OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[PJSRZR]

Hi Guys, I am new to your site. I would like to get some feedback regarding interest in and what type of UTV competiton owners might be interested in. I know its big in the U.S and things have been happening behind the scenes here in Oz too. My background is in Xtreme 4x4 competition, events like The Outback Challenge, Cliffhanger, Xtreme Winch Challenge etc. Our governing body is the Cross Country Drivers Association (CCDA). Recently the CCDA finalised the arrangements with their insurance body to allow for the establishment of a UTV class/series.

As a rule our events are a cross between slow technical 4x4 rock crawling, mud runs, winch stages, GPS navigation stages and flat out speed stages all in one weekend or in the case of the larger international events like the Outback Challenge, up to 8 days long. Both driver and Navigator working as a team to complete the extreme events.

We are looking to establish a series, maybe based around The RZR, Rhino and Teryx, and looking to try and keep the units as stock as possible but with the similiar safety standards that would be required by the CCDA (very similiar to CAMS but more flexible). Naturally the aim is to keep costs down but enjoyment high and create a spectator friendly series in QLD, NSW and VIC initally.

Anyway, please feel free to ask questions, provide opinion and generally have your say in helping to establish the ground work for our sport.

Thanks, Phil

[jackass/450]

Hey Phil - great idea. These things are great and I feel people would be surprised at what they can achieve. I also have a background in offroad racing and extreme 4wd events - competing at Tuff Truck again this year.

Anyway - would be interested in trying to develop this further (would possibly know someone with an RSRS that may be interested). Don't know what direction to take but I feel something like the winch challenges would be suitable.

Where are you located? I am in Gladstone Queensland.


Cheers
Chris

[PJSRZR]

Thanks for your comments Chris,

I am based in Tamworth NSW. As far as a series of events is concerned, Dave Metcalfe who runs the Xtreme Winch Challenges is very keen to run events in QLD in conjunction with his existing ones or even a seperate event/series. It just depends on the level of interest. Some of the boys from Rocky were down here last October and had a drive of our Demo RZR S and couldn't believe how well it went.

I should also point out that I am also a Polaris dealer down here amongst other things, but I am still keen to see a multi-brand series develop, if anything just so I can have more fun with my machine as I am sure what we are planning would be enjoyed by all and be a relative cheap form of motorsport.

Phil

[gothev8]

I would hazard a guess that I am the RZR S owner mentioned above

I would definitely be interested in something like this. I would however suggest that whatever you decide to do should be more on the "fun" side rather than "extreme" as I don't want to trash my ride.

I am happy to help out as well.
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2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[PJSRZR]

I hear were you are coming from gothev8. As an owner of 2 trashed full size V8 comp 4x4's in the last few years, I am extremely keen to ensure the cost of being involved is not high. For your interest I actually flipped my RZR over on its roof and back onto its side at the comp, trying to drive a hill it was never going to climb, but I now know its limitations. Other than bending the brush bar and cracking the plastic front guard, it is now as I type, sitting out the front of our showroom. I even have another RZR S here today that the owner lent to his brother who rolled it end on end being an idiot and its actually hard to tell where the damage is other than 2 plastic flares. These things and I am including the Rhino here, are pretty bloody tuff.

[jackass/450]

I agree that these things are tough



My rhino had a little altercation with some trees last week at full noise and that is what hapened to the alloy rim. Also bent the brake rotor.
I reckon it came out of it pretty well.

Anyway back to the subject - I have had some friends compete in the winch challeges and reckon that would be a good start. Not sure about the winching capacity though as the winch I have on the front of mine that high powered.

Do you think that it would be worth talking to the owners of Landcruiser Mountian Park to see if we could enter in events which they have on their expo weekend???????????
Could work if we had a group of us there????????

Cheers
Chris

ps hey is it going Greg - yes I was talking about you.

[PJSRZR]

Chris,

Would certainly be worth looking into, unfortunately the Expo this year is on the same weekend as the launch we are having down in VIC at the VIC Winch challenge. As you are familiar with the Winch Challenges, the main difference would be that for our class, we would have more driving and smaller winch hills. On our Polaris we have a bog standard Warn/Polaris 3500lb ATV winch with Plasma rope. Because of time restrictions, all we did was fit a larger battery and it pulled us up, admittedly alot slower than the 4x4's, any of the winch hills we threw it at.

