4th Teen Challenge Sled for Eternity Ride Goes Well Despite Weather Conditions
BRP INTRODUCES INDUSTRY-FIRST TECHNOLOGY AS PART OF NEW 2018 SKI-DOO LINEUP ALONG WITH NEW CAN-AM MODEL 2018 Polaris® Snowmobile Lineup Features All-New Extreme Crossover
YAMAHA CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY WITH 2018 SNOWMOBILE LAUNCH!
State of the Art Indoor Golf Technology Now Available in Thunder Bay!
YAMAHA CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY WITH 2018 SNOWMOBILE LAUNCH! All-New SnoScoot, Big Changes to Sidewinder M-TX, Seven 50th Anniversary Themed Limited Edition Models, SRVenture DX and VK Professional II EPS Highlight 2018 Launch. Fifty years of snowmobiles, and the only Japanese manufacturer, is a cherished milestone that Yamaha is proud to have achieved. Yamaha could not have reached its status as a leader in the snowmobile industry without the support of its dealer network, industry partners, and most importantly, its valued customers. A heartfelt thank you to all who chose, and continue to choose, Yamaha. Please enjoy this video for a look back at some of the models that have made Yamaha’s name synonymous with quality, innovation and performance. In 2017, Yamaha attacked the top of the market by releasing the incredible Sidewinder with Genesis 998 Turbo. For 2018, Yamaha is celebrating their 50th snowmobile anniversary, not just with a number of themed LE models, but with a noble objective. Yamaha’s goal is to ensure the industry grows and matures for another 50 years by releasing SnoScoot, the perfect introduction to snowmobiling for new riders. SnoScoot offers a stylish, off-trail ready, reliable, trail compliant, affordable gas and go snowmobile, but it’s also some of the most fun you can have on snow! The 192cc, Yamaha four-stroke engine, adjustable suspension and roomy ergonomics ensure the SnoScoot will keep riders smiling for years to come. Yamaha will be aggressively promoting the SnoScoot to nonsnowmobilers, demonstrating how beneficial the snowmobile lifestyle is for families, community building and rider empowerment like they did in this video. At the other end of the spectrum, Yamaha continues to push the performance envelope by releasing a total of six Sidewinder M-TX models for
2018, including base, SE and LE models in 153 and 162 track length configurations. To go along with the dynamic Genesis 998 Turbo engine, each M-TX model has important changes like a new dropped chain case with flatter approach angle, revised intake venting with pre-filter, updated mountainfriendly ergonomics, and 8 tooth drive sprockets. The Yamaha Sidewinder MTX series is changing what riders thought they knew about four-stroke mountain snowmobiles. Watch the MTX series absolutely rip, right here. What would a 50th anniversary be without some limited edition models? In 2018, Yamaha celebrates by releasing seven 50th anniversary themed, upgraded LE models in Sidewinder RTX, L-TX, B-TX and M-TX configurations, Viper L-TX and Apex and Apex X-TX. Even the SRX120 - while not a spring only LE - does get a 50th anniversary graphics package. Not to be outdone, two other versions of LE are available in ‘Yamaha Blue’ racing motif, those being the Sidewinder LTX LE and Sidewinder M-TX LE 153. Each of the LE models receives a number of specification upgrades, but they are only available during Yamaha’s Spring Power Surge, running this year until April 15, 2017. See details on the full LE lineup here.
On the two-up side, Yamaha has an allnew SRVenture DX to satisfy long distance two up riders who are looking to put on big miles in maximum comfort.
Yamaha has also incorporated its innovative Electric Power Steering system
Conquer Snow with Yamaha, is now.
to the VK Professional II, a significant upgrade that will allow better slow speed maneuvering and hauling capabilities for those that work just as much as they play on their snowmobile.
Complete model information is available at Yamaha-motor.ca or Yamahasnowmobiles.com
After fifty years, Yamaha is aggressively moving forward into 2018,
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pushing the momentum forward from a strong 2017 season. From bottom to top, Yamaha is releasing the models customers want, and the snowmobiles that will grow the industry. The time to
www.slednews.ca BRP INTRODUCES INDUSTRY-FIRST TECHNOLOGY AS PART OF NEW 2018 SKI-DOO LINEUP 2018 Ski-Doo lineup
BRP (TSX:DOO) unveiled its 2018 SkiDoo lineup and the new Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle last night in front of hundreds of its dealers. One of the highlights was the unveiling of the industry-first SHOT engine starting technology by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, hosts of Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters” TV Show. SHOT is an ultra-lightweight E-TEC engine starting system which introduces ultracapacitor technology to the industry. This system provides an electrical charge
20 pounds less than conventional electric start. “With SHOT, we are once again bringing to the market an industry-first invention created by our engineering teams in Canada and Austria. I’m convinced it will become a benchmark in the snowmobiling industry,” said BRP’s president and CEO, José Boisjoli. For the 2018 Ski-Doo lineup, the awardwinning REV Gen4 platform with Rotax 850 E-TEC is now available on more than half of 2018 Ski-Doo models, including the Summit, Freeride and Renegade Backcountry, as well as the highest-performance X-RS packages of the MXZ and folio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by- side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3.8 billion from over 100 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,900 people worldwide.
