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Polaris Snocross Racers Rule in WPSA Season Opener

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Press Release –

Polaris Wins 10 of 12 Podium Spots, Finishes 1-2-3-4-5 in Pro Super Stock

The competition would probably like a “do-over” after the Polaris snocross racers exploded out of the gate and completely decimated the competition at the WPSA season opener, earning 10 out of the12 Pro/Semi-Pro podium spots and claiming the top five places in the Pro Super Stock class.

The Polaris domination took place at the traditional Thanksgiving weekend season opener, the Amsoil Duluth (MN) National Snocross held Nov. 23-25 at Spirit Mountain.

It’s easier to note what Polaris racers did NOT win, and that was the Pro Open class. But they finished second through eighth in Pro Open, and finished first through fifth in Pro Super Stock as winner Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports) led a Polaris parade across the finish line.

Pro Classes: Polaris Packs the Finals

Polaris racers so dominated the preliminaries that the Pro finals were packed with Polaris 600 IQ® race sleds.

There were eight Polaris racers in the 15-sled Pro Open final, and the IQ racers finished second through eighth.

Levi LaVallee (Hentges Racing) finished second in Pro Open followed by: Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports), Dennis Eckstrom (Scheuring Speed Sports), Mike Schultz (Avalanche Racing), TJ Gulla (Hentges Racing), Matt Judnick (Judnick Motorsports) and Shaun Crapo (Scheuring Speed Sports).

In Pro Super Stock, there were seven Polaris racers in the 15-sled final, in which they all finished in the top 11 spots, including sweeping first through fifth.

Martin won Pro Super Stock and was joined on the podium by runner-up Eckstrom and third-place finisher Schultz. Gulla took fourth and LaVallee was fifth. Matt Judnick (Judnick Motorsports) was 10th and Shaun Crapo (Scheuring Speed Sports) finished 11th.

Pro Women Super Stock: Strong Defense

Reigning WPSA Pro Women’s champion Kylie Abrahamson started her title defense on a winning note by taking first at Duluth in what is now called the Pro Women Super Stock class.

Now racing as part of the strong Avalanche Racing team, Abrahamson seems poised for another title run this season.

Semi-Pro: Strong Start to New Season

Polaris racers in the Semi-Pro classes also dominated as they swept the top four spots in the Semi-Pro class and crowded the final in Semi-Pro Super Stock 1.

In Semi-Pro Open, Bobby LePage (Hentges Racing) took first and led a Polaris parade as he was followed by Brett Bender (Hentges Racing) in second, Andrew Johnstad (Avalanche Racing) in third and Dylan Martin (Judnick Motorsports) in fourth.

Polaris racers took six of the top nine spots as Mike Bauer finished eighth and Chris Kafka (Hentges Racing) was ninth.

In Semi-Pro Super Stock 1 it was more Polaris domination with Brett Bender finishing first and Bobby LePage taking the number two position for Polaris.

Mike Bauer and Chris Kafka finished fifth and sixth respectively and Andrew Johnstad rounded out the top ten finishing spots with an eighth place effort.

Ryan Carey took second to earn a podium spot, and Justin Ochsner was fourth, Derek Ellis was sixth and David Livingston was ninth.

Sport & Junior Classes: Two More Victories

Derek Ellis won the Sport Super Stock 2 class, while Kurt Heiser took third, David Joanis was fourth and Ryan Carey was sixth.

In Sport Super Stock 1, , Ryan Carey took second to earn a podium spot, and Justin Ochsner was fourth, Derek Ellis was sixth and David Livingston was ninth.

Kyle Lacoe won the Juniors 14-15 class to get his season off to a flying start.

New Polaris 600 IQ® Race Sled

Polaris snocross racers have a competitive edge as they get to race on the new 2008 Polaris 600 IQ® Race Sled.

This is a super-strong, easy handling rocket with an improved steering system, all-new Liberty® 600 engine and the most durable chassis ever developed for Polaris racers.

The new race sled was created to withstand the rigors of snocross racing, including the longer Pro finals on the 2008 WPSA National circuit.

Arctic Cat Hillclimb Team Aims High

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Press Release –

M-Series Snowmobiles Provide Peak Performance

The 2006 Arctic Cat hillclimb squad scored the best results in the mountains of any factory. Last year was more of the same, as Cat men and women dominated the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association (RMSHA) circuit. Need proof? Cat drivers won 12 of 19 non-Masters class points titles and a whopping 46 percent of all RMSHA races.

