(THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN February 9, 2026) – The legendary, self-named “3 Old Guys” will embark on another grand snowmobiling adventure this winter, aided by a fleet of easy-steering, sharp-handling Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
Illustrious adventure riders Paul Dick, Rob Hallstrom and Rex Hibbert will utilize electric power-steering (EPS) equipped 2026 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EPS snowmobiles to cross the rugged Alaskan outback in this month as they serve as ambassadors for the Iron Dog – the world’s longest & toughest snowmobile race. The 3 Old Guys will be joined by fellow Arctic Cat riders Brad Hellwig (an Alaska dealership owner and former Iron Dog competitor), his son, Tyler Helwig, plus Arctic Insider & Thomas Sno Sports owner Tom Rowland, on the grueling, 1,500-mile trek from Big Lake to Nome, Alaska. Their adventure begins Thursday, February 12.
The 2026 ZR 600 EPS is one of two snowmobiles offered by Arctic Cat that are the first production two-stroke snowmobiles equipped with power steering. The speed- and torque-sensing EPS system eases steering effort, dampens feedback through the system and allows for less required handlebar turning – all key benefits to any rider.
For three riders in their late 60s through mid-70s crossing unforgiving terrain on ungroomed paths, though, the exclusive Arctic Cat EPS system offers particularly strong benefits – making every riding day more enjoyable and far less tiring.
“The power steering is going to be a real game-changer for us,” Rob Hallstrom said during a January test run on the 2026 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EPS models. “We’ll run some 300- or even 400-mile days and those can get really hard on you. We know EPS will make it easier. Plus, because of the EPS we can run some aggressive carbides without the normal trade-off you’d have from fighting the heavy steering those runners would normally cause.”
“When we get into tight bush up there, there will be rocks, frozen clumps and a lot more that we’ll be encountering,” Paul Dick added. “That can be really strenuous on any rider. The EPS will undoubtedly make it a lot easier to handle.”
As ambassadors, the group will pre-run the Iron Dog course before the competitive classes. Along their route, the 3 Old Guys plus co-ambassadors Rowland and the Hellwigs, will pull their Arctic Cat ZR 600 EPS into town and villages, share information about the Iron Dog and give snowmobile safety gear to school children. The 3 Old Guys’ formal duties wrap up at the Halfway Banquet in Nome, Alaska, though the trio has plans to potentially extend their ride much farther.
The 3 Old Guys first gained acclaim in 2019 with a 2,950-mile adventure from Paul Dick’s home in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Churchill, Manitoba, riding Arctic Cat Norseman 600 snowmobiles. In 2023, their legend grew with a demanding 5,600-mile adventure from Grand Rapids to Fairbanks, Alaska, aboard Arctic Cat Norseman 800 snowmobiles. Hundreds of thousands of viewers followed their adventure through nightly social media updates.
Last year, the trio completed a 3,700-mile journey from Grand Rapids to the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland & Labrador, using Riot 600 snowmobile built on Arctic Cat’s new Catalyst chassis.
“Those Catalysts were flawless, easy to drive and so comfortable,” Rex Hibbert said. “They were the perfect sled for the trip. Now we’ll benefit from both the Catalyst and power steering.”
“Not every rider will embark on the extreme expeditions that have made the 3 Old Guys famous, but their rides in many ways exemplify the adventurous spirit felt by every Arctic Cat rider,” said Brad Darling, Arctic Cat President and CEO. “We’re proud to be a part of their story, and glad they are part of the Arctic Cat family.”
Through every mile, challenge and unforgettable story, the 3 Old Guys continue to inspire with their relentless pursuit of new horizons. Arctic Cat has been more than just their ride – it has been a steadfast partner, trusted through every grueling journey across trails, ice and backcountry. Now, with the cutting-edge ZR 600 EPS snowmobiles, the 3 Old Guys are equipped with the most advanced technology to make each ride smoother, more enjoyable and even more legendary. Follow their journey, which starts on February 12, on the “3 Old Guys Ride Across North America” Facebook page, and on Arctic Cat’s social media platforms.
About Arctic Cat Arctic Cat has been a leader in the offroad industry since 1962. Arctic Cat markets its Snowmobile, ATV and SXS products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada and through distributors representing dealers in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.
Read the full article here