Archive for the ‘Polaris’ Category
June 4, 2009
EcoWatercraft is a company planning to be the first all electric personal watercraft manufacturer to go into production.
The company is the brainchild of founder Barrett Taylor. Taylor says, as a collegiate triathlete, he often swam amongst extremely heavy fumes expelled from the personal watercraft patrolling the swim site – something that coaxed him to look more closely at the health implications of breathing in toxic fumes and served as inspiration to assemble a team dedicated to bringing an electric personal watercraft to market.
Why electric? According to Taylor, the ECO emits no emissions, operates in complete silence, expands PWC use by being permitted on many lakes that restrict gasoline vehicles, benefits from acceleration inherent in electric vehicles, and offers convenience by requiring no fuels, oil or maintenance.
Sounds good, right? Many “green” blogs and websites appear to think so. However, there are a couple of statements that show a glaring lack of industry knowledge.
First, EcoWatercraft claims it “will be the first American personal watercraft corporation.” In fact, Minnesota-based powersports manufacturers Arctic Cat and Polaris were in the market years ago.
Second, Ecowatercraft says it “will provide the most customer oriented experience in the personal watercraft industry.” Dubious, since they’ll first have to gain the financial strength equal to or greater than companies like Kawasaki, Yamaha, BRP and Honda. Plus, they’ll likely be selling through the same dealers as those other OEMs.
Finally, Ecowatercraft, throughout its marketing literature, uses Kawasaki’s trademarked “JetSki” name in lieu of the general term of “personal watercraft.” A rookie mistake, for sure.
Tags:Arctic Cat, BRP, dealernews, guido, Honda, JetSki, Kawasaki, personal watercraft. electric, Polaris, Powersports, PWC, Yamaha
Posted in Arctic Cat, BRP, dealernews, electric, Honda, Kawasaki, Personal Watercraft, Polaris, Powersports, PWC, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
May 18, 2009
What New Products Will It Announce For This Division?
What Role Will Mark Blackwell Really Play?
Joe Delmont
The announcement today by Polaris Industries, Medina, Minn., that it is launching an “on-road vehicle division” is interesting from several perspectives.
Perhaps the most intriguing question the move raises is this: What new products will the innovative Minnesota OEM produce to fit into this segment alongside its popular Victory motorcycles? The move looks to bring the company one step closer to the “adjacent” industry that company executives have been talking about for several years.
Former Polaris CEO Tom Tiller often talked about the company’s planned move into “adjacent” industries— ones that could use Polaris’ existing technology and/or sell to its existing customer base.
Tiller’s replacement, Scott Wine, told analysts in April that, “We remain on-track to announce a second adjacency later this year,” adding, “long-term, we’ve scaled back a little bit of our research and development in Victory and shifted some of those resources and funding to the front end of our business”
And Polaris President Bennett Morgan responded to an analyst’s question with: “We believe we’ve got some nice innovation coming in this adjacency that we are not talking about as well. So, we’ve got lots of good stuff….”
Indeed, Polaris did move outside the powersports industry recently when it signed a strategic alliance with Bobcat to jointly develop Bobcat branded products that will be introduced next year.
So, here’s what you might look for from Polaris to include in its new On-Road Vehicle Portfolio alongside Victory perhaps as soon as next month:
- An electric vehicle, probably a SXS model with two-wheel drive, that can be used in gated communities and other neighborhood developments. There’s been a lot of talk about electric vehicles, but so far nobody’s come up with a practical, efficient and economical machine. Perhaps Polaris, a company that prides itself on its innovation, can be the one to do so.
- A scooter, probably one in the 150cc size. We know that Polaris has been sourcing one in China for close to a year, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them introduce one at the beginning of this scooter season.
- A sport bike to capture the strong youth market and its desire for speed and performance. This may be a bit of a stretch, but there are reasons to believe it could happen. First, speed and performance are features that Polaris offers on the snow side and in its radically hot RZR side-by-side vehicle. And a top Polaris executive who has been added to the on-road group, Mark Blackwell, has a record as a champion racer. Even though he’s guided the successful growth of Victory, Mark’s comfort level may be closer to the sport bike than to the cruiser. In its announcement, Polaris noted that Blackwell’s “deep knowledge of products and markets in the motorcycle industry will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Victory brand and all other on-road vehicles.” (My italics added.)
