Team Polaris RZR off to a Winning Start for 2017
Mitch Guthrie Jr. takes Best in the Desert UTV Winter Nationals

Minneapolis, MN (1/12/2017) - Team RZR kept the winning momentum going at the first Best in the Desert (BITD) race of 2017, the UTV Winter Nationals in Parker, Ariz. Cool, wet weather made for a fast course, devoid of the typical desert dust, and Polaris Factory racers came out of the gate gunning for the lead.

Polaris teammates Mitch Guthrie Jr. and Branden Sims battled at the front of the pack for most of the 5-hour race. Sims commented that he felt like he was running the race as a short-course race as he fought to stay out front during the first lap.

Mitch Guthrie Jr.  Wins first Best in the Desert race of 2017 in his Polaris RZR XP Turbo

Mitch Guthrie Jr. pulled ahead of Sims, crossing the finish line first overall among UTVs, and securing the first-place win in the Pro Turbo Class. Guthrie Jr. and Polaris are thrilled to start with desert racing season with such a dominant performance.

“This is such an awesome way to start off the 2017 season,” said Guthrie Jr. “Thanks to my family, friends, sponsors and co-dog Kurtis Elliott.”

Defending BTID Pro UTV Turbo Champion Branden Sims finished third overall at the Parker 250

Sims finished third overall, starting his 2017 season with a solid podium finish and points, as he looks to defend his 2016 Pro Turbo Class championship.

Brandon Schueler rounded out Team RZR‘s presence in the top 10 in the Pro Turbo Class, finishing seventh among the highly competitive field.

About Polaris
Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris' innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER(r), RZR(r) and Polaris GENERAL(tm) side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman(r) and Polaris ACE(r) all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle(r) midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot(r) moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK(r), INDY(r), Switchback(r) and RUSH(r) snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris' presence in adjacent markets globally include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. polaris.com