DirtSportsWorld Magazine October 2021 Issue 10 Vol 2

KINCAID’S WINNING WEEKEND AT CRANDON

ISSUE 10 VOL 2

The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports

OCTOBER 2021

HOMETOWN HERO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

MENZIES BIG BAJA 400 WIN www.dirtsportsworld.com

+ TECH: SHAVING SECONDS OFF OF YOUR PIT STOPS + BRONCO DOMINATES AT CRANDON

POLARIS TROY LEE EDITION GENERAL

THE MEMORY OF RICK HUSEMAN LIVES ON IN CRANDON

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TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>

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WORD NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT

10 NEW RIDES 14 DIRTWORLD

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16 KIDS KORNER 18 CAPTURED 58 CHAPPY’S PIT STOP 59 CALENDAR

FEATURES>

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20 COVER STORY: HOMETOWN HERO 26 SUCCESSFUL SECOND SEASON FOR CHAMPIONSHIP OFF-ROAD 30 THE MEMORY OF RICK HUSEMAN LIVES ON IN CRANDON

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34 BUGS AT BIG CRANDON 36 ULTRA4: BRONCO DOMINATES AT CRANDON 40 SCORE BAJA 400

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42 WEATHERMAN HEARD ON THE RADIO 44 THE LIFE OF DAVE ASHLEY

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46 RED BULL STONE SCRAMBLE

TECH> 54 SHAVING SECONDS OFF OF YOUR PIT STOPS 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 Positive Beverage Daniel Curiel KTM Polaris Red Bull Nissan Toyota GMC ORMHOF Ford Motor Co Printed at: Sutherland Printing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DIRTSPORTSWORLD

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DIRTSPORTSWORLD

DIRTSPORTSWORLD

WORD WHAT A FALL

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t’s amazing how with us as we have been out every weekend busy the fall season covering your favorite races and telling the has already become. untold stories and features.

The calendar is full of racing events and trade-shows. Some weekends have multiple events. It is very refreshing to see how our industry has overcome the challenges and struggles of the Pandemic. Attendance at shows and racing events has been healthy, even in one of the most restrictive states in the nation. We are finally turning the corner and returning back to some sort of normalcy.

You will notice your DirtSportsWorld issues are full of event coverage. We are doing our best to keep up with everything going on. Bear Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief DirtSportsWorld

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 5

NEWS Ultra4 Expands Partnership with USAC The Ultra4 race series is expanding its partnership with the United States Auto Club. Currently USAC provides timing and scoring services. Starting immediately, USAC will handle an expanded role in race operations, safety and technical inspection for all Ultra4 racing events.

Ultra4 will begin implementing and integrating USAC’s process starting with the October Ultra4 Nationals in Davis, Oklahoma. USAC will also handle operations, safety and tech for the 2022 King of the Hammers.

“We have worked with USAC for a decade to build the competitive foundation upon which our racers, fans and corporate partners depend. As we continue to build upon that

foundation our enhanced alignment with USAC will ensure what we build moving forward is sustainable, professional, safe and fun.” said Ryan Thomas, President, ULTRA4 Racing.

USAC serves as the sanctioning body for a number of racing series. The organization has been around since 1956.

Luke McMillin and Rob MacCachren Team up for SCORE Baja 1000 Luke McMillin and Rob MacCachren will share driving duties in the #1 McMillinbacked Trophy Truck for the 2021 SCORE Baja 1000. McMillin took the victory last year and both drivers are hoping to take the victory this year.

“I’ve looked up to and raced against Rob for a long time, even back when I was racing 1600 cars against him,” Luke McMillin said.

“Not only I do believe our dedication and will to win is unmatched, but I also believe our racing approach is similar. We are not racers who just show up and drive. Instead, we are involved with every aspect with our trucks and teams making sure no detail is missed.

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Both drivers have had successful careers driving Trophy Trucks. Rob MacCachren has won four Baja 1000 races in his career and at least a couple of hundred off-road races across many different series.

The 54th SCORE Baja 1000 is scheduled as a Peninsula run November 15th-20, 2021.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT

Malcolm Stewart Inks Two Year Deal with Rockstar Husqvarna

Malcolm Stewart has signed a two-year contract with Husqvarna’s factory Rockstarbacked team for Supercross and Outdoor Motocross. The deal puts 28-year old Stewart aboard their FC 450.

“I’m really excited to have a full indoor/ outdoor deal that’s sealed for two years. It’s definitely a great opportunity for me and I think there’s nothing but positive vibes coming from me. I’ve always wanted to ride one of these Husqvarna motorcycles, I’ve seen everybody in the past do very well on it.

We’ve been putting in the work this summer,” said Stewart.

Stewart’s first race with the team will be the Supercross season opener in Anaheim January 8th.

Red Bud to Host 2022 Motocross of Nations

The 2022 Motocross of Nations is coming back to the United States. At a press conference in Mantova, Italy, officials announced the FIM event would be held at the Red Bud Motocross track in Buchanan, Michigan next year. Red Bud last hosted the Motocross of Nations in 2018.

The United States team pulled out of this year’s event in Italy after COVID safety concerns.

Team Italy’s Antonio Cairoli, Mattia Guadagnini and Alessandro Lupino won this year’s event riding for KTM. It was bittersweet for Cairoli who announced retirement. His number- 222 will officially be retired. Cairoli has nine world championships since his start in 2004.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 7

Honda HRC Manager Erik Kehoe Announces Retirement

Erik Kehoe has been around motocross for decades. Team Honda HRC has announced Kehoe will step down as manager of the US factory Honda team, a position he has held since 2018. Kehoe was also manager of the Honda team from 2002 to 2012.

