Seeking Repeat To Last Season’s Race Success, Arctic Cat Introduces Two New Race Sleds

Eager onlooker check out the newly unveiled Arctic Cat race sleds at the 2018 Haydays.

After dominating much of the competition throughout the national snowmobile racing circuit last year, Arctic Cat appears intent on going full-throttle for gold again in 2019 after it unveiled its new race sleds for the season at Haydays.

The ZR 6000 R SX (snocross) and ZR 6000 R XC (cross country) are the machines that will work to propel Cat to the podium when competition resumes this winter. Polaris and Ski-Doo both unveiled longer sleds to try to catch up to Cat’s success. Click through to read about each. 

The 2019 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 R SX. Click to enlarge.

During the 2018 season Cat’s race programs were dominant. In cross country competition Team Arctic won 10 of 13 classes, and in snocross it won 18 of 22 classes – including a national championship with Team 68 Tucker Hibbert.

“This was by far our most successful year on the race circuit,” said Craig Kennedy, vice president of snow.

For 2019, the consumer-available crossover ZR 6000 R SX will feature dual-stage injection in its 6000 C-TEC2 engine. It will also feature a new ARS II front suspension, a recalibrated FOX shock package, new forged aluminum spindles and other reinforcements to increase durability. You can read the full specs over at Arctic Insider.

The 2019 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 R XC. Click to enlarge.

“The big push in snocross is holeshots,” said Brian Dick, Arctic Cat racer-engineer.   “We set out to develop an even better engine package with more throttle response down low, and that’s what we delivered. It has a little more torque, and a little more power up top.”

The ZR 6000 R XC will feature new handlebar controls with improved ergonomics, new Stealth lightweight brake master cylinder for better braking with less effort and new ECM calibration for enhanced performance. You can also read the full specs at Arctic insider.

“We use racing to develop future products,” said Dick. “Know that we’re doing everything to make sure these things are bulletproof when they get to your hands. When we win on the racetrack, we’re using that as a tool so you can win on the trail or in the mountain.”

Editor’s Note: Every issue of Snow Goer magazine includes in-depth sled reports and comparisons, aftermarket gear and accessories reviews, riding destination articles, do-it-yourself repair information, snowmobile technology and more! Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive issues delivered to your door 6 times per year for a low cost.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *