Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Gearup2go Sponsored Drives Shine: Johnny, Marty, CJ Podium at Route 66 Raceway, Johnny Clings to Narrow Points Lead, CJ Clinches Back-to-Back Super Buggy Championship!

Johnny, Marty, CJ Podium at Route 66 Raceway, Johnny Clings to Narrow Points Lead, CJ Clinches Back-to-Back Super Buggy Championship!

Johnny, Marty and CJ all podium in TORC Series race.
Abrams, WI (Sept 19, 2011)—The Off Road Championship headed to the Route 66 Raceway at Chicagoland Speedway, in Joliet, IL for a rare midweek race on September 14th and 15th. The Wednesday evening race was streamed live on USAC's USTREAM channel while the Thursday race was broadcast live on SPEED TV.
CJ strapped into his Pro Light truck first on Wednesday evening for the under the lights race. CJ found himself in the lead early, but problems by Casey Currie stopped the race. When the green flag flew once again, CJ powered ahead to maintain his lead for the next 4 or 5 laps with RJ Anderson on his bumper in 2nd and Brad Lovell in 3rd feeling pressure from Sam Hubinette. Anderson got a run on CJ and passed him heading into the back stretch. Greaves and Anderson pulled away from the field and CJ wisely backed off to save his truck for the second half of the race. Lovell would eventually role his truck as did Hubinette just as he crossed the start/finish line to take the mandatory caution at the midway point. Andrew Caddell got a great restart and pushed past CJ to take over 2nd. The top 3 ran bumper to bumper until the end of the race. CJ and Caddell went side-by-side but Caddell prevailed. On the white flag lap, Shawn Morris had a vicious role-over bringing out a full-course caution. At first it looked like it would be a green/white restart, but USAC changed it to a yellow/checkered flag—ending the race in the order prior to the caution—RJ Anderson, followed by Caddell, and CJ landing his 3rd podium of the year.
Marty Hart takes his first 2nd place podium finish at Route 66 in Chicagoland!Marty Hart lined up on the 3rd row for the Pro2 race. He was able to push his way up to 3rd when several of the front runners tangled up on the back stretch on the first lap--including Rob MacCachren, Jeff Kincaid and Mikey Vanden Heuvel. Marty worked his way around Chad Hord and set his sights on Bryce Menzies. Bryce slowed on the back stretch with some type of mechanical problem and Marty shot ahead to the lead which he held through the competition caution. With MacCachren and Taylor out of the race and Bryce Menzies limping around, there were only 7 trucks left in the race in the closing laps.
On the restart, Marty held his lead. Meanwhile, Jeff Kincaid passed Hord for 2nd. One lap after the restart, Mike Oberg got into Hord who rolled hard and landed on his roof, bringing out a full-course caution and putting the last of the top 3 points leaders out of the race. When racing resumed, Marty worked hard to stay in the lead, but Jeff Kincaid was able to pass him in the air at the infield tabletop jump. Marty Hart took the checkered flag in 2nd for his highest position of the year.
Johnny Greaves goes airborne at Chicagoland's Route 66 Raceway.The Pro-4's were up next. Johnny Greaves came into rounds 11 and 12 clinging to a narrow 15 point lead. With only 4 races left in the 2011 TORC series season, each race put the championship on the line. The points leaders started on the front row with Johnny on the outside and Ricky Johnson on the inside. When the green flag flew, Johnny went to the lead. But, the race was called back by USAC for a false start. This time, RJ beat the field to turn one for the lead followed by Johnny, then Adrian Cennie. The top 3 pulled away from the other trucks but kept a safe distance between each other. On about lap 5, Johnny hit the tabletop jump and landed hard, dislodging his hood. Driving blind, he had to pull into the hot pit for the crew to quickly pull the hood off. At the competition caution, Greaves pulled into the hot pit a second time to remove more dangling Boatec fiberglass from his vision.
On the restart, Mark Jenkins jumped the green flag twice. Once racing finally got underway, Johnny began to work his way back to the front. With 3 laps to go, Johnny squeezed his Monster Energy Toyota between the 3rd and 4th place running Scott Douglas and Steve Barlow to take over 3rd place where he finished the race. Johnny also earned his Oakley Bomb Award for the fastest lap.
CJ makes the pass on RJ Anderson for the lead in the Pro Light class race.The Pro Lights rolled off first on Thursday night with CJ starting his Traxxas/ Monster Energy/ Maxxis/ Oakley/Toyota in the 5th position and moved up one spot before the competition caution. CJ was looking great in the second half of the race. He maneuvered around the 2nd and 3rd place vehicles to battle RJ Anderson for the lead which CJ was able to take with about 4 laps to go in the race. But RJ was able to win it back. With a couple of laps left, CJ made an inside move on Anderson to go for the lead. When he did, he clipped one of the tractor tire barriers and rolled his truck. Fortunately he landed on all-4's. The impact however broke a spindle and he had to limp to the finish line—winding up a disappointing 9th.
Marty Hart was on fire in Chicagoland!In the Pro-2 class, Marty Hart was looking great at the beginning of the race. After having started 6th, he worked his way up into the top 3 leading up to the midway caution. Not willing to settle for 3rd, Marty stuck the nose of his Monster Energy/ ReadyLift/ GearUp2Go.com/ Maxxis Tire and Toyota on the outside of Chad Hord to challenge for 2nd. When he did, he clipped the wall which damaged his steering. He continued on in the race and finished an impressive 5th, despite his ill handling truck.
The Pro-4 race was a classic battle between Johnny and Ricky Johnson—reminiscent of the battles he used to have with fellow Monster Energy racer, Rick Huseman. Johnny confessed he played it a little too safe at first. He lead a good portion of the race but RJ was able to make as pass on Johnny after he, like Marty, developed some steering issues. Johnny took his red plated number 22 to the runner up podium position and maintained his points lead in the process—but by a narrow 4 point margin, setting up a showdown for the championship on the final race weekend at Cycle Ranch in San Antonio, TX.
Greaves racing didn't have any time to rest. They headed to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the final Sportsman race of the season for CJ in the Super Buggy class. CJ hoped to wrap up his bid for a back-to-back championship in only his second year racing. He did that with flying colors by going 3-for-3 for Traxxas/ Monster Energy/Maxxis/Oakley. He actually clinched the championship by taking the green flag in the 2nd race. The 3 victories were icing on the cake—he finished all but one race on the podium this season—and clinched by a whopping 64 points.
The Traxxas TORC Series will wrap up its season on October 15-16 at Cycle Ranch near San Antonio, Texas. It should prove to be a very exciting weekend with Johnny shooting for another off-road championship to his legendary racing career.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Curtis Cab Releases PathProSS for Polaris Rangers- Gearup2go.com as Dealer

Curtis Introduces Cab Enclosures For Polaris Rangers

Curtis Industries PathPro SS soft-side enclosure
Curtis Industries PathPro SS soft-side enclosure for Polaris Ranger UTVs
Curtis Industries recently announced their new PathPro SS soft cab system for the Polaris Ranger 2010 400 and 800 models.  Designed for year around use the soft-side cab enclosure mounts to the factory installed Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS).
The PathPro SS features a strong, low profile textured black steel roof with acoustic liner, steel frame doors with locking handles and full perimeter bulb rubber which collectively provide for a fully weather tight enclosure. The windshield is made from durable, long-lasting hard coated polycarbonate material for added protection. This windshield is strong enough to support a wiper and can stand up to abrasion and trail debris.
Each PathPro SS cab system uses zippered 30 gauge clear double-polished vinyl windows and soft rear panel that can be rolled up and strapped out of the way in nice weather. These PathPro SS cab systems offers very high visibility in all directions.

Shop All Curtis Cabs for Polaris Ranger by Click here: 

Worcester, MA. June 1, 2009 - Curtis Industries, LLC has introduced a new, revolutionary, modular cab system for the 2009 Polaris Ranger utility vehicle available early June. This system allows rapid transformation from a fully enclosed cab to an open-air ride in only 60 seconds. The Curtis Rapid-Convertible System (RCS) allows the user to choose one or all components for maximum flexibility as the weather changes. 
A simple ROPS base frame with cab receiver mounts provides safety and easy installation of the modular components. Initial installation time is approximately 2 hours, half the time as other cab systems! The roof, windshield and rear panel feature a unique, quick-release pin to slot connection and a heavy duty quick release latch. The strong but lightweight hard-coated polycarbonate Quantum coated windshield quickly vents for varying temperatures and is designed and tested for full speed travel with the windshield open or closed. An optional wiper kit is also available. 

