ¼-mile Top Speed - Cat Z1 Turbo, Speed: 96.77mph

Stock Unlimited Fastest Improved Top Speed - Cat Z1 Turbo, Speed: 97.82mph

Stock Unlimited Best Average Elapsed Time - Cat Z1 Turbo, Avg. ET: 12.4605 sec.

This stock Polaris Dragon 800 really hooked up off the starting line and gave the fans, and cameraman, a good thrill.

C.J. motorsports and Full Power brought this 2009 MXZ 1200 4-TEC turbo.

Rich Daly of Dynoport ran his 1020 Prostock as the last run of the day and put on quite the show for the huge crowd that braved the cold and snow all day.

Snocross will heat up at Canterbury

2008-12-18T06:31:00Z

With more than 15,000 fans expected, the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series would move to Canterbury Park on January 9 where the riders would try to claim the $250,000 prize money, according to an ISOC press release.

Expected to be in attendance at Canterbury Park, in Shakopee, Minn., were Tucker Hibbert, Chris Burandt and Levi LaVallee.

"Racers will fly more than 80-feet in excess of two-stories high," ISOC's representative said in the press release.

The weekend starts up on Friday night with a Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour freestyle showcase.

"The top freestyle athletes in the world including Chris Burandt and Paul Thacker will perform some of the most insane tricks ever seen on a snowmobile including a back-flip," ISOC's representative said.

The main event will be Saturday night from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm will include Pro and Semi-Pro events.

For more information, visit www.isocracing.com.

Chris Burandt teams up with Chad Colby for Program

2008-12-17T18:30:00Z

Cross-country racer, Chris Burandt, and the United Snowmobile Cross-Country Association announced the creation of a new post-race program called "Track Side with Chad Colby," according to a USCC press release.

Colby's program, presented by Burandt's Backcountry Adventure, was designed to provide an inside look into cross-country racing that included video interviews from drivers, factory personnel and sponsors.

"Chad's show is going to give our series sponsors and racers more exposure than they've had in the past," said Pat Mach, USCC president.

Burandt, X-games gold medalist, teamed up with Arctic Cat and other industry elites to provide riding experience through the Rocky Mountains.

According to the USCC's press release, "Track Side with Chad Colby" was seen as the perfect escape for viewers who craved adventure.

Colby became involved with this project after helping out with a radio program at the Red Lake I-500 when his sled developed problems.

"Over the past 5 years I have enjoyed racing cross-country; that experience alone, and with my 30 years of snowmobile riding, should give our racers, sponsors and fans a unique look into the sport we enjoy so much," Colby said.

USCC has provided live radio coverage of the events, and Burandt's Backcountry Adventure's program would air every Wednesday after a race.

Visit the USCC's website here

Team Arctic wins at Gonvick

2008-12-17T18:29:00Z

Team Arctic Cat took home some wins in Gonvick, Minn. during strong winds and sub-zero temperatures, according to an Team Arctic press release.

"Our class wins were impressive considering most guys hadn't had much seat time prior to the race," said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Cat Race Manager. "With what we learned at Gonvick and some more time spent testing, I'm confident we'll see more green sleds in the top podium spot."

DJ Ekre of Shevlin, Minn. started the season by winning the Pro Open Class with his 2009 Sno Pro 600. Ekre put 17 seconds ahead teammate of Brian Dick on the 9.2 mile course consisting of woods and a ditch.

Junior class riders, Cole Lian of Thief River Falls, Minn. and Timmy Kallock of Oslo, Minn. proved fast and consistent, with each rider taking a win.

"While Team Arctic racers didn't win every class at Gonvick, their overall top finishes in the premier classes bode well for the remainder of the season," said Team Arctic's press release.

Snowmobile Hall of Fame publishes first book

2008-12-17T18:29:00Z

The Snowmobile Hall of Fame has released a book entitled I Raced Ski-Doo... A Different Point of View, and the book is now available just in time for the holiday season, according to a letter from Loren Anderson, Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

The book had exclusive photos and insights into the early years of Ski-Doo racing and snowmobile development. The 138 pages book had behind the scenes stories from 1968 to 1978. It, also, had a detailed 8 page introduction to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, according to Anderson.

The book cost $35 in the US and $40 in Canada.

Customers were being directed to their website to purchase this book.

Potential for a Michigan snowmobile fee increase

2008-12-17T18:28:00Z

Michigan Legislators have sent a bill to Governor Jennifer Granholm to increase snowmobile registration and trail permits fees in an effort to fund a program to prevent a $1 million deficit, according to a Michigan Snowmobile Association press release.

