Cool News

Avalanche Racing’s sponsors rally to support Kylie Abrahamson & Pink Ribbon Riders

Amsnow — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:52:00 GMT

Avalanche Racing has been a big supporter of the Pink Ribbon Riders organization and their mission of direct financial support to *** cancer patients while creating awareness to both men and women of *** cancer for several years now.

C&A Ski's is a huge sponsor of Kylie on and off the track as the Pink Ribbon Riders spokesperson... including her awesome Pink Ski's. Polaris Industries is donating an awesome Polaris 600 IQ Shift for auction (consumer replica of Kylie's sled). Parts Unlimited continues their wonderful support of Kylie and the Program with phenomenal Arctiva clothing and an awesome Z1R helmet.

Thank you to all Avalanche Racing sponsors... together we will make a difference!

Parts Unlimited, Liberty Coach, Yellow Book, Arctiva, Z1R Helmets, Rockstar, Polaris Racing, Maxima, Scoretix.com, Rox, Gordys, Wiseco, Smith, Powermadd, Ogio, Trukke, HMK, Walker Evans, Stud Boy, TekVest, Culligan, 139 Designs, Reichert, C&A Pro, Prevost, NGK, Alpine Star, HCP Designs, Motocomm, DP Brakes, VP Racing, Jet Hot, Volvo, BRRP

More info: http://www.avalancheraceteam.com/

2009 Yamaha Race Team Media Day

mboncher — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:34:00 GMT

From left to right - Freestyle motocross riders Jeff Tilton, Nate Adams and Tommy Clowers with Miss Supercross 2008.

In preparation for the upcoming racing season, AmSnow recently attended the 2009 Yamaha Race Team Media day at Yamaha Motor's headquarters in Cypress, Calif. This was a day to rub shoulders with some of the greatest motorsport racers in the world.

Us snowmobile folks were certainly most excited about the upcoming snocross season and are excited to see how Yamaha factory snocross racers Iain Hayden and Steve Taylor will perform on their new Nytros. However, at this event we realized that often we fail to remember snowmobiles are just one small segment of Yamaha's overall racing mission. There are dozens of other race teams supported by Yamaha from ATVs, to motocross bikes, to supercross bikes, to road bikes and more. At the Race Team Media day, we were able to rub shoulders with people from all kinds of motorsport disciplines. We hung out with the likes of AMA Motocross Champion James Stewart, AMA Superbike Champion Ben Spies, legendary racer Doug Henry and freestyle extraordaires Tommy Clowers, Nate Adams and Jeff Tilton. These are just a sampling of the introductions we were privy to at this day of fun in the sun.

AmSnow Senior Editor Mark Boncher talks with Yamaha's Doug Henry and Ben Spies.

Mark Boncher and James Stewart take part in a dyno run of the new Yamaha R-1.

The good folks at Yamaha also had a reaction time test set up on the asphalt using a converted Nytro sled. This was open to everyone and we took our shots vying for bragging rights of who had the fastest trigger-thumb. There were also tests to prove your bike balancing skills, wrenching skills and more. You could even have your photo taken with Miss Supercross 2009 on a race-prepped Nytro! Sweet.

Reaction speed tests were carried out with the help of a Nytro converted to run on the asphalt.

The most intriguing part of the event was the tour of Yamaha's headquarters. For anyone interested in motorsports this was a treat as we got to help with a dyno session of a new R-1 bike, see numerous "education labs" where all the latest tools of the trade are taught to Yamaha mechanics and we got to see where the race teams work on their machines.

Finally, we learned that Yamaha's new race Nytro is ready for action in next week's national ISOC snocross kick-off in Duluth, Minn. Taylor and Hayden have been practicing diligently on the machine and things are all dialed in. So get ready because this year all four manufacturers will be at Duluth ready to take home the checkered flag!

Yellowstone caps snowmobiles at 720

Amsnow — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:42:00 GMT

Yellowstone National Park will let in 720 snowmobiles a day while officials try to form a long-term access plan amid challenges from recreational users and conservationists.

Park spokesman Al Nash said administrators decided to revert to the old temporary plan so they could dive immediately into developing a long-term solution.

The decision marked the latest turn in a decades-long struggle between snowmobile advocates, who want more recreational access, and conservation groups that say too many of the machines degrade the park's natural beauty.

This year in particular has been wrought with inconsistent legal rulings.

