RANCHO SUSPENSION SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2009 FORD F-150 4WD MODELS

PRECISELY ENGINEERED RANCHO® SUSPENSION SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2009 FORD F-150 4WD MODELS

LONG BEACH, CA, August 14, 2009 – Built to withstand the demand of both off- and on-road driving, Rancho has released a brand-new system for the 2009 Ford F-150, delivering a suspension system that maximizes handling and performance benefits. The new suspension – completely compatible with the Ford AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®) system – is now available through thousands of off-road performance retailers nationwide.Rancho, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., is one of the world’s most recognized brands of off-road suspension components and accessories.

Utilizing legendary engineering design, the new Rancho F-1501 suspension system (p/n RS6518B) provides 4-inches of lift, levels the front and rear, and allows for the use of larger wheel and tire package (up to 35-in. tires and 18- and 20-in. wheels). Stock wheels can be re-used.Including a heavy-duty, one-piece subframe made from high-strength low- alloy steel, the system provides exceptional strength while installing easily and maintaining proper CV and driveshaft angles to minimize vibrations. Another key component of the system are CNC-machined extended steering knuckles. The system includes all alignment hardware and aligns to OE specifications.Rancho engineers maintained the factory location of the rack and pinion and included meticulously designed, maintenance-free components. Use of the system does not increase track width and ensures proper steering geometry.

The new system from Rancho is fully compatible with Rancho RS9000XL™ adjustable shock absorbers (front RS999806; rear RS999287) that feature a larger diameter reserve tube to allow for cooler and more consistent performance under the most demanding conditions. The RS9000XL shocks also are constructed with a larger-than-normal 18-mm diameter chromed piston rod and are finished in Liquid Metallic Silver. The shocks can be controlled with the Rancho MyRIDE™ Wireless Controller, providing wireless, instant manipulation of the shock ride profile.The system also includes rear leaf spring blocks. Every Rancho system includes all of the necessary components to complete the installation; detailed, full-color installation instructions; and a limited lifetime warranty. No drivetrain modifications are necessary. The system is only available in black.

Rancho is manufactured and marketed by Tenneco Inc. (NYSE: TEN).

To learn more about the Rancho 2009 Ford F-150 suspension system or for more information about other Rancho products, please visit your preferred Rancho retailer, visit www.GoRancho.com or write to: Rancho Suspension, 6925 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805. To locate your nearest Rancho authorized dealer, please use the “Dealer Locator” at www.GoRancho.com to generate a list of online and local retailer stores in your selected region.

Tenneco is a $5.9 billion manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 21,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive original equipment market and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe®, Walker®, Gillet™ and Clevite® Elastomer brand names.

New Roost Guard From Yoshimura for CRF450R

Chino, Calif. - August 12, 2009 - Yoshimura has just released a Carbon Fiber Roost Guard for the 2009-2010 CRF450R. The new Yoshimura Carbon Fiber Roost Guard not only protects the Honda's header from damage from rocks, dirt, mud and debris, but also keeps the mud from collecting and baking on the header, causing it to overheat and weaken the metal. This protective guard is especially important with titanium headers because titanium can become brittle at high temperatures, increasing the risk and severity of dents to the header.

This beautifully sculpted carbon piece mounts up to either a Yoshimura or OEM header. In addtion to its excellent protection benefits, the Roost Guard looks trick, is super light weight and clamps on in minutes.

Available now from your local dealer.

Carbon Fiber Roost Guard for the 2009-10 CRF450R
P/N 2257-CFH-KIT
MSRP $139.95

www.yoshimura-rd.com

BLM Accepting Applications for Vendors at Sand Mountain Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Carson City District-Stillwater Field Office announces the availability of 2009-2010 Special Recreation Permit (SRP) applications for businesses wishing to conduct vending operations at the Sand Mountain Recreation Area in Churchill County.
Vendor Permits are a type of Commercial SRP and are required in order to sell any products or services on public land administered by BLM. Three percent of all gross sales collected from vending operations at Sand Mountain stay in the Stillwater Field Office. These collected fees are used to sustain existing amenities, general site maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency services during heavy holiday periods.Sand Mountain Recreation Area applications will be accepted for the 2009-2010 vending season from Aug. 5 through Sept. 25 and Dec. 1 through Feb. 1, 2010. Any permit application submissions received outside these dates or not completed will be returned. After submitting an application, the BLM-Stillwater Field Office Manager has the discretion to approve, disapprove or modify a permit. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their permits are received in hand before vending at Sand Mountain.

