A jury will now decide the outcome in a case against Arctic Cat involving a fatal snowmobile accident that happened seven years ago. According to a report by the Associated Press, the Michigan Supreme Court has turned down Arctic Cat's appeal of a judge's decision to let the case go to a jury.

In 2010, Karen Schwark and Edith Bonno were killed when their Arctic Cat snowmobile went into reverse and plunged off a cliff on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The families of the two sisters allege that the reverse alarm on the snowmobile was defective, and the state appeals court ruled that there is enough evidence for a jury to decide whether it was.

Justices Brian Zahra and Stephen Markman wanted the Supreme Court to take the case. Zahra says the theory offered by relatives is "no more probable" than others.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38/3225.17_2D00_Tucker_2D00_Hibbert_2D00_T_2D00_Train_2D00_T_2D00_Back_2D00_web.jpg" position="right"]New for 2017, the T-Train t-shirt features Hibbert’s name, number and sponsor logos. The back of this 100% cotton pre-shrunk charcoal grey t-shirt has a bold, detailed image of him racing. Available in both adult ($22) and youth ($15) sizes. [/caption]Tucker Hibbert released his 2017 official merchandise line just in time for the new snocross season. Rooted in his passion for his fans, this marks the seventh year the snocross champion is offering uniquely branded clothing and accessories at the races and online through his official merchandise store.

“From day one, the main focus of this program has been to give me a chance to connect with my fans,” Hibbert said. “Having my merchandise booth at the races has been a big highlight for me. For a lot of fans, seeing me on the track isn’t something new but getting to hangout with me at my booth after a race, with my helmet off, is a new experience. Hearing fan’s stories about the race, seeing the excitement on kid’s faces and meeting a whole family decked out in my gear is exciting and rewarding.”

New for 2017, Hibbert is introducing a dedicated Team 68 logo and incorporating his team’s sponsors on key pieces to truly give fans the official look of their favorite snocross rider and team. Many of the items you’ll see Hibbert and his crew wearing at the track, and an official merchandise booth will be trackside at every stop of the 2016-17 ISOC National Snocross tour.

“Year-after-year, fans tell me they want to wear what we (the team) wear,” Hibbert continued. “It’s important that every fan feels connected and a part of Team 68. That’s why we’re doing this new Team 68 logo and adding more sponsors logos – to give fans the official team look.”

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38/8780.17_2D00_Tucker_2D00_Hibbert_2D00_Onesie_2D00_web.jpg" position="left"]Dedicated to future podium contenders, the all-new Tucker Hibbert Team 68 Onesie ($15) has bright graphics on a soft black 100% combed ring spun cotton bodysuit.[/caption]Fan favorites are back with fresh looks and new items have been added to provide a wide range of clothing and accessories for every Hibbert fan. The 2017 line continues to carry a strong emphasis on quality products at an accessible price. Featured items include a T-Train t-shirt and a Team 68 onesie.

“We take the same approach to this merchandise line as we to do our race program,” Hibbert said. “We’re focused on making products that people are excited to wear and made to last.”

The Tucker Hibbert online store features same-day shipping to customers in the US, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Free shipping is offered on domestic orders of $68 or more.  

Shop now: tuckerstore.mybigcommerce.com

This past weekend was full of tragedy for the snowmobile racing industry. Cross-country racer Hunter Houle and oval racer Billy-Joe Travis were both killed Friday in unrelated racing accidents.

Hunter, the son of snowmobile racing legend Steve Houle, was involved in a fatal crash on Pine Lake (near Gonvick, Minn.) while preparing for the weekend's series of USXC cross country races. There were no witnesses, but USXC officials responded to a report of a rider down on the course, and they reportedly found the 18-year-old unconscious. Hunter was transported by air to the Twin Cities, but he could not be revived. Steve Houle was working on the Tucker Hibbert team at the ISOC snocross event in Shakopee, Minn., when he got the news. Hunter was a member of the Christian Brothers Racing team.

On the same day, 30-year-old Billy-Joe Travis of Hillman, Mich., was racing at the No Bull Triple Crown event in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., when he fell from his machine and was struck by two other snowmobiles. The crash happened on the fourth turn of the track at Isabella County Fairgrounds. Officials who witnessed the accident say Travis lost control and flipped, then was hit by two different racers before the yellow caution flag could be placed. He sustained severe injuries to his head and the left side of his body. Travis was not breathing and had no pulse when medical officials got to him less than a minute later, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. There was a total of 13 racers on the track, and Travis was wearing a helmet at the time. The incident remains under investigation.

Hunter Houle’s funeral will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake (9300 Scandia Trail). Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Click here for the full obituary.

Funeral services for Billy-Joe Travis will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Hillman Community Center at 2 p.m.. Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday at the community center from 11 a.m. until time of service. Get the full obituary here.

