DirtSportsWorld Magazine November 2021 Issue 11 Vol 2

BEHIND THE SCENES OF WEATHERMAN RELAY

ISSUE 11 VOL 2

The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports

NOVEMBER 2021

WEATHERMAN, WEATHERMAN,

CAN I GET A STATUS CHECK? INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

WINNING AT RALLYE DU MAROC

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+ TECH: SCREAMING POWER ON THE DYNO + THE RACE PROVEN CHEVROLET ZR2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>

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WORD NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT

10 NEW RIDES 12 DIRTWORLD

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14 KIDS KORNER 16 CAPTURED 62 CHAPPY’S PIT STOP 63 CALENDAR

FEATURES>

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18 COVER STORY: BEHIND THE WEATHERMAN RADIO RELAY 24 DESERT RACING: BITD LAUGHLIN DESERT CLASSIC 30 UTV WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO LAKE HAVASU 36 NITTO SWEEPS NATIONALS 40 MASTERPIECE OF METAL: FLEXING BLACK BETTY 46 EXTREME E ISLAND X PRIX 48 THE RACE PROVEN CHEVROLET ZR2 50 HANDSTANDS AT 100MPH 52 WINNING AT RALLYE DU MAROC 56 FERING ELECTRIC TRUCK THAT CHANGES THE RULES

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TECH>

58 SCREAMING POWER ON THE DYNO Publisher DirtSports Inc. Editor-In-Chief Shaun Ochsner Associate Editor La-Chelle Halliday Sales and Admin Dave Arnold Contributing Editors Chris James Steve Hanson

Contributing Photography Shaun Ochsner Fering Connor Moore Mad Media La-Chelle Halliday Kawasaki Dave Arnold Ford Motor Co Red Bull Mod Kids USA Ultra4 Extreme E Chevrolet Honda Red Bull Printed at: Sutherland Printing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DIRTSPORTSWORLD

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DIRTSPORTSWORLD

DIRTSPORTSWORLD

WORD BIO SECURITY PROTOCOLS REMAIN

S

CORE has announced the start and finish lines for the Baja 1000 will be under strict biosecurity and not open to the public as they were pre-pandemic. At least this year’s race start won’t be as isolated as previous Baja races. SCORE will set up a new compound alongside the marina for what will be “ceremonial” start. With non-essential travel restrictions being lifted for the United States, Baja moves to Orange on the color system.

Hotels, restaurants and barber shops are only allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Supermarkets can operate at 75 percent

capacity and malls, theaters cultural events and museums are limited to 25 percent capacity.

Despite the current ongoing restrictions, most of the country is open for business and ready to host the granddaddy of them all¬¬– the 2021 SCORE Baja 1000!

Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief DirtSportsWorld

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 5

NEWS Glickenhaus Baja Boot Evolves into Class 1 for SCORE Baja 1000

Two years ago, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus entered the Baja Boot in Class 2, in an attempt to win the SCORE Baja 1000.

That year, they beat the new Ford Bronco, and drove the Boot home with no issues.

This year, with Armada Engineering, Glickenhaus is entering the Boot in Class 1.

The vehicle is getting new sensor upgrades a new 2022 Hydrogen Fuel cell.

The goal is to finish the SCORE Baja 1000 with a zero-emission vehicle. The Boot will undergo testing in Barstow to ensure everything is ready for Baja. Glickenhaus has also challenged Elon Musk to race against the Boot with his Cyber Truck, but Musk has yet to respond.

Dick Landfield Passes Away Dick Landfield has passed away at the age of 89. Landfield started as a Southern California Ford dealer. He raced a Ford Bronco in the 1968 NORRA Baja 500. Over his lifetime, Landfield has used the knowledge and influence he earned from business and racing to help drivers, teams, promoters and sponsors achieve goals and promote the sport of off-road racing. Landfield owned the Enduro racing team which competed in the Mickey Thompson Stadium Series for 10 years starting in 1989.

Landfield retired from driving full time in 1986 and hired Dave Ashley to drive and manage the team. In 1991, Landfield created 6 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

the Rough Riders and secured a major sponsorship deal from Ford Motor Company.

The Rough riders were a combination of Enduro Racing, Simon and Simon Racing, Stroppe Racing, Swift Motorsports, Spirit Racing and Venable Racing.

Dick Landfield was inducted into the OffRoad Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT

Eight Inductees Added to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Eight people were added to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The new members include Dave Arnold, Nancy Davidson, Gary Denton, Tommy Hays, Loretta Lynn, Scott Plessinger, Kenny Tolbert and Ryan Villopoto.

All have contributed to the sport in some way. Dave Arnold worked for American Honda, helping to develop some of the greatest racing talents and motorcycles.

He has helped Honda shape its Supercross and Motocross program. Gary Denton was

a dominant ATV racer in the 80’s and 90’s winning the AMA ATV Grand National Championship eight years in a row. Loretta Lynn has had a massive impact on the motocross community, welcoming 60,000 riders since 1982 at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Scott Plessinger was a top off-road racer in the 80’s and 90’s winning several titles throughout his career. Tuner Kenny Tolbert helped develop motorcycles that carried riders to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The youngest of the group, Ryan Villopoto has accumulated five AMA Pro Motocross and four Supercross Championships on his Kawasaki. In addition to the titles, Villopoto has tallied 41 main event wins and 31 national title wins earning him the nickname “Villopodium”. Tommy Hayes and Nancy Davidson were also recognized for their contributions to the motorcycle communities.

Aaron Plessinger Joins KTM Aaron Plessinger has signed a two-year deal to ride for KTM. Plessinger will campaign the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition for Supercross and the Pro Motocross Championship.

division, winning a 250MX championship in 2018 and numerous wins across both series.

In 2019, Plessinger moved to the 450 class, securing several top finishes.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to join Red Bull KTM and work alongside everyone associated with the factory team effort. To be honest, I’m pretty excited to bring a new vibe to the team. I rode KTMs a lot as a kid, so I’m looking forward to getting back to my roots and having some fun but this time on the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION,” said Plessinger.

Plessinger had a successful career in the 250 DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 7

Jeeps Dominate Rebelle Rally

Jeeps swept the podium in the sixth annual Rebelle Rally. The Wranglers took first, second and third along with the overall win and the bone stock award. Additionally, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe was the first electrified vehicle to win the 1500-mile rally through the Nevada and California deserts.

“The Jeep brand continues to dominate for a reason,” said Emily Miller, founder – Rebelle Rally. “Off the showroom floor, a Jeep 4x4 is an exceptionally capable vehicle to take on the Rebelle Rally. The Wrangler 4xe definitely proved itself in an impressive way, taking the top two positions in the overall competition.”

