POLARIS 2016 RZR LINE UP

Polaris RZR continues to be the No. 1 brand of sport side-by-sides offering the broadest line of vehicles including trail, high performance and four-seat options for the ultimate combination of power, suspension, agility, comfort and customization. Owning a RZR has become more than enjoying the dunes, desert or trail, it is a community of owners who share the RZR lifestyle due to their passion for not only off-roading but the ultimate experiences RZR provides. Model year 2016 brings even more performance with the introduction of another new vehicle and comfort enhancements to a majority of the RZR line to continue to fuel the RZR lifestyle.

For 2015, RZR went back to its roots and redefined the first two RZR products introduced by creating the RZR 900 and RZR S 900. The vehicles featured unequalled power, highly-capable suspensions, unmatched agility, and revolutionary ergonomics and styling. For 2016, Polaris is introducing the RZR S 1000 EPS which brings premium power to the trail and a value option for wide open spaces.

The RZR S 1000 EPS offers the next level of performance in a nimble package. At the heart of the vehicle is a 100 horsepower ProStar 1000 engine for more power and torque to conquer any terrain. Polaris’ ProStar engines have become the pinnacle of performance, efficiency and durability. For more power to the ground, the vehicle features a high performance transmission, also found on the RZR XP 1000, which is specifically geared to optimize the power of the engine. With more than 30 percent more power and 20 percent more torque than the RZR S 900, in addition to an impressive power-to-weight ratio, 8.1 HP to every 100 lbs./45.4 kg of dry weight, the RZR S 1000 EPS offers adrenaline-boosting acceleration for the hardcore off-road enthusiast.

The new RZR S 1000 EPS has an unrivaled suspension featuring a Dual A-Arm Front and Rear Suspension with 12.25 in/31.11 cm front, 13.2 in/33.5 cm rear suspension travel and 12.5 in/31.75 cm of ground clearance. The vehicle features FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks on all four corners for a plush ride over the rocks and ruts, and less harsh bottoming out for aggressive or casual riding. The eight-ply, 27 in/68.58 cm GBC Dirt Commander Tires with better side bite, stiffer sidewalls, better tracking through corners and increased durability than most tires, are the perfect complement to the suspension and ensure the RZR S 1000 EPS can tackle the toughest of terrain.

For unmatched agility, the RZR S 1000 EPS shares several features also found throughout the RZR line so the vehicle performs at its finest when navigating twisty trails, carving the dunes or traversing rocky terrain. While all RZR vehicles are equipped with True On-Demand All Wheel Drive (AWD), the RZR S 1000 EPS features a High-Performance, True AWD to keep the front wheels pulling stronger and longer maximizing power delivery to the ground in every condition for a more responsive ride. The vehicle is more razor sharp through the corners thanks to the optimized track width which maximizes the track width while maintaining the vehicle’s overall 60 in/152.4 cm width. A narrow turning radius and fast steering response helps navigate switchbacks and curves easier while the standard EPS makes sure the vehicle takes the brunt of what the terrain has to offer.

The RZR S 1000 EPS offers the same revolutionary comfort and customization found on the majority of the RZR line. Bolstered seats, adjustable for the driver, provide a secure feel and ample leg room, while the thin-film technology under the seat cover provides a dry ride in wet conditions. Space-optimized foot rests for both the driver and passenger also make for a secure ride, and factory-installed quarter doors offer extra protection from debris, and easy ingress and egress.

Inside the cockpit, the units feature LED floor lighting and a blue back-lighted instrument cluster, readable both in direct sunlight and at night. To take more stuff along, a large center storage area and a big glove box provide ample space for any items needed during the ride while the deeper rear box provides ample space for additional cargo. Sealed floor seams and equipment pass-throughs keep the occupants cleaner; while dual removable floor drains allow for easier clean out of the cabin.

RZR enthusiasts love to accessorize their vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories has a full line of accessories available for the new RZR S 1000 EPS. To make installation easier, the vehicle features integrated accessory mounting locations, hidden wire routing areas within the cab frame and more than 90 accessories for more customization that keeps the vehicles’ warranty intact. Additions, such as rock sliders and bumpers, easily attach and fit securely to the vehicle’s frame due to Polaris’ innovative Expanding Anchor technology; a revolutionary piece of hardware that expands as it is inserted into a mounting point. Lock & Ride windshields, rear panels, roofs and doors work seamlessly with each other and install directly onto designated mounting points, making installation simple, and providing superior fit and finish.

