OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[PJSRZR]

Ok Guys we are getting close to finalising this event. As we have discussed its all very new and lots of fun is going to be had with this one to see how it all goes. No racing for sheep stations, but come along and see what its all about, organise a Navigator, have a go and give us your feedback. All up 12 stages will be held over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of May. 2 on Friday night, 6 on sat, dinner get together on sat night, then 4 stages on sunday. I will be bringing down 2 RZR's to have a go.

For our class, the initial entry fee will be $250, which will entitle you to do 6 stages (and dinner on sat night), most likely those on saturday in the daylight, or if you are confident enough you can tackle friday night as well (which has a 5km long sprint/ralley stage I am led to believe). If you are enjoying yourself and want to finish all the stages, then you can pay the balance of $150 and compete on Sunday.

For safety and insurance purposes, the CCDA has laid down a minimum of equipment and safety items that you must have for yourself and your SXS.

1. 4 Point harness for both driver and Navi/Co-driver
2. Electric winch with Plasma rope (not wire)
3. Side netting as per std on RZR's, side doors with nets are optional and are one area to be discussed for the future. (Feel free to talk to me here)
4. UHF radio (i would recommend a GME TX4600)
5. Rear cargo barrier or netting to stop items in the tray coming forward and smacking the occupants in the head.
6. Roof of either composite plastic or my preference min 4mm alloy
7. Secured Rear cargo box to store any recovery gear you might require such as tree trunk protectors, spare gloves, puncture repair kits etc. This must be secure enough that in an unlikely event of a rollover, items will not be hurled at spectators and competitors.
8. Helmet and gloves for both team members.
9. CCDA membership for both team members. ($44 per person per year)
(I would also recommend a fire extinguisher but this will not be compulsory for this event)

Once having actually held an event and together with your feedback, we can then finalise the draft regs for this class. (A copy of which will be available at the event for you to read through).

Help and advice will be freely available all weekend, so don't be afraid at having a go just because you have never done this before. There will be no pressure to do something you don't feel comfortable with. The CCDA has a very good training system for its marshals, competitors and assistants, and they are just as keen to help us get up and running and see what these little machines can do. We will be actually running in amongst the Womens event in the 4x4's and the beginners 4x4's class as well. So there will be plenty of other newby's running and action going on a plenty.

Further information and location details can be obtained at www.ccda4wd.com.au (click on the Opposite Lock 4wd Challenge Link), or you can contact:

Mike Smith at team4wdchallenge@hotmail.com or 0408 244 111.

Or you can contact me on arbtam@bigpond.net.au or 02 6762 0541 or via this site of course. Feel free to ask any questions or advice on set up.

Hope to see some of you guys there for a blast,

Phil

[jackass/450]

Hey Phil - congratulations on getting this up an running.

I have made arrangments to travel down and to Melbourne for the weekend, unfortunately with out rhino. I have friends who are competing in the 4x4 winch challenge, so I will be able to help them out as well.

I have been talking with Greg (gotheV8) and I think I could nearly twist his arm to come down as well.

If there is anything that I can do to help out, please don't hesitate to ask. If not, I will see you down there.

Cheers
Chris

[gothev8]

Yeah, I recon my arm is officially twisted.

I even ordered a Warn winch from the USA today in preperations for your events that are closer to QLD!!!
_________________
2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[fox'n]

well done Phil,also congrats from me for getting things going.
I am very jelous of you guys that can get to the first event.Work committments has me travelling the day before.I will definitely make the next one!!
Cheers Fox'n
_________________
OUTDOORS....THE PLACE TO BE,WHATEVER THE WEATHER.

[jackass/450]

gothev8 wrote:

Yeah, I recon my arm is officially twisted. I even ordered a Warn winch from the USA today in preperations for your events that are closer to QLD!!!

Giddy up hahahahahaha - should give you a call when I have booked flights.

Ordered a winch hey............................... you did get the part they said that winches needed to be standard - so no 12000 pound high mounts hahahahaha

How cool is the 170............ can you speed limit them?

