As reported earlier by our sister publication Snow Goer, Arctic Cat unveiled its 2026 ZR 600 EPS, the second of its power-steering-equipped two-stroke snowmobiles. The reveal came in front of an enthusiastic crowd during Hay Days, which took place in North Branch, Minnesota, Sept. 6-7.
This newest model in Arctic Cat’s 2026 snowmobile lineup will have ACS 5 shocks and the Sport gauge. It will also include an electric-assist power steering (EPS) system, something the company first introduced on a two-stroke in the 2026 EXT Special it unveiled last spring.
The sled will be powered by Arctic Cat’s exclusive 600-class, twin-cylinder, laydown engine. The EPS system is designed to mitigate negative feedback that flows through the handlebars, making it easier on riders.
Two configurations will be available. The first a ZR 600 EPS 129, with a 15- by 129- by 1.25-inch RipSaw track surrounding an uncoupled version of the Slide-Action rear suspension. Its MSRP is $15,689. The other is a ZR 600 EPS 137, with a 15- by 137- by 1.25-inch RipSaw II track around a coupled Slide-Action and an MSRP of $15,899.
Those prices, as Snow Goer earlier reported, are only $800 more than the non-EPS-equipped ZR 600 Sno Pros revealed in April, and less than the ZR 600 ATAC models.
The product announcement came just 135 days after Arctic Cat was acquired from Textron. The acquisition was led by the now president and CEO, Brad Darling, who shared with the Hay Days crowd the company’s plans for the near future.
He says Arctic Cat currently has ATVs, snowmobiles, and side-by-sides rolling off the assembly line and had a direct message to its dealer partners: “The company is committed to providing dealers with the products and the tools to move the brand forward.”
Darling also shared the company’s three brand pillars: Passion, legacy, and rider first; and reiterated that every decision comes from the trail up, not the boardroom down.
One of the true “good guys” in the sport of snowmobiling was featured in a recent daily newspaper article and posted on Snow Goer’s website. The story also showcased the investment that the state of Pennsylvania is making in snowmobiling and ATV and off-roading.
Bob Kirchner was announced in June as a 2025 inductee into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Our crew at Snow Goer has known Bob for years and can confirm that he is definitely worthy of the honor.
The Record Herald daily newspaper of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, showcased Kirchner’s love of the sport and the positive impact snowmobiling and ATV riding has on his life. And vice-versa.
The story also featured news of $2.1 million in new investments that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Josh Shapiro Administration are making to improve trails and facilities serving snowmobile and ATV riding in the state.
Recipients of the grants include the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association, the PA Snowseekers Snowmobile Club, the McKean Area Snowmobile Club, the Pennsylvania Trails Foundation and more.
Congratulations again to Bob Kirchner. And, “Thank You!” to the state of Pennsylvania for the investment in snowmobiling and off-road. Thanks also to The Record Herald and outdoor writer Brian Whipkey for shining a positive light on the sport.
Ski-Doo factory racer Elias Ishoel, one of the most decorated and exciting athletes in Snocross history, announced his retirement from racing effective immediately during a Hay Days event on Sept. 6.
Ishoel’s career is defined by five straight ISOC Pro class championships in North America, the 2025 FIM Snocross World Championship in Europe, and a highlight reel of aggressive, fearless riding that thrilled fans across the globe. He also tallied 47 Pro wins and 15 Pro-Lite victories along the way.
“When Elias was on track, you never knew what was coming, but you knew it was going to be big,” Ski-Doo said in its announcement. “His precision and control at speed, in the toughest conditions, made him one of the sport’s most unforgettable competitors.”
Injury battles
The 26-year-old Norwegian rider’s decision comes after two consecutive seasons marred by injuries. The most severe occurred during the 2023-24 season at Deadwood, South Dakota, when a sled landed on him, leaving him with more than 15 fractures, a collapsed lung, and other major injuries.
True to form, Ishoel bounced back, winning the 2024-25 season opener in Ironwood, Michigan, and briefly led the points race. However, additional practice crashes hampered his performance, and he ultimately decided his body was no longer recovering at the level needed to compete for championships.
“Walking away from racing is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Ishoel said in a statement. “For me, Snocross has always been about having fun and winning championships — and if I’m not able to chase that with a good feeling, it’s time to step back.”
What’s next
While stepping away from competition, Ishoel says he plans to stay connected to the sport, including mentoring younger racers and sharing his experience.
“My heart will always belong to Snocross,” he says. “I want to find a way to stay connected to the sport and the people who have supported me through every high and low.”