So, what can Arctic Cat do for an encore in 2007-08? “Matching the success of the past two years won’t be easy,” Arctic Cat Race Director Russ Ebert admits. “But we believe we’ve got the equipment and the team to do it.”

Like 2007, the ’08 Arctic Cat squad won’t feature the largest group of racers. Instead, they’ll just focus on being the best. Again. Longtime Arctic Cat employee Al Shimpa will live out West and oversee the hillclimb effort. “Al pours his heart and soul into our mountain program and we’ve been very pleased with the results,” Ebert says.

“We did better than I expected last year,” says Shimpa. “We got a lot of wins, achieved most of our goals and were quite successful. The competition’s going to be even tougher this year, but our sleds should be better than ever.”

The M-series line of Arctic Cats has been improved in 2008, thanks in part to help from Shimpa and several Team Arctic competitors. And who better to provide feedback than RMSHA and Jackson Hole Hillclimb champions? But the best racers in the West do more than just accumulate titles, they’re also sidehilling, highmark enthusiasts who accumulate miles – and miles of vertical – in the steep-and-deep. They know mountain machines, and they know the ’08 M-series snowmobiles feature a redesigned rear suspension that’s both lighter and stronger than past models.

“The new rear skid is really sweet,” says Cat climber and past RMSHA class champ Ty Free. “It’s 8 pounds lighter and has new geometry that will help us build track speed faster for better acceleration. It’ll definitely get the power to the snow.”

“They’re so light and forgiving,” adds Shimpa. “Our engineers have done a great job and made the sleds really maneuverable; they’re easy to ride and go where you point them.”

And Shimpa has a stable of talented riders ready to point them straight to the top. In 2007, five different Arctic Cat racers combined to win six Pro RMSHA classes. Led by Todd Tupper, who captured two divisions and was second in another, all five of the RMSHA champs return to Cat in ’08.

“I think the whole team will do great once again,” Tupper says. “Cat is putting a great package together for us and the sleds are bulletproof; they’re so dependable. And all the guys work together so well; we develop setups as a group and always share information.”

Among those returning to Arctic Cat’s climbing crew are Les Keller, Chance Buckallew, Travis Zollinger and Russell Frisby. In ’07, Keller claimed Stock 700, Buckallew won Stock 800, Zollinger took 1000 Improved and Frisby earned Mod 800.

Travis Zollinger is one of several Zollinger family members flying the Cat colors; others include Nate, Tony and Amy Zollinger, who swept the Women’s classes in 2007. “They are so valuable to have on the team,” says Free. “They’ve got near 100 years of experience between them, their clutching knowledge is awesome and they’re always willing to help other team members.”

The Zollinger clan isn’t the only family act representing Arctic Cat: Kyle, Russ and Nels Tapio will all be back. Kyle is coming off another tremendous season. In 2006, the Brush Prairie, Washington, native became the first Arctic Cat rider to win the prestigious King of Kings crown at the Jackson Hole Hillclimb. He did it again in ’07. In addition, Kyle was voted RMSHA Racer of the Year and also earned a spot on Snow Week magazine’s exclusive Top 10 Racers of the Year list.

Other members of the ’08 Cat hillclimb squad include Ben Adams, David Brown, Alan Huntzinger, Casey Jump, Rob Kincaid, Lonnie Keller and the Cheeney, Ottobre and Stone families.

“I just can’t say enough about all of our guys,” Shimpa says. “They all work so hard and give it everything they’ve got. I love talking about them because they’re such a good group.”

It’s likely that the group will give Shimpa lots to talk about this season.

WPSA, Rock Maple & CSRA Racers – Event Info

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Press Release –

For the upcoming Snocross racing season, CSRA Rock Maple Racing & WPSA have agreed to allow our racers to compete at selected cross boarder events without having to purchase another series membership.

If you have a valid 2008 CSRA, Rock Maple, or WPSA membership, you can race at any of the following events with no additional membership fees.

You are required to provide a valid membership number or card and you must register your entry in advance with the race circuit that is hosting the event.

For additional event information and entry forms go to the series websites.

CSRA www.snowcross.com
WPSA www.wpsaracing.com
Rock Maple www.rockmapleracing.com

December 7-8-9 Stud Boy Pro Snocross Sault Ste Marie, ON.

January 5-6 Rock Maple Snocross Malone, NY.

