Jan. 21, 2008 – Snowmobile Digest

BRP Recalls 2008 Snowmobiles Because of Crash Hazard
BRP recalled about 480 Ski-Doo 2008 MXZ X 600 RS snowmobiles because of a crash hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC).
A defect in the carburetor can prevent the throttle from freely returning to the idle position, which can result in an unexpected loss of control leading to a collision and cause serious injuries or death. There have been three reports of snowmobiles with stuck throttles. No injuries have been reported.
The CPSC recommends consumers stop using the snowmobile immediately unless otherwise instructed.
The sleds were sold nationally during November for about $9,500.
Four-Stroke Bounty
Polaris Industries will continue its “Winning Riders”?program this year, with a special focus for four-stroke snowmobile sales.
The program, in its third year, gives a donation to state and provincial snowmobile associations based on new unit sales. The donation will quadruple for each Polaris four-stroke sled sold.
For this selling season, qualified sales need to take place between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008. Projects funded by Winning Riders donations in recent years include membership drives, trail and grooming programs, legislative efforts and tourism promotion.
Winning Riders contributions have been made to associations in virtually every state and province across the snowbelt and to groups representing several southern states not commonly regarded as snowmobiling havens.
Arctic Cat’s Twomey Honored
Arctic Cat president and CEO Christopher Twomey will be honored for his 20-year career at the company by his induction to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, Wis. The induction will take place Feb. 8.
Twomey will be inducted based on his business leadership at Arctic Cat, his work in developing the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, and his work with land access issues and the development of the first viable four-stroke snowmobile.
Other inductees into the Snowmobile Hall Of Fame are Andy Baker, president of the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships oval race; Clayton Neuman, a former drag racer; and C.J. Ramstad, a writer specializing in snowmobiles. Both Ramstad and Neuman died in 2007.
Yamaha To Promote At Races
Yamaha will run a special consumer snowmobile program at all World Powersports Association national events this winter to promote its 2008 lineup. A fun-hauler, called the Yamaha Racing Communications Center, will set up at each event. Consumers can have a picture taken on an actual Factory FX Nytro Race sled. Snowmobilers can get information about FX Nytro demo rides being held in conjunction with the weekend’s races at the communications center. psb