Many tests are run on trails and on standard snowmobiles. Camoplast agreed to offer us a track that is usually designed for mountain sleds and we are going to test it in drag races…
The Back Country is 15” wide X 128” long with 1,75” studs, weighing 42 pounds. The single ply of this track allows a better rotation flexibility and a rather low weight for such a track. Moreover, this track is clipped at each window.
Traction of course is important for an acceleration track, but it must be in regards of the power because a track that would be too aggressive would highly reduce the performances at high speed.
We have tested this track on a 1000 cc modified class snowmobile (improved 1000), with a Z1 Turbo programmed by Turbo Dynamic that delivers about 290 hp. Usually, we find 136” or 144” tracks in this class; so, we have been able to compare the traction with longer tracks most of the time.
Results have been very surprising, even better than expected. We know that usually, a turbo model needs a few feet before delivering all its power, but with the programming and the fuel shut-off that allows to raise the turbo revolution before engaging, we got much more power on the starting line.
Traction became even more important. Well, the first 60 feet were as good as the competition, and even better, we even raced in superior categories where weight is much lower and then again, results were good.
The advantage of a shorter track is seen at high speed; it is much easier to turn and lighter than a longer track. We must not forget that the track is clipped at each window, which reduces friction at high speed, and the single ply makes it more supple. Also, the studs rigidity must be considered. On hard packed trails, soft studs will bend and become less efficient. The Back Country studs are rigid enough to keep a better biting on very hard trails.
This rigidity is also very important on the starting line in stone dust or in sand, which are the most common surfaces on drag race starting lines.
Before its installation, you must check if any modification is needed on your snowmobile. We knew ours needed some because the outer clips of the Arctic Cat standard track are thinner than those of other manufacturers. So, rollers are located more on the inside and we had to thin down the outer clips.
Another problem occured. The standard model was not designed for a track with such agressive studs. There was not enough space close to the sprockets between the track and the radiators. We had two possibilities : to switch for smaller sprockets or to slightly modify the track. We chose the second option and slightly modified the studs of the track.
In conclusion, the Camoplast Back Country track is an excellent compromise to get a very good traction without extending the suspension. This track is efficient on trails; however, we must not ride at high speed on a long period of time because it will warm up quicker than a track with smaller studs and it could get damaged. Snowmobilers who like off-trail riding will be happy with it…
Thanks to Camoplast !!!
