All-New: 2015 Arctic Cat Prowler XT Side-by-Side

Arctic Cat released its 2015 ATV and ROV (side-by-side) line last night at its dealer show in Las Vegas. Not everything that happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, so here’s a Cliff’s Notes version of all that’s new:

There are 15 new models, most notably a new XR ATV line, new Prowler XT models and a new 60-in. Wildcat Sport that slots in between the original Wildcat and Trail models.

Here’s the skinny on the new Prowler 1000, 700 and 550 XT models, which get all-new, automotive-inspired bodywork, plus myriad improvements in rider comfort:

Cross-Country Racer Unveiled: 2015 Arctic Cat ZR 6000R XC

The big news from Arctic Cat at Hay Days was the unveiling of a new cross-country race sled powered by the C-TEC2 6000-Series DSI engine with EFI and electronic oil injection.

Built to satisfy the 91 Octane/oil-injected intent of new cross-country rules, the 2015 ZR 6000R XC is aimed directly at the USXC Winnipeg-to-Willmar I-500, as well as other USXC races, USCC East, CorPowersports and other cross-country events.

Click to read about the new racer.

TGIF: The Sept. 5, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful we were the first snowmobile company to offer diversity training to go along with twin tracks (free if you purchased your sled during the spring-only, extra-early program).

I'm thankful that it's our differences (and NOT our similarities) that make us different. Huh?

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Sept. 5, 2014.

What Cat Will Be Let Out of the Bag at Hay Days?

If the past is the best predictor of the future, then Arctic Cat will use this weekend’s SnoBaron’s Hay Days to unveil something.

So my question to all of you is, what do expect Arctic Cat will unveil this Saturday at Hay Days?

What do you want Arctic Cat to unveil?

Click to read and see more.

Service Love: FOX SHOX 2014 Hay Days Promo

Have FOX SHOX that need some love AND your going to the upcoming Sno Baron's Hay Days on Sept. 6-7?

Here's a sweet deal: Just drop your shocks at the FOX booth and you'll receive freshly-serviced shocks in 5-10 days, without paying for return shipping.

Click for more details.

TGIF: The Aug. 29, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful we can get together with like-minded friends, far away from the watchful eyes of PETA.

I'm thankful NOBODY LAUGHED when we introduced the new Arcticwear Collection

I'm thankful the absurdity of moon boots is still a few years away.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Aug. 29, 2014.

(Have a great Labor Day weekend.)

So Much to See at the 2014 Outlaw Swap & Drags in Princeton, MN

The snowmobile season officially started for the several thousand people who came to the Rum River/Outlaws Swap Meet and Grass Drags in Princeton, Minn., last weekend.

Click to see some pix.

An Inside Look at Arctic Cat's Commitment to Quality

Get an in-depth look at Arctic Cat's commitment to quality with this cool and interesting video that was originally produced for their 2015 Snowmobile Dealer Show.

While the focus here is snowmobiles and engines, the same intentional focus on quality is also utilized in the development and production of ATV and side-by-side machines.

Lot's happening in this video, I watched it twice!

Spot ON! Arctic Cat Nails It with Waiting For Winter Video

Once again, Arctic Cat nails it with a great Waiting For Winter Guy piece!

Enjoy.

TGIF: The Aug. 22, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful for the wind-in-my-hair feeling I get while floating over yonder hill and dale (I just wish I could see where we were going).

I'm thankful for the versatility offered by the accessory Wing Kit (part # 5205-393, $395.95 U.S./$525.95 Canada).

I'm thankful that Yeager will attempt to beat the sound barrier instead of me.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Aug. 22, 2014.

Kirk Hibbert's I-500-Winning 1993 Arctic Cat ZR 440

The 1993 Arctic Cat ZR 440 (and 580) are among the all-time great snowmobile model introductions. The competitive achievements of this first-year model set the tone for one of most commercially successful machines in Arctic Cat history.

Aboard these purpose-built machines, Team Arctic racers rode roughshod over the competition in cross-country, snocross and oval events.

Kirk Hibbert's victory in the St. Paul to Thunder Bay I-500 cross-country was perhaps the most significant win for a ZR that season.

This is that sled.

Click to see some pix and read a little about it.

TGIF: The Aug. 15, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful for the fame and notoriety I received for driving my Chappy snowmobile across the U.S. during the summer (the babes weren't too bad either).

I'm thankful for the rugged dependability of my Rockwell engine and PolyTrac track.

I'm thankful for the stop I made in Cheyenne, Wyo., to get these sweet cowboy boots.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, August 15, 2014.

Bubble Sled: Some Ask, "Why Not?"

Some inventors ask "Why?"

Others ask "Why Not?"

I'm not sure what question to ask about this craigslist-of-the-month find.

Boy in the bubble?

Really, REALLY love the smell of 2-stroke?

Click for a few more great images.

Production! The 2015 Arctic Cat Tucker Hibbert Edition ZR 6000 RR Models

Last week Arctic Cat built the 2015 Tucker Hibbert Edition ZR 6000 RR models in Thief River Falls.

Tucker stopped by to check out the process, fist-pump some of the people doing the assembly, snag a sweet pair of safety glasses and place a "SOLD" tag on one of the machines for himself.

Click to see a few pix.

TGIF: The Aug. 8, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful that Ronald and Nancy Reagan agreed to test-ride my snowmobile (before he became President).

I'm thankful he ignored his conservative nature and simply went full-throttle.

I'm thankful Nancy and my wife eventually shut their mouths.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Aug. 8, 2014.

Warning: Be Careful When Jumping Personal Watercraft

This video is a great reminder to be careful when jumping personal watercraft.

By the way, I'd bet that no mention was made of this little incident when the throttle jockey returned the rentals.

TGIF: The Aug. 1, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful it's August and the summer snowmmobile drag season is upon us.

I'm thankful for the RUSH I feel when dragging on a cig while also dragging my sled.

I'm thankfull all those suckers behind me are eating my dust.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Aug. 1, 2014.

USXC Update: Laying the Foundation for the Winnipeg-to-Willmar I-500

It's been a busy summer for the crew at USXC Racing as they lay a successful foundation for the upcoming Winnipeg to Willmar I-500 cross-country.

Occasionally Brian Nelson, USXC director, sends me an email with updates on their progress (and the considerable work required).

Click to read the incredible foundation being laid for this historic race.

Vintage Road Trip Part Two: Randy Springer's Arctic Cat Collection

Part two of the Vintage Road Trip to Wisconsin had Tom Rowland, Jim Dimmerman and myself making an impromtu visit with vintage Arctic Cat collector Randy Springer at his shop in Wausau.

The stuff we saw of Randy's was thrilling, surprising and enlightning.

And as was the case throughout this trip, it had us laughing and grateful fo

TGIF: The July 25, 2014 Edition

I'm thankful I bought the sled on the extra-early spring program, because we used the CatCash to buy matching jackets.

I'm thankful I opted for the touring model featuring the 4-up seat, tall windshield and fiberglass overload springs.

I'm thankful Hank brought his rifle and pistol.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, July 25, 2014.