Racers, teams and race businesses jumping in to support a taco stand to help Baja kids with cancer.

No sooner had Locos Mocos, the extreme location pit crew, announced that they'd be running  a taco stand next to the 2009 Baja 1000 race course to aid kids with cancer then race-oriented businesses and race teams began sending in big donations and helping the cause. MasterCraft Safety, Dion & Sons, Inc., Aeromedevac Air Ambulance, BajaBound Mexican Insurance, Balboa Ambulance, Mr. D's Painting,  Missing Link Motorsports, Off Road Warehouse, Noah Ostanik, Memo Sagastume, Dave Simpsons "No Bad Days" Racing, Steve Sullivan Excavating, Tony Tellier - El Chinero, Unique Lighting Systems, Chris Wilson Racing, West Australian Desert Racing Team and more have all generously given to help generate money for the Castro-Limon Foundation for Baja kids with cancer.

According to the Tijuana-based Castro-Limon Foundation, cancer is the second biggest cause of death for children in Mexico, especially kids between ages of 5 and 14 years old. For the little ones who are orphans or have little money, it's a bleak situation. But the Castro-Limon Foundation is there to help.

During the race, November 20-21, racers, spectators, crews, everyone is invited to come to this unique taco stand near Race Mile 395 just off Highway 3 between San Matias and San Felipe.  Just follow the signs at the side of the road.  Tacos will be served and donations will be accepted - with all proceeds benefiting the Castro-Limon Foundation.

Locos Mocos, founded in 1997, is a voluntary pit crew helping racers in the Baja desert races. They've helped hundreds of racers make it to the finish line without ever charging anyone for anything. They "fix stuff free". This special project is their way of giving back to the wonderful people of Baja California who host the famous Baja 1000, 500 and 250 desert races year after year.

To learn more about the Castro-Limon Foundation, visit: www.fundacioncastrolimon.org.

To learn more about Locos Mocos visit http://www.locosmocos.com/.

The Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, it is the longest point-to-point off-road race in the world, challenging the endurance of a racer's body and mind as they charge through the wilds of an untamed landscape, known to the world as "Baja."  This year, a new team of open desert racing stalwarts have joined forces to form Team Blue C Wahoo's Monster Energy Kawasaki, and the group has one common goal in mind, win the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

Under the direction of former AMA Speedway Champion and Hall of Fame inductee, Bruce Penhall, who is widely known for his role as Officer Bruce Nelson on the popular television series "CHiP's," Team Blue C Wahoo's Monster Energy Kawasaki is led by three-time SCORE Baja 1000 champion, Robby Bell, who also brought the coveted 1X number plate to the team. Multiple AMA Hare and Hound Nationals champion and ISDE gold medalist, Destry Abbott, along with five-time Baja 1000 champion Steve Hengeveld and Penhall's sons, Ryan and Connor, are the foundation of the impressive cadre.  All have chosen to ride the Kawasaki KX450F motorcycles as the brand makes its return to SCORE Baja 1000 competition.

"Blue C Advertising is proud to have a part in featuring the cornerstone of our agency at the signature event for off-road racing," said Eric Morley, principal of Blue C Advertising. "We are passionate about off-road racing because it provides opportunities for our clients to integrate in an environment that relates well within their core audience."

Eschewing from traditional conventional motorsports teams, this diverse group of racers also intends to give back to the people of Baja California, Mexico by donating 1000 cans of food and supplies as part of a special relief project organized by a consortium of passionate off-road enthusiasts including; Marty Fiolka from Dirt Sports Magazine, Nick Baldwin of the AOK organization (AOKnick.org), Wahoo's Fish Taco owner, Wing Lam, Blue C Advertising counterparts, Eric Morley and Jeff Bentley, and Jim Riley from Azunia Tequila.  The relief project, which was spearheaded years ago, is intended to help support the villages and farms of Baja California, Mexico who's incomes have been affected by the lack in tourism as a result of the recent news emanating from the drug related violence occurring in Mexico's border towns.

"We're stoked to be a part of this team and to be giving something back to the citizens of Baja California Mexico," said Lam. "The people of Baja have opened their lives and their hearts to all of us for so many years and we owe it to them to return the favor."

Another important highlight to the effort is a new reality series surrounding the Penhall family that is currently in production for the Discovery Channel.  Appropriately named "Racing with the Penhall's," the series is being produced under the executive direction of Peter Kaikko, who has served as creator and executive producer for such popular series' as "Beauty and the Geek" and "For Love or Money." The series will chronicle the life and times of Penhall's racing family while following Team Blue C Wahoo's Monster Energy Kawasaki as they prepare to tackle the formidable terrain of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

Nearly 275 entries are projected from more than 34 states and 12 countries, competing in 28 Pro and 7 Sportsman classes for cars and trucks, plus additional classes for motorcycles and ATVs will take part in this year's Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. It's the oldest and most well known of all desert races, and it remains the single most appealing accomplishment for any racer. Since 1967, the granddaddy of all desert races has been run over the mysterious Baja California peninsula every year except 1974 when the international fuel crisis forced a cancellation. This year's SCORE Tecate Baja 1000 will be televised on NBC Sports December 19th, 2009 2:00-3pm ET and 11am-12noon PST.

