Press Release –
IMPROVED SNO PRO 600, M8 HCR AND NEW SNO PRO 500
Team Arctic Returns with the Most Potent Race Sleds
Thief River Falls, Minn. (October 15, 2009) – Team Arctic racers will head into battle this upcoming 2009-2010 race season piloting an improved and more potent array of race sleds, including the Sno Pro 600, Sno Pro 500 and M8 HCR hillclimber.
Sno Pro 600: The Champ Returns More Race-Ready
Leading the charge is an updated, race-only Sno Pro 600 that builds upon its place atop snocross and cross-country competition via a handful of improvements aimed at improved durability.
The 4130 chrome-moly and extruded-aluminum chassis sees reinforcement to the rear of tunnel for increased strength where the heat-exchanger mounts. A longer, more durably-mounted rear bumper complements the stiffened upper-chassis spar brackets for increased rigidity.
Additional focus was given to both suspensions, with more durable tie-rod ends for the upper A-arms (and on the steering arms), and a more robust front arm, idler arm and rear shock pivot in the Slide Action rear suspension.
The race-only 600 laydown engine proved to be the performance-leader last season and returns for 2010 with a new exhaust manifold that emphasizes quicker throttle response for improved holeshots. Stainless steel baffle plates in the resonator and additional welding on the exhaust pipe seams reinforce the system’s durability. A new metric-threaded crankshaft bolt is now used for commonality with other Arctic Cat engines. Horsepower for this ultra-light, high-performance engine remains 127 with pump gas.
The drive train on the Sno Pro has also been beefed up, with a 15-wide chain and gears, a stiffer driven shaft and stronger drive belt.
As it did last year, Arctic Cat produced dedicated snocross and cross-country versions of the 2010 600 Sno Pro to bolster its commitment to terrain racers and circuits.
The snocross Sno Pro incorporates a 15 x 128 x 1.7-in. lug Camoplast track, the Peak Torque Limiting (PTL) driveshaft system and 9-tooth drivers, C&A Pro skis, a 7-gallon fuel tank and unique calibration for the clutches and suspensions.
The cross-country Sno Pro utilizes a 1.25-in. Ripsaw track; a dash-mounted choke cable; 11-gallon fuel tank; the new ACT skis; 10-tooth drivers on the standard (non-PTL) driveshaft; a dash-mounted speedometer/tachometer; standard snow flap; and taller mid-height windshield.
Both versions of the 600 Sno Pro are equipped with high-performance goodies like V-Force Reeds, remote-reservoir FOX IFP shocks and TEAM driven clutch.
“Last season, Team Arctic racers won 32 out of 60 finals in the ISOC Pro, Semi-Pro and Sport snocross classes, as well as 39 of 87 possible class victories in USCC cross-country competition,” said Team Arctic Race Manager, Mike Kloety. “Clearly we have the best race sled in the business, and our focus for 2010 was to introduce this incredible platform to new and experienced racers, and to build upon our unmatched success.”
Sno Pro 500: Poised to Grow Snowmobile Racing
Racers who are aiming at the 85-hp and Junior classes are will have the ultimate entry-level racer in the all-new Sno Pro 500. Based on the same championship-winning chassis of the 600 Sno Pro, this new consumer-available sled offers an 85-hp, EFI-equipped engine and oil injection for simplicity, ease and a level of performance that matches most riders’ abilities.
Besides the engine, the Sno Pro 500 is nearly identical to the cross-country version of the 600 Sno Pro, the only significant exception being the non-reservoir FOX IFP shocks and their calibration.
“The Sno Pro 500 is truly a gas-and-go race sled,” said Kloety. “To go racing, racers will simply have to stud the track, add more aggressive carbides and put on their race number. With EFI, there’s no jetting to mess with. And with a suspension calibration by Kirk Hibbert, it will be ideal for anyone in cross-country, and for less-aggressive snocross racers.
“We built the Sno Pro 500 to make it easy for would-be competitors to go snowmobile racing. It’s a fun, durable and extremely competitive sled that’s going to bring added attention to the 85-hp class this season.”
M8 HCR: The King Returns with More Power
In the RMSHA hillclimb circuit, Team Arctic racers will go over-the-top with a more powerful and potent M8 HCR (Hill Climb Racer). Powered by the all-new 800 H.O. that pumps out 162 hp and has a 4.3-pound lighter, quicker-revving crankshaft, the 2010 M8 HCR comes to a knife-fight bearing a big gun.
In addition to the more powerful engine, the new HCR gets a wider 42-44-inch adjustable ski stance; more aggressively-calibrated FOX Float shocks in the rear suspension and Zero Pro shocks on the front; the new tall and extra light M seat; FrogzSkin-covered hood vents; and a harder 90-durometer 15 x 153 x 2.25-inch Power Claw track.
“The HCR was the dominant sled in RMSHA competition last year, with our phenomenal racers claiming 15 World Championship titles at Jackson Hole, 78 out of 172 first place finishes, 15 King titles and five High Point titles during the season,” said Mike Kloety. “We’ve provided them an even more-capable HCR this year, so I can confidently expect another stunning season.”
Article looks great and so doesn’t the sled.. I just saw it the other day at the race shop while my aunt was picking up her sled in theif river falls.. and i’m excited as heck to pick my 600 next friday!! The article gets me excited for the new changes cat has made with its race sled.
I saw the crate with your name on it Erik, lol. I wonder why Cat went away from the clear tank this year?
David: Cat went to black on the rear portion of the tank for aesthetic reasons. The Sno Pro 500 and the cross-country version of the 600 both have a fuel gauge (indicated on the instrument cluster). The front portion of the fuel tank is still clear/white on all models, so snocross racers can still determine the fuel level by removing the hood.
John-The 600 doesn’t have a fuel guage, only the 500.
Thanks for the clarification, Troy. The 600 xc version does have a speedo, just no fuel gauge. The reason the 500 gets a fuel gauge is that a fuel level sender is part of the EFI fuel pump.
Does the 500 have 2 odometers? Also did the production machines change the way the hi/low beam works…prototypes had a toggle switch? If they do come like this is it possible to switch to the old Firecat brake handle w/ intergrated hi/low switch onto the 500? I can’t imagine having to take my hands off the bars to change the beam!
does the sp 500 have v force reeds
Does NOT have V-Force reeds. I’ll check into the odometer and light switch.
Thanks for the reeds info. I should have also asked about the clutch (engagement and calibration) and any other difference between sno pro engine and regular f5 lxr.
Did they change 2010 HCR’s track. I Have last years model and am currently putting on my second track. the lugs were literally ripping off goin down the trail. i am really interested in the new HCR but i dont want it if it has the same track.
Been looking into & posting q’s about SP600 Snocross vs. Cross Country questions & this article helps. CC come with all wheels in the rear skid? Any other info available would be helpful. I want to get one for next season & the cross country versions are impossible to find. I miss picking up my new sled at race school booo!
Can I order a cross country version from my dealer or do I have to go through the race department?
Thanks,
Ryan
i want to get a sled that i can hit big jumps on and still ride out west and on trails. Ive been thinking about trail convering a sno pro mod but i was wondering if it will be reliable enough to not have to be tuning it or fixing it all the the time?
how much would this track cost