The one problem with each of these products, though, is this: Can Polaris teach its dealers to sell these products, ones that are radically different from the Victory and from Polaris’ off-road products?
Staffing Questions
As part of the new organization, Blackwell has been named vice president of motorcycles. Meanwhile, Mike Jonikas, vice president of sales and corporate marketing, has been named vice president of the On-Road Vehicle Division; he’ll be responsible for growing the division. In a related move, Steve Menneto has been named general manger of Victory Motorcycles.
The question here is: How much responsibility will Blackwell have? In the recent past, he’s worn several hats for Polaris, at one time running both the Victory and International operations simultaneously. Hmmm, perhaps the sport bike idea isn’t so far off after all.
We’ll find out soon how this all plays out. Guido Ebert, the senior editor at Dealernews magazine, has a meeting scheduled at Polaris this week. It will be very interesting to hear what he finds out. JD
Contact me with news tips and story ideas
at 952/893-6876 or joe@powersportsupdate.com
Tags:Blackwell, dealernews, Delmont, Ebert, electric vehicle, guido, Jonikas, Morgan, neighorhood vehicle, Polaris, RZR, scooter, sport bike, SxS, Tiller, Victory, wine
Posted in Delmont, electric, low speed vehicle, LSV, Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), On-Road, Polaris | 6 Comments »
January 30, 2009
- Honda’s worldwide sales of motorcycles and ATVs for the nine-month period ended Dec. 31, 2008, totaled 8.11 million units, up 16.7 percent from 6.95 million units during the same nine-month period in 2007. In North America – including the U.S., Canada and Mexico – the company wholesaled 248,000 units, down from 303,000 units. Motorcycles accounted for 143,000 units, down from 157,000 units; ATVs accounted for 105,000 units, down from 146,000 units.
- Polaris CEO Scott Wine says 2009 will be a challenging year, and the OEM expects sales to decline 15 to 23 percent compared to 2008. “Retail sales trends for each of the industries and geographic markets in which Polaris competes are expected to remain soft for much, if not all, of 2009,” Wine says. “As a result, we will be more conservative with our production and shipment expectations for 2009.”
- Arctic Cat says the OEM is focused on multiple efforts to rescale its business in the current economic climate. Actions include streamlining production operations from three production lines to two; a planned company-wide shutdown; the elimination of approximately 100 positions, or 7 percent of its 1,400 employees; the elimination of the dealer incentive trip; suspending regular quarterly cash dividends; a salary reduction of 5 percent for all officers; selective compensation and benefit adjustments; reduced vacation accrual; a hiring freeze; and lowering operating expenses by 10 to 15 percent through greater efficiencies in lean manufacturing and global low-cost sourcing.
- KTM believes the economic environment for the automotive and motorcycle industry in particular could continue to worsen in the United States and Europe, and the company is responding to the scenario by scaling back production by up to 20 percent from last year and continuing to implement ongoing improvements and cost-cutting measures.
- Japan’s four major motorcycle manufacturers produced 1.22 million units in 2008, down 26.8 percent from 1.68 million units produced in 2007. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha together shipped 372,362 units to the United States in 2008, down 18.2 percent from 455,139 units shipped in 2007.
Visit Dealernews.com to read more about these and other powersports-related topics.
Tags:Arctic Cat, ATV, guido, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Motorcycle, Polaris, Powersports, Snowmobile, Suzuki, Yamaha
Posted in Arctic Cat, ATV, dealernews, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Motorcycle, OEM, Polaris, Powersports, Snowmobile, Suzuki, transportation, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
January 27, 2009
Polaris Industries Inc. today launched its 2010 600 Rush snowmobile, what the OEM describes as the first snowmobile with a truly progressive-rate rear suspension. The 600 Rush’s bottomless suspension is designed to absorb bumps by transferring the load to the super-rigid PRO-RIDE chassis outfitted with a Walker Evans front track shock and a Walker Evans Comp adjustable rear track shock.