Cab panels are designed using advanced technology and materials. The Rapid-Convertible System uses thermoformed TPO material (not ABS plastic or fiberglass) for all body panels. TPO offers superior low-temp impact resistance, higher heat-deflection and greater dimensional stability than ABS or fiberglass. This cab features door and rear panel sliders that are made of Impact Modified Acrylic to allow airflow and access from the cab.

Available in black, cab components – base frame, roof, windshield, doors, and rear panel – can be purchased as a complete cab or cab without doors. US and Foreign patents pending.
Curtis Industries, LLC has specialized in design, manufacture and distribution of quality vehicle enclosures, plow systems and accessories for golf cars, utility vehicles and compact tractors for over 40 years. Decades of experience and innovation has made Curtis the leader in the industry for aftermarket cab systems in the country. Curtis cabs offer excellent fit-and-finish, superb styling and overall reliable functionality which are second to none. The company is also a significant OEM supplier to top manufacturers of tractors and utility vehicles providing cab enclosures and snowplow systems. The company operates from a 150,000 sq. ft. modern manufacturing facility in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Review of A Curtis Cab for a Polaris Ranger- Product Test - All Weather Ranger


Product Test - All Weather Ranger

Installing the Curtis PathPro Cab
Written By: 
 John Arens
 
There is very little that can stop the heavy duty, hard working UTVs of today and almost without exception, they are all terrain, all weather vehicles. The trouble is, we’re not. While we love the first frosts of fall, chilly mornings for deer hunting, and even the first snows that slowly parachute to the ground like a miniature airborne invasion, before long we’re tired of fighting the war. What starts as a pastoral, wintery marvel straight out of a Rockwell painting quickly becomes the party that went too long, with all the unbounded jubilance of a New Year’s Day hangover. It is time for some winter protection!
About the same time Mick Jagger was shouting, ‘”Give me Shelter,” Curtis Cab was working on exactly that but for entirely different reasons. Curtis Industries was founded in 1968 with the first products being winter protection for small tractors, and the new cabs didn’t take long to become very popular in cold New England winters. Since then they’ve expanded into all types of vehicles with products that cover golf carts, compact tractors, and most importantly in our eyes, UTVs! We tried a Curtis Cab with a John Deere Gator a little over a year ago, but we were still out in the cold with our Polaris Ranger XP800. That was about to change. 

Cab Kit Installation

Curtis ships their cab kits to dealers, and although the dealer will certainly be happy to install it for you, we like to install any extra parts ourselves. After all, it’s our job! The Curtis PathPro SS cab kit came in an enormous crate with all parts well packed for protection, and along with the parts was a hardware packet and a set of instructions. It was time to get to work!
One thing we REALLY like about the Curtis kits is they build all the major assemblies at their plant. This saves a lot of time and effort, and rather than working with dozens of smaller pieces, all you need to do is bolt together large ones. Oddly enough, one of the first steps in the build process proved to be the most difficult. To install the front corner assembly, it’s necessary to replace two bolts on the front cab structure, and once the stock bolts are removed, there’s no telling which way the bars are likely to spring. We installed the new Curtis corner plates and spacers as directed, lined up the holes with a drift pin, and bolted it back together. Each successive step got easier, and it was actually very intuitive. We were only casually glancing at the directions and it was fun to watch our new cab come together. As usual for anything we install, we don’t fully tighten bolts on parts that may require a final alignment such as door hinges, latch plates, etc.
Attention to detail often makes the difference between a great part and a mediocre one, and the Curtis PathPro SS kit excels. We like the padded roof and headliner of our Curtis Cab kit. Rather than just bare metal over your head, Curtis has included a soft inner liner that presents a more finished look. The windshield is also hard coated for use with a wiper kit and is rubber mounted like nearly every part in the kit, greatly eliminating any vibration.
Hanging the doors couldn’t be easier. The door assemblies have been prebuilt and formed at the factory and the durable fabric cover is already installed. All you need to do is pull the shipping plastic off the door and set it in the hinges. Ours closed and latched PERFECTLY! We then tightened down the hinge bolts and latch plate adjustment. Both doors also feature double stage latches, and the windows can be opened for summer thanks to the heavy duty zippers, or the doors can simply be removed. We like how Curtis thought to build the doors with hinges at the rear. This allows the maximum opening where there is the most access on the Ranger. (Take note Honda!) It’s a clear sign the kit was developed from a well thought out design meant to work as a complete unit rather than a collection of mismatched individual pieces. Finally, the doors also come with an excellent cable stop that limits their maximum opening, preventing the wind from overextending them. 
Installing the rear section of the enclosure is easy as well, and the top of the enclosure snaps into place just under the rear roof line. Velcro strips fasten the fabric to the Ranger corner posts in other areas and just about every part of the cab is covered. We left a couple of the smaller, lower trim pieces off since they weren’t really needed and you actually want some ventilation. We were done! Total assembly time was about three hours and it was time for a ride!

