ATV Sport articles from April 2006

ATV Sport archives from April 2006

Racing!(SCHOOL OF THOUGHT)
April 1, 2006... This is always an exciting issue for the staff at ATV Sport. Is it because we are looking forward to the end of winter and the beginning of the riding season here in Minnesota? Partially. What really has us excited is our annual ATV Racing...

Jones, Gust sign with FOX Racing Shox.(WHAT'S UP)
April 1, 2006... Doug Gust and Jeremiah Jones, along with support rider Jeremy Lawson, are making the move from Elka Suspension to FOX Racing Shox for the 2006 race season. Team Yoshimura/Suzuki ATV will be running FOX's new FLOAT X EVOL AirShox in front and a...

Great Outdoor Games cancelled.(ESPN Great Outdoor Games)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2006... The ESPN Great Outdoor Games, which brought ATVs to ESPN and ABC, has been cancelled for 2006. Producers of the show say that the games will be reevaluated this year and brought back for 2007. The Great Outdoor Games featured two ATV-related...

Pennsylvania Quad Fest.(WHAT'S UP)
April 1, 2006... On July 21 to July 23, Pennsylvania will once again be the location of The Quad Fest, sponsored by Bombardier ATV. This year's event will be hosted by PaAtving and Mountain Ridge Trails Resort and includes three days of trail riding--more than...

Baldwin Motorsports team expands.(WHAT'S UP)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2006... Mark Baldwin, owner of Baldwin Motorsports, has confirmed that the BMS race team will be expanded for 2006. Joining 2005 Extreme Dirt Track Champion Tim Farr on the team will be Josh Upperman (Pro-Am Unlimited champion) and Mark Kendall (2005...

Nac's Racing changes hands.(WHAT'S UP)
April 1, 2006... Longtime Nac's Racing employee, Doug Bruck, recently purchased Nac's Racing from retiring owner Jim Naccarato. Bruck plans on revamping Nac's Racing's efforts on the national level as well as continue its reputation as a premier aftermarket...

Suzuki GNCC gets more cash.(WHAT'S UP)
April 1, 2006... Just as we were going to press, Racer Productions, the company responsible for the GNCC series, announced a major increase to the 2006 payout for the top Pro ATV and Pro-Am ATV racers. At each round of the GNCC series in 2006, $10,000 will be...

2005 Tulsa Shootout.(all terrain vehicle racing)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2006... The 21st Annual Tulsa Shootout presented by O'Reilly's and Brodix took place late last year inside the gigantic Tulsa Expo Raceway. This event always features some fast-paced racing, but with a twist. The race is held indoors and features not...

Minnesota ATV-only races.(WHAT'S UP)
April 1, 2006... For the first time in 37-year history, Minnesota District 23 will stage ATV-only motocross races on its tracks throughout the 2006 season. There will be nine races in the series and 20 different classes, including a stock class. 2006...

NEATV-MX schedule.(WHAT'S UP)
April 1, 2006... One of the most professionally run regional series continues to be the New England ATV Motocross schedule of races. This year should prove to be no different as the series has a new sponsor, new tracks and many new racers. In addition to adding...

Spader signs with Yamaha; Progressive Suspension.
April 1, 2006... Former GNC Prochamp Travis Spader announced he had signed a support deal with Yamaha for the 2006 GNC motocross season. He will also be using Progressive Suspension's new line of 6th Sense shocks.

Correction.(Correction Notice)
April 1, 2006... In our 2006 ATV Sport Buyers' Guide, we incorrectly listed the specs of the Suzuki LT-R450. The LT-R does not have independent rear suspension. It has a swingarm.

Family competition.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... I love your mag. I love it so much I gave it to my brother-in-law as a Christmas gift this year. I've got to brag a little. My brother-in-law Bob rebuilt his Z400 to a 440 and he just broke in the motor. We decided to open it up and see...

Decisions, decisions.
April 1, 2006... First of all I'd like to thank all you guys at ATV Sport. You are the main reason why I'll be saving for my first bike. I'm having a tough decision between the Banshee and the Raptor 350. I'll plan to mostly trail ride with friends. As of now,...

Extreme Makeover.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... There are a lot of quads out there these days and not everybody has the money to make theirs like the ones in magazines. My idea is to have ATV Sport get with aftermarket companies and create a segment called "Extreme Makeover" (not quite...

ATV saves life.(INPUT)
April 1, 2006... While practicing a few days before for the GNCC at the Wisp, I wrecked my quad. I thought I had hurt my back. After telling the doctors about my back pain, I found out my back was fine, but I needed open-heart surgery! I had something called...

Kudos Suzuki.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... Kudos to Suzuki for building the LT-R450--the machine bringing me back into the ATV world. I raced Honda's ATC 250R back in the day, starting with the 1982 air-cooled model. The 1985 model with 38 HP and 9.8 inches of suspension travel front...