“The new Polaris 600 RUSH truly marks a turning point for the snowmobile industry,” says Scott Swenson, vice president, Snowmobile Division of Polaris Industries Inc. “The progressive-rate rear suspension has been proven in Motocross; Polaris has now become the first company to bring it to snowmobiles. This innovative suspension combined with the new super-rigid PRO-RIDE chassis provides riders with an unprecedented level of rider-active control including improvements in acceleration and cornering.”
“Polaris has really nailed it with this sled,” said Levi LaVallee, a Polaris riding professional Sno-Cross racer and X-Games Gold Medalist. “The Rush puts you in the ideal riding position to transfer my weight for launch, and to set the front end for cornering.
The limited production 2010 Polaris 600 RUSH will be offered as part of the 2010 Polaris Snow Check program beginning in March 2009. Click here for more information and to experience a virtual test ride.
Specifications
Engine: 600cc liquid-cooled Liberty
Dimensions
Dry Weight: 459 lbs.
Overall Length: 108 in.
Overall Width: 48 in.
Overall Height: 46 in.
Ski Center Distance: 42.5 in.
Fuel Capacity: 11 gal.
Suspension
Front: IQ adjustable w/ Walker Evans piggyback front shocks
Front Travel: 9 in.
Rear: Pro-Ride w/ Walker Evans front track shock & Walker Evans Comp. adjustable rear track shock
Rear Travel: 14 in.
Track (W x L x H in.): 15x121x1.25 RipSaw 2-ply
Features
- PERC Reverse
- Multi-Function Display Gauge
- Black Color with Rush Graphics
Tags:guido, OEM, Polaris, Powersports, Sled, Snowmobile
Posted in dealernews, OEM, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Snowmobile | Leave a Comment »
January 17, 2009
Spanish rider Marc Coma (KTM) has won this 31st Dakar Rally, the first one to be held in
Marc Coma
Argentina and Chile, with an overall time of 52hr14min33. Coma finished the rally 1hr25min38 ahead of French defending champion Cyril Despres (KTM), and 1hr38min56 ahead of France’s David Frétigné (Yamaha).
Riding a KTM 690 Rallye, Coma, 33, won the first stage and kept the overall lead through every one of the following 14 stages.
In the ATV race, Czech rider Josef Machacek (Yamaha) won the very first general standings for the quad category in history of the Dakar, 2hr34min00 ahead of Argentina’s Marcos Patronelli (Can-Am), and 7hr42min34 ahead of Polish rider Rafal Sonik (Yamaha).
Josef Machacek
The 52-year-old Machacek rode his self-built Raptor to four stage wins for the overall honors.
Stage One of Dakar 2009 began in Buenos Aires on Jan. 3. Teams and riders from 49 countries then traveled 5,903 miles over the legendary Argentina Pampas, into Patagonia, across the Andes mountains, and across hundreds of miles of desert and sand dunes to the completion of Stage 14 back in the Argentinean capital on Jan. 17.
OEMs participating in the motorcycle division included KTM, Honda, Yamaha, Gas-Gas, BMW, Kawasaki, Sherco, Beta, Husqvarna, Suzuki and China’s Jincheng.
KTM puts a lot of effort, and funding, into the Dakar competition. More than 55 percent of the 235 motorcycle competitors that started rode atop KTM.
About 30 quads started the rally. Brands competing in the ATV division included Yamaha, Suzuki, Polaris, BRP’s Can-Am and KTM.