Our thoughts go out to the Houle and Travis families during this difficult time.

I’m writing this in the truck on the way home, and after a full week of testing with the AmSnow test crew, we are sure the trails around the Munising area were some of the best anywhere right now. 

Conditions in that area were great for either ripping the trails or playing in the powder! There are also tons of hotels that are fantastic hosts for you and your crew. The Boarders Inn and Suites just east of Munising served as the AmSnow headquarters for the week, and it will be again for our Ride-In that will take place in a few weeks. We’re in for a great weekend if the snow keeps falling like it’s supposed to! 

I’ve got to admit, there are some mixed emotions for the editorial staff at AmSnow after some tragic news coming out of the snowmobile racing world over the weekend. The AmSnow team extends our sincerest condolences to the Houle and Travis families. The entire snowmobile community feels the pain of losing g two fantastic young men this weekend. It should serve as a somber reminder for all of us that we take on an important responsibility when we jump behind the bars. We won’t soapbox for too long, but please just stay safe everyone. 

Most of you know by now that our Real World Shootout is a week of intense testing, making sure engines, tracks and suspensions are properly broken in. Once they are, we pull out the computers, cameras, video equipment, tracking, and the radar gun to give each of our long-term demo sleds the fairest shake we can on our own undisclosed test track. You’ll find all those numbers, including top speeds, wet weights and early fuel mileage, in our upcoming Spring issue. So make sure your subscription is up to date!

If there’s one thing this week helps me remember every season, it’s that there are not very many things that compare to snowmobiling. Our test sleds this season are just plain crazy fun. Polaris’ Switchback Assault 144 is an amazing on- and off-trail sled. Ski-Doo’s Renegade X 850 is ridiculously good at inspiring confidence. The Thundercat and Sidewinder sleds are pure engine insanity atop a track and skis. Look for some mid-season reviews on everything coming soon. 

We now have close to 1,000 miles on each of our long-term demos. It’s hard not to smile when you’re aboard any sled, but the seven sleds we’ve got this season have been some of the best yet. There are a few quirks here and there that we’ll detail with you in our reviews, but all in all, we’ve been extremely impressed with the sleds from each OEM. 

I’ve got to extend a huge “thank you” to our team that somehow pulls off this miracle every season. Some seasons are bigger miracles than others, but we did it again, gang! You all know who you are and we couldn’t do it without you! Keep putting on the miles, everyone!

Rick Dobson photos

Three rounds of Pro Open snocross racing made it into the books at the Pirtek Snocross National this past weekend, and when all was said and done, there were three different winners crowned as well. The action took place on the Canterbury Park track in Shakopee, Minn., over a three-day weekend. Rounds 5 and 6 were raced on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Round 2, originally scheduled for November in Duluth, Minn., but postponed due to poor conditions, was made up on Sunday.

In Round 5, Elias Ishoel (Warnert Racing) overcame a mediocre showing in the qualifying rounds to secure his first-ever Pro Open victory in the final. Despite starting the final in fifth place, the aggressive Ishoel was out in front by the race's halfway point. The Norwegian phenom beat out Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports) and Tim Tremblay (AMSOIL/Air Force/ Ford).

On Saturday, Kody Kamm (Hentges Racing) won his heat in the first qualifying round and finished fourth in the second before coming out on top in the final. The Round 6 podium also included Logan Christian (Christian Brothers Racing) and Adam Renheim (BOSS Racing).

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-02-65/2605.TuckerHibbert_2D00_CanterburyPark2017_5F004000_JohnHanson.jpg" position="right"]John Hanson photo[/caption]Despite being a non-factor in Rounds 5 and 6, Tucker Hibbert (Team Monster Energy/Arctic Cat/Ram Trucks) had more of his familiar talents on display in the make-up round. After finishing 10th on Friday and 12th on Saturday, Hibbert took the checkered flag in the Round 2 final, finishing ahead of Martin (second) and Kamm (third).

“Getting the win on Sunday was awesome, for sure," said Hibbert. "We (the team) had a difficult weekend. My results were not great, to say the least. We struggled all weekend to do what we needed to do. Getting the win was a good way to end the weekend and gets us headed in the right direction for the rest of the season.”

Tremblay may have emerged as the biggest winner of the weekend, winning all six of his heat races and finishing 3rd, 6th and 4th in the finals. He left Canterbury as the series points leader with a 35-point gap over Kamm. Hibbert is currently third in the national Pro Open points standings, 41 points behind Tremblay.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-02-65/0726.Podium_2D00_Ishoel_2D00_Martin_2D00_Tremblay.jpg" position="left"]Friday night's Pro Open podium: Elias Ishoel (1st), Ross Martin (2nd) and Tim Tremblay (3rd).[/caption]Despite single digit temperatures for much of the three-day weekend, the largest crowds of the season came out to take advantage of Canterbury Park’s spacious indoor seating.

