Early UTV Short-Course Racing History: Kawasaki Teryx vs. Polaris RZR
September 15, 2026
UTVGuide.net is an independent source for side-by-side news, reviews, buyer’s guides, technical information, custom builds and off-road adventures. Founded by Jon Crowley in 2007, the site has followed the modern UTV industry from its formative years through today’s increasingly specialized sport, recreation, adventure and utility vehicles.
Our goal is simple: provide useful information based on firsthand experience and a deep understanding of UTVs, the aftermarket industry and the places people ride.
Specifications are important, but they do not tell the complete story. UTVGuide.net attends new-model introductions, evaluates vehicles in real-world conditions, installs aftermarket products and builds project vehicles for specific types of terrain and use.
Our testing has taken us through the rocks of the Rubicon Trail, Moab and Sand Hollow; across deserts and sand dunes; over high-elevation mountain routes; and onto farms, ranches and working properties. That experience helps us evaluate how a UTV’s suspension, drivetrain, comfort, cargo capacity, durability and overall design translate beyond the showroom floor.
Readers can explore our UTV reviews, use our buyer’s guides to compare vehicles and products, or browse the UTV model guide for coverage organized by manufacturer.
Founder and editor Jon Crowley has been involved with recreational side-by-sides since the Yamaha Rhino helped establish the modern UTV market. He has owned, tested, modified and raced vehicles from many of the industry’s leading manufacturers while documenting the evolution of both factory machines and the companies that support them.
That experience includes competing in some of the most demanding UTV terrain in the country. Jon finished second in the 2013 King of the Hammers UTV race and returned in 2015 to finish third in the Pro UTV class with a Polaris RZR S 900. Only five of more than 50 starters completed the 2015 race.
Those experiences influence how UTVGuide.net approaches reviews and technical content. Performance is evaluated in terms of real terrain, vehicle preparation, reliability, usability and the compromises that come with different designs—not simply horsepower or headline specifications.
Read more about the evolution of the event in our history of the King of the Hammers UTV race, or explore articles by Jon Crowley.
UTVGuide.net does more than test stock vehicles. We install suspension components, wheels, tires, protection, lighting, communications equipment, storage systems and other accessories to learn how they perform as part of a complete vehicle.
Our UTV build projects document the transformation of stock machines into vehicles designed for rock crawling, desert travel, adventure riding, racing, hunting and property work. The Build Spotlight section showcases noteworthy vehicles created by builders, race teams, aftermarket manufacturers and individual enthusiasts.
For a look back at the early custom UTV movement, visit the UTV of the Month archive, which preserves selected builds from 2008 through 2016.
UTVs are ultimately about where they can take you. UTVGuide.net publishes firsthand trip reports and detailed UTV ride destinations covering trail systems, scenic routes, remote landmarks and off-road events across the American West and beyond.
Responsible access is essential to the future of motorized recreation. Our Land Use & Access coverage follows public-land proposals, agency decisions, comment opportunities and issues that may affect OHV routes and recreation.
UTVGuide.net publishes a combination of original reporting, firsthand vehicle and product evaluations, technical articles, industry announcements and historical resources. We aim to distinguish hands-on experience from manufacturer-provided information and to explain the advantages, limitations and intended use of the vehicles and products we cover.
Some vehicles, products or testing opportunities may be provided by manufacturers or industry partners. That access does not guarantee favorable coverage. Our priority is providing accurate, useful information that helps readers make informed decisions.
Because the UTV industry changes quickly, specifications, pricing and availability can change after publication. We encourage manufacturers, builders and readers to contact us with corrections or additional information.
UTV manufacturers, aftermarket companies, race teams, event organizers and public-land organizations are welcome to send relevant news and product information. We are also available for vehicle introductions, product testing, advertising opportunities and corrections.