The RZR S 1000 EPS will be offered in Matte White Lightning and Black Pearl and will be available in dealerships starting in August.

Along with the introduction of the new RZR S 1000 EPS, the majority of the RZR line will sport comfort enhancements to make the RZR experience even more enjoyable. For an optimized driver position, the RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR 900 EPS XC Edition, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles will feature a new seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position to tackle the toughest terrain and the highest dunes. The RZR XP 1000 also will have adjustable seatbelt sliders providing the occupants with the ability to change the position based on their height or comfort level. The 2016 comfort changes, paired with RZR’s patented design that places the engine behind the seat for a low center of gravity, placement of the occupants towards the middle of the vehicle, and cab features such as bolstered seats and space-optimized foot rests that keep the occupants planted and secure, ensures RZR owners can experience the most enjoyable, adrenaline-pumping riding experience yet.

The RZR XP 1000 EPS will be available in Titanium Matte Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic with the premium High Lifter Edition with mud features such as high-mount air intakes, reduced gearing, high-clearance A-Arms, High Lifter Outlaw II Mud Tires, 4,500 lb/2041 kg Polaris HD winch and High Lifter graphics kit in Titanium Matte Metallic with an Indy Red chassis and cab frame.

RZR’s 2016 Four-Seat line up will consist of the RZR XP 4 1000 EPS in Titanium Matte Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic, and the RZR 4 900 EPS in Blue Fire and Havasu Red Pearl.

For the trail, Polaris also will continue to offer the RZR S 900, RZR 900, RZR 900 EPS XC Edition and RZR 570.

• The 60 in//152.4 cm RZR S 900 will be available in White Lightning with EPS models in Blue Fire and Havasu Red Pearl.
• The 50 in/127 cm RZR 900 also will be available in White Lightning with the RZR 900 Trail Edition featuring EPS, EBS and Turf Mode in Havasu Red Pearl, Matte Turbo Silver and Polaris Pursuit Camo. Polaris also will offer a limited edition RZR 900 EPS Trail FOX Edition in Matte White Lightning with adjustable FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks and an optimized track width for a premium trail suspension on a 50 in/127 cm vehicle.
• The 55 in/139.7 cm RZR 900 EPS XC Edition with EBS, Turf Mode, 27 in/68.58 GBC Dirt Commanders on 14 in/35.56 cm Vader Rims, wide fender flares, FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks, 12.5 in/31.75 cm of ground clearance, LED Headlights, Interactive Digital Display and doors will be offered in Stealth Black.
• The value RZR 570 will be available in White Lightning with a Trail version including EPS and EBS in Black Pearl.

To fulfill RZR owners’ desire to customize their vehicles and round out Polaris Engineered Accessories’ full line-up of accessories across the entire RZR family, Polaris has dramatically expanded their audio, lighting and storage offerings for 2016. RZR enthusiasts will find new high-performance soundbars, Extreme Audio Pods, a new 30 in/76.2 light bar, under-visor mounting option for better light bar protection and several new storage options such as a Lock & Ride Cargo Bag by OGIO and a Lock & Ride Cooler Box that can keep contents cool for 48 hours or longer, depending on conditions.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POLARIS’ WHOLE LINE OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLE OFFERINGS AND POLARIS ENGINEERED ACCESSORIES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.POLARIS.COM.

POLARIS 2016 RZR LINE UP

Polaris RZR continues to be the No. 1 brand of sport side-by-sides offering the broadest line of vehicles including trail, high performance and four-seat options for the ultimate combination of power, suspension, agility, comfort and customization. Owning a RZR has become more than enjoying the dunes, desert or trail, it is a community of owners who share the RZR lifestyle due to their passion for not only off-roading but the ultimate experiences RZR provides. Model year 2016 brings even more performance with the introduction of another new vehicle and comfort enhancements to a majority of the RZR line to continue to fuel the RZR lifestyle.

For 2015, RZR went back to its roots and redefined the first two RZR products introduced by creating the RZR 900 and RZR S 900. The vehicles featured unequalled power, highly-capable suspensions, unmatched agility, and revolutionary ergonomics and styling. For 2016, Polaris is introducing the RZR S 1000 EPS which brings premium power to the trail and a value option for wide open spaces.

