Demetri Snow
Snow Racing was established in 1991. Demetri Snow, Banker by day and Racer on the weekends started racing street bikes in 1991 in the AFM and WSMC road racing organizations. In 1992 he got his pro license and started racing the Prestigious AMA Road Racing Series in the Super Sport 600 and 750, GTO and GTU classes around the United States. Demetri retired and started his own race team in 1998. Don & Danny Hart became the new team members, two young brothers that had grown up racing dirt track with the Hayden brothers and the Bostrom's. Both of the Harts had there pro dirt track licenses and adapted to road racing like fish to water. They both got their Pro AMA licenses in 1999 and away they went AMA 600 & 750 SS class racing.
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West Yellowstone EXPO product preview!
By Stephen W Clark
Each March the West Yellowstone EXPO is one of the first opportunities for the snowmobiling public to get a look at what's new for the following season. This year those who walked the EXPO were treated to a host of new machines and products, many of which had been launched just days earlier.
Here are a few of the highlights from the show.
The majority of EXPO attendees are mountain riders so it was the mountain sleds that were getting most of the attention. The big talk was about the new 2011 machines and the Polaris booth was particularly busy with the new RMKs getting a lot of attention.
Ski-Doo had its new Summit E-TEC machines on display, including the new Freeride. While these machines don't look much different than earlier Summits, our early experience with them on the snow th previous week revealed that these machines are radically different and hugely improved for 2011.
It wasn't just the snowmobile manufacturers that had new products. There were several companies debuting new mountain snowmobile clothing. FXR, one of the most popular brands of trail clothing is entering the mountain market with a new line of lightweight, waterproof gear. The FXR Mountain clothing uses a Tetratex waterproof and breathable membrane and has some unique features. FXR jackets have underarm vents with mesh underneath to prevent snow from coming in, plus the vent has a drain system that gets rid of the snow through a grommet below. This black and white printed jacket caught our eye.
Klim is freshening its product line for 2011 with a few new garments. For the cold-weather trail riders there's a new insulated jacket with even more insulation than its Klimate jacket. Also new, the Impulse Parka with a GORE-TEX shell and light insulation, is a technical riding piece and its casual styling makes it versatile for all-purpose use.
Scott has further increased its offerings for snowmobilers with a line of new MX style helmets. The Airborne is the high-end helmet with the Assault a more value priced helmet, both coming with several really good looking graphic and color options.
MotorFist, the new guys on the block in snowmobile clothing, showed their new line for the first time. Building upon a successful first season MotorFist has added a value-priced Recession jacket and pants to their line along with a soft shell jacket, and two fleece undergarments. The Rekon line also is improved with an eVent breathable membrane.
A local company was showing off its electric-powered snowmobile. This prototype uses a Polaris IQ chassis with batteries under the hood and seat. The electric motor offers such a range of rpm's that there is no need for a conventional clutch drive system. With such heavy restrictions in Yellowstone National Park, zero emission machines like this could gain further momentum in the future for such areas.
Outside of the show there was plenty of on-snow action as well. There were several manufacturer demo rides going on. Here several prospective customers wait to get some seat time on Polaris' new RMKs.
The Mountain West Snocross series was running at West Yellowstone's old airport all weekend. There was plenty of track action with a whole array of snocross classes and ATV classes. In the Pro classes Colby Crapo showed great potential with wins in three of the four Pro events. Christian Brothers' Arctic Cat rider Garth Kaufman had two second place finishes on Friday but was forced to miss the races later in the weekend for personal reasons.
Canada and the United States have unveiled a unified avalanche danger scale to improve the clarity of the risks and consequences of an avalanche in a particular area, according to Ethan Greene the Director of Colorado's Avalanche Information Center.
This new system includes the physical properties that will trigger and avalanche but also the size of the avalanche in area. Snowmobilers will be able to determine the risks of a larger avalanche in the backcountry on a steep terrain versus the impact of an avalanche in bowl terrain, according to Greene.
The project, led by Parks Canada with the participation of the Canadian Avalanche Center, the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, United States Forest Service and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center establishes a single North American standard for an avalanche warning system and provides the first international standard for the use of icons in avalanche warnings, according to a Parks Canada press release.
"This is the most comprehensive and complete avalanche warning system designed to date," said Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Using information gathered through technical avalanche forecasting analysis, public avalanche bulletins utilize the Avalanche Danger Scale to provide backcountry travelers simple and effective information on current avalanche probability over a wide area. The Avalanche Danger Scale is a five-level warning system that communicates the likelihood of avalanches being triggered, their expected size, how widespread the situation is and recommends actions for backcountry travel.
Improvements to the Danger Scale include the use of graphic icons as well as the incorporation of risk and consequence information into the warnings. There will also be travel recomendations of what and where to move to avoid an avalanche.
The new Avalanche Danger Scale will be implemented across North America starting Winter 2010/11.
Editor's note: The following is a report from the Blue Ribbon Coalition stating its purpose and why it continues to fight for snowmobilers' rights to have reasonable access to Yellowstone National Park and other public lands that are parks, not wilderness areas. Please read this and help us all keep public lands available for responsible snowmobiling.
Yellowstone Scoping Process Continues...12 years and still snowmobiling in Yellowstone!
By Jack Welch
The Congressional mandate for Wilderness is entirely different than that of the National Park System. Wilderness is all about protection. National Parks protect, but also are supposed to be visitor friendly. The idea is for the American public to come and visit.
When creating the National Park System, Congress mandated that the Park Service: (1) "promote" and "provide for the use and enjoyment" of park resources, and (2) and "leave unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
Radical environmental groups openly admit they would like to change that. They think National Parks should be all about protection, just like Wilderness, and they are working hard to make that happen.
Wilderness activist groups have attempted to close all the dirt roads in Canyonlands National Park, eliminate Personal Watercraft from Lake Powell, and ban snowmobiles from Yellowstone.
Snowmobiling is a wonderful and totally unique way to experience Yellowstone in the winter. Technology allows us to have that experience and minimize impacts. Guides ensure compliance with all Park Service rules. Just like in Canyonlands and Lake Powell, BRC fights to protect snowmobiling in Yellowstone because it's the right thing to do.
That is why we fight. Let's take a look at who we fight.
