Ride Report: Arctic Cat Wildcat

I was going to write this report about the new 2012 Arctic Cat Wildcat a month ago, when I’d just gotten out of the driver’s seat following a full day’s ride in Barstow, Calif.

But I chose to wait a month to see if perhaps my enthusiasm would wane

It hasn’t.

Click to read my ride report.

Begin Bidding! Autographed 2012 Arctic Cat F1100 for the SHOF

Bidding has begun for 2012 Arctic Cat F1100 50th Anniversary snowmobile signed by 230 Team Arctic racers, to benefit the Snowmobile Hall of Fame.

As I write this, the sled is yours for just $14,050!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE EBAY AUCTION.

Making Tracks on First Snow

This past weekend, the first snow fell (where I live) this snowmobile season.

Enough to make some tracks.

Click to see.

Barn Find: Finding a 1971 King Kat Just 12 Miles From Home

Just when I start to think that all the great, historic Arctic Cat snowmobiles have already been found, I catch word of another under-your-nose find.

The most recent example comes from Arctic Cat collector Tom Ische, who wrote of a truly awesome King Kat find.

Click to read.

Let it Bleed: Service Advisory on the 2012 800 Arctic Cats

In the wake of a handful of engine burndowns in Alaska and Canada, this last week Arctic Cat sent a Service Advisory to its dealers concerning proper set-up of all 2012 F, XF and M 800s.

Click to read about it.

Nobody Asks Why (You Bought an Arctic Cat El Tigre)

It's true: Nobody asks why you bought an Arctic Cat, even if it's a 1981 El Tigre. Doubt it? Then check out this awesome commercial from 1981.

Audio Interview with Team Arctic's Dan Ebert

As the 2010 I-500 Champ, snocross title contender, excellent dirt track car racer and a skilled engineer, Team Arctic's Dan Ebert is one of the most versatile racers of his generation.

CLICK HERE to go to an audio interview with Ebert during which he talks about it all.

Snowstorm-a-Comin' This Weekend?

I'm trying not to be like our local news sources and hype up what usually are dud events, but the medium range forecasts are pointing at a nice snowstorm for parts of the Midwest and Canada.

Like 14-inches by Sunday!

Tucker Hibbert is Hot Stuff (Pizza)

Tucker Hibbert just inked a sponsorship deal with Hot Stuff Pizza, which is very cool.

My only concern: Is the deal enough to cover what he actually spends on Hot Stuff during the year?

Click to read the press release.

Happy Birthday C.J. Ramstad! (Here's one of your great columns.)

Today (Nov. 14), would have been C.J. Ramstad's 66th birthday, had he not died in a tragic automobile crash with his son, J.J., in May 2007.

There's a strong likelihood that, without him, I would never have become a snowmobile journalist and this Website wouldn't exist.

So as a gift to yourself on C.J.'s birthday, please click to read a wonderful column that he penned for the Dec. 1982 issue of Snowmobile Magazine.

Hey Stranger: Here's Why I Chose the F1100 Non-Turbo

Two days ago, at a gas station in the town where I live, I had a short conversation with a guy who was genuinely stumped about two things: Why did I switch from my 2011 F8 to a 2012 F1100 4-stroke; and if I was going to get a new sled, why not an F800 or F1100 Turbo?

Well, if you’re that guy and happened to read this, here’s a more thoughtful answer than what I said that day at the pumps.

Which Handlebar Riser for a '78 El Tigre?

When building his 1978 Arctic Cat El Tigre for the upcoming vintage racing season, Shane Gerwing appeared to have several options for his handlebar set-up.

But really, there was only one choice.

A November Day at Arctic Cat

Here's a few photos of what's going on at Arctic Cat on this November day in 2011.

How Do You Say "I Love Arctic Cat" in Swedish?

How do you say, "I Love Arctic Cat" in Swedish?

I don't know either. But Mikael Yngvesson, who owns one of the oldest Arctic Cat dealerships in Sweden, sent a photo of two customers that tells a universal story, and (sort-of) answers the question.

Click to see.

Vintage Decals, Vintage (and Modern) Cross-Country Race

A few weeks ago I received a batch of repro decals -- iconic versions from the orignal Winnipeg I-500 cross-country -- from Steve Dahlen of St. Hilaire, Minn. (first town south of Thief River Falls on Hwy 32).

Steve made my day for two reasons: the amazing decals; and the more concrete news that of a St. Hilaire-area cross-country race this winter for two classes of vintage sleds, plus the Sno Pro 500 racer.

Click to read more.

2011 Arctic Cat 800 Reflash: The Fix is in for Ethanol

If you were one of the owners of a 2011 Arctic Cat sled equipped with the 800 H.O. engine and burned 91 octane fuel, you might have been surprised to occasionally experience “Limp Mode.”

Turns out the problem wasn’t octane. It was ethanol. And now there's a fix.

Click to read about it.

Open House: TA Motorsports in Francis Creek, Wis.

TA Motorsports in Francis Creek, Wis. (just 20 minutes south of Green Bay), is having their Fall Open House from Nov. 3-5th, including a snowmobile show on Saturday.

CLICK HERE to check out their site.

Craig's List-of-the-Week: Nov. 1

ATTENTION: Whomever bought this 1981 El Tigre... the previous owner wants it back.

Actually, he just wants to use it a few times, but just for racing. Seems reasonable.

Mmmkay?

Happy Halloween (Don't Smash these Pumpkins)

Happy Halloween!

(And thanks to Jarred Zimmer of Waterford, Penn., and Bobby Flame from Parts Unknown for sending pix of their pumpkins.)

SHOF Auction: 2012 Arctic Cat F1100 Signed by the Legends

Beginning Nov. 24, you can bid to win a one-of-a-kind 2012 Arctic Cat F1100 Sno Pro that's been autographed by many of the most-legendary Team Arctic racers of all-time.

The proceeds go to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, and the winner gets a truly remarkable snowmobile.

Click to read the release.