First Annual UTV Rally
Moab Utah June 7-9 2007
www.utvrally.com

UTV Trade Magazine is a dealer publication that is free to over 10,000 dealers in North America. We cover everything related to growing UTV industry. Last week we attended a Rally in Moab. The event was everything we would have hoped to see in an upcoming market. The cooperation between the owners, the dealers, the factories and aftermarket accessories. All the ingredients necessary to insure the growth and income opportunities that many will capitalize on.

We follow many industries and we have become very familiar with the model that makes for a successful new industry. UTV has it all. The excitement, demand and passion that drives the economic opportunity for those who stay abreast to the industries direction. This is what UTV Magazine is about. Consumer magazines are great for communicating with the end user, but Trade magazines monitor, report and in many ways determine the direction. The Moab event was instrumental in determining who the players are and what there commitment is to its direction and growth. Those who stand on the sidelines will inevitably be playing catch up in a market that will determine the winners by the ability to capture market share early on.

Not knowing the complete reasons, our greatest disappointment was the absence of every OEM Factory but Yamaha. From what we could see and were told, Yamaha carried the day. Their factory diesel was front and center as we pulled into the event grounds. Being greeted by Michelle, we asked permission to cover the event, speak to the participants, take some pictures and write a few editorials. She couldn’t get us in touch with Chris fast enough but it was the end of the day and he was busy with more important stuff like handing out thousands in free accessories which were donated by the supporting accessories companies. There was a buzz in the air. It could have been the excitement of the hundreds of very cool prizes but in our perspective we have seen it many times before. These were the pioneers of a new industry, the personalities that would be responsible for billions in consumer revenue. Polaris, Kawasaki, John Deer and others had not official statement for us but their absence was dismaying. On the other hand, Yamaha stole the show. Chris promptly made our introduction and the next thing we knew, Scott Eccleston of Yamaha put us in a new 450 Rhino for the mornings 6 hour intermediate rally. You don’t see this kind of vision every day. This is a company man who knows what he’s doing. We promptly made some acquaintance and found our place in line. The day was over the top fun. The expected rivalries between Rhino, Ranger and Cadet had already begun but our Rhino really performed. At first I was disappointed that we were not given a 650 but never once did we feel under powered. The trail offered a little bit of everything but the rock climbing was the best. The Warn team demonstrated some pretty sick vertical techniques up a rock face that most deemed impossible. I think many owners are still discovering what these machines are actually capable of. The versatility or recreation is amazing. There was something for everyone, every age and skill level.

Perhaps the best fun for many was the opportunity to actually do a little competition and Chris delivered with a little factory tug of war. This was what everyone had been waiting for. Which UTV had the power and traction to school the other! It seems there’s a need to get these things in events with more recognizable competition. We know there’s some out there but we have been approached by several who are formally organizing measurable events that will determine the top drivers and machines in the industry. Who will emerge as the new Jeremy McGrath of UTV. Little boys and big boys all across the country have their eyes set on factory sponsorships and fame as they lead their events with factory support.

Hats off again to Chris, Yamaha and everyone who made this premier event what it was. If you didn’t attend, you were missed but mark your calendars for the next one and come be apart of the fasted growing segment in off-road Motorsports.