skidoo announces xteam unveils new mx zx 440
Amsnow
Ski-Doo broke from tradition this year and announced its new X-Team of pro racers and its MX Zx 440 race machine well in advance of the annual ISR press conference. "We're setting a new precedent with this introduction," said Communications Manager Dave Thompson. "Along with announcing our new X-Team program, we thought we should also show the world our race machine."
The X-Team concept "will leverage something we've been doing for many years- designating our highest performance with an 'X'," stated 'Doo VP for marketing and strategic planning, Pierre Arsenault. "Our MX Z and Summit sleds offer race-sled performance in a consumer snowmobile. It's only natural that our top-tier racers are now the Ski--Doo X-Team."
Members of the X-Team include:
Terrain Racing: Todd Wolff, Chris Vincent, Brad Pitlik, TJ Gulla, Justin Tate, DJ Eckstrom and Nicole Nicholas.
Oval Racing: Mike Houle
Drag Racing: Bill Bickford, Guy Parquette, Jamie Bellman and Craig Marchbank
Hillclimb: Mark Thompson
What they'll be riding
The MX Zx 440 will return to the pits this season with key rider ergonomic changes, a little more suspension and some chassis strengthening.
To begin with, the handlebars can be raised to a rider's preferred height via riser blocks. They can be set at a seated position or raised up to accommodate the standing position currently favored by snocross racers. Also, the seat is a little taller and narrower for better body movement. Redesigned side bolsters offer protection to both standers and sitters when they race.
Wider running boards will also give different style riders a comfortable fit. Designed more like mountain sled boards, they stay full width until just before the very end of the tunnel. Super shredder rail grips should help competitors keep their footing.
The tunnel is angled upward an additional two inches from last year's sled. This allows the rear suspension to travel an extra inch and a half. The trailing arms on the front end have been beefed up with more chromoly in the construction. Both ends have had their shock valving stiffened up.
As usual, Ski-Doo engineers clammed up when asked about any horsepower changes. They instead pointed to slight changes in the TRA primary clutch and other small changes they made to help the sled run more efficiently.
Ski-Doo will be hosting a race school in Wausau later this fall. Check back for the dates and registration information.