Nena Barlow and Teralin Petereit drove the Electric Jeep 4xe coming in with the overall and bone stock wins. Second place went to the mother daughter team of Christine and Emily Benzie.

Extreme E Completes Rookie Test In an effort to find more drivers, the Extreme E Series held a rookie test session. Each team currently competing in the series was offered the opportunity to invite up to two drivers. A male and female, to experience the Odyssey 21 car. They also had a chance to be in the paddock and learn everything that happens during a race weekend One of those drivers was Seth Quintero.

Invited by Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team, 19year old Quintero has not only won UTV races in the states, but also became the youngest driver to ever win a stage at the Dakar Rally.

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The Acciona/Sainz XE Team brought 21-year old Swedish protégé Klara Andersson. Klara is a 2021 Swedish Rallycross Champion. She is just starting to get immersed in electric rally vehicles, racing the RX2e Championship.

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

NEW RIDES

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Gets Fresh Paint

N

ew colors and pricing are out for the 2022 Kawasaki Teryx 1000. The popular models have been selling well for the company and its time for them to brighten things up just a little with new colors for next year.

The Special Edition (SE) Model has a new

graphics package. The new color offering includes a Turquoise Metallic Onyx Black color scheme with black a-arms and silver suspension coil springs. The high-impact graphics package is designed to grab attention.

In addition to the new color scheme, the side-by-side comes with a high grade Hifonics audio system with 6.5-inch door speakers and a 12-inch subwoofer.

There is a also a new LED screen integrated into the dash. The screen has the capability to display album art.

MSRP on the SE is $22,999.

The regular KRX 1000 continues to be available in Lime Green, Metallic Onyx Black and Sunbeam Red and Metallic Onyx Black. The trail edition comes in a Fragment Camo Gray with neon yellow and silver colored suspension coil springs.

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CONCEPT RIDES

Ford Timberline Off-Grid Concept Equipped for Extreme Adventures

T

he Ford Timberline Off-Grid Concept vehicle is ready to handle any extreme adventure you throw at it. Based on the Ford Expedition Timberline Series, the vehicle is ready for a multi-day off-road trail run.

The vehicle starts with a raised stance.

The Expedition Timberline already comes with 10.6 inches of ground clearance. An additional two inches is added to the vehicle with FOX Performance Elite Series Shocks.

A 50-inch Rigid light bar illuminates the trail and campsite. Additional lighting is provided by shooter cube lights and rigid spotlights mounted in the wheels and lift gate. The lights also turn red. The battery system was beefed up to handle all of the demands of the accessories.

Inside of the Expedition is an EZ Stak custom aluminum dual storage drawer unit along with a camping mattress that sleeps two. There are even window shades to block out light and a portable USB powered fan.

Expedition Series Trailer. It holds additional gear to stay off the grid longer. The trailer has a two-burner propane stove and deep well sink, along with a pair of drop-down tables.

The trailer carries a 42-gallon water tank with six-gallon water heater. There is an external shower hookup and propane tank. The trailer also comes with an optional refrigerator and solar panel, making it self-sufficient on power.

Connected to the Expedition is a Turtleback DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 11

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SEND US YOUR CRAZY PHOTO OUT IN THE DIRT AND WE MAY FEATURE IT HERE IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. Email to: Dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com

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KIDS KORNER

Connor Barry | Age: 16 | Mod Kart, “Slickey” Pro-Lite, RS1

PRESENTED BY:

Photos Courtesy: Mod Kids USA

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and any obstacles that make you, you: A: I was born into racing! My dad, Clint Barry, is originally from Australia and came to America for racing. He’s been around Motocross/Supercross, Super Bikes, and Off Road racing his entire life. He owns and runs CBR Performance Products, that supplies high performance radiators to many big name racers around the world. When I was little, he would take me to the races and I dreamed of becoming the next “Rob MacCachren”. I’ve won 2x JR2 Kart Championships, Mod Kart Championship, and currently leading the points in the Mod Kart in 2021.

This is also my last year in a Mod Kart, and I’ll be in a Pro Lite for the 2022 season. I’ve also decided to broaden my skills and try some desert racing in amnestying RS1 next year. In my free time, I own and run a virtual world racing series called @iRacing.shortcourse which keeps me busy. I was also signed to a professional team (Jim Beaver eSports) and I race with people from all over the World in NASCAR, Rally Cross and Dirt.

Q: What is it about Off-Road that brings you the most joy? A: It’s the thrill of getting behind the wheel, starting the engine and letting it rip. It’s a full adrenaline rush, that doesn’t compare to any other sport!

Q: What are your favorite tracks and Ultimate goal for 2021?

A: My favorite tracks are Missouri, Crandon, Reno, and Arizona. My ultimate goal for 2022, is to get a Top 5 finish in my rookie year in Pro-Lite.

AND of course, keep it on all 4’s.

Q: What are you going to change tomorrow to make yourself better than today? A: I want to learn more about how my truck works and be able to relate that to the data, so I can become a smarter driver.

How does your school work help you in sports? A: I think school has taught me to be more disciplined, organized and focused.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: Attending ASU and studying Forensic Science. Still racing in Short-Course and desert but trying some SST and maybe Rally Cross.

Barry Shout Outs: Big shout out to my Family, as they make it possible for me to race. CBR Performance Products, AIM, Super Clean, K&N, Rugged Radios, Mod Kids USA, Sparco USA, Walker Evans, Chuck Cheek/CMI, Joe Cullen, and General Tire.

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CAPTURED Fresh Flyer: Dan Fresh catches air in his 6100 Brenthel truck at the Legacy Battlegrounds race in Primm.

Photo: Shaun Ochsner

16 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

WEATHERMAN, WEATHERMAN,

CAN I GET A STATUS CHECK? The story behind the Weatherman Radio Relay

By Shaun Ochsner

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F

or most that have tuned into the Weatherman Radio Relay channel during the Baja races know it is a critical link for racers and chase teams. Baja can be an unforgiving place with miles of rough terrain and zero cell phone service. In some places, towns are so spread out, there can be long

distances without services such as food, fuel and other necessities. Typically, all one has to do is click the microphone on their radio and say, “weatherman do you copy?” and a mysterious voice answers back, ready and willing to answer the call. If you need help, he will get you help. If you

need a status check of your race vehicle, most of the time he can pin point the last known position on a tracking site and communicate with checkpoints and other chase teams that may have seen the race vehicle on the course.

But, how does this all work?

I tagged along to find out.

