Cook noted that parts of the Draft Strategy could cause off-road enthusiasts problems: "It appears that the BLM's goal of addressing the Endangered Species Act is overly enthusiastic. It proposes that all BLM lands containing proposed or specific species and habitat be either closed to the public or limited in use. Given the number of species that are involved and the thousands of acres of proposed habitats, the Draft Strategy would seem to cover all BLM lands. Impacts to species on public lands should be scientifically established before restrictions are considered."
The silver lining of the Draft Strategy is that the BLM has recognized that the public's access to public lands is often blocked by private land. It is estimated that as much as 20 percent of the current BLM road system has no legal access, and crossing private land is the only means of gaining access to the BLM land. Apparently, the BLM report has made a priority of pursuing legal access to public land that's intermingled with private land.
Now, if we can only keep those pesky roller blade enthusiasts off the Dump Bump at Moab...
ProTrucks Rock SoCal Desert
As Ivan Stewart's Pro Truck Racing Series grows in a frenzy, Ivan was hard at it, marketing the program to would-be truck owners and media, such as OFF-ROAD magazine, near the Mexican Border in Plaster City, California, just before Christmas. The turnout was strong, and the rides were all-out fun. Pro Trucks are one of the most economical forms of off-road racing to get into that have a great payback per race.
By now, all of you must have seen Pro Truck Racing on Speed Vision, and if you haven't, it is a must-see event. Pro Trucks are all equal in design and horsepower. It's a true spec series in closed course or desert racing facilities.
If you're interested in the schedule, we'll keep you posted and will update accordingly. Keep your eyes peeled for race coverage throughout the year. If it's action, we'll be there covering it.
Clifford Performance Aids Victims of Hurricane Keith
Noted inline engine performance parts manufacturer Clifford Performance has joined forces with the Sons of Thunder Expedition Team in an effort to aid the victims of Hurricane Keith, who are isolated within the thick jungles of Mexico and Belize. Driving four specially modified Jeeps built to ford water as deep as 5 feet and trudge through thick mud and quicksand, the crew of eight drivers/navigators will set course for an 18-day trip to remote villages carrying food, medical supplies, and Bibles. Sponsors for this mission of mercy include: American Racing Wheels, Auto Meter, Bilstein, Flowmaster, Fluidyne, Fuel Safe, General Tire, HW Motorsports, Hicks 4x4, J&E Pistons, K&N Engineering, MSD, OffRoad General Store, National Spring, Optima Batteries, PIAA Corporation, Ramsey Winch, RedLine Synthetic Oil, Santa Ana Jeep, TracTech, Trail Master, and Wet Okole.