For the 2013 model year, Arctic Cat will be co-branding their Youth 120 model snowmobile with the Yamaha Motor Corporation.

Arctic Cat will manufacture the Yamaha SRX 120 in their Thief River Falls, MN factory per Yamaha’s specifications, but the snowmobile will be based off the popular Arctic Cat Sno Pro 120 platform.

Arctic Cat’s Snow Division General Manager, Brad Darling said, “This partnership makes perfect sense for our companies as we’ve been buying Yamaha’s 123cc 4-stroke engine for our Sno Pro 120 since 2009.”

The easy-to-start, fan-cooled, 123cc, 4-stroke engine found in the 120 is easy to manage for parents, yet is extremely fun to operate for the Youth rider. Wrapped in a package with bold graphics and color combinations, the 120 will instill a lifelong snowmobiling passion into Youth riders.

Darling goes on to say, “Snowmobile consumers are extremely brand loyal, so we don’t see this partnership cannibalizing any of our current Sno Pro 120 sales. Instead, the SRX120 will attract an added number of Yamaha youth to the industry. Any time we can be a part of growing the snowmobile industry, it’s a good thing.”

Yamaha FX Nytro snowmobiles clinched six championships and four No. 1 plates in a prestigious cross-country triple-crown series in Cable, Wis. on Saturday, March 3.

At the final weekend of competition in this year’s series, conditions and the Telemark Resort were absolutely perfect for racing over the weekend.

With nearly two feet of recent snowfall translating into three or four feet of base around the seven-mile course, the conditions were as challenging as racers could want – especially when Supercross-size holes five feet deep developed.

Snocross specialist Ben Lindbom had a great introduction to cross-country racing in the Semi Pro Sprint and Distance classes, winning the Sprint race – and bravely finishing the Distance race after crashing – to capture the Semi Pro Sprint title and the Semi Pro No. 1 plate for the year.

In the Pro class, veteran racer Nathan Titus took a third in Pro Sprint and a second in the Pro Distance races, wrapping up both titles and adding a Pro No. 1 plate to Yamaha’s laurels for the year. And finally, Titus and Jake Jorgenson also took the No. 1 plate in Team competition.

Although new to terrain racing, young Lindbom proved he has the tenacity and resourcefulness to race with the best.

His win in the Semi Pro Sprint event was straightforward enough. But after crashing hard in the Distance event and damaging an A-arm and the wiring on his sled, instead of quitting Lindbom hotwired the electrical system, restarted the engine and finished – while also earning the Semi Pro Sprint title and Semi Pro No. 1 plate for 2012. “I could not believe how fast I was closing on the other guys,” Lindbom said later. “But the FX Nytro worked so well I could totally pick my lines.”

But the most amazing feat of the day was still to come, as Lindbom moved up a class to make his Pro debut in cross-country racing, finishing second in the Pro Sprint event ahead of Titus and then scoring another second in Pro Distance – an incredible achievement in his first shot at the top ranks of terrain racing.

But Titus quickly fired back, sweeping to the Pro Distance win and taking both class titles and the Pro No. 1 plate for Yamaha in the process. Like everyone who raced the FX Nytro this year, Titus was ecstatic with its newfound performance.

“This snowmobile works so well, and makes it so easy to go fast, that I found myself giggling in my helmet the entire time today!” he grinned.

“I was happy to see our developments work so well in these super-challenging conditions,” Yamaha’s Josephsen added. “The whole team came together to make it all work, but the wrench-turning of Seth Thorson and the dedication of our crew chief Brian Strawsell really stand out. Brian was truly the glue that held this team together and moved us forward. Thanks everyone!”

The last cross-country snowmobile race of the season comes up this weekend in Warroad, Minn., along with the second round of the RMSHA hillclimb series in Afton, Wyo.

The 2013 Polaris SnowCheck Select early order program offers riders a tremendous number of exclusive options, the certainty of getting the sled they want to ride next winter, and the opportunity to nab specially equipped Limited Edition models – But these opportunities are available for a limited time.

On selected models available through the SnowCheck Select program the rider gets to choose equipment such as the track length or track lug height, windshield height, and program-exclusive colors and graphics on side panels. Some eligible models come with a choice of Pure Polaris accessories, and many models are available with factory installed electric start.

The SnowCheck Select order period runs from March 5-April 23, 2012. Complete details are available from Polaris dealers and at www.terraindomination.com.