You can catch TV coverage of the racing action at Canterbury Park on CBS Sports Network; tune in Jan. 14, 21 and 28 at 10:00 a.m. EST.

The fourth stop of ISOC National Snocross tour will take place in Deadwood, S.D., Jan. 20-21. For more info, visit www.snocross.com.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38/0636.G_2D00_Force-_2D00_-Image-_2D00_-Donna-Davidson.jpg" position="right"]Snowmobile drag racer Donna Davidson[/caption]Gates Corporation, a global diversified manufacturer of industrial, automotive, heavy-duty, and powersports aftermarket products, announced its G-Force sponsored racer lineup for the 2017 season. These sponsored racers participate in an assortment of snow and dirt events, including: snowmobiling, snowmobile drag racing, snowmobile cross-country, ATV, side-by-side, and CVT racing. This year, Gates G-Force is sponsoring 20 race teams from across the USA, including nine female racers and its youngest racer ever, 8-year-old Kaden Danbury of Vista, Calif.

Throughout the 2017 season, these G-Force sponsored racers will represent and be supported by the Gates G-Force belt line. G-Force belts are industry-leading components for transferring power on ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles or other powersports equipment. Designed to handle the most arduous off-road and racing conditions with ease, G-Force belts help many racers land on the podium.

“We are excited to share this year’s lineup of Gates G-Force sponsored racers,” said Drew Conkling, Gates Powersports Belt Line Manager. “We had a large number of applications and it was challenging to make the final selections, but we are confident that our final roster best represents the exciting and diverse powersports category. Many of these racers tell us that switching to G-Force belts has been one of the best changes to their racing programs. We are honored to support these racers and looking forward to what 2017 brings.”

The sponsored teams are:

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38/8360.G_2D00_Force-_2D00_-Image-_2D00_-Kaden-Danbury.jpg" position="right"]The youngest G-Force racer – 8-year-old Kaden Danbury.[/caption]

SNOWMOBILE

• Chase Toys Inc (Chad Dow, Tim Lessard) – Maine
• Hayford Racing (Jeff Hayford, Alex Hetteen, Jill Tangen, Daniel Herberg, Cade Hayford) – Minnesota
• Hess Drag Racing (Tyler Wilkerson, Jim Hess) – Maine
• Ryan Weidemann Racing (Ryan Weidemann) – Iowa
• Strand Enterprises (Donna Davidson) – Wisconsin
• Top Tier Motorsports (Cody Knutson) – Wisconsin
• Wenzlaff Racing (Andy Wenzlaff, Jake Wenzlaff, Ellie Wenzlaff) – Wisconsin

OFF-ROAD and DIRT

• 406 Off Road (Nolan Whitesell, Veronica Whitesell) – Illinois
• Adrenaline Racing (Josh Milstead, Amber Milstead, Bruce Hill) – Texas
• Cunningham Racing (Kevin Cunningham) – Indiana
• Danbury Racing (Kaden Danbury) – California
• DM Racing (David Martinez) – California
• Jordan Phillips Racing (Jordan Phillips) – North Carolina
• Katie V Racing (Katie Vernola) – California
• Moore Racing (Paul Moore, Steph Taylor, Dewey Harness) – Ohio
• Rockstar Racing (Lacrecia Beurrier) – Arizona
• Sims188 Racing (Casey Sims) – California
• Sorensen Motorsports (Branden Sorensen, Amanda Sorensen) – Nevada
• Team Momentum Racing (Robert Parker) – North Carolina
• xpWarrior (Jeramiah Drew) – Nevada

For more detailed information about Gates G-Force products, please visit GatesGForce.com.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Arctic Cat has issued a voluntary recall of about 20,700 snowmobiles with a fuel tank that can crack, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment and posing a fire hazard. Arctic Cat has received reports of 918 incidents, including 6 reports of fires, with the snowmobiles. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves model year 2007, 2008, and 2009 Arctic Cat snowmobiles, including F models, Jaguar and Jaguar Z1 1100 models, Bearcat Z1 XT models, T500 and T570 models, TZ1 and TZ1 Turbo models, and Z1 1100 and Z1 1100 Turbo models. The recalled models were sold at Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide from June 2006 through December 2016 for between $11,500 and $14,300.

These snowmobiles were produced in a variety of color combinations. “Arctic Cat” is printed on the sides of the vehicle and on the back snow-flap area. The model name is on the side of the vehicle. The model number is printed in the owner’s manual.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowmobiles and contact an Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have been directly notified about this recall by mail.