Curtis Trail Comfort

We were extremely pleased with how the PathPro SS kit fit our Ranger! The rubber strip along the bottom of the wind shield fit the hood perfectly, the doors sealed to the bodywork better than the ones on our truck, and it’s almost elegant inside! Thankfully, every nut and bolt head on the inside also gets a rubber cap which is both a great safety feature and gives it a more finished appearance. We really like the door latch which is the best we’ve ever seen on any UTV kit, and the handle is even rubber coated as well.
On the trail the Curtis Cab kit offers excellent vision. It’s easy to see out of the cab with almost no blind spots. The rear windows allow excellent access, and even the doors have clear panels all the way to the bottom. Because everything is enclosed and the engine is under the seat on a Polaris Ranger, it is a little louder inside but the extra comfort is worth it.

Kit Quality

We can’t say enough about the quality of the Curtis Cab parts. Each part is precision cut and formed with no sharp edges or burrs to cut fingers or snag clothing. Bolt holes are properly sized and elongated where necessary for adjustment, and every part is well protected with a highly durable, matte black powder coat finish. We were also extremely happy to find Curtis uses Nylock nuts everywhere to eliminate the possibility of bolts backing off from vibration. Their attention to detail is excellent! 
The Curtis PathPro SS kit didn’t require any drilling, cutting or modifications to the stock chassis which takes a lot of work out of installation. Luckily, the kit also uses a minimum number of common tools, and with a helping hand or two, it’s quite easy to install.

Curtis Wish List

As good as the Curtis Kit is, there are a few things that could make the kit even better. The first thing we would improve is the pictures in the instructions. Although the kit came with very thorough instructions, the corresponding photos looked like they came from an 80’s era copy machine. It’s time to go digital!
The other two suggestions are for the kit itself. Curtis uses both steel and plastic washers that are very similar, and it’s tricky to tell them apart since they are both black. If they’re injection molding plastic washers anyway, it would be nice to make them in a color other than black. Finally, rather than having to hold a washer and nut and then thread in a bolt, it would be easier if the nut was already spot welded in place. This would be especially helpful when trying to install the blind nuts on the bottom edge of the windshield where it is difficult to reach and hold with your fingers.

All Weather Protection

The Curtis PathPro SS kit has definitely improved our winter off-road adventures. From our first ride, we were wondering why we hadn’t installed one earlier! Even though Curtis offers a premium level PathPro RCS kit one step above our PathPro SS kit, we were extremely happy with the kit we had just installed and it almost feels like trail luxury. The vision is excellent, the protection is outstanding, and it looks great! Somebody needs to call Mick Jagger! 
The front cab corner post plates were the most difficult parts to install.  Notice the spacers on both sides of the bolts.The front cab corner post plates were the most difficult parts to install. Notice the spacers on both sides of the bolts.This is the best latch in the UTV world.  It works perfectly every time.This is the best latch in the UTV world. It works perfectly every time.
A cable prevents the door from overextending.A cable prevents the door from overextending.With the Cab now enclosed, our Ranger is ready for cold weather work.  For warm weather, the doors and back enclosure can easily be removed, or you can just zip down the windows.With the Cab now enclosed, our Ranger is ready for cold weather work. For warm weather, the doors and back enclosure can easily be removed, or you can just zip down the windows.
The cab kit is easy to install, but an extra set of hands is needed for some parts.The cab kit is easy to install, but an extra set of hands is needed for some parts.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Gearup2go Sponsored Drivers Shine In At Crandon Race Track!!

