CROSS OVER INTERVIEW Scot Harden: What else have you been doing for training and practice to get used to racing across the desert? Rick Ness: I actually went to a few races this winter with the guys from Evolution Powersports. I ran chase truck for Billy Long, and I just kind of did whatever I could this winter. You know, I just kind of jumped in even though I haven’t done any racing, I’ve been around and like I said, I’ve supported Billy and the guys from the start. This is really my first chance to dip my feet in this kind of racing. Scot Harden: So, in an ideal world, do you see yourself out racing professionally or permanently some time in the future? Rick Ness: It’s really what I’m hoping to do. I mean, I’m a gold miner, that’s my chosen field of business, but you know, you got to make money to play, and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m here to try and prove to the guys from EVO I’m capable, I can drive, and I can be competitive. And yeah, I’d love to do this full-time. Scot Harden: So, what can you tell me about the show that you’re filming here, what it’s about? Rick Ness: So, it’s basically just a Gold Rush off season shoot. We are not only filming here, we’ve been on the road for three weeks now, doing a bit of racing but also a bit of prep for my mining season this year. I stopped and met the people in Colorado who built my wash plant and just things of that nature. So, it’s a little bit of a mix of you know pre-show for next season’s mining show and a little about my preseason racing efforts. My effort at the Tensor Tire Parker 250 will appear in a Pre-season series for next season’s Gold Rush. Scot Harden: Well, we sure hope you do; that would be awesome. So, what are you racing? Rick Ness: I am racing the Can-AM X3 built by Evolution Powersports Racing in the Rally class. I actually pre-ran the Parker 250 course five weeks ago in that car, but it wasn’t even close to finished and apparently, well, now it’s finished. They won’t even show it to me. I’m going to be so excited to see it, but they want to wait to film my reaction on camera. And I’m just f!@#ing dying to see it.
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Scot Harden: Well good. We’re really happy to have you here, Rick, and good luck tomorrow. Keep the rubber side down and see you at the finish line. Editor’s Note: Rick went on to turn in a very respectable 5th place finish in the highly competitive Rally class. He was all smiles at the finish line and reported he had a really good time. Rick definitely has the off-road racing bug and is a really nice guy to boot. Don’t be surprised to see Rick at the next Best In The Desert race as well.