The RZR S 1000 EPS offers the next level of performance in a nimble package. At the heart of the vehicle is a 100 horsepower ProStar 1000 engine for more power and torque to conquer any terrain. Polaris’ ProStar engines have become the pinnacle of performance, efficiency and durability. For more power to the ground, the vehicle features a high performance transmission, also found on the RZR XP 1000, which is specifically geared to optimize the power of the engine. With more than 30 percent more power and 20 percent more torque than the RZR S 900, in addition to an impressive power-to-weight ratio, 8.1 HP to every 100 lbs./45.4 kg of dry weight, the RZR S 1000 EPS offers adrenaline-boosting acceleration for the hardcore off-road enthusiast.

The new RZR S 1000 EPS has an unrivaled suspension featuring a Dual A-Arm Front and Rear Suspension with 12.25 in/31.11 cm front, 13.2 in/33.5 cm rear suspension travel and 12.5 in/31.75 cm of ground clearance. The vehicle features FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks on all four corners for a plush ride over the rocks and ruts, and less harsh bottoming out for aggressive or casual riding. The eight-ply, 27 in/68.58 cm GBC Dirt Commander Tires with better side bite, stiffer sidewalls, better tracking through corners and increased durability than most tires, are the perfect complement to the suspension and ensure the RZR S 1000 EPS can tackle the toughest of terrain.

For unmatched agility, the RZR S 1000 EPS shares several features also found throughout the RZR line so the vehicle performs at its finest when navigating twisty trails, carving the dunes or traversing rocky terrain. While all RZR vehicles are equipped with True On-Demand All Wheel Drive (AWD), the RZR S 1000 EPS features a High-Performance, True AWD to keep the front wheels pulling stronger and longer maximizing power delivery to the ground in every condition for a more responsive ride. The vehicle is more razor sharp through the corners thanks to the optimized track width which maximizes the track width while maintaining the vehicle’s overall 60 in/152.4 cm width. A narrow turning radius and fast steering response helps navigate switchbacks and curves easier while the standard EPS makes sure the vehicle takes the brunt of what the terrain has to offer.

The RZR S 1000 EPS offers the same revolutionary comfort and customization found on the majority of the RZR line. Bolstered seats, adjustable for the driver, provide a secure feel and ample leg room, while the thin-film technology under the seat cover provides a dry ride in wet conditions. Space-optimized foot rests for both the driver and passenger also make for a secure ride, and factory-installed quarter doors offer extra protection from debris, and easy ingress and egress.

Inside the cockpit, the units feature LED floor lighting and a blue back-lighted instrument cluster, readable both in direct sunlight and at night. To take more stuff along, a large center storage area and a big glove box provide ample space for any items needed during the ride while the deeper rear box provides ample space for additional cargo. Sealed floor seams and equipment pass-throughs keep the occupants cleaner; while dual removable floor drains allow for easier clean out of the cabin.

RZR enthusiasts love to accessorize their vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories has a full line of accessories available for the new RZR S 1000 EPS. To make installation easier, the vehicle features integrated accessory mounting locations, hidden wire routing areas within the cab frame and more than 90 accessories for more customization that keeps the vehicles’ warranty intact. Additions, such as rock sliders and bumpers, easily attach and fit securely to the vehicle’s frame due to Polaris’ innovative Expanding Anchor technology; a revolutionary piece of hardware that expands as it is inserted into a mounting point. Lock & Ride windshields, rear panels, roofs and doors work seamlessly with each other and install directly onto designated mounting points, making installation simple, and providing superior fit and finish.

The RZR S 1000 EPS will be offered in Matte White Lightning and Black Pearl and will be available in dealerships starting in August.

Along with the introduction of the new RZR S 1000 EPS, the majority of the RZR line will sport comfort enhancements to make the RZR experience even more enjoyable. For an optimized driver position, the RZR 900 EPS, RZR S 900 EPS, RZR 900 EPS XC Edition, RZR 4 900 EPS, RZR XP 1000 EPS, RZR XP 4 1000 EPS and non-EPS vehicles will feature a new seat angle that brings the driver’s elbows closer to the body providing less arm fatigue and a more natural driving position to tackle the toughest terrain and the highest dunes. The RZR XP 1000 also will have adjustable seatbelt sliders providing the occupants with the ability to change the position based on their height or comfort level. The 2016 comfort changes, paired with RZR’s patented design that places the engine behind the seat for a low center of gravity, placement of the occupants towards the middle of the vehicle, and cab features such as bolstered seats and space-optimized foot rests that keep the occupants planted and secure, ensures RZR owners can experience the most enjoyable, adrenaline-pumping riding experience yet.

