Polaris snowmobile racers aboard the 2013 Polaris 600 IQ Race Sled will hit the track with increased horsepower from a new engine package that enhances drivers’ ability to grab holeshots and delivers improved performance across the power range.

The 2013 version of the 600 IQ Race Sled also features a redesigned track, enhanced shock adjustability, improved brakes and other changes designed to increase Polaris racers’ competitive advantage.

POWERFUL NEW ENGINE PACKAGE

The new Polaris Liberty 600 engine package in the 600 IQ Race Sled features a re-engineered cylinder head and cylinders that result in significantly increased horsepower over previous iterations of this legendary engine.

“Our new engine package was developed with a focus on improving both snocross and cross-country performance,” said Matt Prusak, Race Program Leader in the Polaris Snowmobile Division. “We’re seeing this engine produce increased horsepower across the entire RPM range. Polaris racers will experience crisper throttle response, improved holeshots and stronger performance all the way across the powerband. There’s a significant increase in power over the 2012 race sled.”

CHASSIS IMPROVEMENTS COMPLIMENT NEW ENGINE PACKAGE

Chassis improvements on the 2013 600 IQ Race Sled include greater adjustability of the sled’s Walker Evans shock package. The 2013 sled has Walker Evans 16-click compression-adjustable shocks all around – in the IFS front end and the front and rear track shocks.

In addition, rebound adjustability was added to the rear track shock to give racers easier on-track tuning. Terrain racers will be able to adjust all four shocks with a clicker to fine-tune their sleds’ performance for each day’s unique track conditions.

A new track that has been in development for several years is being introduced on the 2013 race sled. It provides racers with improved performance in all snow conditions, from sugary snow on bitter cold winter days to wetter, softer snow on early spring race days.

The new 15″-wide track is .25″ wider than on previous race sleds and features a revised lug profile and pattern for improved traction in all snow conditions.

The 2013 race sled is equipped with DP Brakes brake pads, which deliver consistently outstanding performance in all situations, including high-heat conditions that develop in racing. The DP brake pads were developed with extensive input from Polaris factory racers, and they deliver excellent performance with no brake fade when the action heats up.

In response to requests from Polaris racers, the new race sled has a 2″ handlebar riser, down from the 2.5″ riser height of previous race sleds. Prusak said racers asked for a slightly lower bar position to enhance their leverage in corners and position them over the handlebars more than before.

The 2013 Polaris 600 IQ Race Sled was developed as a snocross sled, but it also underwent extensive testing to determine the best setups for cross-country racing. The Polaris Racing Department will provide cross-country racers who compete on this sled with information about recommended setups and shock tuning for the most competitive terrain performance.

2013 600 IQ RACE SLED DETAILS

The 2013 IQ Race Sled is built on the Polaris-exclusive IQ Chassis, which is strong, durable and lightweight. It is built using advanced assembly techniques that minimize the chassis’ part count and optimize strength and reliability.

The IFS has Walker Evans Aluminum IFP (Internal Floating Piston) 16-position compression-adjustable shocks with piggyback reservoirs. The front end has 10.3″ (26.1 cm) of travel.

This same IFS design is available to recreational riders on Polaris RUSH® models built on the PRO-RIDE™ Chassis, and on Switchback models.

The IQ Rear Suspension has a Walker Evans Coil Over Shock as the front track shock, and the rear track shock is a Walker Evans Aluminum IFP 16-position compression- and rebound-adjustable large body shock. The rear suspension has 13.9″ (35.3 cm) of travel.

The new liquid-cooled Polaris Liberty 600 twin features a redesigned cylinder head and cylinders for increased horsepower output. It has twin Mikuni Rack TM 40 carburetors, NiCaSil-lined cylinders for optimized heat dispersion and the Polaris VES (Variable Exhaust System) for outstanding power and instant throttle response.

The power delivery is managed by the legendary Polaris P-85 drive clutch paired with a Lightweight TEAM™ Roller driven clutch.

The reliable liquid-cooled brake package includes a Cyclone master cylinder and lever, Phantom dual-piston caliper and new DP Brakes brake pads.

ABOUT POLARIS – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

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 vehicles accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

BRP is continuing its leadership role in bringing avalanche awareness courses to snowmobilers throughout North America in the fall of 2012.

Starting in September and running through November, snowmobilers will be able to attend an avalanche awareness course free of charge at 21 Ski-Doo dealerships in Canada, 28 in the lower 48 United States and 5 in Alaska.

The courses are unique in that they are snowmobile focused and led by qualified snowmobilers from a perspective that informs, entertains and engages the audience. Most sessions will be combined with in-store special events and are open to owners of all snowmobile brands.

