The CorPowersports series finally returned to racing after facing several race cancellations due a very challenging Midwest winter. Yet, Cat racers were still ready to dominate when the green dropped in Naytahwaush, Minnesota for the Nightriders 200, February 24-25, 2024. Leading the green pack was none other than Zack Herfindahl, who was coming fresh off a victory in the New England XC cross-country racing series the previous weekend. Zach captured the win in Pro Open with a more than a 20 second advantage over second place.
In total Arctic Cat racers captured 29-podiums and whopping 15-first place finishes over the weekend including the highly contested Sport Stock. Those wins also included three podium sweeps. In the Factory Pro class, Arctic Cat came up just short, with Gunner Arlaud crossing the line less than 30-seconds out of a podium finish.
The CorPowersports cross-country series will remain in Naytahwaush for another week, where this weekend the SnoDeo 200 will commence. Team Arctic Cat racers will be looking to build upon their podium efforts with an even stronger showing as top guns like Herfindahl, look to further dial in their new Catalyst platform race buggies with more speed.
Do you know why Zach Herfindahl ran his last year open sled last weekend? Are they having trouble getting speed out of the catalyst in open class also?
Word is belt is to hard. Forget the company but they used and now sell an Ultimax belt that fixed the issue.
Nice job Team Arctic! Kickin Arse.
Cat stayed out at Pinehurst this week for more testing to find speed. Totally nee chassis, and literally zero chance to test this terrible winter. They will get there.
Textron in all their infinite wisdom, put the catalyst r xc out with no gearing options. They are geared for 89 mph @ 1:1 ratio. Not even in the ballpark to be competitive on glare ice. Handling is also an issue, but that should come with more testing.
good thing they still have the ZR 7000… for now.