New location Bender Racing
Colden, New York-based performance shop Bender Racing has consolidated its three shops into one. Until late this summer, company had satellite shops in Batavia and Orchard Park, New York. The company is now located in a 12,000 square foot facility in Cowlesville, New York, about 40 minutes northeast of the Colden location. The new building is double the square footage of the three previous locations. The new number for the shop is 585/937-6829 and the address is: 220 Clinton Street; Cowlesville, NY 14037.
Yamaha steps up YES promotion
Though the program has been available for a few year, Yamaha will actively market its Yamaha Extended Service (YES) plan for new and new non-current snowmobiles. Through this program, machines can be covered for up to four more years through the extended warranty. Currently, machines have a one-year warranty. Under the plan, all repairs are made with official Yamaha parts. YES-buyers are also eligible for Travel and Recreation Interruption Protection. YES is available through authorized Yamaha Snowmobile in the US, and can be included in Yamaha Factory Financing. Customers can get an online quote at www.yamaha-motor.com.
Erlandson Steps Back From Racing
Erlandson Performance Inc., Brainerd, Minn., president Glenn Erlandson is taking some time away from the grass drag track. Erlandson, the tuner behind a fleet of Polaris sleds driven by his son, Chad, said he needed some time away from the grass drag scene. He sited the “time” as a major factor in his decision. “It isn’t just the weekend of the race,” he said. “You start in January working for July races. For 33 years, that’s all I did. I didn’t know what it was like to go out in the summer in a boat.” He added that he’s not spent too much time in the boat, however, as he’s kept busy with a booming business. He reported this past fiscal year, which ended in July, was the best in the company’s history. He’s been getting more involved with ATV performance parts, especially for ATV racing. He also said he’s in the market for a new building site with more shop space and a larger testing area.
Two victories for snowmobile access
Snowmobile access to two national parks will be safe for another season, as rulings were made at the end of August in favor of access.
A summary judgement affirmed the decision of Voyageurs National Park managers to open 11 bays that were closed to snowmobile use. The bays had closed to protect timberwolf hunting habitat, but reopened when studies showed no negligible effects of snowmobile on wolf populations. Eight environmental groups filed suit, claiming the park service violated its rule-making requirements when re-opening the bays. The park managers review the bay-closure policy annually.
New policies have been proposed for Yellowstone National Park. The new plan will allow up to 720 snowmobiles to enter the park daily, with 400 allowed to enter through the west gate in West Yellowstone, Mont. All sleds entering the park will be approved “cleaner, quieter” models, and riders must have a guide. If enacted, this plan will be valid for up to three winters. Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis said this plan will buy the park some time in establishing a permanent plan for winter use. A public comment period on the proposal will last 30 days.
Rock Maple/WSA Acquire BEST
Hampstead, N.H.-based Rock Maple Racing and White Bear Lake, Minn.-based World Snowmobile Association have purchased the Big East Snocross Tour (BEST) racing circuit. The sale took place on August 20. BEST was previously owned by Chip Vaadi. The race series, which has had races scheduled in New York and Pennsylvania, will now be known as “RMR West.” The division will be based at Rock Maple’s Hampstead, N. H. office.
Polaris Book In Second Printing
The Polaris Snowmobile Buyer’s Guide, with 160 pages and more than 200 photos, has just had its second printing. The guide covers Polaris snowmobiles from the 1950s to 1994 through pictures, specs and descriptions. The book, published in 1994, has been out of print since 1995. The book has been reprinted by author Michael Dapper. The book sells for $23.94, including shipping, and is available by mail from: Dapper Publishing, 899 Lakeview Ave., St. Paul, MN 55117. For information about volume order discounts, call 651-488-8522. psb
