November 2013
Geraldton and Longlac Snow Clubs Ready For A Great Season!
2014 Yamaha Sled A Collaborative Effort GET PREPARED BEFORE YOU RIDE Safe Snowmobiling Starts at Home ISOC welcomes Ram Truck as the presenting sponsor for AMSOIL Championship Snocross!
2014 Arctic Cat Sled Will Feature First Ever 2 Stroke Engine Built In House
NORTH SUPERIOR PUBLISHING INC.
2014 Polaris Snowmobiles Continue To Develop
ISOC welcomes Ram Truck as the presenting sponsor for AMSOIL Championship Snocross! "The sport is in our blood," says Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand November 4, 2013 , Minneapolis Officials with International Series of Champions (ISOC), the producers and promoters of AMSOIL Championship Snocross (ACS), are pleased to welcome Ram Truck as the presenting sponsor of the 2013-'14 series tour, which gets underway Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn.
"We can't begin to tell you how pumped we are to have Ram Truck on board as the presenting sponsor for AMSOIL Championship Snocross." Ram Trucks offer best-in-class gas and diesel performance and are capable of tow-
Ram Heavy Duty trucks powered by the 850 lb.-ft. of torque Cummins Turbo Diesel engine - the most powerful among all pickups - has earned an unparalleled reputation for its durability, and is wellsuited to the all-weather trailer-towing demands of professional racers and ama-
AMSOIL Championship Snocross' President and Race Director Carl Schubitzke agreed with Bigland, adding: "The AMSOIL Championship Snocross events provide a natural venue to reach passionate truck customers and demonstrate the Ram Truck lineup's outstanding capabilities. Our fans will see firsthand this year how Ram Truck offers a complete line of trucks that deliver capability, innovation and durability to its customers.
PAGE 2
In addition to its AMSOIL Championship Snocross partnership, Ram Truck also sponsors seven-time ACS champion and 11-time X Games medalist Tucker Hibbert. Beginning with AMSOIL Championship Snocross' season-opening round in Duluth, Minn. and running through the season finale in Lake Geneva, Wis. CBS Sports Network will broadcast 16 half-hour race shows - all in HD - of the ACS races.
Last year's Official Truck of AMSOIL Championship Snocross, Ram was interested in elevating its status with the world's premier snowmobile racing series. Showcasing the Ram brand throughout the 2012-'13 competition season, AMSOIL Championship Snocross' ultra-high proportion of pickup truck ownership amongst its audience (83.7-percent, with 68.9-percent owning a trailer as well) was deemed a perfect fit by Ram to come on board this season as the series' presenting sponsor. "Ram Truck is pleased to be able to expand our relationship with ISOC," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "From the crew that designs, develops and builds Ram trucks, to our loyal owners, to the teams that compete in AMSOIL Championship Snocross, the sport is in our blood."
Official Truck of AMSOIL Championship Snocross, but as the presenting sponsor as well. This is where our customers are."
Photos courtesy of Lissa Marsolek. About Ram Truck Brand
ing up to 30,000 lbs. - more than three tons greater than the closest competitor. To put 30,000 lbs. in perspective, that equates to a trailer carrying 48 snowmobiles (that's a line of snowmobiles nearly one-tenth of a mile long)! Bigland went on to say: "Snowmobile owners are passionate about their trucks. They depend on them to get their family, friends and trailers loaded with sleds safely to where they're going. Often, that means through the harshest weather, most difficult road conditions and sometimes mountainous terrain. Ram trucks demonstrate unmatched capability, control and comfort, helping winter sports enthusiasts enjoy their recreation time. Bottom line; you can't beat a Ram truck for all-weather capability."
teur snowmobilers alike. For 2014, the Ram 1500 offers a new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine that delivers an outstanding combination of best-in-class fuel efficiency greater than 25 mpg - unsurpassed torque and up to 9,200 pounds of towing capability.