with no battery, starter motor or ring gear to start the engine. The system will be most appreciated by mountain riders who want to conserve energy by no longer pullstarting their sleds. It also saves weight, as SHOT adds only two pounds and is nearly
www.brp.com @BRPnews Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Rotax, Can-Am, SHOT, Freeride, Renegade, Summit, MXZ, X-RS, Maverick, X3, MAX, and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Renegade sleds.
The Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX
2017 Chevrolet Silverado!
BRP unveiled a new four-person flagship Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX side-by-side vehicle, furthering its push to reshape the super sport market. The game-changing Maverick X3 MAX vehicle features the same sophisticated blend of defiant design, precision handling and exceptional power found in the two-seat Maverick X3 vehicle, but also presents new levels of comfort and control for multi-passenger use. “With the launch of the Can-Am Defender in September 2015, the Defender MAX in March 2016 and the Can-Am Maverick X3 vehicle in September 2016, the Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX is the fourth vehicle demonstrating our commitment to launching a new side-by-side every six months through 2020,” adds Boisjoli. For more details on the 2018 Ski-Doo snowmobile line-up, click here. For more details on the 2017 Can-Am offroad Maverick X3 MAX vehicle, click here. About BRP BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its port-
2017 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Double Cab * Preferred Equipment Group * Ecotec 5.3L DI V8 VVT, AFM * 6 Speed Automatic Transmission * Auto Locking Rear Differential * Heated Front Seats * True North Edition * Mylink(TM) audio* * 8 inch Colour Touch * LED Cargo Box Lighting *
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado! 399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4
Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915
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4th Teen Challenge Sled for Eternity Ride Goes Well Despite Weather Conditions “ Thunder Bay is a beautiful example of a community that has embraced this event alone. I’m impressed with the number of participants and the sponsors. It is so good to see the community embrace not for profit organizations trying to help young people to get free and find new lives. We are having a development seminar this week here in Thunder Bay with 25 to 30 Teen Challenge leaders from across Canada and US sharing ideas.” said Jerry Nance.
BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors The weather conditions this winter could be called sketchy with low snow and even significant rain but some snow came just in time to allow the local snowmobile trails to open for the Teen Challenge ride. “ Today’s ride went well with the conditions.The people enjoyed the ride and the trails were good. We were expecting more riders but it went well and we raised $60,000 with about 80 riders. The conditions allowed us to do the ride,” said Robby Ahuja, Director for NW Ontario Teen Challenge. “ We have been doing these rides in Manitoba for 10 years now and they have started in Alaska and BC and will spread across North America.” New on the horizon for Teen Challenge is a women’s home for Thunder Bay. “ We are excited about launching a long term home in Thunder Bay for women with life controlling addictions for a minimum of a year program. We are also starting a thrift store to gain some more funding. The store will be at 107 Johnson Ave at Bay Street opening June or July. We have the building and will start renovations April 1st. We have started our offices and can accept donations or drop offs of inventory. You can call 345-2277 for more information.” On the Teen Challenge ride this year for the first time was Jerry Nance, President of Global Teen Challenge based in Columbus Georgia, near Atlanta. Teen Challenge was founded by David
Teen Challenge has 35,000 students in residential care globally, 250,000 to 300,000 people they work with in out patient programming and 15,000 staff around the world. Each Teen Challenge works independently as a non profit with their own board of directors from the community. They try to launch businesses to be independent. Wilkerson, a Minister out of Pennsylvania. He read an article in Life magazine about seven boys on trial for murder in 1958, a gang murder. He felt like God said go help those boys and 19 days later he was standing in New York in the court room hoping to help those boys. He ultimately began working with the gangs in New York and launched the first Teen Challenge in 1960. Teen Challenge grew across America and then across the world including Canada to 118 nations with over 1400 homes for men, women and adolescents with life controlling additions. They could be primarily behavourial issues, abusing drugs and rebellion.
“ The break down of the home is a big contributor and these kids are angry.
“Thunder Bay want to open a women’s home here in Thunder Bay. There are some very talented people who get
Heroin use is back across the US and in all your Arab counties across the world. I think there is a lot of pain, suffering, physical abuse, sexual abuse and also pain management say if they have had a car wreck for example. Many doctors are prescribing drugs like oxytocin but are now restricting the number of pills. When they can’t get it they are sometimes turning to heroin.” said Jerry Nance.
addicted to drugs. It is amazing how bright, innovative and creative they are and can achieve life transformation. An addict needs hope and its what draws them. They are in trouble with the law and steal from their family and friends. The United Nations did an study and there are 247 million drug abusers globally and additional 425 million alcoholics. They may have psychological issues so you have to do treatment to help them, including self esteem building.”
Global Teen Challenge in the last ten years have launched in 36 new nations.
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State of the Art Indoor Golf Technology Now Available in Thunder Bay! Great Outdoors
and we opened to the general public mid February. We are doing well since our opening.” said John.
A long time well known business located near the airport in Thunder Bay, Landale Gardens, has become a more all year round operation now with the recent introduction of the latest Trackman Golf
You can definitely help your game with the information gained on your shots with this technology. At Landale you play by the hour and can choose between 27 different courses, a driving range,
BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
chipping area and putting is part of the game. Landale may have golf pro on site in the future. They are open 7 days a week from 9am until when ever the golfers go home!
hours can be used anytime. Normal rate up until 2 pm is $37, past 2pm and on the weekends it is $45 per hour. Landale may add a second simulator in the future.
“ The golf simulator is definitely different for us at Landale but the garden centre business is evolving to more than just plants, with more entertainment. Golf is an interest of mine. We also have hot tubs. We are here all winter except for a few weeks when we go away to play golf.” laughs John.
It was brisk, cool, sunny day in Thunder Bay when I visited Landale. Inside the temperature was 80 degree plus and the sun on my face in the waiting area! Almost like jumping off the plane in Maui!
The most cost effective way cost to play at Landale is $35 per hour with a 5hour punch card for $175 and those
simulator. “ We wanted to do something with the greenhouses during winter. Landale had the space and the golf simulator doesn’t need heat overnight so we decided to get into the indoor golf business,” smiles John Soychak, President of Landale Gardens Thunder Bay for over 30 years. John has completed horticultural courses at Guelph University and Humber College. “ I love golf but can only play during the winter when on vacation. During the summer we are so busy with the landscaping I can’t golf.” There are two types of golf simulators technologies- radar based and infrared. Landale chose the radar-based system because the necessities of recalibration don’t exist, light doesn’t affect the system and the unit can be used in the summer time as well. You can take the Trackman outside. “ We have the Trackman 4- the technology is from Denmark and state of the art for Thunder Bay and anywhere. It was up and running here mid January
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2018 Polaris® Snowmobile Lineup Features All-New Extreme Crossover Polaris® Titan™ Models, New SKS 146 in., and Race-Ready Switchback® XCR Models Polaris extends its decades-long dominance in snowmobile ride and handling with a 2018 model lineup featuring purpose-built models built on the innovative AXYS® platform. Polaris Snowmobiles provide riders with confident control and handling and are the quickest and most responsive sleds on the market. Redefining extreme crossover versatility, the all-new 2018 line of Polaris Titan models are powerful and agile snowmobiles that feature industry-leading deep snow mobility, unmatched carrying and towing capabilities, solo or 2-up riding versatility, and off-trail or on-trail agility. Built on the new AXYS Titan Chassis, the three Polaris Titan models for 2018 have several innovative new features that ensure rider comfort, secure carrying, and reliable performance in all locations and conditions. The 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles lineup also includes new models for Deep Snow and Crossover riders: • The 800 SKS 146 is engineered to deliver the ultimate deep snow performance along with confident handling on trails. • The 600 Switchback XCR and 800 Switchback XCR feature
race-proven components for class-leading performance and the ultimate durability. The full 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles lineup includes purpose-built models for every type of rider and terrain, including deep snow RMK® models, trail-dominating RUSH® models, versatile Switchback crossover models, INDY® models that epitomize the fun of snowmobiling, and recreational-utility Voyageur® models. NEW Titan: Extreme Crossover with Unmatched Capabilities The new 800 Titan models completely redefine extreme crossover versatility. Built specifically for the world’s most extreme conditions, these sleds not only deliver unmatched on-trail and off-trail performance for one or two riders but also inspire confidence when hauling large payloads.
confident control on-trail. The innovative Power Boosting Regulator delivers electrical power at low RPMs or idle, whenever and wherever you need it. The Polaris Titan cooling system with radiator and fan ensures optimal engine output, while the suspension package and aggressive 155-in. x 20-in. track let the sleds traverse the nastiest terrain while towing a load. And for added versatility, the integrated Lock &
The three new Polaris Titan models – 800 Titan SP 155, 800 Titan XC 155 and 800 Titan Adventure 155 – feature distinctive trim and equipment packages to meet the needs of specific types of riders.
