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Q&A with Team Arctic's Dan Ebert
7/29/2010 3:53:00 PM

Team Arctic's Terrain Racing Pro, Dan Ebert

Team Arctic's Dan Ebert had a stunning debut as a Pro racer last season, taking a handful of podium positions in ISOC snocross and his first  “career cornerstone”: a win at the coveted USCC I-500 cross-country.

I talked with the 22-year old from Lake Shore, Minnesota, about it. Click to read the interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arctic Cat Reports 1st Qtr 2011 Results
7/29/2010 7:59:00 AM

Is George smiling on Arctic Cat?

Less loss than normal for 1st Qtr, which is good.

Ditto for reduced inventory (at Cat and dealers), increased ATV market share and no debt.

Click to read the financial release.

 

 

 

 

Why Tracks Failed During the I-500
7/27/2010 12:14:00 PM

The heartbreaking sight of a contender loaded into the back of a pickup.

At the 2010 USCC I-500, a handful of top Team Arctic racers were “taken out” of the race due to track failure.

I talked with Rod Foss, Arctic Cat engineer who oversees track development, to learn what happened to these tracks.

Click to read about it.

 

 

 

2011 "EXTRA" Arcticwear/Accessories CATalog
7/22/2010 11:21:00 AM

2011 Arctic Cat Arcticwear CATalog

Each year Arctic Cat offers a dealer-only, supplemental Arcticwear and Accessories catalog that contains loads of parts, accessories and clothing that are NOT featured fancy color CATalog.

In it you'll find all kinds of useful parts, accessories, information (like drive belt dimensions), reference charts and even close-out items.

HERE is a pdf of the 2011 B&W Snow Supplemental CATalog.

(Note: It may take a minute to load.)

 

 

Swedish SX Champ Johan Lidman Joins Sportech Racing
7/20/2010 10:38:00 PM

Johan Lidman joins Team Sportech RacingLast year Johan Lidman won the Swedish National Championship and Super Stadium Snocross Championship, and finished second to Tucker Hibbert (and ahead of Cory Davis) at the FIM World Snocross Championship.

This year he's coming to America to contest the ISOC National Series for Team Sportech Racing.

Click to read the release.

 

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Join Thomas SnoSports in TRF July 30-31
7/16/2010 10:22:00 AM

On the Arctic Cat paved test track

Thomas SnoSports is hosting a special Tour of Arctic Cat/TRF area July 30-31, and you're invited.

Click to read all about it.

 

 

 

Race Mechanic Job Openings at Sportech
7/15/2010 12:47:00 PM

The Sportech race hauler and race sledsGot a passion for snowmobiles, racing and powersports? Want a job that could help turn you into the next Steve Houle or Russ Ebert... or that could lead to a full-time product-development job at one of the most succesful powersports companies in the industry?

Then check out these two job postings from Sportech (and get your resume tuned-up). Opportunities like this don't come around very often.

 

2010 Sno Pro 500 Reflash
7/14/2010 3:49:00 PM

2010 Sno Pro 500 ECU

For those of you with a 2010 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 500, it looks like a reflash is coming your way, free of charge, to improve its low-RPM drivability.

Click to read a copy of the letter Arctic Cat sent to its dealers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Tweet's Custom ZR450 ATV
7/12/2010 4:16:00 PM

Jeff Tweet and his custom ATV

Jeff Tweet built one of the coolest custom ATVs I've seen, utilizing a ZR 900 engine that he cut in half to create a 90-hp EFI single.

Click to check it out.

 

 

 

 

Craig's-List-of-the-Week July 8 v2.0
7/8/2010 10:11:00 AM

Craig's 12 sleds for CoronaSomebody do this guy a favor to get the city off his back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craig's-List-of-the-Week July 8
7/8/2010 9:43:00 AM

1978 4-cylinder Arctic Cat Jag...for SALE!

A prototype 1978 Arctic Cat Jag the company was afraid to produce... or what happens when you mix mechanical ingenuity/a great sense of humor/beer?

Either way, I love it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 4th: Black Cats and Smoke Bombs
7/4/2010 9:39:00 AM

Bang!

Happy Independence Day! A heartfelt THANKS to everyone who made it possible.

And always remember: Light fuse and get away.

