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“Can You Hang Contest” Winner Gets Big Surprise

Press Release
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“Can You Hang Contest” Winner Gets Big Surprise

Winner Scott Ashlaw rides with SnowTrax and Supertrax crew, gets tips from Chris Burandt then goes home with brand new Polaris Switchback Assault!

In an effort to capture some amazing television footage the crew from SnowTrax TV and Supertrax Magazine joined forces with Polaris Industries and Chris Burandt’s Backcountry Adventures to literally blow “Can You Hang?” contest winner Scott Ashlaw’s mind this past week in Kremmling, Colorado.

Scott Ashlaw was randomly selected from thousands of entrants in the “Can You Hang?” contest to join Supertrax Magazine – the sport’s number one snowmobile magazine and SnowTrax Television – the sport’s most widely viewed snowmobile television series and Polaris Industries at Chris Burandt’s legendary 10,000 acre facility for 2 days of riding in Colorado’s back country.

But this wasn’t all Polaris had in store for Ashlaw. Unknown to Scott, Polaris brought along a full set of their premium ToBe riding gear to keep him warm and dry. “The trip alone was enough” said Scott after receiving the gear, “But to get a full set of the sweetest gear I’ve ever seen is just over top”.

Riding with Chris Burandt was a learning experience for everyone involved. Scott had the ultimate opportunity to experience what the brand new, 2012 Polaris Switchback Assault was capable of under the close guidance of the sport’s most popular free rider.

The Polaris/Supertrax/SnowTrax Crew had one more thing up their sleeve at the end of two incredible days on the snow. After a short, unprompted interview covering Scott’s impressions of the potent 2012 Switchback Assault and after he made it very clear this would be his next sled… the crew from SnowTrax TV, Supertrax Magazine and Polaris Industries informed him he would be KEEPING the sled he’d been riding the past 2 days.

“I just can’t believe this.” said Ashlaw, “I honestly didn’t believe what I was hearing when SnowTrax TV Co-Host Luke Lester said the sled was mine, I thought he meant mine to ride for the day, but when I realized he really meant mine to keep, I think I tried to tackle him.”

Polaris representative Mark Nevills had this to say about the opportunity to partner in the contest: “Polaris is always trying to find ways to over deliver and exceed expectations. From the quality and performance of our products to getting involved in a contest like this, we always want to go above and beyond. In this case, Polaris couldn’t be happier awarding a new sled to a great guy like Scott.”

Over 600,000 entry ballots were mailed in copies of Supertrax Magazine and were available for entry at the Supertrax Magazine/SnowTrax Television and Polaris Corporate booths at leading consumer snowmobile shows throughout the fall.

Tune into SnowTrax TV this coming season to see the entire event – including amazing back country riding with Chris Burandt and Scott’s reaction to winning a new Switchback Assault in a special early episode featuring the “Can You Hang?” contest.

Thanks to Chris Burandt and Burandt’s Backcountry Adventures for their over the top hospitality and to Polaris for their participation and support of the “Can You Hang?” contest.

For information on all the exciting 2012 Polaris snowmobiles – including the Switchback Assault – go to www.polarisindustries.com and check out your new sled.

# # #

Celebrating its 17th year, SnowTrax Television is a magazine format show that is packed with editorial content that is tailored to every type of rider. Each episode features in-depth product evaluations, instructional tech tips, destination features along with the latest news in the industry. Affiliated with national broadcasters TSN and TSN2 in Canada and the Outdoor Channel in the United States, SnowTrax Television is the most watched snowmobile show in North America. For more information and the complete broadcast schedule visit the SnowTrax Television website at www.SnowTraxtv.com

BRP TO DONATE WARM CLOTHING TO JAPAN

Press Release
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BRP will donate warm clothing to relief efforts in Japan. The clothing was distributed to its subsidiary, BRP Japan, who will redirect it to people most in need.

“The Japan earthquake and tsunami has left so many homeless during such a cold time of the year,” said José Boisjoli, president and CEO. “We hope that by providing direct relief, we can ease some of the hardships felt by survivors. On behalf of all BRP employees, our thoughts are with them.”