Thankful shop owner.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... I've started an ATV repair business in Pennsylvania and have been getting your magazine ever since. It's been great and helpful. I especially enjoy your reviews and upgrade articles. I've been ATVing since there has been ATVs, survived though...

Not to forget the utility rider.(INPUT)
April 1, 2006... Here is a picture of me on my 2006 650cc Arctic Cat Tony Stewart Edition model. I got it August 22, 2005 and registered 1,253 miles by October! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I had a 2005 Arctic Cat 650 that I amassed 4,985 miles on. Before...

Change isn't good?(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... What in the world was Honda thinking when it redesigned the 400EX's look? Honda turned the quad into a 450 clone and disgraced the legacy that was the 400EX. Honda says it was an improvement, I say how can you improve on perfection? The look of...

IRS infatuation.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... I have been a subscriber to ATV Sport for a number of years. I really enjoy the articles and especially the tests on the new quads. I like to see how the new models handle and how they compare to other similar models. Also, I enjoy the "Going...

SoCal racer.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2006... I've been riding for almost eight years and was wondering if you know of any races series that I could join or just race for fun but on an actual track. I have a used kick start with clutch Honda TRX250. I have ridden in Mexico a whole bunch,...

ATV trails.(INPUT)
April 1, 2006... There's nothing I love more than to take my ATV for a ride. My family owns three ATVs and live in the northwest region of Pennsylvania bordering Ohio. The problem is there seems to be a shortage of trails to ride, with only snowmobile clubs in...

Legacy ATV viper J-arm.(THE GOODS)
April 1, 2006... Legacy ATV's J-arm, made specifically for the Yamaha YFZ450 and dirt track racing applications, is tig welded and constructed with lighter-walled chromoly. Legacy ATV's J-arm design for the YFZ450 helps eliminate clearance issues when adding a...

Sidi Crossfire boot.(THE GOODS)
April 1, 2006... Sidi's Crossfire motocross boot is available in black and white and two sole configurations: SRS and traditional TA. Features include a dual-hinged upper, POP buckles, new plastic covering across toe area, two screened rear vents, adjustable...

M2R camouflage helmet.(THE GOODS)
April 1, 2006... This M2R Revelation X2 heavy brush camouflage helmet meets and exceeds DOT and Snell testing standards. The helmet features a fully removable and washable liner, dual-density liner, D-ring retention system and full ventilation ports. Also...

CruzTools MSM1 miniset.(THE GOODS)
April 1, 2006... This CruzTools compact metric tool kit features 10 mechanic-grade tools. Included in the tool set are four six-point sockets (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm), three hex bits (4mm, 5mm, 6mm) and a #2 Phillips bit. A 2-inch extension and 1/4-inch drive...

HydroDynamics i5500 Sand Series.(THE GOODS)
April 1, 2006... This HydroDynamics Sand Series chrome front suspension kit includes fully adjustable shocks, chromoly +2-inch Phantom A-arms, tierods, brass knuckle ball joints, three-piece steel braided Spyder brake line, two sets of grunt brake line clamps,...

Speed Rack Dry Pod and Locker Pro.(THE GOODS)
April 1, 2006... To help eliminate sweaty helmet liners, Speed Rack's Dry Pod can be hooked up to any 12-volt power source. Features include a timer with automatic shut off and built-in temperature control. The Dry Pod can be used in cabinets, on shelves or in...

Wrench this.(MECHANIC TIPS)(all terrain vehicle maintenance)
April 1, 2006... Wolverine Mods? Q I was looking at the new Yamaha Wolverine 450. Since it has the same engine as the Kodiak 450, are there any modifications for the engine floating around? I'd like to add more power to the Wolverine if I buy it. Any and...

Scott goggles and Case.(THE GOOD TEST)
April 1, 2006... Pro ATV riders seem to have it all when it comes to goggles and gear. Heck, pros wear new goggles for every race they enter. And sometimes, like a muddy GNCC event, they go through a few pairs of brand new goggles and toss them to some lucky...

The Fallout: Vol. 1 DVD.(THE GOOD TEST)
April 1, 2006... In a sure sign that the industry is starting to gain mainstream acceptance in our country, another company has entered the ATV-themed DVD market. Akraix Entertainment recently released its debut feature called "The Fallout." It does some...

Shift Gear.(Air Assault jersey )(Product/Service Evaluation)
April 1, 2006... Air Assault Jersey Shift Gear has always been involved in motocross racing. But about three years ago, the company decided it was going to support ATVers, much like its parent company, Fox Racing, supported dirt bikers. This brought on a...

HJC CLX-5 N8Dawg III helmet.(Product/Service Evaluation)
April 1, 2006... Ever since we tested our first HJC helmet, we've been impressed by the quality and value of its line. We recently tested the CLX-5 N8Dawg III ($185) from HJC. Besides the funny name, there wasn't a whole lot of downside to this helmet. ...

