Polaris "Show Stopper" RZR XP 1000 Mudder

Building the next big thing can be kind of a difficult task when it seems like every mechanic with a radical build idea has stepped out and impressed the world. Mud riding is a small sport in the grand scheme of things but not without its fair share of very forward thinking fabricators. The project we had the chance to see first hand at the 2014 High Lifter Mud Nationals is one unique specimen and with the minds at S3 Power Sports churning out radically fresh and innovative rides built for Mud a new wave of impressive is here.

What do you think of when you hear someone say "Show Stopper"? To most it means a person, product or event that draws the total committed attention of everyone in the general vicinity. For S3 the quest was to finally build a personal machine with an impact on the community in which it was intended and give a lasting memory to an inspirational legacy. Dustin Jones of S3 claims he rarely had the opportunity to build a ride specifically of his taste as running S3 the business always took priority. That was until the Show Stopper came along. “My personal builds have always been pushed to the back burner and they are typically built with minimal time” claims Jones but this 2014 Polaris RZR XP1000 would be the chance Dustin had been waiting on.

As we look closer into the complete make up of the new rig called "Show Stopper" the details just begin to pour out into our minds. As we mentioned the base starting point for the custom rig was a sparkling new XP 1000 by Polaris. Obviously the protective cage had been totally redesigned. This sleek cage design gave the ride such a dramatic look that you couldn’t help but stare. The tubing was bent by the ingenious minds at S3 along with the eight-inch lift kit that raises the beast into the air. With a full snorkel kit and radical winch bumper the S3 components set into motion the direction for the rest of the project.

Hiding inside the cab of this machine were a set of fully custom stitched Pro Armor Sniper seats and four point harnesses. If you looked closely you could see the S3 logo emblazoned half on each seat. This was a really well thought blueprint that was unfolding in front of our eyes. Sitting in the captain’s chair we were treated to the radiating music provided by Off Road sound in combination with Wet Sounds stereo systems. The waterproof Off road sound stereo made music through the Wet Sounds amplified Rev 8 speakers and with a Bluetooth feature also included by Wet Sounds it was possible to hear your personal playlist through the rig as well. One final touch from the guys at Wet Sounds came from a little direction and in the form of light. Lighted rings were a very cool looking detail feature on the rigs speakers and gave yet one more personal touch to the build. The Rogue4 LED Light bar capped the roofline with plenty of brilliant white light while drawing very little power away from the stereo system.

Slipping out of the cab and taking our time walking around the machine we noticed the unusual or at the very least different, tire choice for this ride. Seeing the equivalent to tractor tire on the Show Stopper was surprising but made perfect sense. These 34-inch tires by Superior Traction would give the big 1000cc power plant all of the grip it needed to launch the machine forward and hopefully without shredding the axles or differentials in the process. Mounted on the MSA M22 Enduro wheel the heavy lugs from Superior Traction looked extremely destructive just sitting still. Knowing torque could become an enemy Dustin decided to go with Gorilla Axle heavy axles to provide power to ground transfer with the least amount of damage. These tough axles for the 8-inch lift should keep things in check as long as the Superior Traction grip and foot feed are controlled properly.

Speaking of the brutal factory grunt from the Polaris Pro Star 1000cc firebox Dustin decided to amp up the steel twisting power plant just a little more by adding a Muzzy full exhaust system. This dual exhaust not only sounded great but it is also rumored to add an extra smack down to the competition.

Well you cannot have all that twisted steel and sex appeal without a way to pull your foot out of your mouth when getting in the deep stuff gets you in trouble. That’s where the Viper Elite 5000lb winch from Moto Alliance comes into play. You read it right, it is a 5000lb winch. Probably because the machine will be pulling many spectators along with it as their bottom jaws drag the ground. Getting to one of our personal favorite parts of the build we were informed that Advanced Powder had taken care of all of the bright Orange powder coating on the beast and Nstyle Designs handled the decals. It was a lon painter who had really transformed the subtle details though. SJ Solutions laid down custom striping and whip details by hand and spray that just kept getting our attention. These final custom touches really set the rig on fire!

So I know what some of you may be thinking and want to tell you that your wrong. In your mind this Show Stopper is just a trailer queen. I personally witnessed the dredging of this beast in the bath tub called the Highline at the Mud Creek off road park. The sounds of the big bore side by side ripping through over four feet depths gave me chills as I was witness too this once pristine ride being christened. We stood in awe of the project that Dustin Jones, S3 and all of the partners had put together. As we watched the fruits of many hours and thousands of dollars wade in and out of the muddy abyss the name began to ring out loud and clear. It was at that very moment I took my eyes off of the rig and much to my surprise the roads on both sides of the high line had stopped to see this machine in action. It truly was a Show Stopper moment!

This project came to life by the “Battle Axe” AKA Dustin Jones, at S3 and with many moments of frustration as well as satisfaction of completion there is a bittersweet underlying tie to the machine. “This rig also has some serious sentimental value to me because we completed it the day my best friend and hero died” Says Dustin. Dustin’s Grandpa would pass away the very day that this Show Stopper project was completed and leave a forever memory in the memory bank to remind us all that life is fragile. Take the time to build your dreams and live it everyday with those you cherish.