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HomeFeaturesHay Days 2015: The Sights, Sounds and Smells

Hay Days 2015: The Sights, Sounds and Smells

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

The 49th Sno-Baron’s Hay Days extravaganza went down this past weekend in near perfect splendor, unleashing the excitement of snowmobiling via wild mix of products, people, racing, swapping and anticipation.

Cool temps, sunshine, unexpected unveilings and a genuinely excellent event put on by the Sno-Baron’s (with help from hundreds of other clubs) combined to deliver what was (in my humble opinion) one of the most enjoyable Hay Days weekends of all time.

I’ve haven’t missed one of these events since 1984, so I have no perspective on anything prior. But in the years since Hay Days achieved critical mass (which I believe was in 1990), this was as good as it gets.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Sledders came out in droves, fueled by the anticipation of getting deals, getting wowed, getting the scoop and getting a taste of winter.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

As for deals, there were plenty, from Arctic Cat dealers like Country Cat to pretty much every snowmobile aftermarket and clothing company on the planet.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Displaying a sweet custom sled is a tried and true method for getting some visual traction at Hay Days. FOX had all kinds of cool sleds and machines on display, including this Arctic Cat M sled.

 

FOX Shox RAD electronic QS3 shock. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

While the blinged-out sleds are great eye candy, some of the best stuff to see is deeper in the booths. Case in point, this prototype electronic FOX QS3 shock, which will offer the ability for riders to adjust the ride quality on-the-fly via a handlebar-mounted switch.

I’ll have more on this technology in a post later this week.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Of course, never underestimate the allure of BIG when it comes to Hay Days promotion. Motorfist knows this all too well, and responded with the single biggest, most badass toy hauler that I saw over the weekend (not including the semi-truck chest pounding on display by some of the snocross teams).

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

One guy not who doesn’t care about chest pounding, but who nonetheless draws one of the biggest crowds, is Team Arctic’s Tucker Hibbert. There was a long line of fans waiting for his autograph every time I saw him at Hay Days.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Other people use props and makeup to capture attention. I don’t know what the heck Bozo was selling or promoting at Hay Days, but I do know that his frown face kinda creeped me out.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

One of the gadgets that caught my eye was the Stuckmate, which is an auxiliary throttle lever that you can operate while simultaneously trying to pull on the ski of a stuck snowmobile.

I literally stood and laughed out loud for a couple minutes imagining dozens of hilarious mishaps that would occur if I and/or my usual gang of suspects tried to use this thing on a stuck sled.

Seriously, they should include a GoPro camera with this thing because you KNOW that it pretty much guarantees some crazy unintended consequence with each use.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Despite Hay Days being a mostly fan-focussed event, a lot of behind-the-scenes business is conducted here.

At the Speedwerx booth, Arctic Cat legend Roger Skime (left) talks with Steve Houle about some projects in the works for this coming season.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Every year I go to Hay Days, I wonder what blast-from-the-past will appear before my eyes. Something ALWAYS does, and it’s one of my favorite aspects of the weekend.

This year I saw this sweet old Guy Useldinger from 1991 (I think). Sweet!

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

The DTV Shredder from BPGwerks drew a crowd all weekend. Capable of traveling on snow, dirt, grass and Mars, these 200cc 4-stroke powered twin trackers will supposedly make their North American retail debut next year at this time. They’re already available in other parts of the world.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

If I had to pick one theme of this year’s event, it would be snow bikes. Even before Arctic Cat unveiled the SVX 450 on Saturday, I’d already seen a couple dozen Timbersled-equipped bikes in various booths and displays.

It seemed like they were everywhere, and usually with a small crowd gathered around.

 

Arctic Cat engineers Jeff Tweet and Ryan Hayes. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

A huge contingent of Arctic Cat people attend Hay Days, mostly to help us fans and answer questions in the Cat booth, but also to check out what’s on display from the other companies.

I ran into to Arctic Cat 2-Stroke engine engineers Jeff Tweet (left) and Ryan Hayes at the FOX booth. These guys are pumped about the projects they’re working on and the success of the C-TEC2 600 DSI engine.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

The Arctic Cat booth was buzzing with people all weekend long. It’s my favorite place to be by virtue of the energy, conversations and great vibe.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Arctic Cat brings dozens of engineers and sales/marketing people to Hay Days, offering Arctic Cat riders free reign to ask questions and get answers.