Big House, Big Races, Big Success! G-Team Loads Up the Podium with 6, Earns Points Lead in 2 Classes

Crandon
Abrams, WI (September 13, 2011)—10's of thousands of crazed off-road racing fans made their annual pilgrimage to fabled Crandon International Raceway for the Brush Run Races that have been held there for more than 50 years. With the pit area packed with people and the festive atmosphere, Johnny Greaves Motorsports tried to stay focused on race preparation that would include a make-up round on Friday from the first Crandon race. Rain would again be a threat, but the famed track crew of Crandon kept the track in good racing condition the entire weekend. When the long Labor Day weekend ended, Johnny had a pair of second place finishes, a 3rd in the Amsoil Cup, and grabbed the Pro 4x4 points lead; Marty had earned his first podium with a third place finish on Friday; CJ took a commanding points lead in the Super Buggy with 1st-2nd-4th place finishes and showed a lot of strength in the Pro Light class.
Friday's make-up for round 4 added additional pressure to the team for the weekend. With 4 races looming, Johnny was determined to make sure his Monster Energy/ ReadyLift/ GearUp2Go.com/ Maxxis Tire and Toyota Pro-4 lasted the entire weekend. Adrian Cenni led the entire race with Johnny in 2nd. Adrian is not in the points race, so Johnny tried to be smart and settled for second with Ricky Johnson in third.
Marty Hart gets some sweet air off of the TRAXXAS Lauch Zone at Crandon!Marty Hart worked his way up to 5th place in the Pro 2WD class. CJ was running in 5th in his Traxxas/ Monster Energy/Maxxis/Oakley Pro Light Toyota when he overheated and had to pull out of the race. In the Super Buggy, he finished 2nd in a photo finish.
Saturday, the Pro 4 race was almost identical to the Friday race. Johnny won the hole shot and lead through the competition caution. Cenni, however, was able to pass Johnny for the lead. Johnny didn't want to be too aggressive with Cenni since he was not in the points race. trailed Adrian Cenni through the entire race and finished 2nd with Ricky Johnson finishing in 3rd as dark clouds and rain approached the track.
Marty Hart hits the podium for the first time this year with a third place at Crandon!Marty made it safely through the turn-1 hole shot and worked his way up to 7th place at the competition caution. He made a great inside move in the gravel pit turn to pick off several more positions, ending up in 4th. As he charged forward, the leader, Jeff Kincaid, pulled out of the race, instantly moving Marty's black Monster Energy number 15 Toyota into 3rd just behind Chad Hord. He ran a clean, smart Pro 2WD race and garnered his first podium of the year with a 3rd place finish!
CJ's luck in the Pro Light did not fair any better on Saturday. He had a bad start but meticulously worked his way through the field but suffered a mechanical problem just after the caution and could not finish the race. What are the odds of having a second photo finish in the same weekend? That was the case for CJ in the Super Buggy race. He crossed the line just a head of the 3rd place running Bob Klaus, but due to transponder placement, had to settle for 4th place, just off the podium.
Saturday evening, the rain fell and turned the track into solid mud. However, the track crews worked very hard and the track was in fairly good condition with some muddy patches for Sunday's showdown. In the Pro-4 race, Ricky Johnson suffered mechanical problems early and had to pull out of the race. Johnny was looking good in 3rd place behind Cenni, running in 1st followed by Steve Barlow with Scott Douglas behind Johnny in 4th. Steve Barlow spun out in the gravel pit turn and collected Johnny in the process. Scott Douglas, unable to check-up, ran hard into Johnny, pushing him well off the track—resulting in a flat tire and a bent tie rod. Johnny was able to re-fire and made the long journey around the track to the hot pit, where he made the tire change. He was able to continue the race well off the pace, but salvaged valuable points finishing in 6th. He finished the weekend with a 15 point lead in the standings over Ricky Johnson.
The Pro-2 race was a mud race with basically one racing line. Marty Hart worked his way up to as high as 2nd but got out of the dry groove and into the slick stuff. He went over the berm and stuck in the mud. By the time the track crew was able to free him, he was too far back. He ended the race in 8th place.
CJ works his way forward at Crandon.After a bad start, CJ worked his way through the field of 20 trucks and was looking very strong in the Pro Light race. He was 8th at the mandatory caution. On the restart, he charged ahead, working his way into the top five. He was going for 3rd when another truck got into him in off of one of the jumps. The contact popped his tire. Unable to control the truck when he hit the ground, he slid into the wall, ending his day. CJ would finally have a reason to celebrate when he took his turn in the Super Buggy class. He had a great start and stayed out front the entire race—finishing in 1st place. His weekend propelled him to a whopping 22 point lead with only 2 races left in the season.
Johnny Greaves looks inside of Andrian Cenni during the early rounds of racing at Crandon.The highly anticipated Amsoil Cup race pits Pro-4's against Pro-2's. The Pro-2's were given a 15 second lead over their 4-wheel drive counterparts. The Pro-4's all but took each other out of the competition with a big pileup early in the race. By the time the few that could continue got underway, the Pro-2's had too large a lead to overcome. Johnny was making up ground but ran out of time. He finished 3rd behind Scott Douglas and a well deserving Pro-2 driver, Chad Hord.
Johnny G Motorsports will make the quick turn-around and head to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL for rounds 11 and 12 next week. Round 12 of the TRAXXAS TORC Series, will be broadcast LIVE on SPEED Channel this coming Thursday, September 15, from 9-11pm EST! Johnny, Marty and CJ will have a chance to show their stuff in front of a live audience. The action will kick-off on Wednesday for round 11.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Kolpin Buys Cycle County- Creating the largest ATV/UTV Company

