Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/575161
www.PowersportsBusiness.com ATV/UTV Powersports Business • October 5, 2015 • 41 Polaris Industries Inc. announced in Sep- tember that the company is donating four utility off-road vehicles to The Salvation Army. The donation includes a combination of Ranger, Hippo, Polaris Brutus and Polaris M1400 vehicles, a variety of front attachments and a set of TerrainArmor Non-Pneumatic Tires (NPT) to enhance The Salvation Army's ability to assist in natural disaster clean up in severe conditions. "Following earlier donations to The Salva- tion Army, we've learned more about their mission/charter," said Tate Johnson, director of Work Vehicles. "We have gained an appre- ciation for the impact Polaris vehicles and work technologies can have in helping The Salvation Army provide food, water and sup- port to those in need. The Salvation Army has indicated that our NPTs and off-road vehicles have enabled their personnel to service disas- ter victims they would not otherwise have reached. We are hopeful that today's donation of vehicles will better position The Salvation Army to help get people's lives back together after disaster." The commercial Brutus units are equipped with varying attachments including a bucket, grapple and pallet fork, which allow the vehi- cles to be used for multiple purposes. Brutus' Pro-Tach system makes it quick and easy to change attachments, allowing the vehicle to complete multiple tasks (mow, sweep, scoop, blow, lift), minimize downtime and reduce the amount of vehicles needed on site. One Brutus also is equipped with TerrainArmor NPT tires, which are built to never go flat and are virtually indestructible. The military Ranger Hippo has an inte- grated power system that is driven by the vehi- cle's diesel engine. This allows the vehicle to travel to sites with no available power sources and run a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic, electric and welding equipment, eliminating the need for generators and other bulky equip- ment usually needed for these jobs. The Polaris M1400 unit is a 2x4 gas- powered, commercial utility vehicle, capable of hauling 1,400 pounds and towing 1,500 pounds. The vehicle delivers more power and payload on its integrated metal bed than other vehicles in its class delivering maxi- mum efficiency. "This year marked the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of The Salvation Army's largest disaster relief responses," said Colonel Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Commander in Minnesota and North Dakota. "Our challenge is to go where we are needed most — wherever there is suf- fering and crisis. Having these vehicles from Polaris puts us in a position to take on that challenge. We train volunteers year 'round, and that has been our mantra — be prepared for anything. Thanks to Polaris, we are one step closer to handling anything that nature throws at us." The donated vehicles were put in to immediate use as they were shipped directly from Polaris to Philadelphia to distribute meals to the volunteers in support of the Pope's visit. INAUGURAL UTV/ATV DERBY CHAMPIONS CROWNED The Trig's Smokehouse World Champi- onship UTV/ATV Derby in Eagle River, Wis., crowned its first UTV and ATV world champions. Racers in men, women and youth divisions, from all over the U.S. and Canada, participated in more than 50 classes of com- petition ranging from ovals, short course (motocross style) and mud runs. Zac Zakowski, 25, from Menasha, Wis., won the UTV title. He is a pro driver who pilots a 1000cc Can-Am Maverick and is sponsored by Can-Am, Amsoil, Countryside Auto Transport and Straightline Performance. "By far the most professional event ever … and I have been to a lot of events across North America," Zakowski said. The remaining finishing order was Zach Szymik from Green Bay, Wis., aboard a 1000cc Polaris RZR; Matt Schuette from Manitowoc, Wis., aboard a 1000cc Polaris RZR; Ben Pitlik from Eagle River driving a 1000cc Polaris RZR; and his brother Austin, also from Eagle River, driving a 1000cc Can-Am. Cody Janssen, a pro rider from Kaukauna, Wis., aboard a 450 Honda TRX, won the ATV Derby world title. He is sponsored by Janssen Motor Sports, Elka, Maxxis, Londerville Steel and Valvoline. Chuck Decker, president and owner of the Derby Race Track said, "I can't wait until next year … it's going to be bigger and better. It's going to be the powersports event in the Mid- west that everyone will want to attend!" PSB DIGEST Polaris donates off-road vehicles Polaris recently donated four off-road vehicles to The Salvation Army.