But please understand, we are not trying to create a "winch" event here. I would imagine that if there was 10 stages to a weekend event, maybe only 4 or 5 would actually require a winch. We want this to be a Team event, Driver and navi taking on a variety of courses, GPS navigation, sprint runs etc. One of our potential restrictions would be that the winch could not be modified in any way. Its nothing for us to spend $8,000 on a 4x4 winch, we don't want this to happen in this catagory.

Does this interest you with your Rhino?

[jackass/450]

Phil - for sure anything would be a good start

- the rhino is the first toy that I go for in the shed these days. The dirt bikes and quads are too much work these days ahahahaha and the comp truck is always in bits whilst we are making mods.

Soooooooooo....... you have a polaris dealership hey.
I am in the process of looking to buy another utv as the missus is getting pissed because I am using her rhino all the time (and crashing it) as it was supposed to be for her to use around the ranch.

I was impressed with the RZRS which Greg (gothev8) has when we went for a weekend ride at Manar Park before Christmas. Also looking at a mini one for my young bloke later in the year - not sure have only ever had yamahas ???????????

Cheers
Chris

[Prokiwi]

Id be keen , currently looking at a 2010 RZR S LE .....not keen to damage it but keen on some regular events , barrell racing , cross country , etc ...so long as the cost stays down and we keep them relatively stock, that way you are more likely to get more participants.
Places like Manor park are a good start ... !!!
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It's time too ride !!!!!!!

[gothev8]

I dont currently have a winch on the RZR but in saying that I have not found a use for one yet either

I too have had the pleasure of someone else rolling my RZR, I was not there but it has pushed the whole cage over about 50mm or so. My dealer has it at the moment and he is trying to straighten it for me.

I am keen for any fun competitions as long as it ends with a beer and a laugh
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2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[fox'n]

Hi All, I'd be keen to get involved too, I have a 2009 LE and, so long as it is not too serious, I would be keen to participate in a few events.Sounds like fun!!
FOX'N
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OUTDOORS....THE PLACE TO BE,WHATEVER THE WEATHER.

[PJSRZR]

Thanks for the suggestions Guys,

Please be assured, other than what is necessary for safety, we aim to keep this as stock as possible. You would need harnesses, window nets and maybe half doors, winch, UHF radio, GPS, good lights for night stages, air compressor (mine is mounted under the bonnet), tyre repair gear and a bit of recovery gear to start with. (A modified air intake system to allow for mud and creek crossings up to headlight level).

However (and I am open to suggestions here), I think there will need to be some allowance made for different models for parity. For example, I would believe we need to allow as an option, for the fitment of a wider track suspension to the Rhino and Teryx to match the RZR. Also we would need to coonsider top speed. The RZR has a much higher top speed than the Rhino and Teryx, so I believe we should somehow make allowances for this, (even though top speed will be irrelevant on the majority of stage events). It is questions like this that have sort of made us think we will at first, build the series around just the 3 models.

Also while I am a Polaris dealer, I am not trying to take any business away from your local dealer. Our aim would eventually to have Polaris etc offer special discount deals for competitiors in this series through any dealer, but thats down the track yet.

Please keep the feedback coming.

Phil

[jackass/450]

I am excited - BRING IT ON

I think that I will wait until some more light is spread across this subject before my next purchase...................

gotheV8 - sorry to hear about the roll over. Bent roll cage....... ouch.
where abouts did it actually bend? Did Jody take it for a strap without you knowing hahahahahah

I was lucky to get off without more damage from my little crash.
Parts arrived today - should be good to go tonight.


Cheers
Chris

[fox'n]

This has the makings of something good I recon.A dealer on board with this type of thing will no doubt encourage others to do something too.Credit to you Phil for having a go!It is a limited market , but those that have side X sides would be keen to get involved I think,no matter what brand, as areas away from the farm are so limited with these vehicles.
Get on board and lets get a ride or two together,support this if you can,I know my dealer was and is an idiot,so some one with a pair will get the ball(sorry) rolling.
If I can be of any help,please give me a holler!
Cheers ,FOX' N
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OUTDOORS....THE PLACE TO BE,WHATEVER THE WEATHER.