For more info, contact Arctic Cat at 800-279-6851 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. You can also go online at www.arcticcat.com/customer-care, then click “Product Recall” and “List of Safety Bulletins.”

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Yamaha has recalled a small number of Viper snowmobiles that have the Yamaha-approved turbo kit installed by Yamaha dealers. A total of 400 SR Viper 2016 Model Year snowmobiles are being recalled due to crash and fire hazards. Yamaha has received 40 reports of engine damage due to the turbocharge overboost. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves model year 2016 SR10 SR Viper snowmobiles in several colors, which were sold by Yamaha snowmobile dealers nationwide from August 2015 through April 2016 for between $12,800 and $14,100. (For a complete list of recalled models, click here.) None of the previous model years or non-turbo Viper models were affected. The recalled models are those equipped with the aftermarket turbo accessory at Yamaha snowmobile dealers nationwide from March 2015 through September 2016 for about $3,300.

The recall revolves around the connecting rod in the motor for a very small number of Viper machines with the added turbo. The actual turbo unit is unaffected.

A consumer will find the sled's model name printed on the left and right side of the front cowling. The vehicle identification number (VIN) and the model number are stamped on the frame (tunnel) near the right foot-well. The letter G in the 10th position of the VIN number indicates that the unit was made in the 2016 model year.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowmobiles and contact a local Yamaha dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly.

For more info, contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime or visit its website: www.yamahamotorsports.com.

Camso, formerly Camoplast Solideal, is now a Supporting Sponsor of the AMA Championship Snow Bike Series. The series consists of nine events in seven U.S. states. Riders are challenged by a motocross-inspired half-mile track made up of turns, jumps, banks, whoops and dips. The events draw spectators and fans of powersports, motorsports and winter action sports.

“The AMA Championship Snow Bike Series is an official winter sport race, managed by Big Nasty Hillclimb, LLC (BNHC)," says Bruce Dashnaw, Sales and Marketing Director – Powersports at Camso. "We’re proud to support this group in a shared effort, between industry manufacturers, avid motorcyclists, and various winter venues which support motorized activities.”

For the 2017 season, Camso is supporting riders Colton Sturm, Phil Smage and Cody Thompson with its new dirt-to-snow (DTS) conversion system. Camso anticipates that the racing sponsorship will prompt more riders to consider the Camso DTS 129 both on and off-track. At the season’s first race in Minneapolis, Minn. (Dec. 18), Thompson finished first, Sturm fourth, and Smage fifth. Round 2 will take place Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Morgan, Utah. Learn more about the series here.

“Racing pushes the limits and boundaries of both products and riders,” says Dashnaw. “That in turn pushes Camso to produce innovative new products that allow our sponsored riders, and all of our customers, to 'Go Further.'”

The crystal ball in our offices is fickle. Unlike some industry media folks, we don’t claim to know it all. We are not always right, and we also can’t predict the future … but it sure is fun to talk about it! With the inside track on a lot of things, we do have a few more insights compared to the average snowmobile future-teller. Still, at the end of the day, we are all just making educated hypotheses.

Over the next few weeks, AmSnow editors will be attending the OEMs' Sneak Peek events, where they'll be finding out what cool new stuff the "Big Four" have on tap for snowmobilers this year. Taken from the pages of our February 2017 issue, here are our predictions for model year 2018:

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39/1452.SNO_2D00_CN0217_5F00_A03.jpg" position="right"]Will Arctic Cat finally figure out its SVX snow bike vehicle for model year 2018?[/caption]Arctic Cat
Will we FINALLY get the new 800 C-TEC engine? The Cat PR folks told us back in March that it wasn’t quite ready for 2017, so we assume this MUST be coming for 2018. We hope it’s across all market segments. We also assume Cat will finally figure out the SVX snow bike vehicle (it has raced in snow bike events such as the Duluth ISOC where it got 2nd place). But will there be a limited build actually available at dealerships (or at least ready to order in a spring-buy promotion)? Will the last remnants of the 565cc 2-stroke fan motor in the Bearcat lineup finally disappear? We think that motor has a limited time span due to EPA credits for emissions standards across the full line of Cat sleds. This might be the last year, as the 700cc EFI twin 4-stroke motor fills that power level. Is there a joint chassis development effort going on between Cat and Yamaha? Either way, Cat is due to replace the ProCross chassis, as it is more than half a decade old now. It will either be in 2018 or 2019.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39/1680.SNO_2D00_CN0217_5F00_P01.jpg" position="right"]Polaris had more 550 fan 2-stroke models in its MY2017 lineup than any other OEM. These included the Indy LXT (above). When will Polaris eliminate this particular engine altogether, and what will replace it?[/caption]Polaris
While some aggressive riders would love to see a new consumer RR version of the new Polaris race sled, we don’t think that is going to happen. It would be cool to see the race sled’s new steering post and narrower bodywork make it onto a consumer sled, though. That rear racing suspension must be working better in the rough stuff and more durable than the exposed Rush rear suspension.  We think we might see more of that 600R suspension. Polaris also has more 550 fan 2-stroke models in its lineup than any other OEM. When do those 550cc models go away? What does Polaris replace them with? There is still no 4-stroke motor in Polaris’ lineup, and we think they will need it and probably introduce something soon. Timbersled snow bikes will also be a HUGE focal point for Polaris in 2018. We are guessing they will have a more “trail-focused” or “Midwest” version with a different ski or suspension setup for 2018. We were wrong last year when we thought there might be a new 600 motor for Polaris, but after a decade-plus of similar 600cc technology, we have to believe Polaris is ready for the next iteration.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39/3438.SNO_2D00_CN0217_5F00_S03.jpg" position="right"]Ski-Doo could give its new 850 motor an added boost by offering an MPI gas turbo kit option.[/caption]Ski-Doo
Is the 850 enough to compete with the big 4-stroke turbo from Yamaha and Cat? Will the HP wars get even hotter with a newly designed 4-stroke turbo Mach Z from Ski-Doo? We have been wrong so many times on this one that we don’t even want to talk about it anymore, but it would be VERY interesting. Also interesting to note:  MPI (the company that made “factory-approved” turbo kits for Yamaha for several years) now makes a super easy-to-install pump gas turbo kit for the new 850 motor. We reported on this earlier this year, but might there be a similar deal being made with Ski-Doo?  With MPI turbo installed, the 850 motor would likely be on par with the power of the Yamaha/Cat 4-stroke turbo sleds … not to mention more lightweight.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-39/6082.SNO_2D00_CN0217_5F00_Y03.jpg" position="right"]Last year was big for Yamaha with the Sidewinder sleds. What's in store for the OEM's 50-year anniversary in 2018?[/caption]Yamaha
Please let there be a new “Yamaha only” chassis this year! I think we echo all of the Yamaha faithful when we say that. Certainly, last year was big for Yamaha with the Sidewinder sleds (see photo above), but 2018 marks 50 years for Yamaha in the snowmo-biz. We have to believe that something just as big is in store for the new model year. Maybe (like we alluded to earlier) there is a joint project for a true chassis build going on between Cat and Yamaha. Granted, the 998cc turbo 4-stroke in the ProCross/SRV chassis was a joint project, but we are talking bigger than that. Maybe we will see that VK 540 motor in something other than the old VK utility chassis this year. We've got a side bet going in the office that there's a new version of a Sno-Scoot on the way too!

In mid-February, we'll begin revealing what's new for model year 2018. Stay tuned to www.AmSnow.com for more details, and subscribe to American Snowmobiler to get the full report in our Spring 2017 issue!

This weekend (Jan. 19-22), the 54th Annual AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby will take over Eagle River, Wis., the "Snowmobile Capital of the World."

Known as the “Indianapolis 500 of Snowmobile Racing,” the Derby attracts more than 40,000 spectators annually. Fans travel from all over the United States, Canada and beyond to watch more than 500 international drivers race their high-tech snowmobiles at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour on a solid ice oval, or marvel at the high-flying snocross pilots as they maneuver over the demanding snocross course. For over 50 years, the race has been held on a fully-contained, half-mile banked oval track located in the heart of one of Wisconsin’s most popular resort areas.

The AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby is not only the largest and most prestigious snowmobile competition in the sport, it is one of the highest-ranking winter sports events in the Midwest and recognized around the world.

For more information on the week’s festivities, visit www.derbytrack.com.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Starting tomorrow Tucker Hibbert will help launch the X Games Shred Hate campaign by visiting three schools in Pueblo, Colo. The anti-bullying initiative aims to tangibly reduce bullying rates in the X Games communities of Colorado and Minnesota, and for X Games fans worldwide.

ESPN and X Games have teamed up with some of the most innovative bullying prevention programs in the country – No Bully, GLSEN, DoSomething.org and Crisis Text Line – to launch the Shred Hate campaign. X Games athletes are supporting the campaign by taking part in Shred Hate rallies in schools. The action sports athletes attending the Pueblo schools include Hibbert (a 10-time consecutive Snowmobile SnoCross gold medalist), Shred Hate spokesperson Jack Mitrani, Aspen natives and Aspen high school alumni Torin Yater-Wallace and Alex Ferreira, and BMX legend Kevin Robinson.
 
"I'm beyond excited to be involved with such an inspiring and positive campaign,” said Jack Mitrani, X Games host and snowboarder. “There really is so much potential with this program, and it is an honor to be working alongside my favorite action sports athletes as well as the X Games platform to collaboratively make a positive impact in Colorado, Minnesota, and across the country."
 