Ride® Versa Storage Platform makes it easy to attach or remove cargo carriers without needing tools, while the quick install 2-up seat allows for various riding options.
mountains and heavy snow regions by delivering the ultimate combination of lift, control, and response.
RMK: New SKS Models Deliver Versatile Performance Polaris Deep Snow models dominate in the
Built on the new AXYS Titan Chassis and powered by the proven, reliable 800 H.O. Cleanfire® engine, the vehicles can go anywhere and do anything. Riders will experience the Rider-Balanced® Control expected of models on the AXYS chassis, which provides the agility and mobility needed to run off-trail, while maintaining
The patented, raised AXYS Chassis, along with the AXYS RMK Rear Suspension and aggressive Polaris-exclusive tracks provide lift to put the sleds instantly on top of the snow. The rigid chassis and suspensions deliver rider inputs and power directly to the snow for the greatest response. With powerful engines and the rigid, lightweight AXYS chassis, Polaris deep snow models provide riders with industry-leading power-to-weight ratios on models such as the 800 PRO-RMK® 155, the world’s lightest mountain sled at 408 pounds. This provides Polaris RMKs with the instantaneous lift needed in the backcountry. The 2018 Deep Snow lineup includes several models with either the proven 800 H.O. Cleanfire engine or 600 Cleanfire engine, and tracks lengths from 146 in. to 174 in.
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RIDE THE SLED OF TOMORROW, TODAY – THE NEW 8000’S ARE HERE! ered by the all-new and all-powerful Arctic Cat 8000-Series 794cc CTEC2 engine with Dual-Stage Injection. In addition to the new engine, the ZR 8000 Sno Pro ES 129- and 137-in. track models come with new bodywork for increased airflow and easy on/off panels; the auto-adjusting TEAM Rapid Response II drive clutch; and they’re available extra-early at Arctic Cat dealerships after Feb. 1, 2017.
Arctic Cat rides into 2018 early, and with a pair of new M 8000 Sno Pro machines powered by the allnew, all powerful Arctic Cat 8000Series 794cc C-TEC2 engine with Dual-Stage Injection. They feature all-new, narrow profile Next-Gen Mountain bodywork which is part of the new Ascender platform. Each gets the Arctic Mountain Drive
About Arctic Cat
most widely recognized and respected in the recreational vehicle industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and snowmobiles, in addition to related parts, garments and accessories under the Arctic Cat® and Motorfist® brand names. Arctic Cat Inc.’s world headquarters is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “ACAT.” More information
The Arctic Cat brand is among the
about Arctic Cat and its products is available at www.arcticcat.com.
System, narrowed running boards and increased forward foot placement for maximum backcountry performance. And they’re available in limited quantities at Arctic Cat dealerships after Feb. 1, 2017.
Arctic Cat accelerates into model year 2018 fast and early with a pair of ZR 8000 Sno Pro models pow-
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THUNDER BAY AUTO SPORT CLUB Hold Ice Racing at Mission Bay, Lake Superior BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
Great Outdoors There has been lots of car ice racing history in Thunder Bay beginning in
1959! It was fun to witness racing March 12, 2017 on a cool, sunny day. Their location seemed perfect to me for this
event, at the end of City Road at Mission Bay. The cars, especially studded tire versions, seemed to get some pretty good speed and would power slid around the corners similar to what a dirt track race car would do. The weather has been up and down this year in Thunder Bay but the very cool conditions this day were great for racing! The First Race Central Canada Car Club staged the first-ever automobile event on ice on Sunday, February 8, 1959. Nine competitors took part in a timed event called the ‘Dice-on-Ice.’ Driver made two runs around a 1.7-mile ice track on the Port Arthur harbour to record the fastest lap. Oliver ‘Deke’ Dawdy, driving a D.K.W., recorded the fastest time, completing the two laps in 5 minutes and 2 seconds. Tibor Dancz, in a Volkswagen, was second in a time of 5 minutes and 7 seconds. Peg Wenting was the only female competitor. A second event was held on February 22 with competitors given three tries to record the fastest time possible. To
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speed up the trials, two cars are allowed on the track a half a lap apart. George Cummings, driving a Volkswagen, was the top driver with a best time of 5 minutes and 15 seconds. Dawdy was second with a time of 5
minutes and 18 seconds. Tom Jones was third in a time of 5 minutes and 22 seconds in a Volvo owned by Al Albrecht.