2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled Preview

Polaris has updated its IQ Race Sled for 2014 with a new lightweight crankshaft and 128-inch rear suspension.

According to Polaris, the new 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled is the result of integrated collaboration among Polaris snocross and cross-country racers, race team personnel and Polaris snowmobile engineers. 

“This season’s race sled is the refinement of a legendary vehicle, with a focus on holeshot and throttle response improvements,” says Matt Prusak, race program leader in the Polaris Snowmobile Division. “The benefits will be seen by snocross and cross-country racers alike.”

Polaris Race Manager Tom Rager, Jr., said racers and teams have been impressed with the performance of the new race sled in testing and on-track evaluations.

“The industry’s only purpose-built race sled just keeps getting better and better,” says Rager. “A lot of the sled’s development credit goes to several of our riders, Ross Martin in particular, who tested it and made it so good.”

2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled Updates

• New Lightweight Crankshaft The new lightweight crankshaft provides a 2.5-pound weight reduction in rotating mass.

According to Polaris, this results in a 25% reduction in inertia, improved throttle response and increased acceleration. Racers will achieve better holeshots, and the engine will reach its optimal operating RPM faster.

• New 128″ Rear Suspension Polaris says its racers willl benefit from the increased traction of the new 128-inch rear suspension and new 128-inch track. This new setup is designed to deliver better holeshots, better stability in whoops sections, and improved cornering.

This new rear suspension is based on the original IQ Race geometry, with new rail beams and tunnel components to package the longer track length. The 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled utilizes an aggressive new 128-inch Sno-XT track.

“Along with delivering an improved holeshot, the new rear suspension tracks straighter in the whoops sections, and results in less ski lift for enhanced turning,” says Prusak. “Our cross-country racers in particular will benefit from the improved high-speed stability.”

Along with the new 128-inch rear suspension, additional improvements were made to enhance performance and reliability.

• Updated Shock Calibration The Walker Evans shocks used in the race sled’s front and rear suspension have been recalibrated for 2014.

• New Brake Pads The new Hayes Type 126 brake pads were developed to deliver consistently reliable braking as brake systems heat up during aggressive racing action. Racers should also see an improvement in brake pad life.

• New MY14 Racing Graphics While Polaris racing teams will customize their sleds with team graphics, racing numbers and sponsor logos, they’ll start with a new look that features a white hood, red belly pan, accents of red, white and blue, and Polaris graphics. The 2014 race sled also has a low white windshield.