ESPN is working with the ground-breaking organization No Bully, which will provide an enriched bullying-prevention curriculum to schools. Within this program, school leaders are coached on how to lead culture change on their campus and sustain a learning environment where all students are included. No Bully also engages parents, guardians and civic leadership to ensure a community-centric approach to bullying prevention. The last independent report on the organization shows that schools across the U.S. trained by No Bully are able to remedy an astounding 90% of cases of bullying.

Additionally, GLSEN will help the schools become safer and more affirming for LGBTQ students, who experience far higher levels of bias-based bullying and harassment than their non-LGBTQ peers. Hostile school climates mean LGBTQ students are half as likely to participate in school sports and other activities.
 
Participating Colorado schools include: East High School, Heaton Middle School and Risley International Academy of Innovation in Pueblo, Colo.; Glenwood Springs High School in Glenwood, Colo.; and Carbondale Middle School in Carbondale, Colo.
 
X Games Shred Hate will work with several other programs to create change nationwide, including Crisis Text Line to ensure that people have an outlet if they’re in crisis by texting BULLY to 741741. Also, as part of the campaign, DoSomething.org will encourage its 5 million members to write a negative story, phrase or idea that they want to overcome on a large piece of paper and then shred it by running through it like they’re crossing a finish line. Photos will be posted and shared socially to show their peers that they’re taking a stand against bullying. X Games fans also will have an opportunity to get engaged onsite, with interactive Shred Hate programming connecting young people to important resources and information.
 
“Action sports can be a positive avenue for athletes and youth whose individuality may not fit into ‘traditional’ team sports,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “In that regard, ESPN has used its X Games platform to launch Shred Hate to help students choose kindness and reach them no matter what stage they might be in — to prevent bullying from happening, to help those already affected and reach those who are in a state of crisis.”
 
For more information please visit XGames.com/ShredHate. 

We all love numbers and data so we thought we would give folks a closer, even more detailed analysis of just a few quick stats from the New York Shootout. By this time of year we have already done both our New York Shootout (out of the box stock sleds) and our Real World Shootout (broken-in and accessorized real consumer condition sleds) so we have a good handle on what is really working and what really isn't. We wanted to focus on one sled in particular, actually one engine in particular, that is exceeding expectations. That sled and engine combo is the Polaris 800 Switchback. We had the 137-inch Rush-based version at our New York Shootout and the 144-inch Assault Switchback at our Real World Shootout.

Let's go behind the numbers a little bit, at the New York Shootout the Polaris 800 was the strongest 800 on the dyno at 156.9 hp, which was only 8 hp less than the new Ski-Doo 850. Also at our New York Shootout the Polaris 800 was the best performing 800 on the 1000-foot acceleration track, and was only bested by the big 4-stroke turbo sleds, the Yamaha Sidewinder and Arctic Cat Thundercat. We are not going to spoil the surprise for our upcoming Real World Shootout article reveal in our March issue, but needless to say, the Polaris 800s are also among the lightest big horsepower sleds on the market now too. On top of exceptional performance, our early fuel mileage testing is showing this 800 twin is one of the most efficient 2-strokes in the industry as well. You will have to make sure your subscription is up to date to get those figures in our upcoming March/Spring issue! Spoiler alert, they are good as well!

Now we've been called a Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat and Yamaha lovers before, but the fact is that we have to give credit when it is due... the new 800 Polaris trail and crossover sleds are proving performance. 

Don't forget to check out all the info on the New York Shootout in our February issue and, of course, we will have our Real World Trail and Real World Powder Sled evals in the March issue... along with all the info on the new 2018 sleds from all 4 manufacturers!  Subscribe here now!

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-00-38/2630.Colten-Moore-double-backflip.jpg" position="right"]Colten Moore completes the second rotation of a double backflip attempt above his own foam pit in Texas.[/caption]X Games Aspen 2017 kicks off in Aspen, Colo., on Thursday, Jan. 26. This long weekend of high-octane competition and thrills is always full of surprises, but there's one thing you can probably count on: there should be at least one snowmobile competitor attempting a double backflip.

The Snowmobile Best Trick event is back for the first time in four years, and according to a preview article on the X Games website, freestylist Colten Moore has been hard at work trying to perfect the never-before-landed stunt.

"The snowmobile double backflip is long overdue," said Moore. "This is the year."

Levi LaVallee attempted a double backflip at X Games Aspen 2009, completing both rotations before getting bounced from his seat upon landing. Moore has been studying that video clip and taking tips from motocross expert and double flip pioneer Travis Pastrana. To see a video of Moore practicing the trick in his own foam pit, click here.

