Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/410969
SNOWMOBILE Big East, Rocky Mountain both draw large crowds If consumer enthusiasm at snowmobile con- sumer shows is any indication, snowmobile dealers would be wise to get in full preparation mode for the upcoming sled season. Held at the Oncenter in Syracuse, N.Y., and presented by Powersports Business parent com- pany EPG Media LLC, also publisher of Snow Goer, the 21st annual Big East show vendors reported high traffic levels throughout the three-day event. The event featured nearly 100 vendors, including Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha showcasing their 2015 models, plus dealers and vendors selling everything from snowmobiling outerwear to trailers, skis to traction products, performance enhancements to oils and lubricants. Most vendors reported a dramatic increase in sales over the previous year. Coupled with equally impressive consumer enthusiasm the following week at the Snow Goer-backed Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo in Denver, the upcoming snowmobile season appears to be one to be reckoned with. "What we saw at both the Big East Show and the Rocky Mountain Expo shows us that the snowmobiler is in a fantastic mood and clearly spending money getting ready for the season," said Mark Rosacker, sales director for the Big East Powersports Show and Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo. "The overall attitude towards the sport is in a great place after a strong winter across most of the snowbelt." PSB Snowmobile shows heavy on consumer support 36 • November 3, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Hibbert adds two years to FLY Racing deal Boise-based FLY Racing announced the sign- ing of Tucker Hibbert to a two-year exten- sion that will see him wearing the brand's F2 Carbon helmet for another two seasons. Hibbert heads into the 2014-15 season as the clear favorite following one of the most dominant performances in snocross racing history during the 2013-14 series. Hibbert surpassed legend Blair Morgan's longstand- ing snocross pro national win record, becom- ing the winningest racer in the history of the sport. Hibbert also became the first athlete in history to win seven consecutive gold medals at X Games Aspen. "I'm excited to continue my partnership with FLY Racing. It's awesome to work with a company that's so passionate about snow- mobiling," Hibbert said. "I like everything to be perfect, and FLY helmets are just that. The F2 Carbon helmet is light, looks cool, fits perfect and does exactly what it's supposed to do, keep my head safe! I've been wearing FLY helmets since 2011 and couldn't be happier." The opening round of the 2014-15 ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross series is set for Nov. 28-30 in Duluth, Minn. SKI-DOO TEAMS UP WITH BURTON SNOWBOARDS Ski-Doo has been named the official snow- mobile for Burton Snowboards' team of pro riders. The two companies also agreed to co-develop products to suit the needs of snow- boarders and snowmobilers, and Ski-Doo becomes sponsor of the Burton Mountain Festival. The emerging trend of riders using snow- mobiles to access the backcountry is on the rise, as people find it a more economical way to enjoy their sport. "BRP is proud to develop a partnership with another innovative company like Burton Snowboards, the most renowned name in snowboarding," stated Louis Lévesque, vice- president, Global Marketing and Consumer Experience. PSB DIGEST PHOTO BY JOHN HANSON Championship Powersports of Wauseon, Ohio, reported strong sales to consumers at its booth at the Big East Snowmobile Show in Syracuse, N.Y. Dealers from across the snowbelt exhibiting in New York found consumers ready to buy in anticipation of another eventful snowmobile season. Hibbert has been with FLY since 2011.