It’s that time of year again when the temperatures start to drop at nights meaning winter is coming! People are already in the winter mood and thinking about snowmobiling, especially after the kick off to winter at Haydays this past weekend in Minnesota.

Normally this time of year the Byers Motorsports Team is in the midst of talking with sponsors and getting the back side of racing lined up. This year is different though. After a lot of thought since last seasons finale, Byers Motorsports has decided to take a step back with Pro Racer, Jamie Byers retiring from racing the CSRA National Circuit.

“It was a long hard decision to retire from full time racing after 11 years. It seems like all I’ve known for my winters since I was a young kid.” Jamie said reflecting on his decision. “It was tough pulling out of Horseshoe Resorts season finale last winter thinking that this may have been my last time racing at the event with the friends and family of the CSRA. It was time to step away from professional racing and start concentrating more on the future and am grateful that I am still healthy.”

Jamie started his racing career in 2003 at Horseshoe Valley Resort aboard a 2002 Polaris ProX 440 fan and was instantly hooked after that weekend. His first Full Season was 2006 where he battled for the Junior 2 Championship finishing 2nd overall.

The following year was a bad year for Jamie when he was landed on top of at the Season Opener luckily only breaking his jaw thanks to his TekVest. Jamie returned for the final two races finishing 2nd in Sport Open at both events before moving into the Semi-Pro (now Pro-Lite) class.

In 2009, Kyle Byers #109 joined the team to compete in the Sport classes finishing 2nd overall in Trail Sport his first year. Kyle competed for 3 years before retiring in 2011. In 2010, Jamie had a great season placing on the Podium at the end of the season, 3rd in Semi-Pro Regional Stock and Open classes.

Jamie’s breakout year was 2012 where he won multiple event finals, placing 2nd overall in the stock class at the Grand Prix de Valcourt, and to top it off, claiming the Pro-Lite Stock & Open class National Championships. In his inaugural Pro season, Jamie clinched a Podium finish at the Amsoil Kawartha Cup.

“Looking back on our past seasons we’ve had a pretty good go, had fun and enjoyed a lot of time with my family, friends and sponsors. I have some pretty great memories from my career that I will never forget.” Said Jamie. “I cant thank my family enough for their support over the years along with all of my sponsors that have stuck with us over the years and the ones that have recently joined our team the past couple years. Without our sponsors we would have likely had to make this decision a few years ago.”

Although the team is stepping away from racing, Rob and Jamie are staying involved in the snowmobile industry helping out with the Orillia & District snowmobile club which Rob is already an active member of.

Once again we’d like to personally thank all of our sponsors: Tom Jr, Sr, Ben, Brad and the late Bill Rader of the Polaris Racing Department for building great race sleds; The Lester Family from Supertrax Media; Bill, Brian & Betty from Dayco Belts; Rob, Casey & Butch from Amsoil; Jeff C & Jeff F of Gamma Sales who has been there for us from day 1; Mike & Larry from Woodys Traction; Don & Cam from Creecher’s Design for the killer graphics; Randy, Paul, Terry & Brad from Powermadd; Todd from EVS Sports protective gear; Eric of CV Tech/AAB; Dwayne & Natasha from Clean Media promotional; Steve from TekVest; Team Advanced for their help behind the scenes & the CSRA Family.

The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a colder winter for much of the nation this year. The publication has been predicting the weather since 1818 and touts an 80% success rate.

The 223 year old chronicle of climate – The Old Farmers’ Almanac (a different publication from the Farmers’ Almanac) predicts a super cold winter in the Eastern two thirds of the country.

In the words of the author of the Farmers’ Almanac, “We should look at this upcoming winter as not just colder – but think of it as a Refriger-NATION.” This is a substantively different forecast than the global warming crowd is putting out!

The Farmers’ Almanac historically publishes this time of year, enabling farmers and others to order enough heating oil, wood for the wood burning stove and salt for the roads. It’s best to prepare for the real winter that’s coming!

Normal precipitation is expected over most of the US and Canada, and the Farmers’ Almanac has noted that the first 10 days of January will be a time for active wintery weather featuring heavy amounts of snow.

This looks like a great time to be inventorying your sweaters, your snowmobile clothing, your boots, your socks and think about purchasing a new snowmobile!

This winter should be a fun one for outdoor winter enthusiasts!!