BRC has proudly joined others in fighting for reasonable snowmobile access to Yellowstone for the last twelve plus years. Among those on the other side is a group called the Greater Yellowstone Coalition.
In an article titled GYC Wants Snowmobile Ban by Next Winter, the Island Park News reported on a recent fund-raising event hosted by Mike Clark, Executive Director of the Bozeman-based Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC).
GYC purports to support science-based management policy for Yellowstone. But we're not so sure.
Island Park News quotes Clark as asking for donations to:
"support a plan for Yellowstone that will eliminate snowmobiles and promote a quieter and cleaner winter experience for visitors, and more important, for the wildlife that call Yellowstone home. Unfortunately, the National Park Service continues to allow snowmobiles, causing unnecessary noise and pollution in America's first national park."
But the Park Service study reports:
Air quality is very good to excellent in the winter. Best Available Technology snowmobiles, limits on numbers of oversnow vehicles, and commercial guiding have all contributed to the improvements in air quality. The BAT technology snowmobiles are currently all four-stroke machines that produce far less pollution than traditional twostroke snowmobiles. Yellowstone intends to implement a BAT requirement for snowcoaches in the future that would continue to improve air quality.
Island Park News quotes GYC's Clark as saying:
"Snowmobiles have been a noisy, air-fouling, wildlife-stressing influence in Yellowstone for four decades. At one point, nearly 2,000 snowmobiles daily were roaring across the park without restriction. The time is now to do what is right for Yellowstone and its wildlife,"
Let's look at what the Park Service science says about that:
Extensive studies of the behavioral responses of five species (bison, elk, bald eagle, trumpeter swans and coyotes) to over snow traffic showed that these animals rarely showed high-intensity responses (movement, defense postures, or flight) to approaching vehicles. For individual animals, 8 to 10 percent of elk and bison show a movement response to snowmobiles and snowcoaches. Approximately 90 percent of elk or bison either show no apparent response or a "look and resume" response.
This level of reaction was consistent for a wide range of daily average oversnow vehicle use (ranging from 156 to 593 vehicles per day). Thirty-five years of census data do not reveal any relationship between changing winter use patterns and elk or bison population dynamics. No wildlife populations are currently declining due to winter use (swan populations are declining, but this decline is being experienced regionally and due to factors unrelated to winter use in the park or region).
GYC also says it
- Promote the most environmentally friendly means of visiting the park's interior, such as snowcoaches, snowshoes, and skiing;
That's who we fight. We fight well-funded extremists bent on changing the way the National Park System is managed. They distort and lie about the science they claim to hold dear. They operate under a classic "ends justify the means" modus operandi.
In the larger philosophical struggle over management of public lands, National Parks are the tip of the spear. BRC is proud to have been in the trenches over the last 25 years, and we are committed to continue that fight.
How you can help:
The NPS is preparing another Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park. The anti snowmobile forces tried to have the federal courts close Yellowstone. Thanks to the involvement of snowmobilers and OHV users across the country, all they got was another EIS.
It is one of many such environmental analyses, and it is an important and required skirmish in our ultimate battle to finally ensure snowmobiles can stay in Yellowstone. We know the process seems to never end, but the anti-access groups hope to exploit apathy and confusion. It is important that we stay engaged with our consistent and increasingly-supported opposition.
The good news is that recent studies are showing the claims of GYC and other anti-motorized groups as vastly overstated. This EIS could provide for a reasonable, science-based, long-range Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park.
BRC HAS AN ACTION ALERT HERE:
http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1139
MORE INFO ON SAVEYELLOWSTONEPARK.ORG:
http://www.saveyellowstonepark.org
LINK TO PARK SERVICE LETTER HERE:
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/YNP_Response_to_Form_Comment_Letters_10.15.09.pdf
Link to Island Park News:
http://www.islandparknews.com/
Editor's Note: We were all disturbed by the news last weekend that at least two people died in a massive avalanche in British Columbia, but were encouraged by the speedy response of the snowmobilers in the area that helped save lives. Here is a letter from reader Susie Rainsberry that reflects the feelings of many regarding the accident and news coverage that followed.
Written by Susie Rainsberry
It's been several days now since the tragic avalanche at Turbo Hill. The latest reports are that two are deceased and three are still hospitalized. The media is also reporting that there were 200 snowmobilers at Turbo at the time of the slide. The avalanche is reported to have been up to 150 meters wide and 10 meters deep. That, my friends, is a BIG avalanche!
I'd like to put some perspective on this - a snowmobiler's perspective. Apparently no one in the media is a snowmobiler or is concerned about taking the time to gather the facts - not just the bad, but the good as well. And there is good to be heard in this story. If you ask a snowmobiler - they'd be able to tell you what that is. But either the media isn't asking, or has heard it and doesn't feel that the facts are newsworthy.
However, I feel these facts are the MOST newsworthy topic of this entire tragedy.
Saturday afternoon, following the close of the events for the annual Big Iron Shootout, a large group of snowmobilers headed to Turbo Bowl to make a run at the hill. As the riders lined up at the bottom of the hill, the mass of spectators parked their sleds and prepared to enjoy the show. As one of the sleds turned out towards the top, the hillside gave way. Thundering down the mountain it came - taking sleds and riders with it. This powerful act of nature happens in a split second. There is no time to react.
The time to react is as soon as it stops. And react - with speed and knowledge - in the midst of chaos - is what those sledders did. There were no typical first responders to this catastrophe in the immediate moments following the avalanche. Only snowmobilers. Those same snowmobilers that the media is painting with a broad stroke as crazy, ignorant, thrill-seekers.
As a back country snowmobiler myself, I can tell you that ignorant is not a word that I would use to describe those survivors. I would call them heroes! And justly so. In the midst of what may have been the most terrifying minutes of their lives, they turned their avalanche beacons to search, they got out their probes and their shovels and they started rescue protocols IMMEDIATELY - likely while in a state of shock. They dug out those that were buried, they triaged the injured, they administered first aid, they built fires to keep them warm until the helicopters arrived. These people were heroic!! Without their quick and educated responses, many more people would have died.
I am angered that the media is so eager to report this story that they are being so disgraceful to the victims and survivors. These people need support and compassion. They do not need to be stereotyped and degraded in the media or by anyone else. Shame on you!! Didn't your mother teach you better manners than that?
