Arctic Cat Organizes ``Sturgis on Snow''

    THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn.--Jan. 19, 2001--Welcomed with opened arms, Arctic Cat snowmobile enthusiasts flocked to the birthplace of their Arctic Cat snowmobiles (Thief River Falls, MINN) January 12, 2001 with high expectations. Expectations that would be met, and then surpassed. It was the start of something big. It was the start of something that some are calling, "The Sturgis of Snowmobiling."
    What participants saw was none other than spine chilling as snowmobilers in excess of 600 or more departed in packs of 15, 20, and sometimes more participating in the 1st annual Arctic Cat Hometown Cat's Pride Tour. Reminiscent of South Dakota's, Sturgis, unspoken words filled the mostly fog-hazed air that weekend. Words that reminded complete strangers that they were welcome. They were part of the Arctic Cat family, regardless of the color of their machine, just as long as it traveled by snow.
    With a company known for inspiring the most brand loyal snowmobiler consumer amongst the big four manufacturers, the Thief River Falls based company identifies with the die-hard loyalists. Arctic Cat President and CEO, Chris Twomey said, "An event of this magnitude besides from it being a whole lot of fun, really gives Arctic Cat a chance to interact one-on-one and listen to what some of our best customers have to say." Suiting up along side his customers, Twomey joined his `Pride' and took part in the Puma-100, just one of the many tours that traveled roughly 100 miles before reaching their final destination back at the factory.
    Visitors enjoyed a reception offering a vintage snowmobile display, witnessed the unveiling of two all-new Arctic Cat snowmobiles for the 2002 season (one being raffled off), met the engineers of their favorite Arctic Cat snowmobile, took a factory tour, and traveled in one of the guided snowmobile tours.
    And travel they did. By car and by snowmobile enthusiasts made their way from all over North America including New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Manitoba along with a host of enthusiast press that were there to document the monumental event.
    Having surpassed the company's expectations for the first year turnout, plans are already underway to accommodate the number of snowmobilers they plan to draw next year reportedly to be in the thousands making the city even more "snowmobile friendly." With lodging at a premium in a city the size of approximately 8000, area hotels are gearing up as well. Alternative lodging such as RV's are likely to be seen next year as well.

Arctic Cat Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles, and ATVs under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories.