Tarantula Performance Racing Introduces “Spyder Quad” at 2008 Indianapolis Dealer Showcase

Tarantula Performance Racing, a relatively new custom ATV parts manufacturer, has teamed up with Quinn Michael, the extreme force behind Outta Control Racing Ministries, along with about 30 other sponsors including American Suzuki to debut the “Spyder Quad” at this weekend’s 2008 Indianapolis Dealer Showcase.

TPR took a stock, 2008 Suzuki LTR450, stripped it bare and combined it with their Tarantula-themed custom components and Michael’s extreme approach to quad building. Performance parts were added to the LTR from Douglas Wheel Technologies, Yoshimura, Fox shocks, Houser, Galfer, RPM, Web Cam, Maxxis, Hinson, Quadtech, Spyder, Fullbore and other pro-level aftermarket parts manufacturers. The end result is a machine topping out near $30,000 with as much show as go.

“This bike was made to ride,” Quinn said. “We built it so at the end of the show, if someone wanted to buy it, they can start it up and go ride it.”

Michael, of Bryan, Ohio, is perhaps best known for his 2003 660 Raptor “Outta Control 2,” which he covered in gold and chrome plating and a custom airbrushed paint job. Shortly after building his first quad, he entered the ATV GNC TT Open racing circuit and won his first championship in 2002. Michael’s dedication to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through ATVs earned him and his Raptor the cover of ATVSport magazine in July 2003.

TPR, located in Hinckley, Ohio, manufactures fully customizable ATV body accessories. The company’s top-selling bumpers incorporate a removable insert, which can be customized with a rider’s number, sponsor logo or even detailed images and artwork – like tattoos. Tarantula Performance Racing’s spider-web inspired lines and contours are designed with today’s modern factory quad styles in mind and to give riders another platform for promoting themselves or their sponsors.

Quinn has built close to 20 outrageously custom ATVs and has kept nine of them, including the Raptor. Brian Fredmonsky, TPR’s chief design engineer said he knew Michael’s approach to quad building would create the ultimate launching platform for TPR’s Indianapolis debut.

“We spent countless hours going back and forth with Quinn making sure each part we created would express what we both wanted,” Fredmonsky said.

Quinn hooked up with TPR for the MX-Series front bumper, Sand-Spider rear grab bar, nerf bars, custom handlebars, frame gussets and various other spider-themed covers. Michael also molded in the TPR-installed, web-style gussets to give the frame a seamless appearance and a smooth canvas for the custom airbrushing.

“Naturally, I’ve been at this eight years and I’ve dealt with a lot of people and products,” Michael said. “A lot of times you get parts that are off an assembly line situation that you have to tweak and re-drill. The TPR parts have bolted right up. Needless to say, the OEM frames aren’t always the same, but putting this TPR stuff on hasn’t been a factor – it’s phenomenal.”

Tarantula Performance Racing’s stylish, eye-catching parts are mated with the sport’s top go-fast goodies. Up front, Houser two-inch extended Tric-Trac arms compliment a set of Fox Float Evol shocks, Galfer rotors and stainless brake lines. Out back, Michael’s own Outta Control plus one and a quarter inch swing arm, dual-rate Fox Podium shock and RPM Dominator II axle create a rear end capable of withstanding serious abuse. Maxxis 4-speed utility tires are shorn on DWT’s Spyder bead lock wheels.

Like its namesake, the Tarantula Performance Racing Spyder Quad can easily ambush its enemies through a healthy dosage of Yoshimura engine work, which includes a JE Piston, Web Cam camshaft and a Falicon crankshaft. The motor breathes in through a Uni air filter with stock air box and exhales out a full Yoshimura exhaust. A complete Hinson clutch set-up gets the power to this spider’s legs.

Fredmonsky, a life-time ATV enthusiast, stands behind the MX and Sand Spider Series bumpers and grab bars installed on the Spyder Quad as the industry’s soon-to-be new leading standard.

“Our products are like nothing else out there,” Fredmonsky said. “Where else can you have total say in how your aftermarket part looks and accents your quad? When our product leaves the shop for your quad it is ready to bolt on and give your quad that stand-out look.”

The majority of the TPR products used on Michael’s Spyder Quad, including the bumper, grab bar and nerfbars, are available to the public.

The “Spyder Quad” will be on display at the DWT booth during this year’s dealer show. For further information about Tarantula Performance Racing or Outta Control Racing Ministries; visit their Web sites at www.tprusa.com and outtacontrol.breakawayoutreach.com/bio.html