To read the full article on this matter from the Associated Press writer Matthew Brown, follow this link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hy8u7IqcXuuaGBP-p_uMQ6iKe3wQD94H3R580

Registration form for ISC-2009

Amsnow — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:51:00 GMT

Early registration is closing soon. So submit your International Snowmobile Congress registration today by clicking on the following link:

Amsoil Duluth National Snocross at Spirit Mountain

Amsnow — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:40:00 GMT

November 28, 29 & 30, 2008

For the 17^th consecutive season, Duluth's Spirit Mountain is host to the biggest professional snocross racing event on the planet, The Amsoil Duluth National Snocross. This year's event features several edgy new twists, including freestyle and a longer racetrack, for the much-anticipated start to winter.

The new Amsoil Championship Snocross Series event is the kickoff to world's leading professional racing circuit. The series is snowmobiling's top form of racing with its high-flying aerial displays, jumps, jolts and high-speed runs. The festivities are organized and promoted by Visit Duluth and Spirit Mountain. This year marks a new level of snocross with the arrival of premier sanctioning body International Series of Champions (ISOC).

It is also the first time riders will be competing for the prestigious C.J. Ramstad Memorial Cup honoring the legacy of "Mr. Snowmobiling."

Also, brand new for 2008 is Friday night's 7 p.m. Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour showcasing jaw dropping backflips and other acrobatic talents of Slednecks team riders Chris Burandt, Sam Rogers, Cody Borchers, Paul Thacker, Steve Martin, Kourtney Hungerford and Aleksander Nordgaard along with special guest DJ Soulman rocking the venue. The 50-minute extreme freestyle performance is followed by fireworks at 8 p.m. Fans can grab free Monster Energy drinks, score free Slednecks and Monster swag and after the show get autographs from the athletes.

There is also a new product's expo chock full of vendors with the latest winter gear and accessories. You can view all of the action from either outdoor bleachers or from inside the cozy chalet.

Of course, this year's event will bring the top racers in the world of Snocross: 2007 Pro Open champion Tucker Hibbert and Pro Stock Champion Ross Martin will be returning to defend their titles. Other top pro and semi-pro racers returning include local favorites DJ Eckstrom, Bobby LePage, Carl Schubitzke and Matt Judnick. Also returning are Robbie Malinoski, Steve Taylor, Shaun Crapo and Levi LaValle.

More info: http://www.isocracing.com/, http://www.visitduluth.com/, 800-4-duluth

Polaris offers snocross fans free pit passes

Amsnow — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:46:00 GMT

Get close to your favorite racers with a free pass into the pit area at Amsoil Championship Snocross Series (ACSS) races. Race fans can get their free ACSS pit pass by visiting their nearest participating Polaris dealer (dealers within 200 miles of ACSS race events will each receive 25 passes).

The free pass is good only for access to the pit area and does not provide a race fan with admission to the race track.

Once inside the race venue, fans can present the free pit pass coupons at the International Series of Champions (ISOC) will-call window. At that time, each person will need to sign an ISOC liability waiver for admission to the pit area and must abide by ISOC race site regulations. All fans will also be required to have a valid gate admission pass.

Visit your nearest participating Polaris snowmobile dealer today to get a free pit pass for an upcoming ACSS race in your area.

Upcoming events on the Amsoil Championship Snocross Series schedule include:

Nov. 28-30, 2008 - Amsoil Duluth National - Spirit Mountain - Duluth, Minn.
Dec. 12-14, 2008 - Bad River Lodge and Casino National - Ironwood, Mich.
Jan. 9-11, 2009 - Air Force National Presented by Polaris - Canterbury Park, Shakopee, Minn.
Feb. 6-8, 2009 - Brainerd International Raceway - Brainerd, Minn.
Feb. 13-15, 2009 - Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack - Farmington, N.Y.
Feb. 20-22, 2009 - Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt - Valcourt, Que.
March 6-8, 2009 - HACC Hayward 300 - LCO Casino - Hayward, Wis.
March 20-22, 2009 - Grand Finale - Lake Geneva, Wis.

Update on Yellowstone ruling

Amsnow — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:09:00 GMT

Article by Daniel Person

In a ruling dated Nov. 7, U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer disagreed with U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan's ruling earlier this year that allowing more than 500 snowmobiles into Yellowstone was illegal. But Brimmer may not have the power to overturn it.

Brimmer did order the park to revert back to the temporary rule put forward in 2004 until it can form a winter use plan that complies with the law. Park officials had said the 2004 rule could not be used because of a sunset provision stating it was only valid through the 2006-2007 winter season.

The 2004 rule allowed for more than 720 snowmobiles a day in the park. Whether the 2004 rule will actually be implemented depends on the fate of a new rule being proposed by the Park Service now.