I'm not done though - there is way more information about snowmobilers in respect to the Big Iron Shootout and Revelstoke that the media hasn't covered yet. While they gleefully report that this is an unsanctioned (I'll get to that in a moment) event drew 200 sledders (despite the grave warnings from the avalanche center), what they aren't telling you is that there are likely double that number of snowmobilers who DIDN'T attend this year's event - because of the conditions. Snowmobilers who DID heed the warnings.
As I was reading the snowmobiling forums and Facebook on Saturday evening, the same story continued to repeat itself - people concerned about friends who generally attend the BIS, those friends checking in and saying they didn't go this year, or they were in the area but avoided Turbo Bowl because of the warnings and the conditions they were already aware of. You see, back country snowmobilers are often in the back country two or more days a week and already have first hand insight to the conditions.
Regarding the word being used in almost every story - unsanctioned. It is true that there is no sanctioning organization for this event. Not the town of Revelstoke nor the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club. However, just because it's not sanctioned does not mean that it is illegal.
Snowmobilers often gather in large groups to ride with friends who are generally dispersed all over Canada and the United States. I personally rode with a group of 30 riders at an "unsanctioned" event in Wyoming. Oops! I also rode at another "unsanctioned" event, ummm, better make that two, here in Oregon. Rest assured, I am not a criminal nor are any of the snowmobilers that I know.
The internet keeps the snowmobiling community connected. There are 1,000s of unsanctioned events that simply start by someone saying, "hey - who wants to ride this weekend?" Next thing ya know, word spreads about how much fun everyone had and it snowballs from there (pun intended). They grow into these annual events..."same date next year?"
So, here's what happens next - the date is set. Motel rooms are reserved. Trucks and sleds are fueled. Vacation time is requested. Then individuals, families and social groups all head into a remote mountain town. They buy. They buy. They buy a lot!! They spend money - because they can.
It is with great sadness that I have to dispel the myth that mountain snowmobilers are a bunch of rednecks. All you really need to do is add up the costs to outfit an individual - much less an entire family - with a sled and the proper safety gear. Since this article is really targeted at those individuals who are not mountain sledders, I will point out that everything - got that?...EVERYTHING, on your person and on your sled is part and parcel of your survival gear. From your gloves, to your coat, to the sunglasses in your backpack. Trying to save a dime in buying a coat is really not advised, when that coat may be the only thing protecting you from the elements if you have to stay overnight. With all that said, here's a run down of estimated costs of the primary accessories needed to sled in the back country.
- Sled $6,000-$14,000 USD
- Clothes (including base, mid and outer layers - top & bottom) $800-$1,200 USD
- Boots/gloves/helmet $245-$800 USD
- Backpack (non-avy) $60-$120 USD
- Backpack (avy) $1,000-$1,200 USD
- Body armor (tek vest, knee pads, etc) $60-$300 USD
- Beacon, probe, shovel $250-$400 USD
This doesn't include a lot of items, such as matches, radios, compass, fire starter, flashlight, and the list goes on, and the costs add up. It would be GREATLY appreciated if the media would STOP perpetuating the myths that sledders are ignorant, beer-swilling, couch-potatoes. Because it's simply not true.
The fact is that mountain sledders do not fit a stereotypical mold. They come from all areas of the business world...from CEOs to millworkers. They have families and they are single. They are old and they are young. They are world-class athletes and they are physically handicapped. They survive corporate down-sizing, cancer, divorces, etc....just like everyone else.
The thing that binds us together is our great love for the back country in the winter. We are modern day adventurers. We want to get out there - in the mountains. We want to explore and play and wonder at the beauty. We love the snow! When it covers the trees, when it flies up in our faces, when it gives us a playground of vast proportions. That is when we are in heaven. That is when our souls glow.
We are not anything that the media will have tried to make us out to be in the last couple of days. We are so much more. It's truly a pity that the media isn't interested in shining any light on the truth.
The truth is - the Turbo Bowl avy survivors are HEROS. We in the snowmobiling communities - far and wide - are praying for the full recovery of those injured, in body and in spirit. And finally, with great compassion and sympathy we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished.
I wrote this and I am Susie Rainsberry, Oregon resident, back-country snowmobiler. I provide free and complete liberty for others to share and disperse this message. The time has come to stop the slandering of good individuals just because they ride snowmobiles.
Three entries in the 2010 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge completed the Endurance Run during unseasonally warm and muddy conditions, according to a press release from Michigan Technological University.
The teams that completed the events were North Dakota State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
The Clean Snowmobile Challenge is a collegiate design competition of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Engineering students from participating schools take a stock snowmobile and reengineer it. Their aim: to reduce emissions and noise while maintaining or boosting performance. The Challenge also includes a zero emissions division for battery-powered sleds. The Keweenaw Research Center co-hosts the event with the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics at Michigan Technological University.
During the Endurance Run, entries in the Challenge's zero emissions division competed in a range test and were judged by how far their battery-powered snowmobiles could travel. Clarkson University went 10 miles, the farthest on a single charge, followed by McGill University in second. Wisconsin-Madison's zero emissions entry was third followed by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, fourth.
The Endurance Run course, which usually stretches up to a hundred miles and involves a trek north to Copper Harbor, is designed to test the entries' reliability under trail conditions. It was truncated this year to address unseasonably balmy conditions. With the region's snowmobile trails out of commission weeks ahead of schedule, the drivers drove their sleds about 40 miles completing laps around a test track near the Keweenaw Research Center.
The three sleds that finished the Endurance Run were spattered with mud, as were their drivers. Sam Cassibo of Minnesota-Duluth characterized the ride as "warm and muddy." Wisconsin-Madison's Shawn Spannbauer described it as "like a wrestling match," and Derek Pokrzywinski of North Dakota State agreed. "It was rough-pretty wet, with lots of mud puddles."
The Michigan Tech sled was forced to withdraw after splashing through a puddle. "It probably shorted out," said Jason Blough, an associate professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics and the team's advisor. "It's about as bad as it can get out there, but everybody likes to at least try," he added. "These students work on the sleds all year, and they want to compete."
Organizers still plan to run the Challenge events on schedule, while adapting to snow conditions as necessary. "We got 'er done today," said co-organizer Jay Meldrum at the end of the Endurance Run. "We had enough snow to do 40 miles, and we'll continue tomorrow as planned."