During the Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance, snowmobilers can get a 3-year FACTORY warranty when they purchase any RMK model, the same sleds that have dominated Rocky Mountain Hillclimb Association stock classes for the past two seasons with 50 wins in 52 races. This special, limited-time offer is good on all Polaris RMK models from model years 2012-2015.

“Deep Snow riders can get these amazing deals on RMK models that have dominated the hillclimb stock classes – and ride with the confidence and peace of mind a 3-year factory warranty provides,” said Chris Wolf, Director of Snowmobiles. “We heard consumers’ requests and are responding with our best-ever in- season offers, including a direct-from-the-factory 3-year warranty.”

The Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance* runs August 7 through September 30, 2014. Complete details are available from Polaris snowmobile dealers and at www.Polaris.com.

Along with the 3-year factory warranty available on Polaris RMK models, special offers are available during the Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance for riders who purchase non-current or new Polaris snowmobiles that deliver the best riding experience on and off the trails.

– U.S. Polaris snowmobile dealers are offering savings up to $1,200 plus financing as low as 2.9% for 36 months on non-RMK models.
– Canadian Polaris snowmobile dealers are offering savings up to $1,200 plus financing as low as 3.9% for 36 months on non-RMK models.

Riders can visit www.Polaris.com for complete details about the 2015 Polaris snowmobile lineup, and to find their nearest participating Polaris snowmobile dealers using the dealer locator.

*On approved Polaris purchases. Minimum Payments required. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. Minimum Amounts Financed, Interest Charges, and penalties for accounts non-current, may apply. Subject to credit approval. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Financing promotions void where prohibited. The 3 Year Factory Warranty offer 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 $50.00 deductible per visit after the first year. All rebates are paid to the dealer. Factory Authorized Clearance offers are effective on all new 2012-2015 Polaris snowmobiles purchased from a participating Polaris dealer between 8/7/14 and 9/30/14. Polaris 2015 snowmobiles that were ordered under the SnowCheck program do not qualify. See your local dealer for details.

Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2013 sales of $3.8 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles, including all- terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER and RZR side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles. Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian Motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid powered vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered Parts, Accessories and Apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin and Cycle Country brands. Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

The Magpie Relay Motel in Dubreuilville, Ontario Canada has recently opened its doors to business travellers, tourists and Dubreuilville patrons.

Its 16 room complex has just undergone a full renovation including new bathrooms, new furniture and new amenities.

We offer Free Wi-Fi, Free Movies, 43 inch flat screen televisions, work desk area and have fitted the rooms with mini-refrigerators for longer stays. The Motel offers different room configurations such as Queen only rooms, Double Double bed rooms, Kitchenette rooms with Murphy Beds and joining rooms for greater mobility and space requirements.

The rooms have been configured with the Powersports enthusiast in mind with areas to dry your clothes, a game room/person cave for gatherings and a work bench to fix your favorite toy.

We have also added a new heated 25 x 40 foot toy storage garage where you can store your snowmobile, motorcycle or ATV overnight so that it is nice and warm in the morning. The motel offers Sauna, Whirlpool and access to some of the best trails in Northern Ontario.

The Magpie Relay Motel welcomes short and long terms stays. Enjoy our friendly French Canadian hospitality, spend a night or two and enjoy comfort away from home.

For reservations or room rates please call 1-705-884-2909 or via our web site www.magpierelay.ca

BRP has made a significant donation of ten Ski-Doo snowmobiles from it’s production testing fleet to United Technologies Center (UTC) in Bangor, Maine to help train future technicians and engineers on some of the latest technologies in powersports.

The donation continues a long standing relationship between BRP and UTC that has continued to sustain and supply future workers in the powersports field at all levels.

BRP products use cutting edge technology, like the Rotax E-TEC engines in these snowmobiles, that is constantly evolving and creates the need to for more advanced training where technicians use a computer as much mechanical tools to service products. This donation provides the platform for students to advance their knowledge much quicker and be better prepared upon graduation.

“This is an investment in the future of students that want to pursue a powersports career and BRP is pleased to be a catalyst in their development” said Philippe Normand marketing director for Ski-Doo Snowmobiles. “These snowmobiles are state of the art which provide a great learning opportunity for students and in turn supply us and our dealers with qualified workers for many years.”

