Pioneer Motorsports Inc. in Chaffee, NY, isn’t just a dealership; it’s a destination built on decades of passion and expertise. Our philosophy is simple: offer an extensive selection of parts and products at competitive prices, all while delivering unparalleled customer service. We are committed to making your experience with us exceptional, ensuring you’ll want to return for all your motorsports needs.
From Humble Beginnings to Motorsports Leader
The story of Pioneer Motorsports is a journey that began in the late 1960s. Ken Armstrong, with entrepreneurial spirit, started a small venture from his garage in Sardinia in 1964. Initially, he focused on selling Hus-Ski snowmobiles, operating with a small team including his wife and a few employees.
Business thrived, and in 1966, recognizing an opportunity for growth, Ken introduced Scorpion snowmobiles to his offerings. This expansion proved successful, fueling further ambition. Soon, the prestigious Ski-Doo line was added, marking a significant turning point. Ken Armstrong Ski-Doo was born, transforming the garage operation into a recognized name in the motorsports industry. During this exciting period, Ken’s son, Terry, began contributing to the family business, working alongside his father and learning the ropes.
The success with Ski-Doo propelled further growth, leading Ken to construct a dedicated facility on Myers Road, conveniently located behind his home. In 1970, Ken Armstrong Ski-Doo was honored with the Dealer of the Year award for the Northeast region, a testament to their early success and commitment to excellence in the motorsports sector.
Expanding Horizons: Embracing New Brands and Product Lines
After three successful years with Ski-Doo, another pivotal opportunity arose. In 1973, Ken Armstrong Ski-Doo acquired Pioneer Motorsport, a local Suzuki franchise in Yorkshire. Ken recognized the strong brand name and decided to retain “Pioneer Motorsport.” Bringing Suzuki into the fold expanded their product range and effectively utilized the showroom space at the Myers Road location. The business maintained steady growth, and the team expanded to around ten employees, solidifying Pioneer Motorsport’s presence in the local motorsports market.
The business continued to evolve, and in 1989, Ken transitioned more responsibilities to Terry. That same year, Pioneer Motorsport embraced the personal watercraft market by adding Sea-Doo to their lineup. Expansion continued rapidly. The Yamaha franchise was acquired in 1990, followed by Kawasaki in 1991. What started as a humble garage venture with Hus-Ski snowmobiles had transformed into a multi-brand dealership, offering customers access to a wide array of top-tier motorsports products.
In 1993, Terry’s wife, Michelle, joined the family business, bringing her expertise from the restaurant industry. She took over office management, overseeing the crucial departments of Parts, Sales, and Service as the business experienced significant growth. Michelle and Terry purchased Pioneer Motorsport from Ken in 1997, taking full ownership and control and continuing the family legacy. Shortly after, Polaris ATVs were added to the ever-growing inventory.
Modern Era and Continued Growth
By the late 1990s, Pioneer Motorsport was experiencing growing pains. Showroom space was limited, the service department was congested, parts inventory was expanding, and the dealership was now offering clothing and apparel. Expansion was essential. In 2000, Pioneer Motorsport broke ground on a new, larger facility on Route 16 in Chaffee. This move was critical to their ongoing success, providing much-needed space and relocating the dealership from a less visible street to a high-traffic road, enhancing visibility and accessibility for customers.
In 2008, Pioneer Motorsport embraced the innovative Can-Am Spyder motorcycles, which proved to be another successful addition to their diverse product portfolio. Today, Pioneer Motorsports proudly represents five major brands, each offering various divisions within the motorsports industry. Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) provides Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, and Can-Am ATVs, side-by-sides, and motorcycles. Kawasaki offers ATVs, side-by-sides, and motorcycles, while Suzuki focuses on ATVs and motorcycles. Yamaha brings ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, and snowmobiles to the table. Finally, Polaris completes the lineup with ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and low-speed electric vehicles.
Your Partner in Motorsports
Pioneer Motorsports stands as a testament to dedication, growth, and a commitment to the motorsports community. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading dealership, Pioneer Motorsports has consistently delivered quality products and exceptional service. Visit Pioneer Motorsports today and experience the legacy for yourself – your adventure starts here.