COVER STORY

It is a Wednesday afternoon and I am headed south through Baja with the PCI Weatherman crew. Scott Steinberger and Ralph Barrera will set up all of the race relay communications for the SCORE Baja 400. We are en route to Picacho del Diablo¬– the highest peak on the Baja peninsula. This is the location where the Weatherman Relay takes place for the race. The name translated in English is Devil’s Peak. At an almost 10,000-foot elevation, conditions on the mountain can change in an instant. High wind, rain, snow and whatever mother nature wants to throw at it. Picacho del Diablo is also home to a dozen high-powered telescopes. The telescopes are controlled remotely by scientists around the world.

The location is ideal because there is very little light pollution.

We make a brief stop at the SCORE office in Ensenada to pick up additional communications equipment and the coveted BFG Pit Book. After a taco for dinner, we are back on the road, headed south. Accommodations for the night will be at Rancho Meling, two hours below the towering mountain range.

There we get a full night sleep before making the windy trek up to the top of the mountain. The next day, we arrive at the entrance to the national forest.

Here you must have special clearances to access the area where the telescopes are located and the spot where we will set up relay communications. One of the Mexican Military soldiers checks our vehicles. “Ah, camping,” he exclaims looking at the sleeping bag in my truck.

The public part of the national forest area has camping areas popular with the locals.

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We are still two full days away before the start of the race. It takes that long get the antennas, satellites and other communication equipment up and running and ready for race-day. As soon as Ralph parks the PCI command post¬– a camper mounted on the bed of a Ford Superduty F450, he wastes zero time, pulling out boxes of equipment. Within an hour he has cables, connectors, poles, ropes and plenty of other gear all laid out. Ralph beams a satellite dish at an adjacent mountaintop.

Soon a mysterious internet connection becomes available and Scott fires up his computer to start checking emails. Ralph continues

BEHIND THE WEATHERMAN RADIO RELAY

on the mountain. After a quick breakfast, we continue plugging in cables and testing equipment. Ralph finishes setting up the second antenna.

One of our antennas extends at least forty feet into the air and secured by multiple guy-wires¬– just in case mother nature wants send wind our way. We test the radio channel and find we can talk to someone from SCORE Ops all the way in Ensenada On Friday, still one day approximately ninety miles away from the Baja 400, competitors in Ensenada were away from Picacho Del Diablo. We make it an busy handling last minute tech inspections. Teams were early night to get some rest.

Motorcycles start at 6am and securing chase trucks and we need to be ready to handle finalizing their pit strategies. anything that may come up.

I wake up to the humming of two generators that have been running since we arrived to work on erecting two antennas that we will use to communicate across the peninsula. As I look for over the mountain I am able to see all the way to San Felipe.

Scott sets up a voice-over-ip phone that has direct lines to the SCORE operations center in Ensenada. He can also receive calls from his PCI shop in the states.

Ralph Barrera is affectionately known as “Weathermex” on the radio because of his ability to speak fluent Spanish.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 21

COVER STORY

The Weatherman Relay was started

by Scott’s dad, Bob in the seventies. At the time, Bob was working for the Stroppe race team.

He quickly became frustrated because there was no way to communicate with the race vehicle and the pits.

He suggested the team install two-way radios.

Bob soon learned he needed elevation for his antenna and radio to communicate all the way around the course. He tied the antenna to a weather balloon and secured it to his vehicle. Soon he had communications at every point on the course with the race vehicle. As one of the drivers was coming in for a pit stop, he couldn’t remember Bob’s name, so he simply called out on the radio,“hey weatherman.” The name stuck and soon Bob found himself helping out other teams with radio relay communications.

It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of Sal Fish at SCORE and the rest is history.

Bob handled radio relay stateside and in Baja for decades until his passing 22 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

in 2017. In the early days he would set-up a simple tent and generator at Diablo. Winds would whip at 40 miles an hour and temperatures could reach freezing. Bob unfazed by mother nature stayed on the mountain for days¬– until the last checkpoint closed and the last racer crossed the finish line. During long Baja peninsula runs he would circle in an airplane staying awake for hours providing critical radio communications to racers and chase teams.

Just after 7am Saturday morning, an hour after the bikes start the race, the first “code red” comes in on the radio. A code red is when all radio traffic not related to the impending emergency is halted. We get a report of a motorcycle rider down and not moving. Scott springs into action talking to SCORE Ops on his

direct line. He is able to get a rescue helicopter in the air to the area where the rider was reported down.

Several intense minutes of back forth over the radio goes on between crews on the ground at the emergency and Scott. Finally, the helicopter arrives at the emergency and the “code red” is cleared. It’s not long before we get our second “code red.” This time a rider is having an allergic reaction near Valle De Trinidad. Scott is able to get an ambulance over to the scene. Later in the morning we get an

BEHIND THE WEATHERMAN RADIO RELAY

update on the phone from SCORE Ops that the downed rider only suffered a pelvic injury. The trophy trucks start off the line in Ensenada at precisely 10am. At high noon we continue to track leaders and call out positions on the radio. Spectators help us by calling on the radio they had a visual confirmation of the trucks.

At 3pm another “code red” comes in. A Trophy Truck launched off a jump and the driver has a back injury.

A medic from the Herbst team is first to the scene and recommends to us on the radio that a helicopter is needed.

Scott relays this over the phone to SCORE Ops.

By 6pm, the Trophy Truck leaders are nearing Ojos Negros. and there only 13 We get our first stuck miles to finish the race. microphone on the radio Bryce Menzies is in the which prevents us from lead followed by Luke hearing people calling in. A stuck mic occurs when a radio McMillin. As darkness falls over Baja, the Weatherman button transmits for several team continues to answer minutes at time without the calls for status checks from operator knowing about it. If the microphone is not properly chase teams. Some haven’t heard from or seen their race secured it can accidentally transmit a signal preventing vehicle in hours. Scott updates anyone from calling in on the each one with the last known position of their vehicle. radio channel.

Others are calling in to say they are out of the race. Scott wishes them better luck next time.

As the lonely night hours pass, the Weatherman Relay continues to be the critical link to nothingness in Baja.

The relay remains active until just before 8am Sunday morning as the last running car arrives at the finish line.

The team packs up and heads down the mountain, ready to do it all again for the next race. Sometimes it can be a thankless job. We all know that mysterious voice will be there on the other end of the radio next time you say “weatherman, weatherman, Can I get a status check?”

Just remember what it took to answer that call.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 23

DESERT RACING

Laughlin Desert Classic

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Connor Moore

T

he Best in the Desert Laughlin Desert Classic featured two days of offroad racing on a 17-mile course. The backdrop for this popular race was set behind Laughlin’s collection of casinos that sit right along the Colorado River. A racer favorite at the Laughlin Desert Classic is a road crossing that sends racers through a straight-away at

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speed before catching air over the Needles Highway 95.

