My ’15 1kXP4 won’t beat a 900?

Went to the dunes with my friend that just got a ’13 900 XP4 with paddles. We raced every way you could and I just could not pull him. Keep in mind I have stock tires but we raced every way you could. I understand getting beat out of the hole due to tires but once moving I thought I would be able to run him down….not! Even in the flats where the sand is wet and hard doing a 30mph roll we were dead even? Did I get a lemon? His also has an aftermarket airbox but still…….. What are your results? I do have paddles coming and also going to order a Dalton clutch.