DuneFest 2013 brought five days of riding, racing and new UTVs to the Winchester Bay dunes on the Oregon coast. The biggest news was the arrival of the recently introduced 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000, but the event also featured turbocharged dune builds, the Last Man Standing race, a UTV tractor pull and a growing collection of manufacturers and aftermarket vendors.
By Jon Crowley
This was my fourth year attending DuneFest, and the 2013 event was the best one yet. The vendor area was larger, the event was well organized and the weather was excellent for four of the five days.
DuneFest takes place at the Winchester Bay dunes, part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near Reedsport, Oregon. In 2013, the event was organized by the Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce, with the sand camping and staging facilities operating on National Forest land under a special-use permit from Siuslaw National Forest.
During the event, the Winchester Bay riding area was dedicated to DuneFest from Wednesday through Sunday. Riders needed an event wristband to enter the dunes and participate in the organized activities.
I stayed at the Winchester Bay Inn and staged my enclosed trailer behind the main stage. That arrangement worked well because I could lock the UTVs in the trailer at night and drive my truck back to the motel near Salmon Harbor.
Two UTV Guide Project Cars at DuneFest
I had two UTV Guide project vehicles at DuneFest 2013. I hauled our turbocharged Arctic Cat Wildcat, while Fullerton Sand Sports transported our newly completed Jagged X RZR XP—better known as “The Beast.”
Turbocharged Arctic Cat Wildcat
Our 2012 Arctic Cat Wildcat had been transformed into a serious dune machine. The build combined an MCX-USA turbo system with FOX suspension, HiPer Racing single-beadlock wheels, STU sand tires from Fullerton Sand Sports, Vision X lighting, Beard seats and a custom wrap.
See the complete Arctic Cat Wildcat buildup for the parts, specifications and additional photos.
Jagged X RZR XP “The Beast”
The other UTV Guide project at DuneFest was our highly modified Polaris RZR XP H.O. Jagged X Edition. The combination of a big-bore engine, turbocharger and long-travel suspension made “The Beast” especially well suited to the steep and technical Winchester Bay dunes.
See the complete Jagged X RZR XP buildup for a closer look at this landmark project.
Muzzys Performance Big-Bore RZR XP Race Car
Muzzys Performance also brought a highly modified Polaris RZR XP race car. Its big-bore engine and competition-focused preparation reflected how quickly the original RZR XP 900 had become a platform for high-horsepower racing and dune builds.
Polaris RZR XP 1000 Makes Its DuneFest Debut
The biggest UTV story at DuneFest 2013 was the arrival of the new 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000. Polaris had unveiled the machine earlier that week during its dealer meeting and brought approximately 10 vehicles to Winchester Bay for public demo rides.
The guided drives lasted more than 10 minutes and gave riders a meaningful opportunity to experience the new machine in real dunes. Polaris also supplied an XP 1000 that DuneFest auctioned for charity on Friday night.
I had an opportunity to ride as both a passenger and driver. The XP 1000’s 999cc engine, longer wheelbase, roomier cockpit and increased suspension travel represented a substantial step forward from the RZR XP 900.
Read my contemporary Polaris RZR XP 1000 first ride review, or explore the model’s specifications and legacy in our 2014 Polaris RZR XP 1000 history and overview.
Last Man Standing UTV Race
DuneFest’s Last Man Standing race put the machines and drivers through a demanding course in the Winchester Bay sand. A K&T Performance turbocharged Polaris RZR XP 900 took the victory.
UTV Tractor Pull
The UTV tractor pull was another distinctive part of the 2013 event. A Can-Am Commander equipped with track systems won the Pro class, demonstrating an entirely different kind of traction than the paddle-tire dune machines surrounding it.
Manufacturers and Vendors at DuneFest 2013
The expanding manufacturer and vendor area showed how quickly the side-by-side market was growing. Polaris displayed the new RZR XP 1000, while Yamaha, Arctic Cat, John Deere, KYMCO, PRP Seats and aftermarket suppliers also had products on display.
More Photos from DuneFest 2013
Beyond the new machines and organized competitions, DuneFest included freestyle action, dune riding, vendor displays, a charity auction and the distinctive atmosphere that made Winchester Bay one of the Pacific Northwest’s major sand events.
DuneFest Through the Years
DuneFest 2013 followed several years of UTV Guide coverage from Winchester Bay. Explore the earlier reports to see how both the event and the side-by-side industry evolved:
DuneFest 2013 captured an important moment in sport UTV history. Turbocharged RZR XP 900 and Wildcat builds demonstrated how far the aftermarket had pushed the existing platforms, while the appearance of the RZR XP 1000 previewed the next generation of high-performance side-by-sides.