The Park Service announced a plan last week that would cap the number of snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Teton national parks at 318. The plan is under public comment now, but scheduled to go into place before the park's winter season begins in mid-December. If it does, the 2004 plan would not return.

To read this article in its entirety from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle visit: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2008/11/12/news/30brimmer%20ruling.txt

Featherlite launches new Web sites

Amsnow — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:43:00 GMT

Featherlite Trailers has launched two new interactive Web sites that are more kinetic and "customer-centric" than ever before. Enhancements include the Featherlite Online Trailer Builder, Request a Quote and Model Comparison features, among many others, as well as a complete aesthetic redesign.

One of the new sites, http://www.fthr.com, focuses on Featherlite's consumer trailer models - car, recreation, livestock, horse and commercial/utility. The second site, http://www.featherlitespecialty.com, spotlights the dynamic Featherlite business-to-business segments. This includes the famed Featherlite racecar transporters used by NASCAR, IRL and other racing sanction teams. The major portion of the site illuminates the extensive capabilities that Featherlite has designing and manufacturing dynamic mobile facilities for business, corporate, government and professional sports organizations.

The new http://www.fthr.com Web site also includes additional means of communication with customers' nearest dealers, like a feature that allows visitors to get a quote from their closest dealer on a specific model. An enhanced dealer finder allows people to search for their dealer by zip code, state or country. Featherlite has also conveniently added a Google Map for visitors to get directions to their nearest dealer.

Other additions to the new Web site include a model by model comparison where potential trailer owners can compare up to three trailer models side-by-side and print the comparison. Web users will also find tips for selecting a trailer, common trailer terms and definitions and overall more info on Featherlite models, features and options.

Take a look at the new Web sites: http://www.fthr.com or http://www.featherlitespecialty.com

Boyesen confirms Team Rosko’s rider list and selects Rage Cage winners

Amsnow — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Boyesen is proud to support Team Rosko in their racing efforts for the 2008-2009 season and will actively be sponsoring Team Rosko and their associated 2008-2009 riders:

Mike Island: Pro
Jonathan Orr: Pro
Stacey Orr: Pro Women
Paul Wilson: Semi Pro
Sean Macaulay: Semi Pro
Jakob Rosko-Fong: Junior
Alex Cecco: Junior
Nolan Rosko-Fong: 120

To celebrate its partnership with Team Rosko, Boyesen is inviting everyone to participate in its Rage Cage Giveaway program. The first of four Change of Heart Rage Cage Giveaway winners is Nicholas Lesyshen of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., who will receive a Boyesen Rage Cage Reed Valve System. Congratulations!

It's not too late to signup yourself to win! The next drawing is Nov. 30!

Boyesen invites you to enter its free Change of Heart Rage Cage Giveaway. Continuing until Jan. 30, Boyesen is giving you the chance to win a complete Rage Cage Reed System - free of charge and no purchase necessary. Simply go to the online signup page, fill in your contact info and submit - it's that easy! The Change of Heart Rage Cage Giveaway drawings will take place over the course of the next several months.

Enter to win here: http://boyesen.com/rage_cage08.html

Powder Advantage Lightweight Mufflers from Speedwerx, Inc.

Amsnow — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:07:00 GMT

Speedwerx, Inc. has recently announced one of our new Lightweight Muffler products as its "Powder Pro Lightweight Muffler." The company has come to realize that that name is too close to the Starting Line Products (SLP) line of "Powder Pro Skis." Speedwerx apologizes for any confusion this caused to any of the Speedwerx and Starting Line Products' customers and would also like to apologize to SLP for this as well. Speedwerx, Inc. does not intend to cause confusion between its products and the SLP product line.

Speedwerx has changed the name of the lightweight mufflers it offers to "Powder Advantage Lightweight Mufflers" in an effort to end the confusion and make clear whose product you are looking at.

Fewer snowmobiles in Yellowstone this season?

Amsnow — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:19:00 GMT

On Monday, Nov. 3, the Environmental Assessment (EA) on continued winter motorized access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks was released for public review and comment. First announced on Oct. 2, it is this EA process that will determine options that would authorize over-snow access, including snowmobiles to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks for the next three winters.

The EA can be reviewed at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/. The comment period will only be 15 days. The previous plan was rejected by a federal judge in Washington, D.C., in Sept. With no plan, neither snowmobiles nor snowcoaches could be allowed in the parks this winter.

