QuadSport News Polaris Dominates ATV Racing Polaris Racing has once again dominated the Side by Side (SxS) and ATV racing arenas with the razor sharp RZR S, and the high-performance Outlaw 525 IRS.
Polaris Industries Australia & New Zealand
Polaris Racing has once again dominated the Side by Side (SxS) and
ATV racing arenas with the razor sharp RZR S, and the high-performance
Outlaw 525 IRS.
CODY CROCKER WINS POLARIS 4x4 CHALLENGE
- 4 x Asia Pacific and 3 x Australian Rally champion Cody Crocker wins
his second RZR Racing event
- Polaris RZR S earns the respect of 4X4 enthusiasts
- Polaris RZR owners coming out of the woodwork
- RZR Racing now welcome at Cross Country Drivers Association events
Rally Champion Cody Crocker has proven Bulla was no fluke
with another win in his Polaris RZR S at Tooborac, Victoria. Over two
and a half days, RZR Racing teams joined the 4x4 action in granite
minefields and muddy paddocks.
By 6pm Friday it was already pitch black and cold. It had been
raining all day, much to the displeasure of the RZR teams from Sydney
and Port Macquarie. A tough mob had assembled at the base of a hill for
the event briefing. The Truck and RZR Teams stood together as the stage
briefings shouted out across a hushed crowd. The biting cold, the rain
and fog gave the challenge an almost military feeling.
All teams competed against the clock. Trucks and RZRs blasted out
alone and left crews huddled around fires. Friday’s downpour ensured
tracks would become mud pits in minutes. To the surprise of those that
were not at Bulla, RZR teams recorded some of the best times on their
opening stage.
The sun came out on Saturday and thankfully stayed all weekend. Over
two days the Side by Side class (SXS) tackled both extreme 4X4 tracks
and some separate cross country driving tracks specifically designed for
speed. The stages where winching was not required were the most popular
tracks. This will heavily influence SXS track designs for the future.
Polaris again gave some of Victoria’s most respected Extreme 4WD
competitors an opportunity to compete in a RZR S. One driver was Darren
Green, “They’re nimble, they grip and accelerate quick, I can’t believe
where a RZR can go. There’s definitely a RZR S in my dream garage,” said
Green.
“The Side by Side (SXS) class is great new option that will help grow
our sport. The initial investment and spares costs are much less. You
can win with a RZR S worth under 29 grand,” said Andrew Cassar, a top
performer in Extreme 4x4 Challenges.
“Nobody rocked up with a turbo powered RZR this round. We’re showing
our determination to keep it as a stock class and avoid cheque book
racing,” said Peter Alexander, Polaris Australia and NZ Managing
Director. “We want SXS Racing to be affordable for RZR owners,” said
Alexander.
Polaris 4X4 Challenge SXS Class Podium
| Driver |
Navigator |
| 1. Cody Crocker |
Hamish Govan |
| 2. Darren Green |
Andrew Cassar |
| 3. Nick Kitchen |
John Potter |
Who can compete? SXS Regulations have been created which allows
owners of Polaris RZR, Polaris RZR S, Kawasaki Teryx and Yamaha Rhino’s
to compete. In order to avoid ‘cheque book racing,’ strict regulations
are in place to keep things even. SXS Racing in the USA is dominated by
the Polaris RZR due to its lower centre of gravity and superior power to
weight ratio. That said, the CCDA and Polaris are very keen to be
welcoming to all comers.
For the first SXS Racing events in 2010, there will be much to learn
about the types of courses that best suit. Therefore, entrants are
welcome to simply compete at one or more separate stages, whatever they
feel comfortable with. Competitor input to track design is welcome, as
proven at Tooborac where tracks were tweaked to enable teams to chase
each other.
Whilst there were only two interstate RZR teams at Tooborac, there
have been a number of keen enquiries from RZR owners and CCDA members
nationally. Polaris is currently evaluating location options for the
next official event. Those interested in competing can call Mike Smith
on 0408 244 111 or email smithy@acepia.net.au.
Want to enter? The world’s best Sports SXS is the Polaris RZR S. No
engine, transmission or suspension modifications are permitted or
required. A full list of accessories (e.g. winch) you’ll need to be
ready to race is available on request from Polaris dealers so you can
line up in an identical vehicle to Crocker at the next event.
To request a demo ride of a Polaris call 1300 654 142 for your
nearest dealer or visit www.polarisindustries.com.au
YouTube Amateur footage:
POLARIS RACING WINS FINKE DESERT RACE AGAIN
Polaris Racing’s Luke Beechey has defended his title at the
2010 Finke Desert Race, Australia’s most prestigious enduro. Beechey
crossed the line in 5:32:56 on his Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS, joined on the
podium this year by fellow Outlaw, Michael Roycroft.
Beechey reached Finke in second position and Michael Roycroft close
behind in third. On Monday’s return run towards Alice Springs, Beechey
stormed home to greet the chequered flag over a minute faster than his
nearest rival.
When asked what made the difference, Beechey said "Out there it’s about
power and suspension. The KTM engine was bulletproof and with IRS the
whole rear end won’t bounce whenever one wheel hits a bump.”
“I wouldn’t do Finke on a quad without IRS. Everyone knows that IRS
soaks up the jump landings, but what they forget is that you also do not
get thrown from side to side like you can on a straight axle quad. When
you’re hitting the desert at 120kmph, nothing rides like a Polaris.”
Polaris’ Beechey says: “This year was a lot dustier than ’09. There were
sections, especially the first 20kms from Finke, where you could only
see a few feet.”
“At one point, Roycroft passed me. Then I fired up to get past him, it
wasn’t easy as we were both on the Outlaw 525 IRS.”
“A bunch of us riding Outlaws shared the same pit area and crew. I’m not
aware of anyone on an Outlaw that had a mechanical hiccup on either
day.”
Polaris Managing Director, Peter Alexander said, “Its great to see Luke
and the Outlaws proving themselves out there again. To Polaris
Australia, Finke is the holy grail.”
2008 Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS $9,995 rideaway
2009 Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS $11,995 rideaway
To book a test ride of the Polaris Outlaw 525 IRS contact your nearest
Polaris dealer on 1300 654 142, or visit www.polarisindustries.com.au
published 18/08/2010 |