BRP has operated a direct distribution network in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan since February 2000, which was not affected by the March 11 event. Transport of the clothing to Narita airport from Europe was partially sponsored by FedEx, and from Australia by Trade Logistics.

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 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.

www.brp.com

2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST NEW CONCEPT

Staff Report
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST NEW CONCEPT

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class Awards.

WINNER: Yamaha Apex EPS

KENT Sez:

There are two ways of looking at power steering on a snowmobile. Does it take a weak design and make it feel better or is it the greatest new technology for every snowmobile?

If you use the ATV industry as a model, you’d have to say it’s option two. That market is currently flooded with power steering models from nearly every manufacturer and buyers are showing preference for EPS models over conventional ones in big numbers.

Since spending time on the Apex with EPS we’ve asked ourselves many times if the rest of the market will move toward this unique technology in the next couple of years.

We can’t say for sure but we do know there are a number of other snowmobiles currently in the marketplace that would benefit in a huge way from it. Right now Yamaha has a big jump on everyone else and we give the company full kudos for having the guts to present this technology on its flagship snowmobile.

Yamaha has been known for taking giant steps in the past – sometimes with what seems like total abandon. The decision to build an all-4-stroke snowmobile lineup was a huge gamble and has paid off with market share increases.

Attempting to rid the 4-stroke snowmobile of its bloated and heavy image has been tackled with pretty impressive success in sleds like the Phazer and Nytro. Yup, no doubt about it, the move to go with power steering was a bold, courageous move.

This winter, thousands of riders will get a chance to sample this technology and they will serve as the jury. We think the response will be positive and even if EPS is not adopted by the wookies who still think electric start is for wimps, we believe you’ll be seeing it on big-mile cruisers and 2-uppers right across the board within the next two years. Mark, did I just hear the industry do an upshift?

Mark Sez:

Kent, did you read the title of this BIC category? It sez best “new” concept, not “best concept borrowed from the ATV industry”. C’mon, how can an innovation that adds weight and only masks the real issue, too high CG, really be an award winner.

Sure, I like the new Apex with EPS way better than the old one, and I liked the old one a lot. However, I’m not entirely convinced there’s a real need for EPS on a snowmobile and moreover, I’m not completely convinced EPS is what generated the huge improvement in handling on the new 2011 Apex.

I think it might have to do with the company (finally!) fitting the sled with a set of skis not carved out of shiplap pried from the hulls of sunken Macedonian pirate ships.

Here’s the deal: Ski-Doo continues to push the envelope when it really doesn’t have to. The company owns more 2 and 4-stroke clean engine tech than the rest of the industry combined and then still goes out and pushes on the 60-hp class, building this ridiculously torquey and insanely fuel efficient 4-valve, 4-stroke EFI mill to replace dirty and aging fan cooled 2-stroke technology before its time.

Ski-Doo builds and sells more fan coolers than anyone else and as a result will bring the 600 ACE to the market using huge economies of scale over the next few model years. That’s innovation. Sounds like a winner to me.

Early Engine Breakdown

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I have a 2009 600 Polaris switchbach and I just blew up the engine at 2800 mile, which I think is not very much. The PTO side piston had a chunk missing and the other side looked OK, however only had 50 PSI compression.

I have always run Shell synthetic oil in this machine . What causes this premature breakdown?

Thanks for your email!

It would be impossible for me to speculate on what went wrong with your mill but I can understand how upsetting this might be to you.

I will take one stab at the issue – if the engine appears to have been “lean” and the piston is melted (where the piece is missing) it is possible you have had some bad fuel. The new ethanol mix fuels are problematic and I’m hearing concern from all over the industry about this.

You need to ensure you have your fuel settings selected properly as well if your sled has an “ethanol” switch or wire plug – check with your dealer. To be safe, run premium all the time.

Motorhead Mark

rMotion or Renegade?

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I’m having a hard time deciding whether to buy a new Renegade or go with rMotion . I am upgrading from a rev 600X and loved it.

I hear both sides of the story which one will be better but when I’m going to spend 10000 plus on a new sled I want to make the right decision.