The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is reviewing the draft EA and its preferred alternative of only 318 snowmobiles allowed in the Yellowstone Park per day. BRC plans to provide comments on the EA and recommendations for comments to meet the deadline of Nov. 17, 2008. Please note the goal of the National Park Service is to have a final implementing rule from the EA in effect prior to the scheduled Park opening on Dec. 15, 2008.

After reviewing the 255 page EA, Jack Welch, BRC Special Projects Consultant, stated, "I am pleased that the Park Service is offering a solution for the challenges presented by the upcoming season. BlueRibbon remains committed to a long-term solution that will allow for reasonable snowmobile access to Yellowstone in the winter."

Welch continued, "Remember, in the last 40 years, the Park has opened its gates to snowmobiles every season. I am sure Yellowstone will open its gates this season too. The main question is at what level snowmobiles will be allowed to access Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks this season. The EA process is one of the important steps in that determination."

For further updates on access to Yellowstone this winter, please visit and bookmark: http://www.saveyellowstonepark.com/.

Written comments can be dropped off in person or mailed to: National Park Service Management Assistants Office, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax or e-mail.

For the easiest access, go directly to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/. to read the EA and make a comment. Use the pull-down menu on "Choose a Park" to select Yellowstone, click on "Plans/Document Open for Comment," click on the link to "2008 Winter Plan Use Plans Environmental Assessment*" and then, look down the left-hand column for a link.

There is a second opportunity to comment on the proposed rule concerning winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The proposed rule is now out for public review and comment. The rulemaking process is in addition to, but is separate from the EA alternatives noted above.

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register, and is open for a 15-day public review and comment period through Nov. 20, 2008. The proposed rule and an electronic form to submit written comments are available at http://www.regulations.gov/search/index.jsp. You can find the proposed rule by searching the "Documents Open for Public Comment" and selecting the National Park Service as the agency. Written comments may be submitted through the Web site, in person or by mail. Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax or e-mail. All public comments on the proposed rule must be received or postmarked by midnight, Eastern Time, Nov. 20, 2008.

After the comment period and analysis, the Region of the National Park Service would sign a Finding of No Significant Action (FONSI) containing details of that decision and the new rule implemented.

The National Park Service expects to have a decision regarding winter use management by the Dec. 15, 2008, scheduled start to the winter season. We remain confident that Yellowstone will open on time with a variety of winter access including cross-country skiing, snowcoach, snowmobile and snowshoe. For more info about winter activities, both in Yellowstone Park and outside it, please visit http://www.destinationyellowstone.com/, or call the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce at 406-646-7701.

Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour joins ISOC

Amsnow — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:46:00 GMT

Freestyle/Backcountry icons including Chris Burandt and Paul Thacker bring their high-energy freestyle show to the Amsoil Championship Snocross Series

National snocross fans have another reason to be excited for the 2008-2009 national snocross season as Monster Energy drink and Slednecks bring their high-flying freestyle antics fused with music and attitude to the national venues this winter. Featuring the biggest names in freestyle and the biggest name in energy drinks, the Invasion Tour will further infuse the national snocross tour with aerial action and the world's best snowmobile athletes.

With the recent success and awareness of ESPN's Winter X Games snowmobile freestyle competition, the International Series of Champions went right to the top of the food chain when it came time to bring the attitude of freestyle to the national snocross tour. Regarded as the godfathers of freestyle and backcountry free-riding, Slednecks and their stable of riders are simply the best in the world. Now, they will showcase their talents alongside the best snocross riders in the world on the Amsoil Championship Snocross Series stage.

The Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour will showcase the talents of Slednecks team riders Chris Burandt, Sam Rogers, Cody Borchers, Paul Thacker, Steve Martin, Kourtney Hungerford and Aleksander Nordgaard along with special guest DJ Soulman rocking the venue. During the show, fans can grab free Monster Energy drinks, score free Slednecks and Monster swag and after the show get autographs from the athletes.

The Amsoil Championship Snocross Series and Monster Energy Slednecks Invasion Tour will kick-off this Nov. 28-30 at the Amsoil Duluth National at the Spirit Mountain ski area on the outskirts of Duluth, Minn. The Duluth National will feature 3 days of racing, freestyle, music, fireworks and more and it signifies the launch of the racing season. For ticket info and lodging reservations visit the Duluth Chamber of Commerce at http://www.visitduluth.com/ or call 1-800-4-Duluth.

Team Elite Motorsports wins IHRA/NYIRP Championships!

