Polaris RZR Shines At ARB Xtreme Winch Challenge Series

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Polaris RZR Shines At ARB Xtreme Winch Challenge Series


Round 3 of the ARB Xtreme Winch Challenge Series was held in October 2010 at Manilla, near Tamworth NSW. The event was held about 20km out of town at a venue called 'The Mountain.' Upon approach 'The Mountain' appeared ominous, with nothing but its peak appearing through the clouds and the drizzle of the past few days still hovering in the air. This is a three-day event, with two night stages held on Friday and seven special tests throughout Saturday and Sunday.

The slippery and boggy Friday night stages proved very challenging to many of the teams, however the agility of the Polaris RZR really came into its own. Teams raced against the clock, with the start order being one RZR followed by one competition truck.

Polaris' Jake Young took the honors on the night stages, with the help of experienced navigator Manny Kafantaris from ARB Port Macquarie.

Jake said, "I absolutely loved running at night. I am constantly surprised by the capabilities of the Polaris RZR and I'm still looking to find its limits. We were the only team to drive one of the winch walls without winching, not even the comp trucks had done that. It opened a lot of eyes to what these machines are capable of - mine included!"

Saturday and Sunday saw more great stages, some fast and flowing and some tight and technical. Even better was healthy rivalry and camaraderie that existed between the teams. With the absence of series leader Cody Crocker due to Rally commitments, competitors were mindful of the experience of the two ARB RZR racing teams who have already proven their expertise in these events. But newcomers to the series, father and son team David and Conner Mendham from Dubbo City Motorcycles, showed how an experienced driver matched with a quick learning navi make a great team. Both were happy to snatch stage wins, one by nearly 30 seconds.

Adding to the competitive mix was another father and son team and regulars at RZR racing events, Nathan and Les Chivers (team 'Lots a Colour Nurseries / Bike and Power'), and also newcomers team Insteelation of Mick Smith and Mike Sales who showed that a level head and good calls will also win stages. All in all each team taking a win in at least two stages meant the final standings were going to be anyone's guess and it would go down to the wire. At the end of three days the results were:

DRIVER
NAVIGATOR
TEAM

Craig Hartin
Vance McGreggor
ARB Tamworth

Mick Smith
Mike Sales
Insteelation

David Mendham
Alex Mendham
Dubbo City Motorcycles


The smiles following presentation were long lasting, with all the competitors swapping stories of their experience. At each event team numbers are growing and many commented on the fun side of the event, with a strong social and family atmosphere with plenty of antics apparent between the teams. Everyone is now hanging on the release of next year's race dates. Adding to next year's calendar Polaris is hoping to have several social state based RZR events, so if you know of a venue or want to be involved please let us know

WANT TO BE PART OF THE ACTION?
Who can compete? SXS Regulations have been created which allows owners of Polaris RZR, Polaris RZR S, Kawasaki Teryx and Yamaha Rhino's to compete. In order to avoid 'cheque book racing,' strict regulations are in place to keep things even. SXS Racing in the USA is dominated by the Polaris RZR due to its lower centre of gravity and superior power to weight ratio.

There is still much to learn about the types of courses that best suit, although with three rounds now under our belt, all very different in terms of terrain and structure, we are beginning to find a format that works. It is still a case that entrants are welcome to simply compete at one or more separate stages, whatever they feel comfortable with. Competitor input to track design is welcome.

There have been a number of keen enquiries from RZR owners and CCDA / club members nationally. Polaris is currently evaluating location options for the next official event. Those interested in competing can call their local dealer who can point you in the right direction.

Want to enter? The world's best Sports SXS is the Polaris RZR S. No engine, transmission or suspension modifications are permitted or required. A full list of accessories (e.g. winch) you'll need to be ready to race is available on request from Polaris dealers.

One of the big events on the cards is the prestigious Cliffhanger navigational event held over 1000km 3rd - 8th of July 2011 at Cobar in Western NSW.

Take a look at what you could be in for at the following links.
http://www.ironman4x4.com/html/cliffhanger.html
http://www.navrun.com.au/cliffhanger.htm

To request a demo of a Polaris call 1300 654 142 for your nearest dealer or visit www.polarisindustries.com.au