 

 

 

 

 

Arctic Cat Ragged Shirt Contest Winners
6/30/2010 10:34:00 AM

The winners: Jon Edwards (left) and Mike McArdle

Of all the legendary race wins recorded by Arctic Cat competitors, Jon Edwards (left) and Mike McArdle recently captured one of the most prestigious: the Ragged Shirt Race. And in doing so, won a huge cash prize along with the adulation of their co-workers, friends and family.

Click to read.

 

 

Q&A with Brian Dick, Team Arctic Racer and Arctic Cat Engineer
6/25/2010 11:29:00 AM

Brian Dick

During the 2009-10 USCC cross-country racing season, Team Arctic’s Brian Dick joined the elite ranks of legendary Arctic Cat racers to score multiple class wins and the overall high-point Championship title in a single season of competition.

We talked with Brian about his race season and his job at Arctic Cat. Click to read about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arctic Cat Summertime Warp
6/21/2010 8:36:00 AM

Dirtbiking at the gravel pit

I wonder what's going on at Arctic Cat this summer?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updates on Arctic Cat Snowmobile Engine Production
6/15/2010 10:53:00 AM

Arctic Cat Engine Facility in St. Cloud, Minn.

After several conversation with people from Arctic Cat during the past couple days, more information has come to light about the company's the shift to build its own engines.

Click to read.

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Suzuki: Arctic Cat to Produce its Snowmobile Engines
6/10/2010 4:05:00 PM

Are you sitting down?

Arctic Cat today announced that it has entered into an agreement to transition its snowmobile engine manufacturing from Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Arctic Cat will begin manufacturing some of its own snowmobile engines in St. Cloud, Minn., after the 2014 model year.

Click to read the release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hibbert Out of Summer X Games with Knee Injury
6/9/2010 7:39:00 AM

Tucker and Rob during happier (but confused-looking) timesStupid knees!

While practicing motocross for his first appearance at the Summer X Games, Tucker Hibbert hyper-extended his right knee. As a result, he must forgo his racing schedule this summer and focus instead on healing.

Click to read his press release.

 

 

 

Classic Arctic Cat Styling DNA
6/7/2010 8:19:00 AM

Two Classic Arctic Cats

I recently came across this photo that I shot at Waconia Vintage Hullabaloo in 2006. It strikes me now like it did then...how two Arctic Cats, separated by nearly 30 years, can look so similar.

And so good.

 

 

 

 

ArcticInsiders Visit BRP in Wausau
6/4/2010 10:24:00 AM

I drove through Wausau, Wis., yesterday. It was a beautiful summer afternoon.

And it reminded me of the time I passed through last winter...

|  posted in Video  |  comments (4)  |
Help Minnesota Spend its Money on Snowmobiling
5/31/2010 12:07:00 PM

Minnesota's North Shore

Are you a Minnesotan who want to provide input on how your tax dollars are spent for trails, parks and the environment?

Learn how by clicking to read a letter from Terry Hutchinson, MN United Snowmobilers Assoc. Director at Large and Chairman of the MnUSA Trails Committee.

 

 

 

 

Ode to Rocky "Rox" Cutsforth (R.I.P.)
5/28/2010 1:01:00 PM

Rocky on his project F10

The news is as shocking to write now as it was when I first heard about it: On Thursday, May 20, 2010, Rocky Cutsforth (42) of Cohasset, Minn., died from injuries sustained in an ATV accident near Nemo, South Dakota.

 

 

 

 

Fathers, Sons and Kitty Cats
5/27/2010 2:43:00 PM

1973 Arctic Cat Kitty Cat advertisement

I've been doing research for a project I'm working on, during which I came across this advertisement for a 1973 Arctic Cat Kitty Cat ad. And I can't stop thinking about it.

Click to see it larger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craigs-List-of-the-Week for 5-24-10
5/24/2010 10:15:00 AM

craigslist of the week

Doesn't ride like a wet fig... the Ski-Doo guys get real nervous when they hear it... smooth as a babies ass... and it'll hit 120 mph before you can even look down at the gauge.

Goodness, I love craigslist! Click to see today's gem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polaris Goes WAY Out...to Mexico
5/21/2010 10:07:00 AM

Polaris Goes MexicanSign of the times? Smart leadership? Giving the people what they really want?

Or...

...does this represent everything that wrong with American manufacturing? And is this the beginning of the end?

