In a rodeo season filled with grit and rigor, one team showed the world what it was made of.
While rodeo isn’t necessarily the first sport that comes to mind when you think teamwork, Team Polaris is switching things up by bringing some of rodeo’s biggest heavy hitters together.
Known initially for its dominance in powersports and off-road innovation, Polaris Off Road announced its 2023 Texas Rodeo Tour in June of 2023. If a presence at seven marquee rodeo events wasn't enough to convince the world that Polaris was serious about rodeo, the lineup for their iconic team made it clear they were ready to be taken seriously.
Between Stetson Wright, Tyson Durfey, Sage Kimzey, Lisa Lockhart, and Kaycee Feild, Team Polaris had put itself on the map as a team to watch during the 2023 rodeo circuit. One rodeo season later, they’re still riding high with multiple team members ranking nationally.
C&I chatted with Melissa Rowles, Marketing Manager of Polaris, to get an inside look into the power of Team Polaris and what’s coming next for the team.
C&I: 2023 has been a big year for Team Polaris. What have been some of the most rewarding moments of this rodeo season?
Rowles: It has been an exciting season with several highlights, including the addition of eight-time World Champion Stetson Wright and having three of our five athletes qualify for NFR. We were thrilled with Team Polaris’ performance at The American, taking top honors in Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull and Barrell Racing; with Kaycee Feild, Stetson Wright, and Lisa Lockhart winning those disciplines respectfully. Additionally, in 2023 we also added a mobile tour with Polaris attending eight additional rodeos as part of a Texas Rodeo Tour.
C&I: Team Polaris is a star-studded team full of iconic rodeo athletes. What did you look for in an athlete when building out this team?
Rowles: Polaris Off Road is dedicated to delivering innovative, hardworking machines capable of handling the toughest duties day-in and day-out. Our athletes boast those same characteristics as they are hardworking, dedicated, and have a desire to continually drive to stay at the top of their craft.
C&I: Polaris Off Road specializes in powersports and off-road innovation. What made rodeo the best choice for Polaris’ next big endeavor?
Rowles: Sponsoring the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association gives Polaris an opportunity to connect with those customers to learn more about their needs and passions so we may continue to deliver products and offerings that help them get more done and enhance their off-road experience.
C&I: What are some qualities that make a successful rodeo team?
Rowles: Success is often a result of hard work, dedication, and drive — all of which Team Polaris embodies.
C&I: Can you give us a sneak peek for what we can expect from Polaris next rodeo season?
Rowles: We look forward to continuing to partner with the PRCA and support Professional Rode. More to come in 2024!
Check out our conversations with Team Polaris members Sage Kimzey and Lisa Lockhart.
Images: Courtesy of American Rodeo and NFR Experience
