Last Labor Day, I had the pleasure of reigniting my inner 10-year-old with a trip to one of the most unlikely destinations, Crandon, Wisconsin. Now, you may be asking yourself: “Mark, of all the trips you take and all the exotic destinations you can go to, why on Earth would you go to the middle of nowhere, Wisconsin?” Well, here is the answer: it is home to one of the most badass races you can watch. The Polaris National Championship, the biggest off-road event in the world, takes place there, and by the time I am through with you, you will be asking me for recommendations on where to stay and calling your boss to get vacation time approved for this Labor Day.
The Polaris National Championship
Here is the thing: Polaris has an incredible race team. The dudes who get behind the wheels of these off-road vehicles are fearless and talented. Every Labor Day weekend, they descend on the small town of Crandon to go up against each other in the largest off-road race in the world. And people like me, who are just big kids at heart, descend upon the track, lovingly known as The Big House, to cheer on motors, madness, and mayhem as the Polaris RZRs tear around the dirt short course and break every law of gravitational pull.
But it wasn’t just watching for me. I got a chance to get behind the wheel of one of these badboys (both on my own and alongside perennial winner CJ Graves), and here is what I discovered: No matter how fast I thought I was going, CJ had a way of making me forget I was potty trained for the fastest two minutes of my life.
Doing something with a unique action
And that is the draw. While most people are looking for the time and the money to jet off to faraway lands and see the same thing that everyone else is seeing, you have the opportunity to stay in the country’s backyard to see something truly unique. Speed, expert handling, and no shortage of crashes that leave you breathless until the driver crawls out and pulls his vehicle to the side. Or, even more impressively, just flip the thing back over and get them on the road again.
Now you want one…here are the ones for you
Now, here is the trap. Once you get behind the wheel of these. Or, more dangerously, once you see what one of these things is capable of, you can’t help but start thinking you need to really frustrate your significant other by dropping a chunk of your savings to follow in CJ’s footsteps. But Polaris has a wide range of off-road vehicles, and they are all designed specifically for your lifestyle. So, here is a handy guide to help you get started.
The Northeastern man with a little land:
- Recommended Vehicle: Polaris RANGER 1000
For property owners balancing chores and weekend fun, the RANGER 1000 is the ultimate do-it-all utility side-by-side. Its proven ProStar engine delivers the torque needed for hauling firewood, plowing snow, or towing equipment, while still offering a smooth, quiet ride for family cruises down backroads. With ample storage and accessory options like enclosed cabs and heaters, it’s purpose-built for all-season New England living.
The Pacific Northwestern guy looking to explore the wilderness/;
- Recommended Vehicle: Polaris XPEDITION ADV 5 NorthStar
The Polaris XPEDITION bridges adventure touring and off-road capability like nothing else on the market. With full doors, integrated heat and A/C, and up to 200 miles of range, it’s made for deep exploration through mossy forests and mountain passes. Its enclosed cab keeps riders comfortable in unpredictable PNW weather, while the flat-fold rear seats and massive cargo space let you load up camping gear, kayaks, or camera equipment for multi-day getaways.
The Desert junkie:
- Recommended Vehicle: Polaris RZR Pro R
In the wide-open desert, there’s no substitute for raw power and control — and the RZR Pro R leads the pack. Its 225-horsepower ProStar Fury engine and FOX Live Valve shocks are engineered for high-speed dune carving and rugged rock sections alike. With unmatched suspension travel and chassis rigidity, it’s a machine built for riders who want to push boundaries across Glamis, Johnson Valley, or Baja-style terrain.
The Southeastern swamp thing:
- Recommended Vehicle: Polaris Sportsman 850 High Lifter Edition
Designed specifically for mud and water, the Sportsman High Lifter Edition turns the swamp into its playground. It features snorkeled intakes, arched A-arms, and high-clearance suspension to keep riders moving through deep ruts and standing water. Aggressive 30-inch Outlaw 2 tires provide unstoppable traction, while factory-sealed electronics make it worry-free when things get wet and wild.
The man with the ranch:
- Recommended Vehicle: Polaris RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar
When your workday starts before sunrise and doesn’t end until the chores are done, you need the durability and comfort of the RANGER XD 1500 NorthStar. It’s built to handle heavy towing, fence runs, livestock care, and long days in any weather with a fully enclosed cab, heat, and A/C. Smooth suspension and intuitive handling make it a reliable daily partner across acres of ranch land — no matter the season or workload.
There you have it, 2026 is the year of speed. So ditch the Roman holiday, the French getaway, and the English summer. You don’t need the Caribbean vacation or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Instead, go for speed, dirt, fried food, and exhilaration that will make you forget that you are mathematically an adult.