 

 

Bring 'em Back: Drawings of Snowmobiles
5/20/2010 2:36:00 PM

1975 Z Drawing

Now that everything old is new again, I'd like to see a return to cool drawings like this one of a Z racer (piloted by Charlie Loften, I believe).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011 Arctic Cat ATV & Prowler Intro
5/18/2010 3:52:00 PM

 2011 Prowler HDX with EPSArctic Cat just released their first wave of 2011 Prowlers and ATVs. The big news here is the expansion of Electronic Power Steering (EPS), and a more work-oriented HDX Prowler with a bench seat and a flat-bed-capable rear box.

Click to read what's new on these models.

 

 

 

Tucker to Compete at Summer X Games
5/17/2010 2:55:00 PM

Snazzy Tucker Hibbert photo by John HansonFor the first time ever, Tucker Hibbert will compete at the Summer X Games. Not in trapping. Not in mountain biking. Not in Hot Stuff pizza eating.

He's going to X Games for his other love, motocross. Click to read his press release.

 

 

 

 

Arctic Cat's 2010 Full-Year Financial Report
5/13/2010 8:09:00 AM

1.3 Million of these... in the black.A swing to a (slight) profit for 2010... decreased inventories... increased market share in both ATV and Snowmobile markets... zero short- or long-term debt... and a new ATV model coming shortly.

The painful expense-cutting in response to the weakened recreational vehicle market has resulted in a decidedly upbeat fiscal 2010 report. Light appears at the end of the tunnel.

Click to read.

 

 

Legendary Leafers to Race Again
5/12/2010 7:03:00 PM

Brian Nelson returns to the I-500?

Wondering why the price of Arctic Cat Cross-Country Cats has reached the stratosphere in recent months.

Blame the guy in this photo.

Click to learn why.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New VP of Operations at Arctic Cat
5/11/2010 7:09:00 AM

2007 Z1s on the assembly line

Unlike most other industries, Arctic Cat manufactures a vast majority of its products in the U.S. After 18 years as the guy in charge of that production, Ron Ray is stepping down.

One of the most passionate, hardest-working people I've had the pleasure to know, Ray leaves a legacy of quality, care and genuine human goodness.

Filling his massive shoes is Paul Fisher.

Click to read the press release.

 

658 Miles in a Day (7,250 Miles in 10 Weeks)
5/9/2010 8:56:00 PM

The story of Ross Spoonland's 658-mile day

Ross Spoonland of Pine River, North Dakota, purchased a 2010 Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo EXT in late November. His first ride on it was during the last week of December. His last ride... the first week of March 2010.

In-between, Ross notched 7,250 miles, including one 658-mile day on Feb 26 (read THIS STORY about it from the Grand Forks Herald).

Logging more miles in 10 weeks than many "hardcore" riders log in 5 years is pretty impressive, so I asked him a few questions.

Click to read his answers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowmobile Hall of Fame Promo Video
5/6/2010 4:54:00 PM

Check out this promo video from the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Lots to see at the SHOF, including Brian Nelson's 1978 I-500 winning Cross-Country Cat (click to see).

|  posted in Video  |  comments (0)  |
Duluth SX, Pizza Luce and ArcticInsider
5/5/2010 11:53:00 AM

When hitting the Duluth Spirit Snocross National, be sure to eat at Pizza Luce, the official post-race meal of ArcticInsider, SledRacer and Action Graphics.

|  posted in Video  |  comments (1)  |
May 15: Team Arctic Race App Deadline
4/30/2010 10:01:00 AM

Please sponsor me

Hoping to be a Team Arctic racer next season? May 15 is the deadline to get your application in.

Click for info.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

|  posted in Racing  |  comments (3)  |
Q&A with Glen Martin, Emissions Manager at Arctic Cat
4/23/2010 2:28:00 PM

Glen Martin (middle) with fellow Cat emissions engineers Mike Schley (left, wearing the hat) and Del NelsonThis week’s interview is with Glen Martin, Emissions Manager at Arctic Cat. Martin has held this position for almost two years, prior to which he worked on engine emissions for companies like Indmar, Big Dog motorcycles and MerCruiser.

We asked Glen a few emissions-related questions, and he was kind enough to answer.

