After an amazing 2007 Twin Spar introduction, could the TRF brain trust have more to show in model year 2008?

While it’s unlikely Cat will offer another new model introduction the magnitude of 2007, we do expect detail refinements and possibly some new engine tech to surface on 2008 models.

Clearly, AC is getting traction on EPA 2-stroke certification with its new 1000 twin, its knock sensor equipped 800 and EFI II equipped 600. However, we suspect another 4-stroke, possibly a variant of the already potent Jaguar twin, is a possibility.

Arctic Cat has had amazing success with turbocharging the venerable 660 triple and consumers are very comfortable with turbo technology. The all-new Suzuki 4-stroke in the Jaguar uses a bottom end stout enough to handle some extra boost. Hmm, wouldn’t a Turbo Jag Z-1 be sweet?

Let’s do the math here. The 660 4-stroke triple without a turbo produces about 65 ponies. With 23 pounds of boost it delivers 110 stallions. If we take this kind of turbo-leap, about 65 percent, and apply it to the Z- 1’s 125 HP you get, ahh, over 200 HP.

Press Release –

The Skywords Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Sledder’s Choice Go Snowmobiling Report across much of Central and Northeastern Ontario.

Made possible through a new collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), the Sledder’s Choice Go Snowmobiling Report is sponsored by the Sledder’s Choice Group Insurance Program from Believer Plus Insurance Brokers Ltd., underwritten by the Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada.

“The Sledder’s Choice Go Snowmobiling Report is an exciting new feature here at Skywords. This program will provide the most comprehensive, up-todate snowmobile trail information in the country, and we are working hard to ensure the report’s accuracy and quality through our new relationship with the OFSC, and its districts and clubs.” said Ed Torres, General Manager, Skywords.

The Sledder’s Choice Go Snowmobiling Report will commence broadcasting on December 18th, 2006 across the Haliburton Broadcasting Group Moose FM stations, as well a number of other station affiliates. Its “Go Snowmobiling” message will help promote safe, recreational family snowmobiling and invite new participants to experience winter fun on OFSC trails.

“The OFSC is pleased to cooperate with Skywords to bring snowmobilers more information about our trails and clubs and to introduce more people to snowmobiling,” said OFSC Trail Programs Manager Mike Farr. “But riders must always take personal responsibility to be prepared for the unexpected, because conditions can change suddenly and unpredictably.”

Dear Industry Stakeholder:

Many changes have occurred in snowmobiling over the past decade that are impacting our future as an industry.

While some of these ongoing transformations are beyond our direct control, we do have the ability to influence their outcomes and control our own destiny through strategic thinking, progressive planning and coordinated action.

As a non-profit association, the OFSC is committed to sustaining and growing organized snowmobiling in Ontario and to the overall long-term health and betterment of the snowmobiling industry.

As the new OFSC President, my priority is to renew and reenergize organized snowmobiling into a strong TEAM OFSC to help lead our industry through these difficult times. Thus, we have embarked on a major, flagship initiative called “GO Snowmobiling” — the theme that will be our mantra and rallying cry for the foreseeable future.

One important element of GO Snowmobiling is our recent participation with the Sledder’s Choice Group Insurance Program, which is making snowmobiling more affordable for many OFSC riders.

Another is our new alliance with Skywords (see attached release). By broadcasting snowmobiling info and trail condition reports on mainstream radio throughout the winter, the OFSC is promoting GO Snowmobiling to many new prospects and repositioning sledding as a family-friendly activity.

Our new OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show is one more example of how the OFSC is thinking outside the box to revitalize our industry. In keeping with our GO Snowmobiling theme, the new show’s purposes are:

* To grow participation in organized snowmobiling.
* To attract new consumers and provide a new market for our industry.
* To financially support the OFSC trails that cornerstone our industry.
* To help ensure a strong future for the snowmobiling industry.

The OFSC believes that our new OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show meets an unfulfilled need for an upscale, family-based, recreational and tourism event. The OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show appeals directly to individuals and families looking for both an introduction and an invitation to the incomparable winter experience that snowmobiling truly is.

I know that word of our new show is causing some concern among certain stakeholders, especially those who do not understand or accept what we are trying to accomplish. I know that joining with the OFSC on this new venture requires a certain leap of faith. But I also know that, if we continue with the same old-same old status quo, we cannot successfully manage the major changes we face as an industry or lead it to a better, more prosperous future.

You be the judge. Will Sledder’s Choice and the Skywords reports help grow our industry? Who else is taking such a proactive lead for improvement? So I invite you to share the big picture view of our industry by joining TEAM OFSC — the home team for organized snowmobiling in Ontario.

By supporting and attending our new OFSC Go Snowmobiling Show, you are stepping up to the plate for the long-term growth and prosperity of the snowmobiling industry, and for a more certain future for all stakeholders. Believe me, this is just the beginning of what the OFSC can achieve for our industry with GO Snowmobiling — and with your active participation! Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.

Yours truly,

Bruce Robinson
OFSC President