Kolpin Buys Cycle Country’s ATV Division

HEADLINES, PRESS RELEASES — BY TOM KAISER ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 AT 6:37 AM 
From Powersports Business
Kolpin Outdoors Inc. is purchasing Cycle Country Accessories Corp.’s ATV Accessories product line for $9.7 million, subject to certain adjustments and contingencies, the companies announced Thursday.
Cycle Country, based in Spencer, Iowa, is selling only its ATV Accessories product line. It’s not selling any other operating entity of the company, manufacturing operations, real estate, machinery and equipment, or working capital assets. Cycle Country will continue to manufacture ATV Accessories for Kolpin under a manufacturing agreement between the companies.
“After exploring all available alternatives, it was determined that selling the ATV Accessories product line was the best opportunity to maximize the value of the business for our company stockholders, as well as to provide the best opportunity for our customers, employees, and suppliers,” Cycle Country CEO Robert Davis said.
At closing, $3.2 million in cash will be paid to Cycle Country. Another $1 million will be paid in three installments, on Oct. 1, Jan. 12 and April 1, subject to Kolpin’s right to offset certain claims against such amount. The purchase price may also be increased or decreased to the extent the value of the finished goods of the product line inventory changes prior to closing. The $5.5 million balance will be paid over three years based on an earn-out provision, under which the company will receive a percentage of net sales for the three one-year periods following closing. Kolpin, headquartered in Fox Lake, Wis., also agreed to assume certain liabilities, including liabilities relating to the operation of the product line after closing and certain warranty obligations of Cycle Country.
“We are very pleased be able to bring together two of the premium brands in the Powersports space, Kolpin and Cycle Country,” said Tom Lutes, President and CEO of Kolpin. “Our intentions are to keep the current Cycle Country products and brand exclusive to the Powersports channel, while pursuing new, differentiated product in other channels under the Kolpin brand.” Lutes went on to say “this significant addition to the Kolpin family will insure our leadership position in offering our customers the broadest array of ATV/UTV accessories in the business.”
The sale, which is expected to close in the next 30-45 days, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. However, it has been approved by the stockholders of Cycle Country who hold voting rights to greater than 51 percent of the outstanding stock in the company, so the sale is not subject to additional stockholder action. Closing adjustments, payment of debt and accrued liabilities, and contingent payment conditions will reduce the proceeds received from the transaction.
“This latest news of the Cycle Country purchase really speaks to how aggressive Kolpin is being in this market right now,” John Prusak, publisher of ATV Magazine, told Powersports Business. “In the past couple of years we’ve seen the company partner with emerging brands like Premier Manufacturing and KYMCO, build relationships with other vendors and consistently introduce more new products than anybody. In a relatively tough climate, Kolpin stands out as a company on the move.”
Powersports Business reported on Tuesday that Cycle Country’s net sales had dropped 48.8 percent to $911,874 in its most recent quarter.

