Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/485263
www.PowersportsBusiness.com ATV/UTV Powersports Business • April 6, 2015 • 37 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., was awarded the 2015 FinOvation Award from Farm Industry News magazine for its Viking VI side-by-side. The FinOvation Award is designed to celebrate the spirit of innova- tion and recognize new products that have received the most interest from Farm Industry News readers. This is the second consecutive year Yamaha has received the award. In 2014, the premier Viking model that introduced the first true three-person seating capacity in a side-by- side vehicle earned a FinOvation Award. "We're honored to receive the FinOvation award for a second consecutive year," said Steve Nessl, ATV/side-by-side marketing manager, Yamaha Motor Corp. "It's especially rewarding to know the award is based on posi- tive responses from people who rely so heavily on their utility vehicles for day-to-day tough- ness, durability and performance in the field." Nessl accepted the award on behalf of Yamaha at the 50th Annual National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. In its report announcing the 2015 FinO- vation Award winners, Farm Industry News wrote, "Yamaha made a statement with the new Viking side-by-side. This machine offers six- person seating, more room for cargo and has a number of convenience features, including electronic power steering and differential lock." Yamaha introduced the Viking VI EPS six-person side-by-side in June 2014. The extended cab Viking VI combines Yamaha performance and durability with the comfort and convenience of a Viking — with maxi- mum headroom, legroom and shoulder room for six occupants. Similar to the three-seat Viking intro- duced in 2013, the Viking VI is made for tough off-road duty and features Yamaha's industry-leading Ultramatic fully automatic transmission, On-Command four-wheel drive system, electric power steering (EPS) and Yamaha's proven and powerful 700cc-class engine. With 600 pounds hauling and 1,500 pounds towing, the Viking VI is made to be the toughest, hardest working and most off- road-capable six-person side-by-side ever. "We know farmers and ranchers demand the hardest-working and most dependable equipment for use on their operations," added Nessl. "It's rewarding to know the Viking models have earned their stamp of approval." Yamaha is committed to continually expanding its line of class-leading side-by-side vehicles and has recently unveiled the all-new Wolverine R-Spec. "With the introduction of the Wolverine R-Spec, Yamaha is furthering its position in the growing multipurpose SxS segment of the off-road business," added Nessl. All of Yamaha's ATV and SxS vehicles are being assembled in the U.S. at Yamaha's factory in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution. POLARIS RANGER BECOMES NATIONAL SPONSOR OF PRCA PRORODEO Polaris and the Professional Rodeo Cow- boys Association (PRCA) announced a national partnership recognizing the indus- try-leading utility vehicle, the Polaris Ranger, as the "Official UTV of the PRCA, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo." "Given that the majority of our members and fans reside in rural America, this partner- ship is a perfect fit," said PRCA commissioner Karl Stressman. "Polaris Ranger's commit- ment to ProRodeo truly shows the marketing efficacy of this sport, and we are proud to have them onboard." The partnership includes Polaris Ranger joining the PRCA's family of national spon- sors and serving as the Official UTV of the PRCA, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will be renamed the "Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris Ranger." PRCA world champions and all RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo champions each will receive a Polaris Ranger, as well as both of the Remuda Award winners. The Pro- Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund will also benefit with fundraising activities for these two entities. "Polaris Ranger is excited to continue our support of the sport of rodeo," said Beth Shimanski, marketing manager for Polaris. "ProRodeo participants are some of the most passionate and dedicated individuals, and this partnership lets us celebrate them and their fans. We look forward to an exciting rodeo season." POLARIS ACE PARTNERS WITH GNCC TO OFFER SINGLE-SEAT CLASS Polaris announced a partnership with the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) to sponsor GNCC's newly-added Single Seat Class. "GNCC is excited to introduce the Single Seat Class into our racing format," said GNCC director Tim Cotter. "When Polaris commits to something, they commit 100 percent, and we have no doubt that the ACE is destined to be a mainstay in off-road." The GNCC Single Seat Class will be avail- able for single-seat production models up to 570ccs, and engine and suspension modifica- tions will be permitted. The vehicles will race on the UTV course but in a separate race from the UTVs. "ACE inspires confidence, is comfort- able and is incredibly capable, making it a great option for the beginner racer, as well as a fun platform for the more experienced," said Donna Beadle, race team manager for Polaris. "GNCC races offer the type of terrain where ACE shines, and we look forward to working with them to promote the class." YAMAHA LAUNCHES ACCESSORIES SITE FOR WOLVERINE R-SPEC Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has launched a new Wolverine R-Spec "Build Your Own" (BYO) website providing customers the opportunity to personalize and accessorize their vehicles online. Future Wolverine R-Spec customers can now see what their cus- tomized machine might look like via the site at www.yamahawolverine.com. Yamaha currently has more than 35 acces- sories for the Wolverine R-Spec. The new 2016 Wolverine R-Spec model was unveiled in January. Wolverines are being delivered directly to Yamaha dealers across the country throughout the spring from Yamaha's U.S. manufacturing plant in Newnan, Ga. "The Wolverine R-Spec was designed and engineered for extreme terrain and was pur- pose built for off-road enthusiasts, hunters and explorers," said Steve Nessl, Yamaha's ATV and side-by-side group marketing man- ager. "The combination of an all-new nimble chassis with a compact design, look and feel allows for a wide selection and multiple options for Genuine Yamaha Accessories, which are developed in tandem with the vehicle for the highest quality, durability and performance standards that Yamaha custom- ers have come to expect." The Yamaha accessories division is sup- porting customization by developing and sourcing a comprehensive catalog, including popular products like folding windshields and wind deflectors, overfenders, cargo bed boxes, front grab bars, accessory mounting bars with spare tire mounts and gun boot mounts that can be ordered directly from and installed by Yamaha dealers. PSB DIGEST Yamaha Viking VI wins innovation honor from farming publication Yamaha's Viking VI earned a FinOvation Award from Farm Industry News. The Polaris ACE will have its own GNCC race class this season.