Polaris Slingshot Celebrates “National Stick Shift Day”

In celebration of National Stick Shift Day on July 16, consumers can visit their local Slingshot dealership during the month of July for a free stick shift driving lesson. Actually we thought it was Corn Fritters Day another would-be marketing con, but we don’t ride many fritters.

Only 18% of Americans know how to drive a manual trans, but Polaris – not without self-interest – wants to replace what it claims is an experience in an old, mundane vehicle with – guess what – a ~$21,000 to +$30,000 Slingshot. Each has a GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower with a five-speed manual transmission.

Slingshot says it wants to provide a new perspective on how much fun mastering the art of shifting – or is that gear chipping while clutch burning? – gear-to-gear can be, in full control of the vehicle, allegedly, by offering lessons in a Slingshot.

Each lesson will enter the survivor in the Summer of Fun sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Maui, Hawaii and an opportunity to test their newly-acquired skills with a driving – but hopefully not near-death – experience on the Road to Hana.

The classification of Slingshot is state-dependent. About 40 states classify Slingshot as an autocycle, which only requires a driver’s license. The other classification is motorcycle, which requires a motorcycle endorsement. Consumers can go online at www.slingshot.polaris.com/en-us/dealer-locator/ to find their local participating Slingshot dealer.