Valcourt, Québec – Can-Am X-Team member and Maverick™ 1000R side-by-side racer James Hill won the UTV Unlimited class at round one of the 2013 DIRT series at Lake Elsinore in Southern California.

“We’re thrilled to have Can-Am X-Team racer James Hill start off the season with a DIRT series victory in the Can-Am Maverick 1000R,” said Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “His UTV Unlimited class win further proves that the Maverick side-by-side vehicle is not only designed to excel at racing, but it’s also a versatile and legitimate threat to win, no matter the series and terrain.”

Hill, who competed in the UTV Unlimited class due to series rules and to partake in the Can-Am X-Team Contingency program, stated his Maverick 1000R X is basically stock. Hill (IMG Motorsports / GBC / Can-Am X-Team) dominated the UTV Unlimited class, winning both motos. His win is also the first official motocross-style (as opposed to Gran Prix or short-course racing) victory for a Can-Am Maverick 1000R driver.

“I was stoked to sweep both motos in the Maverick 1000R” said Hill. “The Maverick is amazing right out of the gate. It was good to get both holeshots and I was very pleased to be out front early. The Maverick works great when jumping and handled exceptionally well in the tight, technical turns on the Lake Elsinore motocross course. I honestly think I had the fastest side-by-side vehicle out there this weekend, regardless of the class structure.”

Taking second in moto two, Can-Am pilot John Pacheco garnered a fourth-place finish in his Maverick 1000R in the UTV Unlimited class.

New in 2012, the DIRT series features a more traditional motocross format and now includes side-by-side racing along with ATVs, dirt bikes and trophy karts. The races are held on core motocross tracks and can feature custom courses for the SxS vehicles. Racers compete in their class in two different motos and combine the scores to determine and final moto score and, ultimately, the winner. For more information, visit www.dirtentertainment.com.

For more information on Can-Am racing, the Maverick 1000R side-by-side vehicle, the entire 2013 schedule, the ’13 contingency program and Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program, please visit www.can-amxteam.com.