All the sleds will be on display from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, at the Copper Country Mall in Houghton. The public is invited to view the custom snowmobiles and talk with the team members.
Issac Bailey | Whining has run its course Myrtle Beach Sun News The race-day forecast called for snow and possibly icy conditions. This is Myrtle Beach. Snow isn't an every year occurrence here. Snow tires, shovels and ... and more » |
Preparedness and quick thinking saves dozen of snowmobilers' lives
The Big Iron Shootout in Revelstoke, British Columbia on March 13 ended in a deadly avalanche hitting around 200 people and killing two snowmobilers, according to the Associated Press.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said a worse tragedy was likely averted because snowmobilers were equipped with avalanche rescue equipment including electronic beacons, and they were able to dig survivors out before the rescue team arrived.
RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk confirmed two dead on Sunday, and he said they had searched for abandoned cars but nobody has been left unaccounted.
The Big Iron Shootout is an annual event known for backcountry riding, and around 200 people were in attendance.
They believe the slide was triggered by a rider high-marking, Moskaluk said during Sunday's press conference.
This is a contest to see who can climb a slope and leave the highest mark.
Right before the avalanche occurred a crowd had stopped at the bottom of the mountain to watch the high-marking competition.
There were 30 people injured, including one person in critical condition and three others in serious condition who were taken to regional hospitals. Nineteen people were treated and released at the local hospital, according to the Associated Press.
Revelstoke Mayor David Raven said an avalanche warning had been in place for three weeks.
"People need to risk assess their leisure activities," Moskaluk said to the Associated Press. "It appears a number of the people that were participating (in the rally) were able to self-rescue prior to emergency services arriving."
Here are a few related links of valuable information regarding British Columbia and avalanches
Read an article on how to survive and prevent an avalanche
Read about snowmobiling in British Columbia
Learn about avalanche centers and avalanche warnings
The National Park Service will hold two public meetings in Wyoming to discuss its winter use plan for Yellowstone National Park. The meetings will be in Cheyenne on Monday, March 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Little America Convention Center; and in Cody, next Monday, March 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cody Auditorium, according to the Wyoming Business Report.
The NPS is asking the public to help define the scope of the winter plan, specifically issues surrounding snowmobile use. The public is invited to share the issues and topics they believe should be analyzed and suggest what alternatives are considered, including whether more or fewer snowmobiles are allowed in the park. Other issues open to public discussion include: air quality, noise, public enjoyment and protection of wildlife.
Similar public scoping events were held in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Billings, Mont. A meeting is planned for Wednesday, March 17, in Washington, D.C. These forums are required under the National Environmental Policy Act and direct the Park Service to conduct detailed studies that include formal public comment. The deadline for submitting all written scoping comments, online or by mail, is March 30. Written comments may be submitted by mail to the park, at this address:
Yellowstone National Park Winter Use Scoping/EIS
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168
Washington Post | Avalanche Kills Three People During Snow Mobile Race AHN | All Headline News British Columbia, Canada (AHN) - Three people are dead and as many as 30 missing after an avalanche swept through a snowmobile race in Canada. ... Three Dead As Avalanche Hits Canada RaceSky News BC avalanche: 'Potential for disaster was there'Toronto Star Two snowmobilers dead in Canadian avalancheThe Associated Press Vancouver Sun -The Canadian Press all 1,774 news articles » |
The SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, set for March 15-20 at Michigan Technological University, received $10,000 from the Coca-Cola Foundation.
The donation was made on behalf of Coca-Cola of Hancock.
The SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge is a collegiate design competition of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Engineering students from 19 participating schools are re-engineering stock snowmobiles to reduce emissions and noise while maintaining or boosting performance.
Rob and Gary Scholie, owners of Coca-Cola of Hancock, have supported the Challenge for years though their donations of Coke products.
"Everybody is looking to go green, including Coke, and that's what the Clean Snowmobile Challenge is about," said Rob. "It's an honor for our region. Plus, we like to support local events, and the Challenge brings so many people here, which is good for everyone."
Snowmobiling is a major tourist attraction in Michigan. "The trend is toward more environmentally friendly sleds," said Gary. "We want to do whatever we can to support snowmobiling now and into the future."
BRP launches its Ski-Doo Riding Gear, Parts and Accessories online store at store.ski-doo.com. The new website allows consumers to buy genuine Ski-Doo parts, accessories, and clothing anytime of day and have it delivered to their doorstep anywhere in Canada and
the United States.
Shoppers can simply log on to store.ski-doo.com to order.
"The site was tested over the past few months by a group of 30 BRP/Ski-Doo dealers and the results were convincing," said Sandy Scullion, vice-president, Riding Gear, Parts and Accessories. "With the official launch, we offer North American consumers the convenience of
shopping from home and having their orders fulfilled quickly and easily by the power of a network of more than 800 dealers," he added.
In 2009, BRP launched the U.S. shopevinrude.com site and plans to extend this e-commerce solution to its other major powersports brands in the coming years. "Online shopping is a growing trend and both our customers and dealers are eager for it," concluded Scullion.
Online orders are fulfilled by authorized BRP/Ski-Doo dealers. The turnkey sales tool enables dealers to rapidly acquire new customers and turn inventory quickly with minimal transaction time. BRP provides participating dealers with real-time sales data to see what is selling locally and nationally, enabling them to make smart purchasing decisions for product stocking.
Pro-Ride chassis and suspension infiltrates entire lineup
By Mark Savage
You've seen the teasers, Polaris' reveals of its new 800 Rush Pro-R and 800 Pro-RMK models, now hold on to your bibs, because there's a lot more!
The Pro-Ride chassis and ground-breaking progressive-rate rear suspension moves further into the Polaris lineup for 2011 - into no less than 9 models, including five RMK mountain sleds (see sidebar).
There are other changes too, including a new Switchback Assault 144 for the crossover crowd, along with a 550 Shift 136.On the luxury end there's a new 600 Rush LX, 550 IQ LXT and a variety of other tweaks and upgrades.
First, here's the meat of the lineup for us trail guys.
Rush Report
There are four performance Rush models for 2011, two with the proven 600cc motor and two with Polaris' horsier 800cc growler under the snout. All feature the Pro-Ride chassis' mogul-thrashing, bump-smoothing progressive-rate suspension that moves the rear shock and spring above the tunnel.
Benefits include a highly adjustable ride, a lighter sled (subscribers can read our Real World Shootout story on the Web with weights, gas mileage and acceleration tests), more rigid sled structure, better overall balance and handling and improved rider ergonomics.
For 2011 Polaris breaks the Rush into two distinct models, the Pro-R and standard Rush, each offering either the 600 or 800 Cleanfire engines, something we'd predicted.
The Pro-R is the premium performance model, much like the original Rush 600, featuring Walker Evans needle shocks all around. That means you get piggyback WE shocks up front compared with rebuildable Fox IFP shocks on the standard Rush. Likewise, in back there's a WE piggyback front rear track shock and WE compression adjustable rear track shock that provides 14 inches of travel. The Pro-R also gets a lightweight Phantom hydraulic disc brake with lightweight drilled rotor.
Naturally the other big change is the offering of an 800 Cleanfire in Rush. Polaris says that should boost horsepower roughly 25% for you speed nuts.
Weight concerns with an 800? None here, in fact Polaris tells us the 800 is a few pounds lighter than the 600 due to a new lightweight silencer on the 800 saving 7 lbs. In addition there's a new muffler that cuts engine noise too.
Pro-R models also offer electric start as an option, while all Rush models see a few changes to the rear suspension and the back-end's looks. Polaris heard consumers' concerns that the Rush's open rear-end look was too dramatic. So it has fashioned a plastic cover to hide that rear suspension better. There also is an extra cooler in back under that plastic cover and it will be used on both 600 and 800 models.
More performance sleds? YES!
While the Rush leads the charge for Polaris, there are three other performance models still in the 2011 lineup.
The Turbo IQ continues with its 750cc turbocharged 4-stroke. There's also a premium Walker Evans shock package here with needle shocks featuring 16 positions of adjustability. The Turbo also continues to offer Polaris' Rider Select steering that allows a rider to adjust the handlebars.
For entry-level buyers the 600 IQ Shift and 550 IQ Shift are back for 2011, featuring a 600 Cleanfire and 550 fan-cooled motor, respectively. These remain high value sleds, but also great performers, and feature RydeFX MPV shocks front and rear.
Crossovers: Going Big!
Easily one of our favorite sleds had been the Switchback 144, but a couple years ago it got scaled back to a 136-inch track. Well, there's still a 600 Switchback 136 with its mid-length track and 1.25-inch lugs. But for folks who really enjoy going off trail to play in the powder (we're thinking Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Canadian riders in particular) Polaris launches a new crossover that may prove to be a hot ticket - the 800 Switchback Assault 144.
Think of it as a Midwestern or Canadian trail and powder rider's extreme machine.
Subscribers can read full details of this and all other Polaris sleds, including a new 600 Rush LX, cool graphics for Snow Check units and all the RMK mountain sled details, by clicking here!
Snocross fans watched during warm spring-like weather Tim Tremblay win the Pro Open at the AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series race on March 7 at the Hayward Powersports/Polaris 300.
The day was packed with bar-to-bar racing with each and every driver giving it all they had to improve their points standings for the final showdown in just two weeks. If excitement is what folks were looking for, they were not disappointed.
The AMSOIL Pro Open had the fans on their feet from the green to the checkered. Getting started proved to be a bit more challenging for several riders as they barely made it out of the hole shot when Paul Bauerly (Arctic Cat), Garth Kaufman (Arctic Cat) and Steve Taylor (Ski-Doo) tangled in turn one setting them all back to mid-pack. Emerging from the carnage unscathed Dan Ebert (Arctic Cat), Ross Martin (Polaris), and Zach Pattyn (Arctic Cat) took the top three lead positions turning a 28 second first lap of the grueling 24-lap race.
The battle erupted and Tim Tremblay (Ski-Doo) flew seemingly out of nowhere to get between Martin and Ebert. He put the throttle down and took over the lead position where he prepared himself to keep his mantra of consistency for the remainder of the race.
Behind Tremblay the racers were electrified battling for every move. Martin got around Ebert taking second for a lap or two when Pattyn poured on the steam bumping Ebert down a position for nearly half the race. With about 8 laps to go, Launchin Levi LaVallee was tripling jumps catching big air moving him up with every jump. In the turn #2 power turn, LeVallee snuck under Pattyn to put himself in the third-place position.
The entire pack was making huge moves changing positions with the speed they were born to give. "Everyone was picking good lines it seemed. It was a really fun race," LaVallee said. "I just starting finding my own good lines and picking people off left and right and ripping it up."
At the podium the top three were all smiles as they stood with Tremblay of Ste Jeanne D'Arc, Quebec in first, Martin of Kansasville, Wisc. in second and LaVallee of Longville, Minn. in third.
Martin, who won the Pro Super Stock race, remains in the top points position going into the final race in Lake Geneva in two weeks. He is holding on to an 80-point lead over LaVallee with Tremblay only 17 points behind LaVallee. The pressure is on for all of the top leaders. But the smooth sailing Martin said he is planning to make Geneva the best. "I am just going to go out there and really have some fun," he said with a huge smile.
In the Semi-Pro ranks Team Warnert's Justin Broberg is clearly the man. Broberg took wins in both Semi-Pro Open and Stock this weekend and moved back into Championship contention after a disqualification at the previous event. He still has a gap to make up, but it's within reach at the final race. Broberg's teammate at Warnert Racing, Dylan Martin, had a strong weekend with a third place podium finish in Semi-Pro Stock and fourth in Open showing great speed and consistency.