Cheers
Chris

[PJSRZR]

Thanks for that guys, but I won't accept all the congrats, there are plenty of guys behind the scene's working on this too (especially the NSW Polaris guys) and Mike Smith etc.

For you QLDers, more than likely the QLD round will be incorporated with round 2 of the Xtreme Winch Challenge at Rocky in June and NSW looks like being at Eastern Creek, but alot of logistics and paperwork to be sorted yet before thats all a definite, so don't hold me to it.

But it still depends upon participants making an effort to be involved or it won't get off the ground, so start spreading the word please.

Phil

[jackass/450]

Rocky in June hey - hell yeh

Now................... need to spread the word.

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

Yep well Im in and I had already booked my crew of 4 so some of them are going to be disappointed

But on a better note I believe there will be an article written for forums and the ATV Action magazine. So yyou better believe you can get your mug on paper.

I'm yet to get all my gear together but Im hoping on a couple of sponsors and to have more than a couple of things to show off.

I'll also be running a couple of VholdR digital level sports cams in my rig and may be able to get one on yours for a run (Yes I sell them lol)

Im hoping we get a quorum to Melbourne to talk about the foundation of a Australian SXS users association. I would consider 10 people INCLUDING reps from at least Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Can-Am to be required so I'll be working to tee this up some time throughout the year and yes the manufacturers actually WANT to be involved in making this go somewhere and more than just racing and eventing is the feedback I have received.

So hell yeah Im in!!
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[PJSRZR]

Great to hear Geeman, look forward to meeting you down there. I want to encourage anyone to come on down, even if they are not ready to race. What we need is not only competitiors for this event, but ones for the future too and more importantly we want input from current and prospective owners of Polaris, Kawasaki and Yamaha machines on what you want to do with your SXS and how we set up the class regulations (especially to ensure cost never gets out of hand).

If you can't make it to this weekend, I encourage you to send me an email at my work at arbtam@bigpond.net.au. to offer your advice and suggestions.

I have spoken with the organiser of the 4x4 challenge event in June at Rockhampton and he is more than happy to look at running a CCDA sanctioned class as well. (Although I wont be able to make this one worse luck).

Phil

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

Yes Rocky will be a Stretch from Melbourne!!

Any more news on events and dates Phil??
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[PJSRZR]

At this stage I am led to believe there are already 10 SXS's and approx. 30 4x4's entered for this event so far. I am stoked to see 10 SXS's, we must heading towards the single biggest gathering in one place in Oz for these machines, it will be a very fun laidback weekend (and a big Sat night too me thinks) .

Mike Smith has been busy and has had discussions already with promotors and organisers in QLD, NSW and SA in addition to what is being planned in VIC. Make no mistake, if we can create a series of events that both teams and spectators enjoy, this could be big and will open doors for you guys for sponsors (something I am happy to offer advice with once you start getting involved). Things are definitely happening behind the scene's. One of the reasons we have found sponsorship hard to get with our 4x4's is that its very expensive and difficult to keep them in a presentable condition for promotion and TV. The SXS's on the other hand with their plastic bodies, and from our own experience even after a rollover, can be kept looking pretty bloody good for promotion purposes.

Once you have your entry in you will receive more details, but please feel free to contact Mike Smith or myself direct with any questions or hesitations you may have.

Phil

[gothev8]

PJSRZR wrote:

At this stage I am led to believe there are already 10 SXS's and approx. 30 4x4's entered for this event so far. I am stoked to see 10 SXS's, we must heading towards the single biggest gathering in one place in Oz for these machines, it will be a very fun laidback weekend (and a big Sat night too me thinks) . Mike Smith has been busy and has had discussions already with promotors and organisers in QLD, NSW and SA in addition to what is being planned in VIC. Make no mistake, if we can create a series of events that both teams and spectators enjoy, this could be big and will open doors for you guys for sponsors (something I am happy to offer advice with once you start getting involved). Things are definitely happening behind the scene's. One of the reasons we have found sponsorship hard to get with our 4x4's is that its very expensive and difficult to keep them in a presentable condition for promotion and TV. The SXS's on the other hand with their plastic bodies, and from our own experience even after a rollover, can be kept looking pretty bloody good for promotion purposes. Once you have your entry in you will receive more details, but please feel free to contact Mike Smith or myself direct with any questions or hesitations you may have. Phil

