Snow-Covered Arctic Cat

Winter returned to Arctic Cat (above) yesterday, in a blowing, howling whiplash of weather that went from 40s and rain to 20s and snow. This is how things look today, captured by Mike Baker.

The same storm coated a large swath of Minnesota, the Dakotas and parts of Manitoba and Ontario.

And the 10-day forecast says "winter," with overnight lows that dip down into the low-teens and the possibility of more snow.

December...as it's supposed to be!

I'm hoping the same comes soon to everyone in snow country.

Carry on...

Part II: Snowmobiles Are Too Expensive! (How about Trucks?)

Last week we launched into a great discussion about the price of new snowmobiles.

Today I want to talk trucks.

I was curious how its price has changed over the same period of time that we compared snowmobiles in Part I. 

Jump to see some interesting numbers.

Win-Win: Tucker Hibbert's 2017-18 Duluth Snocross Recap

Watch this video and see if you agree with me that this Tucker Hibbert dude just might have what it takes to be a great racer someday.

Oh, BTW, these are the highlights of the opening weekend to the 2017-18 National snocross season for the Monster Energy / Arctic Cat / RAM racer, who crushed it with two wins in the premier Pro class.

Bam!

Christian Brothers Racing Duluth Recap

It was a strong opening to the 2017-18 ISOC National snocross season for Christian Brothers Racing. Check out the video highlights!

A New Beginning: Team Arctic & ZR 6000R SX Conquer Duluth Snocross

Thanks to complete overuse and #fakenewz marketing, the word "domination" has lost much of its meaning in world of snowmobile language. But I can't think of a better word to use for Team Arctic's assault on the opening round of the 2017-2018 ISOC National Snocross season in Duluth, Minn., last weekend.

The women and men in green -- aboard the new Arctic Cat ZR 6000R SX snocross race machine -- truly did dominate in a way that I don't remember seeing, ever, in the 26 years of this fine event.

I've been to 'em all, and I've never seen anything like it. The raw numbers prove it: 14 wins (out of 20 possible classes) and 25 of 60 podium positions.

Click to read my race report.

Part I: Snowmobiles Are Too Expensive!

“Snowmobiles are way too expensive these days.”

 “I haven’t bought a snowmobile for (fill in the blank) years because they’re so much more expensive than they used to be.”

I’ve heard these two statements enough times over the past decade that they’ve become cliche. People utter them and believe them without actually thinking about them. When I ask how much more today’s sleds cost compared to 20 years ago, the answer is always “Thousands.”

Which is complete bullshit. I know this because I just did the math.

Click to read why some new snowmobiles are priced thousands lower than famed machines from a couple decades ago.

Embarrasing Me: Vintage Snowmobile Racing

True confessions...

I'm the guy at 1:03 on the Merc, who gets sideways yet still keeps it pinned.

I'm also the guy who kisses the wall at 1:35.

Real People = Embarrasing me.

The Cat that Arctic Cat Built?

The first Caterpillar side-by-side utility vehicle, built at Arctic Cat/Textron Off Road in Thief River Falls? It certainly appears to be the machine.

TBT: 1990 Arctic Cat EXT Special

At this moment 27 years ago, Team Arctic racers and mechanics were busy puting wrenches and hope into a snowmobile that would ultimately re-aim the trajectory of Team Arctic's race results.

The machine: the 1990 EXT Special. 

By the end of the season (and in the capable hands of growing contingent of Team Arctic racers), the machine would claim wins in the Jeep 500 cross-country, Eagle River World's Championship and dozens of other key races.

It would mark the beginning of a loooooong line of race-focused, limited-built "specials."

And it would launch the success (and fortune) of FOX Shox in the snowmobile arena.

Click to read more about this iconic machine.

Happy Birthday CJ Ramstad (and Thanks For All You Gave)

It's been 10 years since legendary snowmobile journalist CJ Ramstad and his son J.J. died in a tragic automobile crash.

Today would have been CJ's 72nd birthday. I’m remembering his life by sharing this awesome column he wrote for the Dec. 13, 1975 edition of Snow Week magazine.

It’s a column about subjects dear to his heart: cross-country snowmobile racing; the workingman racer; the independent spirit.

Like much of CJ’s writing, it captures the subject with honesty and insight.

Happy Birthday CJ. And thanks for the gifts you gave us.

Exit Interview: Team Arctic's Dale Lindbeck, World Champ and Regular Guy

When the sun set on this past summer, so too did the career of a truly remarkable snowmobiule racer who has competed for more than 35 consecutive years: Dale Lindbeck.

If you grew up going to races in the Midwest or reading Snow Week magazine, you know Lindbeck as a Team Arctic racer who raced in snocross, ice LeMans, cross-country and watercross, where he’s a 4-time World Champion.

