Overall, the Sportsman 700 is an impressive package, plenty of power, stable, comfortable and easy to ride. As with any machine, a few flaws stand out. We felt the front suspension could use a little work. A larger diameter two-stage shock would help when bouncing the 740-pound machine over a fallen tree. The clutch did not seem to grab quick enough when we gave the machine full throttle. A small adjustment to the clutch could produce a lot more power at low speeds.

One thing to remember, an ATV of this size is not for everyone. The weight and size of the unit give new meaning to Big Bore! Small or inexperienced riders should test ride the machine before purchasing it, just to make sure it’s what they want. Our test rider had no problem handling the 700 twin but we could see where someone smaller could. If you’re asking the question, “Why does anyone need such a big engine?” We say, “If you have to ask, then this big twin is not for you.” At 45 horsepower, work for this machine is effortless and it will climb large mountain passes with ease. This is the biggest bull in the barn!

The Victory Junction Gang – A Hole In The Wall Gang Camp

The Polaris’s 2002 press introduction was quite exciting. Journalists from all over the Country were gathered at the Richard Petty Ranch in North Carolina listening to Mitchell Johnson discuss which direction Polaris was taking in the industry. As Mitchell talked, the sound and sight of a legend appeared from the distant ranch house. A Sportsman 500 pulled up and, low and behold, Richard Petty himself circled the event canopy and rode off in the distance. After a short time, the sounds of another quad was honing in. To our amazement, it was Mr. Petty again; only this time he pulled up to the stage area and stopped. A great pyrotechnic display was launched; Richard had made quite an entrance. He was now riding a Sportsman 700 Twin; needless to say, each journalist made his way toward the Nascar giant. This was the first time any of us were introduced to Mr. Petty and the Sportsman 700.

Richard Petty is a true gentleman and our time spent at the Petty Ranch was terrific! Richard Petty spent time with us talking about how he enjoys riding the Polaris ATVs, which he already owns. The morning went fast and after lunch Mr. Petty asked us if we would join him for an ATV ride out to farthest reaches of his ranch. He had a lot to show us at his ranch. In the beginning states of construction were under way for a camp for kids with life-threatening illnesses. The Petty’s have always been involved in helping children. This all started with the entire Petty family, they were very impressed with the “Boggy Creek Gang Camp” located in Florida. Once Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie saw how special these camps are, they decided they wanted to help in any way possible. That’s when Pattie and Kyle began working towards their goal of bringing a camp to North Carolina. The new camp will be called the ” Victory Junction Gang Camp” and will be the seventh of the “Hole in The Wall Gang Camps” in the world. Actor Paul Newman founded the first “Hole In The Wall Gang Camp” located in Ashford, Connecticut in 1988. These camps are extraordinary places where children with life threatening illnesses can go to enjoy different activities and still receive adequate health care. Other Camps, targeting kids 7-15 years old, are operating in New York, Florida, Ireland, France and California. Services are free to campers and their families.

During the first part of planning, a tragedy hit the Petty family.
Kyle’s son Adam was killed in a practice run at the track. In honor of their grandson, Richard and Lynda Petty donated the necessary acreage to make the camp near Greensboro, North Carolina come to life. The camp goal is to accommodate up to 1,000 campers for the first summer and start a family weekend retreat program. The design team has stated the camp will be a children’s hospital disguised as a camp, for a week they’re going to be in Oz.