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.

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

Throughout the history of snowmobiling, innovation and a passion for riding have intersected in Roseau, Minnesota, where Polaris snowmobiles have been developed and built since the mid-1950s.

As snowmobile technology made its greatest advances in the 1970s with the development of independent front suspension (IFS), Polaris engineers – all avid riders – led the way in creating the most effective IFS.

Polaris IFS was tested and proven on dominant cross-country and ice oval race sleds. The first Polaris production model with IFS was the 1980 TX-L Indy, which introduced recreational riders to a new high level of handling and control.

With the front end managing the terrain instead of bouncing through it like old leaf spring suspensions, riders found they could stay on the gas and ride better, harder and longer.

Polaris came to represent excellent in independent front suspension. The most coveted product names imaginable – Indy and IFS – graced the hoods and trailing arms of a growing number of Polaris models through the 1980s and became synonymous with Polaris Terrain Domination.

The Polaris Indy 500 was named “Snowmobile of the Decade” for the 1980s by SNOWMOBILE Magazine, and advancements in Polaris IFS rapidly led to the extinction of the old leaf spring front end.

The 1991 Polaris lineup was the first in snowmobile history to consist entirely of IFS models. From that point on, every Polaris rider has experienced the best in Terrain Dominating control and handling with Polaris IFS.

That legendary name – Indy – returns in the 2013 Polaris snowmobile lineup on two sleds that deliver an outstanding snowmobiling experience.

The 600 Indy and 600 Indy SP are built on the innovative PRO-RIDE Chassis and have the state of the art Polaris IFS with premium shocks for optimized control and handling.

PRO-RIDE CHASSIS

The new Indy models are built on the proven PRO-RIDE Chassis, the world’s most advanced snowmobile chassis – light, rigid and perfectly balanced for precise handling even in the nastiest terrain.

It is 300% stiffer and delivers precise, intuitive handling. It’s a light, rigid platform, so the sled stays composed and delivers a consistent, predictable ride when speeds increase and when the trails get rough.

RACE-PROVEN FRONT SUSPENSION

The race-bred IFS delivers ultra-precise steering with 25% less effort and flatter cornering. The unbeatable combination of PRO-RIDE steering and the patented variable caster design eliminates bump steer. This is the most precise, capable and confidence-inspiring front end on any trail.

With its patented variable caster design, the IFS stability increases as the suspension goes through its travel. The sled maintains its responsive steering through turns rather than producing the “nervous” handling feel you can experience on competitive sleds.

The 600 Indy has FOX IFP shocks and the 600 Indy has RydeFX MPV shocks.

INDY COUPLED REAR SUSPENSION

On smooth trails this fully coupled rear suspension design delivers outstanding ride and handling, and when the bumps come fast and furious, it manages impact energy, keeping the track hooked up and keeping the rider comfortable.

The 600 Indy SP has FOX IFP front and rear track shocks and rides on an aggressive HackSaw track with 1″ lugs. The 600 Indy has RydeFX MPV front and rear track shocks and a Shockwave track with .91″ lugs.

600 CLEANFIRE ENGINE

The bulletproof 600 Cleanfire engine with semi-direct injection (SDI) delivers outstanding throttle response, industry-leading acceleration, and an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

This engine delivers impressive fuel economy in real-world riding situations, which, for Polaris riders, means aggressive, up-tempo riding, not low-rev lab conditions.

This engine starts easily and reliably and calibrates automatically as the temperature and elevation change.

The 600 Cleanfire uses the proven P2 driven clutch, which enhances belt life and promotes cooler operating temperatures and higher top speed.

Pure Polaris has Polaris riders covered for 2013, both in terms of premium riding apparel that will keep them warm, dry and comfortable in all conditions, and with new accessories that will enhance their riding experiences.

PURE POLARIS APPAREL: SPECIALIZED COLLECTIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF RIDER

Pure Polaris has four collections of riding gear to serve the specialized needs of mountain riders, who need to stay dry while riding aggressively all day, and trail riders, who need gear to keep them warm and keep them riding even when temperatures plummet.

The FXR for Polaris Mountain Collection and PURE-DRY Collection serve the needs of mountain riders and aggressive trail riders enjoying mild temperatures. The FXR for Polaris Trail Collection and PURE-HEAT Collection will keep riders warm and comfortable no matter how cold it gets.