January 12-13 WPSA Michigan Snocross Gaylord, MI.

February 22-23-24 Ryde-FX World Championship Sarnia, Ont.

We wish everyone a great Christmas and New Year and a safe and successful race season,

Tara Saxton – Rock Maple Racing
Scott O’Malley – WPSA
Ken Avann – CSRA

Pro Open Results From Duluth

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Pro Open Results From Amsoil Duluth National Snocross this past weekend are as follows:

1. Tucker Hibbert #68 (Arctic Cat)
2. Levi LaVallee #108 (Polaris)
3. Ross Martin #837 (Polaris)
4. Dennis Eckstrom #25 (Polaris)
5. Mike Schultz #5 (Polaris)
6. TJ GULLA #44 (Polaris)
7. Matt Judnick #58 (Polaris)
8. Shaun Crapo #3 (Polaris)
9. Ryan Simons #67 (Arctic Cat)
10. Carl Schubitzke #6 (Arctic Cat)
11. Blair Morgan #7 (Ski-Doo)
12. Robbie Malinoski #4 (Ski-Doo)
13. Mathieu Morin #27 (Ski-Doo)
14. Brett Turcotte #16 (Ski-Doo)
15. Parker Brown #119 (Polaris)

Go to WPSAracing.com for more.

SPEED LAWS FOLLOWED UP

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

Great job with the mag! I read an article on supertraxmag.com about speed and speed traps on our trails. I own a thunder cat 1000 and would like to mention on occasion I have been beat (not often). This being said I do not support the idea of speed traps set up on our trails.

Reckless, careless driving causes accidents plain and simple, however, there are trails where driving over 50 is MORE than acceptable.

Should there be varying speed limits for different trails? Should there be officers on the trails? Should we realize that we’re responsible for our own actions – sober or impaired? Should we realize that we’re riding the fastest, best power to weight ratio and most innovative machines in Motorsports?

Maybe when we take the test for our snowmobile driving license test at age12, we need to learn that snowmobiling involves speed and acceleration and it should be respected accordingly.

Stupid laws suck the life out of our sport. Irresponsible driving, drinking and driving, lawsuits, etc all suck the life out of snowmobiling.

Lets just ride into the sun with the wind in our faces, miles of lakes and trails before us as nature has lain out with all her splender. There is nothing anywhere like it. Embrace freedom. Go snowmobiling!

Jamie

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You better watch out – you’re dealing in common sense and that can be scary!

I agree with the majority of your assertions – here’s the problem. You (and many of us) are not PC.

Your comments about speed and freedom run counter to what the safety and environmental messaging is all about right now. Here’s the problem. You know the difference between common sense activity and moronic behavior. So do I. I like to think we’re in the majority – right?

Unfortunately, I’m less convinced of this – in particular when I hear the news on winter Monday mornings of how another impaired rider was killed participating in some stupid activity while drunk.

We are all judged (and legislated) by the lowest common denominators in the sport. Personally, that’s why I now take the opportunity to go right up to people behaving poorly and tell them what they are doing to my sport.

Maybe I get more license to do so with the magazines logos on my jacket and sleds or maybe I’m just getting more assertive as I mature (notice I didn’t say “age”). Doesn’t matter. We need to be examples to the rest of the flock. We need to speak out in bars, at trailside stops and when we are with our friends – and their friends.

Don’t ride with Buds who drink – even one drink. Just don’t do it. We have been zero tolerance around here for years – we have to be – however we all need to be. Riding like idiots on crowded, busy weekends is insane.

Your comments about the speed limit are valid and make sense – however the last thing we need to do is to send a message out to the few morons who act irresponsibly that the speed limits been raised.

Sure, most of us know we have sleds that can cruise comfortably at higher speeds and most rides will pull the C-note on lakes while we run trails at 50 klicks. I can’t completely reconcile this either way with the problems I’ve just mentioned.

Being able to enjoy God’s creation on a snowmobile is something we must protect and it doesn’t happen when we do nothing. We have to be proactive in keeping our freedom to snowmobile.

Anyway, thanks for your comments and thoughts – the issue is deserving of more discussion.

Motorhead mark

Crossover Comments…

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

As it begins to snow and you start re-testing the newly tweaked, adjusted and improved 2008 sled line-up, will you be sharing the results?

I am comparing the Ski-Doo 600 Renegade and the Polaris 600 Dragon Switchback and need to understand if Polaris has put a package together that I’ll be happy with.