For information, contact (775) 885-6000 and ask for the Sand Mountain coordinator. Or you can visit the BLM Carson City website at: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field.html

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Subgroup Members Selected

The California Desert Advisory Council (DAC) has selected members for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) subgroup. They are Dick Holliday, representing the DAC; Bob Hamm, representing Imperial County; Larry Jowdy and Jim Bramham, representing California off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts; Bob Mason and Chuck Hattaway, representing OHV organizations; Nicole Nicholas-Giles, representing nearby California communities; Ken Rosevear, representing nearby Arizona communities; and Glenn Montgomery, representing Arizona OHV enthusiasts.
Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, input from the subgroup will be presented directly to the DAC for its deliberation and consideration. The DAC, in turn, in its advisory capacity, develops recommendations for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) California Desert District manager concerning use, classification, retention, disposal, or other aspects of public land planning and management in the public interest.
The subgroup will meet at least three times per year, once before the recreation season, once during the season, and once after the season. Other meetings may be called as required. All meetings are open to the public.

For further information, including dates and locations of scheduled meetings, please visit the subgroup’s website: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra/dunesinfo/funding/isdradacsg.html

NEW Pro Series GM LS Long Stroke Crankshafts

Much like the traditional Small Block Chevy, GM’s LS platform has amassed an impressive following of performance enthusiasts who are drawn to its outstanding power potential and durability. With the support of aftermarket parts manufacturers, enthusiasts have been able to constantly raise the bar on what was thought to be the power and cubic inch limits of the LS engine. Adding to the fun, aftermarket race block manufacturers have introduced cast iron, aluminum and billet race versions of the LS platform. Several of these race blocks offer big cubic inch capabilities such as the World Products® Warhawk, GM® LSX and the new RHS® LS Race Block. These blocks give racers the chance to raise the performance bar yet again. So what is the limiting factor now from being able to build a big block territory LS engine? No crankshaft company has stepped up to fill the need for a series of forged “off-the- shelf” long stroke LS crankshafts – until now. As an innovator in LS bottom end components, Lunati® has forged a new path in the LS world by developing GM LS Long Stroke crankshafts based on our popular Pro Series™ line. These forged 4340 non-twist steel Pro Series crankshafts are the perfect fit for any high horsepower application and are capable of producing over 500 cubic inches and easily handling 1,000+hp. Several strokes are available, including, but not limited to: 4.250”, 4.325”, 4.425”, 4.500”, 4.525”, 4.600” and 4.625”. Lunati also has semi-finished crankshafts in stock for engine builds that require a 2.200” (Big Block Chevy) pin size or the LS7 style long snout.Like all Lunati Pro Series crankshafts, these new GM LS Long Stroke cranks incorporate micro-polished and lightened rod journals, gun drilled mains, a special nitride heat treatment and a Lunati exclusive counterweight design which greatly reduces windage. Other professional level design features like a fully detailed and profiled finish, ensures that you receive the most capable and strongest crankshaft available. Have questions about what crankshaft is best for your LS build? Give our tech guys a call (662) 892-1500.

Lunati, LLC
11126 Willow Ridge Drive
Olive Branch, MS 38654
Phone: 662-892-1500
Fax: 662-890-6309
Website: www.lunatipower.com

Yamaha Launches Rally Around the Rhino Widget

Upload the Widget and Support the Rhino and Off-Road Industry at www.truthaboutrhino.com

CYPRESS, Calif. – August 5, 2009 – Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., in support of the TruthAboutRhino.com Web site, has launched the Rally Around the Rhino widget – an icon available for downloading onto any online site or page with a direct link to www.truthaboutrhino.com. The Rally Around the Rhino widget enables off-road enthusiasts and their online community friends show their support for the Rhino and the entire Side-by-Side (SxS) industry.

“Since launching the TruthAboutRhino.com we have seen a tremendous positive response from our customers, dealers and the entire off-road industry,” said Steve Nessl, Marketing Manager for Yamaha’s ATV & SxS Group. “Our customers are the people who support the Rhino the most, and the Web site gives them a home for their collective voice – one the general news media and other parties outside of the industry have yet to recognize. By downloading the new Rally Around the Rhino widget, our fans can help us educate the general public and combat some of the negative and inaccurate information that’s out there.”

The widget is currently available for download by visiting www.truthaboutrhino.com. To download the widget simply click on the “share” button in the bottom right hand corner and copy and paste the html code into your personal Web site content. Or, by clicking on this link or the “Download this Widget” link on the Truth About Rhino Web site, you can simply follow the instructions provided for the individual online media outlets.