Pro 600
1 Brian Dick Arctic Cat
2 D.J. Ekre Arctic Cat
3 Chad Lian Arctic Cat
4 Ryan Huston Arctic Cat
Pro Open
1 D.J. Ekre Arctic Cat
2 Brian Dick Arctic Cat
3 Gabe Bunke Polaris
4 Aaron Christensen Polaris
Semi Pro Improved
1 Ryan Faust Polaris
2 Erik Bute Arctic Cat
3 Adam Brandt Arctic Cat
4 Cody Matthees Arctic Cat
Masters 40+
1 Bill Slominski Arctic Cat
2 Jon Arneson Arctic Cat
3 Brian Perreault Arctic Cat
4 Steven Arneson Arctic Cat
Masters 50+
1 Bill Slominski Arctic Cat
2 Paul Anderson Polaris
3 Jim Sobeck Arctic Cat
4 Dennis Topp Polaris
Junior 14-17
1 C.J. Vandeputte Arctic Cat
2 Timmy Kallock Arctic Cat
3 Christopher Klie Arctic Cat
4 Chase Nordstrom Arctic Cat
Women's
1 Jenna Sobeck Ski-Doo
2 Sasha Cook Arctic Cat
3 Lisa Nelson Ski-Doo
4 Jolene Bute Arctic Cat
Juniors 10-13
1 Adam Mach Arctic Cat
2 Ryan Trout Ski-Doo
3 Matt Feil Arctic Cat
4 Nels Eide Arctic Cat
Expert 85
1 Bryce Buchanan Arctic Cat
2 Nathan Moritz Arctic Cat
3 Bobby Menne Arctic Cat
4 Ryan Greening Arctic Cat
Expert 85 Improved
1 Brad Pecka Arctic Cat
2 Nathan Moritz Arctic Cat
3 Bobby Menne Arctic Cat
4 Chris Sobeck Arctic Cat
Sport 85
1 Chris Klie Arctic Cat
2 Luke Perreault Arctic Cat
3 CJ Vandeputte Arctic Cat
4 Dustin Grausam Arctic Cat
Semi Pro 600
1 Ryan Faust Polaris
2 Dustin Holmstrom Polaris
3 Cole Nyman Arctic Cat
4 Adam Brandt Arctic Cat
Sport 600
1 Chris Hoff Arctic Cat
2 David Forbes Arctic Cat
3 Dillan Dohm Polaris
4 Terry Sizemore Arctic Cat
Sport 600 Improved
1 Matt Austin Arctic Cat
2 Terry Sizemore Polaris
3 Sasha Cook Arctic Cat
4 Dillan Dohm Polaris
Vet 30+
1 Corey Davidson Polaris
2 Chad Lian Arctic Cat
3 Ame Rantanen Arctic Cat
4 Jeff Klein Polaris
Trail
1 Luke Perreault Arctic Cat
2 Casey Clement Arctic Cat
3 Chris Sobeck Arctic Cat
4 Timmy Kallock Arctic Cat
120 Improved
1 Sara Larson Arctic Cat
2 Collin Ausin Arctic Cat
3 Alex Gudajtes Arctic Cat
4 Noah Arneson Arctic Cat
National Straightline Snowmobile Racing hit Chetek, Wisconsin like a whirlwind for its' fourth race of the NSSR Super Series on Lake Chetek for the "Fastest Show on Ice". Temperatures ranged from 5 to 39 degrees F with a 6 to 10 mph breeze from the North to North West during the day. The racers dealt with a good crosswind on the track that was aimed east . The stage was again set for a fabulous and fast day of racing action with bright sunshine and fantastic weather.
Racer entries included 105 on the Pro track and over 120 on the Fun Run track for nearly 850 passes between the two shaved ice tracks. Over 1000 fans were on hand to witness the record setting runs throughout the day. The weather was just about as good as it can get without being too warm. Justin Varholdt of Coon Rapids, Minnesota came with a positive attitude and raced on the fun run track with his 1998 Polaris 600. He then came to the pro starting line in his wheel chair to watch the pro racers launch into their 1000 foot runs. Talk about a great day of racing!
Four World Records were broke that included Mike Martin out of Galesburg, Illinois on his 2009 Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo tuned by Glen Hall going 130.513 mph in the Super Twin Lake Racer Four Stroke Class, Danny Blachfelner bumped the Improved Four Stroke speed to 138.461 mph with his 2002 turbo powered Yamaha RX1, Dan Petras bumped the Four Stroke Stock Four Cylinder record to 109.09 mph on his 2008 Yamaha Apex, and Ed Ensor in the Exhibition class bumped his old record, but lets talk about that later.
Paul Groth and the Warning Crew out of Illinois again came with the new Alcohol Turbo Powered Dragster to show that they will get this new ride going down the track with style. The "Frozen Assets" Dragster made 2 easy passes that were over the 150 mph mark. Fans loved to see this fantastic machine and NSSR was told to stay tuned for the 2011 race season as they plan to light up the ice!
Now, with a goal of setting a new World Record and smashing into the 180 mph range in 1000 feet on ice was a guy we call "Fast Eddie" Ensor out of Sheridan, Illinois on his Busa Mod tuned by Glenn Stickels of RPM Performance. I can honestly say that all our Pro Racers come with a goal of winning their respective class and even better, taking the NSSR World Record home with them at the end of the day. I know that Ed started working on new modifications to the Busa Mod as early as July of 2009 and he worked endless hours to perfect the traction, handling, and power output on this already fast machine. It takes dedication and determination to work toward a racer's goal and Eddie did not give up! He came to Chetek to burn up the ice and he did it. Taking his record of 177.412 mph set in 2009 to a new level at 183.439 mph in 1000 feet and backing it up with a 182.278 mph pass. I know Eddie's better half Debbie and their two children support him 100% and are happy to see him meet this goal. Congratulations to Fast Eddie and family, along with Glen Stickels on making a mark in the NSSR Record Book!
This NSSR Super Series event in Chetek was hosted by the Chetek Chamber of Commerce and chaired by Rob Licht of Chetek. A special thanks to the Chetek Fire and Rescue for providing Safety and EMT services for this event, along with the cooperation of the City of Chetek. All you racers and fans can get your photos of the racing action from Rich Harmer Photography.
NSSR will call it a wrap for the 2010 Racing Season with its' annual racers banquet on April 10, 2010. We would like to thank all our sponsors who make these races possible! See www.racenssr.com for more information on results and upcoming events.