According to reports, Heath Frisby and Daniel Bodin are also planning to attempt the double backflip at this year's X Games Aspen. We can't wait to see who will be the first to land it!

The Snowmobile Best Trick Final will air during ESPN's coverage of the X Games on Sunday, Jan. 29, beginning at noon EST. For a full schedule of events, visit xgames.espn.com.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-02-65/7080.Ross-Martin1.jpg" position="left"]Ross Martin (center) gets out in front of the field during Friday night's Pro Open final in Deadwood, S.D. Courtesy RideX365.com[/caption]Rounds seven and eight of the ISOC National Snocross tour took place this past weekend in Deadwood, S.D. At the tight confines of the Days of ’76 Rodeo Arena, Ross Martin and Tucker Hibbert secured Pro Open victories in front of a rowdy, sold-out crowd.

Martin, who came into Deadwood with three podium finishes in an otherwise rocky season, won Friday night's main event ahead of Kody Kamm (second) and Ryan Springer (third).

“I’ve definitely been building,” said Martin. "I started off a little slow. I came into the season prepared, so I don’t know if it was mental or what it was, but once I started getting on the podium, I got that feeling back that I belong up there and just have to keep pushing.”

Hibbert had impressive runs both nights on the tight, rough track. Friday night, however, Hibbert got off to a tough start, finishing the first lap in 11th place among 14 riders. He made clean passes, gaining seven positions to finish in fourth place.

[caption image="/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-blogs-components-weblogfiles/00-00-00-02-65/0044.TuckerHibbert_2D00_Deadwood2017_2D00_Saturday_5F00A900_JohnHanson.jpg" position="right"]Tucker Hibbert does what he does best in front of a packed crowd in Deadwood, S.D. Photo by John Hanson.[/caption]Despite missing the podium in Round 7, Hibbert rebounded to take the checked flag in Saturday night's final. After taking the holeshot, he momentarily got shuffled back to fourth place in turn two’s split lane corner. By the time he exited the next corner, however, he had regained control of the race. With a clear track in front of him, he quickly pulled away. By lap 16 of the 24-lap race, he had a 16-second lead and coasted the rest of the way to his 124th career win. Tim Tremblay and Ryan Pallin finished second and third, respectively.

Even with the win in Round 8, Hibbert expressed disappointment in his own performance during the weekend's qualifying rounds. Hibbert finished in third and second place in his two qualifying heats on Friday, and finished in sixth and second place in Saturday's qualifiers.

"Overall, I’m happy with my performance but disappointed in my qualifying results," said Hibbert. "Since the qualifiers have bonus points to win, I really need to start winning those races. That’s something I’m focused on turning around.”

For full race results and season point standings, visit www.snocross.com.

Here's a video of Hibbert's weekend highlights:

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Arctic Cat Inc. announced that it will soon be bought by Textron Inc. for approximately $247 million in cash, plus the assumption of existing debt. Textron, a global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses, claims more than $13 billion in annual revenues and employs approximately 35,000 people.

Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, which was unanimously approved by the Arctic Cat board of directors, Textron will commence a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of Arctic Cat at $18.50 per share in cash, representing a 40.7 percent premium to the closing price of Arctic Cat's common stock on Jan. 20, 2017.

Arctic Cat anticipates that tender offer materials will be provided to shareholders no later than Feb. 7, 2017. The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

“Arctic Cat’s board believes that Textron’s offer delivers compelling and immediate value to our shareholders,” said Christopher Metz, Arctic Cat’s president and chief executive officer. “This transaction presents increased opportunities for the business to leverage our combined scale, accelerate growth and enhance product innovation in ways that will benefit our customers, dealers and employees.”

Arctic Cat will become part of Textron’s Specialized Vehicles business, maintaining its iconic Arctic Cat brand, as well as its current manufacturing, distribution and operational facilities, with a focus on growing the business. Arctic Cat and Textron Specialized Vehicles have complementary product portfolios of recreational, utility and specialized vehicles. The combined businesses plan to offer a wider product lineup, and allow for more aggressive investment in product development, dealer networks, marketing and customer service.

“We are proud of the progress our team has made to lay the foundation for Textron to continue taking this company forward," said Metz. "Textron plans to build on Arctic Cat’s strong brand and history of innovation. We expect many Arctic Cat employees to benefit from expanded career opportunities as part of a larger, more diversified company. On behalf of the Arctic Cat board and management team, we thank our dedicated employees for their hard work, commitment and pride in making Arctic Cat an enduring competitor and beloved brand in the powersports market. We are excited about Arctic Cat’s future.”

Arctic Cat is based in Minneapolis and employs about 1,600 people.