One of The Most Popular Machines Gearup2go: Can Am Commander- Named Side-By-Side of the Year!

Shop Commander Accesseries Here- Gearup2go!!

BRP’S CAN-AM COMMANDER SIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLE NAMED ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ AWARD

PRESS RELEASES — BY RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 AT 9:36 AM 
BRP received the coveted 2011 “Best of the Best” Award in the Side-By-Side ATV category from Field & Stream magazine with its Can-Am Commander 1000 side-by-side vehicle.
The Best of the Best awards, now in its 14th year, have a stringent list of prerequisites and recognize products relevant to the hunting and fishing industry. The side-by-side award, which is based on merit and is not necessarily awarded annually, honours ATV and off-road vehicle manufacturers for their dedication to offering machines that meet the demands of the competitive hunting and fishing consumer.
“Our staff spent the better part of the past year finding and testing the gear that will make readers’ time in the woods more productive and more fun,” says Slaton White, Deputy Editor of Field & Stream. “The winning products not only withstood our rigorous test, but they stood head and shoulders above the rest. These are the items we consider to be the best of the year; worth your time, worth your money.”
The magazine editors said the award will also firmly establish the Commander side-by-side’s credibility in the competitive ATV hunting and fishing market. Winning products not only have to survive the testing, but also have to stand out and take the industry to the next level to be bestowed with the honour.
“BRP takes pride in enhancing the consumer’s riding experience and progressively improving the off-road industry with new levels of innovation, accommodation and performance. This Best of the Best award essentially serves as culmination of what we as a manufacturer set out to do in the side-by-side industry, and that was to build the pre-eminent and most versatile vehicle in the market today,” said Bernard Guy, vice-president, Sales & Marketing, Can-Am.
The Best of the Best award recipients are judged by strict criteria, including: the significance of the innovation; the quality of the design and the finished product; the originality of thought; and the ambition and scope of the project. The Can-Am Commander 1000 XT side-by-side vehicle, like other winning products, was put through a rigorous three-month testing session with the Field & Stream test crew.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

One of Gearup2go's Largest Suppliers has an improved Identity


GOING GREEN
KOLPIN REVEALS A REFRESHED BRAND IDENTITY

Fox Lake, WI (August, 2011) Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. is announcing a refreshed brand identity showcased through its new packaging, innovative video short film and enhanced website with a renewed emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’ The refreshed brand messaging communicates to the consumer that Kolpin provides an honest value in rugged dependability and is the ultimate source for ATV accessories and UTV accessories.

“Kolpin’s refreshed visual identity was designed to strengthen brand messaging, enhance shelf prominence, and establish consistency across multiple distribution channels. The updated brand look and elements reflect Kolpin’s strategy of communicating with powersport and outdoor enthusiasts via modern marketing channels while maintaining Kolpin’s reputation as an industry leader,” said Sarah Hudzinski, Manager of Marketing Services for Kolpin.

The new packaging is just one avenue that Kolpin is utilizing to convey the emphasis on its tagline ‘The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation.’  Also prominent in the brand refresh is the completion of a Kolpin branded short film that visually communicates Kolpin’s extensive offering and high quality standards. This “shortie” illustrates Kolpin’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of today’s marketplace and consumer needs. Watch the Kolpin Brand short film here.