Name Sled Speed Backup
Trail Stock 600
No Entries
Trail Stock 800
Paul Lally 2002 Polaris XC 800 106.142
Kerry Sersha 2000 Ski Doo Mach Z 102.491
Trail Stock 1000
No Entries
Jr Stk 440 Fan
John Jacklitch III 98 Ski-Doo MXZ Fan 80.446
Jr 440 Liquid
John Jacklitch III 2002 Ski-Doo MXZX 101.766
Jr Pro Dial In
John Anderson 2007 Vortex 8.369
Simone Warner Warner Custom 250 32.312
Austin Henricks Artic Cat 2 runs
Jr Mod
Dana Norman Ski Doo 59.056
Stock 440
Greg Bates 2000 Ski-Doo MXZX 101.408 100.699
Valinda Bayer 2003 Artic Cat Sno Pro 101.408 99.884
Mark Jensen 2004 Polaris 440 Pro XR 98.742
Stock 500
No Entries
Stock 600S
Valinda Bayer 2005 Artic Cat F6 106.930
Jesse Doberstein 2004 Artic Cat F6 106.798
Stewart Esse 2007 Polaris 77.005
Stock 600RS
No Entries
Stock 600
Jeremy Reid 1998 Yamaha SRX 107.329
Scott Kostman 1999 Artic Cat ZRT 104.347
Roberta Mills 1998 Artic Cat ZRT 103.597
Stock 700S
Patty Olson 2003 Artic Cat F 7 115.200
Scott Kostman 2003 Artic Cat F 7 113.684
Valinda Bayer Artic Cat 112.353
Brent Meyer 2003 Artic Cat Firecat 111.340
Stock 700
Sandie Reid 2001 Yamaha SRX 700 112.062
Taylor Gullikson 2001 Yamaha 110.627
Chris Parent 2001 Yamaha Sno 108.406
Stock 800S
Dan Graunke 2008 SkiDoo XP 800R 115.046
Patty Olson 2010 Artic Cat CFR 800 112.500
Kelly Shilts 2010 Artic Cat CFR 800 109.923
Al Doberstein 2010 Artic Cat CFR 800 109.783
Jim Kane 2004 Polaris XC 800 n/a
Stock 800
Harvey Otremba 1999 Ski Doo Mach Z 115.662
Lon Sash 2000 SkiDoo Mach Z 115.353 115.200
Valinda Bayer 1998 Ski-Doo ZRT 115.353 113.385
Stock 1000
Brent Meyer 2009 Crossfire Artic Cat 116.599
Valinda Bayer 1998 Artic Cat T-Cat 115.200
Scott Kostman 2009 Crossfire Artic Cat 113.089
IS 440
Mark Jensen 1998 Polaris 440 XCR 103.102
Greg Christianson 1998 Ski Doo MXZX 98.517
IS 500
Brett Nelson 2001 Artic Cat F5 108.679
IS 600
Eric Lunzer 1998 Ski Doo Formula III 114.741
Kris Doberstein 2004 Artic Cat F6 113.089
Bradley Copeland 1994 Polaris XLT 106.012
Mike Banks 1996 Artic Cat ZRT 600 89.906
IS 700
Al Doberstein 2003 Artic Cat F7 119.172
John Jacklitch Jr 1998 Mach I Ski-Doo 114.741
Randy Windspeger 2003 Artic Cat F7 107.865
Dan Petras 1998 Yamaha SRX
IS 800
Joe Kittel 1998 Ski-Doo Mach Z 123.428
Tia VanGuilder 1999 Ski-Doo Mach Z 122.901
Dan Graunke 1998 Ski-Doo Mach Z 121.861
Rich Anderson 2000 Polaris XCR 800 112.353
Pat Welty 2002 Polaris XC SP 800 110.911
IS 1000
Doyle Swift 1999 Artic Cat T-Cat 133.539
Tia VanGuilder 1998 Ski Doo Mach Z 121.861
PS 700
Tyler Kulus 1996 Polaris XCR 132.110
Larry Norberg 1996 SkiDoo Mach Z 131.908
Jamie Lewis Ski Doo Mach Z 127.058
PS 800
Jamie Lewis Ski Doo Mach Z 137.799
Kevin Loebrick Polaris Ultra 132.923
John Jacklitch Jr 1998 Ski-Doo Mach Z 132.515
Mike Cleary 1998 Ski-Doo Mach Z no runs
PS 1000
Tia VanGuilder 1998 Ski-Doo Mach Z 143.521
Mike Cleary 1998 Ski-Doo Mach Z 143.283
Tom Warner 1996 Polaris Ultra 142.574
John Smith 2001 Artic Cat ZRT 142.105
Mike Graham 2007 Ski-Doo RT Mach Z 139.130
Jamie Lewis Ski Doo Mach Z no runs
PS 1500
Jerry Benson 2000 Ski Doo Mach Z 144.966
Mike Cleary 1998 Ski Doo Mach Z 142.809
Super Stock
Darrick Graunke 1999 Ski-Doo Mach Z 128.955
Ken Norman Ski Doo Formula 800 127.810
Super Stock Twin
Dan Graunke 2004 Ski-Doo MXZ 115.817
OM 440
Greg Christianson SRC/Rotax 128.955
Mark Anderson 2006 Vortex 126.872
Laura Birkaker 2000 Ski-Doo 440 119.337
OM 500
Greg Christianson SRC/Rotax 130.513
Mark Anderson 2006 Vortex 126.500
OM 600
Ryan Lewis 2006 Artic Cat 125.764
OM 700
No Entries
OM 800
Rick Schellbach 2001 Union Bay Anderson 147.189
OM 1100
Rick Schellbach 2000 Union Bay Ultra Mod 154.838
Super Mod
Mike Schmidt 2004 Anderson Outlaw 151.578
Dial In
Chris Parent 1992 Yamaha V-max 4 0.859
Dan Wagner 2006 Yamaha Apex 2.304
Rick Heutmaker 2007 Artic Cat F1000 4.410
Lon Sash 2000 Ski Doo 2 runs
Four Stroke IS*
Danny Blachfelner* 2002 Yamaha RX1 138.461 137.36
Four Stroke IS Mod
Shanon Disch 2004 Yamaha Warrior 158.823
Four Stroke Pro Stock
Dan Wade 2006 Yamaha RX 1 163.018
Four Stroke Stock (4 Cyl)*
Dan Petras* 2008 Yamaha Apex 109.090 107.329
Four Stroke Stock Turbo
No Entries
Super Twin Lake Racer
Kyle Shilts Artic Cat D&D 126.500 No Backup
Jack Henricks OSP 122.206
Charlie Fleck 2008 Ski Doo MXZ Renegade 120.839
Keith Perry 2003 Artic Cat F7 87.360
Pat Welty 2005 Ski Doo Mach Z 66.924
Super Twin Lake Racer* (Four Stroke)
Mike Martin* 2009 Artic Cat Z1 130.513 130.120