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Polaris Industries Inc. reported its fourth quarter 2016 sales of $1,217.8 million, up 10% from $1,105.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2015. Fourth quarter 2016 reported net income was $62.6 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, compared with $110.7 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, for the 2015 fourth quarter. Adjusted net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2016, excluding purchase accounting adjustments and certain costs related to the acquisition of TAP, was $76.1 million, or $1.18 per diluted share.

For the full year ended Dec. 31, 2016 the company reported sales of $4,516.6 million, a decrease of 4 percent versus $4,719.3 million in the prior year. Reported net income was $212.9 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, compared with $455.4 million, or $6.75 per diluted share, for the full year 2015. Adjusted net income, excluding purchase accounting adjustments and certain costs related to the acquisition of TAP was $226.5 million, or $3.48 per diluted share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016.

Off-Road Vehicle (“ORV”) and Snowmobile segment sales, including their respective PG&A related sales, were $905.0 million for Q4, compared with $862.0 million for Q4 for the prior year. Gross profit decreased one percent to $259.2 million, or 28.6% of sales, in Q4 of 2016, compared to $262.8 million, or 30.5% of sales, in Q4 of 2015. Gross profit percentage declined primarily due to higher promotional spending and increased warranty expense.

Snowmobile wholegood sales in Q4 increased 13% due to the timing of shipments, year-over-year and a favorable mix of higher priced snowmobiles shipped during the quarter.

Parts, Garments, and Accessories (“PG&A”) sales, which are included in each of the three respective reporting segments, excluding TAP sales of $108.7 million, increased 9% for Q4 2016. All three reporting segments experienced higher PG&A sales during the quarter primarily due to higher parts sales during the quarter.

“2016 was a difficult and challenging year for Polaris, but our culture is geared to deal head on with adversity and learn from it, and that’s what we did in 2016," said Scott Wine. "In response to a series of recalls, we took the necessary steps to ensure that Polaris vehicles deliver the quality, safety and performance that our customers expect. We are relying on these enhanced improvements, consistent execution, and aggressive innovation to regain our footing as the ‘Best in Powersports.'” 

The Company expects the full year 2017 adjusted net income to be in the range of $4.25 to $4.50 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income of $3.48 per diluted share for 2016. Full year 2017 sales are anticipated to increase in the range of 10-13% over 2016 sales of $4,516.6 million.

For a full financial report, visit www.polaris.com.

Arctic Cat has announced a partnership with Octane Ink, which will now be the OEM's preferred supplier and the only one authorized to manufacture and sell custom wraps that include Arctic Cat branding and logos.

Polaris Engineered Lubricants (PEL) is expanding its off-road and snowmobile rider support for 2017 and is now accepting applications for its ORV (RZR/ACE/ATV) and Snowmobile Rider Support program. The Polaris Engineered Lubricants Rider Support program is available to riders competing in snowmobile and ORV events within North America. Rider applications will be accepted between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2017.

Formulated specifically for use in the vehicles Polaris manufactures, PEL have been proven to perform in some of the most grueling racing on the planet including off-road desert racing and snowmobile, enduro and cross-country racing. PEL-sponsored riders have won championships in Best in the Desert, SCORE, snocross and the Soo I-500.

To apply, send your resume with race results via e-mail or snail mail to the addresses below. Be sure to include an e-mail address in your resume, as all rider contracts will be sent out via email.

Email:  matt.olund@polaris.com

Mail: Polaris Engineered Lubricants
          Attn: Rider Support C/O Matt Olund
          900 Mendelssohn Ave. N.
          Golden Valley, MN 55427

Near the end of 2016, the Honorable John R. Tunheim, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court in Minnesota, entered an order that granted Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) summary judgment that each of Arctic Cat Inc.'s 94 accused snowmobile models infringed upon BRP's U.S. Patent 7,124,847. The ruling, was the result of a long-running patent infringement suit by BRP against Arctic Cat. The Order, which was made on Dec. 28, 2016, was originally filed under seal and is now publicly available. 

The dispute, which is in its fourth year, centers around three patents owned by BRP and BRP U.S. Inc. Two of the patents cover a snowmobile with a “pyramidal brace assembly” that supports the steering post and provides stability to the snowmobile’s frame. The other patent involves a snowmobile’s seat and its positioning.

The Court found that Bombardier was entitled to summary judgment on the 7,124,847 patent because Bombardier has met its burden of proving infringement. Arctic Cat’s three separate motions for partial summary judgment, on the other hand, were all denied because Arctic Cat did not show clear and convincing evidence of its claim that Bombardier’s patents were invalid. 

As a result, Arctic Cat's invalidity defenses, as well as BRP's claims for infringement of the other asserted patents, damages and willful infringement, will be decided at trial. No trial date has been set.

The entire Court order is available here.