Lofton managed to only finish 22 seconds ahead of second place Kyle Jergensen.

Lofton was back out front in clean air on the second Justin Lofton qualified 4.8 seconds in front of Harley day. In a repeat of day one, Letner to start on the front Jergensen was also directly behind Lofton. A bit of bad row for the first day of racing. Combined times from casino luck struck Kevin Thompson as he rolled over both days would determine the overall weekend winner. on the infield section of the With Lofton out front it was course. BJ Baldwin would be hard fought day one battle. forced to restart the race due

LAUGHLIN DESERT CLASSIC

to the Concrete Motorsports Trick Truck rollover. Baldwin turned into a man on a mission finishing six seconds ahead of Lofton. Lofton still secured the overall win for the weekend once combined times were calculated.

The highly competitive 6100 class saw Jordan Brenthel on the pole position.

There were 25 trucks vying for the top spot. When the day one dust settled, Andrew Meyers came in with the win. On the second day, Meyers was back out front with Brenthel hot on his heels. Brenthel gained a 20-second lead on the final lap, but bad casino luck too struck him. Brenthel would get shutdown with mechanical issues.

Brent Fox moved in position for the win and ultimately the overall for the weekend.

Class 1500 saw the “single seat king” Sam Berri as the top qualifier. Berri continued that momentum to win his class on both days of racing taking home the overall win and inching closer to season championship. Other overall winners of the weekend included Preston Brigman in class 10 and Connor McMullen in 6200.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 25

DESERT RACING

S D N OU

R G TLE

T A B

AT

M RIM

P

Story and Photos by Shaun Ochsner

P

rimm is a popular hotspot for promoters to host racing events. For starters, the property is 100% private which means zero need for expensive BLM permits that can take months to gain approval.

Legacy Racing Association held their final four-wheeled race of the season in Primm.

It was appropriately called “Battlegrounds”

two days of racing on a 9-mile course. To keep racing exciting, there was an optional joker line that bypassed 1-mile of the course. The joker line was only allowed to be used by competitors once per day on any lap other than the start. With the exception of Sportsman UTV classes, competitors ran 8 laps. The sportsman ran 7 laps.

Battlegrounds featured

Racing got started early

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Saturday morning with the Sportsman UTV classes. Jack Olliges was locked in a tight battle with Christian Strobel.

In a heartbreak moment on the final lap, Strobel ran out of fuel shutting him down on the course. His crew raced to get a fuel delivery to the stopped UTV. Jack Olliges continued to take the victory with Kaden Wells finishing second but still taking a class win in Naturally Aspirated UTV.

BATTLEGROUNDS AT PRIMM

In class 10, all Mike Coulter needed was to start the race to lock up the championship. Racing was tight between Ty Fall and Josh Cobb. On the first day of racing, Fall had mechanical issues just a few laps in. Cobb went on to win the race and eventually a weekend sweep. Fall still had a big gap ahead in points to claim the championship. Travis Williams and Brent Fox went head to head in 6100. Williams cruised to a day one win while Fox took the day two win. Travis Chase secured enough points throughout the weekend to secure the class Championship. Connor DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 27

DESERT RACING

McMullen was the lone driver in the 6200-class finishing ahead of the entire field both days.

final outcome was Strobel and Hustead tying up the final points. Legacy used the elapsed time from each race combined with the lowest Fifteen points separated Steve time won to figure the tie Strobel and Eric Hustead. breaker. The championship Hustead swept the weekend was awarded to Eric Hustead. with a win both days. The Brandon Bailey had enough

28 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

class 1 points and only needed to start the race to lock up the championship. He left racing up front to Ladd Gilbert. Day two, Madix Bailey convinced his dad to allow him to drive the Class 1 car. That move paid off as Bailey secured a win.

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UTV

UTV WORLD

CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO LAKE HAVASU

30 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Mad Media

T

he UTV World Championships returned to Lake Havasu, Arizona.

This is the second year in a row Lake Havasu has hosted the event.

The weekend of events kicked off with a 67.3-mile poker run complete with plenty of prizes on the line. The poker run is a great way for the public to participate in the event and see the course before racing gets started. The first 50 registrants received a swag pack from Rigid Industries. The winner of the poker run also took home a gift certificate valued at $1,000.

The UTV World Championships caters to all age groups. The youth races are a perfect way to introduce up and coming racers to the sport of UTV racing. Youth 170, 570 and 250 races were held as the weekend got started. Chase Mankin took victories in both the 570 and 250 divisions. Over in the Youth 1000 event, Ethan Groom repeated his winning performance, taking the victory. Groom is a 14-year old Factory Polaris athlete, racing a Polaris RS1. Groom beat second place Travis Sallee by 21 seconds.

UTV

Above: The Youth UTV races are a great way to get young racers immersed in off-road racing.

Top Left: Chase Mankin collected wins in both Youth 570 and 250 divisions.

Left: Ethan Groom races to a win in the Youth 1000 event.

RJ Anderson collected another trophy to add to his extensive collection. He took top honors in the Pro Turbo class. Anderson was six minutes faster than all of the other drivers in the race. He is Polaris top wheel-man and has an impressive resume of wins and championships.

The final event of the UTV World Championships was the Desert Pro Turbo Race.

This race brings out all of the heavy hitters in UTV desert racing. Two of those racers were Phil Blurton and Ryan 32 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

UTV WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Piplic. Piplic won the UTV World Championships in 2020. As the race started, Blurton played things safe, setting his own pace. On the final lap, Blurton was six seconds behind Piplic. Blurton stopped to change a tire and though he had lost hopes of winning the race. When he got going again, Blurton found Piplic down with mechanical issues.

Blurton went for it winning his fourth UTV World Championship event. Blurton has previous back to back to wins from 2017 to

2019. Kaden Wells, who won an earlier race in the Naturally Aspirated class finished second racing the same car.

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CAPTURED Slick Conditions: Connor “Slickey” Barry navigates his Pro-Light through a slick track at Great American Shortcourse in Victorville.

Photo: La-Chelle Halliday

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ULTRA4

NITTO SWEEPS NATIONALS

Story by: La-Chelle Halliday Photos Courtesy of Ultra4

F

rom the red rock mountains of Moab to the sandy beaches of San Felipe, Teardown in Tennessee back to the Big House in Crandon, Ultra4 has traveled the continent in hopes to crown the 2021 Nitto Tire National Champion. As the series battled from East, North and West, contenders forged new paths on the road to victory.

Over 9,000 miles have been traveled, hundreds of gallons of fuel, and countless tires lay shredded and put to rest as we round out the Ultra4 racing season in Davis, Oklahoma for the 2021 Nitto Tire Nationals. Hosted at Crossbar Ranch Offroad Park where challengers would be pushed to the limits as the park houses multiple terrains from large rocks, mountain terrain and large streams of water to forge through.

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ULTRA4

CLASS: 4900 Can-Am UTV LAPS: 6 (A LOOP + B LOOP) The 4900 Can-Am UTV class race kicked off later in the afternoon pitting drivers not only against other competitors and the varying landscape but against the setting sun. Pole setter, Can-Am driver Jamie McCoy began setting the pace until confusion on laps led him and a handful of other racers to fall back. Joshua Smith lurched out in front and ran ahead of the pack finishing first, only 5 minutes ahead of Shannon Campbell for second and Brian Stone in third.

CLASS: 4600 Spidertrax Stock LAPS: 3 (two A Loops + one B Loop) In the 4600 Spidertrax Stock Class, Brad Lovell easily threw down the quickest qualifying time in his new Stock Ford Bronco. During the race with only one rock/forested loop to tackle, the 4600 Class saw a quick checkered flag, with Lovell crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 50 minutes and 25.174 seconds. Seventeen minutes later, Jon Schaefer crossed the finish line, followed closely by Nitto driver John Snell.

CLASS: 4500 Yukon Gear & Axle Modified LAPS: 5 (three A LOOP + two B LOOP) Duane Garretson secured the pole position in qualifying positioning him ahead of Cody St. Blair and Rick Lavezzo and ran physically in front through the entire race. Cody St. Clair quickly followed suit as Justin Hall finished out the podium.

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NITTO SWEEPS NATIONALS

CLASS: 4800 Branik Motorsports Legends LAPS: 5 (three A LOOP + two B LOOP) Qualifying first and setting the pole, Chayse Caprara was on a mission but unfortunately finished in seventh as his tires couldn’t handle the course. Nitto’s Casey Gilbert did not qualify and started in the rear of the group however, made quick work moving up in the pack physically and on time to take the checkered flag. Steve Graff and Jeremy Jones joined Gilbert on the podium.

CLASS: 4400 Unlimited LAPS: 7 Quick off qualifying the pole, Wayland Campbell physically led the pack of unlimited cars through the laps with Gomez and Gittin close on his heels. Of the first 10 qualifiers off the line, 9 were Team Nitto drivers. On corrected time, the lineup continuously changed with every turn as each driver would shave off minutes, placing better without ever physically passing another vehicle. Unfortunately, the quick pace caught up to the drivers as many began to fall victim to mechanical failures and retire before completing their laps.

Paul Horschel retired after one lap with a broken front axle while Wayland Campbell finished five laps until his tensioner rendered his water pump non-functional.

Sibling, Bailey Campbell ran a clean race, avoiding the mechanical issues the rest of the crew saw over the weekend securing an eighth-place finish. Similarly, Josh Blyler moved from his 13th start position to outrunning the pack, taking the checkered flag atop the podium in first while Vaughn Gittin Jr. finished second behind him. Rusty Blyler completed the podium with another Team Nitto podium sweep.

n

o ham p i C l a tion

Na

The Nitto Team completed an outstanding year racking up the championship points but ultimately there can only be one the honor of National Champion can be granted to. This year, the 2021 National Champion title was gifted to the well deserved Team Nitto’s Vaughn Gittin Jr. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 39

MASTERPIECE OF METAL

FLEXING BLACK BETTY STORY AND PHOTOS: SHAUN OCHSNER

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R

andy Slawson may know a thing or two about building a capable trail rig. He is after all a three-time winner of the King of the Hammers. Slawson runs Bomber Fabrication out of Gardnerville, Nevada. Bottom line, he builds winning chassis. Slawson’s latest build¬– Black Betty is one of the most capable trail rigs he has ever built. Black Betty can crawl up the toughest and steepest of rocks as if it was a lizard. Black Betty

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got her name as Slawson was mocking up the build in his shop. The popular song by Ram Jam came on the radio and stuck with him. The lyrics kind of fit too. Slawson paid attention to a lot detail on the car. Hiding things where needed helps gives Black Betty a clean, simple look. Don’t let this rig fool you.

Black Betty is a mean crawling machine that flexes her muscle as soon she hits the rocks.

BLACK BETTY

Randy Slawson designed the dash to sit lower in order to increase visibility for the driver while crawling rocks and other obstacles on the trail.

Tubing on the trail chassis is built out of 4130 chromoly. The aluminum panels are powdercoated black.

The wheelbase on Black Betty is 114 inches. She sits at 86 inches wide and has 24 inches of rear steer travel.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 43

The cockpit of Black Betty is very simple.

PRP seats, gear shifter and controller for the rear steering. Three analog gauges show water, transmission and oil temperatures.

The steering wheel extends towards the drivers lap for comfort and control while crawling the rocks.

BUILD SHEET Vehicle: 2021 Bomber Fab Trail Rig Builder: Randy Slawson (Bomber Fabrication) Power Train: V8 LS-3 Transmission: Maximum Transmission Driveshaft: JE Reel 1350 Driveline Axles: Spidertrax 40 Spline 300m Suspension: King Shocks front and rear Steering: PSC Exterior: Custom Bomber Fab Panels, 4130 Tubing Interior: Custom Bomber Dash, PRP Seats, Autometer Analog Gauges 44 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

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ELECTRIC RACING

RXR WINS

EXTREME E ENEL X ISLAND X PRIX A fter altering the location from its originally planned event in Brazil, Extreme E landed seaside in Sardinia Italy to continue racing for its cause to bringing awareness for climate change issues. The event would mark Extreme E’s first European destination which took place in the Army Training area at Capo Teulad in SulcisIglesiente, a historic area situated on the southwest side of the island. The Teulada route, measuring seven kilometers, housing a contrasting landscape to the previous three rounds as it provides a compacted surface scattered with bushes and rocks along cracking riverbeds.

Q1 - After free practice on Friday, the X44 team continued where they left off to claim the fastest time in Q1 in Sardinia on Saturday. Johan Kristoffersson driving the first competitive lap.

On the second lap for the team, Molly Taylor ran wide in a turn rolling the squad’s ODYSSEY 21. However, similar to the Arctic X Prix in Greenland, Taylor continued on as if nothing had occurred and completing the run ending the session in sixth. Unfortunately, damages caused both the Xite and the Chip Ganassi Racing teams 46 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

STORY BY: La-Chelle Halliday PHOTOS: Provided by Extreme E

unable to finish their laps for the day.