Will the final refinements of the spring testing make the sled the “one to buy”?

I really enjoyed your Volume 19 # 2 review of crossovers. It has me thinking.

Erik

Response:

Thanks for your email!

We have been on the snow this weekend and have sampled both the Switchback Polaris and the XP’s with the vibration isolating handlebars, updated body work and suspension tweaks.

The unit we’ve been on is an 800 X Renegade not a 600 SDI. However, the issues we had with the sled revolved more around the above than anything else.

I am completely satisfied Ski-Doo has aced the vibration issue in the bars – both our 600 TNT and the Renegade are vibe-free in the handlebars and there’s absolutely no down side to the de-coupling system used for the fix.

The bodywork now stays put and fits much better. No issues remain here. The suspension concerns we had – in particular with the rear skid – appear to be ironed out too. While it is difficult to evaluate skid action on early rides (no moguls yet) we have to say the sled is plush and compliant to a much greater degree than the units we rode in Colorado last spring.

The Polaris SB’s – in particular the 600 CFI – are still flat-out rockets. This engine is so impressive no one who rides it comes away with anything less than huge accolades.

The SB platform we rode last winter as a limited build is the same as the full builds with some subtle rear skid tweaks. They actually ride better now and that’s saying a lot as the limited was excellent.

Hope this helps.

Motorhead Mark

WPSA CROWNS FIRST CHAMPS OF 2007-2008

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Press Release –

Duluth, Minn. (Nov. 23, 2007) — The PowerSports Snowmobile Tour crowned it’s first four (4) class champions of the new race season during day one of the AMSOIL Duluth Nationals.

“Always competitive, always giving at least 100%, these four classes represent the up and comers for the series” said Faron Meeks, Sound Manager of PowerSports Entertainment. “They have been staring at their sleds all summer, thinking about this weekend. These competitors let it all hang out today as they raced for a chance to stand atop the podium”.

Recap of today’s racing finals; JR 14-15; Kyle Lacone, Ham Lake, MN, grabbed the hole shot with his Polaris (Northway Sports / PGM Rolloff /Mom&Dad / Lubetech) and never looked back as he captured first. Second went to Andrew Carlson, Elk River, MN. and his Arctic Cat (Sportech Factory Racing / Sheffield Plastics) with Corin Todd, Otego, NY on a Ski –Doo finishing in third

JR 16-17; Christian Salemark, Vindeln, Sweden wasted little time capturing his first win at a WPSA National. Riding an Arctic Cat (Team Arctic Cat SWEDEN / PF Racing / 4P) Christian battled his way to the front and held off the Ski-Doo of Corin Todd, Otego, NY, who placed second. Rounding out the podium was Andrew Carlson on his Arctic Cat (Sportech Factory Racing / Sheffield Plastics) SPORT WOMEN 400; First place went to Nichole Lackore, Farmington, MN, riding a Polaris (Team Polaris/JML Fabrication/Elko Motorsports). Kailee Hass, McHenry, IL, riding a Ski-Doo (Sticker Dude Designs/Petrie Motor Sports/Castle Racing) finished in second with third place going to Katie Acker, Bristol, VT, riding Polaris.

SPORT WOMEN 600; First place Stephanie Simard,Chibogamau, QC, riding Polaris (Royal Distributing/Bourque Auto/Polaris Racing). Battling her for second was Michaela Lemieux, Bennington VT, on a Polaris (Lemieuxs Lawn Care/Cycle Worx/Edelmann Sales). Melanie Acker, Bristol, VT also on a Polaris finished third.

SPORT STOCK; First place, his second victory of the day, went to Christian Salemark, Vindeln, Sweden, riding his Arctic Cat. Second place was Jared Selsmeyer, Crandon, WI, on an Arctic Cat (Torco Racing Fuel/ NGK Spark Plugs/Stud Boy Traction) with Jacob Mueller, Richmond MN, Arctic Cat (Zandstra Motorspors/Fly/Studboy) taking third.

Snocross racing action continues Saturday and Sunday on the top of Spirit Mountain with full days of racing on Saturday and Sunday’s action starts at 9:30 and 10:00, respectively, and features Pro Classes as well as some great amateur racing.

For the latest race schedule, go to PowersportsTour.com

1995 Polaris XLT Headlight Problem

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Question:

Dear Motorhead:

I have an older (95) Polaris XLT that i am having headlight trouble with. The headlight is dimmer than it used to be.