The RZR XP 1000 EPS will be available in Titanium Matte Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic with the premium High Lifter Edition with mud features such as high-mount air intakes, reduced gearing, high-clearance A-Arms, High Lifter Outlaw II Mud Tires, 4,500 lb/2041 kg Polaris HD winch and High Lifter graphics kit in Titanium Matte Metallic with an Indy Red chassis and cab frame.

RZR’s 2016 Four-Seat line up will consist of the RZR XP 4 1000 EPS in Titanium Matte Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic, and the RZR 4 900 EPS in Blue Fire and Havasu Red Pearl.

For the trail, Polaris also will continue to offer the RZR S 900, RZR 900, RZR 900 EPS XC Edition and RZR 570.

• The 60 in//152.4 cm RZR S 900 will be available in White Lightning with EPS models in Blue Fire and Havasu Red Pearl.
• The 50 in/127 cm RZR 900 also will be available in White Lightning with the RZR 900 Trail Edition featuring EPS, EBS and Turf Mode in Havasu Red Pearl, Matte Turbo Silver and Polaris Pursuit Camo. Polaris also will offer a limited edition RZR 900 EPS Trail FOX Edition in Matte White Lightning with adjustable FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks and an optimized track width for a premium trail suspension on a 50 in/127 cm vehicle.
• The 55 in/139.7 cm RZR 900 EPS XC Edition with EBS, Turf Mode, 27 in/68.58 GBC Dirt Commanders on 14 in/35.56 cm Vader Rims, wide fender flares, FOX 2.0 Podium X shocks, 12.5 in/31.75 cm of ground clearance, LED Headlights, Interactive Digital Display and doors will be offered in Stealth Black.
• The value RZR 570 will be available in White Lightning with a Trail version including EPS and EBS in Black Pearl.

To fulfill RZR owners’ desire to customize their vehicles and round out Polaris Engineered Accessories’ full line-up of accessories across the entire RZR family, Polaris has dramatically expanded their audio, lighting and storage offerings for 2016. RZR enthusiasts will find new high-performance soundbars, Extreme Audio Pods, a new 30 in/76.2 light bar, under-visor mounting option for better light bar protection and several new storage options such as a Lock & Ride Cargo Bag by OGIO and a Lock & Ride Cooler Box that can keep contents cool for 48 hours or longer, depending on conditions.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POLARIS’ WHOLE LINE OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLE OFFERINGS AND POLARIS ENGINEERED ACCESSORIES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.POLARIS.COM.

Never happy

TMW venom v4 cage
TMW doors
TMW spare tire mount
Utv inc front bumper
Method 14" wheels
ITP ultra cross r spec tires
30"genssi light bar
4 pod light genssi
Prp fox seats and door bags(roof and doors covered in matching viny)
PCI race radio and intercom with iPod
Momo steering wheel
AXIA alloys mirrors
Utv inc back lit switches
Rigid ind. dome light
WOLF designs wrap

I honestly don’t even know where to start this one …

At the beginning of the 2015 season Score International had said there would be two Baja 500 races this year and we could race either one of them. I had the understanding that you didn’t have to race both of them. I was under the impression that the best finish from the two races would apply towards the season’s point’s championship. We finished with a strong third place at the first race (Baja Sur 500) but we knew with the guys we were racing against that might not be good enough. We decided to try and better a third place finish at the Baja 500. So, we started prepping and planning our best race yet all the while knowing that we needed to better our third place finish.

The team got the car cleaned up from the Silver State 300 race and started working on it as things came up. I told them “I don’t care what we need to change or replace I want it 100%, every time!” As the race drew close I knew that nothing had been over looked or considered ‘good enough’. It was the best we could do, nothing short of that. About two weeks prior to the race Branden Sims, Eric Ringler, Craig Hammar and myself loaded up a couple of Polaris RZR’s and headed down to Baja for some pre running. We started right outside of Mexicali and finished the first day at race mile 300, when we were done we headed over to Horse Power Ranch for the night. During the trip Branden and I cannot help but reminisce over our past races. Every hour or so I would remind him of a race that I got lucky and passed him in. To which he would reply with “Yah, but remember I won the Brand New Polaris RZR at the UTV World Championship” and I quickly shut up as he put me back in my place. The next day we head back to race mile 300 to start pre running Branden Sims’ section of the race course. As it turns out I kept teasing him that my 270 mile section was brutal and his was a smooth rally road. Neither of us really cared as long as we got to race! We had a good time pre running and again had zero problems with our two Polaris RZR XP 1000’s. So we loaded up and headed back to El Centro California for a fine dinner at Jack in the Box. As we ate at this fine dining establishment they were providing some music to enhance our dining experience when in walks a young presumably stoned young man. He stood in front of the counter for a moment, staring at the menu. Then all of the sudden the music and Baby Jesus overtook all control of his body! He started shaking, then he did a hand stand, a quick backflip and some other crazy convolution moves as he danced his way into the parking lot. He obviously was needing more room to let loose! We finished our meals and all agreed not to drink the water in El Centro. From here we decided head to the hotel room for the night and then back home tomorrow.

As race day nears we take our Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 racer to Wolf Designs to get a new wrap installed so the car is looking sharp for the Baja 500. Thursday Moring rolls around and we all meet at my place at 5AM to head out to the Baja 500. Along the way we happen to meet up with the LoneStar Racing Team of Cody Nygren and Dan Fisher. We caravan thru the border with them arriving around 1PM to our favorite taco stand for some tacos. After lunch we then head to the hotel to get unloaded and pre run the start and finish 40 miles or so of the race course. You can only pre run on Thursday or Friday so Branden and I jump in the race car. I drive my section out and he drives his section back in. Our Polaris RZR XP 1000 is feeling great! We call it a day and head back to our rooms to get some rest for the big weekend we have ahead of us.

Friday: Nate gets up early and takes our car to contingency at 6AM. We sit there until the line starts moving around 10AM. It does move very fast so we get all done around 3PM. I think to myself ‘Next time I’m getting in line at 3PM when the line is moving and we should be done by 6PM’, did I mention I hate standing or sitting in line?

Saturday: So race day is finally upon us! We meet outside at 7:30AM, I have already been at the coffee shop having my morning coffee, so I walk back to the hotel. We send the first truck off to Ojos approx. race mile 35 just in case we need something as we are heading out of town. I head back to the hotel room to put my race suit on and relax for a few minutes before I need to strap into the race car for the next 8 or so hours. We are told to line up at 8:30AM, so about 9AM I head over to line up, remember I hate waiting, LOL. Anyway… We are supposed to be off the starting line around 11:00AM but a car that started the race before us has spun out and hit a power pole. So now we have to wait even longer, I am guessing it was right around Noon when we started.
The green flag dropped and we started 6th off the line. I was feeling great and figured I would take it easy for the first 30 or so miles as we are leaving town. Around mile 25 we all got stopped behind a few racers that where getting stuck on a small hill section. We had to stop and wait in line for our turn to go up! Well, most of us waited in line… Cognito (#1918) figured they didn’t have to as they drove passed a bunch of us waiting in line. As they pulled up and realized we were not waiting for sandwiches and iced cold beverages they cut in front of Cory Sappington, who then proceeded to give the Cognito car a bump to push him forward a bit. I was sitting back and enjoying the show as a couple of pissed off locals tossed rocks at the Cognito car. As the hill cleared, the pile of cars was caused by Cognito passing everybody. It kind of helped us out as the truck in front of Cognito didn’t move and they couldn’t get around. Cory (Desert Toyz) passed them and I followed Cory up the hill. Due to the traffic jam going into Ojos we were all packed together pretty tight for the next 80 miles or so to La Rumorosa. We were eating dust the whole way and around that area we made it to La Rumorosa Hill and where the first ones down. While racing through a rocky section we got passed by Wayne Matlock as he picked a little smoother section right around race mile 130. He beat us to the pits at race mile 145 where we stopped for fuel and have the guys check our car over as it had been making a ticking noise. They checked the car over and we pulled out about a minute after Matlock. After a few miles we caught him back while they were both out of his car checking something out.

The next 40 or so miles was a brutal, nasty, whooped out section straight from Hell. We took the beating and pushed hard to make sure we could get the car to my co-driver Branden at race mile 270. Anyhow, right around race mile 200ish my car just died. We coasted off the track with some of the worst noises we have ever heard it make. We jumped out of the car as the smoke was pouring out of the side of the hole in the transmission. We call the guys in the chase truck to tell them we had blown the transmission and to haul ass to get to us. Little did we know it would take the guys two and a half hours to get to finally make it us at race mile 200.