George Bergeron, Outdoor Power instructor at UTC stated, “Seeing that truck backup and open its doors was like winning the lottery for students in the Outdoor Power and Recreation (OPR).” Bergeron add, “This is the single largest donation in the program’s history!” UTC has fostered great relationships with local powersports dealers through their training programs and plans to further leverage these with the generous BRP donation.

BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles. Distributed in 105 countries, its portfolio of brands and products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Spyder roadsters, Evinrude outboard engines, as well as Rotax propulsion systems. BRP employs approximately 6,800 people worldwide.

For more information on BRP visit: www.brp.com

As a member of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is pleased that a portion of the $10 million trail funding investment from the Federal Government will be available for infrastructure improvements to Ontario’s snowmobile trails.

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced today that the Federal Government is investing $10 million between 2014 and 2016 in the National Recreational Trails Program to help expand and rehabilitate Canada’s snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and non-motorized trail system.

This investment will renew the Federal Government’s partnership with the National Trails Coalition (NTC), founded in 2007 by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council and the Canadian Trails Federation, and will also build on previous trail projects funded by the Government of Canada under Economic Action Plan 2009.

“By investing in trail infrastructure, the Government of Canada is encouraging job creation, linking communities and increasing recreational opportunities for Canadians. Through this agreement, the Government of Canada continues to support economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live,” said The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

CCSO member organizations operate 112,320 kilometres of snowmobile trails in every Canadian province and territory, generating a national economic impact of more than $8 billion annually. The OFSC operates over 30,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails that generate annual economic activity valued at $1.7 billion.

With a mission statement of being “dedicated to providing leadership and support of safe, organized and environmentally responsible snowmobiling in Canada”, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations is the national body serving as the umbrella group for this country’s snowmobiling associations and federations since 1974.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.

ofsc.on.ca

BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO) today announced changes to its Management team. These changes will be effective May 1, 2014.

“BRP will soon be celebrating its first year as a public company and as we accelerate our global growth strategy, I am implementing changes designed to better leverage our strong product brands and global footprint,” stated José Boisjoli, president and CEO. “As part of these changes, I am pleased to announce new roles for Sébastien Martel and Chris Dawson, and to welcome Anne Bélec to BRP.”

Sébastien Martel is appointed Chief Financial Officer where he will be responsible for all corporate finance including consolidation and reporting, tax, treasury as well as the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Investor Relations function.

Mr. Martel was most recently vice-president, Strategic Planning and Business Development where he most notably coordinated BRP’s initial public offering process. Before that, he held ever increasing roles in the finance organization, including vice-president, Finance and Controls. Mr. Martel has been with the company since 2004.

Chris Dawson is appointed vice-president and general manager, Global Sales and Consumer Experience where he will be responsible for global sales management, go-to-market activities, network development, customer relationship management, after-sales service, and parts, accessories and clothing (PAC).

His first mandate is to merge the North America and International divisions to capture synergy opportunities and continue our focus on consumer experience. Mr. Dawson was most recently vice-president and general manager, International division where he significantly grew revenues from international over the past years. Before that, he held ever increasing roles in marketing, strategy and business development. Mr. Dawson has been with the company since 1998.

The Company also announced the appointment of Anne Bélec to the newly-created position of senior vice-president, Global Marketing, Strategy and Information Systems.

Ms. Bélec brings over 25 years of business experience, primarily in the automotive industry. Through 2009, she held increasing senior management positions in marketing, sales and product planning, and business development with the Ford Motor Company. During her tenure at Ford, she was CEO of Volvo Cars of North America between 2005 and 2008. In 2009, she joined Navistar International Corporation as vice-president, Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Ms. Bélec was a consultant with Russell Reynolds and Associates. She will relocate to the Company’s headquarters in Valcourt, Canada.

Claude Ferland, currently vice-president and chief financial officer, and Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager for North America will be in function until May 1, 2014 and will remain available to ensure a smooth transition until June 1, 2014.

“Claude and Yves have both played a role in making BRP a leader in the power sports industry and their contribution to BRP’s recent successful initial public offering was invaluable. I want to thank them for all the years of dedication to the organization and we all wish them well in their new endeavours,” added Boisjoli.

BRP (TSX: DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3 billion from 105 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,100 people worldwide.

www.brp.com