The FXR for Polaris Mountain Collection features the FXR Zone Mountain Jacket, Bibs and Gloves, all of which use premium materials and innovative FXR designs and construction to ensure that riders stay dry and comfortable.

The PURE-DRY Collection is a complete system of apparel, from a base layer to the comfortable uninsulated PURE-DRY Vapor Jacket, that keeps a rider warm, dry and comfortable. PURE-DRY items use Cocona Xcelerator fabric technology for outstanding moisture transfer to ensure a rider’s comfort all day.

The FXR for Polaris Trail Collection includes the FXR Titan Cold-Stop Jacket with the innovative Thermal Flex liner insert and MMT two-stage dry technology. Combine it with the FXR Drift Bib, FXR Gloves and FXR Octane Boots, and a rider will stay warm and enjoy riding on winter’s coldest days.

The PURE-HEAT Collection features the PURE-HEAT Adventure Jacket and coordinating bibs, available for men and women. These items feature durable shells and premium insulation. The jackets also offer great adjustability such as zippered vents and removable liners so a rider can remain comfortable as conditions change.

Pure Polaris also has a large selection of new Polaris-branded sportswear, caps, beanies and more with fresh styles and graphics.

PURE POLARIS ACCESSORIES: BURANDT COLLECTION AND NEW LOCK & RIDE ITEMS

Legendary backcountry freerider Chris Burandt was deeply involved in the development of several accessories that will enhance the riding experience of deep snow riders.

He administered real-world testing to items in the Burandt Collection in some of the most remote areas only a rider of his skills could access aboard a Polaris 800 RMK Assault.

Among the items featured in the new Burandt Collection are Burandt’s HD PowderTrac Boards, which provide a high-traction platform for an aggressive rider and ensure instant snow evacuation.

The Burandt Signature Windshield is a low windshield with Burandt’s signature and his backcountry logo, and his graphic wraps – the Burandt Khaos Wrap and Burandt Signature Wrap – give a sled a custom look with exciting graphics Burandt helped design. These are premium-quality wraps from ArcticFXgraphics, the leader in motorsports graphic wraps.

Backcountry riders will appreciate the Burandt Hand Saw, a compact, easy to use hand saw that will let a rider cut some brush to get out of a jam.

Among the new Lock & Ride accessories, all of which can be installed or removed quickly and easily without tools, is the Burandt Lock & Ride Tunnel Bag.

This bag attaches easily without tools to the top of the tunnel and holds survival gear, food, and has a waterproof section for items such as electronics.

Among the other new Lock & Ride accessories are the Lock & Ride Handguard Mounts. They are easy to install – without tools – on the handlebars and they hold the protective, newly redesigned handguards (sold separately) that offer outstanding protection and comfort.

Ski-Doo X Team racer Tim Tremblay continued his incredible hot streak in Fargo, North Dakota by taking both ISOC Sno-cross Pro class wins, and leading another Ski-Doo podium sweep on Saturday night.

Tremblay started the weekend off with a rock solid ride on Friday night, moving from fifth to first with precision to take the top podium spot. Following him home in second was his Warnert Racing teammate Emil Ohman, the top qualifier.

Saturday brought a new chance for Tremblay to add to his points lead and he didn’t let it slip by as he powered his Foremost Insurance sponsored sled to another win, the first time a racer had won back to back this season.

The race started with Mathieu Morin grabbing the holeshot and early lead while Tremblay slotted into second. Friday’s second place finisher Emil Ohman worked his way into third and as Tremblay moved by Morin on lap eight to take the lead, Ohman looked to make the same move in short order, but suffered a broken spindle to end his race.

Robbie Malinoski kept charging early in the race grabbing third position and then holding on at the end in a wild finish.

The strength of the Ski-Doo X-Team was apparent as Morin, of Boss Racing, and Malinoski, of Scheuring Speed Sports completed a Ski-Doo podium sweep for the second time in two weeks, and taking five of six podiums in the Pro classes.

Derek Ellis continued his podium run with a second place finish on both Friday and Saturday. Kevin Wallenstein ran strong in Sport classes leading a Ski-Doo Podium sweep on Friday with Korbyn Anderson and Eddie Nuebauer following, and then came back to finish second on Saturday behind Ski-Doo mounted Riley McClelland who took the win.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 100 countries.