Industry News

rratv.org, Rapid Riders ATV Club

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named David Andrews Jr., a volunteer ATV safety instructor in Grand Rapids, as the 2020 ATV instructor of the year. Andrews, an active and founding member of the Rapid Riders ATV Club, has been a volunteer ATV safety instructor and active in the DNR’s Volunteer Trail Ambassador program since 2007. In that time, he’s taught about 1,200 students as part of 40 classes. In addition, he’s a volunteer firearms safety instructor and active in several other local and statewide conservation and community organizations.

C.O. Tom Sutherland (L), presents the award to David Andrews, Jr.

William (Bill) Arndt of Hutchinson, Minnesota recently received a 50-year snowmobile instructor award. Arndt recalls, when in his 30s, snowmobiles being manufactured at a high rate, and were inexpensive at the time. Arndt’s hobby led him to help begin a local club, and later became a regional director of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers association. Arndt became a certified instructor and began teaching in the Hutchinson area in 1971. Arndt and his fellow instructors have taught more than 5,000 students how to operate a snowmobile safely, to slow down, pay attention and enjoy the ride.

Bill Arndt (R) received a 50-year service award for teaching snowmobile safety. Conservation officer Zach Larson presented.

snocross.com

In an off-season full of speculation and rumors, one of the biggest moves flew completely under the radar as Scheuring Speed Sports announced the signing of veteran pro rider Logan Christian. Christian, who’s family-run team, Christian Brothers Racing, has been a fixture on the national snowmobile racing scene for decades, will now be part of the AMSOIL/Ski-Doo team as he joins Hunter Patenaude in the quest to bring the squad its first championship in the premier division. Logan Christian had this to say, “I’m really looking forward to race for Scheuring Speed Sports this year. This is an awesome opportunity for my family and myself. Steve and his team have always had some of the best equipment out there. Our combined knowledge will help get us on the podium and run for a championship.” Matt LaMourea will return as the team’s Pro Lite entry in 2022, while Sport class contender Adam Ashline, has been signed. Sport Lite racer Nate LaValley, who scored several podium finishes on the tour last season is also graduating to the Sport class.

snowmobile.org

The new snowmobile sales data for the winter of 2020-2021 from International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association shows sales of new snowmobiles outperforming economic growth worldwide. The resilient economies of North America battled back from the international COVID pandemic and brought many individuals outdoors to enjoy outdoor family recreation following social distancing and good, healthy activity. Worldwide Snowmobile Sales 133,444 Units (+10% YoY) U.S. Snowmobile Sales 59,234 Units (+16% YoY) Canada Snowmobile Sales 50,567 Units (+16% YoY) In addition to the strong new sled sales, reports from dealers and individual sales across North America show many new snowmobilers purchased used snowmobiles and entered the market. The snowmobile industry is now realizing the lowest number of used or non-current models available in its history. There are over 1.9 million registered snowmobiles in North America. These registration numbers continue to steadily increase, showing snowmobiling is an active, growing, healthy winter sport. Our recently conducted snowmobile user survey showed over 65 percent of all snowmobiling families own two snowmobiles they register and ride. Thirty-four percent of the families report having three or more snowmobiles. Over $38 BILLION in economic activity is generated by North American snowmobilers. The average snowmobiler reported riding their primary snowmobile 1,555 miles this past winter. (Primary snowmobiles are considered to be 2017 models and newer.) The average age of a snowmobiler is 46 years old. Approximately 30 percent of all riders are aged 60 years or older. Eighty-eight percent of snowmobilers are male and 12 percent female. Surveys show snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy snowmobiling with family and friends. Eighty-two percent of first-time snowmobile buyers purchased a used snowmobile and most plan to purchase a new snowmobile later in life.

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Trenton Munsell Interview Arctic Cat Director of Product Strategy

arcticcat.com

MWR: Trenton, we were excited to see the introduction of the all-new Arctic Cat Alterra 600. Can you paint a picture for those reading on who you are and what your job entails at Arctic Cat? Trenton: I’m the Director of Product Strategy for Dirt. My position works with many departments within Arctic Cat – most frequently, I’m working with Engineering, Manufacturing and Marketing to layout our product plans for each model year, and what new products and technologies to focus on. Personally, I’m an off-road guy with an off-road loving family – we love trucks, UTVs and ATVs. We spend quite a bit of time together enjoying them. MWR: What does the heart of the current ATV market look like? What’s selling? Have ATVs been overshadowed with UTV sales? Trenton: Over the last few years, the ATV market size has been flat to slightly declining as a lot of enthusiasts move to UTVs. COVID has changed the ATV sales curve though as people have looked for ways to enjoy the outdoors. Consequently, ATV sales have seen a big boost. We’re seeing a lot of the people looking at, and purchasing ATVs, are new to the sport. As far as what’s selling, customers really focus on mid- and full-size 4 wheel drive ATVs. MWR: What were goals for this new Alterra 600? Trenton: Our focus was to take what we loved about our previous Alterra platform and amplify it – more power, more performance, more durability, more fun. MWR: Tell us about the Alterra 600 – chassis is new, engine and drivetrain are new, clutching and even bodywork! How is this improved over the current Alterra models? Trenton: Let’s start with the heart of the product, our new 600 engine. The team designed an all-new engine leaning out the lessons learned from our past engine development, and it’s important to note this is built in our St. Cloud, Minnesota engine facility. We brought a lot of technology into the engine, and then coupled it with a performance tuned CVTech Trailbloc clutch to take advantage of all the new power. The suspension guys worked on geometry within the chassis and upped the size of the shocks to deliver great ride and handling. All new body work eliminates complex panel fitment, but retains easy access to the engine for cleaning and maintenance. To complement the bodywork, we also introduced some cool new colors for the brand found on the LTD and SE models with big 27-inch tires wrapped around a new set of 14-inch wheels. MWR: How would you describe the ride and handling? Trenton: The Alterra has characteristically had great handling and comfort, but when it came to play riding, they needed a little more punch. After spending an ample amount of time behind the bars, I feel we’ve accomplished our goals with a unit that really feels a lot more exciting to play ride. The CG is lower, it’s more balanced, and you get that throttle response you were looking for. It’s really easy to ride and inspires confidence. MWR: How long has the Alterra been in development? Trenton: Like most product development, the timing is between 2-3 years. MWR: When can consumers expect the Alterra 600 in dealerships? Trenton: You’ll start seeing Alterra 600s in dealerships in July.