Dec. 3, 2007 – ATV Report

Polaris Announces New T.R.A.I.L.S Grant Recipients
Polaris Industries announced the second year of recipients for its T.R.A.I.L.S. grants, which make funds available for nonprofit national, state and local organizations in the U.S. working to ensure the future of ATV riding.
The grants ranged from $5,000 to the maximum of $10,000 and will be applied toward the following: trail developments; expansions, improvements and connections; youth safety courses; trail patrol; lobbying efforts to re-open state forests for off-road vehicle use; and also support for the first Sand Park to be opened in the United States in 50 years.
“We continue to be thrilled by the interest and response in this program,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager of the ATV division at Polaris. “Its ongoing success is far reaching and benefits riders at every level — be it locally, statewide or nationally. Polaris is proud to have a thriving program that gives back to our riding community because it’s only together that we can ensure we’ll have great places to ride for years to come.”
In two years, the Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program has granted $591,657 in funds to local, state and National ATV Clubs.
Kubota Announces Special Edition RTV900
In commemoration of its 35th anniversary, Kubota Tractor Corp. has released a special edition model of its RTV900 utility vehicle.
The RTV900 Special Edition, which is built from the Worksite Utility RTV model, features silver paint and also adds standard features that were previously offered as optional equipment.
Kubota’s RTV900 Special Edition comes standard with several factory-installed features, including aluminum alloy wheels, plastic canopy top, speedometer, head rests and custom-designed Kubota 35th anniversary branding decals.
It also features the industry’s only factory spray-on bed liner that helps to dampen noise and protects the cargo bed from scratches, dents and corrosion.
“The RTV900 Special Edition grabs your attention with its brilliant metallic silver paint and diamond-cut alloy wheels, and offers tremendous value with its many standard features, in one complete package price,” said Dan Muramoto, product manager for Kubota. “This model is Kubota’s way of helping to celebrate our 35th year in America, and we are doing it in style (with the RTV900).”
The RTV900 Special Edition is a limited-production model that will be available in the United States at most Kubota dealers while supplies last.
ATVA Adds Drag Racing to Its Competition Lineup
The All Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) race series has welcomed drag racing into its competition lineup with the arrival of Wicked Motorsports Drag Racing Association (WMDRA) as the first ATVA-chartered drag racing promoter.
WMDRA promotes both asphalt and dirt ATV drag racing events.
“With the sanctioning provided by AMA/ATVA, this growing sport will now have the opportunity to be able to prove the professionalism that the sport has been striving for since day one,” said Skip Conder, WMDRA’s chief operating officer.
The WMDRA, under the guidance of owner and president Roger Arreola, has made major strides this year. The WMDRA has held its annual Wicked Weekend events since 2005, attracting more than 100 entries from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The third Wicked Weekend took place Oct. 13-14 at the US-19 Dragway in Albany, Ga.
For 2008, WMDRA plans a full race schedule that will include both asphalt and dirt drag racing events from Michigan to Florida.
“ATV drag racing is a growing sport that is ready to move to a new level of professionalism and competition,” said ATVA Director Doug Morris. “The WMDRA has proven its commitment to take drag racing to the next level. We’re happy to add this form of competition to the existing AMA/ATVA racing series.” psb