First and foremost, the new 2010 Dodge Ram is about capability. In fact, its many features-including powertrain, towing and payload capacities, driving dynamics, premium amenities and styling-truly make it the ultimate heavy-duty pickup truck.

The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 pickups incorporate some of the design cues from the Dodge Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickup's larger grille incorporates a taller hood that includes louvers on each side. Access to the front winch (on Power Wagon models) and tow hooks led to a unique front-bumper design. The new dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are now integrated into the box stamping and offer a smooth aerodynamic appearance.

The Dodge Ram Heavy Duty will be available in U.S. dealerships in regular, Crew Cab and Mega Cab versions in five trim levels-ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon-in the first quarter of 2010.

Ultimate Lineup
The new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups are the result of exhaustive customer research and study.
The big news for the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups is the addition
of a crew-size cab. Crew-size cabs are the fastest-growing part of the truck segment, growing from approximately 20 percent of the market in 2002 to nearly 50 percent
in 2008.

Customers also want choice in packaging and equipment. As a result, Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty offers five distinct trim levels - ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon. Each has a unique appearance and offers various equipment options.
And all-new for 2010, the Crew Cab, with either 6-foot-4-inch or 8-foot boxes, replaces the Quad Cab to meet Heavy-Duty truck customer needs and focus on overall vehicle refinement and ride comfort.

Ultimate Hauling and Towing Capability

The backbone of 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups is a hydro-formed, fully boxed frame with advanced torsional rigidity and stiffness. A coil-spring suspension setup is used in the front of the vehicle, while the multi-leaf spring design is maintained in the rear for heavy-duty capability. Front and rear shocks and springs are tuned for optimum ride quality and capability.  

Customers in the heavy-duty segment have a range of needs, and most of them involve high levels of capability. The new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 are designed to deliver a total package:

* Increased Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on 2500 4x4 crew cab diesel models to 9,600 pounds from 9,000 pounds
* Increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) on 3500 dually models with diesel, auto transmission and 4.10 rear axle to 24,500 pounds from 24,000 pounds
* Increased GCWR on 3500 4x2 models to 24,000 pounds from 23,000 pounds
* Increased front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on several models:
o To 5,500 pounds from 5,200 pounds on diesel 4x4 pickups
o To 5,000 pounds from 4,700 pounds on diesel 4x2 pickups


Towing capability is a strong suit of the new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, with the only standard exhaust brake in the segment (diesel-equipped models). This feature reduces brake fade, prolongs brake life and provides confidence and safety when hauling heavy loads on downhill grades. Large front (360 mm) and rear (358 mm) brakes with integrated Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) increase brake life and
braking stability.
 
Ultimate Powertrains

In terms of power, the new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty tops the charts with the available, legendary 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, which produces 350 horsepower (261 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 N•m) at only 1,500 rpm.

The most durable and reliable engine in its class, the 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel features standard oil-change intervals of 7,500 miles. It also has life-to-major overhaul intervals of 350,000 miles, providing more than a 100,000-mile advantage over
the competition.

And it's as clean as it is durable. The Cummins 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to virtually eliminate particulate matter emissions and an adsorber catalyst to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent in order to meet stringent 2010.5 diesel emissions requirements.
Backing up the available 6.7-liter diesel engine is a choice of either a standard G56
six-speed manual transmission or an available 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual has an ultra-low first-gear ratio, which makes it ideal for heavy hauling requirements, while the six-speed automatic offers ease of driveability
and towing.

The other choice for 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy-Duty customers is the standard 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gasoline engine, which delivers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 5.7-liter HEMI was redesigned for 2009, with several new and improved technologies, including:

* Variable-valve Timing (VVT)
* Increased compression ratio
* Active intake manifold with long runners for low-end torque and short runners
for high-rpm power
* Improved cylinder-head port-flow efficiency
* Reduced-restriction exhaust and induction systems

Two 4x4 transfer cases are available: the NV 271, a manual unit standard on ST and Power Wagon models; and the NV273, an electric shift-on-the-fly transfer case, standard on SLT, TRX and Laramie models.
A choice of four axle ratios are available on new 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups, depending on equipment level: 3.42, 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56.