Amsnow — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:14:00 GMT

After two seasons of second place finishes Team Elite Motorsports wins it all! Team drivers Pete Edwards and owner/driver Jack Gligora have just wrapped up a dream season on the asphalt with the 2005 Ski-Doo factory mod sled.

May 2008 - Team Elite started the asphalt drag racing season in second place for the first few weeks of the season. That was all that was needed for the team to gel and get focused on the end goal, the championship! The team remained in first place for the remainder of the season.

July 2008 - The team won the IHRA/NYIRP Mid Season Championship for the second time in 3 years. Also in July, the team traveled to ESTA Safety Park in Cicero, N.Y., and went rounds at the National Pro Sled Shoot-Out. The team also went rounds at the Elite Motorsports sponsored Bike and Sled Shoot-Out at NYIRP.

The team, for the 3rd time in three seasons of asphalt racing, qualified for the IHRA SUMMIT Racing Worlds Bracket Team Finals that took place in Pittsburgh, Pa. Team driver, Pete Edwards, had some impressive reaction times all weekend and managed to win the first round of competition.

Besides traveling to national races throughout the summer, the team has made appearances at snowmobile shows and events in the New York State.

The asphalt drag racing season has just ended after 5 months of traveling and racing. Team Elite is very happy to announce that they have won the IHRA/NYIRP Bike and Sled class Championship! The good news does not end there though, the track class winners faced off to determine who would be the track overall champion. They raced an 8-second dragster, a Pro car and in the end, Team Elite Motorsports was crowned the 2008 Grand Champion. A feat that has never been accomplished by a snowmobile!

The Team says they could not have achieved these championships this season without the support of their many sponsors: Spectro Oils, Klim, Antinora Insurance, Dootalk.com, Elite Show Services, Elite Motorsports, Dyno Tech Research, Ultimate Sports Inc., Ron Rigby Photography, Lakeview Distributing, Dynoport, Coopers Sales and Service, Pete's Garage, RNE Welding, Sledfreak.com and Pink Ribbon Riders.

Even though the asphalt season is over, the Team is not done just yet. You can catch them at several local shows with their trailers and races sleds. They once again will be appearing at Snodeo in Old Forge, N.Y., this December. Snodeo is the kick off of the snowmobiling season and this show draws a large crowd from all across the U.S. and Canada. Besides the shows and appearances, they plan on running a full schedule of grass and snow drags starting very soon! They are also looking forward to seeing Pete race a limited schedule on the RMR snocross circuit. Watch for his schedule on http://www.elitesnow.com/ in the next few weeks.

Tellico lawsuit dismissed – Forest Service to release new plan

Amsnow — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:51:00 GMT

Court papers filed today indicate that the lawsuit brought by motorized recreation advocates against the U.S. Forest Service over the Upper Tellico Off-Highway Vehicle Area will be voluntarily dismissed. The case was filed by the BlueRibbon Coalition, United Four Wheel Drive Associations, and Southern Four Wheel Drive Association and challenged temporary closure orders issued by the Forest Service in Dec. 2007. According to a stipulation entered by all parties to the case, it is the Forest Service's "stated intention to complete a public planning process and announce a new decision in the near future which will likely substantially impact or change the interim orders referenced in the complaint..." The Forest has provided proposed management alternatives and received comments through July 2008, on the new plan from the recreation organizations and many others interested in Tellico management.

"We are pleased that the Forest Service has made active management of Tellico a high priority, and that this planning process seems to have avoided some of the diversions that have delayed similar decisions in other areas," observed Jay Bird, immediate Past President of Southern Four Wheel Drive Association. "Under these circumstances, and mindful of the desire for both Forest Service personnel and recreational enthusiasts to focus on the new decision and future management, we agreed that dismissing this action was the right thing to do," Bird concluded.

The dismissal is without prejudice, meaning that these same organizations or other interested parties could file administrative appeals or lawsuits challenging the ultimate outcome of the new planning process. Further info about the plaintiff organizations, including info about the ongoing planning process at Tellico and developments in other matters, can be found at the following Web sites: http://www.sharetrails.org/, http://www.ufwda.org/ and http://www.sfwda.org/.

Blair Morgan wants to break one more record

Amsnow — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:21:00 GMT

After the 33-year-old Blair Morgan severed his spinal cord on a jump during a motocross practice in Montreal 6 weeks ago, there's only one race Morgan now wants to win: Wheeling out of Saskatoon's City Hospital as soon as superhumanly possible.

"I want to break all records of someone getting out of physio," Morgan says with a slight smile, lying in bed on the hospital's rehabilitation floor.

Read the full article at this link: http://www.saultstar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1279472