The Ram Truck brand continues to establish its own identity and clearly define its customer since its launch as the newest Chrysler Group LLC vehicle brand. Creating a stand-alone brand for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on how core customers use their trucks and what new features they'd like to see. Whether focusing on a family that uses its half-ton truck day in and day out, a hardworking Ram Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its commercial vehicles every day, Ram has the truck market covered.
About ISOC Racing The Ram Truck team - from designers, to engineers, to the men and women that build them - is passionate about snowmobiling. With so many Ram Truck employees based in Michigan, it's a popular winter pastime. "You need look no further than the snocross parking lots across the nation to see that pickup trucks are the vehicle of choice of snowmobilers," added Bigland. "It's only natural for Ram Trucks to support this great winter sport, not only as the
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013
The International Series of Champions (ISOC) is the premier snowmobile race sanctioning organization in North America and sanctions national AMSOIL Championship Snocross, in addition to affiliating with nine regional circuits. Visit www.isocracing.com for more information, fan and racer memberships, schedule details and more.
www.slednews.com Riding ATV’s Great Start To Snowmobile Season! BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News Fall is here and the cooler weather means snowmobiling is not far off. This year I am getting ready for the snowmobile season with ATV's! Yes I became an ATV rider. I think my introduction to the sport began riding in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area with tracked ATV's. It was a fun experience and I felt it would be interesting to try here at home, without the tracks of course. Riding ATV's is really a lot like snowmobiling. You are outside in the fresh air. You get to see some of the most beautiful terrain in our world and there is the challenge of your ride. Snowmobiling is a much faster sport but ATVing requires skill in picking your route down the trail and getting through some rough terrain sometimes. It is
really is an adventure!
As a young boy growing up in a small town in NW Ontario I became an instant snowmobile enthusiast. During this time there was also another outdoor activity, riding a machine with an engine- ATVing. Maybe it was because I spend a lot of time on the golf course but I had never really had much time riding ATV’s. Today riding ATV’s fun! It is much different seeing grass and encountering rocks and running water than the frozen conditions during snowmobiling. It does offer great scenery, fresh air and a challenge to navigate your route just like snowmobiling, which I enjoy. This past year I started to cut into my golf time with ATV’s!
Prepare for the Unexpected with these First Aid and Emergency Essentials Superlight kits and tools that won't weigh you down
15F. Marking a major innovation in survival shelter technology, the SOL Escape solves the age-old design flaw that afflicts most bivvies – excess moisture build-up. Made from a vacuum metalized spunbonded olefin, the Escape’s groundbreaking design lets condensation escape at the same time it keeps rain, snow and wind on the outside. The special material also
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Waterproof .9- Weighing just 8 ounces, the convenient, portable AMK Ultralight/Waterproof .9 is stocked with supplies for all types of injuries and illnesses one might encounter. The kit comes in a re-sealable waterproof DryFlex™bag and retails for $37. Pocket Survival Pak -Designed by outdoor survival expert, Doug Ritter, this kit contains critical survival supplies in a waterproof, pocket-sized pack that weighs only 3.9 ounces. This kit includes a 20mm compass, duct tape, scalpel blade, magnifier, utility wire, nylon cord, nylon thread, sewing needle, fishing kit, safety pins, aluminum foil, pencil, paper, Fire Lite spark-
er, Tinder Quik, super loud whistle, rescue mirror, and survival instructions. MSRP $34
reflects body heat, so you can survive the unexpected night outdoors without waking up soaking wet. The Escape is a comfortable 84” long by 36” wide. Retail $50. http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
SOL Escape Bivvy- Weighing in at only
President
Miranda Bolt Graphic Designer 8.5 oz., the Escape is versatile enough to function as an emergency outdoor survival bivvy, a lightweight warm-weather sleeping bag or even a sleeping bag liner to extend your bags temperature rating by