The legacy continues: the Naccarato family sells Nac's Racing after 17 years in the sport.(MIND PROBE)(Jim Naccarato)(Interview)
April 1, 2006... From its early beginning as a ATV salvage shop based in the family garage, to its prime position near the top of the ATV aftermarket, Nac's Racing has gained the attention of both ATV racers, enthusiasts and ATV manufacturers alike. ...

Racing X-tra '06.
April 1, 2006... It's finally time: The ball drops on a new year of ATV racing in early February in California. With racer registrations soaring and attendance expanding like those off-season rider's stomachs, 2005 was one of the greatest years in the history...

Set to fly: 2006 ITP/moose racing MX season.
April 1, 2006... ROUND 1 California Glen Helen Raceway February 4-5, 2006 * Nearest major city: San Bernadino, Calif. * Nearest city: Same * Web site: www.glenhelen.com * Phone: (909) 880-3090 * Last year's winner: Tim Farr ...

Speed zone ahead: 2006 extreme dirt track season is set.(Calendar)
April 1, 2006... Round 1 Texas Bullet Speedway May 6, 2006 * Nearest major city: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas * Nearest city: Brashear, Texas * Web site: www.twincreeksraceway.com * Phone: (501) 679-6117 * Last year's winner: Keith...

Slash and burn: GNCCers tear through the woods in 2006.(Calendar)
April 1, 2006... Round 1 Florida Orange Crush March 4-5, 2006 Youth race * Nearest major city: Orlando, Fla. * Nearest city: DeLeon Springs, Fla. * Last year's winner: Chris Borich * Hotels Howard Johnson (386) 736-3440, Comfort...

2005's top 5: it's becoming tougher for Pros to be the best.(all terrain vehicle racing)
April 1, 2006... Think it's easy cracking the top 5? Think again. Professional riders toil through a rigorous training regimen, hours on the dark and lonely road and months of R&D aboard their quad dialing it in. Thousands of dollars are burnt in fuel and...

GNC and GNCC rule changes.
April 1, 2006... GNC Motocross, EDT Amateur racers avoid 102dB sound enforcement testing in 2006, but the ATVA says ATVs should not exceed the sound limit enforced on the Pro class. If a quad obviously breaks that limit, don't be surprised to see rider and...

Where to begin? Entry-level sport quad shootout.(Suzuki Z250)(Honda 250EX)(Yamaha Blaster)(Bombardier DS250)(Arctic Cat DVX 250)(Product/Service Evaluation)(Cover Story)
April 1, 2006... Here's a hypothetical situation regarding entry-level sport quads and their intended riders: Rider A, Jack, has been riding youth quads for five years and recently turned 16. With him becoming another year older, he also is now eligible to ride...

Terror in the dunes: performance project: Duncan Raptor 700.
April 1, 2006... To be honest, serious MX racers were a bit bummed when the Raptor was released five years ago. They were hoping for a fast and nimble machine. Instead they got a rather bulky quad that was pretty fast, but more suitable for the desert and...

A few hiccups & burps: * Bombardier learns valuable lessons in Baja 1000.(PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
April 1, 2006... It was the beginning of August when three Bombardier Outlander 800s arrived at the SoCal manufacturing facility of Epic Racing earmarked for the Baja 1000 race. However, all involved in prepping the 800s knew it would be a long process to turn...

Sand-sational (Glamis Sand Dunes feed addiction).(GOInGPLACES)
April 1, 2006... Silky smooth sand softer than a melting stick of butter appeared on the horizon. Finally, after a three-hour van ride from the Los Angeles area, anxious thoughts of carving a bowl and kicking up roost would soon become a reality. As the...

Americans in Paris.(Harold Goodman)(Interview)
April 1, 2006... It'd sure be depressing to travel 4,000 miles to France for a three-day race only to discover the race might not even happen. But if the weekend ended with you taking the overall win, that would probably be OK, right? At the first annual...

Tiptoeing around: tips for adjusting toe and improving your ATV's handling.(TECHNICALLY)
April 1, 2006... Chances are, the vast majority of ATV racers know the difference between toe-in and toe-out. And no doubt many of them can properly adjust the toe on ATVs. However, we've even seen novice racers struggle with attempting to dial in their quad's...

Still stuffed: GNCC racers honored at year-end bash.(Grand National Cross Country, all terrain vehicle racing)
April 1, 2006... The GNCC racing may have ended with the final checkered flag at the Ironman late last year, but the season was not completely finished. Racers and family members made the trek to the Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, W.Va., for the 2005 GNCC...

King of the World?(Exhaust)
April 1, 2006... At the recent Paris Indoor race, Harold Goodman was crowned champion. However, third-place finisher Jeremie Warnia must have thought he was King of the World. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]