[PJSRZR]

Things are happening behind the scenes too. We are at present contacting the relevant mags to be involved, both ATV and 4x4, we have competition organisers already offering to stage events (check out www.4x4masters.com.au - they actually contacted me). The CCDA boys in VIC are working on getting Yamaha and Kawasaki involved, Polaris are already on board, I have the MD coming here first week of Feb to discuss this and other issues. Maxxis tyres are keen as they are expanding their range of ATV tyres in OZ. So there is no shortage of interest let me assure you.

But I am a realist, I know this is going to take some time to kick along, but hey, we all need a challenge. We are certainly not short of properties or locations to have some fun, we have many many contacts in the 4x4 industry ready to help out. (I also have an ARB store here in Tamworth and Port Macquarie, so we should get ARB involved as well).

What I think we might first try to do is get everyone together at one of the properties, ethier here at Tamworth, Armidale, Rover Park at Tenterfield or Landcruiser Mountain Park Brissy or something that is central for everyone sometime this year. Have a bit of a demo playaround and give you guys a taste and a chance to put your machine through the sort of stages/events we might run without the pressure of competition and get your input/feedback over a few beers (hopefully paid for by Polaris hey).

But keep up the comments/suggestions, keep spreading the word and keep watching this site and we will keep you posted.

However, from a Polaris perspective, if any of you guys can't get an satisfaction out of your local dealer or another nearby, don't hesitate to give my Polaris manager, Craig Hartin a call on 02 6762 0541 for any help with parts or repairs. We have a great team down here and if you really want to try a RZR before you buy, we have a test track here and you are more than welcome to have a run in my machine, but I am sure most dealers would have the same. (But I stress, we do not actively try to sell units outside our area- I just want to see this little project get off the ground).

Phil

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

Sounds like the making of an idea, personally not having raced before Id like to see some of the stages per w/e aimed at your bog stock vehicles so bigginers can just turn up and say do a short to medium track or cross country time trial (handicapped?) Just to get begginers like me a taste before they commit the extra funds to a race series in a year.

First things first I have always called for and tried to get the guys with Production buggies of any sort together for a social dig, getto know each other and thats always the best way Ive found to generate enthusiasm, get people of a like mind together.

I'd love to set aside a weeks holidays and do 3 days at Armidale etc and then on to stockton for a day or so as a suggestion to cover a bit of everything.

Whats not to like about getting that together?

Gavin
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[gothev8]

jackass/450 wrote:

I am excited - BRING IT ON I think that I will wait until some more light is spread across this subject before my next purchase................... gotheV8 - sorry to hear about the roll over. Bent roll cage....... ouch. where abouts did it actually bend? Did Jody take it for a strap without you knowing hahahahahah I was lucky to get off without more damage from my little crash. Parts arrived today - should be good to go tonight. Cheers Chris

Chris,

It had already been rolled when I went to Manar, the damage was minimal, just annoying considering I had not lent it to someone, they were just installing the lights/stereo etc. I can give you a hint who it was, he was with Jodes and I at Manar

Phil,

On ya for giving it a throw, these things are so huge in the USA so I immagine they will take off here eventually. Either way someone has to kick off a comp, as I said before, I am willing to offer any help that I can. It may be worth giving Luke Beechey a call as he has mentioned that Polaris are keen to get the UTV market going and it would be good to have a Pro rider in the mix. How about something for the kids in the 170 RZR's as well, fun and safe, great mix!!!

Cheers,

Greg
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2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[Mick DSB]

Hey guys, Dan & I from DownUnder Sports Buggies are keen to meet up with you blokes for a run. If Manar is the type of terraine you boys are talking about running in then our Revolts should fit in just fine.
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Dan - 0427017092

[priesty]

If you guys are lookin for someone in Vic to host a round you should check out the Torx buggy club in Kyneton Vic. They have thier own track & clubhouse & are open to sharing with other clubs as evidenced by the recent QRCV family day held there late last year. Nice bunch of guys in a related discipline with similar interests.
cheers...
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The term "Foolproof" seriously underestimates the ingenuity of Fools.


08 700xx

[PJSRZR]

Just Keeping anyone interested up to date, the Cross Country Drivers Association have now approved a class for side by sides (UTV's) and as we speak we are working on rules, standards and guidelines. Interest is high from the manufacturers, especially Polaris.

At this point we have expressions of interest to run an event in QLD, NSW (Eastern Creek), Victoria and maybe soon SA, but its still early days. A trial event will be run in Melbourne on the first weekend of May in conjunction with Round 1 of the Victorian Winch Challenge, details will be posted up here soon.

Keep in mind this is all new for organisers, the CCDA and competitiors alike, and if you want to have some input on what sort of fun you want to have, now is the time to speak and be part of it all.

Please feel free to come and have a look in May, you don't have to compete, but we all want to here your ideas and suggestions.

Phil

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

priesty wrote:

If you guys are lookin for someone in Vic to host a round you should check out the Torx buggy club in Kyneton Vic. They have thier own track & clubhouse & are open to sharing with other clubs as evidenced by the recent QRCV family day held there late last year. Nice bunch of guys in a related discipline with similar interests. cheers...

Be a great idea but either QRCV or Torx would have to pic up the vehicles as a sanctionedd class , even just recreational, so that we cold get the insurance provided by membership I think.

I'd love to short track them, you gotta have a go!!

If CCDA can get the insurance for members I wouldnt hesitate to have a shortcourse rec and training day. Heaps of people out there buying these things. Someone cxould make a wee sum out of training people!

Its up to clubs to see what they have to offer, obviously I think the buggies can do the QRCV rec days with no issues given insurance and sensibility but people may not think it worth the risk.

I'd love to trial short track but they may not suit short track. I definately want to do cross country but no-one events that except for maybe the Australian Off road race series which includes Finke and that is way too uber competitive.

I'll certainly be going to the day in May, I believe there may already be proposal up for the type of event(s) what do you think we will run in May?

Sounds good, all the suggestions! If we can Qldr's to compete anywhere but Qld!
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[SXS Machine Racing Team]

Lots and Lots of rumors and "new" spreading around from the UTV world in general and then theres the coming year for SxS machines in Australia.

First the general announcement of the Melbourne event in the Opposite Lock 4wd challenge which the sub-regs to compete are hopefully being squared away today!

With that also comes I believe a 5 event deal across 4 states.

Then there is a stadium event!!

World news is Polaris has bought the performance engine manufacturer from Sweden - Weber engines. Has it got anything to do with the rumored release of Can Ams UTVs late this year heralding a boost to the RZR's performance? Only time will tell on that one.

Next thing to do is get everyone behind a national organisation to lobby for access rights for riding, this time though it IS with the support of the manufacturers.
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www.paracordaustralia.com - all things Paracord for outdoor adventure and craft

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[gothev8]

geeman1969 wrote:

Lots and Lots of rumors and "new" spreading around from the UTV world in general and then theres the coming year for SxS machines in Australia. First the general announcement of the Melbourne event in the Opposite Lock 4wd challenge which the sub-regs to compete are hopefully being squared away today! With that also comes I believe a 5 event deal across 4 states. Then there is a stadium event!! World news is Polaris has bought the performance engine manufacturer from Sweden - Weber engines. Has it got anything to do with the rumored release of Can Ams UTVs late this year heralding a boost to the RZR's performance? Only time will tell on that one. Next thing to do is get everyone behind a national organisation to lobby for access rights for riding, this time though it IS with the support of the manufacturers.

OOH, a RZR with the turbo Webber!!! 100+ HP, NICE!!!!!
_________________
2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

geeman1969 wrote:

Lots and Lots of rumors and "new" spreading around from the UTV world in general and then theres the coming year for SxS machines in Australia. First the general announcement of the Melbourne event in the Opposite Lock 4wd challenge which the sub-regs to compete are hopefully being squared away today! With that also comes I believe a 5 event deal across 4 states. Then there is a stadium event!! World news is Polaris has bought the performance engine manufacturer from Sweden - Weber engines. Has it got anything to do with the rumored release of Can Ams UTVs late this year heralding a boost to the RZR's performance? Only time will tell on that one. Next thing to do is get everyone behind a national organisation to lobby for access rights for riding, this time though it IS with the support of the manufacturers.

Have to correct myself, the engine manufacturer they bought was swissauto but same result. The power war cometh!!
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www.asho.com.au for your shooting and outdoor needs
www.paracordaustralia.com - all things Paracord for outdoor adventure and craft

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[Prokiwi]

Watch what happens with Quad sales when all the manufacturers come out with UTV's etc ......bring it on....

Might be worth waiting for !!
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It's time too ride !!!!!!!