* The New Crew: the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is available for the first time
in a crew-size cab model - providing Dodge Ram with a formidable entry in
the highest volume part of the heavy-duty pickup segment (approximately
50 percent)
* Choice of legendary diesel- and gasoline-fueled powerplants
* Available 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel produces 350 horsepower
at 3,000 rpm and 650 lb-ft. of torque at only 1,500 rpm. The 6.7L meets the most stringent of 50-state emission requirements and includes a segment-exclusive standard exhaust brake
* Standard 5.7L HEMI V-8 delivers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm and features variable-valve timing for greater efficiency and performance
* Ride greatly improved over previous generation with re-tuned suspension components
* New C-pillar with fluid-filled hydro mounts improves driving dynamics
* Handling of fully loaded vehicle greatly improved over previous generation
with new suspension tuning
* Ram Heavy Duty 3500 with dual rear wheels, diesel engine, automatic transmission and 4.10 rear axle has an increased Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 24,500 pounds from 24,000 pounds
* Max Tow Package GCWR increases to 25,400 pounds (late availability)
* Ram Heavy Duty 3500 offers superior towing capability at 17,600 pounds
and a maximum payload of 5,150 pounds
* Ram Heavy Duty 2500 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) increases to
9,600 pounds from 9,000 pounds, a 600 lb. increase on crew cab and Mega Cab 4x4 models equipped with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine
* Increased front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 5,500 pounds on
4x4 models equipped with the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine allows for more front-weight carrying capability, including greater snowplow weights
* Class IV receiver standard on all Ram Heavy Duty models
* Premium front seats with heat and ventilation; heated rear seats; heated
steering wheel; automatic temperature control; two-tone upholstery;
memory seats, radio and mirrors; navigation; adjustable pedals and numerous infotainment options, including SIRIUS Backseat TV(tm) with three channels of programming, Uconnect Multimedia with a 30-gigabyte hard drive and an available first-in-segment 10-speaker surround-sound system
* Numerous storage options, including in-floor storage
* Offered in three cab styles (regular cab, crew-size cab and Mega Cab)
and two cargo-box sizes (6 feet 4 inches and 8 feet), single-and dual-rear-wheel configurations
* All-new integrated trailer brake controller, offered with trailer tow package, improves trailer braking and stability
* Available in five distinct trim levels - ST, SLT, TRX, Laramie and Power Wagon
* Exterior styling differentiates light-duty and heavy-duty models with unique grille, hood and bumpers
* Dual-rear-wheel fenders (3500 dually only) are new for 2010 and are integrated into the box stamping providing a sleek aerodynamic appearance
* More than 20 safety and security features available
* B20 package available to fleet customers only

Twenty-two year old Bryce Menzies swept both rounds of spectacular Unlimited 2 action at SpeedWorld Off Road Park in Surprise, Arizona. The Las Vegas native held off short course champion Carl Renezeder on Saturday and veteran Kevin Probst on Sunday to take impressive back to back U-2 wins. Menzie's victories in his SuperClean Unlimited 2 truck, capped off two full days of racing in front of huge crowds that packed the SpeedWorld facility.

The technical 9/10ths mile track, featuring signature "moguls" and high banked turns, challenged drivers and equipment alike while captivating fans with the wide open, fender banging, high flying racing identified with the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. While SpeedWorld claimed more than its fair share of fiberglass body panels and broken parts, the facility proved once again to be a marquis venue to showcase this extreme brand of motorsports.  

Saturday afternoon opened with a full Unlimited 4 truck field that saw Carl Renezeder charge to the front of the pack and maintain a strong lead through the checkered flag. Sunday was a different story as series newcomer, "Wildman" Adrian Cenni, took a lead he never surrendered while Renezeder was forced to settle for a hard fought second place while maintaining his U-4 class lead over Alan Pflueger.

Brian Deegan took his second win of the season on Saturday while Chris Brandt captured Sunday's top podium spot as the season long battle with Rob Naughton for the class championship continued to unfold. Naughton uncharacteristically struggled to find his winning form, opening the door for Brant and Deegan to top Naughton as all three continue the challenge for the hotly contested U-Lite Season crown.

Ricky James seized his third win in a row with Saturday's SuperLite victory while Chad Leising held Sunday's top spot. In Unlimited Buggy action, Bobby Pecoy and Chuck Cheek both took class wins while John Fitzgerald was a back to back winner in his Limited Buggy.

Two rounds of racing remain in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Championship Weekend, Rounds 11&12, will be held at the Primm Valley Motorsports Complex in Primm, Nevada on November 14th and 15th.

As the inaugural season of The Off Road Championship (TORC) Series draws to a close this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it was an incredible year for Casey Currie in the No. 2 Monster Energy drink sponsored Pro Light.  Starting the year off with a phenomenal win during Round 2 of the season opener at Texas Motor Speedway, Currie also returned to the track to take home a third place podium during Round 4 at Perris Auto Speedway. 

With the mercury rising on the West coast, The Off Road Championship Series headed to Wisconsin to compete at the legendary Crandon International Raceway over Father's Day weekend.  Unveiling the newly rebranded Pro Light, Casey Currie arrived at the "Big House" with a distinguishable black and green Monster Energy sponsored truck.  "The addition of Monster really brought our program to a new level both on and off the track.  It was awesome that we could debut this partnership at a historic venue such as Crandon," remarked Currie.    

Crossing the finish line in the fourth position during Round 6 at Crandon, Casey narrowly missed claiming a top three finish for the No. 2 Pro Light team.  "I was so close to a podium, but this is racing and we all know anything can happen.  It's all about the competition and striving to be the best - sometimes it just doesn't work out.  To get so close to a podium or even a victory just makes me try that much harder," added Currie.  Just a few short weeks later, Casey's determination was apparent as he returned to the track to claim a third place podium during Round 8 at Bark River Raceway in Michigan.