MOTORCYCLE FINAL STANDINGS
Coma (ESP)…KTM…52hr14min33
Despres (FRA)…KTM…+1hr25min38
Frétigné (FRA)…Yamaha…+1hr38min56
Casteu (FRA)…KTM…+2hr17min54
Rodrigues (PRT)…KTM…+2hr22min11
Ullevalseter (NRT)…KTM…+2hr25min02
Viladoms (ESP)…KTM…+2hr28min29
Verhoeven (NLD)…KTM…+2hr50min39
Knuiman (NLD)…KTM…+3hr22min41
Goncalves (PRT)…KTM…+4hr12min42
ATV FINAL STANDINGS
Machacek (CZE)…Yamaha…68hr22min06
Patronelli (ARG)…Can-Am…+2hr34min00
Sonik (POL)…Yamaha…+7hr42min34
Deltrieu (FRA)…Polaris…+11hr13min31
Brazina (CZE)…Yamaha…+15hr59min51
Avendano (ESP)…Suzuki…+16hr44min15
Carlini (FRA)…Polaris…+25hr10min45
Kraft (FRA)…Polaris…+26hr12min39
Pottier (FRA)…Can-Am+…40hr20min38
Pena (ESP)…Yamaha…+46hr46min05
Coma and Despres show their final positions in the 2009 Dakar Rally / Chaco
Tags:ATV, BRP, Can-Am, Dakar, guido, KTM, Motorcycle, off-road, OHV, Polaris, Powersports, quad, racing, Rally, Suzuki, Yamaha
Posted in all-terrain vehicle, ATV, BRP, Can-Am, Dakar, dealernews, KTM, Motorcycle, motorcycle rally, off-road, OHV, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Suzuki, transportation, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
January 13, 2009
Dakar participants spent Monday (Stage 9) and Tuesday (Stage 10) traversing sand dunes, rock-strewn high desert and shooting through valleys along fast dirt tracks. KTM motorcycles and Yamaha quads continue to set the pace.
Jordi Viladoms / Papp
The weather forecast for Wednesday (Stage 11) announces heavy fog on the whole route, and since the timing of the stage cannot be altered due to the crossing of the Andes and the crossing of the border between Chile and Argentina, the organizers of the Dakar have decided to cancel the special stage between Copiapo and Fiambala. The participants will travel to the Fiambala bivouac in liaison.
STAGE 9
On Monday, competitors traveled an 55-mile connection and 279-mile special stage from La Serena to Copiapo, Chile.
In the motorcycle race, Dutchman Frans Verhoeven (KTM) picked up his second stage victory of the rally, 3min09 ahead of Frenchman David Frétigné on his 450cc Yamaha, and 3min40 in front of local star, Chilean Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez (KTM). Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM) arrived in fourth.
In the ATV race, Czech Josef Machacek (Yamaha) achieved his fourth stage victory on this Dakar, arriving 39 seconds ahead of Argentine Marcos Patronelli (Can-Am) and 17min26 ahead of Frenchman Hubert Deltrieu (Polaris).
Jonah Street
U.S.-based KTM rider Jonah Street was forced to withdraw from the rally at Stage 9 after injuring his wrist during Sunday’s Stage 8. Street had a stellar run going, winning Stage 5 and never slower than fifth position in the overall standings during the first eight stages.
STAGE 10
Today riders braved a 296-mile special stage and 12-mile connection route that led them out of and back into Copiapo. It was a route that had them traversing a low altitude of 2,133 feet and a high altitude of 7,874 feet.
Spanish motorcyclist Jordi Viladoms (KTM) won the stage, finishing 1hr06min ahead of Franco-Malian rider Alain Duclos (KTM) and 2hr07min ahead of Norway’s Pal Anders Ullevalseter (KTM). Overall rally leader Marc Coma (KTM) was seventh in today’s stage.
In quads, Argentina’s Marcos Patronelli (Can-Am) won his second stage victory on this Dakar, 28min ahead of the solid leader in the general rankings, Czech Republic’s Josef Machacek (Yamaha). Only six quads crossed the finish line as of 10pm local time.
