TGIF: The Aug. 9, 2013 Edition

I'm thankful for snow. I'm thankful for the rubber track.

I'm also thankful for skis.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Aug. 9, 2013.

(Super-thankful to Minnesota Rob continuing support of TGIF.)

Don't Be Shocked! FOX Racing Shox Files $120 Million IPO

Starting tomorrow, you can own even more of FOX Racing Shox than the units on your snowmobile or Wildcat.

The company completed an IPO yesterday and will be offering 8,571,429 shares at ~$14 per share.

Former Arctic Cat Pres. Lowell Swenson to be Inducted into ISHOF

On Sept. 13-15, former Arctic Cat President Lowell Swenson will be postumously inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in Eagle River, Wis.

Swenson was a key figure in Arctic Cat history, guiding the company through the tumultuous decade that began in 1966.

Click to read his bio.

Return of the Winnipeg I-500 Cross-Country?

What do you think of a return of a point-to-point I-500? 

Brian Nelson, owner of USXC, thinks enough about it that he and Joey Hallstrom spent a day last spring doing reconnaissance of a route from Winnipeg to Thief River Falls.

Nelson's goal is a return to the Winnipeg for 2015. 

Click to read more.

TGIF: The Aug. 1, 2013 Edition

I'm thankful for snowmobiles and choppers.

I'm thankful for the inventive spirit that pervades the world of snowmobiling. 

And I'm thankful it's Friday, Aug. 2, 2013.

(Thanks to Minnesota Rob for the submission.)

Transport Yourself to 1980: 1-min. El Tigre & Jag Radio Spot

Click below for a 1-minute transport back in time to 1980 (when you might have been listening to the radio and heard this commercial for the Arctic Cat El Tigre and Jag).

Q&A with Adam Kuiken: Senior Test Engineer for Arctic Cat

Adam Kuiken is an Arctic Cat Senior Test Engineer whose job is to develop and collect test data during product development.

It's amazing (to me) the kind of data he's able to collect, and how that translates into the machines we buy.

Click to read the interview with him.

TGIF: The July 26, 2013 Edition

I'm thankful that the human spirit naturally compels us to compete, no matter what the vehicle or circumstance.

I'm thankful that the dreaded "inside ski lift" is a rare occurance when these guys take to the race track.

And I'm thankful it's Friday, July 26, 2013.

Arctic Cat Reports Strong Fiscal 2014 First Quarter

Today Arctic Cat reported record results for its fiscal 2014 First Quarter.

One line from the results that greatly pleases me: "The company continued to increase investment in research and development to ensure a strong pipeline of new products and technologies..."

Click to read the full report. 

Team Arctic's Dale Lindbeck Wins 2013 Grantsburg Watercross

A huge cyber high-five to Team Arctic's Dale Lindbeck for once again cashing in his chips to win his FOURTH IWA World Championships of Watercross in Grantsburg, Wis.

Special thanks to SledRacer.com for the sweet photo.

Catching Up With Curt Asche and His 51,000-Mile Arctic Cat ATV

This is Curt Asche and his 2007 Arctic Cat TRV 650 H1.

Nothing too unusual here, except that Curt's logged nearly 50,000 miles on the machine!

Click to read a bit more about the pair.

TGIF: The July 19, 2013 Edition

I'm thankful it's Friday, July 19, 2013.

And I'm especially thankful that all kinds of people like Arctic Cat.

Lauretta & Roy Blomker: Thanks for the (2X) 30 Years!

Last Friday, after 30 years of dedication to their jobs at Arctic Cat, Lauretta and Roy Blomker stepped out of their weekly routine and into retirement.

I enjoyed a nice conversation with both of them during which they talked about what a pleasure it's been to work for Arctic Cat customers (and the company).

Click to read.

First Time: Alex Fortune's First-Ever Race in His Arctic Cat Wildcat

Alex Fortune of Cresco, Iowa, recently competed in his first-ever UTV race at ERX MotorSports Park aboard his Arctic Cat Wildcat X.

Here's his first-person account of the experience.

"Ya Know" Arctic Cat Radio Spot from 1972

Click Here for the 1-min. "Ya Know" Arctic Cat Radio Spot from 1972

Ya know, there's a lot of things ya didn't know about Arctic Cat...

Click the story link for a larger version of this Arctic Cat ad from the 1972 snowmobile season.

TGIF: The July 12, 2013 Edition

I'm thankful it's Friday, July 12, 2013.

I'm thankful I love snowmobiles and inventiveness.

And I'm thankful for Minnesota Rob for yet another TGIF contribution.

Snowmobile Freestyle Like It's 1999

Snowmobile freestyle has come a long way since its "invention" in 1997-1998.

This sweet video from 1999 shows some classic names of the era: Chris Vincent, Trevor John, Noel Kohanski and some punk kid named Tucker Hibbert.

The heel-clickers, can-cans and supermans are equally classic.

USXC Cross-Country Snowmobile Racing DVD

I haven’t yet watched the new DVD detailing the highlights of the 2013 USXC cross-country snowmobile race season, but if the footage in this 90-second trailer is any indication, it will be worth the $20 price tag.

The 45-min. DVD combines great race footage (like the snippet of Team Arctic’s Ryan Simons launching at the I-500 shown on the trailer); racer interviews (including Simons and Team Arctic great Jolene Bute); a tour inside a top race trailer; and many other elements of the USXC racing experience.

Click for more info about the DVD.

Another Classic Arctic Cat Now Resides at the ZedShed

Rich Pederson of the ZedShed has another stunning Arctic Cat race sled that’s ready for display among his outstanding collection.

It’s a 1980 Arctic Cat 340 Sno Pro.

Click to see and read more.

Craigslist-of-the-Day (7-8-13): Arctic Cat Dirtmobile

Wondering how to get your Arctic Cat snowmobile fix during the offseason?

If you desire something that runs like a crazed mongoose, here's an option that might be worth considering.

Click for more info.