In concert with the brand refresh efforts, Kolpin has committed to more effectively build brand health and awareness while taking advantage of direct consumer communications through a socially minded and prominent social media campaign that includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube enhanced blog content, QR codes and a completely redesigned website which will launch in September, 2011.

Implementation of the refreshed brand identity will continue throughout the remainder of 2011.

Kolpin® Outdoors Inc. is a growth-oriented marketer and manufacturer of innovative ATV accessories and UTV accessories. As The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation Kolpin sets the standard for quality, innovation and design.  Kolpin continues to redefine the industry with
patented innovations such as our world-renowned Kolpin Expansion System (KXP), Gun Boot® cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, DirtWorks™ System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV accessories. To learn about the latest products, news and topics follow us on www.kolpin.com

Friday, September 2, 2011

Kolpin Purchases Cycle Country- Press Release


KOLPIN ANNOUNCES PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR
ATV DIVISION OF CYCLE COUNTRYACCESSORIES CORP
Fox Lake, WI (September 1, 2011) Kolpin Outdoors, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the ATV Accessoriesproduct line from Cycle Country Accessories Corporation, of Spencer, IA, for $9.7 million subject to certain adjustments and contingencies. Kolpin is purchasing only theATV Accessories product line, and not anyother operating entity of Cycle Country, nor its manufacturing operations, real estate, machinery and equipment, nor its working capital assets.  Cycle Country will continue to manufacturethe ATV Accessories products for Kolpin through the 2011/2012 season under a manufacturing agreement between the parties.  In addition, Kolpin agreed to assume certain liabilities, including liabilities relating to the operation of the Productline after closing and certain warranty obligations of the company. Closing is expected to occur with approximately 30-45 days, subject to the appropriateregulatory review and consents. Additional information will be available in a Form 8-K that Cycle Country Accessories Corp will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2011.
Kolpin is a dominant player in the ATV accessories industry. This acquisition will give Kolpin a substantial share of the ATV/UTV aftermarket accessories category.  “We are very pleased be able to bring together two of the premium brands in the Powersports space, Kolpin and Cycle Country,” stated Tom Lutes, President and CEO of Kolpin. “Our intentions are to keep the current Cycle Country products and brand exclusive to the Powersports channel, while pursuing new, differentiated product in other channels under the Kolpin brand.” Lutes went on to say "this significant addition to the Kolpin family will insure our leadership position in offering our customers the broadest array of ATV/UTV accessories in the business."
The sale is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, but has been approved by written action of the stockholders of the company holding voting rights to greater than 51% of the outstanding stock in the Company, and is therefore, not subject to additional stockholder action. Closing adjustments, payment of debt and accrued liabilities, and contingent payment conditions will reduce the proceeds received from this transaction.
"After exploring all available alternatives, it was determined that selling the ATV Accessories product line was the best opportunity to maximize the value of the business for our company stockholders, as well as to provide the best opportunity for our customers,employees, and suppliers," company CEO Robert Davis said in a prepared statement.
About Kolpin Outdoors Inc:
Kolpin® Outdoors Inc. is a growth-oriented marketer and manufacturer of innovative ATV accessories and UTV accessories. As The Leader in All-Terrain Innovation, Kolpin sets the standard for quality, innovation and design. Kolpin ATV products and UTV products are designed for recreational ATV and UTV riders,hunters & outdoorsmen, and landowners. Kolpin continues to redefine theindustry with patented innovations such as our world-renowned Kolpin Expansion System (KXP), Gun Boot® cases and brackets, Stealth Exhaust, DirtWorks™ System and a large assortment of ATV and UTV accessories. To learn about the latest products, news and topics follow us on www.kolpin.com

About Cycle Country Accessories Corporation:
Cycle Country is the recognized industry leader in the innovation, design, sales, and manufacturing of custom fitting accessories for utility and all-terrain vehicles (UTVs and ATVs), under the brand name of Cycle Country Accessories. Products include snowplows, mowers, 3-point hitches and implements, storageboxes and baskets, bed lifts, brush guards and more. 

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