HEGER, GREAVES, KINCAID UNDEFEATED AT ANTIGO
ISSUE 6 VOL 2
The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports
JUNE 2021
SWEEPING SEASON OPENER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: DROP THE GATE: PRO MOTOCROSS SEASON BEGINS
www.dirtsportsworld.com
+ TECH: SHAVING WEIGHT ON THE ROOF + ULTRA4 BATTLES IN BAJA
THE ULTIMATE POLARIS ADVENTURE
RED BULL MOUNTAIN SCRAMBLE
Performance Products
PERFORMANCE IS OUR MIDDLE NAME! CBR Performance Products Inc has a number of years of hands on experience from Motocross Racing, UTV Racing, Road Racing and Off-Road Racing. Many Teams and/or individuals who use CBR products are winning championships and seeing podium finishes. www.cbr-performance.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>
14
4
WORD
5
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
8
DIRTWORLD
20
10 12 62 63
CAPTURED
27
FEATURES>
KIDS KORNER CHAPPY’S PIT STOP CALENDAR
14 COVER STORY: SWEEPING SEASON OPENER 20 DROP THE GATE: PRO MOTOCROSS SEASON BEGINS
30
27 RED BULL MOUNTAIN SCRAMBLE 30 A LITTLE BIT OF BAJA IN NEVADA 34 BACK ON THE GAS AT GLEN HELEN
38
38 THE ULTIMATE POLARIS ADVENTURE 46 SONORA RALLY: THE LAST RACE ON EARTH CONTINUES
58
50 ULTRA4 BATTLES IN BAJA
TECH> 58 SHAVING WEIGHT ON THE ROOF Publisher Contributing Photography DirtSports Inc. Shaun Ochsner La-Chelle Halliday Editor-In-Chief Connor Moore Ultra4 Shaun Ochsner Honda Sonora Rally Associate Editor KTM La-Chelle Halliday Red Bull Media House Sales and Management Ford Motor Company Dave Arnold Align Media Contributing Editors Extreme E Chris James Danny Ebberts Steve Hanson Mad Moose Photography KC Steiner Printed at: Sutherland Printing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DIRTSPORTSWORLD
DIRTSPORTSWORLD
DIRTSPORTSWORLD
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 3
WORD
E
WHERE ARE THE PRO-SPECS?
arlier this year Championship Off Road announced the creation of a new Pro-spec class. The purpose of the class is to attract more drivers to an affordable class of racing. Basically, a driver can take an existing ProLite chassis, drop in a new LV1 EcoTech3 4.3Liter Direct injected V6 sealed as a spec engine and go racing. There are plenty of trucks sitting idle everywhere that have been outclassed due to rule changes. Where are
these trucks? Champ Off-Road has added a year end purse to the class. At Antigo, Ryan Beat was the only one running one of these trucks, by himself in with the rest of normal rule conforming Pro-Lites. So why isn’t everyone else jumping into this class? There should be a full field of drivers that can now afford to race competitively in Championship Off Road. Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief DirtSportsWorld
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NEWS Eli Tomac and Kawasaki Part Ways Monster Energy Kawasaki will not renew Eli Tomac has sixty wins with Kawasaki. Tomac’s contract after the end of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship which finishes in September. After six years together, both Tomac and Kawasaki have decided to part ways. “We are extremely proud of the success that Eli and the Monster Energy Kawasaki team achieved over the last six years,” said Kawasaki Senior Manager, Racing, Dan Fahie. “We have built a great relationship with Eli and his family and we are proud that Kawasaki played a strong role in Tomac’s racing legacy.”
BFG Launches OnTrail App BF Goodrich launched the first of its kind mobile off-road app for enthusiasts. The app called OnTrail combines essential trail companion tools with community sharing functions. Users can find trails in their area and research key data for their trip. The app allows adventure seekers to communicate and shared trips in real-time. It is designed for off-roaders with every skill level, users can filter weather conditions, trail difficulty
and length of time it takes to complete the trail. There are also recommend points of interest and it has an option for users to upload their own photos to the community and share real-time conditions in the area. Additionally, there will be missions inside the app such as trail clean-ups and completing a first trail. Users can earn badges, rankings and prizes from the app. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 5
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
Big Oly Sells for 1.7 Million at Auction
The original Parnelli Jones Big Oly Bronco sold for 1.7 million at the Mecum Auctions in Indiana. The Bronco was up for auction at the Mecum Spring Classic. Several vehicles from Parnelli Jones’ personal collection were also auctioned off. Jones and Bill Stroppe raced Big Oly at the Baja 1000 in the early 70’s winning the victory. Big Oly is based off a stock 1969 Ford Bronco.
KTM and Toby Price Sign Contract Extension Toby Price’s contract has been extended for two more years with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The extension keeps Price on a KTM Rally bike through 2023. “I’m super-excited to sign up for another two years with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. It feels like a big family to me and is definitely a home away from home, so another two years with the guys is certainly something I’m looking forward to,” said Price. Price will race the Dakar this year along with FIM Cross-Country Rallies. Price has won the Dakar Rally twice. The Australian has been with the KTM factory team for seven seasons. 6 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
QUALITY. SAFETY. TEAMWORK. INTEGRITY. COMMITMENT. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE SINCE 1991
gas glen helen
gas glen helen
I am hearing voices in my head!
champ off road antigo
Billy and his henchmen
champ off road antigo
DIRT WORLD
Off-road luge champions.
Now thats a campaign we are on-board with
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Wyatt found a great hiding spot.
The helmet was so cute it passed tech.
gas glen helen
pro motocross
THE WORLD IS A DIRTY PLACE
She is going to home to hang that on the wall of her bedroom.
Kids upstaging their dads for the win.
gas glen helen
Is that a long lens or are you just happy to see us
pro motocross
champ off road antigo
champ offroad antigo
champ off road antigo
Everyone loves tacos.
pro motocross
SU B YO MI T PH UR OT O SEND US YOUR CRAZY PHOTO OUT IN THE DIRT AND WE MAY FEATURE IT HERE IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. In case you need a reminder what a dirt bike sounds like.
Do they sell those at the merch trailer?
Email to: Dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 9
CAPTURED
10 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
WILD RIDE: Cory Podolski goes for a wild ride in his Pro-Lite at the opening round of Championship Off Road in Antigo. Photo: Shaun Ochsner
DIRT DANCE: Chasen Gaunt gets his Spec Truck tangled up with the silt at the Legacy Baja Nevada race. Photo: Connor Moore
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 11
KIDS KORNER
Karaston “Doodle” | Age: 16 | UTV Production Hernandez Photos Courtesy: Mod Kids USA 1000
PRESENTED BY:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and any obstacles along the way: A: I’m currently 16, living in Temecula, California. My birthday is December 17th and at the end of this year I’ll be 17. I have a brother named Noah who is 21, and a 9 year old sister named Leah. I started racing in 2016 in a Junior 1, driving in the Dirt Series. After winning the championship there, I started racing a Junior 2 in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS). Around 2017, I got my first mod kart and I was instantly hooked! I’ve continued to grow as a driver and as an overall person thanks to racing. Since COVID hit, things have been difficult for sure - whether it be in racing or in school. Along with the rest of my family and friends, we’ve all been trying our best to keep everything as near to normal as possible with everything going on. Q: What is it about Off-Road that brings you the most joy? A: Off-Road racing overall brings me JOY! Everyone likes winning of course, but the atmosphere of the track and the people there, is the thing I look forward to when heading to a race. My finest moment to date would have to be the last national race of LOORRS, on October 17th, 2020. I started in pole position for the first time in the Mod Kart class. I ran Top 3 for the entire race, until another driver and I got caught up together on the last lap. Q: What are your favorite tracks? A: My favorite local track would have to be Victorville, CA. I’ve always finished in a good position there. When we are talking about a track out of state, it would have to be Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. Q: What are you going to change tomorrow to make yourself better than today? A: If I had to change something today that would make me better as a person tomorrow, I would have to change the way I see and perceive things. I would also want to train harder to make myself stronger on a regular basis. Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: I would like to see myself still racing in the YXZ Yamaha 1000. If not racing, then I see myself around my junior year in college sharing an apartment with a close friend of mine. I’ll be studying and schooling for a Mechatronic Engineering degree. My ultimate goal for 2021, since starting in the Yamaha 1000, would be to finish somewhere within the Top 5 in points. I’m currently sitting 4th, so it’s looking okay so far Hernandez Shout Outs: I want to give a big thanks to all my sponsors and anyone who’s ever supported me; I would like to thank my dad for making all of this possible. He’s done so much for me as my spotter, my mechanic, and overall as my dad. I would also like to thank my mom and my current sponsors; Hoosier Tire, Sparco USA, DWT, Surecan USA, ShockStraps, and Rugged Radios.
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CHAMPIONSHIP OFF ROAD’S
SWEEPING
SEASON OPENER
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COVER STORY
Pro Racers Undefeated at Antigo Amid Wild Weekend of Racing Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner
I
t was a wild start to the season. For eight months, short-course racers have sat idle patiently waiting for the off-season to end. Championship Off-Road held its opening rounds at the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wisconsin. It has been years since an event was held in Antigo. Racing was made possible through a partnership with the nonprofit Antigo Lions Club. The track, a normal oval found at a lot of Midwest venues was modified with a rhythm section and jumps in the middle. Warm
temperatures were on tap for the weekend and the packed crowd was able to cool off under covered grandstands. They were in for a treat. Little did anyone know just how wild these antsy drivers would get on the track. Sweeps were also the word of the weekend as every driver in the pro-classes won both rounds at Antigo.
Just as opening ceremonies ended and the Pro-Stock UTV’s took to the track, there was already a pile-up in the first turn. Jeremy Houle was out front as CJ Greaves put some strong pressure on Houle. They went side-byside through the rhythm section and over the jumps. Adrian Cenni also joined the Pro-Stock UTV class, perhaps to get more seat time before later jumping into his usual seat behind the bright Orange Pro-4. At one point during 16 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
SWEEPING SEASON OPENER
the race Cenni was forced off the track but, in true Cenni driver fashion, he recovered without losing a position. At the checkered flag, CJ Greaves, Scott Wasz and Brock Heger were on the podium. Over in the Pro Modified Class, racing was just as tight and the door banging action was the same. Andrew Carlson took the victory. Rodney and Owen VanEperen joined him in second and third respectively.
the grudge match by accidentally over-rotating his Pro-2 in a corner. The battle then focused on Kincaid and Brooks. Behind them, Beat stalled his truck which caused a pile-up much like a Monday morning commute in downtown Los Angeles. In the end Kincaid was able to hold off Brooks for the win.
A full field of twenty Pro-2’s took to the track in Round 1. That is the most trucks any series has seen in the last decade. The numbers of course can surely be attributed to the shutdown of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series on the west coast. Championship Off Road has a television contract with CBS Sports, and many drivers and sponsors have shifted attention to racing in the Midwest. This class is extremely competitive and stacked with big names in short course off road. When the green flag dropped trucks were pin-balling off of each other and jockeying for position. Body panels were flying everywhere as the laps ticked away. Keegan Kincaid, Jerett Brooks and Ryan Beat were all up front battling each other like they were in a cage match. Unfortunately Beat took himself out of DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 17
COVER STORY
Seventeen Pro-Lite trucks took to the track. Brock Heger went for the weekend sweep in the class. In both rounds Heger had traffic to get through before he made his way to the front. Heger has a great driving style and has the skill to make those much-needed clean passes, keeping his truck in one piece. Madix Bailey saw the podium in second during round 1 while Cole Mamer took that spot in round 2. Kyle Greaves was on the podium in third both days. For Greaves, he has his work cut out for him this season. Greaves lost out on the 2020 championship win after breaking a tie rod a day before the final event at Crandon. RIGHT: Madix Bailey fights to maintain a second place podium spot in Round 1. BELOW: Brock Heger comes away from Antigo with a weekend sweep in Pro-Lite.
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SWEEPING SEASON OPENER
Another pile up in Pro-4 Round 1 would collect several trucks together. Jimmy Henderson and Kyle Leduc would come out unscathed as they battled for the lead. CJ Greaves was also silently making his way towards the front. Just as Leduc was attempting to make a pass for the lead, he made contact with a tractor tire protecting one of the turns. Henderson’s lead would be short lived as he had to pull off the track after a mechanical issue. The door was opened wide for Greaves to take the win despite plenty of pressure put on by Doug Mittag.
Sunday’s Round 2 was pretty much the same story. More wild racing, crashes, door banging and tight battles. All of the Pro drivers that won in Round 1would go on collect weekend sweeps with wins in Round 2. Andrew Carlson was the exception with a win in Pro Mod side-by-side. The Antigo rounds are a good indication that the gloves are off, and these drivers are ready to battle to the final event at Crandon in September. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 19
DROP THE
GATE
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THE LUCAS OIL PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP IS UNDERWAY Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy Align Media, Honda & KTM
T
he 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicked off at Fox Raceway just north of San Diego, California during Memorial Day Weekend. The series will run twelve rounds, crisscrossing the country this summer before returning back to California for the final two rounds. The championship race will be held at the famed Hangtown track in Rancho Cordova on September 11th. For many riders, there were only a couple of weeks to prepare for the season after the end of Supercross. Twenty-eight days to be exact. Among those include Ken Roczen, who put up a strong fight during the Supercross season. Roczen sat out most of the outdoor season last year to recover from health issues. This year he is back and ready to be a championship contender. When the gate dropped in first 250 Moto, rookie Max Vohland grabbed the holeshot.
PRO MOTOCROSS
Above: Max Vohland just turned pro this year and is already proving himself.
Vohland turned pro just this year and is ready to prove himself, riding for the Red Bull KTM team. Vohland had secured an early lead. Unfortunately, a bike issue would end Vohland’s impressive run. The door was opened for Yamaha rider Jeremy Martin to grab the lead and the victory. Martin was back out front in the second moto just as he finished earlier in the day. That didn’t last long as Justin Cooper passed Martin. Vohland was also back in the mix with a newly prepped KTM. Honda rider Jett Lawrence quickly got around all of them for the lead. That earned Lawrence the victory and the overall for the round. In the opening 450 moto, Supercross Champion Cooper Webb wasted no time grabbing the holeshot. Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo found some much needed boost and immediately moved to the front of the pack. Just a few laps later, Cianciarulo crashed on a downhill sending him tumbling off the bike. That crashed dropped him back to 11th in the moto. Cianciarulo says he needs to train more during the week and get back into race condition. Cooper Webb and Dylan Ferrandis went on to battle for the lead. Chase Sexton 22 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Above: Jett Lawrence finishes the first round with a strong overall.
also inserted himself in that battle. Ferrandis finished just ahead of Sexton for the victory by one tenth of a second. In the second moto, Ken Roczen had the early lead. Aaron Plessinger applied pressure on Roczen but made a mistake and went too wide into a turn. Roczen carried the momentum all the way to the finish for the victory.
DROP THE GATE
Round 2 of the series was held at Thunder Valley Motocross Park in Lakewood, Colorado. The higher elevation was always a challenge for the riders.
lucky in the second moto after a crash sent him off the bike. Jett Lawrence went on to win the moto. Justin Cooper’s two podiums gave him the overall win for the round.
Ken Roczen was out front on lap 1 of the first moto. He battled back and forth with Adam Cianciarulo. Dylan Ferrandis also made moves and got to the front. Roczen wasn’t having any of it and reclaimed his spot for the victory. Cooper Webb snagged the holeshot in moto 2, but Roczen was back again out front and pretty much checked out. Both moto wins earned Roczen the red plate and the early season points lead. In the first 250 moto, Justin Cooper was out front with the holeshot after a race restart. Jeremy Martin soon moved into the lead and ended up winning the moto. Martin wasn’t so
These two rounds have showed the riders are going to be in an all-out battle for the championship. It is already shaping up to be an exciting summer.
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AMATEUR MOTOCROSS
KING OF THE
WEST Amateur motocross qualifiers for Mammoth & Loretta Lynn’s Story: Dave Arnold | Photos: Mad Moose Photography
W
hen it comes to amateur motocross in the United States, two names come to mind. Mammoth Motocross and of course the holy grail for racers¬– The Loretta Lynn’s. Both are sanctioned by the AMA. There were several qualifiers happening over the last couple of months. The last chance qualifier for Mammoth motocross (simply known as the road to Mammoth was held at Fox Raceway in Pala, California on May 8th. The event featured two days of amateur motocross racing. The weekend of qualifiers was also a chance for the amateurs to get some seat time on a track that is part of the National Pro Motocross circuit.
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Riders young and old compete for the last chance to race in the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Mammoth Motocross event started in 1968 and is the oldest continuing motocross event in the United States. Top racers in the world have competed in this event. Over at Fox Raceway, the weekend saw a multitude of classes from the peewees to the 450s, all with their last chance to qualify for the Mammoth event. Many of these young amateur motocross racers watched former champions like Kurt Nicoll, Jeff Emig and even former racer and fitness guru Ryan Hughes aka “Rhino” try to establish their position to race at Mammoth.
Once the Mammoth last chance qualifier was in the books, day two of racing focused on the southwest qualifiers for the Loretta Lynn’s. First, riders had to qualify just to have a chance to race the final qualifying moto and grab a golden ticket to Loretta Lynn’s. Only four riders out of each division would receive a pass to race in the final qualifier. Those that made it were invited to race the 40th anniversary of the Loretta Lynn’s amateur motocross race which starts August 2nd at the famous Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
KING OF THE WEST
Above: Former AMA Motocross Champion Jeff Emig battles it out with other former champions at Fox Raceway.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 25
AMATEUR MOTOCROSS
One of the most notable races is the over 40 division. This is where Kurt Nicoll, Ryan Hughes and Jeff Emig go head to head in competition. The competitive spirit is still alive and well in these former champions. Hughes would be victorious in both motos with Emig
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and Nicoll swapping positions from Moto 1 to moto 2. Overall, the amateurs that raced over the weekend are on their way to fulfilling their dreams of one becoming motocross stars.
UTV
MOUNTAIN SCRAMBLE Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Red Bull
What do you do with a ski resort once the snow has melted? The answer is simple. Turn it into a race course! Red Bull hosted a unique side-by-side race at the Seven Springs Mountain Ski Resort in Champion, Pennsylvania. The Red Bull Mountain Scramble was the first stop in a collection of UTV races by Red Bull. Typically, summertime activities at the Seven Springs Resort include a zip line, alpine slide, fishing and rock wall climbing. This is the first time a UTV race has been held at the venue. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 27
UTV
The custom course was built into the backcountry woods and mountainous terrain of the ski resort. Ski resorts are known for their hills and this event had plenty of uphill and downhill sections that tested every driver’s skill level. The track was tight and lined with trees. One mistake and your UTV goes from 60 to zero immediately. Trees don’t typically move. Two days of rain made track conditions even more challenging creating more mud than usual on the course. Racers completed four laps on the eightmile-long course. The races were split between SXS Pro and SXS Sportsman classes. While there were plenty of amateur side-by-side racers that were entered in the event, professional sponsored Red Bull racers like Mitch Guthrie Jr, Seth Quintero and Mia Chapman participated Mountain Scramble race. Chapman drove her Polaris RS-1. “The Red Bull Mountain Scramble was definitely a unique event from what we are used to,” said Guthrie Jr.
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ABOVE: Mitch Guthrie Jr. enjoys a cold Red Bull before the race. BELOW: Seth Quintero is all smiles as he awaits his opportunity to hit the course.
RED BULL MOUNTAIN SCRAMBLE
After the hot muggy summer-like rainy Pennsylvania weather subsided it was time to go racing. Eighty-nine side-by-sides took to the track in an all-out battle. The attrition rate was extremely high with only a quarter of the racers finishing all of their laps. Many succumbed to the challenging track conditions. There was no shortage of crashes, UTV’s stuck on the steep hill climbs and plenty of flat tires. In the end, Devin Smith from Indiana was crowned the winner in the SXS Pro class while Jason Nicholas from Ohio won the SXS Sportsman event. Smith was awarded a Polaris RZR XP Turbo for his top victory. Nicholas took home a set of BFGoodrich Tires and a cash prize of $500.
“I could retire right now and be happy. I knew as long as long as I got out front, clean air was going to be a big thing. When I got to the top of the hill and nobody else was around, I knew I had to put it down and go.” -Devin Smith
The next event in the Red Bull Scramble series has yet to be announced but Mitch Guthrie Jr hinted in an interview about a Red Bull Stone Scramble. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 29
DESERT RACING
A Little Bit of Baja in Nevada
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Legacy Racing’s two-day format desert race stretching from Alamo to Pahrump Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Connor Moore
B
aja is nowhere near Nevada. In fact, its several hundred miles to the south. But, that doesn’t mean you have to cross the border to get that Baja race feel. Nevada has vast deserts that sometimes make you feel like you are in the middle of the Baja. Legacy racing recently hosted a two-day event in the middle of the Nevada desert that challenged every driver that entered. Yes, we said two straight days of racing! With three hundred miles a day, racing started in Alamo. Racers got a rest night in Tonopah before finishing the next day in near Pahrump. The course was certainly not easy. The second leg of race featured some of Nevada’s most rugged terrain keeping drivers on their toes. Just like in Baja, drivers had to navigate nasty silt beds and tight twisty desert roads. Legacy Racing also hosted a qualifier for the
LEGACY BAJA NEVADA
Baja Nevada event. Eric Hustead was the fastest qualifier in the Unlimited Trucks allowing him to start out front in clean air. The problem for Hustead was the Concrete Motorsports Team of Kevin Thompson and Harley Letner. Letner and Thompson are coming off two undefeated races over in the Best in the Desert Series and have not given up their momentum. With Letner starting the race both days, they grabbed the overall win in the Unlimited truck division. Hustead came in second.
Jake Johnson got third overall, but still won Class 1. Journee Richardson got a last-minute ride in her CJ Hutchins Class 1 car after his co-driver was unable to make it. They however did not finish the first day of racing. Brandon Bailey took second in the class. Competition in the 6100 class is always tight. With a full 32 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
field, Chasen Gaunt was the fastest qualifier there. Gaunt could not hold off competitor Brent Fox who took the win.
Vito Ranuio won the 4-wheel parts showdown in January in the Turbo UTV class. Ranuio was in contention for the Quantum Motorsports $100,000 bonus however mechanical problems set him back crushing hopes for a win. Ranuio never gave up and finished both days. Dan Fisher took a win in the class. Over in the TrophyLite class, whoever reached the top speed at race mile 440 would win $1,000 courtesy of Wyotech. Gregg Bragg was the TrophyLite racer that went home the cash. His speed was not disclosed. Ty Fall won the class. Class 10 honors went to Dan Reger. Next up for the Legacy Racing Series is the Dirt Rebelution in Cedar City, Utah November 5th-7th. The race was originally scheduled to be run in September but had to be moved due to scheduling issues.
SHORT COURSE
Back on the
GAS
at Glen Helen
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GREAT AMERICAN SHORTCOURSE ROUNDS 3 & 4 Story and Photos by Shaun Ochsner
G
reat American Shortcourse hosted their second event with two more rounds of racing at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. The Glen Helen track has long been a favorite for racers and race fans alike. It’s considered close to home for a large contingent of racers who live in the Southern California area. Glen Helen is a convenient drive from just about anywhere. The Glen Helen rounds were a strong indication that the series is starting to grow. Entries at the event were up from the opening rounds held just a month prior in Victorville. The pits were once again full and buzzing with race team activity. For RJ and Ronnie Anderson, Glen Helen is a short drive from their Riverside based shop. The two brothers debuted a new NOS Energy Drink sponsorship on their Pro-Lite and Pro-2 trucks. When the green flag dropped in the third round of Pro-Lite,
SHORT COURSE
Ronnie Anderson wasted no time passing front runner Jimmy Weitzel. Anderson took the victory with Christopher Polvoorde and Madix Bailey rounding out the podium in second and third. In Round 3, Jimmy Weitzel was out front, but it wasn’t long before Ronnie Anderson made a pass for the lead. Christopher Polvoorde made his way around Anderson for the win. Madix Bailey took second with Anderson settling for the third spot. Polvoorde sits three points ahead of Bailey in the standings. The Pro-2 class saw a much fuller field of trucks compared to the first event at Victorville. Mason Thomas was out front early in the race. He had a lot of pressure from RJ Anderson who made the pass for the lead and took the win. Ronnie Anderson stepped up behind the wheel of his brother RJ’s 11-year old Pro-2 on Sunday. Ronnie Anderson was out front as soon as the green flag dropped
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and never looked back. A right rear flat tire would hurt Dave Mason Jr’s chances for a win putting him one lap down. With Saturday’s 3rd place podium, Mason Jr holds onto the Pro2 season points lead. His closest competitor is Eric Jacobus who has a twenty-six-point deficit.
BACK ON THE GAS AT GLEN HELEN
Above: Dave Mason Jr. holds on to the series points lead in Pro-2.
Other classes in the series included three UTV class, limited, pro and 1600 buggy, min-open, mini-stock and kart classes for the kids. Trevor Briska leads points in the pro buggy class over Trey Gibbs. Briska came away with a weekend sweep in the class. Connor Barry has a very comfortable lead in the Mod Kart class while Brodie Martin continues to chase down G3 Argyros in Junior 2 kart. Husband and wife rivals Jason and Corry Weller continue to battle each other in the SR-1 UTV class. Jason sits atop the points right now with Corry trailing by twenty-five points. The next GAS event will be held in October with a venue yet to be announced. The series has been left searching for a location after the unexpected closure of Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno, Nevada. A tale of two Wellers: Husband and wife rivals Jason and Corry Weller are locked in a points battle in the SR-1 UTV class.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 37
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Story by Shaun Ochsner Photos: LaChelle Halliday & Shaun Ochsner
S
and Hollow State Park in Utah features 15,000 acres of riding area with plenty of obstacles to test your skills and the limit of the vehicle you are driving. Its red sandstone landscape makes you feel right out of a postcard, you know, when you could still buy those at gift shops. Utah never disappoints us with its breathtaking views and custom rock formations. Sand Mountain is a favorite hotspot for OHV enthusiasts. The terrain options are endless. We headed out on a recent road trip to explore all that Sand Hollow has to offer. Be sure to download the most up to date GPS maps on your device of choice for the best accuracy. The built-in trail map on the Polaris ride command app wasn’t as accurate as we had hoped for, but we also didn’t spend much time updating it either. It showed the main trails we were on. Before we set out on our adventure we found a detailed download of the state park on the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive website which synced perfectly with the Motion X app on our IPAD mini. There are
SAND HOLLOW
maps available provided by Utah State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management. A quick google search will help you find what you are looking for. Don’t forget, you must run a flag or whip on your vehicle. Be careful as you can quickly find yourself on one of the most difficult rock trails as we did. Polaris builds the toughest machines out there. It doesn’t matter what obstacle we went up or down, the Polaris Ultimate was up for the challenge. So, what exactly is the Polaris XP 4 Ultimate? Ultimate refers to an upgraded trim level on the Polaris XP 4 line-up. Polaris offers two color choices for this model. You can get the Ultimate in White Lightning or Titanium Metallic. As we unload the Polaris RZR Pro XP Ultimate we notice right away how comfortable the interior is. It has a bucket seating configuration allowing for more legroom. The cockpit was designed much like an automobile. The seats sit 2-inches 40 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
THE ULTIMATE POLARIS ADVENTURE
lower. It can be adjusted to your comfortability level. The steering wheel tilts and adjusts to your favorite driving position. The seveninch Ride Command screen allows us to see vehicle information without having to remove our riding gloves. The built-in Rockford audio system is great for rocking out to all of our favorite tunes while on the trail. One drawback to the system is if you are stopped with the engine off and are not playing any media, the speakers emit a hissing sound. Upon hearing this our first thought was air could be leaking out of a tire. We quickly assessed all four tires and located the noise in the speaker system. Crisis averted!
We also had plenty of storage for putting our stuff on-board. Up front, there is a 5-gallon compartment for storing your essentials. In the back we were able to easily strap a soft cooler with all of the beverages and snacks for the adventure. There was also room to strap a tool bag filled with all of the necessary items just in case something went wrong. Fortunately, we never had to use any of them.
First, we headed out to one of the sandy sections of Sand Hollow. Powering through the deep sand, our throttle response was immediate. No bogging down here. The open-clutch design and improved air flow kept the CVT system cool and we didn’t have to worry about burning up a belt. It also handled as expected on the trails. Horsepower on the vehicle has been upgraded to 181. This Polaris really DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 41
SAND HOLLOW
shines in the 20-50mph range. The four-seat model is nimble and agile as we went back forth on the tight twisty sections. Polaris improved the turning radius with this model. The FOX shocks adjust on the fly. The “ultimate” test for this four-seater was in the rocks. As mentioned, we quickly found ourselves in one the most difficult rock sections at Sand Hollow. The Polaris Ultimate outperformed any Jeep with all
of the bells and whistles. It walked up and down the steepest of rock ledges. Offcamber? No problem. The DYNAMIX system controlled the vehicle’s stability. The chassis is made of a one-piece frame. No bolts to come loose. The only flexing on the rocks came from the suspension. Polaris built 42 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
stronger axles on this machine. Anyone who has done some serious rock-crawling knows about catastrophic axle failures. We have to we did scratch the door on the rocks in an extremely tight rock section. Yeah, it’ll buff out! Overall, Polaris did an excellent job on the design of the new Pro XP. Inside and out, this was the perfect machine to take on our Ultimate Sand Hollow adventure.
BRONCO MANIA
Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo
Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy Ford Motor Company
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ord is opening up the first of its kind Bronco Off-Roadeo experience. Bronco and Bronco Sport owners and owner holders will receive complimentary instruction on how to off-road their new Bronco. Four adventure parks are planned to open this year that will include locations at Mt. Potosi Nevada, Moab, Utah and the northeast region of the United States. Each location features off-road courses designed by the experts such as Loren Healy and Vaughn Gittin Jr. The locations are designed to challenge attendee’s skill level on various terrain like rock crawling and hardcore desert running. The first location will open in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The venue features rugged ranches with DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 43
BRONCO MANIA
wild broncos running free. A very appropriate place to launch the first Bronco Off-Roadeo. The location also features miles of private trails, steep hills and craggy ledges central Texas is known for. The program is geared for all skill levels including novices and experts. It starts with a 90-minute hands on tutorial to familiarize attendees with all of the new features on the Bronco such as Trail Control and Terrain Management Systems. Trail guides also teach trail etiquette, recovery techniques and highlight design and technology features on the new Bronco. The best part of the experience is Ford provides a factory Bronco for attendees, so they don’t have to bring their own.
“Bronco is more than a vehicle, it’s an outdoor brand, and the Bronco Off-Roadeo will help bring it to life, it’s an immersive experience, and Bronco owners will come away with a greater level of offroad skills and a more thorough understanding of Bronco capability, all while being introduced to the Bronco Nation community.” -Lindsey Laporte (Bronco Experiences Manager)
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FORD BRONCO OFF ROADEO
Additional activities at the Off-Roadeo experience are also available such as kayaking, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and mountain biking excursions. The day ends around a campfire allowing Bronco owners to share their experiences and make new friends. The Horseshoe Bay location also has a premier lakeside golf resort nearby.
Currently the Off-Roadeo is only open to current owners and order holders of the 2021 Bronco vehicles. For the order holders, this will be the first chance for them to get behind the wheel before they take delivery of the new Bronco. The long awaited two door four-door Bronco is expected to go on sale at dealerships this summer.
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SONORA RALLY: The Last Race on Earth Continues! Story by: LaChelle Halliday Photos provided by: Sonora Rally
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s the “Last Race on Earth” during the 2020 pandemic, organizers set out to secure a rally for the following year amidst tension, confusion and multiple health concerns. Sonora Rally organizers were able to overcome these hurdles with a handful of compromise, perseverance, and a lot of help from the Sonoran government. As Covid continued to linger, the rally was ultimately pushed from March to May amongst new changes to make the rally more accessible and cost effective by housing fewer bivouac and requiring less travel miles for assistance teams. In doing so, the route laid out for the rally known for its point-to-point directions would instead route the contenders in a loop yet driving them deeper into Northern Sonora’s precious untouched terrain. Two legends, a few fan favorites, and Baja royalty would soon be pulling up to the starting line, pointing their tires towards the history books, hoping to create lasting memories and top positions. Polaris, pulling out all the stops, looks to make history whilst sending its top UTV drivers to the desert to include Casey Currie, Wayne and Kristen Matlock, Sara Price, and Max Eddy Jr.
participants are in for an exciting competition across the dunes, on the beach, and through the ranchlands of this northern Mexican state. Racers will be free to let loose and hunt for waypoints with either digital or analog maps at their disposal, courtesy of ICO Racing.
Day Two – Special Stage 1 The Rally’s first stage left a bitter taste for some as the day brought blue skies, smooth rhythms and a modest wave of dunes. Teams were led to fast gravel ranch roads straight into a modest mountain range of sand, where the pros were opened to the opportunity to build up a pace and make quick of the first 40 kilometers. Hare & Hound athlete, Jason Aubright, had a tougher time than most with an untimely end resulting from a blown motor. Sara Price contended with Day One – Registration and Tech a number of mysterious gremlins, while Mason With stringent Covid procedures in place and Klein took the stage ahead of rally raid greats in strict safety policies within the bivouac, Day moto. UTV’s saw surprise as former navigator One of the Sonora Rally began underway as Max Eddy Jr. took the reins and a road-book teams arrived eager to face the Mexican desert. himself in an independent effort to win the With just 2,000 kilometers ahead of them, favor of Polaris. 46 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Day Three – Special Stage 2 Special Stage Two was the necessary change after the high tension of SS1 moving athletes through the dunes. Fueled by adrenaline, Ricky Brabec, warmed his 5th place start long enough for those to let their guard down. Skyler Howes and Andrew Short had both never seen him move that fast before as he soared past each rider until he was leading the stage. They rode in single file, ascending and descending in unison, for the remaining leg of the racecourse. Jacob Aubright had working through the night, rebuilding his bike with a new engine, until shortly after starting SS2 his Kawi couldn’t withstand the heat, failing him for good. Casey Currie suffered a blown turbo charger, however, continued by driving in one of his backup cars for training. Sara Price was confronted again with electronic errors that even the overnight trek to El Cajon, CA and back couldn’t save the RZR from dropping to the bottom of the ranks.
THE LAST RACE ON EARTH CONTINUES
Day Four – Special Stage 3 Winding sandy two track, tight twisty tunnels of desert flora, a dry lake bed and a bottomless loose quarter mile sandbox left participants wishing for the good old days. Most of the stage was joyous but that all evaporated as competitors struggled to keep from overheating. The fight within UTV’s has been bloody amongst old teammates becoming rivalries as Kristen and Wayne Matlock battle neck and neck with Max Eddy Jr. Sara Price, suffering electrical gremlins, is now playing the game to sharpen her skills and test her machines along with colleague Casey Currie. Ricky Brabec rode in a blaze of glory with Skylar Howes hot on his trail. They battled and Howes pulled the lead putting six minutes between himself and his long-time race buddy. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 47
SONORA RALLY
Day Five – SS4 Competitors made quick work of slaying the desert dragons, building up speed as they approached on a long flat shrub speckled stretch of earth. The obstacle presented was the temptation to roll off the throttle or soften at the pedal, allowing fear or weariness to take over. However, this wasn’t a consideration for Ricky Brabec who seemingly never stopped giving it gas, traversing the desert with other competitors. The group of motos pulled up to the last leg of the journey in succession: Brabec, Howes, Norman and finally Cornejo. In UTV’s, Kristen Matlock led the stage and was primed to finish strong when she high centered on a peak, opening a door for Max Eddy Jr. to pass. Sara Price proved her worth as a pro driver tearing through the racecourse in her RZR like she stole it.
However, Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Jose Ignacio Cornejo, Kendal Norman, Mason Klein and Justin Morgan were all shaking hands and taking photos under the Yokohama arch by 10:30am. With no contest, Brabec stole the show with thirteen minutes to spare, while his comrade and career rival Skyler Howes managed to make his new Rockstar Husky family proud. Ten minutes behind Howes and first time Sonora Rally competitor “Nacho” Cornejo took third in the standings. The day consisted of a flat dusty grid system cut into the wastelands that smoothed out into a small dry lakebed and finally ending in the dunes. The mini war within the UTV’s class waged throughout the day as all contenders gave one hell of show. Wayne Matlock ultimately won the trophy and was followed by Max Eddy and Kristen Matlock completing the podium.
What it took to overcome North America’s largest Day Six – SS5 dunes was a combination of whit, endurance, skill If you had blinked, you would have missed and, most of all, perseverance. It’s in our nature the whole Rally. The speeds in SS5 weren’t to hunt, to create and survive...Motorsport, rally blazing, they were a mid-August Forest fire raid in particular, is an amazing way to do just in Arizona. Predicting a fast finish, organizers that in short bursts. To help us feel relevant. To pushed back the start times an hour, hoping find ourselves, if only for a little bit. bikes would arrive later than 11:00am. By day five, several bikes and half of the side-by-sides no longer qualified for scoring.
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ULTRA4
Ultra4 Battles in Baja! Story By: LaChelle Halliday Photos Provided By: Ultra4
aja packs in a vast array of ever-changing landscape while encapsulating a familiarity that captivates your soul forever yearning to return. Baja is intoxicating as many racers can attest to, however as we all passionately enjoy the atmosphere Baja presents, it also can be a treacherous adventure that will swallow you whole with any mistake.
B
the 22-mile loop course laden with rocks, silt, sand, and whoops, the fierce competition would soon battle against as San Felipe threw intense heat, sand, and rocks at the competitors. Qualifying was a sprint as each took chances at the 1-mile track for the following days clean air rather than eating the dust behind another competitor.
Ultra4 Racing, keenly known predominately for vehicles that venture to the world’s furthest corners in search of the toughest terrain known to man and machine, joined the off road community venturing to Baja after a yearlong hiatus due to Covid. Power and authority drove the “Swiss Army Knife” of off-road racing organization to Mexico, challenging the competitors with desert styled racing after Round One challenged rocks while in Moab, Utah.
As the sun began to rise, reflecting golden rays off the Sea of Cortez, racers were treated to a later start than normal, building the anticipation and eagerness to get behind the wheel. The morning race was a combination of the 4500, 4600, 4800 and 4900 classes together on course, however, competitors were only battling against those within the same class. The other drivers in other classes were simply obstacles to the podium. The competitors, separated into 4 classes and 37 cars deep, would leave the starting line in 30-second increments venturing into the harsh San Felipe desert
The 2021 El Rey de Las Bajas, was host to 50 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
BATTLES IN BAJA
Branik Motorsports 4800 Legends class – 4 laps (88 miles) First off of the line, pole leader and reigning King Randy Slawson led the Branik Motorsports 4800 Legends class in a 4800 class Bomber, ahead of Chayse Caprara and Logan Goodall, creating the first dust storms of the day. Only miles put on the new chassis were during qualifying for King Randy Slawson, who unfortunately succumbed to the deserts grasp and a DNF. The checkered was given to 2nd generation racer, Logan Goodall, even after losing a sway bar and belt, forcing the duo to make quick repairs and hammer down in his Jimmy’s 4X4 chassis. Following closely behind Cody Young, Area BFE Beatdown winner, snagged second place while running consistent, but ultimately didn’t have the speed of the front runner. Finalizing the podium, husband and wife team, Eric and Nancy Winkle took home their first Ultra4 podium win.
Yukon Gear and Axle 4500 Modified class – 4 laps (88 miles) Leaving the line along with the 4800 class, the Yukon Gear and Axle 4500 Modified’s leaped forward with Richard Lavezzo taking the first breath of fresh air before the havoc would soon ensue. Shawn Rants and John Grounds, who had qualified next, sped off into the desert in the wake of dust from leading competitors. As each competitor took their chances to reach a successful ending of the 4 laps they had to encounter, ultimately, it was a familiar face that stood atop the podium. Shawn Rants, an experienced driver, lifted the cumbersome first place trophy above his head as John Grounds was announced in second followed by Richard Lavezzo.
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ULTRA4
Can-Am 4900 UTV Class – 3 laps (66 miles) Following the Legends and Modified Class battle, the exceedingly adaptable UTV class was underway with fewer challengers than in other races. However, the elite top tier drivers were revving their engines on the starting line in Baja. Racing director JT Taylor also sprinkled a plot twist onto the UTV course as they quickly learned all bypasses were removed, lining them onto the exact course set for the 4400 Unlimited Class. Following a strong show by Jacob Versey in Moab, the Blonde Ambition himself, powered his way to the top of the podium. Immediately behind Versey, Josh Smith, the qualified pole setter, snagged a second-place finish with veteran Travis Zollinger sliding his single seater into third place to round out the podium.
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Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class – 2 laps (44 miles) The final race of the morning was the Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class and the long-awaited unveiling of the new Ford Bronco, driven by brothers Brad and Roger Lovell. Originally, the bronco was first revealed at the 2021 King of the Hammers, however, this was the first official Ultra 4 race. Onsite were engineers from Ford as they used the Ultra 4 race as a testing ground for the bronco’s offroad and racing capabilities. Qualifying first, the Lovell brothers launched off the starting line in hopes of standing atop the podium. After 2 laps and 44 strenuous miles later, Brad Lovell made Ford proud as he put the Amsoil Bronco in first place atop the podium. Twitchy McGee battled to 2nd place and the McNamara brothers, Sean and Brian, rounded out the podium winners.
BATTLES IN BAJA
As the morning races came to a close, and the given hour for lunch had passed, the 4400 cars began to line up for the Unlimited Class race. The afternoon race saw 35 unlimited cars take to the 22-mile loop giving the advantage of clean air to the top qualifier, Paul Horshel. As the battle for first ensued, the lead position Unlimited 4400 Class exchanged hands until one emerged victorious. – 5 laps (110 miles) Having an effective pit strategy proved vital in With a field stacked with 4 kings, Loren Baja allowing for Monster Energy athlete Loren Healy – 2, Shannon Campbell – 3, Randy Healy to quickly make his way to the front Slawson – 3, and Jason Scherer – 3, the without looking back. His Bronco inspired IFS energy magnified as the ground began to machine ran strong and steady fueling Loren rumble the start of the race. The Mayer of Healy’s mission after his Moab results. San Felipe waived the green flag, releasing the desert beasts to begin the 110 miles of Traditional wisdom indicates Independent Front pure self-inflicting punishment in 30 second Suspensions or IFS cars, are faster in the desert. intervals. This thought proved true in Baja as a trio of IFS cars stood atop the podium. Nitto tires swept the standings as Loren Healy stood atop the podium in first with the Gomez Brothers respectfully taking second (Raul) and third (JP) Brian Caprara finished just off the podium in fourth, with Brian Crofts – the Area BFE Beatdown winner – rounding out the top five positions. The Brian/Bryan’s were followed by Loren’s teammate Vaugh Gittin Jr in 6th, 3-time King Jason Scherer in 7th, Bailey Cole in 8th, Chip MacLaughlin finished 9th, and Kris Wicks rounded out the top 10 in his Bomber.
To earn National Championship points, drivers must compete in KOH, at least 3 regional races, as well as Nationals (October 15th and 16th in Davis, OK). The 2021 El Rey de Las Bajas was a thrilling second race in the West region and has really tightened the battle for points in all the classes. Next is the North series opener in Broadview, Montana, June 10 – 13, followed by the East Round 2 at Adventure Offroad Park in East Pittsburg, Tennessee on June 25 - 26.
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ELECTRIC OFF-ROAD RACING
Extreme E: Ocean X Prix
S
Story By: LaChelle Halliday Photos Provided By: Extreme E
ince its debut, Extreme E, the international off-road racing series that uses spec electric SUVs to race in remote parts of the world, has shown light to a new style of racing and different ecosystems. With Saudi Arabia becoming a huge success, nine teams and eighteen drivers continued by taking to the track for the first time in Senegal. The Ocean X Prix (29-30 May) got underway with an initial exploratory lap in the morning’s shakedown session, followed by a practice session in the afternoon. The anticipation in the paddock and buildings began to heighten as qualifying kicked off the following day.
impact humans have made on our planet. To continue the Extreme E Legacy, teams are partnering with local NGO Oceanium to plant one million mangrove trees in Senegal. The project will focus on five areas totaling 60 hectares, the equivalent of 112 football pitches, with the aim of reforesting mangroves, providing education to local populations, and improving social cohesion.
Saturday saw Qualifying Rounds 1 and 2, two The Ocean X Prix, in Lac Rose, Senegal, separate time trials that are then added together to form the following days qualifying race order. teams once again face a mostly sandy As the sun began to rise on Sunday, the top 3 terrain, though different challenges of Saudi Arabia. In Senegal, the race starts on qualifiers would be racing in Semi Final 1 while the beach, running alongside the Atlantic the next 3 qualifiers would be racing in Semi Final 2. The final 3 would battle together in a ShootOut. Ocean which hugs the West African coastline. Drivers would be tempted to look left at the stunning waves breaking on the beach alongside them, but this fast section will demand their attention before they turn inland onto a more technical part of the course. This beach and the community of Lac Rose faces a sad plastic pollution issue, which will be clear and unavoidable to see as teams race, however this will give Extreme E the opportunity to demonstrate the 56 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
EXTREME E
Semi-Final 1 Shoot Out The fastest three teams from the previous Segi TV Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti United days, Mattias Ekström aboard the e-CUPRA Extreme E and ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team all ABT XE1 took an all-important holeshot, endured difficult Saturdays with mechanical taking an early lead. Meanwhile, Rosberg X gremlins plaguing their qualifying runs. Timmy Racing – Johan Kristoffersson pulled another Hansen stole the advantage into the first corner overtake and swept around the outside of with Sara Price and Carlos Sainz in hot pursuit. X44’s Sebastien Loeb. Less than two seconds Sainz wrestled the lead away from Hansen separated the trio who, nose to tail, as they before entering the switch zone. Kyle Leduc dived into the switch zone. The driver swap old fired out of the switch zone in third place spelled disaster for some as X44’s Cristina but quickly began closing the gap slicing Gutierrez and Rosberg X Racing’s Molly through to Andretti United Extreme E driver Taylor drag raced down to Turn One as Taylor Catie Munnings to claim second, followed by a led them home with X44 claiming the second spectacular move on Sanz to claim victory over spot in the Final. the Shoot Out. On top of winning the Shoot Out, Kyle Leduc took the Super Sector title earning an extra five points by setting the fastest time ahead of X44’s Sebastien Loeb.
Semi – Final 2 The middle three qualifiers were hungry fas the XITE Energy Racing – Oliver Bennett, got alongside Veloce Racing Jamie Chadwick on the exit of Turn One however, Chadwick masterfully defended to hang onto P2. At the driver swap, JBXE’s Kevin Hansen passed the reigns to Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky who hopped in with a 25-second lead, which she extended crossing the finish. Further back, Stephane Sarrazin and Christine GZ were locked in combat as the French racer began muscling his way into P2 putting JBXE and Veloce Racing to progress to the Final.
Final Race JBXE’s Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky picked up rear wheel damage before she reached the first corner and was forced to retire the car alongside Cristina Gutierrez in the X44 car who encountered the Rosberg X Racing car at turn one ending her day as well. Molly Taylor and Sarrazin were therefore left to duke it out for the lead with the Frenchman closing the gap to end his stint right behind Taylor. At driver switch, Jamie Chadwick and Johan Kristoffersson engaged in a close fought drag race as they reached the technical section of the course. Kristoffersson stretched his legs to win Rosberg X Racing’s second Extreme E X Prix in succession. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 57
TECH
Shaving Race Car Weight On the Roof Story: Shaun Ochsner/ Danny Ebberts Photos: Ebbco
T
he Ebberts family has been involved in off-road racing for decades. In 1979, Tom and Tommy Ebberts started Ebbco, an off-road parts supply and prep service. Eventually they sold the company to concentrate on other ventures. Danny Ebberts acquired the company in 2018, bringing the name back into the family and carrying on the legacy that was started years ago. Today, Ebbco manufactures high quality products for racing and off-road in addition to continuing the award-winning prep services Ebbco
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became known for. Racers are always trying new tricks to make their vehicles lighter. Lighter equals faster. They try everything to gain a competitive advantage. One of the biggest areas is cutting weight on your race car. Recently Entrussed Racing was looking for a way to make their ES Motorsports-built Class 10 car lighter with a lower center of gravity, they turned to Ebbco for help.
SHAVING RACE CAR WEIGHT ON THE ROOF
The answer was upgrading the roof to Carbon and Kevlar. The roof on a typical class 10 is aluminum. The Carbon and Kevlar composite weighs less than half of an aluminum roof. The Kevlar helps keep drivers safe during a crash. First of all, Kevlar is a heat resistant synthetic fiber. It was developed by a chemist at DuPont in 1965. Today, Kevlar is found in many applications from bicycle tires to bulletproof vests and now mixed with Carbon fiber for the Entrussed Racing class 10 roof.
To make the Carbon Fiber and Kevlar roof, a mold has to be made with the first layer of Carbon Fiber. The first two layers are then “debulked” which takes away any air pockets. The Mold is placed a bag which must be situated perfect on both sides. You do not want any thermal expansion of the part.
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TECH
The roof features a smooth surface on both sides with a two-sided press mold. The roof then goes back to the oven after more layers of carbon are added. The layers must be “debulked” every time. After all of the carbon has been added, the Kevlar layer is added. It then goes back into the oven to be cured.
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SHAVING RACE CAR WEIGHT ON THE ROOF
SHAVING RACE CAR WEIGHT ON THE ROOF
Ebbco finished the job, wrapping the satellite and antennae mounts in carbon fiber. In all, the carbon fiber gives the roof an extremely clean look.
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DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 61
CHAPPY’S PIT STOP
TRUSTING IN YOUR SPOTTER/DRIVING COACH
Words: Steve Hanson
I
n closed course racing it is common to have a spotter or driving coach and usually a requirement by the race director. A good spotter/coach is nice, but a great driving coach is a critical component to any winning drivers’ repertoire. Ask any honest driver on the podium and they will give their spotter/coach credit for getting them to the winners’ circle. A driver counts on them for information of dangers ahead, positions of other racers but more importantly instructions on car placement, car control and self-control at times. The great ones also double as a personal therapist for the driver dealing with emotions in their head while they race. Sometimes the information given might not seem right or even feel right. But if you believe in their knowledge, have faith in what they say, then you will show your trust by reacting to their instructions. Much is the same with our relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you just believe Christ is the Savior of the world? Do you profess that there is only one true God, but when you are observed you are the one taking all the credit? Did you know that even the demons do all that! JAMES 2:19 NIV You believe there is one God! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. We are called to do much more than just believe with our heads; we are called to have faith. Faith is believing with our hearts and with our will. Faith in God means that we believe in God so thoroughly that we are willing to fully act upon it. It is our faith in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior that we have salvation. This is a cornerstone of the Christian belief. You can believe you have a great spotter, but if you do not have faith and trust in that voice in the headset then you will not find yourself in the winner’s circle at the end of your race. Just like the story of Abraham in the Old Testament. God promised him many children and at the age of 75+ with his wife Sarai at 65 62 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
he still had none. In fact, his name Abraham means “father of a multitude.” GENESIS 12:1-2 ESV “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Trust: The firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, reliance or strength of someone or something. How does Abraham respond. He has faith in the word of God, he believes in what God says. Finally, he put his trust in Gods promise of a multitude of descendants. This is the nature of biblical faith and trust: Have faith in what God has said and does for your life, then act on it. Live it out, even though it might not feel right or appear to be nonsense to all the people around you. PROVERBS 3:5 NIV Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Just like with Abraham, God has much better things in store for you. When you are lost in your sin, when life seems too difficult, the good news is that these are not signs that God does not love you. Do not loose heart and be encouraged. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16 NIV Therefore we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Because just like with Paul here and Abraham in the Old Testament, they realized that their current situation was not what God wanted or had planned for them in the end. True faith in God includes the action of trusting Him. Follow @rfc_dirtsportministry
CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE
Championship Off-Road- Langlade County Fairgrounds- Antigo, WI June 5th-6th
EVENT TO ATTEND SNORE Midnight Special
M.O.R.E. McKenzies 250- Lucerne Valley, CA June 5th SCORE Baja 500- Ensenada, MX June 10th-13th UTV Takeover- Box Car Hill Campground-Coos Bay, OR June 23rd-27th Championship Off-Road Crandon Spring Brush Run- Crandon, WI June 26th-27th
JULY Championship Off-Road ERX Motor Park, Elk River, MN July 9th-10th
The brutal Nevada summers make racing in the daytime miserable. The SNORE Midnight special is run during the much cooler evening and nighttime hours. The desert terrain looks a lot different at night, and the SNORE Midnight special is always a race that challenges driver skill.
VORRA Desert Open Series- Fallon, NV July 9th-10th SNORE Midnight Special- Jean,NV July 16th-17th UTV Takeover- Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure Grundy, VA July 28th M.O.R.E. Freedom Cup- Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, CA July 31st-August 1st Have an event for our Calendar? Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 63
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