MDR Don Griffith Memorial - Opportunity Comes Knocking

Adam Householder's Chevy is a fullsize, full-on rocket ship. Look for a full feature soon.

GFO Racing calls its truck the "Grasshopper." The team could also call it "Pocket Rocket" or "Mini TT." The V8-powered long-travel Toyota took First in Class 1400 and Fifth overall.

Mike Jenkins and Robert Anderson shared driving duties in #1476. They finished Sixth in Class 1450 despite losing their front brakes.

A.J. Steeber overcame broken shock mounts and a lost wheel to take Seventh in Class 1450. A.J. shared driving duties with Tim Duncan of Duncan Metal Zone.

Codrivers are more than passengers: It's the codriver's job to keep tabs on the gauges, make sure the truck stays on course, and to be the first one through the window if there's a flat tire to change. "Do you need me to do anything?" I asked Matt. "Do you need me to call out the turns?" "I know the course well, so don't worry about that," he replied. "Just keep an eye on the engine temperature, and watch the rearview monitor to see if anyone's coming up behind us. Other than that, just sit back and enjoy the ride."

In the opening miles, I braced for the bumps, soon to realize that there was no need. The truck rhythmically soaked up small whoops and deep holes alike, delivering a confident, secure feeling. By this stage of the race the field had thinned, a few having finished, many having dropped out. We moseyed past Norman Turley's Class 7S Ranger in the lap's closing miles. Lap 7 was over too soon. I thoroughly enjoyed codriving, but the driver's seat is calling my name. Now more than ever, I've gotta finish building my Ranger (Project TrailRunner).