Leading the charge is an updated, race-only Sno Pro 600 that builds upon its place atop snocross and cross-country competition via a handful of improvements aimed at improved durability.
The 4130 chrome-moly and extruded-aluminum chassis sees reinforcement to the rear of tunnel for increased strength where the heat-exchanger mounts. A longer, more durably-mounted rear bumper complements the stiffened upper-chassis spar brackets for increased rigidity.
Additional focus was given to both suspensions, with more durable tie-rod ends for the upper A-arms (and on the steering arms), and a more robust front arm, idler arm and rear shock pivot in the Slide Action rear suspension.
The race-only 600 laydown engine proved to be the performance-leader last season and returns for 2010 with a new exhaust manifold that emphasizes quicker throttle response for improved holeshots. Stainless steel baffle plates in the resonator and additional welding on the exhaust pipe seams reinforce the system’s durability. A new metric-threaded crankshaft bolt is now used for commonality with other Arctic Cat engines. Horsepower for this ultra-light, high-performance engine remains 127 with pump gas.
The drive train on the Sno Pro has also been beefed up, with a 15-wide chain and gears, a stiffer driven shaft and stronger drive belt.
As it did last year, Arctic Cat produced dedicated snocross and cross-country versions of the 2010 600 Sno Pro to bolster its commitment to terrain racers and circuits.
The snocross Sno Pro incorporates a 15 x 128 x 1.7-in. lug Camoplast track, the Peak Torque Limiting (PTL) driveshaft system and 9-tooth drivers, C&A Pro skis, a 7-gallon fuel tank and unique calibration for the clutches and suspensions.
The cross-country Sno Pro utilizes a 1.25-in. Ripsaw track; a dash-mounted choke cable; 11-gallon fuel tank; the new ACT skis; 10-tooth drivers on the standard (non-PTL) driveshaft; a dash-mounted speedometer/tachometer; standard snow flap; and taller mid-height windshield.
Both versions of the 600 Sno Pro are equipped with high-performance goodies like V-Force Reeds, remote-reservoir FOX IFP shocks and TEAM driven clutch.
“Last season, Team Arctic racers won 32 out of 60 finals in the ISOC Pro, Semi-Pro and Sport snocross classes, as well as 39 of 87 possible class victories in USCC cross-country competition,” said Team Arctic Race Manager, Mike Kloety. “Clearly we have the best race sled in the business, and our focus for 2010 was to introduce this incredible platform to new and experienced racers, and to build upon our unmatched success.”
Sno Pro 500: Poised to Grow Snowmobile Racing
Racers who are aiming at the 85-hp and Junior classes are will have the ultimate entry-level racer in the all-new Sno Pro 500. Based on the same championship-winning chassis of the 600 Sno Pro, this new consumer-available sled offers an 85-hp, EFI-equipped engine and oil injection for simplicity, ease and a level of performance that matches most riders’ abilities.
Besides the engine, the Sno Pro 500 is nearly identical to the cross-country version of the 600 Sno Pro, the only significant exception being the non-reservoir FOX IFP shocks and their calibration.
“The Sno Pro 500 is truly a gas-and-go race sled,” said Kloety. “To go racing, racers will simply have to stud the track, add more aggressive carbides and put on their race number. With EFI, there’s no jetting to mess with. And with a suspension calibration by Kirk Hibbert, it will be ideal for anyone in cross-country, and for less-aggressive snocross racers.
“We built the Sno Pro 500 to make it easy for would-be competitors to go snowmobile racing. It’s a fun, durable and extremely competitive sled that’s going to bring added attention to the 85-hp class this season.”
M8 HCR: The King Returns with More Power
In the RMSHA hillclimb circuit, Team Arctic racers will go over-the-top with a more powerful and potent M8 HCR (Hill Climb Racer). Powered by the all-new 800 H.O. that pumps out 162 hp and has a 4.3-pound lighter, quicker-revving crankshaft, the 2010 M8 HCR comes to a knife-fight bearing a big gun.
In addition to the more powerful engine, the new HCR gets a wider 42-44-inch adjustable ski stance; more aggressively-calibrated FOX Float shocks in the rear suspension and Zero Pro shocks on the front; the new tall and extra light M seat; FrogzSkin-covered hood vents; and a harder 90-durometer 15 x 153 x 2.25-inch Power Claw track.
“The HCR was the dominant sled in RMSHA competition last year, with our phenomenal racers claiming 15 World Championship titles at Jackson Hole, 78 out of 172 first place finishes, 15 King titles and five High Point titles during the season,” said Mike Kloety. “We’ve provided them an even more-capable HCR this year, so I can confidently expect another stunning season.”