Here, the Cat rider in the black shirt (sorry, I don’t know your name) is talking with (L-to-R) Adam Krone (sitting, Mountain Team Designer); Nick Kolhoff (Electrical Designer); Andy Beavis (Mountain Product Team Manager); and Lee Larock (Mountain Team Fabricator).

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Dozens are the times I’ve seen engineers remove panels, tip sleds on their side and otherwise dive in to explain the technical nuances or advice on a given machine.

This is such a great resource and opportunity for riders that I can’t stress enough the value it provides.

 

Arctic Cat's Factory Hillclimber, back-country baron and mountain biker, Rob Kincaid. Via ArcticInsider.com

Of course the Cat booth is packed with the athletes and personalities that are home to the brand. Hillclimber/back-country rider/mountain bike racer Rob Kincaid is one such athlete. He had his just-built, full-custom Speedwerx machine parked next to a similar machine from his cohort David McClure and was, as always, talking a good game.

These sleds and the two riders live a pretty crazy and gnarly snowmobile lifestyle, puting tracks in the most extreme places while showing the world what’s possible when you combine talent, Arctic Cat M sleds, bitchin’ aftermarket parts and a thirst for adventure.

 

Team Arctic racer autograph session at Hay Days. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

The Team Arctic autograph session is popular mainstay at the Arctic Cat booth, offering fans a chance to get a sweet poster signed by most of the brand’s most recognizable racers.

 

Team Arctic racer autograph session at Hay Days. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

Tom Rowland is one such fan, taking a brief reprieve from his Thomas Sno Sports booth to grab a poster and gets some sig’s.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Arctic Cat rider/collector Scott Watters (left) chats it up with Arctic Cat engineer/racer Brian Dick. Turns out the Scott purchased Brian’s unraced I-500 sled from this past season (the race was cancelled due to snow).

 

Arctic Cat's Roger Skime and Jim Dimmerman. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

Lots of legends gather at the Arctic Cat booth each year. Here Roger Skime (left) and World Champ Jim Dimmerman stare intently at one of the many interesting people walking around the Cat booth. Who is it they were looking at? None other than…

 

Arctic Cat's Joey Hallstrom and Jim Dimmerman. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

… the dashing and debonair Joey Hallstrom (left).

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Arctic Cat has a long history of unveiling new machines at Hay Days, going back to the original ZR in 1993.

While these unveilings have often been race sleds, it hasn’t always been the case.

When (L-to-R) Team Arctic’s Zach Herfindahl, Wes Selby, Mike Kloety and Brian Dick joined Arctic Cat VP/GM Brad Darling (right), it appeared that this year’s unveiling would again be focused on race sleds.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

And indeed, Arctic Cat took the wraps off of the 2016 ZR6000 R XC and SX race sleds.

But that wasn’t all…

 

Arctic Cat SVX Single-Ski Snow vehicle shown at Hay Days. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

…a few moments later, Arctic Cat showed the SVX 450 snow vehicle, with Product Manager Troy Halvorson revving the single-ski machine for about one minute before it disappeared back into the hauler.

Several hundred of my closest friends and I were pretty shocked by the announcement!

There’s more info to come on this machine and this category of snowmobile. But suffice to say, it was (and is) the topic of A LOT of conversation at present. Interesting times!

 

2016 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 R race sleds unveiled at Hay Days. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

The race sleds were brought down off the stage and onto the ground, allowing people to see, touch and taste what I predict will be winning sleds this coming race season.

 

Team Arctic's Tucker Hibbert, Ryan Simons, Brian Dick, Wes Selby and Zach Herfindahl. Photo ArctiInsider.com

Also on display was this amazing collection of monument-winning Arctic Cat race sleds from last season. And for a brief moment their pilots joined them.

L-to-R: Tucker Hibbert and his ISOC Championship sled; Ryan Simons and his X Games Gold-winning hillcrosser; Brian Dick & Wes Selby’s Soo 500 enduro winner; and Zach Herfindahl with his USXC championship-winning cross-country sled.

That’s some HEAVY DUTY championship-winning greatness on one stage!

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

While much of Hay Days is about new stuff, it still seems like half of the event is about the swap meet. For sure half of the real-estate is devoted to this part of the show.

It’s one of my favorite elements of the event for a variety of reasons, but mostly the entertainment value.