2014 Chevrolet Silverado Z71 * Preferred Equipment Group * 5.3 L DI V8 W/ VVT AFM * 6 Speed Automatic Transmission * Sirius XM Satellite Radio * Heated Front Bucket Seats * Auto Locking Rear Differential * Special Edition Package * Front Fog Lamps *
All New 2014 Silverado Has Arrived! 399 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, On P7B 3Y4
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013
Tel: (807) 683-4900 Fax: (807) 345-8005 Toll Free: 1-800-465-3915
PAGE 3
2014 Arctic Cat Sled Will Feature First Ever 2 Stroke Engine Built In House BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News The big news from Arctic Cat in 2014 is they will produce their first direct injected 2 stroke motor with less weight, cleaner burning and more horsepower than a comparable sized 4 stroke. It will compete directly against the very successful Ski Doo ETEC engines. The engine will be built in St Cloud, MN along side the 4 stroke ATV engines they have manufactured in house for several years now. Previously the engines were made by Suzuki,” said Jason Johnstone, President of Smith’s RV Centre and co owner with Brad Johnstone. “ It will be neat to see the new 600 motor on the snow. In their test 600
motors they were putting on upwards of 80,000 miles and that is pretty intense. I believe the motor will perform well.” In 2014 Arctic Cat has also teamed up with Yamaha and their 4 stroke engines which will be placed in the Arctic Cat Procross chassis. “ Yamaha had always been praised for their 4 stroke technology so with Arctic Cat’s strong chassis it will be a nice combination. Arctic will be providing the chassis for Yamaha as well for their own new branded sled, the Viper. We have presold some of these sleds. The availability this season will be quite limited.” said Jason Johnstone.
but not necessarily in all areas. “ The biggest thing is the type of snowmobilers we have and the availability of trails. People are making their own trails so the crossover sled is popular,”said Johnstone. “ We always hope for a good year in sled sales. Much of our sales are weather driven. Last year we didn’t have our first real snow to near the end of January, which is pretty late for Thunder Bay. This industry is very reliant on snow. If the weather is good we get good sales. We had many carryover of 2013 Arctic Cat sleds but have had a good start to the year due to some pretty good programs. We have sold out of some models which is good.” said Johnstone.
According to Johnstone the crossover segment is by far the most popular segment in our area, Northwestern Ontario,
2014 Yamaha Sled A Collaborative Effort BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News
The remaining Yamaha sleds for 2014 will have some updates to create a good strong lineup. Yamaha has committed to producing a few new models each year
The big news from Yamaha for 2014 is Yamaha and Arctic Cat getting together and on a sled, the SRX Viper. The innovative sled will feature a Yamaha 4 stroke motor in the Arctic Cat Procross chassis. “ The Procross chassis was ahead of where Yamaha was on some of their sleds so it was a good mix. They have co produced the SRX Viper with the Arctic Cat chassis and the Yamaha motor. The Viper name has come back,” said Randy Neufeld, GM for North Country Cycle & Sports in Thunder Bay. “ The sled uses the proven high performance Genesis 4 stroke engine that had been around for awhile and gotten better each year. The main difference between the Arctic Cat and Yamaha sleds with this engine is the clutching. Yamaha was not willing to give up their clutching on the Genesis engine so it gives them an edge I believe. They have had no problems with belt deflection.” The 4 stroke motors will be made by Yamaha and shipped to Thief River Falls, MN and the sled assembled there. “ It gives Yamaha a nice performing chassis for their very reliable motor. I rode the sled at the Yamaha dealer meetings in Minneapolis last spring and the sled rides nice. It definitely has some good acceleration. We did some short runs there and it was great.” said Neufeld.
PAGE 4
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013
and have a long term forecast to get back in the market in a big way according to Neufeld. There is no doubt this huge international company has the financial resources to accomplish a lot in the snowmobile segment. In 2014 Yamaha also has the Phazer, Vector, Nytro and Utility models. There are different configurations in each model for the trail, crossover and mountain enthusiast.