Kehoe started his career as a Honda-backed professional racer in the late 80’s and early 90’s. During Kehoe’s management tenure, the team earned five AMA Pro National Motocross Championships and two AMA Supercross Championships. Most recently, he worked with Jett Lawrence who just wrapped up the AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship.

“This decision to retire was very difficult, but at the same time, I know it’s time to slow down my pace,” Kehoe said. “I would like to thank American Honda, and [Manager of Sports & Experiential] Brandon Wilson in particular, for giving me the chance to return

Ivan Stewart Inducted into Motorsports Hall of Fame The “Ironman” Ivan Stewart was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

The induction ceremony was held in Pontiac, Michigan. Stewart becomes only the second person in off-road motorsports to earn such an honor. Walker Evans was inducted in 2015.

Stewart has had a storied off-road career, racing for Cal Wells and the factory Toyota race team starting in the 1980’s. Stewart has been involved with TRD (Toyota Racing Development) for the last few decades. He has banked several dozen wins and championship across his career.

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to the team this last time. I really wanted to help get Honda some positive momentum in supercross and motocross, and this past season, I think the team has enjoyed many successes. I’ve truly enjoyed my time here, but it’s time to focus on some personal projects that I’ve been putting off for some time.”

Lars Lindstrom will take over Kehoe’s position as team manager.

Hit the trail with confidence with the SX Series winch from Superwinch!

The SX Series is a tough, capable winch built on the proven performance Superwinch is known for. The SX Series features a thoroughly modernized design to provide the power, speed, and durability demanded by today’s off-road enthusiasts. Available in 10,000 and 12,000 lbs. ratings with synthetic or steel wire rope. When you run the Superwinch SX Series, you run the best!

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3-STAGE PLANETARY GEARBOX

STAINLESS STEEL 4-WAY ROLLER FAIRLEAD

NEW RIDES

2022 KTM 350 EXC-F Factory Edition

K

TM has a brandnew special model in the EX line-up and it comes from the factory practically race ready!

The bike features a long list of race inspired parts which include WP XACT air fork technology. Not only do the forks save weight, but they have easyto-access clickers for adjustments.

The bike frame is built from chromoly steel for greater weight reduction. The 350cc fuelinjected engine is ready for a whatever offroad condition you throw at it. This bike is perfect for technical wooded rocky paths to throttle-heavy trails. The engine has a skid plate to protect it and a disc guard was added to protect the front brakes. The radiator fan was upgraded and protectors around the shroud were added.

Other race-inspired upgrades on the bike include a factory seat, map select switch, stealth rear sprocket and factory wheels with anodized hubs.

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Lastly, the KTM EXC-F factory edition comes with KTM factory racing graphics. The bike is available at dealers now and currently being raced by some of KTM’s best factory riders.

Polaris Troy Lee Limited-Edition General

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olaris has teamed up with Troy Lee Designs to create a special edition General.

Troy brings a custom paint job to the 2022 General XP 1000.

The vehicle has exclusive Troy Lee Designs graphics with non-metallic colors against stealth black paint. The design also has turbo silver race strips. The vehicle also features retro race numbering, speed flairs, a painted bumper and custom embroidered seats. Each vehicle will be uniquely numbered with a brushed aluminum interior badge.

“Troy Lee is a boundary-breaker, carrying his iconic speed-inspired creativity across

multiple disciplines and sports, and we’re extremely proud of the partnership we’ve maintained over the years,” said Chris Judson, Vice President of RANGER, GENERAL and ATV, Polaris. “The GENERAL XP Troy Lee Designs Edition is perfect for those who want their equipment to not only perform, but visibly reflect their passion on a different level, whether they’re shuttling mountain bike runs, building trails or exploring new territory.”

Customers can order the Troy Lee Designs Limited Edition in a two or four seat configuration. Only 700 units will be built.

They will be available through dealerships this fall.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 11

TEASED

A

little over a year after the 2021 Ford Bronco was finally revealed, Ford teases us with a Bronco Raptor.

Ford released a video on its website showing just the front grille with a graphic stating “Raptor coming 2022.”

While the current Bronco has a ton of off-road capability, we can only imagine what will be packed into the Raptor version. The Sasquatch is Ford’s most capable off-road Bronco trim level with beadlock wheels, Bilstein shocks, front and rear locking differentials along with high clearance fender flares. We surmise the Bronco Raptor will get the current Raptor suspension set-up and even more offroad accessories. Ford is expected to share more details sometime next year.

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NEW PRODUCT

NISMO Debuts new Line of Off-Road Parts for the 2022 Nissan Frontier

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ISMO (Nissan Motorsports International) has a whole new line of off-rad parts for the all-new 2022 Nisan Frontier.

Nissan wanted to make truck more versatile for overlanding and off-roading.

The parts list includes a 4-inch factory off-road light from NISMO. The light features a driving beam pattern for offroad driving delivering an output of 3,060 lumens. The light’s power draw also has minimal impact on the truck’s electrical system.

NISMO also designed a custom bed rack. The rack is perfect for overlanders and comes in a both a high and low version.

The bed rack can support multiple uses and designed to easily attach a Utili-Track system or bed top. Of course, you can’t forget the roof top tent if you are overlanding.

The NISMO tent is spacious and can accommodate up to two people. The tent is constructed with weather resistant ripstop polyester canvas and has mesh panels for ventilation.

Finally, NISMO developed an off-road performance exhaust for the Frontier. The exhaust delivers a sporty deep sound and is direct bolt-on without any modifications.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 13

DIRT WORLD

SPONSORED BY:

big crandon

big crandon

Mini Menzies “Green” vehicles have been a thing in Crandon for a long time.

big crandon big crandon

But first, let me take a selfie...

big crandon The crazy guy in the big red hat is back.

big crandon

Spinners put the “party” in party bus

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We didn’t see motorized wheel chair racing on the schedule. Did you?

We have an escapee from Crandon’s Jurassic Park.

This guy knows how to accessorize.

big crandon

big crandon

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO

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THE WORLD IS A DIRTY PLACE

Water shots?

Even the dogs attend Crandon.

SEND US YOUR CRAZY PHOTO OUT IN THE DIRT AND WE MAY FEATURE IT HERE IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. YOUR PHOTO WILL BE PUT TO A VOTE. THE BEST PHOTO WILL WIN A WINCH-2-GO FROM SUPERWINCH. SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO: Dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 15

KIDS KORNER

G3 Argyros | Age: 12 | Jr. 2 Kart KA100 Jr & X30 Jr (Karting)

PRESENTED BY:

Photos Courtesy: Positive Beverage Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and any obstacles along the way: A: I’m George Argyros III, but people call me G3. This is my first year in off-road racing; although I’ve been racing go-karts for 4 years. A challenge for me is that I’m younger than most other people in my karting class. Off-road and karting are very similar, but I’ve tweaked my own “driving style.” I drive calculated but also very aggressive in both. Karting has helped me in Off-Road by improving my understanding of racing lines, where to brake, how not to burn up tires, how to race smart, and how to win races. Conversely, Off-Road has helped me with karting because the dirt replicates rain very well. I’ve learned to get comfortable with the kart getting loose on road courses. Ultimately, Off-Road races have definitely added to my overall driver ability.

Q: What is it about Off-Road that brings you the most joy? A: The Off-Roading community has been very welcoming to new drivers and has been very family friendly. After the races, everyone is BBQ-ing and having fun at other people’s pits. In addition, I really like that Off-Road racing is clean and most drivers respect each other on the track. Standing on the podium definitely brings me joy too, not to mention the winning chocolate milk. Of course, I love the jumps too.

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

A: My favorite track is Crandon. Even though I haven’t actually raced there yet, I race the course all the time on my simulator. I love the huge jumps at this particular track, and I like that it’s a long, more technical track than others. I also look forward to the huge amount of fans that come to the race as well as the increased number of drivers that participate, providing for great competition. My ultimate goal for 2022 is to begin racing mod karts, which starts with a lot of testing and practice in the off-season and hopefully leading to consistent podiums or top 5’s for my first year in the new class. Additionally, I would like to do some national Off-Road races in 2022.

Q: What are you going to change tomorrow to make yourself better than today? A: I love to have a positive attitude and that’s like a muscle….You have to exercise it every day in order to make it grow. I think a positive attitude is essential and if I can keep growing that, then it will make me not only a better driver but also a better person in general.

How does your school work help you in sports? A: Schoolwork actually does help me in sports. Schoolwork instills concentration and self-discipline which directly impacts my ability to focus and persevere in both karting and off-road racing.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: In five years, I’ll be 17 years of age.

So I hope to be driving open wheel cars and climbing up the ladder in the Formula ranks. And, during those five years I hope to have enjoyed tons of Mod Kart racing as well as Baja style off-road racing.

Argyros Shout Outs: My mom, Shannon Argyros, and her company Positive Beverage for bringing healthy hydration to the off-road racing community. Troy Adams for suggesting that I try Off-Road. Brett, Nick & Dylan Plemons at BND Performance and Great American Short Course (GAS).

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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

CAPTURED Camouflage: Keegan Kincaid’s Pro-2 is hidden in clay-like dirt that Crandon is known for as he prepares to slide around a corner.

Photo: Shaun Ochsner

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CRANDON’S HOMETOWN HERO 20 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

COVER STORY

T

he most anticipated race during Labor Day weekend at Crandon International Raceway is the Cup Race. Winning the Cup race cements a driver forever into Crandon’s history. Speaking of history, racing at Crandon International is in its 52nd consecutive year.

The tradition has been kept alive over the decades. Crandon’s racetrack is one of the oldest and most iconic in the country. Its history books tell a tale of just about every big-name off-road and little guy who has spun their tires on the track, most likely during Labor Day weekend. Names like Ivan Stewart, Walker Evans, Robby Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. The list is extensive!

Dubbed “The Big House” Crandon International Raceway has evolved into a 400-acre property, nestled just outside of the

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small American town of Crandon, Wisconsin.

The sign at the entrance to the town still reads population: 1920. Some estimate there may be few more permanent residents than that.

Throw in the Labor Day Brush run event and the population sky rockets. Organizers estimated 65,000 people attended the Brush Run events this year which could be a new record for the iconic track. For someone who has never been to Crandon before, picture this: There are grandstands, but not as many as you think. Certainly not enough seats to hold an audience of 65,000. Just passed turn one, a lush grassy hill lines the side of the fenced off track. Did we mention the event is mostly BYOC or (Bring your own chair)? From sunup to sundown thousands of people claim their own little piece of lawn to watch the races.

It all kicks off with a parade down the main street, with race vehicles and floats.

Then the fun begins. A packed schedule of Championship Off Road Pro races and Midwest sportsman races. The weekend wraps up Sunday with a series of races all leading up to the main event– the Cup race. Pro2 versus Pro4. Throughout the day, $182,000 in prize monies were awarded. During the Pro2 World Championship Races, Mickey Thomas came out strong with a win. Thomas took home his first win at “The Big House.” His prize included a larger than life check and a brand-new Polaris RZR. Johnny Greaves was next to take a “Big House” win in Pro4. A perfect way to get him amped for the Cup race. In a contentious ProLite race, Brock Heger, Cole Mamer and Christopher Polvoorde battled each other.

After multiple crashes that caused several restarts, Cole Mamer came out on top.

HOMETOWN HERO

Below: Cole Mamer takes the victory on Crandon World Championship Day.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 23

COVER STORY

Late into the afternoon, the crowd was on their feet, impatiently waiting for the Cup to race to start. Drivers sat nervous, strapped in and ready to rocket off the land rush start. Many running scenarios in their head and rehearsing track lines. As the minutes ticked by to the drop of the green flag, the anticipation and excitement continued to build. Then it happened. Go time! Pro 2 was first. Keegan Kincaid shot out of turn one like a rocket with a whole lot of angry sounding horsepower behind him. Even angrier sounding was the Pro4’s. They were started approximately 35 seconds later. Everyone knows a four-wheel drive can cover ground faster than two-wheel drive. Pro4 trucks would have just 10 laps to catch the Pro2’s. Officials would not throw any cautions unless there was absolute safety issue on the track. Fortunately, the yellow flag stayed tucked away. For Kincaid, he did all he could to hold off a twenty-five drivers, all with their sights set on winning the Cup. Kincaid has won the Cup event in a Pro-2 back to back in 2015 and 2016. Born and raised in Crandon, Kincaid is known in these parts as the hometown hero. His father, Jeff Kincaid holds seven titles at Crandon International 24 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

Raceway. Additionally, Jeff Kincaid boasts dozens of wins over his career. As the laps ticked away, Kincaid continued his forward momentum. Johnny Greaves had passed the entire Pro-2 field except Kincaid. With one lap to go, Kincaid mashed the gas and gave it everything he had in the truck. He made it to the checkered flag before Greaves could catch him, winning his third career Cup victory.

Greaves finished second. Ryan Beat finished third, his best Cup finish ever at Crandon.

Kincaid was crowned with the traditional wreath and the signature shotgun awarded to all of the Cup winners at Crandon. Kincaid also gets his name on the perpetual Cup that is proudly displayed at Crandon International Raceway. The celebration continued well into the night for Crandon’s hometown hero.

SHORTCOURSE

Successful Second Season for Championship Off Road Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner

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hampionship Off-Road is in its second season and so far, has the series has been a great success. ISOC racing took over racing in the Midwest in late 2019. It was immediately challenged with trying to put on a full schedule amid the pandemic. The series persevered. The 2021 season saw a full field of drivers, many coming from the west coast after the unforeseen shutdown of the Lucas Oil Off Road racing series. In just six weekends with two rounds each, a lot went down. It’s no surprise in most classes the points battles were tight.

This season started with twenty Pro-2’s at Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wisconsin. It was no surprise with the tight track, there were plenty of crashes and pileups. Keegan Kincaid came out on top with

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CHAMPIONSHIP OFF ROAD

weekend sweep. At the next event during the spring brush run in Crandon, Kincaid continued undefeated, that is until day two.

Ryan Beat grabbed the holeshot and won the race. Over at ERX in a wild day one finish, Beat once again had the victory. Each round Jerett Brooks had been quietly eying the top spot on the podium. At Dirt City, Beat snagged another win and Ricky Gutierrez took home his first career win. Because Brooks had been consistently on the podium for several of the rounds he quickly found himself in the points lead. At the final event in Crandon, Brooks needed a perfect storm of scenarios to happen which included Kincaid finishing

several spots behind him. Brooks also needed to finish eighth place or better. Unfortunately, that storm never turned in Brooks favor.

Also, in the mix for a possible shot at the championship win was Corey Winner. When the race started, Kincaid had the lead. Brooks continued to make moves to get to the front.

In a heartbreaking end to his season, Brooks stalled his truck in a blind corner causing several trucks to crash into him rendering his truck inoperable. When the dust settled, Kincaid won the season championship by a single point. Brooks and Winner also lost the championship by a single point.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 27

SHORTCOURSE

Kyle Leduc and CJ Greaves have been on-track rivals for a while, locked in a raging battle that has continued throughout the season.

Greaves started out the season with a weekend sweep. The next round at Crandon, it was Leduc who swept the weekend. At ERX it was both Leduc and Greaves that would get wins after fierce battles. Leduc saw another win in Dirt City. At Bark River, Greaves was back with a weekend sweep. This gave Greaves a twenty-five-point advantage coming into the final weekend at Crandon.

Greaves’ luck continued locking up the championship after Leduc pulled off the track early with mechanical issues.

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CHAMPIONSHIP OFF ROAD

Brock Heger locked up the Pro-Lite points championship before he even set foot in Crandon. Heger’s consistent first place podiums throughout the season earned him enough points to lock up his first championship in the series. He had a sixty-point lead over Kyle Greaves. Heger also secured the Pro-stock side-by-side championship Other championships went to Michael Meister in Superbuggy and Andrew Carlson with the Pro-Modified UTV championship.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 29

THE MEMORY OF

RICK HUSEMAN

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LIVES ON IN CRANDON

CRANDON

I

t has been over a decade since Rick Huseman last raced in Crandon. Huseman was tragically killed in plane crash over the California desert on October 16, 2011.

Huseman, 38, was on his way back from a motocross event in Las Vegas.

Huseman knew how maneuver around corners at Crandon, passing other drivers to obtain the lead. Huseman honed his skills for shortcourse off-road racing quickly moving up the ranks from his start in Pro-Lite all the way up to Pro-4. His truck had a signature sound.

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When that Toyota TRD engine fired up, you knew he was coming and as a driver, you knew the number 36 Pro-4 was coming for you.

THE MEMORY OF RICK HUSEMAN LIVES ON AT CRANDON

Rick Huseman’s Pro-4 and race number was retired after his death. For the last several years, the truck quietly sat in a garage. Untouched, unprepped, hidden away from view. Rick’s widow, Michelle Huseman wanted to find a way to keep Rick’s memory alive. With some help, she obtained the truck just a few months before the fall Crandon race. It was prepped with fresh fluids as mechanics revived the Toyota TRD racing motor, fired it up, and then loaded the Pro-4 onto a trailer for the long journey to Crandon.

As the truck rolled into town, smiling faces began to populate in the crowd.

The truck was proudly displayed at the downtown parade along with Rick’s racing suit and helmet. Everyone who walked by the truck took pictures as stories of Rick’s racing days at Crandon began to circulate. It was everything Michelle had hoped for.

During Sunday’s World Championship, Michelle fired up the truck and drove it for a lap around the iconic track with son Little Ricky on her lap. It was a somber moment as everyone stood silently watching the #36 Monster Energy Toyota TRD Pro4 make one final lap around Crandon International Raceway, just as Rick Huseman did a decade ago.

Michelle said she plans to continue display the truck at select events. The off-road community hopes one day, Rick’s Pro-4 will once again return to Crandon as a reminder to fans and racers, Rick Huseman’s legacy still lives on.

Legends Live Forever.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 33

CRANDON

Bugs at Big Crandon

Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner

T

he popularity of the Class 11 Volkswagen bug continues to grow. Seventeen “bugs” made the trek to Crandon International Raceway and they were a hit. For many of these drivers, racing on the iconic Crandon track for the first time was a bucket list item accomplishment. It has literally been decades since any Class 11 has raced at Crandon.

Volkswagen bugs are typically found in the western deserts and in Baja.

Crandon held two races for the bugs. A Friday night feature event under the lights

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and the second, during Sunday’s World Championship Races.

The nighttime temperatures didn’t deter race fans from sticking around to watch the Bugs shoot it out under the lights at Crandon. The Class 11 racers had a chance to experience the same land rush start that Crandon is known for. Racing on a totally different terrain than they are used to, the drivers had a blast. The track’s dirt has a clay mixture, something not seen in the deserts of Baja.

Drivers had to be prepared to pull more

tear-offs on their helmets than normal. The dirt sticks to your vehicle, unlike the desert dust that is easily wiped off.

BUGS AT BIG CRANDON

This was Noah Johnson’s first time at Crandon. It was also Cisco Bio’s first time along with his Palapa Boy team sponsor Dana Dague. Blake Wilkey has dreamed of racing Crandon, but never set foot on the property until the Class 11’s arrived to race. All three drivers had a friendly door to door competition putting on an awesome show for the fans. After the dust settled or Crandon’s case, the mud settled, Johnson had taken the win with Wilkey second and Bio third. In their second attempt during Sunday’s Crandon World Championship event, the drivers were all smiles again rocketing off the start line in another land rush start.

This time they would spin laps around Crandon during the day with triple the fans on their feet cheering for the bugs. Nine laps later Cisco Bio was on top in the bright pink Palapa Boy Bug. Donny Donavan managed second and Noah Johnson settled in for third.

BELOW: Blake Wilkey and Cisco Bio have a conversation about the Class 11 race they just finished.

By the end of the weekend, fans and staff raved about the bugs and many drivers crossed racing at iconic track off their bucket list. For most, it was time to head back west and prepare for their next desert race. One can only hope the bugs will be invited back next year with an even bigger field of drivers.

DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 35

ULTRA4

BRONCO

DOMINATES at CRANDON

D

Story by: La-Chelle Halliday Photos by: Shaun Ochsner

ecades of hard work, sweat and vision have shaped an iconic and historic atmosphere carved from an old farm and the north woods timber. The famed “Big House” housed sixty-five thousand fans during the Crandon Classic event, as it welcomed Ultra4 East and North sanctions to accrue final points before the championship. As the legend continues, Friday played host to the yearly parade and car show in downtown Crandon, Wisconsin as the rock crawling icons were showcased to the surrounding visitors and community.

Saturday, after a full day of short course racing around the track, the lights flickered on as the sun fell beneath the skyline welcoming Ultra4 to the track. The course would run the competitors across the same short course track except for the off-road section where drivers were deviated to during their nine laps. The course would include a rock section to test the durability of each off-road car as it teetered along in the night whilst the crowd began to appear from the woods behind.

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Along the tree line, a crowd began to form as the rumbling from the starting line began to grow indicating the start of the race had begun.

Each Ultra4 vehicle charged forward through the legendary Crandon land rush start into Potawatomi turn one sweeping easily through the short course track. As the Unlimited class approached the rock pile a prominent grumbling sound stood out against the other vehicles, as Loren Healy in his 800hp Ford Bronco leaped into view, followed shortly by Vaughn Gittin Jr. also in his own 800hp Ford Bronco.

BRONCO DOMINATES AT CRANDON

Team Fun-Haver duo, Gittin and Healy, both talented teammates behind the wheel of Ford’s Bronco recreation, specifically fitted with an abundance of aftermarket features that take these Bronco’s to the next level. Each Fun-Haver has been equipped with mechanically similar features including the naturally aspirated Ford 460 cubic-inch engine producing monumental horsepower giving each truck a deep husky sound. Suited with a Gearworks Turbo 400 transmission, 21 inches of front travel provided by Kibbetech and Fox, and 28 inches in the rear, only maximizing their abilities to bound effortlessly up the rock wall at Crandon. Making their 2.0 debut with brand new trucks, Healy and Gittin surely did not disappoint.

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ULTRA4

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BRONCO DOMINATES AT CRANDON

The crowd began to multiply, thickening in numbers on the hillside as unlimited cars launched off the rocks one by one underneath the Rigid lights. Battles began to emerge in the rock sections, as drivers attempted quickened paces without risking tires or worse damage.

Paul Horschel qualified 4th ahead of Vaughn Gittin Jr. placing him closer to open clean air than other competitors behind them both.

However, Gittin succumbed to a front flat tire that needed replaced to ensure no damage would come to his brand new Brocky 2.0, losing grasp of his top podium lead landing him into 7th for Saturday’s race as Healy swept 1st place.

The following day, Sunday, included Ultra4 racing short course only during the infamous Crandon World Championships for 10 laps.

Leading the pack again and winning the weekend, Loren Healy, followed closely behind by only 5 seconds, Vaughn Gittin Jr to be awarded 2nd place atop the podium.

Finishing 3rd and 35 seconds behind the lead time, Paul Horschel in his bright orange Nitto sponsored machine.

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BAJA

Presented By

SCORE BAJA 400: Pre-Cursor to the Big Dance

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Daniel Curiel

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he SCORE Baja 400 is the second to the last race of the season. It could be looked at as a pre-cursor to the Baja 1000, the “Granddaddy of them all.” The key to success is reliable equipment. The four-wheel drive trophy truck is fast becoming essential if one wants to win overall in Baja. Four-wheel drive trophy trucks have come up on top this year.

Don’t count out the two-wheel drive trucks just yet though as they are still hard charging contenders.

Bryce Menzies came out swinging with his four-wheel drive Mason Trophy Truck at the San Felipe 250. Leading all laps, he looked to be unstoppable. Menzies was the top qualifier at the Baja 400. Starting out front and in clean air gave Menzies the advantage. He stayed out front all day long, Menzies finished first with the overall win. Luke McMillin finished

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just four minutes behind Menzies, also driving a new Mason four-wheel drive Trophy Truck. McMillin played it safe, avoiding any penalties that cost him the race at the 500 in June.

Cody Parkhouse was back on top in Class 1. Parkhouse says his day was pretty uneventful. The team had to change a right rear tire. “We just stayed in our lane and kept moving forward,” Parkhouse says. Like all of the other teams, Parkhouse Motorsports will be getting ready for the SCORE Baja 1000. For them, this race was just another dress rehearsal.

Jason McNeil has gotten very familiar with the Baja terrain. He won in the Trophy Truck Spec class at the Baja 500. McNeil followed up with a win at the Baja 400. After getting through the dust of the Class 1 cars, McNeil said he had clean air and it was smooth sailing to the finish.

SCORE BAJA 400

The Baja 1000 is a peninsula run, starting in Ensenada and finishing 1200 miles later in La Paz. Drivers need all of the seat time they can get to ready themselves for the “big dance.” The smaller races such as the Baja 400 help teams sharpen their skills.

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OVER THE AIRWAVES

radio highlights from the pci weatherman at the baja 400 Brought to you by:

Testing Testing we got you 4 by 5…not the best channel to be testing on.

Weatherman Weatherman Go ahead…

Check your mics…they can get stuck on cupholders, in the seats and between your legs. My dad used to call these guys Richard craniums. I am kinda of a nicer guy than my father.

We’ll keep an eye on it (the The trackers are kinda bottleneck) they squirrelly. I am trying to better start digging. get some eyes on these hauling ass trucks.

Check 2 is closed 1661, the last car on the road we are tracking, push the right pedal please. We are tired. <In reference to the leader Bryce Menzies: barring anything wrong with his sewing machine. What a race for Menzies today 13 miles from the finish line.

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and you need to get to the finish line.

Weatherman is overly tired.

Speaking about Polvoorde Rollover: You might want to go to the restaurant (Acambaro) and see if someone eating tacos there has a winch.

Thank you BFG Relay for all the help. Kick ass tires too. They got us here all the way to the top of the mountain.

So someone was telling him to go go and he lawn darted off the jump and thats what we call a champ to chump in one bump

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fe i L The of

Dave Ashley

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and National Speed Sport News

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avid Martin Ashley was born April 5th, 1957. By the 1990’s, he had rose through the ranks as a professional driver, racing everything from trucks, buggies and motorcycles. His racing career would span 40 years. He started on two wheels, racing motorcycles before switching to four wheels.

In 1975, while he was still in high school, Yamaha brought Dave over to Austria to race in the ISDE Enduro Championship. He won the event. Ashley joined the iconic Ford BF Goodrich Rough Riders in 1991.

Landfield’s Enduro Racing team. Dave Ashley also won three SCORE milestone awards after taking overall wins in the SCORE San Felipe 250, Baja 500 and Baja 1000. Ashley won 10 SCORE season class championships, winning the Baja 1000 nine times and Baja 500 five times.

Ashley knew how to find a way to get things done. He could be racing a vehicle desert with all kinds of mechanical issues and Ashley figured out to make it to the finish line. He was focused on success. At 18 he was involved in Ashley has over 158 desert, stadium and short- a head-on collision that resulted in a fatality. course wins on his resume, racing for Dick From that point forward, he would do 44 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM

THE LIFE OF DAVE ASHLEY

everything he could to make the sport safer. He chaired driver safety meetings, worked with promoters to develop safety standards and helped to make vehicles safer overall. Dave knew a little about everything. He could make a deal with just about anyone and give 100% to any project he took on.

Ford asked Dave Ashley to help work on the Special Vehicle Teams SVT and Ford Raptor program alongside the engineers as a consultant, testing and assessing critical auto issues and identifying technical solutions. He also worked for Roush racing as the manager for Ford OffRoad Track Safety.

Dave Ashley was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports hall of fame in 2014. He was described by many as a friend, family man and follower of god. Dave Ashley passed away on September 14th, 2021. Ashley was 64.

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UTV

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Red Bull

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he second iteration of the Red Bull Scramble Series was held at Brimstone Paragon in Tennessee. The Red Bull Stone Scramble is a UTV race that is typically held on a custom off-road course. Brimstone Paragon is known for its incredible landscape with remote wilds, backcountry woods and mountainous terrain. Brimstone is open 365 days a year with over 300 miles of OHV trails seated in the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains. Red Bull Scramble events have been known to challenge even the most seasoned racer with a variety of terrain changes.

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STO SCR NE AMB LE

RED BULL STONE SCRAMBLE

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UTV

Precipitation is common in the Appalachian mountains. The Red Bull Stone Scramble was certainly not spared from mother nature.

Rainy conditions created a muddy challenge for the competitors. The course was set across just 9 miles of the Brimstone property. Competitors ran three laps. As the racers started on their first lap, vehicles became instantly unrecognizable. Brown mud stuck to every inch of the competitors UTV’s. Sponsors and numbers were covered by the thick mud. Every vehicle turned brown.

Still, they pressed on. Over rock obstacles, through tight twisty

areas. Nothing could stop them. Their visors caked with mud. They did all they could to get to the finish line.

The top drivers soon emerged from the mud.

Until they took their helmets off, it was tough to figure out who they were. Jamie McCoy took first in the Pro Class with Collin Truett and Mitchell Langford on the podium in second and third. Jeremy Blackburn grabbed a win in the sportsman class. He was joined by Kenneth Clark and Kyle Arkenau.

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QUALITY. SAFETY. TEAMWORK. INTEGRITY. COMMITMENT. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE SINCE 1991

OVERLAND

GMC’s Canyon AT4 Overland Concept

Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of GMC

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s the overland market continues to grow, more OEM manufacturers are recognizing the need to come up with ideas, concepts and parts that support that market. At the recent Overland Expo Mountain West event in Colorado, GMC unveiled its Canyon AT4 Overland Concept.

GMC showcases what is possible in customizing a customer’s Canyon and the capability of the truck. Off-road parts on the truck include off-road panel protectors, a factory lifted wide offroad chassis with enhanced under body coverage. The heavy-duty front bumper has a winch and integrated recovery points. The Canyon comes with

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GMC CANYON AT4 OVERLAND CONCEPT

Multimatic DSSV dampers that smooth out the suspension on rough terrain along with front and rear locking differentials. You also get cast-iron control arms on the truck.

Capability is no problem with the Canyon.

It features a 27.7-degree approach angle and has 10 inches of ground clearance. You may get a little more courtesy of the 33-inch BF Goodrich KM3 Mud Terrain Tires. GMC boasts water fording up to 32.1 inches. Did we mention the Canyon has a custom-tailored snorkel? Its purpose is to allow for filtered and cooler air intake.

spare tire. Especially if you have a bed topper or shell as this concept does. GMC designed a spare tire swivel mount that clears the tailgate and keeps the tire out of the way when needing to access the bed.

Another innovation on the truck are guy lines that protect the windshield from low hanging branches on the trail. Additionally, a roof mounted tent, 270-degree awning, extra Jerry cans for gas and water, traction boards, offroad jack and mount, solar panel and truck bed storage system were added beef the Canyon up and make it a true overlander.

One of the biggest challenges for overlanders and off-roaders Is a mounting point for the

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TRUCKS

The Next Generation Toyota Tundra

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oyota has long promoted its trucks as adventure ready and go anywhere vehicles.

This body on frame vehicle has become popular worldwide. The Tacoma– the baby brother to the Tundra has long been a favorite truck for off-roaders to modify into prerunners and race vehicle as seen in the popular 1400 series class. Both trucks have also been extremely popular among the overland crowd with literally hundreds of aftermarket parts that cater to these vehicles.

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Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Toyota

The next-generation Toyota Tundra has arrived. The truck was last refreshed in 2014. Engineers and designers at Toyota redesigned the Tundra from the ground up. It was completely engineered and assembled in the United States, a huge deal for a Japanese automaker. The Tundra is built with new highstrength steel and an aluminum reinforced composite bed. The multi-link rear suspension was redesigned on the truck.

THE NEXT GENERATION TOYOTA TUNDRA

Toyota boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. The new Tundra will come in two powerplant options that include a twin-turbo 3.5 V6 engine. Toyota also officers an i-FORCE MAX which ups the horsepower and torque. The TRD off-road model will feature monotube Bilstein shocks. The Pro Grade increases offroad performance with 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass shocks. FOX also added their high-grade PTFE Fox shock fluid to make the shocks work even better to their full potential. Multi-Terrain select has adjustable options to control wheel spin across a variety of terrain. A CRAWL control features low speed, cruise control that allows the driver to focus on steering.

The interior has a 14-inch multimedia display that rivals that of some of its competitors. The instrumentation panel is digital, but still can display analog readouts and other important information as the driver toggles through the different screen configurations.

The Tundra will go on sale later this year with pricing to be announced.

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TECH

Shaving Seconds Off of Your Pit Stops Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner

Pit stops are just as important as having reliable equipment and a fast race vehicle. Pit stops can be a huge part of the overall package. If your crew spends time fumbling around to add fuel, change tires and handle other services, it could mean you are losing valuable time on course and potentially get passed by your next competitor. In desert racing, sometimes the overall win comes down to seconds. In shortcourse racing, having an efficient pit stop can mean staying out on the lead lap and still having a shot at the win.

Top desert teams routinely practice tire changes and quick fueling. Over

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the years, there have been a variety of motorsports innovations that allow a pit crew to save time. Everything from automatic jacks that are mounted on the truck lifting it to change a tire, to rapid dump pressurized fuel systems.

PIT STOPS

NASCAR and Indy Car teams have long used new innovations to make their stops quicker. The off-road community has taken notice and now use some of the same ideas from these systems.

Mason Motorsports races both desert and short course. Should Dave Mason Jr come into the hot pits at a short course race with a tire issue, his crew is ready to keep him on the lead lap. They use a specialized jack called the Attack Jack. It’s powered by nitrogen or CO2 and can lift an entire truck in less than a couple of seconds, allowing a pit crew member to begin servicing a tire or other problem underneath a truck. This rapidly deploying jack saves critical seconds for Mason’s team.

Another innovation used by the crew is a backpack concept impact system. The backpack gives the tire changer mobility to move around the truck without dragging an air hose everywhere. It is simply built with a Nitrogen bottle mounted to a scuba dive system. An air hose is connected to the bottle and runs to an impact gun for removing lug nuts.

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TECH

The Mason team uses the set up in both desert and short course racing. When Mason comes in for a pit stop, he is back

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out on the course seconds doing what he does best, going for the win.

CHAPPY’S PIT STOP

PREPPING TO WIN Words: Steve Hanson

Ephesians 6:10-12 MSG And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So, take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

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he 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. We are on the eve to race down the Baja peninsula in an event we call the SCORE Baja 1000. One of the most logistically challenging races our community undertakes. Think of all the people a team needs to win this race and every one of them has a role to play. Sure, you can enter to race by yourself with no support, but you would have no chance of winning. No chance!

Do you just want to finish the race? I guess some do; it’s a bucket list item for some just to enter and finish. I’m writing to the true racer though, the one who burns with the desire to compete and defeat the competition. There is no way you are planning for just a finish. You are planning for the top step on the box; you plan to win, right!

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In comparison, just believing in Christ is like racing for a finish or just watching the race on TV. Following Christ’s leadership, on the other hand, is like strapping in and ripping down the peninsula with a plan of how you are going to win the race. Living like nothing matters but keeping Christ centered in all that you do. In today’s world, who do you think Christ is looking for, believers or followers? Followers live it out unashamed of who their savior is.

There is a battle out there and if we want any chance to win in this world then we need to dress for battle and ask who will stand with us?

Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Even if your destination is the same you must choose to walk together. Find someone who will travel down that road with you in prayer, worship, accountability and grow closer to them.

Col 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Follow @rfc_dirtsportministry

CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER

Off-Road Expo- Ontario Convention Center, Ontario CA October 9th-10th

EVENT TO ATTEND Red Bull Day in the Dirt

Great American Shortcourse-Victorville Fairgrounds Victorville, CA October 9th-10th UTV World Championships- Lake Havasu, AZ October 13th-16th SNORE Battle at Primm- Primm, NV October 15th-17th Ultra4 Nationals- Crossbar Ranch Davis, OK October 15th UTV Takeover- Sand Hollow State Park, Hurricane, UT October 20th-24th Curt LeDuc SWAP Meet-Soboba Casino San Jacinto CA October 23rd

NOVEMBER

Best in the Desert Cal City Desert Challenge California City, CA November 4th-7th Legacy Dirt Rebelution Cedar City, UT November 5th-7th

It has been called MX Woodstock, Red Bull Day in the Dirt is a gathering of moto enthusiasts from all over. Professional races mix with amateurs and Hollywood stunt community to ride at the famous Glen Helen Track. There are three days of competitive motos to watch. Moto 4 Kids even has a youth race. Whether your racing or spectating, this is a great event to be at. It all goes down November 26th-28th.

More information can be found at www.dayinthedirt.com

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

Have an event for our Calendar?

Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 59

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