Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/303681
SNOWMOBILE Yamaha to support USXC I-500 Winnipeg to Willmar race Yamaha has announced a new contingency program aimed at supporting the everyday snowmobiler who wants to make a run at the USXC I-500 race from Winnipeg, Man., to Willmar, Minn. "We love cross country because it's the most relatable type of racing for fans," said Wade West, Yamaha snowmobile marketing manager. "It is also the most achievable for a snowmobiler to try with their own trail sled. "The USXC's plan for the 2015 Interna- tional 500-mile race brings back one of the heritage events of our sport, and we want to support the revival of that tradition," West continued. "So we are proud to offer a contin- gency prize to any Yamaha snowmobiler — we will pay back the entry fee for any officially registered rider in the USXC I-500 who starts in Winnipeg and finishes in Willmar on a Yamaha snowmobile!" The support program is open to any entrant to the race, regardless of class or level. "We sincerely hope to see a large field of citizen racers challenging themselves and their snowmobiles at this event," West said. "Cross country snowmobile racing is growing in popularity, and we are happy to encourage our customers to give it a try by offering this contingency program." "Yamaha builds durable, high performance snowmobiles," West added. "Especially the new SR Viper R-TX LE with its beefy Dual Shock SR 129 Race rear suspension and high performance shock package." The R-TX LE was available to consumers who placed a $500 deposit prior to April 15. SYMTEC, INC. CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY Symtec, Inc., the leader in flexible heaters and controllers, is celebrating its 25th anni- versary in 2014. The Minneapolis-based company was founded in 1989 as a basement operation. Symtec's initial sales were a flexible thumb- warmer to snowmobile dealers who were looking to solve the "cold thumb" issue when operating a snowmobile. Throughout the years, Symtec has expanded its product offering to more than 200 products, includ- ing heated grips and seat heaters. Many of these products incorporate the numerous company-held patents. "Over the past 25 years, we have expanded from a single product into a full line of heated grips, seat heaters, and other accessories for motorcycles, ATVs and snow- mobiles," said Riley Harlan, president of Symtec brand Heat Demon. This growth has allowed Symtec to diver- sify into medical and other industries. While continually looking for ways to modify and improve their Heat Demon branded products, there is also an increase in new OEM custom- ers outside of the powersports industry. "Flexible heaters are used in many applica- tions across many industries, including medi- cal, agricultural and industrial," said Harlan. "Symtec will have a significant presence in those industries over the next 25 years." While Symtec has expanded its prod- ucts into different industries, the office and manufacturing have also expanded into a 12,500-square-foot warehouse to accom- modate the growth. Growth of customers and products has also brought a need for more employees. "Our success is driven by our team," Harlan said. "In the last few years, we empha- sized hiring people who are totally in sync with our core values. That shift has really allowed us to accelerate our growth, and solidify our position as the leader in heated solutions for powersports." PSB DIGEST 9 of 10 sleds finish 100-mile event The 15th Annual SAE Snowmobile Chal- lenge was held at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Mich., in March, with 17 universities registered for the event. The members of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association — Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha — are gold-level sponsors of the event. Representatives from all of the manufacturers were involved in the event and supported the skilled students from the par- ticipating universities and colleges. Kettering University, Flint, Mich., was the winner of the Internal Combustion Division. The second place spot was awarded to New York State University, Buffalo. The results highlighted the students' mastery of a variety of technologies. Michigan Tech has hosted the event for the last 12 years, and experienced the snowiest winter in years with temperatures solidly in the subfreezing range and presented ideal condi- tions for the SAE collegiate design competition. This year, nine of the 10 snowmobiles start- ing the 100-mile endurance run made it to the finish line. This accomplishment was remark- able in that in previous years, approximately 50 percent of the entrants did not finish the 100-mile trip. The Zero-Emissions competition was won by McGill University. They are the only one of four to field a sled that was able to pass inspec- tions and get out on the snow. In addition to engineers and other sup- porting groups, the U.S. Forest Service was represented at the Challenge. Forest Service representatives commented that the snowmo- bile industry and the clubs have made great strides, and with their partnership, this snow- mobile challenge was great for the students and helped move forward a great partnership. The SAE Snowmobile Challenge included activities such as an endurance run from Houghton to Copper Harbor, Mich., technical presentations on emissions and design param- eters, a subjective handling event, an accelera- tion test and scientific testing of emission levels and sound levels. The 2015 Snowmobile Challenge will once again be held at Michigan Tech, with the snow- mobile manufacturers working with the plan- ning team in designing event activities and standards. PSB SAE sled challenge finds endurance success www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • May 5, 2014 • 37 PHOTO COURTESY OF KEWEENAW RESEARCH CENTER/MICHIGAN TECH PHOTO COURTESY OF KEWEENAW RESEARCH CENTER/MICHIGAN TECH College students competing at the SAE Snowmobile Challenge got support from all four snowmobile manufacturers. Kettering University in Michigan claimed the Internal Combustion division championship. Yamaha's support of cross country racing will extend to a new partnership with the USXC I-500 Winnipeg to Willmar race. The new SR Viper R-TX LE was available only during the company's Spring Power Surge promotion. P37-PSB6-Snow.indd 37 4/23/14 10:19 AM