In the mean time I started a camp fire to ward off the Chupacabra’ and keep us warm. It was about 99 degrees outside in the sun still but I was bored. I heard the next UTV coming and knew they now would be the race leaders. I ran out to the race track, unzipped my fire suit, and shot him the MOON ass, we would call it trying to distract and cheer him on, LOL, and I’ll never grow up.
So as we sat there looking at the car and trying to trap rats for dinner, I noticed our transmission fill plug had come loose. This caused us to lose all of our transmission oil and take us out of the race. What a way to go. You can only imagine how something like this would make you feel.

Back to the beginning of the story; I figured we already had a third place from the first Baja Sur 500 race and knowing that we would not beat that finish there was no reason to change the transmission and continue on. So we packed up and towed the car out of the desert. We headed to the finish line to see how everybody did. We ended up talking with the Murray’s at the finish line and they asked what had happened. I told them the story and they proceeded to tell me that Score changed the rules on the throw out race. Now you can throw out any race during the season. With that new information I knew I had just made the biggest mistake that might cost us the season championship… Damn, I have been kicking myself for the last few days wishing we would have swapped the transmission and finished the race. It’s a little too late now so we will just have to win the next two races!

Thank You Polaris RZR, UTV Inc., Fox, Lone Star Racing, Method Race Wheels, ITP Tires & Wheels, Wolf Designs, Rigid Industries – LED Lighting and everybody else that plays the tiniest part in our race program. Without you we wouldn’t be racing!

Words by Johnny Angal
Photos by Nick Wilson

I honestly don’t even know where to start this one …

At the beginning of the 2015 season Score International had said there would be two Baja 500 races this year and we could race either one of them. I had the understanding that you didn’t have to race both of them. I was under the impression that the best finish from the two races would apply towards the season’s point’s championship. We finished with a strong third place at the first race (Baja Sur 500) but we knew with the guys we were racing against that might not be good enough. We decided to try and better a third place finish at the Baja 500. So, we started prepping and planning our best race yet all the while knowing that we needed to better our third place finish.

The team got the car cleaned up from the Silver State 300 race and started working on it as things came up. I told them “I don’t care what we need to change or replace I want it 100%, every time!” As the race drew close I knew that nothing had been over looked or considered ‘good enough’. It was the best we could do, nothing short of that. About two weeks prior to the race Branden Sims, Eric Ringler, Craig Hammar and myself loaded up a couple of Polaris RZR’s and headed down to Baja for some pre running. We started right outside of Mexicali and finished the first day at race mile 300, when we were done we headed over to Horse Power Ranch for the night. During the trip Branden and I cannot help but reminisce over our past races. Every hour or so I would remind him of a race that I got lucky and passed him in. To which he would reply with “Yah, but remember I won the Brand New Polaris RZR at the UTV World Championship” and I quickly shut up as he put me back in my place. The next day we head back to race mile 300 to start pre running Branden Sims’ section of the race course. As it turns out I kept teasing him that my 270 mile section was brutal and his was a smooth rally road. Neither of us really cared as long as we got to race! We had a good time pre running and again had zero problems with our two Polaris RZR XP 1000’s. So we loaded up and headed back to El Centro California for a fine dinner at Jack in the Box. As we ate at this fine dining establishment they were providing some music to enhance our dining experience when in walks a young presumably stoned young man. He stood in front of the counter for a moment, staring at the menu. Then all of the sudden the music and Baby Jesus overtook all control of his body! He started shaking, then he did a hand stand, a quick backflip and some other crazy convolution moves as he danced his way into the parking lot. He obviously was needing more room to let loose! We finished our meals and all agreed not to drink the water in El Centro. From here we decided head to the hotel room for the night and then back home tomorrow.

As race day nears we take our Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 racer to Wolf Designs to get a new wrap installed so the car is looking sharp for the Baja 500. Thursday Moring rolls around and we all meet at my place at 5AM to head out to the Baja 500. Along the way we happen to meet up with the LoneStar Racing Team of Cody Nygren and Dan Fisher. We caravan thru the border with them arriving around 1PM to our favorite taco stand for some tacos. After lunch we then head to the hotel to get unloaded and pre run the start and finish 40 miles or so of the race course. You can only pre run on Thursday or Friday so Branden and I jump in the race car. I drive my section out and he drives his section back in. Our Polaris RZR XP 1000 is feeling great! We call it a day and head back to our rooms to get some rest for the big weekend we have ahead of us.