OVERALL MOTORCYCLE STANDINGS
Coma (ESP)…KTM…43hr52min30
Fretigne (FRA)…Yamaha…+1hr24min50
Despres (FRA)…KTM…+1hr31min11
Viladoms (ESP)…KTM…+1hr56min40
Rodrigues (PRT)…KTM…+2hr05min38
Casteu (FRA)…KTM…+2hr07min45
Lopez (CHL)…KTM…+2hr22min23
Verhoeven (NLD)…KTM…+2hr25min34
Ullevalseter (NOR)…KTM…+2hr25min51
Knuiman (NLD)…KTM…+3hr04min25
Marcos Patronelli / La Calle
Duclos (FRA)…KTM…+12hr44min17
OVERALL ATV STANDINGS
Machacek (CZE)…Yamaha…57hr53min17
Patronelli (ARG)…Can-Am…+2hr30min34
Sonik (POL)…Yamaha…+5hr14min46
Brazina (CZE)…Yamaha…+10hr03min14
Deltrieu (FRA)…Polaris…+11hr11min06
Kraft (FRA)…Polaris…+19hr38min50
So far, 86 motorcyclists and 11 ATV riders have withdrawn from the rally.
Tags:ATV, Can-Am, Dakar, guido, KTM, Motorcycle, Polaris, Powersports, Rally, Yamaha
Posted in ATV, BRP, Can-Am, Dakar, dealernews, KTM, Motorcycle, motorcycle rally, OHV, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
January 11, 2009
Marc Coma carves through the dunes on his way to Chile / Barreira
Dakar competitors were back on the trail again Sunday following a rest day on Saturday. Completion of Stage 8 signifies the 15-day rally is now more than half finished.
STAGE 7
On Friday, competitors traveled a 247-mile connection route and a 260-mile special stage from Mendoza, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.
Chilean Francisco Lopez (KTM) won the stage, 3min57 ahead of Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM) and 5min21 ahead of France’s Cyril Despres (KTM).
In the quad race, Argentine Marcos Patronelli (Can-Am) won the seventh stage, 14min01 ahead of Uruguayan Luis Henderson (Suzuki) and 20min22 in front of Poland’s Rafal Sonik (Yamaha).
STAGE 8
Competitors spent Sunday traveling 222 connection miles and a 183-mile special stage from Valparaiso to La Serena, Chile.
French motorcyclist Cyril Despres (KTM) clinched his second stage win in this edition of the Dakar. He finished the stage 1min49 ahead of Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM) and 2min56 ahead of Chile’s Chaleco López (KTM).
In quads, Czech rider Josef Machacek (Yamaha) clinched his third stage victory, 2min51 ahead of Argentina’s Marcos Patronelli (Can-Am) and 7min00 ahead of the French rider Hubert Deltrieu (Polaris).
MOTORCYCLE OVERALL STANDINGS
Coma (ESP)…KTM…30hr33min15
Fretigne (FRA)…Yamaha…+1hr06min28
Despres (FRA)…KTM…+1hr33min34
Street (USA)…KTM…+1hr39min07
Ullevalseter (NOR)…KTM…+1hr42min24
Viladoms (ESP)…KTM…+1hr55min42
Lopez (CHL)…KTM…+2hr00min38
Rodrigues (PRT)…KTM…+2hr03min57
Casteu (FRA)…KTM…+2hr06min56
Verhoeven (NLD)…KTM…+2hr22min17
ATV OVERALL STANDINGS
Machacek (CZE)…Yamaha…41hr11min25
Patronelli (ARG)…Can-Am…+2hr30min23
Sonik (POL)…Yamaha…+4hr48min30
Avendano (ESP)…Suzuki…+5hr46min31
Pottier (FRA)…Can-Am…+9hr36min36
Brazina (CZE)…Yamaha…+9hr42min47
Deltrieu (FRA)…Polaris…+10hr01min30
Carlini (FRA)…Polaris…+14hr22min11
Pena (ESP)…Yamaha…+15hr19min22
Kraft (FRA)…Polaris…+16hr26min52
Seventy-three motorcyclists and 11 quad riders have withdrawn from the rally after eight stages.
Tags:ATV, Can-Am, Dakar, guido, KTM, Motorcycle, OHV, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Suzuki, Yamaha
Posted in ATV, Can-Am, Dakar, dealernews, KTM, Motorcycle, motorcycle rally, OHV, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Suzuki, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
January 8, 2009
Spaniard Marc Coma on the throttle and in the lead / Papp
STAGE 5
On Wednesday, the Dakar rally led participants along a 160-mile connection and 314-mile special stage from Neuguen to San Rafael, Argentina.