“We are partnering with some of the best resources for addressing avalanche awareness in North America to further educate the mountain snowmobiling community” stated Philippe Normand Marketing Director, Ski-Doo snowmobiles. “These instructors have the credentials and experience both in the field and classroom to deliver a message that resonates with snowmobilers.”

The Canadian sessions are led by Carole Savage, the snowmobile program coordinator for the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC).

The CAC is world renowned for providing quality education and public information for those seeking back-country access. Carole is AST 2 certified and has been working with BRP on outreach programs for three years across British Columbia and Alberta.

Classes conducted in the western United States are led by Mike Duffy of Avalanche 1, a recognized snowmobile expert in avalanche awareness.

Mike is an American Avalanche Association Level I, Level II and AVPRO Level III qualified instructor, teaches at Colorado Mountain College and has been involved in snowmobile specific avalanche awareness courses since 2005.

In Alaska seminars are conducted by the North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) based in Wasilla, Alaska. NOAI has certified professional instructors who are American Avalanche Association Level I, II and Professional members, AIARE certified trainers with Avalanche Level I and II, SOLO Wilderness First Aid, First Response and WEMT trainers.

All instructors are long time riders with more than 10 years experience riding and teaching. This will be NAOI’s second season working with BRP and Ski-Doo dealers.

For more information on the program or the schedule for avalanche awareness courses, visit www.ski-doo.com, the Ski-Doo Elevation Mountain Blog, or Ski-Doo Mountain Facebook page.

BRP offers “Ski-Doo Originals”, a new genuine parts program for owners of older Ski-Doo snowmobiles designed to keep their machines performing at their best, for less money.

Genuine BRP parts are essential to keeping Ski-Doo snowmobiles running in top condition, and BRP wants to make sure everyone can choose the parts that are best for their sled.

The Ski-Doo Originals program allows owners of 1998 through 2007 modelyear Ski-Doo snowmobiles to apply for a discount promotional code on parts ordered through the website. Prices have been reduced up to 50% depending on the item, but are the exact original parts.

On top of the great offer, those registering for the discount are entered for a chance to win a brand new 2013 Ski-Doo sled with accessories. Plus they can refer their friends for a chance to win an $8,000 dream vacation. Even those who don’t own an older sled can get in on the action by referring a friend that owns a qualifying machine, and be entered in the dream vacation drawing.

For details on how to get a promotional code or enter the contest visit: ski-doo-originals.com

For information on all the genuine BRP parts and accessories to fit your ride visit store.ski-doo.com or your local Ski-Doo dealer.

BRP has appointed Philippe Normand as Ski-Doo Snowmobiles Marketing Director.

In his role, Philippe is responsible for all marketing activities for the Ski-Doo snowmobile product line including advertising, retail programs, marketing material, public relations, product development and strategic planning.

In his 10 years at BRP, Philippe held several positions – most recently as Marketing Manager for Can-Am off-road.

Philippe’s prior positions include Marketing Manager for the Can-Am roadster, Product Manager for BRP’s International Division and Business Analyst for the launch of the Can-Am roadster.

Before joining BRP, Philippe worked as a mechanical engineer with the Canadian Air Force, Pratt & Whitney, and Bombardier Aerospace.

Philippe is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with a degree in aerospace engineering and has an MBA from McGill University.

For more information on Ski-Doo snowmobiles visit www.ski-doo.com

Arctic Cat is happy to announce a continuing partnership with Amber Holt, owner of Backcountry Basics. Together, the partnership will further educate and expand the base of backcountry snowmobile riders.

Amber said, “The capabilities of the new Arctic Cat ProClimb mountain chassis are endless. Combined with my training aboard these 2013 Arctic Cats, you’ll be able to safely, and confidently, explore backcountry you never knew existed.”

Backcountry Basics specializes in straight forward A-Z snowmobile instructional clinics. The primary focus of the clinics is to meet each client’s individual needs.

Riders not only achieve their individual goals confidently, they are also taught the fundamental skills required to become a safe and skilled backcountry rider regardless of their level of ability.

“Amber is a true instructor, and you will walk away from her training a smarter, more improved backcountry rider all while having a fun experience,” said John Tranby, Arctic Cat Marketing Director.

Please visit Amber in the Arctic Cat display at Haydays in North Branch, Minn. on September 15-16th.

For more information on Amber and Backcountry Basics, please visit www.backcountrybasics.com.

About Arctic Cat – Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minn., designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol ‘ACAT.’

More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available on the Internet at www.arcticcat.com.