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12 SNOWEST NOVEMBER 2009 Polaris Production Update For Select Models Snowmobilers Mourn Loss Of Rick Ward Polaris releases statement on famous snowmobile racer Fronts & Forecas Fronts & Forecasts Polaris released some production in- formation updating not only some 2010 models but previous year models as well. First, all 2010 600 Cleanfire models will use 4-injector fuel injection systems. is includes all IQ and Rush models. Next, with regards to 800cc sleds in model years 2008 and 2009, a service bulletin was released on Aug. 27 regard- ing improving durability and drivability issues experienced by some customers under certain conditions. Specifically, the bulletin includes hardware and software updates using MY10 components. For the RMK that means a new head, two-ring piston, revised fuel injection software while on the IQ and Switchback it means a new head, two-ring piston, silencer and revised fuel injection software. At the time of the bulletin—Sept. 1—the parts were being shipped to dealers. Finally, all updated units will receive an extension of Polaris' limited engine warranty to June 1, 2010. For more information, contact your local Polaris dealer. e Polaris family and the snow- mobile world is coming to grips with the death of Rick Ward, perhaps the greatest hillclimber in history and one of the best gentlemen on the Western racing circuit. e longtime Polaris hillclimber, cross-country racer and manager of the company's Western racing program, died Sept. 1 in a motor vehicle accident near his Sugar City, ID, home. He was 47. Ward's name had become synony- mous with the term "King of the Hill." During his long hillclimbing career he won 18 world championships, count- less class titles and numerous King of the Hill honors at events throughout the West. He was not only a successful racer but a mentor and inspiration to many younger racers who admired the way he prepared his sleds, the way he rode and the way he graciously accepted the outcome. Win or lose—and it was most often "win"—he was a sportsman. He celebrat- ed victory with dignity and was always ready to congratulate competitors. "is is a tragic loss of a great friend and an amazingly talented snowmobile racer," Polaris Racing Manager Tom Rager, Sr. said. "He was a tremendous asset to our racing program and he set an outstanding example, particularly for Western racers." Scott Swenson, vice president of the Polaris Snowmobile and PG&A Division, said the entire Polaris family of employees, dealers and snowmobilers is saddened by Ward's death. "Rick was a tremendous hillclimber and a great leader for our Western program," Sw- enson said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Michelle, their three children and his entire family." Ward, who made his living as a farmer, was a multi-time winner at the Jackson Hole World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb and was a fixture in the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association. He raced exclu- sively on Polaris snowmobiles and in recent years served as the manager of the company's Western racing program, with a focus on hillclimbs. As recently as 2007, Ward was still winning titles at Jackson Hole. at year he added to his legendary Jackson Hole resume, winning three classes and leading the Polaris racers as they won a dominating 45 percent of all classes at the event. In 2006, Ward won Stock King of the Hill honors at Jackson Hole after winning the Pro Masters Stock and Pro 600 Stock classes. Ward was extremely talented at building hillclimb sleds and he had extraordinary riding skills that helped him optimize the sled's performance regardless of the conditions on race day. When Polaris racers traveled west for events such as the Winter X Games or snocross racing at West Yellowstone, MT, Ward helped them tune their engines to perform at high altitude. Each year when new Polaris Deep Snow sleds were developed, Ward dis- sected them to learn how they could best be set up for hillclimbs and he shared that information with western Polaris racers.