I’m 42 and do not abuse my body like I use to. I want a enjoyable ride. I live in upstate New York and ride mostly groomed wooded trails and open fields. Sometimes I might get in some powder or break trails but not a lot.

My Dealer has been no help either. He says that if I like the ride I have now you’ll love the ride in an XP which leads me to the Rmotion.

I want your opinion on this since you probably have rode both sleds and might shed some light on me.

Thanks,

Kory

Thanks for your email!

You’ve answered your own question! You are the perfect target for a new RMotion – you really don’t need a Renny and you’ll appreciate the vastly improved ride of the new rmotion – it is remarkable. However, make sure if you order you get the optional running board adjusters – they are superb.

Good luck!

Motorhead Mark

XTX Hyfax Wear

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I snow checked an Apex XTX (5th new one since 2005) and have never burnt up sliders like this before. 500 miles or 5 miles at 100 mph, whichever comes first. Very disappointing.

I find myself leaving it at home in favour of my backup/loaner 2008 600 sdi Renegade. A good long weekend will often exceed 500 miles and I hate changing sliders outdoors.

I tried an extra wheel kit but they got wrecked by the suspension and the TRIC scratchers seem to help a little, but on the most expensive sled ever, should I have to figure this out?

I recommend using the $400 Yamabucks for sliders people, You’re going to need them.

Don

Thanks for your email!

I did some research with some folks I know and here’s the deal. Yes, the XTX skids are known for some Hyfax wear issues – but it’s very dependent on snow cover (lubrication specifically).

The “improved” XTX Nytro skid used this year (MY 11) is in the XTX Apex for MY 12 – I know, that doesn’t help you.

Another note is this – there may be some virtue in pursuing aftermarket Hyfax – some are better than others. This relates to the molecular weight of the UHMW high density plastic used in Hyfax.

A manufacturer of slide rails can select from as high as 10 million weight to as little as 3-4 million weight UHMW. The wear factor is dramatically reduced with lighter molecular weight.

FYI – I understand for next year Yamaha is releasing a new Hyfax for the MY 12 sleds and hopefully it will be available through Yamaha Canada Genuine parts.

I know this doesn’t help much however, it’s all I could learn for you on the topic. One more thing – I would pursue the wheel kit option again and try to find out why yours failed.

Thanks,

Motorhead Mark

MORIN AND HALL WRAP UP IN ECS AND CSRA

Press Release
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SHARP FAMILY SHINES AT PEBBLE CREEK HILLCLIMB

BRP X-Team racers Mathieu Morin and Dylan Hall wrapped up multiple season points championships each this past weekend to close out the 2010/11 snocross season in high style on their Ski-Doo race sleds.

On the East Coast Snocross series (ECS), Morin has been the man to beat all year. Mathieu has a smooth natural style combined with well prepared race sleds from Team Ingles that makes it tough to catch him – let alone beat him, and that combination proved too much for the ECS pros.

Morin grabbed both the Pro Open and Pro Stock points titles for the year, winning the Stock class on Saturday and cruising to a 4th place finish in the Open class on Sunday to lock them up.

In Canadian Snocross Racing Association (CSRA) action Dylan Hall came home with four Semi-Pro championships to his credit after the snow dust settled Sunday.

Hall captured the Semi-Pro Open and Semi-Pro Stock classes on both the National and Regional levels of CSRA racing with strong rides all year.

With those titles in his pocket Dylan will clearly be labelled as a favourite and someone to watch next season. Hall is supported by Rock Star energy drinks and Factory Recreation out of Midland, Ontario Congratulations to both riders on a great season and thanks to all the X-Team snocross racers on both circuits for their support and efforts.

In the Hillclimbing arena the Sharp family had a fantastic weekend taking home five wins at the Pebble Creek event. David Sharp Jr. won the Stock 800 and Improved 1000 classes, while his dad David Sr. took the Pro Masters Mod and Pro Masters Improved wins and Uncle Brad grabbed the Pro Masters Stock class.

For complete race results visit the Ski-Doo X-Team home page at www.ski-doo.com

2011 BEST IN CLASS: Best Snowmobile Value

Staff Report
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: Best Snowmobile Value

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class Awards.

