Big-time sponsors such as...
Big-time sponsors such as Hart & Huntington, Lucas Oil and General Tire are all supporting drivers in the SuperLite class.
Upon announcing their plans for the 2009 season, the crew behind the Lucas Oil Off Road Series (LOORRS) committed to adding a new class to professional off-road racing: the SuperLite class.
The SuperLite trucks have been racing for a couple of years, but 2009 marks the first time that the class would go big-time - with TV coverage (including its own show), a huge cash purse, and the best off-road racers in the country at each of the LOORRS races. The powers behind the class, Speed Technologies (run by John Harrah, Kevin Singleton and Chuck Dempsey), teamed up with Bully Dog Technologies to make the whole thing happen.
 SuperLite trucks tore down,...  SuperLite trucks tore down, getting cleaned and prepped before the next race. |  The GEICO gecko celebrates...  The GEICO gecko celebrates with winners on the podium. |  The Rockstar Energy Drink...  The Rockstar Energy Drink truck powers through a long, sweeping corner in Arizona. |
 Brandon Bailey in the Lamb...  Brandon Bailey in the Lamb Energy truck carries momentum through a tight corner with a very controlled slide job. |  Well built trucks makes pushing...  Well built trucks makes pushing them to the limit very easy. | |
Satelite radio superstar Jason...
Satelite radio superstar Jason Ellis pushes the XDP/Skin truck at a race in California.
The class is designed to be a development class; one in which the average guy can get involved without spending a boatload of money and be just as competitive as all of the other drivers. It is a driver's class - the driver that drives the best race will usually always win the race. In fact, there are a number of drivers this year with very little, if any, racing experience before coming to the SuperLite class.
Keeping the costs in check is achieved by the class having a very strict rule book: the only engine that's legal is a Mazda rotary; competitors must run a DOT-approved Good Year tire; all of the chassis must be the same; and suspension travel is limited.
Mud, dirt, dust, and grime...
Mud, dirt, dust, and grime are all a big part of racing in the SuperLite class.
The end result is action-packed racing with a cash purse that is second to none. Bully Dog put up $80,000 for the 2009 season plus an additional $25,000 for the end-of-year Challenge Cup held in Lake Elsinore, California, where the winner of that race will take the entire $25,000.
While the class is fairly inexpensive to compete in and has a generous purse, it also receives a lot of attention within the LOORRS race coverage on Speed TV, as well as its own highlight show that will air on the Outdoor Channel later in the year. With this sort of exposure, sponsors are starting to become attracted to the class.
Speed Technologies driver...
Speed Technologies driver John Harrah.
For more information about SuperLite, the rental and lease program, and where they are racing next, visit www.superlitechampionship.com.
A very attractive feature of the Bully Dog SuperLite class is the ease of entry, each with its own advantages.
Big cash, cool trophies, and...
Big cash, cool trophies, and smoking hot girls make the SuperLite class very appealing. Chad Leising, John Harrah and Brandon Bailey celebrate on the podium.
1) There is a traditional purchase that enables you to hire your own crew, transport the truck to the races, basically run your own race team.
2) You can lease a truck for less than $55,000 for the entire season. This includes all your entry fees, a truck ready to race, your crew and fuel. All you have to do is show up with your personal safety gear (fire suit, helmet, etc.).
Chad Leising of the PMG team...
Chad Leising of the PMG team has fought for the points lead all season on a very modest budget.
3) A weekend rental (yes, you read that right) allows you to race a truck for the weekend and for much less than an average race buy-in: well under $10,000. Along with the truck lease, you get a race truck for two days of racing, a full crew, fuel, and driving instruction. All you have to do is show up with your personal safety gear.
Note: Trucks can be wrapped to include your design and sponsor logos if desired.