NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT

Polaris announced it would be running a factory team to compete in the 2021 Dakar Rally. More has been revealed about the RZR Pro XP that Kristen Matlock, Wayne Matlock and Craig Scanlon will be driving. The team will compete in the SSV class.

The RZR Pro XP was modified with an FIA homologated chassis customized by Jimco Racing. The stance is slightly wider and has more travel. A custom roof scoop has been added for maximum airflow. A Motec digital dash was installed for on board monitoring diagnostics. Polaris also installed a lightweight lithium battery that will keep the Pro XP vehicles powered during the Rally.

BF Goodrich tires were selected for their durability and ability to handle the harsh Dakar terrain.

Another motocross team is shutting down. In November, Suzuki announced the conclusion of its relationship with the Joe Gibbs Racing Team. JGR was hoping to secure a deal for 2021. JGR has also been unable to retain a title sponsor for the upcoming season.

A post on JGRMX’s social media read: Thank you- The JGRMX family would like to thank all of our fans, riders and sponsors for 13 great years.

Riders on the team included Alex Martin, Freddie Noren and Joey Savatgy, Jimmy Decotis and Broc Tickle.

JGRMX started in 2008 as a Yamaha support team with Josh Summey, Josh Hansen and later riders Josh Grant and James Stewart. Davi Millsaps and Justin Brayton were also part of the team.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT

Crandon International Raceway is going Motor Speedway of the off-road world. We commercial. The track turned 51 this year. can’t wait to get started on getting ready for Local businessman Jamey Flannery has the 2021 season.” acquired the track and all of its assets. For years, Jamey’s uncle¬– Cliff Flannery and The Crandon International Raceway property a board of directors have run operations spans 400 acres in the Northwoods of at Crandon. All will retire when the deal is Wisconsin. Jamey’s father was the late track finalized on January 1st, 2021. The track has champion, Jack Flannery. Jamey has plans seen many charitable donations over the to expand the track operations with several years. upgrades that will benefit race fans and racers.

“This racetrack has been such a positive influence on the entire Flannery family and also in the lives of so many people,” said Jamey Flannery, who also currently races in the Champ Off-Road series unlimited Pro 4 category. “It’s an honor for me to be in a position to help extend that history and expand Crandon’s status as the Indianapolis

The Pandemic has forced the cancellation of the Best in the Desert Year-End awards show. The awards were scheduled to take place in Nevada on December 5th. Current restrictions prohibit the gathering of more than 50 people in one area. A statement from Best in the Desert read: it is with much regret that we will be unable to hold our annual Best in The Desert Awards presentation. This disappointment is overwhelming as our racers worked their tails off all year to achieve their goals and we looked forward to honoring their accomplishments in the presence of their families, friends, media, teammates, crews, and peers.

We made it through an entire season on one hurdle after another to only come up short at the end. Needless to say, it is very disappointing. Our racers proved they have the champion qualities that will not go unnoticed. We will update everyone once we have more news to share regarding future plans for the event and how we are going to manage the distribution of awards and prize monies.

At 94 years of age, Bruce Meyers is selling his famed Meyers Manx Company. The company is being sold to an investment firm called Trousdale Ventures, owned by Phillip Sarofim. Bruce Meyers created the legendary dune buggy in 1964. It quickly gained popularity as a California beach icon and the pop culture embraced it. The idea came to Bruce Meyers after he watched a Jeep having difficulty driving over the sand at the dunes. Using Volkswagen power, the Meyers Manx was born. The vehicle has won in Baja as well as used in several Hollywood productions. “We are putting together an international dream team of passionate and creative souls to carry on the Meyers Manx legacy of fun, freedom and expression that Bruce and Winnie created. The time is right for us all to get back to basics and simplify our lives! That is what Meyers Manx is all about! It celebrates authenticity, diversity and being a little different,” said Phillip Sarofim.

Bruce will continue as an Ambassador to the new Meyers Manx Company.