"Industry stakeholders did the necessary homework to conclude that permit increases is the only way to adequately fund snowmobiling in Michigan as we know it," said Bill Manson Executive Director of the Michigan Snowmobile Association.

Under the Senate bill the registration would increase from $22 to $30 in the 2009-2010 seasons. In addition, the trail permits would increase from $25 to $25 in 2009-2010 season and then to $45 for 2011 through 2015, according to the press release.

The funding is designated for the Snowmobile Trail Fund, which included a permanent trail easement to prevent a loss of a trail section due to private land being sold.

"The extra funding will prevent a $1 million snowmobile program deficit that would potentially close many trails and cease grooming and maintenance of large portions of the trail network," according to the press release.

The funds would, also, be used for long term infrastructure projects such as bridges.

In addition, the Michigan Snowmobile Association said the lack of funding would affect snow patrols by law enforcement.

The Michigan Snowmobile Association sent out a survey to snowmobilers in and out of state, and 80% supported the increase, according to the press release.

The legislation was co-sponsored by Sen. Jason Allen and Sen. James Barcia. It was approved by the House and the Senate.

Gov. Granholm is expected to sign the trail funding legislation, according to the press release.

Polaris and Arctic Cat swap poll spots at the USCC's semi-pro

2008-12-17T18:27:00Z

Polaris's Ken Christensen sledded into first and third podium positions in the USCC's semi-pro events over the weekend in Gonvick, Minn.

Christensen, from Provost, Alberta, finished first in the Fox Racing Shox Semi-Pro Improved event. Another Polaris rider, Bill Thomas, helped give Polaris a one-two by taking second. Thomas is from St. Joseph, Minn.

Arctic Cat racers Cody Kallock of Oslo, Minn., and Spencer Fett of Frazee, Minn. were third and fourth in the Semi-Pro Improved race.

Finishing out the top five in Semi-Pro Improved was Brad Cierzan, of Winona, Minn., aboard a Ski-Doo.

In the Studboy Semi-Pro 600 race, Sam Vandeputte, a Ski-Doo rider from Hamel, Minn., won, with Fett second. Third and fourth were Polaris riders Christensen and Spencer Wrightsman, from Roseau, Minn. Fifth place went to Ski-Doo's Jim Sobeck, from Winona, Minn.

Semi-Pro:

Fox Racing Shox Semi-Pro improved:

1st: Ken Christensen

2nd: Bill Thomas

3rd: Cody Kallock

4th: Spencer Fett

Studboy Semi-Pro 600:

1st: Sam Vandeputte

2nd: Spencer Fett

3rd: Ken Christensen

4th: Spencer Wrightsman

Yamalube 440:

1st: Scott Pivec

2nd: Chris Sobeck

3rd: Brian Carey

Action Graphics Legend 50+:

1st: Jim Sobeck

2nd: Dennis Topp

3rd: Gary Anderson

4th: Roger Gorder

PowerMadd Women's:

1st: Jenna Sobeck

2nd: Shelby Christensen

3rd: Jessica Carey

4th: Colby Christensen

Newmans / Sledbed Amateur Improved

1st: Adam Brandt

2nd: Erik Bute

3rd: Paul Eckstein

4th: Erick Dahl

Recreational Salvage Fan 600:

1st: Brad Cierzan

2nd: Marty Fell

Scott USA 3+

1st: Corey Davidson

2nd: Jeff Klein

3rd: Dave Dirkman

4th: Nick Roehl

C&A Pro Amateur 600:

1st: Adam Brandt

2nd: Paul Eckstein

3rd: Brad Pecka

4th: Chris Drydahl

Orion Sleds & Trailers Masters 40+:

1st: Ken Christensen

2nd: Bill Thomas

3rd: Jim Sobeck

4th: Jon Arneson

Yamaha Sport 85:

1st: Brad Cierzan

2nd: Steve Emerson

3rd: Trevor Fett

4th: Ryan Greening

Carver Performance Junior 10-13:

1st: Cole Lian

2nd: Adam Mach

3rd: Ben Thomas

4th: Tanner Kemppainen

Tekvest Junior 14-17:

1st: Timmy Kallock

2nd: Tyler Kemppainen

3rd: Stuart Brandt

4th: Chase Nordstrom

RV Sports Vintage:

1st: Dennis Topp

2nd: Tom Clement

DNS: Bob Delaloye

SNO-X 120 Stock:

1st: Garet Grezadzielewski

2nd: Sara Larson

3rd: Emily Morken

4th: Amber Kemppainen

SnowGoer 120 Open:

1st: Garet Grezadzielewski

2nd: Scott Mccoll

3rd: Sara Larson

4th: Andrea Kemppainen

Championnat De Sno-Cross Pro & Semi Pro results

2008-12-17T18:25:00Z

Ski-Doo and racer Dave Allard dominated the Championnat De Sno-Cross at Monts-Valin, Quebec on Saturday, Allard taking the Open and Super Stock 600 classes and Ski-Doo winning five categories, including all four Pro and Semi Pro races.