The remainder of the 2009 TORC Series season has brought a few more near-podiums and has the No. 2 Pro Light team sitting in a comfortable fifth position on the points grid.  Always looking for ways to improve and realizing the Pro Light class points leaders have a horsepower advantage, Currie contacted Bruce NoGrady, a premiere Toyota engine builder.  After the Championship show-down at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 23th and 24th, the No. 2 Pro Light will undergo a transformation.  The season opener of the 2010 TORC Series will find Casey taking to the starting line with a NoGrady built Toyota engine and looking to claim the podiums he just narrowly missed during the debut season.

In addition to the regular 2009 TORC Series schedule, Casey Currie also gave the SXS Stadium Series a spin to see what it is all about.  Touted as an affordable entry-level option, the series is making a big hit amongst short-course racing fans in search of a cost-effective way to get started in the sport.  Racing in an Elite Adult Trophy Kart, Currie will continue competing in this class (as his schedule permits) and promote the affordability of the SXS Stadium Series.     

Looking forward to the 2010 race season, Casey is determined to make his mark in short-course racing and claim a points championship in the Pro Light class during next year's TORC Series.  In addition to focusing on short-course racing, Currie is also competing in the four-race season of the King of the Hammers (KOH) Series.  Beginning with the season opener February 12th, 2010 in Johnson Valley, California, the KOH Series blends the challenges of desert racing with the unique dynamics of rock-crawling.  With four completely different competitions scheduled for 2010, each race includes drastically different characteristics such as hill-climb competitions, rock-crawling, and desert racing.

Casey Currie's final Pro Light race of the 2009 season will be October 23rd and 24th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway!  If you cannot check out the race action live, be sure to tune in to ABC on November 8th.  Check local listings for broadcast times!

Earlier this year, Dan McMillin climbed into the driver's seat of his father's JIMCO Class 1 car for the 186-mile King of the Desert race.  This was the first race for Dan McMillin in a high-horsepower off road rocket ship.  For years, he has honed his skills behind the wheel of 75 horsepower 1600 car.  It was the beginning of a new era within the McMillin Racing family.  After a long day in the desert, Dan McMillin finished in second place to the overall winner.

Fast forward six months and a few hundred miles of seat time and things changed up rather quickly.

On Saturday, October 17, 2009, Dan drove the McMillin Racing JIMCO Class 1 car to the OVERALL victory at the Superstition 250.  
The race started off with a solid first 100-miles under his belt before the San Diego off road racer lost third gear and had to make adjustments in shifting.  Dan commented, "We ran in the dust of Steve Sourapas' Trophy Truck for the first three laps and then our race team got us fueled and out of the main pit before Steve's truck.  We didn't have third gear, but we were able to stay out in front and got the overall.  It was a great race!"

The McMillin Racing #101 JIMCO Class 1 ran the entire race without a single flat tire. "Our BFGoodrich Tires were perfect all day long.  Unbelievable, because we put those tires through the ultimate abuse in the desert today and they survived," said the smiling Dan McMillin.

Mark McMillin talked about his son's performance, "Dan drove a textbook race today and our race team put our JIMCO in front right with a perfect mid-race pit stop.  He not only had to battle other racers, but the heavy dust throughout the entire day and he's going faster and faster each race.  This was a great first win for Dan in the JIMCO and I see nothing but many race wins in the future for our team."

Luke McMillin drove his #1609 1-2 1600 car off the start line and was third on the road, charging towards the front of the field, when he suffered an unlikely problem when the bottom motor studs sheared.  Luke was able to limp into the pits where the team used a ratchet-strap to secure it in place.

Luke cruised around the racecourse and was able to finish in the top five.  "After we discovered the motor problem, we were hoping to just get to the finish and our crew rigged up a strap that held the motor in place so we could make it to the finish line."

Jessica McMillin, sister of Andy McMillin and daughter of Scott, raced a Class 12 car in the race and claimed victory.  Jessica piloted the McMillin Class 12 car for five of the six 32-mile laps and had no problems in her run to the top of the podium.

America's legendary off road racing family will return to the famous Baja Peninsula racing at this year's SCORE Baja 1000 to be held on November 21, 2009 in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.  This race will cover over 1000-kilometers throughout the northern Baja Peninsula desert as an international contingent of desert racers head to Mexico for this challenging experience.  

Mark McMillin will race his #23 SCORE Trophy Truck while Dan and Luke McMillin will race their 1-2 1600 car.

Driving the #31 SCORE Trophy Truck at the SCORE Baja 1000 will be Andy McMillin and his father, Scott, as they hope to repeat their performance from 2006 where Andy was crowned the SCORE Baja 1000 Trophy Truck winner.  