 

 

Sweet Custom Sleds
4/20/2010 10:10:00 AM

Some very cool custom Cats (and Cat wanna-be's) in this little ditty.

|  posted in Video  |  comments (5)  |
Q&A with Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager
4/14/2010 4:25:00 PM

Team Arctic Race Manager Mike Kloety

For the past two years, Mike Kloety has held the title of Team Arctic Race Manager... one very-high profile job with a strong, winning tradition.

We asked him some questions, he gave us the answers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arcticinsider Advertises at Trail Center
4/12/2010 8:30:00 AM

We're getting the word out about ArcticInsider by advertising at the places you might visit.

I'm guessing many here know where this place is.

|  posted in Video  |  comments (2)  |
Arctic Cat CMR Contingency
4/12/2010 7:53:00 AM

Arctic Cat ATV Mud ProDo this and win some money.

How? Click and read the press release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Arctic Cat Dealers for 2009-10
3/19/2010 3:55:00 PM

Country Cat in Sauk Centre, Minn.Arctic Cat recently held their 2011 snowmobile dealer show, the annual event where they meet with dealers, show next year’s product, work on sales orders and recognize the dealerships that “outperformed” during the past season.

Click to see the list.

 

 

2011 Arctic Cat Snowmobile Info
2/28/2010 2:32:00 PM

2011 Arctic Cat F SeriesArctic Cat released the info on their 2011 snowmobiles and there is no all-new chassis as some had hoped for. There are some Limited Edition models, a new F8 EXT model, some tweaks to other models, and of course BNG.

Here’s what’s new.

 

 

 

Tate Launches a Ditch (with Style)
2/21/2010 11:44:00 AM

Minnesota's metro-area ditches pose dozens of hazzards, none of which faze snocross racer and Speedwerx employee Justin Tate and the Arctic Cat CFR 800 he's riding. Here's two views of the same ditch. Fun.

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Test-Riding Speedwerx's 290-hp Z1 Turbo Kit
2/19/2010 3:20:00 PM

There's no good way to illustrate 290 hp

Speedwerx has a way of coaxing 290 hp out of an Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo.

I rode the beast.

When you’re trying to describe 290 hp on a snowmobile, words and pictures are inadequate. Actually, pretty much everything is inadequate compared to 290 hp.

Make the jump to read about it.

 

This is Why D.J. Ekre is a Top XC Racer
2/2/2010 11:57:00 AM

Shown here at the recent USCC Red Lake 200 cross-country race is Team Arctic's D.J. Ekre, literally piloting an Arctic Cat Sno Pro 500 in the Expert 85 class (which he won). The short clip clearly illustrates why Ekre is one of the fastest cross-country racers in the world.

D.J. is the second of the two racers to come through.

Dan Ebert Winning the 2010 I-500
1/20/2010 2:30:00 PM

Team Arctic's Dan Ebert...winning the 2010 I-500. Here's a couple clips of Ebert on the third and final day, in the 50 miles between the final fuel stop and the finish line.

Awesome race, Dan! Congratulations.

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D.J. Ekre Racing the 2010 I-500
1/20/2010 2:24:00 PM

Team Arctic's D.J. Ekre had a heart-breaking 2010 I-500. He was leading by several minutes with roughly 70 miles to go...when his track tore, ending his race. Up to that point, D.J. was ON FIRE. Here's a short vid of him just prior to the first fuel stop on the third day.

 

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Roger Skime Racing the I-500
1/20/2010 2:17:00 PM

Here's a short video of Roger Skime, 66-year-old VP of Engineering at Arctic Cat, racing to fourth place in the 2010 I-500 cross-country. This guy is amazing!

 

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Legends: The I-500 XC and Roger Skime
1/15/2010 8:29:00 AM

Roger Skime, VP of Engineering at Arctic Cat

Among the 124 racers who will leave the starting line of the USCC I-500 cross-country race this morning in Thief River Falls, Minn., only one is a Vice President of Engineering for a snowmobile manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't Squander Your Top Speed
1/8/2010 8:40:00 AM

Arctic Cat draggin' a Ski-DooWishing your sled was a little bit faster?

You're probably giving up free horsepower and top speed.

Make the jump to read more.

 

 

 

 

Kirk Hibbert Prepares for a Test Ride
1/2/2010 12:02:00 PM

Is Kirk Hibbert preparing to race cross-country once again, or is he test riding a sled to help a friend?

 

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