July 11, 2011 – ATV Digest
Yamaha launches Grizzly 450 online giveaway
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has launched its 2011 National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day sweepstakes, further demonstrating Yamaha’s continued support of outdoor recreational sports and conservation efforts.
Yamaha, a multi-year partner of NHF Day, is donating a 2011 Grizzly 450 Auto 4×4 that one outdoors enthusiast will win. The sweepstakes is being promoted at NHF Day events nationwide and anyone can enter to win by simply registering online at www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday through the end of November.
“As the leading ATV manufacturer in the hunting and fishing industry, Yamaha supports many programs that are focused on the preservation of these outdoor activities,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group. “Yamaha is proud to continue its partnership with National Hunting and Fishing Day and happy to donate an ATV to help support and promote outdoor conservation and ethical hunting and fishing.”
Scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September, this year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for Sept. 24. NHF Day serves as the most effective grass roots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, NWTF and NHF Day, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts.
“We’re excited to have Yamaha on for another year of support,” said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs for Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo. — the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. “The ATV giveaway last year was a huge hit among NHF Day event-goers and we look forward to another great turnout at all of our festivities nationwide.”
Funding language would block lead law
Language written into a federal funding bill would stop the Consumer Product Safety Commission from using government funding to enforce lead-content limits on kids’ ATVs and dirt bikes.
Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), who introduced the Kids Just Want to Ride Act earlier this year, inserted the language into the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, according to the American Motorcyclist Association.
“While I’m working on a permanent fix to get rid of this dangerous regulation, my appropriations language will buy more time,” Rehberg said.
The bill provides annual funding for several federal government agencies, including the CPSC, which would enforce the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. If the House adopts the language, it would have to be approved by the Senate before moving to President Barack Obama for passage into law.
“This language is an important step in efforts to lift the ban on the sale of kid-sized dirtbikes and ATVs imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. America’s young riders need to be able to ride appropriately sized machines to help them stay safe. If those machines aren’t available, then they may ride bigger machines that may be difficult for them to control,” AMA president and CEO Rob Dingman said. “Small businesses that sell small off-highway vehicles also suffer under the CPSIA. For the safety of children, and for the health of small businesses, the AMA strongly urges the adoption of this language.”
Arctic Cat 50th celebration shaping up
Arctic Cat has released its 50th anniversary schedule of events and agenda. The celebration is set for July 29-30 in Thief River Falls, Minn.
For 50 years, Arctic Cat has been a potent source of ideas that originated from the many talented, passionate, people who have filled the factory walls in Thief River Falls. Take a look at their workspace on an in-depth tour July 29 and 30.
The 50th anniversary event kicks off Friday, July 29, at the Pennington County Fairgrounds. Vintage and product displays will be open from 11 a.m to 9 p.m. in the REA and Huck Arenas. Take a demo ride on a 2012 Arctic Cat ATV or Prowler from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get transported back in time with a special fashion show starting with mid 1960s Arctic Cat garments at 4 p.m. Cap off the day with a special 50th souvenir from the Curling Club store location and then settle in for the official kick-off ceremony at 5 p.m., followed by a performance from Americana legends, The WoodPicks. Eagle Creek performs from 8 to 11 p.m. to sing your country favorites. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from a multitude of on-site vendors. All displays, concerts and parking are free of charge.
On Saturday, the Arctic Cat-only swap meet will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a small seller’s fee collected at the gate for sellers only. Admission is free for buyers.
Bring your ATV or Prowler and join tour guide and ATV enthusiast Phil Morud, plus the mayor, on a tour of beautiful Thief River Falls. City use permits will be on site and the tour runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The ride will begin in front of the Ralph Engelstad Arena at 9:30 a.m.
For mor information on the Arctic Cat 50th celebration, go to www.arcticcat.com/50years.