Auburn Gear Inc. introduces two new limited slip differentials for the Toyota truck and SUV market.  These new units will fit Toyota 4 & 6 cylinders vehicles such as Tacoma's, T-100s, 4Runners, Land Cruiser, & FJ Cruisers.
The new Auburn limited slip differentials are 4-pinion design, with 30 teeth axle shaft splines, fits all gear ratios.

 Part numbers             Axle Ratio     Axle Splines          Applications
5420131 8.0"                 all              30 Teeth                 8.0" axle
5420132 8.4"                 all              30 Teeth                 8.4" axle  
 
For information visit: www.auburngear.com

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its OHV Access Initiative, has provided more than $1 million in critical funding into OHV projects across the country.  In less than two years, more than 100 Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) have been given to local, state and national organizations that are leading efforts to support safe, responsible OHV riding and sustainable, open riding areas.

Programs receiving GRANTs historically incorporate projects that directly impact specific trails, such as trail construction and maintenance, safety patrols, mapping and trail signage, as well as projects that address OHV usage on a broader scale -- like educational and land stewardship campaigns and legislative or legal efforts supporting responsible OHV access to public lands.  GRANT funded projects span the country from New York to California, Florida to Oregon.  A complete list of GRANT recipients can be found at:
www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess.  

“Yamaha is leading national and local efforts to promote safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas, and reaching this $1 million milestone is symbolic of our commitment,” said Mike Martinez, Yamaha’s general manager of ATV and Side-by-Side Operations. “Together with our GRANT recipients, we recommit to these efforts each time an approved OHV project is funded and completed.  Through the OHV Access Initiative, Yamaha will to continue to provide vital resources to the OHV community for many years to come.”

In this third quarter funding cycle, eight Yamaha GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) were awarded to fund projects that directly impact the access, safety and sustainability of OHV riding areas across the country.  GRANT recipients for Q3 2009 include:

Birdseye Mountain ATV Club, VT
City of Evarts, KY
Cle Elum Ranger District, OR
Dubois County Dirt Riders
Off Road Riders Association
Offroad Riders Matter Association
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Western Slope ATV Association

About the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative

Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding clubs, national forests and associations, and national, state and local government agencies. A committee then reviews each application and awards GRANTs to deserving projects.

Examples of appropriate projects for GRANTs include, but are not limited to:

·Trail development, restoration and maintenance

·Trail signage and map production

·Staging area construction, renovation and maintenance

·Land stewardship, trail safety and education

Updated guidelines, an application form and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at the newly redesigned web site: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For specific questions about the OHV Access Initiative, call Yamaha’s dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@yamahamotor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.

While many motorsports sanctioning bodies are looking for ways to shrink and save, Rally America, Inc., the premier sanctioning body for performance rally competition in North America, is expanding and growing.

Rally America today announced three European-style rally cross events in 2010. The three events will be run as exhibition events in 2010 but there may be more on the calendar in 2011.

European-style rally cross combines disciplines from road racing, short-course off-road racing and X Games-style rally car racing. It’s the action sport of motor racing.

“We’ve experienced dramatic growth in spectator interest the past three years,” said J.B. Niday, managing director for Rally America, Inc. “We’re confident American rally spectators would like to add this wheel-to-wheel competition to their plate of national championship rallying. Our championship is among the most respected in the world. This will make it more so. It’s a logical move for the growth of rally here in the United States.”

All three Rally America events will take place in the fall of 2010 at New Jersey Motor Sports Park in Millville, NJ. The course will be a combination of pavement and gravel surfaces totaling about one mile in length. It will include jumps, un-banked turns, hills and transitions between pavement and gravel that promise to unsettle the cars and drivers. The three-minute sprint heats will see competition between six cars on the track at once. The winners advance through the day to the main event finale. It promises extreme challenges and extreme excitement for spectators and drivers alike.

The rally cross format is extremely popular in Europe. You can experience the excitement through on-demand video highlights at www.Rally-America.com.

There will be two classes of cars in Rally America’s initial year of competition. The faster, all-wheel-drive cars will resemble those used in current Rally America competition including the AWD Subarus used by four-time American rally champion Travis Pastrana and Internet gymkhana video star Ken Block. The second category of rally cross cars will be two-wheel-drive. That includes the various body styles from manufacturers such as Ford, Mitsubishi, Dodge and Honda boasting 450+ horsepower, highly modified engines and rally-style suspension.

Both categories include vehicles currently being used in the Rally America National Rally Championship. There will be one departure; rally cross is a driver-only competition. There’s no need for a co-driver to help navigate the car around the one-mile course.

“The Rally America National Championship has experienced constant growth in the past couple of years,” Niday continued. “The sport of rally cross has taken place successfully in Europe for many years and draws tens of thousands of spectators to each and every event. The excitement of wheel-to-wheel racing action for high-powered rally cars should work well here in the United States as it takes place on a closed-loop course that allows spectators to take in all the high-speed racing action from a single vantage point.”


