Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/485263
34 • April 6, 2015 • Powersports Business ATV/UTV www.PowersportsBusiness.com Beurrier steps up a class in RZR XP 1000 to claim third title They say the third time is a charm … espe- cially in the case of DragonFire-sponsored Pro Unlimited UTV pilot Lacrecia Beurrier, who beat the odds in Las Vegas and won the legend- ary Mint 400. Since the inaugural event in 1967, the 400- mile race through the Nevada desert has earned its reputation for being the toughest off-road race in North America. In fact, last year Beurrier was lucky to even finish, but this year she hit the jackpot at The Mint. With 25 different classes, more than 300 competitors and the biggest field of UTVs in race history, Beurrier was facing a stacked deck from the 7 a.m. start. Shortly after leaving Pit A, the infamous Mint rocks jumped out and took out the driver's side front tire. Despite a quick tire swap, several racers went past. "Near the end of the first lap, Lacrecia was on the gas trying to catch up to those who passed us during the flat tire," said co-driver and DragonFire social media manager Chris Moore. "Lacrecia let her skills shine as she was passing vehicles left and right, when bang! Another tire blew." The two didn't want to risk the vehicle being further damaged, so they reluctantly jumped out and swapped the tire, while watch- ing all their hard work get past them once again. They climbed back in the car to finish out the lap, only to get a raw deal at the main pit. Although the pit crew flew through swap- ping tires and gassing up, more time was lost to changing a suspicious-looking rear axle. A fel- low competitor even commented on Facebook after the race that Beurrier should have won a perseverance award. "Lacrecia had worked her way back up to fourth physically before the time it took to make the axle swap," Moore said. "The track was extremely chewed up at this point, but she put the hammer down trying to make up time for the flats. The RZR XP 1000 really showed why it's king of the hill." Unlike her two previous wins in the Sports- man Class, the XP 1000 packs a bit more punch needed for the Pro Unlimited Class. "We wanted more power, but didn't want to gamble on a grenade," said Beurrier. "Queen Racing hedged our bets by building the perfect balance of horsepower and reliability, while Royal Purple lubricants greased the skids, as it were," she added. "Thanks also to Gates for a belt that was able to beat the desert heat and 400 miles of torture!" After rolling her car on top of the podium there was silence, until the announcer said, "You have just won the Mint 400!" The crowd went wild as Beurrier climbed on top of her car and popped the cork on the champagne in celebration of her third Mint 400 title and first Pro Class win! PSB Team DragonFire wins Mint 400 Pro Unlimited Lacrecia Beurrier claimed her third Mint 400 title overall, but first in the Pro Unlimited UTV class. Chris Moore co-piloted. Dealer delivers memberships to state OHV association Sun Enterprises shines in post-sale efforts BY DAVE HALSEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER At powersports dealerships across the coun- try, along with a new machine, first-time buyers of off-highway vehicles leave the store with information on safety training classes and, if the dealer is so inclined, rider information such as a state OHV regulation booklet, trail maps and a list of local clubs. At Sun Enterprises, just north of Denver, there's a good chance they'll also leave as a member of the state's OHV association. For a few months each year, usually in the spring, the dealership pays for a one-year membership for its OHV customers to be part of the Colorado OHV Coalition (COHVCO), connecting them to a resource that can tell them everything they need to know about where to ride and OHV issues in the state. "Sun Enterprises has been in business for 40 years," said Tim Greene, marketing direc- tor. "Our owner runs it with the intention that if we treat people right the first time, we'll have a customer for life. There is a risk factor in off-roading. We want to get people out there to enjoy the sport and have a good time with the family, but be safe doing it and help us build the sport." Sun Enterprises is going on its fourth year with its post-sale contributions to the coalition. Paid memberships vary year to year but have totaled in the thousands, at $20 per membership. Many new custom- ers aren't aware of COHVCO at the time of purchase, says Greene. COHVCO members assist, educate and empower OHV riders in the protection and promotion of responsible OHV recreation. Sun Enterprises also supports COHVCO in its fundraising efforts; holds seminars on vehicle maintenance; and provides riders with trail maps, information on local OHV clubs, and Colorado's "Stay The Trail" OHV program. "We know where the resources are," said Greene. "We may not have all the answers to their questions, but we know where to send people to get the information they need." Scott Jones, a COHVCO board member and the NOHVCC Colorado State Part- ner, reports that Sun Enterprises is one of a group of Colorado dealers who pull together and support the organization on a regular basis. Sun Enterprises sells on- and off-road motor- cycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides from Honda, Kawasaki, KTM and Polaris. PSB Dave Halsey is a contributing writer for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Inc. Sun Enterprises in Denver has contributed greatly to OHV club membership in Colorado.