WINNER: Polaris Shift CFI 600

Mark Sez:

The Polaris 600 Shift has been nailing our BIC Awards for as many years as Polaris has assembled this spartan appearing, yet full featured definition of value.

Here’s what I want to say about this ride (listen up, Kent, if you can focus on something other you’re your quilting classes for a second), there’s a good chance you’re about to learn something.

I hear a lot of crying about snowmobiles being too expensive. Okay, there’s a bunch of whiners out there who balk at the MSRP of anything new, including ultra cheap fan coolers.

Seriously, take a look at any late model used ride with a believable powerplant. Yes, and don’t argue with me: Believable equals 120 hp.

Lets talk any liquid-cooled 600 ride less than three years old. These things sell for stupid jing and hold their value well enough to make looking at the incredible, value-driven Shift 600 mandatory.

The IQ chassis has built a deserved reputation as “the handler” in the industry. The engine has been at or near the very top of the 600 performance hierarchy since its inception – and that includes the days when it came with carbs!

The new 600 Shifts come with the latest 2-injector version of Cleanfire Injection. This mill is easy on fuel and more stout down Kevlar Lake than ever before. The sled uses steel bodied, gas cell Ryde FX MPV dampers yet the ride quality is all but indiscernible from a full-on IQ 600.

So what’s not to like here? The Shift still doesn’t have back tires or a tach, that’s it! I don’t see the Series II carbed 600 XP giving this ride a fight this year in either performance or outright value.

Stop griping about the price of sleds and check out a Shift 600! You’re not gonna be happy with anything less than 125-ponies anyway, new or used.

Kent’s Response:

Okay, I’m going to do something I have never done before and it’s mostly because I’m a big-hearted and magnanimous person.

I will agree with you that the best value in the business right now is the Shift 600 with either a 121 or a 136-inch track. There’s just too much good in this EFI powered sled to not regard it as the best deal for the best price.

However, I will defend Ski-Doo’s MX-Z Sport. This is a full-featured sled that is a mixture of high-tech, modern chassis design with an old-time powerplant.

There’s no question Ski-Doo uses the Series II Rotax 600 with carbs in this sled to create a price point alternative to customers looking to buy a performance sled in the used sled price range and it’s very good at appealing to this segment.

The company doesn’t flaunt this sled much and it’s probably because it doesn’t want the public to mess up its EPA corporate average fuel economy numbers.

You get a lot for the money with this XP-based stripper sled and it rates as very good value, however, we think the fab-handling IQ Shift with its modern Cleanfire mill is even better.

Yes, I’m agreeing on this choice but, Mark, if you ever read my notes again or check my diary when I’m away again, I’m telling Mom.

2011 BEST IN CLASS: Best 2-UP Touring

Staff Report
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: Best 2-UP Touring

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class Awards.

WINNER: Ski-Doo Grand Touring LE

Kent sez:

You’re probably thinking: Not the LE without air suspension and all the bling; surely he must be meaning the Grand Touring SE? Wrong.

My choice and the obvious darling of the rest of the Supertrax crew is the sensibly equipped LE. Why? It’s about price and it’s about choice.

First, the LE is available for thousands of dollars less than the SE and you can select either 4-stroke 4-TEC power like the SE has or opt for the amazing 600 E-TEC 2-stroke (not available on the SE).

Now, here’s the real gristle in this choice: the Grand Touring LE with two people on board rides so close to the higher priced model you’d need electronic sensors on your butt to feel the difference.

Honestly, Ski-Doo has come close to painting itself into a corner by creating ride quality so good it defies the need for anything better.

To top it all off, the equipment list on the LE is downright amazing and its combination of ergonomics and warmth features makes riding it a sweet experience in any temperature.

The XR chassis possesses all the weight efficiency of the XP (this sled uses the XR 4-stroke bodywork even when you choose the 600 E-TEC) and, for a big dual passenger ride, is plenty agile and easy to flick around on trails. Certainly, the LE with the E-TEC engine is the lightest big-power 2-upper in the biz.