Friday: Nate gets up early and takes our car to contingency at 6AM. We sit there until the line starts moving around 10AM. It does move very fast so we get all done around 3PM. I think to myself ‘Next time I’m getting in line at 3PM when the line is moving and we should be done by 6PM’, did I mention I hate standing or sitting in line?

Saturday: So race day is finally upon us! We meet outside at 7:30AM, I have already been at the coffee shop having my morning coffee, so I walk back to the hotel. We send the first truck off to Ojos approx. race mile 35 just in case we need something as we are heading out of town. I head back to the hotel room to put my race suit on and relax for a few minutes before I need to strap into the race car for the next 8 or so hours. We are told to line up at 8:30AM, so about 9AM I head over to line up, remember I hate waiting, LOL. Anyway… We are supposed to be off the starting line around 11:00AM but a car that started the race before us has spun out and hit a power pole. So now we have to wait even longer, I am guessing it was right around Noon when we started.
The green flag dropped and we started 6th off the line. I was feeling great and figured I would take it easy for the first 30 or so miles as we are leaving town. Around mile 25 we all got stopped behind a few racers that where getting stuck on a small hill section. We had to stop and wait in line for our turn to go up! Well, most of us waited in line… Cognito (#1918) figured they didn’t have to as they drove passed a bunch of us waiting in line. As they pulled up and realized we were not waiting for sandwiches and iced cold beverages they cut in front of Cory Sappington, who then proceeded to give the Cognito car a bump to push him forward a bit. I was sitting back and enjoying the show as a couple of pissed off locals tossed rocks at the Cognito car. As the hill cleared, the pile of cars was caused by Cognito passing everybody. It kind of helped us out as the truck in front of Cognito didn’t move and they couldn’t get around. Cory (Desert Toyz) passed them and I followed Cory up the hill. Due to the traffic jam going into Ojos we were all packed together pretty tight for the next 80 miles or so to La Rumorosa. We were eating dust the whole way and around that area we made it to La Rumorosa Hill and where the first ones down. While racing through a rocky section we got passed by Wayne Matlock as he picked a little smoother section right around race mile 130. He beat us to the pits at race mile 145 where we stopped for fuel and have the guys check our car over as it had been making a ticking noise. They checked the car over and we pulled out about a minute after Matlock. After a few miles we caught him back while they were both out of his car checking something out.

The next 40 or so miles was a brutal, nasty, whooped out section straight from Hell. We took the beating and pushed hard to make sure we could get the car to my co-driver Branden at race mile 270. Anyhow, right around race mile 200ish my car just died. We coasted off the track with some of the worst noises we have ever heard it make. We jumped out of the car as the smoke was pouring out of the side of the hole in the transmission. We call the guys in the chase truck to tell them we had blown the transmission and to haul ass to get to us. Little did we know it would take the guys two and a half hours to get to finally make it us at race mile 200.

In the mean time I started a camp fire to ward off the Chupacabra’ and keep us warm. It was about 99 degrees outside in the sun still but I was bored. I heard the next UTV coming and knew they now would be the race leaders. I ran out to the race track, unzipped my fire suit, and shot him the MOON ass, we would call it trying to distract and cheer him on, LOL, and I’ll never grow up.
So as we sat there looking at the car and trying to trap rats for dinner, I noticed our transmission fill plug had come loose. This caused us to lose all of our transmission oil and take us out of the race. What a way to go. You can only imagine how something like this would make you feel.

Back to the beginning of the story; I figured we already had a third place from the first Baja Sur 500 race and knowing that we would not beat that finish there was no reason to change the transmission and continue on. So we packed up and towed the car out of the desert. We headed to the finish line to see how everybody did. We ended up talking with the Murray’s at the finish line and they asked what had happened. I told them the story and they proceeded to tell me that Score changed the rules on the throw out race. Now you can throw out any race during the season. With that new information I knew I had just made the biggest mistake that might cost us the season championship… Damn, I have been kicking myself for the last few days wishing we would have swapped the transmission and finished the race. It’s a little too late now so we will just have to win the next two races!

Thank You Polaris RZR, UTV Inc., Fox, Lone Star Racing, Method Race Wheels, ITP Tires & Wheels, Wolf Designs, Rigid Industries – LED Lighting and everybody else that plays the tiniest part in our race program. Without you we wouldn’t be racing!