Like watching this guy scrambling to get his sled together while potential customers walk past. Back in a previous period of life, I was THIS GUY, hurriedly rushing to clean/fix/start and sell a machine at Hay Days.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Motorfist might have had the tallest rig at Hay Days, but this guy had the longest.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Proof that the single-ski snowmobile theme was happening, even in the swap meet.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Lots of great stuff to see and read.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Since this story is already so dang long, I thought we could all take a short nap to recharge the batteries.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz…..

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

…Okay we’re back and ready to rip, thanks to a little Drag-On Magnum Concentrate.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

The Christian Brothers Racing team had a bunch of sleds on display (and for sale) in the swap.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Plenty of other new/recent iron available throughout the venue.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Whoa, Wes Selby throws down a sick carve on yet another snow bike.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

This Fox Trac snowmobile sign (circa 1971, I think) had a price tag of $1,000 on it.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

VERY cool to see a Blair Morgan edition ZR 600 in the swap!

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Likewise, it was cool to see what’s possible with a little spray foam.

 

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

Hay Days 2015 report channeling the Arctic Cat perspective. Photo by ArcticInsider, defended by lawyers.

I think the most obscure sight I saw all weekend was this airbrushed masterpiece. Wow!

 

Team Arctic sweeps Stock 800 at 2015 Hay Days grass drags. Photo by ArcticInsider.com

And finally, I’ll end this Hay Days recap with a photo of the grass drags (I’ll have a longer post about the races shortly).

This is the final of the Stock 800 class, with D&D’s Dylan Roes (far end) claiming the win in the all-Arctic Cat final. Pretty impressive showing for Arctic Cat riders this weekend.

That’s all for now, but there’s more Hay Days coverage coming shortly.

Thanks for reading.

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12 COMMENTS

  1. My number 1 item for my 350 mile trip to Haydays this year was to look over the 2016 ZR 6000 137 LXR and 2016 XF 6000 High Country – with hopes of deciding which to buy. AC didn’t bring either sled – or any ZR 137 length sled or any High Country sled. Was also disappointed that no one that I talked to at AC knew what the fall sales program was this year.

  2. I like that the Stuckmate throttle control system touts a “safe break-away design”. Similar to the (mis)-use of a snow bungee. Great Hay Days event, can’t wait for the 50th!

  3. Another great story and photo’s John! Looks like a good time had by all! Can’t wait to read more and see more photo’s ! Tom Rowland, I have had the same (mis)-use of the snow bungee! Since I live so far away from Haydays, how does one go about getting one of those great Arctic posters they were giving away? Sure would look good in my work cave! Jim, were you and Roger looking for John? You must have more great stories to tell him so that he can tell us, or you both can hijack the site and write your own stories about John ! The airbrushed trailer is unbelievable, there are some real talented people out there.

  4. Hayday’s is like an addiction….can’t get enough, I have only missed 1 Hayday’s since 1990 and that was in 2008 due to a major surgery and I will say this years Hayday’s was one of the top 5 weather wise to attend. I made it to Hayday’s from start to finish…4 days in a row this year starting Thursday with our club’s meeting and info on running the Atv demo track as myself and other club members volunteer thru the weekend to make it happen and then Friday thru Sunday where combing the acres looking for thing’s that I did not need to buy. I probably walked over 15 miles in that time and seen lot’s of neat things and bought some goodies and even with the nice weather I think attendance was down a bit. I heard alot of people talking about the increase in price through out the day’s and in online snowmobile forums with saying is getting so exspensive to attend with the family. For me I will never miss a Hayday’s and can not get enough of the sights,excitement,new products,smells of the good food and hearing the drag’s in the background.

  5. I wish I could have made it sicker than a Dog:-( I would have to say that Scott Watters kinda looks like Bret Favre!!!! LOL I heard from a friend of a friend John Sandberg rumor has it Tom Rowland was again looking for the one and only Notorious Cat Girl, kinda like Linus and the Great Pumpkin I would Imagine, But you did not hear that from me!!! Keep up the great Work Arctic Insider

  6. The Cat Kid….if I had a nickel for every time I have been told that I could have bought another Arctic Cat!

    A couple years ago I traveled down to northern Illinois to pick up another Arctic Cat and on my way back home I had stopped a Burger King in the middle of Wisconsin to get some quick dinner. It was later evening and I was the only customer in there, as I was ordering I noticed the cook and several other employees staring at me. So after I ordered I headed to the restrooms to check to see what they where looking at and I seen nothing. Once I got my food one employee said that some of the employees thought I was Brett Favre and I replied “I am”, after finishing my food I was headed towards the door and they all yelled…” Have a good night Brett”.

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