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www.PowersportsBusiness.com NEWS Powersports Business • November 9, 2015 • 9 the touring F3 Spyder were also great additions to the lineup, they take second and third on the podium next to the Defender," Glassman said. "This is a machine that will bring in fresh customers and provide instant increase in year- round sales." Ayala, who had never participated in a demo ride, was floored by the experience he had with the Defender. "I'm glad that I did it because the terrain that they had and the course they had was phe- nomenal. It's nice because you get a really good feel for what the vehicle itself is going to feel like under those conditions rather than in my kind of demo, which would be taking it up and down a parking lot vs. being off-terrain." SEA-DOO Updates to the Sea-Doo line included an impressive new 300-hp model that will help cater to not only enthusiasts, but those who need a more powerful engine when the water gets tough. (See more on this on Page 36.) Belec explained that those who live in coastal areas experience bigger waves, and riders need more power in that type of water as opposed to a freshwater lake. "That's where the 300-hp can be very useful," Belec added. The Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) engine will be included in all three of the new models, which promises to higher performance and added control. I was able to test of the new GTX Limited 300, but nerves prevented me from getting past a lofty 50 mph on the practice course. While the 300-hp was appealing, I found the revamped Sea-Doo Spark to be a personal favorite, especially with the new Key Lime color option. I liked the lightness and easy handling that the Spark offered. "[The Sea-Doo Spark] has been received really well. The model is still relatively new in the market, so we didn't really want to change many things," Belec said. "Just switching some colors to bring a fresh look in the show- room at the dealership and then we have the new version of the iBR [Intelligent Brake Reverse], so that's the main improvements on the Spark." Ayala agreed that the changes made to the Spark will lead to good sales for the dealership. "The Spark is definitely one of the things that we really appreciate now. The fact that the con- venience package comes with the iBR is great because it was such a fiasco trying to figure out what came with what. And, obviously the colors now are a little more attractive." Glassman and his team also took full advan- tage of both the Sea-Doo and Defender demo rides offered. "In order to speak honestly about the product, we had to experience it first hand," he added. NASCAR The surprises kept happening even past the first night. On Saturday morning, I boarded a private jet alongside prominent BRP members and NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt. Upon boarding, I learned that I was flying to Chicago- land Speedway as part of Can-Am's title spon- sorship announcement of the Can-Am Duel at Daytona races. So again, it was a day of firsts. My first time on a private jet, first time meeting a racing legacy and first time at Chicagoland. Joie Chitwood III, president of the Day- tona International Speedway, agreed that Can-Am's sponsorship will change the way fans experience events at the Speedway. "I can't think of a better time in terms of the opening of Daytona Rising (a $400 million redevelopment), for a new partner to jump on board with really an iconic race. When people come back in February, they're going to be blown away." Through its association with Kappa, Cyclops Gear and GoFAS Racing, BRP will be the sponsor of the No. 32 Sprint Cup Series race car being driven by Jeffrey Earnhardt and Bobby Labonte. "Both of our organizations, I think, are built on tradition, history, compe- tition and leadership, so this is a really good fit," Belec said. "BRP and its Can-Am products are synonymous with innovation and perfor- mance in the powersports industry, and we feel that it's a natural fit with NASCAR racers and their fans." "The thrilling and unpredictable Can-Am Duel at Daytona will provide a great platform for us and our dealers to promote our products at the world center of racing," she added. Jeffrey Earnhardt, who I found out likes hunting and the great outdoors in his free time, BRP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 See BRP, Page 10 Assistant editor Kate Swanson rode alongside prominent BRP staff and media to and from Chicagoland Speedway.