Here's Part II of the "Masters of Styling" story about Leon Raiter and Leroy Kapsner, two remarkable influences on Arctic Cat snowmobiles and products.

Click to read.

You're looking at Leon Raiter, master stylist at Arctic Cat until 1981. He penned some of the all-time classic snowmobiles.

I had the immense pleasure to spend this past Saturday talking with him and Leroy Kapsner about their years at Arctic Cat.

Click to read Part I.

Trick or Treat? Both!

I wish you a mischievious Halloween.

Special thanks to Todd S. from Waupaca, Wis., for sending in this year's Official Pumpkin for ArcticInsider.

Jim Dimmerman is synomous with the heyday of Sno Pro oval racing, with Team Arctic and the World Championship.

Dimmerman has lived an amazing history; has the gift of storytelling; remembers nearly EVERY detail. He and I are talking about some ideas for more of this kind of stuff.

This thread contains some of his memories about the iconic Phantom.

Updated 11-2-12

Here are some more photos of Dimmerman's almost-restored 1984 World Championship Phantom.

The pix were shot a couple days ago at Nielsen Enterprises and illustrate how close this sled is to becoming a runner.

Click to make the jump.

Financially it was another strong quarter for Arctic Cat. The highlights:

*Net sales grew 12 percent

*Record net earnings and earnings per diluted share (17% and 57%)

*Operating expenses as a percent of sales declined to 11 percent versus 12 percent;

*Operating profit rose 18 percent to $38.8 million, up from $32.9 million;

*No long-term debt.

Click to read the financial report.

The Phantom Returns!

Jim Dimmerman is restoring the 1984 Eagle River World's Championship-winning Phantom racer for celebrations commemorating the event's upcoming 50th Anniversary.

Here a few pix of the progress.

Beginning in 1970, Gary Flynn embarked upon a career with Arctic Cat that has been as varied as it is remarkable.

A few days before retiring last month, Flynn sat down and told me some great stories about his many years at Arctic Cat.

Click to read the interview.

New chassis and suspension geometry... updated drivetrain components...improved braking...

Yes indeed Arctic Cat was serious about improving the new 2013 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 race sled.

Click to read about all the improvements to the new race sled.

Need proof that Arctic Cat snowmobiles have always had an unfair advantage in handling, cornering, suspension and comfort? Then watch this TV commercial from the 1999-2000 season.

Check out this awesome video of Team Arctic's Carrie Goodwin at the 2012 Kotzebue (Alaska) cross-country race.

From high-speed lake and trail to a fuel stop (with a near-miss), great passing and an airplane escort, this video captures much of what is great about cross-country via the helmet cam of the overall-winning woman.

As always there is a whole lotta shakin' going on at Arctic Cat.

Click to check out some of the stuff and people I stumbled upon while spending two days there earlier this week.

Team Arctic Factory snocrosser Dan Ebert (left) emerged from a what's-next-in-life crossroads by deciding to take over the role of crew chief formerly held by his dad Russ (right).

Click to read the interview with Dan.

"It feels so good to get on a sled again."

-Joey Hallstrom, Arctic Cat Product Manager

Click to read Joey's report from a 60-mile ride with Arctic Cat's Roger Skime and Don Fugelseth.

One day after an October storm dumped snow on Thief River Falls, Arctic Cat legend Roger Skime did EXACTLY what he's done after every first-snow since 1962: Make tracks!

Click to see two pix.

I love this TV commercial from the 2007 for two reasons.

One, it delivered the outstanding line, "Holy Crapeth!"

And two, there's a little-known fact that test rider Aaron Scheele nearly demolished the film set because of my stupid suggestion. If you're interested to learn more, click to read the details.

An October Hometown Blizzard in Thief River Falls!

Five inches of snow already on the ground and upwards of another five still to come.

Click to see some pix.

Sometimes I see photos that make me say, "Hmmm...."

This is one of them.

Click for (a little) more info.

Each spring a handful of Arctic Cat engineers and Team Arctic racers test and evaluate parts and ideas being considered for the next-generation Sno Pro race sled.

Logan Christian is one of those racers.

Here’s what the Christian Bros. Racing pilot had to say about the experience, along with a little teaser about we will see on the 2013 Sno Pro.

For as long as I’ve been snowmobiling, I’ve babied my snowmobiles.

Unlike the guy who blasts across a road, his track spinning a thousand rpm with sparks shooting out the back.

Click to read.