2010 RALLY AMERICA NATIONAL RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF IN JANUARY

In addition to European-style rally cross competition at the New Jersey Motor Sports Park in the fall of 2010, Rally America will resume its National Rally Championship series beginning with Sno*Drift, the traditional championship kick off in January 2010 and one of the only American national championship motorsports events run in real snow on real roads with real cars.

The 2010 championship, however, will be compressed to allow more spectator and media interest during the season. It ensures that every event will have greater import in the chase for the Rally America Championship. The 2010 Rally America National Rally Championship Schedule:

1. January Sno*Drift Rally Atlanta, MI
2. February Rally of the 100 Acre Wood Salem, MO
3. April Olympus Rally Olympia, WA
4. May Oregon Trail Rally Hood River, OR
5. June Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally Wellsboro, PA
6. July New England Forest Rally Newry, ME

Three rally events that were on the calendar in 2009, the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Bemidji, MN, Rally Colorado in Steamboat Springs, CO, and the Lake Superior Performance Rally in Houghton, MI, will be changed to regional-level rally events and will not be included in the 2010 Rally America National Rally Championship.

“After a great deal of consideration and review of the past three seasons, we’ve decided to reduce the Rally America National Championship from nine to six events to help reduce team costs and increase competition," said Mike Hurst, the Rally America competition director. “The 2010 championship schedule will include two national-level rally events on the west coast, two on the east coast and two in the central portion of the United States. The six-event schedule will not only make it more affordable for the teams, but allow for better competition as well as allow Rally America to introduce European-style rally cross competition in the fall.”

Considered by many to be the extreme sport of auto racing, rally car racing is often described simply as “real cars, real roads, real fast.” This all-season motorsport sees drivers and their co-drivers take modified road cars to the limit as they achieve blistering speeds over courses that cover more than 100 miles of gravel, dirt or snow-covered roads. Among the marques typically represented in Rally America events are Subaru, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Ford and Volkswagen.

In addition, some of North America’s top rally drivers from the Rally America National Rally Championship series will be invited to compete in ESPN’s Summer X Games competition, the leading action sports event broadcast live on ABC and ESPN. Rally America officials will once again be involved in the organizational aspect of the rally car racing segment of competition for X Games 16 which is scheduled for July 29 to August 1, 2010.

For more information regarding Rally America, Inc., the 2010 Rally America National Rally Championship or the new European-style rally cross events taking place at the New Jersey Motor Sports Park in the fall of 2010, please call (763) 553-2742 for details or visit www.rally-america.com. Photos by Andrew Comrie-Picard.

Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana wrapped up his winning 2009 Rally America season with yet another victory this weekend at the year-end Lake Superior Performance Rally.

"This was a great rally for us," said Pastrana. "It's one of my favorites because it's a more technical rally than some of the others on the circuit and it's great to drive."

Heading into this event, Pastrana had already secured the Rally America driver's title for 2009 and said his objective was to earn as many stage wins as possible. With nothing to lose, he admitted he drove hard and took plenty of risks to win all but two stages – falling only about four seconds short of an outright sweep over more than 120 miles of racing.

In second place were Canadians Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard. The team occasionally competes south of the border, largely in pursuit of the North American Rally Championship, which counts events from both Canada and the U.S. Despite a two-minute penalty for a jumped start on Friday, the team put in a consistent performance to land on the podium.

"I'm happy overall," said L'Estage. "Now we're going into the final Canadian event of the year leading the North American Rally Championship and that's what we're here for."

In third place overall and taking the Super Production class win, despite an ailing engine, was the Subaru Rally Team USA crew of Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino. The duo have been running in a borrowed Super Production class car for the final rounds of the championship after a bad wreck that put their Open class Subaru out of commission.

"It's been a horrible year for us," said Block, who finished the season fourth in the points. "Blown turbos, car overheating, mechanical issues… I've been driving the best I ever have and I feel I just can't get anything to go my way."

The crowded Super Production class saw Heath Nunnemacher and co-driver Mike Rossey take second place, followed by Pat Moro and co-driver Ole Holter in third. The podium finish wasn't enough for Moro to overtake Jimmy Keeney in the points for the 2009 class win. Keeney and co-driver Melissa Keeney finished fourth in class at this event to take the Rally America Super Production class championship for 2009.

A stroke of bad luck saw Piotr Wiktorczyk out of the hunt for the class title before the race could begin; his engine blew during practice.

The Polish team of Andi Mancin and co-driver Maciej Wislawski battled engine trouble at this event to finish in fifth-place overall. The result wasn't what Mancin had hoped for, but it was enough to earn him runner-up status in the 2009 championship after challenger Andrew "ACP" Comrie-Picard and co-driver Jeremy Wimpey suffered a blown engine late on Day 1. ACP wound up third in the Rally America standings for 2009.

In two-wheel-drive, 17-year-old driver Dillon Van Way locked up the two-wheel drive Rally America title with a start here this weekend.

All results are considered informational pending official race processes.

The fall colors are brilliant in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at this time of year. It was cold and drizzly on Friday as cars headed out for the opening stages, with snow reported in some areas. It was a picture-perfect autumn day when the rally finished Saturday.