Allard, of St. Félcien, came in first in the Pro Open event. Followed by a trio of Ski-Doo's riders that earned the top four positions at the event: Tim Tremblay from Ste-Jeanne d' Arc (second), Dave Asselin from La Doré (third) and Katejun Coonishish from Oujé -Bougoumou (fourth).

In the Pro Super Stock 600, Ski-Doo filled the top five positions: Allard (first), Dave Asselin from La Doré (second), Tremblay (third), Maxime Tailefer from Laval (fourth) and Lucas Brunelle from Oujé-Bougoumou (fifth).

During the semi-pro events, Ski-Doo romped, taking the top five positions. Luc Villeneuve, from Lac St-Charles, came in first in the Semi-Pro Open with Lucas Brunelle from Boucherville winning the Super Stock 600.

More race results:

Pro classes:

Open:

1st: Dave Allrad

2nd: Tim Tremblay

3rd: Dave Asselin

4th: Katejun Coonishish

Super Stock 600:

1st: Dave Allard

2nd: Dave Asselin

3rd: Tim Tremblay

4th: Maxime Taillefer

Semi Pro classes:

Open:

1st: Luc Villeneuve

2nd: Kaven Benoit

3rd: Lucas Brunelle

4th:Jean-Sébastien Côté

Super Stock 600cc:

1st: Lucas Brunelle

2nd: Kaven Benoit

3rd: Luc Villeneuve

4th: Donavan Asselin

Division Sport classes:

Super Stock 600cc:

1st: Marc Antoine Généreux

2nd: Pierre Vincent Filion

3rd: Dave Larochelle

4th: Jennifer Paré

Stock 600:

1st: Jennifer Paré

2nd: Nicolas Filion

3rd: Éric Giguére

4th: Pierre Vincent Filion

Veterans classes:

35 and up:

1st: Dany Paradis

2nd: Sylvain Colette

3rd: Gilles Pépin

4th: Francois St-Laurent

30 and up:

1st: Robin Deschénes

2nd: Dany Paradis

3rd: Gilles Pépin

4th: Sylvain Colette

Women's Class:

Stock:

1st: Jennifer Paré

2nd: Mélina Neeposh

Junior Classes:

14 years old and up:

1st: Shan Pépin

2nd: Nicolas Filion

3rd: Jean-Francois Blouin

10 years old and up:

1st: Shan Pépin

2nd: Nicolas Filion

3rd: Jean-Francois Blouin

3 races or less:

1st: Karl Siois

2nd: Nicolas Simard

3rd: Bruno Bégin

4th: Dany Labonté

16 year old places at Bad River National's Sport Super Stock

2008-12-17T18:25:00Z

At 16 years old and with a battered sled and goggles, the youngest member of the Sport Super Stock class, Andrew Carlson placed third at Bad River National, according to Sportech Racing press release.

"Visibility was really tough," said Carlson in the press release. "The track was challenging enough, but add in the wind, snow and no tear-offs and it became real hard to see."

Earlier in the day during the Sport Super Stock #1, Carlson was in fourth place but he took a monster digger trying to triple on a downhill bomb, according to the press release.

Due to the digger, he placed fifteenth in this event.

The digger, also, caused Carlson to suffer minor injuries and his sled to need major repairs.

His racing team was able to repair the sled in time for the green light on the Sport Super Stock #2. He grabbed a major holeshot and the lead in the beginning, but during the fourth lap Carlson realized his goggles were damaged.

"With limited visibility Andrew navigated his way around the .5-mile long track," said Sporttech's Racing team in the press release.

USCC's kicks off its pro season at Gonvick

2008-12-17T18:25:00Z

Bagley, Minn.'s Bryan Dyrdahl carried over his winning ways to the US Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing Association's first race of the season in Gonvick, Minn. on Saturday.

The Gonvick 100 was the first race of USCC's nine race schedule. The race course was a 9.2 mile lap, the FXR Pro 600 racers ran 7 laps. The course included ditch and woods running. Dyrdahl rode his Ski-Doo to a field-best time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, 41 seconds.