There’s a cool quick-attach 2-up seat included and you can buy all the high quality bags and travel gear you need from Ski-Doo PAC or just strap on your existing bags – no problem finding attachment points on the LE’s built-in rear rack or running boards.

Doesn’t matter which engine you choose, this is the best deal in a luxury 2-fer you can find and the gas mileage will take you further on a tank than you’d have believed possible.

Mark Sez:

Okay, the Ski-Doo Grand Touring LE is a formidable competitor in this class. I won’t disagree with any of your assertions in this regard except for one very important issue on all Ski-Doo 4-TEC 1200 triples.

Pay attention again here, Kent, you may learn something. How can a sled with a techy, supposedly modern engine have such weird and persistent throttle lag, strong enough to throw your melon into the handlebars when you jump on the loud handle.

I don’t care about ride, handling and all the rest of the whiz-bang junk you’ve talked about on the GT, the thing has wicked, persistent and continual lag just off engagement every time you whack it.

Now, for an intelligent and emotionally balanced pick for Best In Class honors I simply suggest the impeccably smooth, sweet handling Arctic Cat 4-stroke TZ-1 Touring featuring even throttle response that won’t make you feel like Gumby when you grab a handful.

The TZ-1 uses AC’s amazing 144-inch floating front arm skid to erase bumps with one person onboard and when the cheeseburgers stack up at Larry’s Burger Pit and your significant other has enjoyed a few extra Angus versions of same, nifty overload springs can be swung into action.

A stellar tourer with no glaring faults. Hello, Kent. Are you getting this?

2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST CROSSOVER SLED

Staff Report
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST CROSSOVER SLED

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class Awards.

WINNER: Polaris 800 Switchback Assault 144

Mark Sez:

Here’s the deal with X-over sleds: In my opinion, buyers in this category split along two very definitive lines. First, there’s the low impact, mogul bridging crowd who appreciate a trail sled with a longer track for bump compliance and the occasional pull down a snow covered lake.

My question is this, Kent: Are these buyers really crossover customers? Be honest; I don’t think they are. However, the other group (and I hesitate to estimate what this group represents in raw numbers) is into off-trail boondocking, flatland free-riding and general deep snow mayhem away from mountains.

The new Switchback Assault absolutely kills in this “real” X-over genre. The sled is lighter this year, it’s super nimble, it’s ridiculously fast and it handles itself in bottomless snow like a full-on RMK. The ergonomics are not just better, they are the benchmark for riding flatland deep snow.

Kent, pay attention here: This didn’t happen by accident. Polaris is serious – no, deadly serious – about acing every segment it competes in against Ski-Doo.

While last year’s Backcountry X was a tough act to follow in the boonies, this year Ski-Doo owners will need binoculars to keep the Assault in sight.

The interesting issue is this: It’s not like the BC-X isn’t a good crossover. It’s a formidable player and Polaris has responded in one year with an even better boondocker.

Kent, please try to rationalize your arguments with intelligence commensurate with what’s been demonstrated by myself here.

Kent’s Response:

Say, what? Mark, what are you talking about? Where did you come up with this deal about two different kinds of crossover riders?

Sure there are maybe fifteen people out there who buy a crossover to ride it 100 percent as you stated: flatland free-riding or boondocking in powder.

Please give yourself a reality check. That market is such a small iota of what real snowmobilers do with a X-over sled it’s not even worth mentioning. Besides, there’s about a jillion mountain sleds you can buy that do the same thing better.

Furthermore, other than a few of our younger staff members, who do you know who has actually ridden the Assault? The new 800 is still a mystery engine and although all indications are it is fast, how do we know whether or not it will survive a whole year?

Suddenly you trash-can a sled everyone around here loved, the Backcountry X, and totally disregard the fact Ski-Doo really gets it by increasing flotation with a 1-inch wider track without adding extra length.

It’s still the best of both worlds: 137-inches of length and 16-wide. You can trail ride any super-light Renegade, you can go off-trail with it all day long and you can still get the benefit of one of those E-TEC mills you love so much.

Pull yourself together, for Pete’s sake.

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