Phil, well done mate, I am realy glad this is working for you and the SXS community. I read a survey from the US that stated that the average age of a SXS owner was 40-50yo so its good to have a fun comp that doesnt involve being super fit and whoops (I hate whoops!)

As for your comments about a rollover?????? As a Polaris dealer I would immagine you know how much a stock rollcage costs to replace and how easy they bend, I know also IT'S A SH*&LOAD. If there was any chance my RZR could end up on it's side then count me out, I already have 1 bent cage in my shed.
_________________
2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

gothev8 wrote:

PJSRZR wrote: At this stage I am led to believe there are already 10 SXS's and approx. 30 4x4's entered for this event so far. I am stoked to see 10 SXS's, we must heading towards the single biggest gathering in one place in Oz for these machines, it will be a very fun laidback weekend (and a big Sat night too me thinks) . Mike Smith has been busy and has had discussions already with promotors and organisers in QLD, NSW and SA in addition to what is being planned in VIC. Make no mistake, if we can create a series of events that both teams and spectators enjoy, this could be big and will open doors for you guys for sponsors (something I am happy to offer advice with once you start getting involved). Things are definitely happening behind the scene's. One of the reasons we have found sponsorship hard to get with our 4x4's is that its very expensive and difficult to keep them in a presentable condition for promotion and TV. The SXS's on the other hand with their plastic bodies, and from our own experience even after a rollover, can be kept looking pretty bloody good for promotion purposes. Once you have your entry in you will receive more details, but please feel free to contact Mike Smith or myself direct with any questions or hesitations you may have. Phil Phil, well done mate, I am realy glad this is working for you and the SXS community. I read a survey from the US that stated that the average age of a SXS owner was 40-50yo so its good to have a fun comp that doesnt involve being super fit and whoops (I hate whoops!) As for your comments about a rollover?????? As a Polaris dealer I would immagine you know how much a stock rollcage costs to replace and how easy they bend, I know also IT'S A SH*&LOAD. If there was any chance my RZR could end up on it's side then count me out, I already have 1 bent cage in my shed.

Will have a number of fixes available so people have options.
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[PJSRZR]

I actually rolled my one backwards right over and then down onto its side. The rollcage was not damaged or bent. The other unit I have here at the moment was rolled end for end by the owners brother who was treating it like an idiot. It required about $1,000 worth of frame parts, most of which came about because he had removed the rear braces that are fitted standard to the "S" model so he could put more dogs on the back. If these were still fitted we don't believe his cost would have been anywhere near as expensive.

Motorsport can be expensive and accidents do happen. Thats the risk you take for pushing the adrenalin button. You want to drive hard then things will break, be it motorsport or just bush track driving. I would think most people who buy an "S" would have this desire in the back of their mind, otherwise I would imagine they would buy a standard RZR.

But I think you have to put this cost in perspective. Most ATV's that get rolled here end up costing near and more than that in repairs, and I bet most people wish damage to their 4x4 only ever cost $1,000 when things go wrong. There are plenty of aftermarket options becoming available and I don't think it will be too long before somone starts making some form of replacement unit here in Oz too. If it worries you, then get a jig made up now so it will be a piece of cake to bend up another if it does go pear shaped for you again, you could even offer to sell them to other guys too, but it is alittle unusual I must say. But rollcages and their specs/requirements are still very much up for discussion about what is safe and what is strong enough.

I'm not suggesting anyone do something they are not comfortable with at anytime. But as an alternative fun factor to riding a Harley on the road, I know which one I feel safer doing, but that is my personal choice.