I replaced the bulb and have recently replaced the voltage reg. and it still seems to be dim (Had to ride behind it just to see the trail at night).

Do you guys have any other suggestions as to what it might be?

Thanks,

John

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You need to have your charging coil output checked. There is a proper procedure for this and you’ll need a service manual to identify the right wire to isolate.

A rudimentary test would be to hook a meter to any output (headlight, taillight etc.) and check available voltage. It sounds to me like you have a sick charging coil. However, if this was an issue I would suspect you would be fouling plugs and having ignition issues – the XLT uses the same charging coil for both the CDI and the accessories.

How’s your Hot Grips working? If they are not getting as hat as they should – that would be more proof.

The last issue which could be the problem is a partial short in the headlight harness itself. If this is the case you should be able to pick-up the voltage in the chassis. However, if you have a short all the lights (instruments etc) should be dim.

Good luck!

Motorhead Mark

2003 Pro-X: To Boost or Not To Boost

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Question:

Dear Motorhead:

I own a 2003 Pro-X 600. Is it worth it to add a boost kit? If so, what do you suggest?

Thanks,

Mitch

Response:

Thanks for your email!

The principle of a boost bottle is very simple and on certain engines can provide a moderately noticeable improvement in bottom end under certain specific conditions – usually just off idle with the flipper at WOT.

However, if you’re looking at an induction enhancement I would be more inclined to look at a boost bottle in conjunction with a set of dual stage reeds or even a V-Force Reed Valve kit. These induction enhancements have proven highly effective and will make the boost bottle more productive.

Thanks,

Motorhead Mark

2003 Ski-Doo Summt Track Swap

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Question:

Dear Motorhead:

I own a 2003 Ski-Doo Summit (ZX chassis) 800HO with a 144″ track. My buddy has a last years Summit XR-S (800R with the 151″) and he wants to replace his track with a Powder Max.

I was wondering what it would take to make that track fit my sled because he is willing to sell me the track for a smoking deal.

I know I will probably need a tunnel extension but I was wondering what else I would need to consider. Clutch tuning, different gears, etc.

Also, if this is possible, what difference would it make to my sled? Would it be night and day difference or would I need to start to consider some engine mods to turn the extra rubber?

Chad

Response:

You’ve got yourself some serious work and expense to facilitate a swap of this magnitude.

The tunnel is the least of your problems. You need a complete skid to put INSIDE the track!

This will require some interesting research on your part (please don’t ask us to do this!)

First, can you acquire a 151 inch skid? If you can will the 144 tunnel on your ZX have mounting locations far enough rearward in the existing braced tunnel (not in the extension) to support the rear arm? Will the deeper lugs on the 151 clear the front cooler? Finally, will the sled work right – weight balance etc?

Here’s my advice – don’t spend the time and effort on doing this! Sell or trade your ZX 144 for a Rev based Summit (new or used) with more track under it.

At the end of such an exercise you’ll have something that works, is reliable and will protect your invested dollars. Hacked up home-builts rarely command decent re-sale.

Hope this helps!

Motorhead Mark

I guess that would make sense sounds like a lot of work and money. I have another Q for you though. What can I do to give me a little more performance ?

I’m not sure if you have worked on a sled like mine or know anyone who has, but I just wanted to get a few tippers on how to improve performance without sacrificing durability.

Do you know a clutch / gearing set-up that works for this sled? What would reeds and a pipe do for me? It has an MBRP can but thats all.

Sled pulls hard (well as hard as the 800 HO will pull stock) and spins at about 7900 RPM at WOT.

Me and my buddies went riding last weekend up at the Wolverine area in Tumbler Ridge BC and we got lots of the white stuff up our way all you guys should come this way for a ride sometime.

Anyway thanks again.

Howdy!

Here’s my honest advice on modifying a Series III Rotax 800 – when new – not used. Don’t do it.

These are great engine with respectable power at the 135-138HP level. However, they are known for crank issues when modified or when they have about 10,000 kms or 6000 miles on them.

I would not increase HP at this point in the engines life unless you’re prepared to go over the entire mill. If you modify the engine it will live at the 150 HP level – that’s not much of an increase considering the new 800R puts out 152-154 out of the box.

The new 800R has a different crank and although some of the limited builds last year had issues, this year I believe the crank problem on the new 800R is solved.

Having said that – we have lots of experience with the Seriess III 800 (yours). They like cranks.

Hope this helps,

Motorhead Mark

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