U.S. motorcyclist Jonah Street (KTM) won stage 5, for his first stage victory on the Dakar. He won with a 7min34 lead over Chile’s Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez (KTM) and an 11min12 lead over French rider David Frétigné (Yamaha). Spanish rider Marc Coma (KTM) lost 15min due to a flat tire.
In the ATV race, Spain’s Joan Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha) won stage 5 – his second stage win – with a 24min06 lead over Czech Republic’s Josef Machacek (Yamaha) and a 1hr11min38 lead over Italian driver Marcos Patronelli (Can-Am).
STAGE 6
On Thursday, in a 6th stage shortened due to the difficult nature of the previous day’s stage and a flooded river ford, the bikers set off this morning from San Rafael on a 111-mile route from San Rafael to the village of La Junta at the foot of the Andes.
Motorcyclist Cyril Despres grabbed his first special stage victory this year. For once free of tire trouble, the Frenchman beat off his rival Marc Coma, who finished second and only 2min09 behind Despres.
Now atop a Yamaha, Spaniard Joan Manuel Gonzalez rode Can-Am in 2006 and 2007/ Solo Quad
In quads, Czech rider Josef Machacek (Yamaha) won the 6th stage 10min04 ahead of Spaniard Joan Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha) and 15min14 in front of Frenchman Hubert Deltrieu (Polaris). Still, in the general standings, Gonzalez (Yamaha) leads the race 32min09 ahead of Czech rider Machacek and 1hr20min25 in front of former leader Christophe Declerck.
MOTORCYCLE OVERALL RANKINGS
1. Coma (ESP)…KTM…23hr43min41
2. Street (USA)…KTM…+40min29
3. Fretigne (FRA)…Yamaha…+47min30
4. Viladoms (ESP)…KTM…+1hr09min48
5. Ullevalseter (NOR)…KTM…+1hr13min13
6. Rodrigues (PRT)…KTM…+1hr27min03
7. Despres (FRA)…KTM…+1hr33min59
8. Verhoeven (NLD)…KTM…+1hr36min05
9. Casteu (FRA)…KTM…+1hr40min56
10. Knuiman (NLD)…KTM…+1hr46min56
ATV OVERALL RANKINGS
1. Gonzalez (ESP)…Yamaha…31hr38min47
2. Machacek (CZE)…Yamaha…+32min09
3. Declerckk (FRA)…Yamaha…+1hr20min25
4. Sonik (POL)…Yamaha…+3hr19min42
5. Patronelli (ARG)…Can-Am…+3hr29min09
6. Avendano (ESP)…Suzuki…+5hr51min54
7. Henderson (URY)…Suzuki…+7hr25min17
8. Brazina (CZE)…Yamaha…+7hr49min42
9. Kraft (FRA)…Polaris…+8hr30min59
10. Pottier (FRA)…Can-Am…+9hr21min44
Fifty-five motorcycles and six quads have now dropped out of the rally after six stages.
Tags:ATV, BRP, Can-Am, Dakar, dealernews, guido, KTM, Motorcycle, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Yamaha
Posted in ATV, BRP, Can-Am, Dakar, dealernews, KTM, Motorcycle, motorcycle rally, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
January 6, 2009
Spain’s Marc Coma keeping his KTM steady through a stream / Chaco
The fourth day of riding is over for the motorcycle and ATV competitors still taking part in the 15-day, 5,902-mile Dakar Rally in Argentina and Chile.
STAGE 3, Monday, Jan. 6
Monday’s course led the competitors from Puerto Madryn to Jacobacci along an 89-mile connection and a 342-mile special stage.
Spanish motorcyclist Marc Coma (KTM) easily won this 3rd stage, 17min49 ahead of his teammate and countryman Jordi Viladoms (KTM) and Norway’s Pal-Anders Ullevalseter (KTM), both tying in 2nd place. The third fastest time of the stage goes to France’s David Casteu (KTM) checking in 18min16 behind the winner. Coma now has a 39min11 lead over Frenchman David Frétigné (Yamaha) and a 41min14 lead over Dutchman Frans Verhoeven (KTM).
