ATV Racing News Polaris Race Update Round 3 of the ARB Xtreme Winch Challenge Series was held in October 2010 at Manilla, near Tamworth NSW.
Polaris Industries
The event was held
about 20km out of town at a venue called 'The Mountain.' Upon
approach 'The Mountain' appeared ominous, with nothing but its peak
appearing through the clouds and the drizzle of the past few days
still hovering in the air. This is a three-day event, with two
night stages held on Friday and seven special tests throughout
Saturday and Sunday.
The slippery and boggy Friday night stages proved very
challenging to many of the teams, however the agility of the
Polaris RZR really came into its own. Teams raced against the
clock, with the start order being one RZR followed by one
competition truck.
Polaris' Jake Young took the honors on the night stages, with
the help of experienced navigator Manny Kafantaris from ARB Port
Macquarie.
Jake said, "I absolutely loved running at night. I am constantly
surprised by the capabilities of the Polaris RZR and I'm still
looking to find its limits. We were the only team to drive one of
the winch walls without winching, not even the comp trucks had done
that. It opened a lot of eyes to what these machines are capable of
- mine included!"
Saturday and Sunday saw more great stages, some fast and flowing
and some tight and technical. Even better was healthy rivalry and
camaraderie that existed between the teams. With the absence of
series leader Cody Crocker due to Rally commitments, competitors
were mindful of the experience of the two ARB RZR racing teams who
have already proven their expertise in these events. But newcomers
to the series, father and son team David and Conner Mendham from
Dubbo City Motorcycles, showed how an experienced driver matched
with a quick learning navi make a great team. Both were happy to
snatch stage wins, one by nearly 30 seconds.
Adding to the competitive mix was another father and son team
and regulars at RZR racing events, Nathan and Les Chivers (team
'Lots a Colour Nurseries / Bike and Power'), and also
newcomers team Insteelation of Mick Smith and Mike Sales
who showed that a level head and good calls will also win stages.
All in all each team taking a win in at least two stages meant the
final standings were going to be anyone's guess and it would go
down to the wire. At the end of three days the results were:
The smiles following presentation were long lasting, with all
the competitors swapping stories of their experience. At each event
team numbers are growing and many commented on the fun side of the
event, with a strong social and family atmosphere with plenty of
antics apparent between the teams. Everyone is now hanging on the
release of next year's race dates. Adding to next year's calendar
Polaris is hoping to have several social state based RZR events, so
if you know of a venue or want to be involved please let us
know....
WANT TO BE PART OF THE ACTION?
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.
There is still much to learn about the types of
courses that best suit, although with three rounds now under our
belt, all very different in terms of terrain and structure, we are
beginning to find a format that works. It is still a case that
entrants are welcome to simply compete at one or more separate
stages, whatever they feel comfortable with. Competitor input to
track design is welcome.
There have been a number of keen enquiries from RZR
owners and CCDA / club members nationally. Polaris is currently
evaluating location options for the next official event. Those
interested in competing can call their local dealer who can point
you in the right direction.
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.
One of the big events on the cards is the prestigious
Cliffhanger navigational event held over 1000km 3rd - 8th of July
2011 at Cobar in Western NSW.
Take a look at what you could be in for at the following
links.
http://www.ironman4x4.com/html/cliffhanger.html
http://www.navrun.com.au/cliffhanger.htm
To request a demo of a Polaris call 1300 654 142 for your
nearest dealer or visit
www.polarisindustries.com.au
published 10/12/2010 |