At 57 years old, the married father of one who lives in Chisago City, Minn., will stop chasing checkered flags and start chasing new life experiences.

Dale has been one of my all-time favorite personalities since I started covering this sport as a journalist in 1989, and he was gracious to let me interview him about his career.

Sunshine Makes Me Happy! The Gift of a Generous Spirit

Oh man, sometimes it's a story of human greatness that puts everything into perspective.

Five-year-old Sunshine Oelfke, who had been saving to buy a ZR 120 but then gave all her money to buy milk for her classmates, is one such story.

Yesterday Sunshine received a BIG surprise: a brand-new ZR 120, courtesty of Arctic Cat and Textron Specialized Vehicles.

Awesome!

Click to read one really, REALLY cool story.

Let the Riding Begin: Caleb Kesterke in Cooke City

Yep, the riding season has begun!

Arctic Cat Black Cat shredder Caleb Kesterke made some tracks in Cooke City, Montana a few days ago.

Speedwerx Hypershift Clutch Kits: Sending Your Snowmobile into Hyperdrive

Arctic Cat and Speedwerx have had a very close relationship for a whole bunch of years, from race engines to concept vehicles to Black Cats sleds to high performance products to...well the list goes on and on.

For the first time ever, there are now Speedwerx Hypershift Clutch Kits available for most recent model machines, from all Arctic Cat dealers, and via the online store.

These kits deliver the same promise as all of Speedwerx's stuff: more perforemance.

Click to read the details and see if it's something you're interested in.

The Winds of November Bring Winter

So far I REALLY like what Ma Nature is giving us for November!

These pix were taken yesterday near Bergland, Mich., where 12 inches of snow brought beauty (and a bit of a mess) to the Gogebic Area Groomers.

Right now there's snow on the ground on a large swath of snowmobile country. It's early, of course, and the probability is that some of this snow will melt before winter begins in earnest.

But so far, the winds of November bring winter!

Extra-Extra!: 2018 Arctic Cat Snow Accessory Reference Guide

The annual Arcticwear clothing, parts and accessory catalog is an awesome source for all the newest and coolest snowmobile gear. But because of space limitations, it contains only a fraction of the accessories available through your local Arctic Cat dealer. Which is why Arctic Cat also produces an annual POGA supplemental guide.

This handy piece has it all, including ALL the accessory items that are in the annual color catalog, PLUS a whole bunch of items NOT in that piece. For example:

* Products (with associated info) for non-current Arctic Cat models

* Replacement pieces for past and current products (including the various straps, clip-attachments, buckles, straps, etc... for bags and covers; helmet lenses and hardware

* ZR 200 accessories such as a speedo, track (for racing), wheel kits

* Tools

* High-altitude kits

* The answer to whether or not Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone

In other words, it's seriously worth checking out.

CLICK HERE to download a 10MB PDF of the Catalog.

Havoc X: The All-New All-Rounder SxS

Today Textron Off Road took the final wraps off its new 2018 Havoc X, an American-designed-and-built side-by-side that aims to handle hardcore riding and heavy-duty chores. Yes, that means it's aimed directly at the General -- 100 hp; class-leading suspension with King shocks; class-leading ground clearance; extended cab.

From what I see, it's a bullseye hit.

Click to read what TOR has to say about Havoc X.

Lifetime Memory: Ride Along with Your Kid at the USXC I-500

This is a story about USXC’s Ride-Along class for parents whose kids will compete the 2018 I-500 cross-country race.

Parents who desire to can literally ride behind their kids for the entire 150-mile Day 3 portion from Thief River Falls to Bemidji, Minn., that comprises the Junior class. For those that do, I can pretty much guarantee that you'll have the time of your life.

I know because I unwittingly did something very similar back in 2011, which is captured in the photo above.

Click to read the story of that race, and what it could mean for parents of junior class racers this winter.

TBT: Tom Porter Snowmoto Oval Racing

This throwback is to 1973 (or 1975, see comments), with Team Arctic's Tom Porter roosting away on his factory EXT Sno Pro sled.

Such a badass photo!

It's a reminder that yes, even 4-plus decades ago, winter could be cruel and the races could be as much moto as they were snow.

Gone Electric: 2018 Prowler EV & EV iS Side-by-Sides

I'm of the opinion that the human race is well on its way to FAR, FAR more widespread use of electric-powered vehicles. I also believe the approaching sea-change should NOT induce fear or loathing.

On the contrary, every experience I've had with EV has been awesome. The future is awesome!

Case in point: the new 2018 Prowler EV and EV iS side-by-sides from Textron Off Road.

Click to read the stats on this newly named machine.