In the ATV portion of the rally, Czech rider Josef Machacek (Yamaha) won this third stage 1min47 ahead of France’s Christophe Declerck (Yamaha), winner of the first two special stages and 10min55 ahead of Spain’s Joan Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha). In the overall rankings, Christophe Declerck nevertheless remains the firm leader of the rally raid with a 30min37 lead over the day’s winner and 45min45 over Spain’s Gonzalez.
STAGE 4, Tuesday, Jan. 7
Tuesday’s course included an 18-mile connection and 285-mile special stage between Jacobacci and Neuquen.
Spaniard Marc Coma (KTM) finished this fourth day 1min17 ahead of Frenchman Cyril Despres (KTM), who rode an excellent race having started in 48th place this morning. Third place went to American Jonah Street (KTM). As a result, in the general standings, Coma now has a lead of 42min57 over Street, the new 2nd place rider, and 43min42 over Frenchman David Frétigné (Yamaha), placed 3rd.
Spain's Joan Manuel Gonzalez atop his Yamaha quad / Reuters
In quads, Spaniard Joan Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha) won the 4th stage – his first success at the Dakar – 16min18 ahead of France’s Christophe Declerck (Yamaha) and 18min59 in front of Frenchman Eric Carlini (Polaris). In the general standings, Christophe Declerck still holds a solid lead, 31min27 ahead of the day’s winner, Gonzalez, the new 2nd place rider, and 49min34 in front of Czech Josef Machacek (Yamaha).
MOTORCYCLE OVERALL RANKINGS
1. Coma (ESP)…KTM…14hr41min21
2. Street (USA)…KTM…+42min57
3. Fretigne (FRA)…Yamaha…+43min42
4. Viladoms (ESP)…KTM…+55min57
5. Ullevalseter (NOR)…KTM…+58min29
6. Knuiman (NLD)…KTM…+1hr09min01
7. Czachor (POL)…KTM…+1hr14min51
8. Rodrigues (PRT)…KTM…+1hr23min04
9. Verhoeven (NLD)…KTM…+1hr33min53
10. Vinters (LVA)…KTM…+1hr36min59
ATV OVERALL RANKINGS
1. Declerck (FRA)…Yamaha…19hr14min51
2. Gonzalez (ESP)…Yamaha…+31min27
3. Machacek (CZE)…Yamaha…+49min34
4. Sonik (POL)…Yamaha…+1hr32min50
5. Carlini (FRA)…Polaris…+2hr20min41
6. Patronelli (ARG)…Can-Am…+2hr40min26
7. Kraft (FRA)…Polaris…+3hr17min19
8. Pottier (FRA)…Can-Am…+3hr37min31
9. Avendano (ESP)…Suzuki…+4hr10min42
10. Brazina (CZE)…Yamaha…+4hr28min17
So far, after four days, 35 motorcyclists and one ATV have withdrawn from the rally.
Tags:ATV, Can-Am, Dakar, guido, KTM, Motorcycle, Polaris, racing, Rally, Suzuki, Yamaha
Posted in ATV, BRP, Can-Am, Dakar, dealernews, KTM, Motorcycle, motorcycle rally, OHV, Polaris, Powersports, racing, Rally, Suzuki, Yamaha | Leave a Comment »
January 5, 2009
This morning Polaris sent over some pics of its four-man Dakar team, organized by Polaris France.
French racer Hubert Deltrieu leads the team. He is accompanied by Italian racer Pietro Fogliani and French racers Eric Carlini and Betty Kraft. Kraft is one of only three women competing in this year’s Dakar.
The Polaris team chose the 2009 Outlaw 525 IRS for this grueling race. The Polaris France team was 30 minutes behind the leader after Stage 2.
Tags:ATV, Dakar, Elka, guido, Polaris
Posted in ATV, Dakar, Polaris, Powersports, Rally | Leave a Comment »
Dennis Johnson
Joe Delmont
Arlo Redwine
Cynthia Furey