Lake Racer All Motor
Shanon Disch Mach Z Crankshop 136.492 No Backup
Douglas Perry 2000 Artic Cat ZRT 135.849
Doyle Swift 1999 Artic Cat T-Cat 134.789
Pam Sward 2001 Ski Doo Mach Z 128.630
Lake Racer
No Entries
Lake Racer Open
Justin Durand 1994 Yamaha Turbo Vmax 163.636 No Backup
Pro Max
Larry Johnson 2001 Polaris XCR 800 146.689
Exhibition Class*
Ed Ensor* 2009 Busa Mod 183.439 182.278
Darrin Weber Chopper City Jaws 162.406
Paul Groth Frozen Assests 151.845
Vintage 340 Stock
Rick Bolduc 1977 Yamaha SRX 91.622
Ted Whitmore 1976 Mercury Sno Twister 78.616
Vintage 440 Stock
Rick Bolduc 1976 Yamaha SRX 105.365
Vintage 440 Improve Stock
Rick Bolduc 1979 Yamaha SRX 109.783
Vintage Mod 250
Ted Whitmore 1976 Mercury Sno Twister 78.616 77.488
Fun Run
MINI's
Blakely Nyhus 2006 Arctic Cat Chippewa Falls, WI 19.63
STOCK TO 550 FAN
Tami Barnier Ski-Doo Rush City, MN 86.14
Brittany Jovan Ski-Doo Rush City, MN 81.93
Kevin Johnson Yamaha Barron, WI 80.21
STOCK 500
Marcus Kovatovich Polaris Zimmerman, MN 91.64
Christian Mohr 1998 Polaris East Bethel, MN 91.05
Tasha Hagman Arctic Cat Anoka, MN 89.03
STOCK 600
Chris Parent 1999 Yamaha SX Eagen, MN 105.88
Brett Nelson 2000 Polaris XC SP McGregor, MN 103.73
Denny Ludwigson Polaris New Auburn, WI 102.83
STOCK 700
Jon Humphrey 2000 Yamaha Turtle Lake, WI 111.66
Jeremy Gavin Arctic Cat Brahm, MN 109.48
Chris Parent Yamaha Eagan, MN 105.14
STOCK 800
Aaron Reid 1995 V-Max Ashland, WI 113.23
Jim Mullen Yamaha Wisconsin 111.55
Chris Hagman 2002 Artic Cat Anoka, MN 103.30
STOCK 1000
Anthony Amundson Yamaha Owatonna, MN 113.46
Anthony Amundson Yamaha Owatonna, MN 111.05
Paul Weildling 1998 T-Cat Glenwood City, WI 110.07
JUST FOR FUN
Jenny Stevens Polaris Dayton, MN 137.95
Pam Sward Ski-Doo Grasston, MN 130.43
Alex Nitchoff Ski-Doo Lement, IL 128.57
IMP STOCK 0-500
Kevin Smith 2001 Polaris Hudson, WI 106.78
Marcus Kovatovich 1998 Polaris Zimmerman, MN 101.94
Ben Imdieke 1997 Arctic Cat Sauk Center, MN 94.10
IMP STOCK 600
Bill Bennet Yamaha Wisconsin 114.67
Greg Peterson 1996 Polaris Ramsey, MN 103.63
Rick Heutmaker Artic Cat Glenwood City, WI 102.83
IMP STOCK 700
Jenny Stevens Polaris Dayton, MN 116.76
Steve Lindenberg Apex Ashland, WI 113.98
Tim Hetchler 2000 Ski-Doo Chetek, WI 97.74
IMP STOCK 800
Eric Oman 2000 Ski Doo Isanti, MN 123.62
Steve Hauge 1999 Ski Doo Mach Z Chippewa Falls, WI 115.97
Gus Nelson 1993 Yamaha Barron, WI 97.44
IMP STOCK 1000 & UP
Jeromiey Sommers Ski Doo Cambridge, MN 127.04
Alex Nitchoff Arctic Cat ZR1 Belment, IL 126.05
VIN STOCK 0-340
Ken Melrose 1971 Ski-Doo Chetek, WI 52.89
VIN STOCK 441-650
Taniel Schellbach Polaris Rush City, MN 89.10
Jenny Stevens Polaris Dayton, MN 88.16
Eugene Jones 1983 Yamaha Rice Lake, WI 77.66
VIN MOD 0-340
Jerry Noyes 1977 Artic Cat Prescott, WI 81.05
Eric Renstrum 79 1/2 Kawalaris Grasston, MN 76.81
VIN MOD 441-650
Todd Noyes 1979 Arctic Cat Crystal, MN 132.58
VIN MOD 651-UP
Jerry Noyes 1979 Arctic Cat Prescott, WI 81.34
VINTAGE OUTLAW
Ryan Lewis Arctic Cat Gaylord, MN 135.21
ATV
Rod Strumball 3-Wheeler Cloquet, MN 119.68
Brett Hodgson Yamaha Chetek, WI 72.55
Polaris Industries Inc announced continuing a 28 year annual tradition of profit-sharing with its employees.
The Company will distribute today nearly $10 million of its profits from the 2009 calendar year among approximately 2,200 hourly and non-salaried Polaris employees. On average, each of these employees will receive nearly 15 percent of their annual pay base. In addition, Polaris will distribute profit-sharing payments to each of its fulltime salaried employees today as well.
"Profit-sharing is something that is very important and fundamental to the culture at Polaris, especially as we continue to outperform the industry," said Scott Wine, Chief Executive Officer. "We understand that Polaris' success is built on a foundation of dedication, innovation, and hard work from our employees. To acknowledge and reward that extra effort is something we are proud to continue."
Polaris began sharing its profits with employees in 1982, embracing the idea that the Company's success is dependent on dedication and tireless work from its employees, and therefore, each employee was entitled to benefit from that success. Since its inception, Polaris's profit-sharing program has shared cumulatively over $200 million with its hourly and non-salaried employees.