http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-...eOutlaw500.htm

Polaris Unleashes the Outlaw 500

Company announces Outlaw rider sponsorships and racing contingency programs

Minneapolis, February 20, 2006 – Polaris Industries today announced its 2006 ATV racing sponsorships, the continuation of industry’s largest ATV contingency program for Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) ATV classes, and the addition of a contingency offering for three races in SCORE International’s Off-Road Racing Series.

Along with re-signing GNCC Racing Pro Matt Smiley, Polaris has added seven new factory riders including six new GNCC racers and one World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) rider. Most riders will race the newly-released Outlaw, the first high-performance ATV with independent rear suspension (PRO-IRS), which should excel on GNCC and WORCS’ cross country courses. With its revolutionary suspension, unmatched ground clearance and exclusive PRO steering system, the Outlaw is purpose-built for aggressive trail riding, making it the perfect off road racer. The ATV already has received various top honors including ATV Guide’s 2006 ATV of the Year-Sport & Performance, ATV Rider’s Sport ATV of the Year and All-Terrain Vehicle’s 2006 Best New Concept.

“Our expanded 2006 racing roster and contingency program are part of our ongoing commitment to the high performance ATV market,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager for the ATV Division at Polaris. “Pairing the trail tough Outlaw, and its independent rear suspension, with some of the best riders will break new ground in off road racing.”

GNCC Racer Sponsorships
Polaris re-signed Matt Smiley, a 13-year veteran and a top five GNCC racer the last nine consecutive years. Smiley and his Polaris Predator 500 finished fifth overall in the GNCC standings for 2005. For 2006, Smiley will pilot an Outlaw and is backed by Chestnuthill Trailers, a Polaris dealership in Effort, Penn.

Stephanie Parton is the second Pro GNCC racer to be added to Polaris roster. A fan favorite, Parton finished second in the “Women’s” class, only two points out of first. Her racing accomplishments include 2004 ATVA Female Rider of the Year, Three-Time Morning Overall Champion, Two-Time Women’s National Champion and she has 34 Women’s National wins. Parton’s employer, Don Wood Polaris in Athens, Ohio, also is a sponsor.

Polaris also has signed “4-Stroke Stock A” Racer Todd Rothermel, “Super Senior (50+)” Racer John Gallagher and will sponsor the Wilson Racing Team. Rothermel and Gallagher both finished on top of their respective class standings for 2005. Wilson Racing consists of “4-Stroke A” Racer Mike Sroka, “Pro Am” Racer Frank Grimplin and “Youth” Racer Jerry Welch, who will race a Youth Predator 90. Polaris dealerships supporting the racers include Schreffler Equipment Inc. in Pittman Penn. (Rothermel), Bair’s Polaris-Victory in North Canton, Ohio (Gallagher) and Andy’s Motorsports in Smithton, Penn. (Wilson Racing).

The first race of the 2006 GNCC series is The Orange Crush GNCC, March 4-6, in De Leon Springs, Fla.

WORCS Racer Sponsorship
Expanding its racing roster to the West Coast, Polaris signed WORCS “Stock A” Racer Jeff Bertuzzi to blaze the trails on an out-of-the-box Outlaw. A 20-year veteran to racing, Bertuzzi’s career highlights include winning the Desert and MX championship In Utah in 2000. Bertuzzi also is backed by Polaris Dealer, Stephen Wade Powersports in St. George, Utah.

Bertuzzi’s first race aboard the Outlaw was WORC’s opening weekend, January 20-21, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he took the Stock A Class by almost six-and-a-half minutes. The Outlaw’s second WORCS outing was in Taft, Calif., resulting in another victory for Bertuzzi by almost four minutes.

“Polaris is excited about the early success of the Outlaw on the off-road racing circuit and we look forward to many more podiums. Adding the perspective and race experiences of various racers also provides invaluable information used to further enhance the machine,” added Dougherty.

Contingency Programs
For the 2006 racing season, Polaris also expanded the company’s contingency program with the addition of the SCORE International Racing Series. The company is offering the following contingencies for three SCORE races:

San Felipe 250
First Place: $5,000

Baja 500
First Place: $10,000

Baja 1000
First Place: $25,000
Second Place: $5,000
Third Place: $2,500


Polaris also will continue to offer the largest ATV GNCC contingency program, offered for all GNCC ATV classes, including youth racing. The potential pay out for GNCC is more than $250,000 across all GNCC ATV classes, including the class champion. The maximum per race pay out is $2000 for the Pro class. Polaris currently is the only manufacturer offering a contingency program for the Youth circuit. The potential pay out for Youth is $10,000 and is available to all three classes, with a maximum per race pay out of $150.

Upcoming races and details on the contingency programs are posted on www.polarisperformance.com, the GNCC Racing Web site, www.gnccracing.com and SCORE International’s Web Site, www.score-international.com. WORCS racing information can be found at www.worcsracing.com.

 

Sweet news..now if we could only get a GNCC race here in Michigan....

 

Agreed heatseaker.
I may head to Bucannon for the GNC race at Red Bud in May (or June?) its not too far from me.

Hey we are going to be at the St Helens parking lot at 9 am saturday for an all day ride with Mi Offroad club , about 20-30 people.
If you are interested and can make it.

We had some sport riders at the Dec. 3rd Bull Gap ride.
Also see this link for group info...

http://www.atvoffroad.net/forums/sho...9386#post19386

JIm

http://www.atvoffroad.net/forums/sho...9386#post19386

 

To much snow for my quads..its sled season..when they run..uuuggghhhh


guys over on atv off road are ok to ride with..not alot of sporties over there...but I prefer a little speed when I ride...not that I would be fast today..you guys would keep pulling me out..lol...

 

Maybe in the spring or summer then, i will be doing a lot of rides up that way.
including the ATVOC meeting/ride in Rose city at the Badland on 4/22/06.

Jim