Polaris believes performance-lined UTV racing is ready to take it to the next level. We are launching a UTV class factory racing program.
In the past, Polaris said, UTV racing’s “factory teams” have really been independent teams working with varying degrees of OEM support, including the provision of some stock race cars. , the company believes it’s time to start a new era of professionalism in the sport, and has been struggling ever since.
The new Polaris Factory Racing Team has its own 10,000-square-foot race shop in San Diego and a full-time staff of 12 serious cats. Austin Weiland, Brock Hager and Kayden McAllen were the first of his three guns to win his drivers. We have two team principals, a general manager, an operations director, a crew chief, three junior mechanics and three senior mechanics.
Sponsorships already line up with Rockford Fosgate, Synchrony, Progressive Insurance and GoPro, with Fox Racing livery and apparel, Fox Shock semi-active live valve suspension, BF Goodrich tires and Method Race wheels. It adds support for rims and more. Odds and turf for Polaris Engineered Lubricants and Rigid Lighting.
Polaris Off-Road Racing Technical Director Robert Wilmot has led the factory engineering team in developing a purpose-built racing UTV, but has yet to fully reveal it. However, you can get a glimpse into the development in the final video.
It’s a far cry from involving a local sales manager to win the Baja 1000. The team will head out with all possible advantages to compete in the SCORE International Series in Baja and this year’s Best in the Desert Vegas to Reno race. Given these advantages, it also has a huge target on its back, which is exactly what Polaris seems to invite.
“Polaris not only literally invented the performance side-by-side category, but has a long history of winning at the highest levels of off-road racing,” said Polaris Off Road VP Reid Wilson in a press release. “So it makes sense to push the industry forward again with the first full-blown UTV-class factory racing program. Racing is integral to everything we do… which ultimately drives the industry Moving forward, moving the consumer side forward – the buy side market.
Watch the short video below.
MEET THE POLARIS FACTORY RACING TEAM | POLARIS RZR®
Source: Polaris