Exciting Polaris Sleds for 2014 BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Snowmobile News Anne Marie Polhill, General Manager for J & J Sports Thunder Bay is excited about the 2014 Polaris 600 Indy Voyager sled. Brand new for 2014 it a great utility sled with a long track and cargo rack at the back, 144 inch track with 2 inch lug made for off trail, ice fishing, government and
J & J Sports has been the Polaris 800 Switchback Assault which is now also available with a 600 engine. “ This sled has a great suspension and power. It is a sled you want to take off trail and is fun to play with as it is nimble and a powerhouse. People are using the sled off trail and going out of town more to ride. The sleds are being well used even though we don’t have as much of a trail system. The sled is also quite light which is great in
See The Professionals
hydro- it is good work unit. The engine is 600 cc liquid cooled engine. The sled is also light weight at 498 pounds. “ It is going to be a good seller and we expect being sold out of this model. It retails at $11,300 plus freight and PDI.” said Anne Marie. The most popular selling sled recently for
deeper snow. We have sold out of this model for the last three years.” said Anne Marie. “ The Indy line is a great entry sled for Polaris. It performs and the customers we sold this sled to last year raved about it. The Indy 600 sled starts at $8995,” said Anne Marie. “ It is going to be a good year. We will get lots of snow and it will happen soon!”
939 Tungsten St.
623-5042
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013
PAGE 5
Geraldton and Longlac Snow Clubs Ready For A Great Season! by Michel Lafrance Living in Northern Ontario has always been a challenge for any organization and snow clubs are no exception! We live far away from any major center and our population just doesn’t justify spending money on us. Greenstone for example covers 2400 sq.km and we are the second largest municipality in Canada in regards to land,
PAGE 6
second only to the Great Toronto area. Obviously we don’t have millions of people living here. We only have about 4500 people in Greenstone down from 6500 back in 1995 when the forest industry was at it’s high point. The Geraldton and Longlac Snow clubs along with the Marathon Snow Kickers are the only remaining snow clubs in the former district 16 of the OFSC.
Due to poor local economy situation across the area, a few clubs have had to shut down due to lack of volunteers and lack of permit sales. Once we were was a thriving area with permits sales in access of 3000 for the district 16. At the end of 2011 permits had dropped to just over 300 in sales for the whole of district 16. Certainly not enough to keep many club’s in good standing with the OSFC. Our love for the sport and the commitment of a select few volunteers have made it possible for these 3 clubs to survive. Last year was our first year operating as an independent clubs, meaning we don’t belong to any other district. We also operated without any financial support from the OFSC. Yes that’s right we have not received any funding like all other snow clubs in the Ontario. This make us very much unique and true to our nature we not only met our minimum 50 permits per club requirement, we exceeded it! This year with the prior to November 1.2013 online sale offered by the OFSC, it will have given us a much needed boost in permit sales. One of our marketing strategies this year, was and is to get permits sold to people who have once lived in the area to support our clubs. This also included Americans who often come up here to visit and also included other snowmobilers from other clubs in Ontario who want to support us! Well some may say that we are taking permits from other clubs, yes I guess you are right- we are. But that’s ok because we
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013
need this support in order to make it through the tough economic time the area has been going through. We are confident that when forestry industry picks up again
and with the hopes of major mining possibly on our door step things will get better. We will still be around to provide a trail system that is well maintained. We are clubs that are willing to go the extra mile to provide recreational opportunities to our communities. Snowmobiling has been around for years, well since there been snowmobiling. We’ve been associated with the OFSC since the 1990’s, and much longer prior to that. We do are best to provide a great product on our trail system. Also living up here, well it’s a guarantee that there will be snow! Please check out our web site at www.snowclub.ca
GET PREPARED BEFORE YOU RIDE Safe Snowmobiling Starts at Home before your first ride. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding riders that a snowmobile can quickly take you away from areas where services, communities and emergency assistance are easily accessible or available. Responsible snowmobilers take charge of their own safety and well-being by preparing their sled, gear and equipment before the first ride of the season. In addition to getting properly trained and knowing the law, there are other factors to consider when getting ready for safe snowmobiling:
Carry a Repair Kit - Ensure that you have either the sled manufacturer’s tool kit or one of your own on board, including owner’s manual, spare belt and spark plugs. Inspect Your Gear & Equipment Make sure that everything still fits and works properly, and that nothing is missing before you head out. Prepare for First Aid - Pre-assembled first aid kits can be found at outdoor stores and online and so can information about first aid courses.
