(THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN January 27, 2026) – From shimmering X Games gold medal performances to breakthrough wins in snocross and cross-country racing, it was another thrilling weekend of competition for Arctic Cat, its racers and loyal fans worldwide.
At X Games Aspen, Arctic Cat athlete Willie Elam delivered a standout double-medal performance. The high-flying Idaho native opened the weekend on Friday with astonishing aerial stunts before a live television audience on his 2026 Arctic Cat ZR 600 R-SX snowmobile, earning his third career X Games bronze medal in Freestyle.
On Sunday, Elam took his performance to new heights with a breakthrough victory in Speed & Style. This win marked Willie’s first-ever gold medal in 13 X Games appearances.
Elam said he could feel the support from the Arctic Cat community all weekend. “I was very proud to represent Arctic Cat,” he said. “Winning feels really good and doing so on an Arctic Cat makes it that much sweeter.”
Elam’s achievement was even more impressive considering he was competing with a stitched-up hand following a practice crash, plus he overcame a 300cc engine displacement disadvantage against much of the field. But his torquey ZR 600 R-SX responded well and carried him to victory.
Snocross class
In snocross racing, Eric Downs had a breakthrough weekend of his own. The Frattalone Racing Arctic Cat rider earned his first-ever Pro Lite victory on Friday in Shakopee, Minnesota. He followed it with a second-place finish Saturday, moving him to second place in the season points standings. Swedish rider Linus Pettersson also made history with his first-ever North American podium Friday on his Green Mountain Racing Arctic Cat.
Team Arctic’s Tyler Oomen continued his impressive season with two second-place finishes in Pro Am 30+. The Michigan racer has finished “on the box” in all six rounds this season. Ryder Harnois (Jr. 14-15) and Isaac Otto (Transition 9-13) impressively piloted their Arctic Cats to double podiums. Daniel Benham swept his Pro class heats on Friday and was leading the final, but he found himself out of rhythm after his goggles froze over. Even so, Daniel is second in overall season points on his Frattalone Racing Arctic Cat.
Cross-Country Class
In cross-country racing, Rielly Clark carried the Team Arctic colors to victory in two different classes – Sport Stock and Sport Improved Stock – at the prestigious Heartland 200 Cor Powersports event in Park Rapids, Minnesota. In Sport Stock, he was chased to the checkered flag by fellow Arctic Cat racer Braden Sillerud. The Diesen family continued to clean up in some youth classes, highlighted by Bryden Diesen’s wins in Junior 14-17 and Expert 600 Limited, and Kynsie Diesen’s victory in Junior 10-13 Girls. Aiden Johnson’s impressive run allowed him to grab second in Semi-Pro Improved Stock.
“I can’t put into words how hard everyone is working to help Team Arctic be successful right now, flying our green and black colors proudly,” said Team Arctic Race Manager Mike Kloety. “The snocross teams are exciting to watch, Willie killed it in Aspen, and our cross-country racers are securing podiums. Aiden Johnson’s second in Semi-Pro Improved Stock doesn’t tell the whole story; he was strong all weekend. Elliot Clark was No. 1 qualifier in Semi Pro stock; with him, Re Waden and Keagan Houser, we had three of the six front-row sleds in the final.”
Team Arctic continues to compete at the highest levels, resulting in better machines – and better experiences – for Arctic Cat snowmobilers everywhere.
About Arctic Cat
Arctic Cat has been a leader in the offroad industry since 1962. Arctic Cat markets its Snowmobile, ATV and SXS products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada and through distributors representing dealers in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.