Words by Johnny Angal
Photos by Nick Wilson

chevybird72

Spf roll cage with front and rear bumpers
Custom front windshield
Custom back window
Wetsound stealth 6 stereo
Lux lighting rock lights
Lux lighting dome lamps
30" led Cree light bar
Led cree light cubes
6" led cree chase light
4500lb Polaris winch with synthetic rope.
Dunes tunes 8 panel switch plate
Custom engraved switches
PRP GT s.e. suspension seats
PRP 4 point harnesses
UTV inc. Front A-frame gusset kit
Racer tech trailing arm gusset kit
Super Dave’s A-frame bushings
ORB heim joint upper A-frame
ORB heim joint lower high clearance A-frame
ORB heavy duty tie rods
ORB high clearance trailing arms
ORB high clearance radius rods
Factory utv 1/2" uhmw skid plate
Vendetta motors ports rock sliders
STI HD5 bead lock wheels custom powdercoated
STI 32" Roctane XD tires
Polaris lower doors
All blue is custom powder coated candy blue.
Built by Potterbilt Customs llc

AND

shortdraw

2015 RZR570
TFBB/Highmark Fabrication cage
UTVGiant roof & doors
Racer Tech lift
27×9 and 27×11 Kenda Bearclaw HTR’s
Crow harnesses
Lowrance HDS7 and Navionics Platinum Plus navigation
NIC Industries Prismatic Shocker Yellow over Heavy Silver powder coat
Ceramic and thermal coatings by IFC

Photo Credit: Ernesto Araiza .

Forty-two UTVs would line up for the Production Pro class and battle through the dusty conditions. When the dust settled, Jacob Carver in his No. 1936 Lonestar Racing RZR XP 1000 would take his first-ever Pro UTV BITD race. Polaris Factory Racer Johnny Angal in his UTV Inc. RZR XP 4 1000 would take second with Scott Yancey in his No. 1967 RZR taking third, and Polaris Factory Racers Branden Sims in his No. 1913 Lonestar Racing RZR XP 1000 and Scott Kiger in his No. 1934 Coastal Racing RZR XP 1000 rounding out the top five.

Lacrecia Beurrier in her No. 2909 RZR XP 1000 would be the sole finisher in the Unlimited Class and one of the 21 RZRs out of 24 UTVs that finished the race in time.

The next Best in the Desert Race is Vegas to Reno, August 13-15.

Johnny Angal is sponsored by Polaris, ITP Tires, Method Race Wheels, Rigid Industries Lights, Fox IBP Shocks, Lone Star Suspension, wrap by Wolf Designs.

Branden Sims is sponsored by Polaris, Lonestar Racing, Fox, Itp tires, Method Race Wheels, Queen Racing, Factory UTV, KC HiLites, Rugged Radios, Northern Arizona Auto & Off Road, UTV Underground.

Coastal Racing is sponsored by Coastal Drilling, Holz Racing, Polaris, Walker Evans Racing, Kroyer Racing Engines, Utendorfer Design, BF Goodrich tires.

About Polaris
Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2014 sales of $4.5 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road consumer and military vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER® and RZR® side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.
Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory® and Indian Motorcycle® and Slingshot® brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global Work and Transportation vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), Goupil Industrie SA, Aixam Mega S.A.S., and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Polaris Engineered Parts, Accessories and Apparel, Klim branded apparel and ORV accessories under the Kolpin®, Cycle Country® and Pro Armor® brands.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII”, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at Polaris ATV RANGER RZR Snowmobile Official Website.

IvanDan

Desertworks Built 2014 XP4 1000
Full Desertworks 4 seater cage with fiberglass roof including integrated LED brake, running, and dust lights
Radius Style Full windshield with Toyota Tundra factory glass
Desertworks 4 seater doors with door bags/knee pads
Desertworks custom roof rack with Rotopax mounts
Desertworks custom bed storage boxes
Off Grid boxed front A-Arms
4 Twisted Stitch bucket seats with 4 pt harnesses
30" Baja Designs OnX6 Arc light bar
Desertworks/Dirt Engineered front bumper with 5 Baja Designs Squadron Pro’s LED lights
PCI Race Radios intercom and race radio set up with car to car
PCI Race Radios Race Air fresh air systems for all 4 seats
2 LED lighted whips
5 – 30" Mongrels mounted on custom powder coated Method Beadlocks
Rear spare tire mount
Assault Industries high clearance radius rods
Full UHMW skid plate
Dual Horns
4" LED pod lights with Amber lenses for backup/rear dust lights
UTV Inc fan override
2015 Polaris clutch cover update