The www.truthaboutrhino.com Web site was created to provide accurate information about Yamaha and its Rhino SxS vehicles, to combat the recent flurry of inaccurate information and negative advertisements targeting the vehicle, and to encourage Rhino customers and the off-road industry to show their support for the SxS segment as a whole. By adding the Rally Around the Rhino widget to any online media site including personal blogs, Web sites or FaceBook and My Space pages, fans can show their support and link to up-to-date information regarding the Truth About Rhino. Yamaha also recently updated the Truth About Rhino Web site with RSS feed capabilities. Visit the site and sign up today to begin receiving updates directly into your reader or browser regarding the Yamaha Rhino.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding line of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com .
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SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.

Yamaha Responds to CBS News Story Regarding Rhino Safety

CYPRESS, Calif. – August 4, 2009 – The following is an official statement from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., in response to the recent CBS News story. This statement can be attributed to Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Please go to www.TruthAboutRhino.com for more information.

Safety drives everything we do at Yamaha. We are proud of the safety record and safety features of the Yamaha Rhino, which has skyrocketed in popularity due to its exceptional reliability, safety and versatility. Over 150,000 Rhino owners have used the vehicles safely, including the U.S. military, border patrol, and a growing number of law enforcement agencies, fire fighters and other first responders. In fact, more than 99 percent of Rhino owners have operated their vehicles safely and responsibly over millions of hours of use. The Rhino has won virtually every “first in class” award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction.
The popularity of the Rhino, and the fact that it represents a new category of off-road motorized vehicles, has made it a target for some plaintiffs’ lawyers who increasingly use the Internet, television advertisements and the news media to attract clients. As the first trial dates approach in personal injury litigation in various courts, some law firms have embarked on a misleading publicity campaign to influence potential jurors and/or the outcomes of these cases, and to solicit potential clients. Yamaha will properly deal with these cases in the courtroom based on all the relevant evidence and a fair opportunity to be heard.
Unfortunately, these law firms successfully convinced CBS News to help further their disingenuous publicity campaign, and the network aired a story on the Rhino that included inaccurate, incomplete and false information.
To begin with, CBS featured an incident involving Justin Miller, but failed to mention that Mr. Miller was driving a heavily modified Rhino. As the photo of that Rhino posted on CBS's own website reveals and the investigating officer testified -- the Rhino Miller was driving had an extended cage structure, and what looks to be a back seat bolted to the rear cargo bed. The vehicle's owner signed a waiver for his purchase of a "Custom Rhino" stating that the vehicle has "additional third party parts and accessories not offered by the manufacturer" and releasing all claims against the dealer and "all other persons and entities" related to the purchase of the vehicle.
The CBS story also shows security camera footage of an incident involving Zach Murray, a former employee at a Yamaha dealership who is currently a plaintiff with his own pending lawsuit. In a post-incident letter to his employer, Mr. Murray wrote that he intentionally stepped out of the overturning vehicle. Although CBS was made aware of Mr. Murray's letter, they neglected to include mention of it in their story.
In addition, Mr. Murray was not wearing a seatbelt or a helmet. He was operating the vehicle on pavement then made a sharp, high-acceleration turn, and did not stay inside the vehicle. A more complete version of the security camera tape shows two other vehicles being driven recklessly on the same stretch of pavement where the accident occurred, suggesting that an atmosphere of horseplay existed just prior to Murray's crash, and that the only reason for Murray to be making a sharp, high acceleration turn was to also engage in horseplay. In a separate part of the story, CBS cites documents that discuss an early pre-prototype vehicle that had a different design than, and no relation to, the Rhino that is on the market today. Despite being told weeks ago that it would be false to imply that these documents relate to the Rhino in any way, CBS chose to include this misleading information in its report.
Yamaha was contacted for the CBS segment two months ago by Myron Levin, a freelance reporter with a long history of writing news stories that favor the plaintiffs’ bar. Yamaha provided a great deal of information to Mr. Levin, including responding to more than 40 written questions. Mr. Levin also conducted an hour-long interview with a Yamaha representative at Yamaha's offices in California. Yamaha did not agree to an on-air interview with the reporter, Armen Keteyian, because we could not be assured that such an interview would not be selectively edited and used in misleading ways with statements taken out-of-context given the obvious plaintiffs’ slant with which the CBS producers were developing their story.
Like the CPSC, Yamaha takes very seriously any reported Rhino-related accident, and Yamaha has fully cooperated in the agency’s investigation of the Rhino and its request for modifications. Yamaha will continue to work to promote safe and responsible use of the vehicles, including the active, ongoing development of standards for all recreational off-road side-by-side vehicles, including the Rhino.
Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino and will continue to vigorously defend the product against baseless claims and distortions, whether they be from plaintiffs’ law firms or biased, inaccurate media reports parroting these lawyers’ claims. The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle when driven responsibly by licensed operators aged 16 or older and according to the instructions and warnings in our on-product labels, owner’s manuals, and other safety materials.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding line of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

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SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers age 16 years and older.