Dyrdahl won after he lost his brakes and crashed into the woods. "I drove as hard as I could, the course was rough but I like rough courses. I knew I was in the lead early but after my crash I had to step it up. It feels awesome to win in my hometown...I always run a little harder here," Dyrdahl said.

The Ski-Doo racer beat two Arctic Cat racers to the line in the Gonvick 100 FXR Pro 600, according to USCC results.

Coming in second was Brian Dick of Thief River Falls, Minn., while another Cat racer, Ryan Simons of Camrose, Alberta, came in third. Finishing out the top five were Polaris's Bunke and Ski-Doo's Ross Erdman.

However, Arctic Cat pulled racers were atop the heap in the Ryde FX Pro Open finishing first and second. DJ Ekre, who was ninth in the FXR Pro 600, won the Pro Open with Cat's Brian Dick again taking second place. Polaris's Corey Davidson managed only a 21^st in the FXR Pro 600, but grabbed third in the Pro Open.

Ski-Doo's duo, Ross Erdman and Bryan Dyrdahl, finished out the top five.

Pro Classes:

FXR Pro 600:

1st: Bryan Dyrdahl

2nd: Brian Dick

3rd: Ryan Simons

4th: Gabe Bunke

Ryde FX Pro Open:

1st: DJ Ekre

2nd: Brian Dick

3rd: Corey Davidson

4th: Ross Erdman

'09 Arctic Cat's recalled

2008-12-17T17:27:00Z

Arctic Cat issued a recall on '09 Mountain Cat and Crossfire snowmobiles, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's website.

The recall was issued because of a hazard with the mounting hardware securing to the fuel pump. The pumps could allow fuel to leak, which could become a fire hazard to riders.

Arctic Cat had received four reports of the fuel leakage, but there were no reports of personal injury or property damage, according to the website.

There were about 10,000 snowmobiles affected by this recall, and all known users have been contacted.

The snowmobiles had VIN numbers ranging from 103896 through 118441, and the number can be found stamped into the tunnel near the right-side footrest.

The sleds were sold from June 2008 through November 2008, and they ranged in prices of $7,500 to $13,100.

Riders with these sleds are being asked to immediately stop using the snowmobile and contact an authorized Arctic Cat dealer to schedule a free repair.

For more information, contact Arctic Cat at (800) 279-6851 or visit their website at www.arcticcat.com or visit www.cpsc.gov.

Schultz's injury update

2008-12-17T06:21:00Z

Warnert Racing's Pro rider, Mike Schultz, is recovering after several surgeries at St. Mary's Hospital to care for his lower left leg that was injured during qualifying in Ironwood, Mich., according to his family's blog.

According to his family's blog, at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikeschultz, they successfully removed his lower left leg on December 16. Starting on Saturday, he has undergone several surgeries, and the hospital plans for his last surgery to be on Friday.

Ski-Doo's marketing director, Francois Tremblay, recently released a statement about Schultz that said, "While Mike was only a Ski-Doo racer for a short time, he impressed us with his passion, ability and dedication. We offer him and his family our best wishes as he makes his recovery and begins rehabilitation."

An ISOC press release said he was taken to an area hospital after the crash and then transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, Minn.

Schultz received multiple fractures to his tibia and physical trauma.

The snowmobile community has been reacting to the news.

"The International Series of Champions and the entire snowmobile racing community will keep Mike and his family in our prayers and thoughts," said ISOC.

The Avalanche Racing Team issued a press release that said Schultz was in its thoughts and prayers.

"In the world of Snocross Racing we are all one big family, you race your heart out each weekend, but at the end of the day the competition is secondary and people come first. We know Mike is a tough competitor on and off the track and that is what will help him through this," said the Avalanche release.

Arctic Cat gives information on break-in procedures

2008-12-16T17:33:00Z

After receiving questions about break-in procedures, Arctic Cat recently released information about these procedures for a Z1 Turbo.

The information came from their Z1 Turbo's operator's manual.

A proper break-in period is required for this engine before it is subjected to heavy load conditions or periods of full throttle operation. In addition, a 4-stroke engine required a longer break-in period than 2-strokes. This made it very important to follow Arctic Cat's procedures to ensure trouble free operation.

Arctic Cat recommended that the engine oil and filter be changed after 500 miles to ensure proper break-in. The Z1 Turbos have decals adhered to their vehicles' odometers to raise awareness about this.

It is important because failure to follow the break-in procedure could result in engine failures that may not be covered under warranty.

Here are some guidelines for break-ins:

0-200 miles	½ throttle (45 mph Max)
200-400 miles	½ to ¾ throttle
400-600 miles	½ to ¾ throttle with occasional full throttle operation