As the season ender, this rally also plays host to the Rally America awards banquet, presented by BFGoodrich Tires, at the Rockhouse Grill & Tavern on Sunday. Awards for the season will be handed out at the Sunday ceremony.

Considered the extreme sport of automobile racing, rally car racing is often described simply as “real cars, real roads, real fast.” This all-season motorsport sees drivers and their co-drivers take modified road cars to the limit as they achieve blistering speeds over courses that cover more than 100 miles of gravel, dirt or snow-covered roads. Among the marques typically represented in Rally America events are Subaru, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Ford and Volkswagen.

Top teams in the Rally America National Championship series are also invited to compete in ESPN’s annual Summer X Games competition, the leading action sports event broadcast live on ABC and ESPN.

Rally competition resumes January 29-30 with the 2010 Rally America season opener, Sno*Drift, in Atlanta, Michigan.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. today introduces the latest in its line of welding fume extraction devices, the FILTAIR 130. Designed specifically for welding, the FILTAIR 130 provides contractors, maintenance and repair operations and other intermittent welding applications with the highest level of fume filtration in its category in a light and portable package.

Whereas nearly 90 percent of welding fumes are between .1 and .4 microns, the FILTAIR 130 captures particles down to .1 micron, compared to competitive units that only capture particles .4 microns and larger.

For reduced operator downtime and maintenance costs, the FILTAIR 130 features a quick manually cleanable filter using compressed air for extended filter life.

The FILTAIR 130 is easily carried or rolled wherever welding is required.  Plus, the unit's variable speed 1hp motor filters up to 132 CFM at just 68.5 decibels, making it one of the quietest units available.
    
The FILTAIR 130 comes with a standard 8-ft. collection hose; also available are optional 17- and 34-ft. hoses, all of which connect to funnel or slotted nozzles or a fume extraction welding gun.

Valley Towing Products, an industry leader in hitches and towing accessories, introduces two new compact brake controls designed for safe stopping of trailers with electric brake systems.

The Phantom(tm) (PN #32811) is a time-based unit engineered with Valley's exclusive F.E.T. brake control technology, which uses components that emit less heat and allow for the development of a smaller brake control.  Measuring 3 inches wide by 3.75 inches long and 1 inch high, the Phantom's compact design allows the unit to conveniently mount anywhere in the vehicle.
      
"As today's towing population turns to smaller vehicles like crossovers and SUVs for their travel needs, the demand for compact yet powerful trailer braking systems continues to increase," said Mike McCann, director of marketing, Valley.  "Valley has developed two stylish brake controls that provide an ideal solution for today's car owners."
     
Valley's Phantom brake control is developed for trailers with two and four brake systems and features a dual LED display that indicates trailer continuity, power connection, output power level, gain setting and ramp time setting.  It also allows for infinite adjustability in both output and ramp time settings.  
      
With identical measurements, the new Blackbird(tm) brake control (PN #32812) is a more powerful version of the Phantom featuring an easy-to-read digital display that communicates trailer settings and diagnostic alerts for trailer disconnect, short circuits and charging system errors.  The unit is designed to support trailers with two, four, six and eight brake systems.
      
The Phantom and Blackbird are installed with industry-standard adapter harnesses and they do not interfere with other vehicle electrical systems such as anti-lock brakes and cruise control.  Both operate with electric over hydraulic braking systems and employ manual braking levers that illuminate vehicle and trailer stop lamps for safety.
      
Valley hitches and towing accessories can be purchased at leading automotive parts and retail stores including Napa Auto, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Carquest Auto Parts.  To find a Valley dealer in your area, visit the company online at www.valley.us.com and select the "Where to Buy" link (or call 800.344.3112).

Las Vegas Events approves new sponsorship for SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge; 43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 to be a peninsula race in Baja California

Preparing to celebrate its 37th year as the world’s foremost desert racing sanctioning body, SCORE international officially announced today its five-race schedule for the 2010 SCORE Desert Series. SCORE CEO/President Sal Fish also confirmed that Las Vegas Events has approved the sponsorship for January’s SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge and that November’s season-ending 43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will be a peninsula race in Baja California, Mexico, starting in Baja California and finishing in Baja California Sur.

“With everything going on right now with the world economy, SCORE has decided to contain the costs of our entry fees at as close to the level of 2008 and 2009 as possible and we are excited about the prospects of a peninsula race for the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000,” said Fish. “The three SCORE races annually produce over $30 million in overall economic impact for Mexico and it will be good for Baja California Sur to receive its share of this tourism influx our events bring to Baja in 2010.  Being able to move the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge back a week is also a popular decision by the Laughlin Tourism Commission.”

Keeping the same venues and nearly the same race weekends for its five open desert races as the past five years, the 2010 SCORE Desert Series will again feature two races in Southern Nevada and three in Mexico.  After being held a week later for several years, the season-opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge will be moved back to its traditional dates on the Martin Luther King holiday weekend.  Las Vegas Events approved the sponsorship of the 2010 event on Wednesday.

