Team Arctic expands factory XC race program for 2025-26 season
Arctic Cat has officially announced its expanded factory cross-country (XC) race team lineup for the 2025-26 season, strengthening its presence on the Cor PowerSports circuit.
Headlining the team, Jesse Hallstrom will join Zach Herfindahl under the Team Arctic factory tent in the Pro classes, while Derek Kloety returns to chase Semi-Pro titles. All three riders will compete aboard Catalyst chassis-based ZR 600 R-XC models.
Hallstrom, 19, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, began racing Arctic Cat sleds at age 4 and returns to the brand after several seasons with another team.
“As I look ahead to this new chapter, I’m grateful for where I’ve been and even more energized for what’s to come, being back on an Arctic Cat,” Hallstrom says.
Herfindahl, 29, of Eagle River, Wisconsin, brings an impressive record that includes 14 points championships, five I-500 victories, and a Soo I-500 enduro win, all aboard Arctic Cats. “These are exciting times for Team Arctic,” Herfindahl says. “I am pumped about the addition of Jesse to our team.”
Kloety, 21, of St. Hilaire, Minnesota, earned two podiums last season and finished fourth in the Semi-Pro Improved Stock standings. “We all work well together and are hoping we can all push each other to get faster,” he says.
Team Arctic Race Manager Mike Kloety noted that Hallstrom’s return adds valuable depth to the program.
“Jesse brings talent, youth and passion for the sport, plus a strong Arctic Cat family heritage,” Kloety says. “Having another strong rider under the factory trailer helps us gather more feedback and better support all of our racers.”
For 2025-26, Team Arctic plans to showcase a mix of returning veterans and rising talent across the cross-country classes, supported by the factory Arctic Cat race trailer at every Cor PowerSports event. Additional race team details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
