TM Power Sports AG and Polaris Industries Inc. recently announced that the two organizations are entering into a two-year strategic partnership. Thereafter both partners can independently decide whether the partnership shall be continued or to what extent the alliance shall be deepened. Together, they are the largest manufacturers in the powersports industry outside of Japan, with combined annual sales of $2.4 billion.
     In a release from KTM, it was reported that both companies will continue their business activities as independent entities in the future as well. This announcement will not immediately or directly affect any KTM or Polaris dealers, and all current KTM and Polaris dealer agreements that are in place will remain unchanged.
In 2004, Polaris Industries Inc. achieved sales of $1.8 billion. As the largest non-Japanese manufacturer of ATV’s, snowmobiles (world market leader), 4x4 utility vehicles and “Cruiser” Motorcycles under the brand name Victory, Polaris is primarily active in the North American market. Through this cooperation, KTM can intensify its presence in North America and accelerate its entry into the ATV segment.
     Upon commencement of the partnership, Polaris Industries Inc. will purchase a 24% share from KTM Power Sports AG, which owns 99.77% of the KTM Sportmotorcycles AG.
It is believed that Stefan Pierer, managing director of KTM Power Sports AG, shall be nominated for a seat on the Board of Directors at Polaris and that Tom Tiller, the chairman of the board (CEO) of Polaris, be simultaneously nominated for a seat on the KTM supervisory board.
     During the first two years, the strategic partnership will address:

(1) Distribution: KTM has a strong distribution network in Europe, while Polaris has a similar position in North America. Each company should profit from its respective partner’s strength. In selected European countries the distribution of the Polaris product range will be handled through KTM.

(2) Product development: The exchange of know-how and R&D capabilities has the joint objective of accelerating development processes and increasing the rate of innovation for both companies.

(3) Manufacturing: During the initial stage, KTM will supply engines to Polaris. Also it is planned that KTM will do the final assembling of Polaris ATVs in Mattighofen for the European market. With production sites on both continents there is the possibility for both companies to hedge against foreign exchange exposure.

With Polaris and KTM, two strategic partners who can both point to exceptional economic successes and a dominant position in their respective business sectors have found each other. Furthermore, Polaris and KTM share a very similar culture, in which the focal point is the “passion to ride.”
Two strong brands, established distribution networks and above all the companies’ matching objectives – to become together the dominating power in the global powersports business – are the basis of this strategic alliance, from which both companies hope to profit.


his past June, Avon Tyres hosted a contingent from Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties on a tour of England, including the annual Isle of Man TT. Pictured in front of a “Three Legs of Man,” statue are: Chris Denton*, Pete McNally*,
Richard O'Reagan*, John Cali, Josh Lazarre, Joe Sanderson, Andre Korynevsky*, Graham Matcham*, Larry Hoppe**, Lou Yeromelou, Jon Hansen, Roy Gifford,
Eric Brewer, John Evatte, Greg Blackwell, Vincent Brault (Parts Canada),
Mark Anderson, Francois Methot (Parts Canada), Rob Scott*


hor-sponsored Jeremy McGrath, 7-time Supercross champion, and Ryan Villopoto, one of the emerging stars of the future, were the dominant players at the 38th Annual Mammoth Mountain Motocross held in Mammoth Lakes, California in late June.
     McGrath, wrestles with the issue of retirement from his Hall of Fame career, and his victories of the 250 Pro, Open Pro and Vet Pro classes will certainly add some fuel to the fire for the continuation of his racing activities. For Villopoto, his wins in the Schoolboy and 125 Pro events add to an already impressive resume as he works towards the start of a professional career.


MC went 3-for-3 at Mammoth.


TOP LEFT: Jeremy McGrath chats with young Ryan Villopoto, a rider who could someday have his shot at McGrath’s career records. TOP: Ryan Villopoto flies through the air on his Kawasaki KX125.
BOTTOM: The fantastic atmosphere of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

uring three very busy days in mid-July, some 60 representatives from motorized off-highway vehicle recreation groups from across the United States let Congressional Representatives and key executives at the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service know that they strongly support Congressman Richard Pombo’s efforts to reform the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
     The “National Motorized OHV Recreation Summit” was co-chaired by Roy Denner, President & CEO of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) and Jack Welch, President of the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). During the Summit, both of these leaders of national motorized OHV organizations testified at a Congressional Oversight Hearing on “Motorized Recreation on Public Lands.” Also testifying on behalf of the motorized OHV community were representatives from the American Motorcyclist Association and the Americans for Responsible Recreation Access. During the hearing, Congressman Pombo, Chairman of the House Resources Committee, expressed his concerns that, while the number of families who are getting involved with motorized off-road activities is growing steadily, the public lands available for this popular form of motorized recreation are constantly being reduced.
     Key members of the OHV contingent met with Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior, who asked for their input on changes to the ESA that they felt were necessary. According to ORBA President Denner, “Secretary Norton was seriously interested in hearing about our concerns. She truly wanted to know what is happening on the ground on federal lands. OHV leaders present agreed with Secretary Norton that the land management agencies of the Federal Government need to find a way to protect species that are actually at risk while accommodating the multiple-use mandate for public lands.”
     ORBA Executive Vice President, Jim McGarvie, told the attendees during a debriefing: “This was the most successful Washington lobbying effort on behalf of motorized recreation that I have ever been involved with. The OHV community is finally being recognized by our Federal Legislators as an extremely important national economic component.”

he Irvine, California-based Motorcycle Industry Council has been named one of the best companies to work for in Orange County by OC Metro magazine. MIC President Tim Buche was featured on the cover of the June 9, 2005 issue along with colleagues Sherry Williams (director of quality assurance), Joe DiCorpo (vice president of administration) and Pat Murphy (director of technology research). Reasons for the magazine acknowledgment ranged from the staff's overwhelming passion for the sport it oversees to specific employee benefits such as child care and elder care, counseling and other perks.
Our congratulations to Buche and the MIC for setting such a great example for the industry.


n a show of support and appreciation for the efforts of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum for recognizing the history, passion, and the individuals who shape our sport, KTM is presenting a challenge to its North American dealer network, and itself.
     This year’s KTM Dealer Meeting is themed “The Crossroads of Off-Road” and is fitting for KTM and the American Motorcyclist Association. The goal: to raise $30,000 for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum during KTM’s 2006 National Dealer Convention in Columbus, Ohio. This is planned to be met by contributions donated from individual dealers among KTM’s national dealer network. The other half will come from KTM North America who will match dealer contributions.
     Dealers unable to attend this exiting three-day event may make contributions by calling the Museum’s Resource Development Director Dan Smith at 614-856-2222, extension 1198.

OLN television schedule also announced

MA Pro Racing reports that over one million dollars is up for grabs as part of the 2005 AMA Supermoto Championship contingency program. “To date, $1,014,450 has been posted and we expect more companies to come on board with additional support,” said Todd Eagan, AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Series Manager. “Honda, Husqvarna, KTM and Yamaha lead the way among the OEMs and Brembo, Leo Vince, Marchesini, Maxxis, Michelin and Shoei are leaders among aftermarket companies.”
Per event contingency as well as championship bonus money is available in all three classes of AMA Supermoto competition including the premier Supermoto (450cc) class as well as support classes Supermoto Unlimited (490cc+) and Supermoto Lites (250cc).
     The 2005 AMA Supermoto Championship season began at Road America on June 4. Thierry van den Bosch and Doug Henry split wins in the dual Supermoto finals with David Baffeleuf and Mark Burkhart winning the Supermoto Unlimited and Supermoto Lites classes, respectively.
Results from Round Two of the championship scheduled for July 30 at USA International Raceway in Shawano, WI. were not available at press time.
     In related news, AMA Pro Racing has announced that the 2005 AMA Supermoto Championship will be televised on OLN beginning on Aug. 7. Each telecast will be one-hour long and feature racing and highlights from each AMA Supermoto class: AMA Supermoto for 450cc equipment, AMA Supermoto Lites for 250cc equipment and AMA Supermoto Unlimited for open class equipment 490cc and above.

arts Canada has renewed its title sponsorship of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship for another three years. The new arrangement takes effect with the 2006 season and will continue through 2008.
The sponsorship extension was announced at the recent Parts Canada Superbike Championship doubleheader at Race City Motorsport Park. “We are owned by Parts Unlimited and their motto is ‘We support the sport.’ The people who come to these races are our customers. We want to support it on the backside,” said Parts Canada president James Danyluk.
     The 2006 season will also see the Parts Canada Superbike Championship broadcast in High Definition television for the first time on TSN. The series recently concluded an arrangement with TSN to have the series shown this summer in one-hour episodes on the all-sports network.
     “We are thrilled to extend our affiliation with Parts Canada for another three years,” said Colin Fraser, president of series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions. “They are the perfect partners. They are a very well recognized and respected company in this industry, and we are proud to have them involved with our series. The continued success of this partnership speaks volumes about the respect our two organizations have for each other.”
     The 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship consists of eight races at five separate venues across the country. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com

MA Sports has announced that 34 talented U.S. enduro riders will compete in the 80th International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), scheduled for September 6 - 19, 2005 in Povazska-Bystrica, Slovak Republic.
The six riders on Team USA’s “Trophy Team” are Kurt Caselli, Jimmy Jarrett, Aaron Kopp, Fred Hoess, John Barber and Jason Dahners. The four riders on Team USA’s “Junior Trophy Team” are Cody Mastin, Russell Bobbitt, Ryan Powell and Wally Palmer.
     The 24 riders on Team USA’s “Club Teams” are Richard Jung, J.D. Hammock, Steve Morefield, Jay Hall, David Kamo, Teddy Hahn, Donald Murray, Dan Melvin, Luke McNeil, Brian Barnes, Rick Thomas, Derek Steahly, Brandon Johnson, Eric Ducray, Paul Neff, Lars Valin, Wes McKnight, Quinn Cody, Scott Bright, Rich Libengood, John Yates, Dylan Debel, Dan Janus and Jeff Fredette, who will be competing in his 25th ISDE.
     “It’s an off-road rider’s highest honor to represent the United States in the ISDE,” said Douglas Neubauer, Director of AMA Sports. “The AMA congratulates every rider who earned a place on Team USA, and we wish Team USA well as it competes against the world’s best.”

MotoGP Returns to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca July 21-23, 2006

n the day that saw 57,932 people watch American Nicky Hayden win his first MotoGP World Championship race, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca officials announced that the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix will take place July 21-23.
     Renewal information for assignable items such as premier pit row suites and reserved camping will be mailed to customers this week. Tickets go on sale to the general public Sept. 1 via (800) 327-SECA and Ticketmaster outlets.
     More information on the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix will be announced soon.

ue to the positive response of its recent “Legends” ad campaign, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires will offer a series of high-quality collector-edition Legends posters, with the net proceeds benefiting injured riders through the Clayton Memorial Foundation. Printed in black and white on heavy 19 x 26 inch art paper, this limited run of ten suitable-for-framing posters immortalizes legendary motorcycle racing champions: David Bailey grabbing the holeshot at the Gainsville MX National in 1984; A young Broc Glover railing a berm at the 1978 Atlanta 125 National; Bob Hannah flying high above the crowd at Sears Point during the 1977 Trans AMA races; 500cc class champion Kent Howerton dragging a handlebar in a big sandy berm during the 1976 Southwick National; Rick Johnson clenching a tiny American flag between his teeth as he savors Team USA’s victory at the Motocross des Nations races at Unadilla, New York in 1987; A very up-close-and-personal view of world champion Wayne Rainey; Kenny Roberts bump-starting his Yamaha at the Grand Prix of San Marino in 1983; An exhausted but grimly determined Jeff Ward as he presses on to finish at the 1987 Motocross des Nations event; Yvon Duhamel, a legend in his own time and father of current racing hero Miguel Duhamel, after winning the featured 750 national race at Talladaga in 1972; and Bubba Shobert on the Superbike pre-grid at Laguna Seca in 1987 before winning the first AMA Superbike race of his career.
     “Dunlop has supported some of the most legendary racers in history, and this is a great opportunity to give back to the sport through the Clayton Memorial Foundation,” said Dunlop Vice President Mike Buckley.
     These high-quality, collectible posters are available for $29.95 for a single poster or $24.95 each for multiple posters, and may be purchased through the Cycle News Web site at www.cyclenews.com or by calling (714) 751-7433. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a slice of motorcycle racing history while helping injured fellow riders.


Parts Magazine
Volume 12 #8