Arctic Cat held its 2018 snowmobile dealer in the Twin Cities a couple weeks ago. Here's an inside look at what the dealer saw, and what many of them thought of the machines (including the Wildcat XX). 

It even has some thoughtful words from the legend, Roger Skime.

Definitely worth checking out (other than the terrible microphone stand that was utilized).

It's official: Textron has acquired more than 50 percent of Arctic Cat's outstanding stock shares, which means that it downs the 55-year old brand.

After the merger, which is expected to occur today, Arctic Cat will be an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron, Arctic Cat’s shares will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ.

What this MEANS in terms of the product we love, the dealers we buy from and the brand's path forward is TBD. I expect more news on those big questions to come sooner rather than later.

Click to read the official financial release.

In addition to announcing its 2018 line of snowmobiles (and a few future dirt products) this past week, Arctic Cat also unveiled its 2018 Arcticwear & Accessories catalog.

Not only is it loaded with all the newest gear, it's redesigned to be easier to use, including an Index; Pro Tips from engineers and athletes; more technical specs; and an accessory locator.

Catalogs are arriving at your local Arctic Cat dealer now and in the next few days.

Well, the court of law in Canada has ruled in favor of Arctic Cat in the patent litigation brought by BRP regarding the chassis of Cat snowmobiles built from the Twin Spar in 2007 through the ProCross and ProClimb in 2015.

Apparently Ski-Doo did NOT invent the pyramid. Or something like that.

Either way, great news for Arctic Cat and justice. And, as was predicted years ago, the real winners were the lawyers with the billable hours.

Click to read more.

This past week the Snowmobile Hall of Fame announced the Hunter Houle Memorial New Building Fund.

Conceived by Steve & Charlene, it's a way for people to help fund the construction of a new museum at the SHOF in St. Germain, Wis., while memorializing their son, Hunter, who died this past January.

Click to learn more.

See, touch and ride (if you're a kid) the 2018 line of Arctic Cat snowmobiles on Saturday, March 4 at ERX in Elk River, Minn.

This is the first chance to see all the new sleds.

Plus there will be free youth demo rides; vintage Arctic Cat sleds on display; free Cat winter beanie giveaways; the Arctic Cat 360 Virtual Reality Experience; and more.

Click for more info.

Fan of Tucker Hibbert?...CHECK

Like free gear?...CHECK!

Interested in hanging out with him at 2018 Canterbury race?...CHECK!

Signed-up* for the Ultimate Race Experience Sweepstakes?...Well, are you?

*(Full disclosure: I signed up using every family member's name and various aliases.)

Arctic Cat  to Be Acquired by Textron in $247 Million All-Cash Transaction

*Delivers substantial all-cash premium to Arctic Cat shareholders;

*Textron committed to continued, long-term growth of Arctic Cat;

*Combined businesses better positioned to be powersports industry leader

Click to read the financial release.

Last Friday, while getting his sled and himself ready for this weekend’s USXC race on Pine Lake in Gonvick, Minn., 18-year-old Hunter Houle suffered a crash on his snowmobile and died a short time later.

For friends and acquaintances that want to celebrate his life and share their love with Hunter’s brothers Lucas, Jeremy and Larry, sister Jenna, his dad Steve and his mom Charlene, there will be a visitation on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 4-8pm at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minn.

As well, Hunter’s funeral is from 10-11am on Wed., Jan. 11, also at Hosanna (9300 Scandia Trail N, Forest Lake, MN 55025).

I have some thoughts I’m going to share about Hunter here on ArcticInsider, but I’m not ready yet.

Just in time for the gifting season, Tucker Hibbert just released his 2017 line of merchandise, giving fans (and dogs) a chance to wear and use some sweet gear.

From Hoodies to T-shirts and onesies (that Otis dog LOVES to wear) to hats, beanies, coffee mugs and more, there's something for every fan.

Click for some cool pix and info on how to stock up.

If you're a fan of snowmobile racing and appreciate stunning photography that captures the action and the actors, then this year's Flight 365 Photo Annual is truly a must-have.

The third volume book is at the printer and will be available in time for Christmas. For Arctic Cat fans in particular, there are major features on Zach Herfindahl and Dale Lindbeck, as well as the sport in general.

It's large format 13 x 10 x 1-in. and only $10!

This is one of those books you love, keep, and then keep loving for decades.

Click for more info. Or click the photo above to order one.

Want to know the easiest way to save the world from the dark forces of destruction?

Unleash the inner-super hero snowmobiler in your kid with a Comic T-Shirt from Arctic Cat.

Yep, it's that simple. Click for more world-saving info.

If you're one of those snowmobilers who use your knees to squeeze and rest against the plastic console around the fuel tank of Arctic Cat ProCross or ProClimb models, having a pair of Tank Pads will put a smile on your face.

Extra comfort, extra grip!

Click for some info.

From a bird's-eye perspective, it's looking like winter in the U.S. and Canada.

For more in-depth snow analysis, CLICK HERE to jump to the NOAA snow depth web site.

How to get your favorite Arctic Cat rider a sweet gift for the holidays AND avoid getting trampled by a Black Friday rush for a discounted television:

Cat's Pride Club membership!

You give (or get) a quality performance pullover; hat; and membership pin with free shipping.

Click for more info.

Oh my! Check out the sweet Colby-drone footage of the 200-plus antique and vintage snowmobiles that are up for auction on Nov. 26 in Zumbrota, Minn.

Then click for more info.

Arctic Cat recently attended the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, where several custom-built machines were on display along with demo rides of the new Wildcat X with RG Pro suspension platforms.

Click to see some of the machines.

Today Arctic Cat Reported its Fiscal 2017 Second Quarter Results.

Summarized by a non-financial writer who barely made it through high school math classes: the company is still losing money as it faces tougher circumstances than originally forecast; the powersports market is still soft; there is still too much dealer inventory. 

Here's how Cat says it:  

-Second quarter net sales totaled $164.6 million;

-Net loss $0.98 per share;

-Continued progress made on strategies to reposition company, including signing two strategic partnerships;

-Commitment letter signed to extend and increase revolving bank agreement to $130 million year round to support future growth initiatives;

-Company lowers fiscal 2017 revenue and EPS outlook on weaker powersports market, increased promotional costs and unfavorable product mix

Last week Arctic Cat announced its renewal partnership with the National FFA Organization (FFA), an organization it first partnered with last year.

The goal is to assist a great organization in helping young people to develop their potential for leadership, personal greowth and career success through agriculture education.

Since agriculture is foundational to this country, I believe FFA is a dang important organization. Thus I'm pleased that Cat is helping the cause.

Click for the press release.

When it comes to customization, billet aluminum has a substantive, enduring appeal.

That was the inspiration behind an array of new billet snowmobile accessories for 2017.

Click for the down-low.