May 4, 2009 – Snowmobile Digest

Polaris voluntarily recalls about 7,200 snowmobiles

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries voluntarily recalled about 7,200 model year 2007, 2008 and 2009 snowmobiles with Clean Fire Injection and a left-hand pump flange assembly, according to the CPSC.
The fuel lines on the snowmobiles can make contact with one another, which could result in a fuel leak. This can pose a fire hazard to consumers, the report stated. There have been eight reports of fuel leaks, but no reports of fires or injuries.
The model and serial number identification decal is located on the right side of the tunnel below the seat. The sleds were sold nationally between September 2006-March for about $8,600.
For more information, visit www.polarisindustries.com.

Tread Lightly to hold 2nd annual charity auction

Tread Lightly will hold its second annual charity auction on eBay June 1-11 with more than 175 products donated from 50 companies across North America, the group reported in a press release.
Proceeds from the auction will support recreation issues on public off-road trails and recreation sites.
“There has never been a more important time to give back to the outdoors,” Tread Lightly executive director Lori McCullough said in the release. “In order to protect recreation access in these dynamic times, we have to act immediately to implement special communications, education and restoration programs now. This auction will make that possible.”

Extreme rider sets snowmobile jump record

Monster Energy Drinks-sponsored snowmobiler Paul Thacker made a ramp-to-ramp flight of 301 feet, setting a new world record for snowmobile distance jumping.
He accomplished the feat March 26 on a Polaris 600 IQ Race Sled at the Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) in Brainerd, Minn., according to a press release from Polaris.
“I got up to 87 mph and hit the take-off ramp,” Thacker said in the release. “When I was in the air I just knew it was perfect. Flew over 301 feet. With the amplitude and the way I landed, I knew we got to where we wanted to be. I was already screaming in my helmet on the down run.”
Thacker broke his own snowmobile distance jump record of 271 feet, which he set on a Polaris in the midst of a snowstorm on Feb. 17, 2008, in Shakopee, Minn. Thacker joined fellow Monster-sponsored rider Ryan Capes as the only extreme athletes to jump their vehicles 300 feet. Capes accomplished the feat on a motorcycle.
“Three-hundred feet has been such a huge goal, [there’s] such a huge sense of accomplishment,” Thacker said after the Brainerd jump. “I’m honored to be the first person to do so” on a snowmobile.
“I hit it at 87 [mph] and flew just over 301 feet,” he said in the release. psb