survival kit, found at outdoors stores and online, including information about winter survival courses. Go High Tech - Devices like GPS, cell phones, satellite phones and SPOT Personal Trackers can be very useful in avoiding or dealing with emergency situations. Contact Companions - Snowmobiling is more fun with riding buddies, and safer too, so avoid riding alone by getting in touch with friends and family who can join you on the trails.
Service Your Sled - Avoid breakdowns that can leave you stranded by having your sled professionally serviced
Get a Survival Kit - Any unexpected day or night spent out in the cold will be easier with assistance from a good
Review Safety Tips – As experienced as you may be, it’s always smart to renew your familiarity with your sled’s safety manual and the Safe Riders messaging on the OFSC website ofsc.on.ca>safety.
The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death. Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program. Visit opp.ca for more information. The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement. For more information, visit ofsc.on.ca. -
Welcome To White River Snowmobilers! Owners Marvin822-1876 & Joanne Picard Phone
126 Queen Street, Longlac, ON
216 Hwy 17, White River Pat & Linda Leadbeater
Paws Northern Cabins Ltd PO Box 460, White River, Ontario P0M3G0 Phone 807-822-1987 peggydavejones@yahoo.ca
We welcome you to the White River area and hope you enjoy snowmobiling here! Peggy & Dave Jones
North Central Co-op Inc. Freshmart Store 204 Elgin Street, PO Box 400 Welcome White River, Ontario P0M3G0 Snowmobilers! 807-822-2389 807-822-1272 ncci@renegadeisp.com
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013
PAGE 7
2014 Polaris Snowmobiles Continue To Develop BY SCOTT A. SUMNER
NW Ontario Golfing News In 2014 Polaris is growing a lot of the models they have worked on in the last few years, according to Randy Neufeld, GM for North Country Cycle & Sports in Thunder Bay. “ The Switchback was introduced last year with the RUSH style rear suspension in a 136 inch track. They also have the Switchback Assault, our best selling sled last year in a 600 as well as 800 version. They have expanded what has been suc-
cessful,”said Neufeld. “ The Indy line, an entry level sled for those who don’t want the cutting edge has been expanded as well. It is available in performance and utility versions, in 550, 600 and 800 engine versions. They have the same front suspension with the traditional style rear skid” “ I believe it is going to be a good year for Polaris. The crossover segment has been very popular. The rider that does a lot of trial riding and some off trail can go with the PRO R while the person who does more off trail riding could go for the Switchback Assault with the deeper lug,” said Neufeld. “ We see more people riding off trail due to a lack of trail system in NW Ontario that is extensive and closer to the urban area. More riders are looking for the 144-inch track. They make there own trails and we have great areas for that.”
Snowmobile sales were excellent for North Country Cycle & Sports last year. “ We had a really good year with very few left over’s so have fresh stock in the showroom.”
See Our Next Issue: Advance tickets, lodging and race schedule indoor/outdoor viewing & expo
Racer preregistration required through www.isocracing.com or 866-771-4762.
.com 218-722-4011
INTERNATIONAL SERIES OF CHAMPIONS
Aluminum Cabinet Co.com
NW Ontario Snowmobile News Coverage 2013 Duluth Snocross, J & J Sports and more! Ad Copy Deadline Dec 9th Call our Marketing Department at 807-623-2348
PAGE 8
SNOWMOBILE NEWS NOVEMBER 2013