Polaris RZR Factory Racing Prevails at the Parker 250

Rhea-AI Summary

The RZR Factory Racing team demonstrated its dominance in UTV racing by clinching victory at the 2021 Parker 250, the first event of the Best In The Desert series in Arizona. Mitch Guthrie Jr. piloted his Polaris RZR Pro XP from a 53rd starting position to secure the UTV Overall win, finishing two minutes ahead of the second-place racer with a time of four hours and forty-two minutes. Despite challenging weather and race conditions, Guthrie's skilled driving highlighted the capabilities of the RZR Pro XP, setting a strong tone for the season.

Positive

• Polaris RZR won the overall UTV field at the 2021 Parker 250.
• Mitch Guthrie Jr. showcased exceptional driving, moving from 53rd to 1st position.
• The RZR Pro XP performed flawlessly, indicating strong product reliability.

Negative

• None.

The RZR Factory Racing team successfully showcased why they are the most winning brand in UTV racing at the 2021 Parker 250, the first round of the Best In The Desert series, in Parker, Ariz., by winning the stacked UTV Turbo class, as well as the UTV field overall. Mitch Guthrie Jr. and his Polaris RZR Pro XP came from behind to beat the entire field on the day, capturing the UTV Overall win on the weekend.

(Photo: Harlen Foley)

“The Parker 250 was a race we won’t forget for a while,” said Brett Carpenter, Manager of RZR Factory Racing. “Team RZR showed up eager to get the season started and we came away with a big win. Mitchie was on absolute rails all day and made a huge statement to kick the season off. I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team.”

In response to COVID-19 protocols, the 2021 Parker 250 race course was changed back to its more original layout, which consisted of four demanding 60+ mile loops. Cold and windy weather created challenging racing conditions easy and made visibility and a good, clean start more important than normal. For Guthrie, racing the Parker 250 was a decision that came late and as a result, would require him to start in 53^rd position after missing the draw the week prior. Despite his starting position, Guthrie reminded the UTV racing world why he is one of the most talented and decorated UTV racers in the sport.

Throughout the race, Guthrie’s methodical driving allowed him to make significant progress with each lap he completed, making quick work of the competition throughout the 250-mile race course. As lap traffic and visibility became a factor after lap one, Guthrie used his technical driving skills to push his RZR Pro XP towards the front for the next three laps. With a total finishing time two minutes ahead of the second-place racer, Guthrie completed the Parker 250 with a winning time of four hours and forty-two minutes.

“We really didn’t know if we were going to make it to Parker due to the uncertainty of my schedule, but once we decided we were in, we went all in,” said Guthrie. “This Pro XP was absolutely flawless all race. It’s the same RZR I raced at King of the Hammers a few weeks ago, so that’s a testament to what this platform is capable of. To come out here and start dead-last, then take the overall at the first BITD race of the year feels amazing. We’re ready for Laughlin!”

Polaris RZR Factory Racing will be back in action at round one of the TexPlex Racing Series, held at TexPlex Park in Midlothian, Texas on March 6.

More information about Polaris Off-Road Vehicles and Polaris Engineered Accessories can be found at RZR.Polaris.com. Also, join the conversation and follow RZR on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2020 sales of $7.0 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER, RZR and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; snowmobiles; and deck, cruiser and pontoon boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including TransAmerica Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets includes military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210224005380/en/

FAQ

What did Polaris RZR achieve at the 2021 Parker 250?

Polaris RZR won the overall UTV field and the UTV Turbo class.

Who drove the winning vehicle for Polaris RZR at the Parker 250?

Mitch Guthrie Jr. drove the winning Polaris RZR Pro XP.

What was the finishing time for Mitch Guthrie Jr. at the Parker 250?

Mitch Guthrie Jr. finished the race in four hours and forty-two minutes.

When is Polaris RZR competing next after the Parker 250?

Polaris RZR will compete at the TexPlex Racing Series on March 6.

Where did the Parker 250 event take place?

The Parker 250 took place in Parker, Arizona.