Phil

[gothev8]

Fair enough, I wasn't having a go, I am still keen to give it a try, in the end if you dont like one of the courses you can just skip it hey.

PS: I wasn't there when my RZR was rolled, learnt a lesson there.
_________________
2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[PJSRZR]

No offence taken buddy but, its funny you should say that, its very surprising how many RZR's and Rangers are damaged without the owners knowledge or being there, you are not alone in that one. You are right in saying their is a lesson in that. I remember a badly damaged Ranger being bought in here for repairs (urgently at the request of the person who delivered it) because it was rolled by a drunk attending a party at someones property. He wanted it fixed before the owner found out apparently.

There is an art to driving these things, and you as the owner are always the best person to judge your's and the SXS's limitations. I let my 12yo son drive mine, but not my 16yo daughter as she has no sense of self preservation or fear.

The main thing is you take part to have fun, test yourself and your machine and come home with a smile on your face.

Phil

P.S. Repairs costs are what sponsorship is all about remember.

[jackass/450]

Hey Phil,

Was keen to come down to Melbourne to have a look and a chat - however it seems as work around that time will restrict my movements.
However, looks like I can make it to Rover Park on the 17 and 18th of April. So shall catch up then.

Hey Greg - as above mate. Will be driving down to Rover Park for the weekend. Would love to go to Melbourne but can't guarantee that I can make it - could be a last minute if I go.

Cheers
Chris

[PJSRZR]

Sounds great Chris, see you there. At this stage I believe we have 3 SXS's that are going to have a play at Rover Park so don't be afraid to bring yours down. You can always decide once you are there if you want to have a run or not.

Phil

[odd1]

When will the round at Eastern Creek in Sydney be?

[PeteW]

Good to see that this is gathering some momentum, it is hard work to get a new discipline off the ground in this country...... look forward to being a part of it and covering it for the Thumbpump.com site and also to to having a proper drive in and RZR for more than just play (Thanks Gav)
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[PJSRZR]

For those in NSW that want to keep an eye out for future comps in this state, keep an eye on here of course and you can check out www.4x4masters.com.au. This is the web site for the events held at Eastern Creek. There are dates up already for 4x4 events, but we are yet to confirm which of these will also feature SXS's, that will depend on the level of response we get from Melbourne etc. So far so good though.

Phil

[SXS Machine Racing Team]

Went out and had a poke around the Bulla event track yesty as the guys were laying some tracks.

Got into a mudhole and covered myself and some poor volunteer from the CCDA in the stickiest mud available. Some 30 minutes and $15 at the car wash and I was muddier than the buggy and it wasnt real clean yet, bucket and brush time cometh.

The main concern for any competitor is its a rocky course so anyone who has time pre any events its would be a good idea to get in with the marshalls and clear loose large size rock to protect your machine's armour and a-arms.

They are in the main short courses with obstacles of varying degrees and you can count on mud and or winching at least once per stage I think.

Some interesting hill climbs and jump ups that are the RZR forte even in my STD model, but the rocks are definately a concern so Phil something to discuss with Mike whom I spoke to on the day re courses and regs.
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[SXS Machine Racing Team]

The event was huge from a SxS perspective with 8 coimpetitors from as far away as Nth NSW. The RZR'S did it all with ease but as predicted my std RZR strugled and stripped out winch wired on the foirst day and roughed up the driver and Nav overly so that it was clear we could not compete on terms.

So back to the upgrade board for me and hopefully when next event is ready at end of jJune I'll have a comparabvle machine ready to show people what can be done with upgrades.

Here's a link to you tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoxN1iFGaT0


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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

Tweet - ceo@futrixenterprises.com.au

[jackass/450]

Some good footage there geeman - looks like I missed a good weekend away.

What were the main problems you were having?

What mods are you looking at doing? I thought the aim was to keep machines fairly stock.

I am also guessing that there would have been some "talk" around the fire on what people were hoping that would come of this - any feed back this early.

Cheers
Chris

[gothev8]

Looks like you all had fun. I look forward to having a go when they head to QLD.
_________________
2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170