Tag Archives: KOH

Interview: Mitch Guthrie Racing

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If you spend much time following the LOORS, WORCS UTV series, King of the Hammers, or some of the big names in UTV racing equipment, then you have come across the name Guthrie. You’ve probably come across it a lot. Like at the end of every race. As in the podium list. In fact, the father/son team of Mitch Guthrie, Sr. and Mitch Guthrie, Jr. of Guthrie Racing have an accomplishment list longer than this interview. To highlight, it includes the podium in every KOH UTV race including five out of six 1st place finishes. Jr. also has dozens of top finishes in the Lucas Oil Offroad Racing Series and is now a strong competitor in the WORCS including being the 2013 WORCS Production 1000 Class Champion and he has a great start on the 2014 season. We caught up with the pair to see what makes them so successful.

Guthrie Racing

WeekendATV.com: What all offroad vehicles are in your collection?
Mitch Guthrie Sr.: We have two Polaris RZR XP1000’s, a Polaris RZR XP900 and a Polaris Ranger 500.

WATV: You have both proven the Polaris RZR has what it takes to be successful in any racing series. What makes the Polaris RZR the best UTV?
Sr.: Durability
Jr.: Fast, comfortable and easy to drive, and what my dad said.

WATV: What is the next challenge for the Guthrie Racing team? Have you considered the Dakar?
Sr.: No Dakar. We would like to try some desert racing in the future.
Jr.: I have run short course and WORCS racing and King of the Hammers. I would also like to try desert racing.

Guthrie Racing

Why does the Polaris RZR dominate? It’s durable, fast, comfortable and easy to drive.

WATV: Supposing you ever have down time, how do you unwind?
Sr.: We go to the Colorado River and boat or take the Polaris cars out to the desert for fun. 
Jr.: I hang out with my friends from school.

WATV: Do you feel like you’ve “made it”?
Sr.: I like to think so. We have many great companies that support us. 
Jr.: I feel like we have accomplished our goals each year, but I want to keep moving up if possible.

WATV: You each race in several different series. How do you prepare differently for each one?
Sr.: We race two series; King of the Hammers once a year and all nine WORCS races. We prepare by having the best UTVs and the best equipment. We also are the only two people that work on the cars.

WATV: You two have set a strong example for family racing teams. What is the atmosphere in the cockpit like during a race like KOH?
Sr.: In the cockpit during the KOH race it’s stressful for the first, I would say, 15 to 20 miles and then we get in a groove and have fun! 
Jr.: My dad likes to drive a little wild at first and then I remind him it is a long race. We actually talk and have fun!

Guthrie Racing

Click the image to see full KOH coverage from UTVUnderground.com.

WATV: Junior, do you have plans to compete against your dad in a future KOH?
Sr.: I don’t like him driving in the rocks. But maybe someday. 
Jr.: No, I really don’t like the rocks. I am getting more comfortable with them but I think it takes years to get good at going through them fast.

WATV: What’s the first upgrade you make to an ORV?
Sr.: Seats and belts. 
Jr.: Definitely anything to do with safety.

WATV: Any shoutouts you would like to make?
Sr.: Thank you to all of our great sponsors. We could not do this without them: Polaris, Walker Evans Racing, Muzzy’s Performance, Magnum Offroad, Nelson & Nelson Racing Products, UTVUnderground.com, Tireballs, Maxxis, SuperATV.com, K&N, FactoryUTV, Assault Industries and Pro Armor.

To keep a close watch on the growing list of top finishes follow the Guthrie’s at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guthrie-Racing/140061512724541#

PREVIEW: 2014 Kawasaki Teryx Lineup

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2014 Kawasaki Teryx

Amongst a storm of new releases in the Side-by-Side world and the race to 1000cc, Kawasaki has been out of the spotlight by comparison. But while Kawi is probably years away from 1000cc’s don’t think that they aren’t capable machines. In the grueling 2014 Griffin King of The Hammers UTV race the Teryx was the only non-RZR to even finish taking 3rd in the Pro class and 2nd in the Sport class. The Pro class ride was a Teryx4 and the Sport class entrant was nearly stock! So let’s take a look at the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx lineup.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

For 2014, Kawasaki has 3 models of the Teryx. You can choose from the base model at an MSRP of $12,999, the camo model for $14,299 or the LE model for $14,999. Surprisingly the list of differences in the 3 models is as short as the price difference between them. Maybe that’s because the base model is just that well loaded. Each model starts with an increased 783cc, liquid-cooled, 90 degree, 4 stroke V-twin engine. It’s paired up with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) through two 36mm Mikuni throttle bodies. The transmission is a CVT with high/low range and a wet centrifugal clutch. All 3 models are also equipped with reservoir coil-over FOX Podium shocks giving 8 inches of travel in the front and 8.3 to the IRS in the rear. They measure in at 117.3 inches long, 61.6 inches wide and between 74.8 and 76.8 inches high, the base model being shorter. All have 11.1 inches of ground clearance and an 85.8 inch wheelbase. The trio is finished out with Electronic Power Steering to point the 26″ Maxxis Bighorn tires exactly where you want them. Other notable changes for 2014 include a new frame and cage design, improved door latches and changes to the body design. All of this is backed by the Kawasaki Strong 3 year limited warranty.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

So what do you get for the difference in price? Naturally the camo edition upgrades the base model’s Vibrant Blue color to Realtree APG HD camouflage. It also upgrades the headlight system to LED and adds a hard plastic roof. The Teryx LE gets the same LED headlights and roof but trades the Realtree APG HD camo for Candy Lime Green or Candy Burnt Orange including painted shock springs and A-arms. The LE also gets fancy seat covers and polished aluminum wheels.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

Similarly, there are three 2014 models of the four-person Teryx4. The base has an MSRP of $15,799, the camo edition at $16,299 and the LE will set you back $16,999. The specs are almost identical except for the obvious changes in dimensions. Length is stretched to 124.8 inches, and height goes to 77.3 for the base and 79.4 for the camo and LE models. The wheelbase changes unnoticeably to 85.7 inches. The base model trades the Vibrant Blue paint for Sunshine Yellow. The other model upgrades match those of the 2-door version mentioned above.

2014 Kawasaki Teryx

It’s obvious that Kawasaki doesn’t need to be concerned about printing a 4 digit engine size in their brochures. The KOH finishes alone prove that the Teryx is built to last through more in 8 hours that most rides will be put through in their lifetime. To see more information on the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx check out http://www.kawasaki.com/.