Q2 - X44 claimed its fourth top qualifier position in a row from the first four rounds with drivers Cristina Gutierrez and Sebastien Loeb topping the time sheets in Q2 Saturday afternoon, after already heading the Q1 standings. While the X44 squad extracted every ounce of potential from their all-electric ODYSSEY 21 E-SUV machine to set the pace, it became a story of fight backs behind them to fill the qualifier positions. After having failed to complete a lap in Q1 due to a broken suspension, the SEGI TV Chip Ganassi team battled back with a pair of strong laps from Sara Price and Kyle LeDuc to set the second-best time in Q2.

Semifinal 1 - Immediately off the starting line drama erupted in the first of Sunday’s wheel to wheel contests. Timmy Hansen of the Andretti United, launched off the start as the lights turned green, cut across the nose of SEGI TV Chip Ganassi’s Sara Price and the two cars touched pushing Hansen to the left-hand lane.

EXTREME E

In veering to the left, the Andretti United machine made slight contact with X44’s Cristina Gutierrez, resulting in a broken front left wheel of Hansen’s car while sending Gutierrez into a high speed crash over the rocks. The damage from the crash ensured an instant retirement for the X44 but a penalty to Hansen would demote the team to last place and promoting X44 into second and a place for the final if they could repair the heavily damaged car in time. With the given penalties, Sara Price and Kyle LeDuc were left with a trouble-free run to victory, securing their first Final appearance of the season.

Final - A heavy downpour made for the first ever ‘wet’ Final for the Extreme E season, Semifinal 2 giving the five finalist a new challenge they must Rosberg X Racing’s Johan Kristoffersson led off overcome. X44 who suffered heavy damage in the starting line, briefly followed by ACCIONA the opening race was able to take their place in |Sainz XE Team’s Carlos Sainz Sr., the two-time the final as their efforts to rebuild the damaged World Rally Champion while their dust slowed car was boosted by the support of mechanics ABT CUPRA XE’s Mattias Ekstrom. The second and engineers from the Andretti United Extreme placer was short lived as Sainz Sr. was forced to E team. Four of the five teams launched off the drop back due to a power steering problem as the starting line, with the fifth, ABT CUPRA XE, RXR and ABT CUPRA XE continued to push their stalled on the grid. X44 look to have staged a ODYSSEY 21 E-SUVs to their limits. The battle comeback to lead in the first corner but were rumbled on until the driver switch RXR’s Taylor overthrown spectacularly by LeDuc who managed led the chase to victory as Kleinschmidt brought to get in front. Behind LeDuc who built an the ABT CUPRA XE car home to take second. impressive lead in front, JBXE took a spin while a three-way tussle broke out for second after Loeb lost pace from a slow puncture. As LeDuc excited his SEGI TV Chip Ganassi Racing car in the driver switch zone following a tremendous opening lap, it seemed the so far luckless team would complete a heroic turnaround and bring home the team’s first win. However, they were cruelly denied as Price succumbed to terminal damage to the car after making contact with a rock on the course, breaking the steering, only allowing them a fourth-place finish. This left RXR’s Kristoffersson in the lead and chased by Mattias Ekstrom who battled with great speed despite driving without his left-hand door throughout the lap. RXR’s Kristoffersson kept up the pressure to extend his lead and take RXR’s third win of the campaign. Extreme E will continue for championship glory at the final Extreme E X Prix of the season in Dorset, UK in December.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 47

TRUCKS

e h t CE RA VEN O R P

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos:Courtesy of Chevrolet

J

ust a few short years ago, engineers at Chevrolet in partnership with Hall racing began developing an off-road race truck. The race truck supported the production model of the Colorado Chevrolet ZR2 that was released in 2017. Since that time, Hall racing and the Chevrolet engineers have been busy working on the Colorado’s big brother, a Silverado version of the ZR2. Countless hours have been spent in the deserts fine tuning parts that would serve as template for Chevrolet Performance production parts you can buy off the shelf

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from your local dealer.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 race truck officially made its debut at the Best in the Desert Laughlin Desert Classic in September.

A prototype version has been in development since 2019. Driver Chad Hall and the team have entered 10 races including the recent Vegas to Reno event. The official race truck has updated sheet metal that matches the production truck.

There are several shared components on the race truck and production model. You will find those same components when you buy the truck from the dealership. The chassis is virtually the same along with Chevrolet’s ladder-type frame. Both trucks share a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Hall racing enters the truck in Best in the Desert Stock Full class, so costly engine upgrades are not necessary. The trucks also share the same unique skid plate package.

CHEVROLET SILVERADO ZR2

The Chevrolet ZR2 could be compared as a direct off-road competitor to Ford’s Raptor. Chevrolet can now add “race proven” to their list of accolades for the truck. One of the biggest features on this truck is the Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers.

There are three connected chambers for fluid flow.

Chevrolet engineers spent many hours to get the suspension just right on the truck. The springs are uniquely tuned and along with the Multimatic The Chevrolet ZR2 could be compared as a direct off-road competitor to Ford’s Raptor. dampers. The end result is increased maximum Chevrolet can now add “race proven” to front and rear suspension. their list of accolades for the truck. One of the biggest features on this truck is the Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers.

There are three connected chambers for fluid flow. Chevrolet engineers spent many hours to get the suspension just right on the truck. The springs are uniquely tuned and along with the Multimatic dampers. The end result is increased maximum front and rear suspension.

The Chevrolet ZR2 production model will go on sale at dealerships in the Spring of 2022.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 49

MOTO

HANDSTANDS

AT

100 MPH

Campbell hosted “Handstands at 100-Milesper-hour at the Doffo Winery just outside ome 50 years ago, Bruce Brown directed of Temecula, California. The Doffo Winery a film that would be the Pinnacle of the was the perfect venue to host such an event. motorcycle racing industry. That film was Owner, Marcelo Doffo is a lifelong motorcycle called “On any Sunday.” The film featured several notable riders such as Steve McQueen, enthusiast. He has collected rare and vintage motorcycles for over 20 years. Doffo has a Malcolm Smith and David Aldana among others. To celebrate the anniversary of the film, collection of over 100 motorcycles and scooters Scot Harden and Johnny Campbell wanted to from eight decades on display at the winery. organize an event that brought the motorcycle Handstands-at 100-miles-per-hour started the community together. day with a dual-sport ride based out of the winery through nearby roads and trails. A On a warm sunny Saturday, Harden and Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner

S

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party and movie screening were held on the Doffo Ranch property. There, riders (many of them past champions) were invited to mix and mingle, sip wine and eat tacos. Stories of fifty years of racing adventures filled the air. For some it was a reunion to see fellow riders they hadn’t connected with in years.

Some reminisced about racing in Baja in the days before GPS. There weren’t checkpoints, they just had to get from Ensenada to La Paz before the next guy.

HANDSTANDS AT 100 MPH

On display were motorcycles from every era that raced in the last 50 years across SCORE, Best in the Desert, District 38,

District 37, MRAN and other series.

Past champions were honored along with those that are no longer with us. A tearful Johnny Campbell read from a list of names of legends that have passed on.

The event concluded with the screening of On Any Sunday. The same iconic movie that motorcycle riders grew up loving and watching over and over. The same movie that won an academy award in 1972 for best documentary feature.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 51

RALLY

WINNING AT

Rallye du Maroc Story by: La-Chelle Halliday Photos by: Red Bull and HRC

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T

WINNING AT RALLYE DU MAROC

he story originally begins in 1982 with the arrival of the first rally raid to run in Morocco, hailed as the land of rally raid. The following year the rally took the name of ‘Atlas Rally’ and quickly became the flagship rally seeing the best drivers and teams in the rally discipline. After changes of hands the rally was reborn in 2000 as ‘Rallye du Maroc’ as the elite rally raid and became an event in FIM World Championship and FIA World Cup. In 2017 it was sold to the company ODC, led by David Castera, Director of the Dakar, who ensured the rally will have strong synergies with Dakar and will become the greatest pre-Dakar test.

As the fourth iteration to the FIM World Championship schedule, the rally lay in the heart of the Moroccan land from its lush forests on the mountain ranges down the Sahara Desert. Riders would be challenged from all fronts on their journey to victory.

After signing with Monster Energy Honda Team only five months prior, Pablo Quintanilla clenched his first race victory atop the Honda CRF 450 RALLY at the Rallye du Maroc in which he quickly adapted to. The Chilean delivered his first major win in Dakar-like conditions and ahead of his more experienced Honda teammates.

However, securing his second Cross-Country Rallies World Championship title with his runner up finish was KTM Factory Racing’s Matthias Walkner who came into the rally with a 20-point advantage in championship standings. After coming back from a bad run-on day three, Walkner still had to put in a strong performance as times were close across the field. With Quintanilla heading home first on the day, Walkner did enough with eighth fastest time to finish second overall for the event to secure KTM’s third consecutive FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship title after Toby Price and Sam Sunderland earning 2018 and 2019.

RALLY

The 166-kilometre final special stage passed quickly for most of the riders with a wavering chance at a victory amidst lingering dust with little movement of the wind, challenging riders in the rear to make up enough time. Pablo Quintanilla began with a positional advantage in which to attack Mathias Walkner’s lead by holding a substantially strong pace to acquire the final stage of the Rallye du Maroc.

Monster Energy Honda Team riders also competed in the rally, including Dakar champion Ricky Brabec who was unable to bridge the gap separating him from his rivals. Despite his runner up in the final stage, Brabec narrowly missed out on a podium placing. Joan Barreda was also able to battle his way to a sweet finish of sixth of the day and eleventh overall. KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price snagged a win just outside of the top ten with thirteenth place while Extreme E driver Cristina Gutierrez represented the Red Bull Offroad Junior Team with Seth Quintero who gave valiant efforts in their journeys.

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RALLY

Honda Ready for Rally Racing

H

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos:Courtesy of Honda

onda is going rally racing with a 2022 Passport stage rally truck. The vehicle was built by the Honda Performance Development Maxxis Rally team. The 2022 Passport made its debut during the Lake Superior Rally in Michigan in October. The team is made up of Honda associates, mainly engineers.

The 2022 Passport uses several key components already found on the vehicle including the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system.

With existing components, engineers did not have to modify the suspension system for competition. They did an automatic transmission fluid cooler.

“The fact that we didn’t have to make any modifications to the 2022 Honda Passport’s drivetrain or suspension for such punishing

terrain and competition speaks volumes to the capability and performance that comes standard in the Passport,” said Honda engineer and rally racer Chris Sladek.

The rally vehicle was also outfitted with racing seats, six-point harness, roll cage, fire suppression system and a rally computer along with in-car communications. Weight was shaved from the vehicle by removing rear seats and carpeting. The glass windows were also replaced with Lexan polycarbonate. Finally, a handbrake was added for maneuvering through tight corners.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 55

ELECTRIC

Fering Pioneer

The Electric Truck that’s changing the rules.

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Fering

T

he Fering Pioneer is an adventure vehicle which tears up the traditional electric vehicle rulebook. The truck is the brainchild of Ex Ferrari and McLaren engineer Ben Scott-Geddes. This electric pickup truck was

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designed to take on the toughest of terrain. The company has British roots, but don’t let the Union Jack symbol on the tailgate fool you. The bars of the flag actually act as strengthening ribs to keep the panel rigid. That’s just how much detail, thought and engineering went into this truck.

Scott-Geddes wanted a vehicle that could traverse the globe with minimal impact. He wanted something that could cruise across open desert terrain or handle expeditions in the polar regions of the earth.

FERING ELECTRIC TRUCK

Power is provided by two electric motors.

This isn’t usually seen in an off-road vehicle, but the concept seems to work. The motors provide instant torque. The truck sees power comparable to a diesel 4x4. Despite its large appearance, the Fering Pioneer is actually lightweight. The truck is built using aluminum space frame and composite elements. Its exterior panels are made from tough fabric, the same type of canvas found in high-end hiking boots. Should there be damage, it can easily be replaced. The material also has much better insulation.

The truck still has a dual mode. The battery range is about 50-miles. The battery uses Lithium Titanate Oxide Cells that are designed to survive extreme weather conditions.

When a longer range is needed, the battery is supported by an 800cc- 3-cylinder range extender bio-diesel combustion engine. The engine generates enough power to run motors and charge batteries simultaneously.

The Fering Pioneer can also be customized to any customers needs in any part of the world.

The first prototype has already been built and going through a rigorous testing process.

Production of the truck is expected to take place in the UK in 2022.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 57

TECH

Screaming Power on the Dyno Story and Photos: Dave Arnold

When you are a motorhead, the ageold question that runs through your mind is: How do I get more power out of my engine and make it go faster? That’s when we turn to the professionals with dynos and laptops!

Modern power plants today and the computer control modules that run everything the professionals like Anaheim, California based Redline Performance. They have many years of experience tuning modified street cars to professional race cars and engines.

In this case, one screaming sand car.

The vehicle is based on an LS7 power plant which came in at a little over 900 horsepower and left with a screaming 1400 horsepower at a proper tune.

With the laptop out of the driver’s side window, the team at Redline Performance works magic with several 58 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

run ups to get the LS7 engine to achieve full potential. Three different tunes are provided on the Motec computer module, from mild to wild so the owner of the car could select how crazy he wants to get with power in the dunes. This particular car was tuned on a hub Dyno. There are three basic styles of Dyno. One is a straight up engine Dyno which works out of the vehicle and then the two chassis Dyno’s which are floor-based with a roller for the tires or a hub which attaches directly to the axle hub with the tire off. The big difference with the engine Dyno is that everything is connected in a secluded room with an outside control area. The hub Dino set up has massive ventilation system protect you from carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases. The horsepower

SCREAMING POWER ON THE DYNO

gain these systems are able to achieve is impressive. Remember if you are going to do Dyno testing¬– ear protection a must!

From Redline’s Dyno master Chan: Dynos are used to aid in tuning/ calibrating engines. It accomplishes this by allowing users to put a simulated load on the engine while going through the RPM band.

There are two types of dynos – engine dynos and chassis dynos.

• In the process of tuning an engine, dynos help by holding an engine at different RPM points and loads, this allows a tuner to get a really good look at what exactly is going on in that particular spot.

This is critical in calibrating an engine for optimal performance – proper fuel and ignition per load point.

• Aside from tuning and calibrations dynos are also used for R&D situations – comparing parts like cams, intakes, throttle bodies, etc. You can compare horsepower and torque differences between all those parts in various test sessions since dynos offer a steady state test environment that can be replicated over and over.

• Another key advantage of the dyno (in this case, a chassis dyno) is that the entire vehicle system can be checked – by that I mean the fuel system, the cooling system, and the drivetrain system.

Since chassis dynos require that the actual vehicle is ‘strapped’ down or rather put on the dyno, it is an opportunity to see that the fuel

system on the vehicle is functioning properly (i.e. pressures are maintained, etc.). Cooling systems can also be evaluated – proper flow of the system, also making sure that the fans are working and activating at the right temperatures. Drive train systems are also another factor that can be checked – making sure that the trans shifts properly, driveshafts are DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 59

TECH

balanced, etc.

To sum it up, I’d simply say that the dyno allows you to simulate real driving conditions as much as possible and it allows you to do it in a controlled environment, so you can observe everything going on and make adjustments/corrections as needed.

The reality is if we didn’t have dynos to use in the tuning process, we’d have to find an area on the highway somewhere that we can hit full throttle while in the high gear and stay on it to the rev limit - all while looking at all the sensors and adjusting the tables in the ECU – that will probably not work well 99.9% of the time!

Big thanks to Chan Wejpanich The master of the Dyno and Mike Porter from Redline performance They are based in Anaheim California at: 1380 N Lakeview Ave. Anaheim, Ca 92807 714-777-5758

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CHAPPY’S PIT STOP

PERSERVERANCE UNDER TRIAL

Words: Steve Hanson

James 1:12niv Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

W

ere you at SEMA this year? I know many vendors there with their SEMA builds that felt like a lifelong test of persevering trials in order to complete in time for the show. The Baja 1000 for many teams will feel the same. There will be trial after trial and that is just what it takes to stage for the green flag much less what you have to overcome to make it to La Paz. So, what is a trial anyway? Trials are things that happen to us externally. A trial is an appeal to man to stand up; do right, be noble, despite the pain keep your head down and keep grinding. A trial is going to be that huge booby trap, an unexpected breakdown, being without your chase team, that $5 part that tries to end your race. Sometimes it’s as simple as dealing with an unpleasant teammate for 48 hours as you chase down the peninsula. Keep this in mind when under trial: Leaders overcome trials and make them a badge of honor.

13 When tempted no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Do not be deceived, my dear brothers.

Everyone struggles with temptation. We are tempted to lie, to cheat, to steal, and to indulge ourselves in countless ways that God has forbidden. We give in because Satan is 62 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

crafty, he has studied us and knows where we are weak. Temptation is Satan’s invitation to live his kind of life and give up on God’s.

We all have desires; the danger comes when we are enticed by them and drawn into sin.

This desire is fueled by allurement. “But each one is tempted when he is dragged/ drawn away by his own evil desires and enticed.” To me it sounds like fishing for bass. A fisherman entices the bass out of the weeds by its own desire of a surface plug or rubber worm. When we are tempted, we don’t see the big picture; we only see the attractive bait, much like the bass. Once the bass gives way to its desire it gets hooked and experiences the pain as a result.

The first time the bass may get away, but eventually the little compromises that seem insignificant end up ensnaring us in sin.

Trials = External things to overcome that make us stronger.

Temptations =Internal struggles; immediate pleasure for long-term pain.

Desire/Lust Allurement/Pregnant Conception/ Child/Sin Full-grown/Adult Death There are blessings and rewards for those who do not give in when tempted. If you study history at all and look into the fall of people, no matter if its governments, businesses, families and even race teams.

You can watch the progression of temptation and how it leads to sin and how that sin grows roots that infects, kills and destroys.

We need to be determined to obey God rather than believe Satan’s lies. The enemy is defeated, but we still must fight. The Christian walk is not a walk you take by yourself any more than the Baja 1000 is a race you can win by yourself. Be sure to surround yourself with a good team.

Follow @rfc_dirtsportministry

CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER

Best in the Desert Cal City Desert Challenge California City, CA November 4th-7th

EVENT TO ATTEND The Mint 400

Legacy Dirt Rebelution Cedar City, UT November 5th-7th MORE Gravel Kings/Shreddy 200 Barstow, CA November 13th Great American Shortcourse- Glen Helen Raceway San Bernardino,CA November 13th-14th SCORE Baja 1000 Ensenada to La Paz November 15th-20th Red Bull Day in the Dirt Glen Helen Raceway San Bernardino, CA November 26th-28th

DECEMBER Mint 400 Las Vegas, NV December 1st-5th SNORE Rage at the River Laughlin, NV December 9th-12th Best in the Desert Year End Series Awards Las Vegas, NV December 11th

It’s back! After being sidelined last year due to COVID restrictions, the Mint 400 returns to Las Vegas with a full schedule of events. The tentative schedule of kicks off Wednesday December 1st with a Vehicle parade down the iconic Las Vegas strip. The parade will start at Mandalay Bay and end on Fremont Street. Events continue Thursday with an off-road festival at Fremont Street East. Limited cars and trucks will race Friday with Motorcycles, UTV’s and Unlimited trucks racing on Saturday.

More information: themint400.com

Have an event for our Calendar?

Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 63

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