“We have incredible marketing partners on both sides of the border, the world’s greatest desert racers and the world’s toughest race courses, so we will make only minor changes for the 2010 SCORE season,” added Fish. “Our five-race schedule in both the U.S. and Mexico offers tremendous variety for the racers, sponsors, media and fans.”

“With necessary restrictions in place for spectators in the U.S. still our attendance continues to rise, but in Mexico, it’s absolutely unbelievable. Our crowds for the last nine races in Baja California have averaged over 250,000, and SCORE racers are as popular in Baja California as any racing figures in the world.”

The SCORE Desert Series, which features 29 Pro and six Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycle and ATVs, will kick off Jan. 15-17 with the popular 16th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in the Southern Nevada resort city of Laughlin on the banks of the Colorado River.  The season will conclude Nov. 17-21 with the 43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, the granddaddy of all desert races, in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

“The SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge is the most unique and one of the most popular desert races in the U.S. and the legendary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 is the best known desert race in the world,” added Fish, who has been at the head of SCORE since 1974. “These two races provide wonderful ways to start and finish our SCORE racing season.”

The 2010 SCORE Desert Series will again start with the most unique and the shortest race of the season and finish with the oldest and most recognized desert race in the world.  After starting the season in Laughlin, 90 miles south of Las Vegas, it will conclude with the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, which is always a unique and memorable special race.

Since its debut in 1995, the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge has helped establish Laughlin as a viable host for special events. Thousands of spectators join nearly 150 racers and their crews in converging on the city each year to watch the best of the best desert racers compete in a unique-format, two-day race that includes a temporary stadium surrounding the start/finish line area and the main pits.
A total of 18 different Pro and two Sportsman classes for cars and trucks are split into five groups in Laughlin, running half of the race each day. The SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge also includes a pre-race activity that is not part of any other race on the schedule—the $16,000 Laughlin Leap. The Laughlin Leap will be held under the lights for the first time on Friday evening of race week at the Laughlin Events Park. The Laughlin Tourism Commission in association with SCORE has decided that shortening the overall window of the event from four days to three is in the best interest of both the participants and the multitude of spectators that enjoy this special event each year.

Round 2 and 3 of the 2010 SCORE Desert Series will both be held in Mexico. The 24th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 is set for March 12-14 in San Felipe, Baja California, followed by the 42nd anniversary of the vastly popular Tecate SCORE Baja 500, June 4-6, in Ensenada, Baja California.

Round 4 will be the 15th Annual SCORE Terrible’s Primm 300 which will be held Sept. 10-12 in Primm, Nev., 45 miles south of Las Vegas.

SCORE officials will announce before the end of the year exactly where the 2010 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will start and finish.

SCORE International, founded in 1973 by the late Mickey Thompson and headed by Sal Fish since 1974, continues today as the premier sanctioning body in the sport of desert racing. SCORE races feature 18 Pro and three Sportsman classes for cars and trucks in the U.S. with 11 additional Pro and three more Sportsman classes for motorcycles and ATVs competing in the races in Mexico. SCORE races in the U.S. average 150 entries while the average in Mexico, with motorcycle and ATV classes running as well as the cars and trucks is 300.

Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Sunoco Race Fuels -official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant and Red Bull--official energy drink. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.

The SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge is sponsored by the Laughlin Tourism Commission, the Laughlin Visitors Bureau, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Las Vegas Events.

The SCORE Terrible’s Primm 300 is sponsored by Las Vegas Events, Primm Valley Resorts and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Additional associate sponsors for the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 are Fideicomiso Publico para la Promocion Turistica de Ensenada and the State Tourism Department of Baja California.

For more information regarding the series, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.


2010 SCORE Desert Series Schedule of Events

Date, Event/Location

Jan. 15-17--16th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
  Laughlin, Nevada

March 12-14--24rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250

  San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico

June 4-6--42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 500

  Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Sept. 10-12--15th SCORE Terrible’s Primm 300

  Primm, Nevada

Nov. 17-21--43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

  Peninsula Run, Baja California, Mexico

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is returning to SpeedWorld Off Road Park in Surprise, Arizona this weekend, October 17th and 18th. The host of Rounds 3&4 in May, SpeedWorld's short course off road racing debut hosted enthusiastic, standing room only crowds. With its signature high banked turns, wide open straight-aways and challenging mogul section, the track is establishing itself as the home to some of the most exciting racing in off road. Now, with the series return, SpeedWorld will once again come alive as the expected sold out crowd will witness the thundering horsepower of 850hp trucks along with buggies, Karts and UTVs attempting to tame the 9/10th mile track.

Seasoned professional Robert Naughton has led the Unlimited Lite truck class from the first green flag of the year in Primm. But, while Naughton appeared to be running away with the division by virtue of his 6 round wins, the consistency of Hart&Huntington's Chris Brandt has kept him in the hunt to challenge for a class championship. Brandt, taking his first win of the season in round 8 at Lake Elsinore, now sits within sight of Naughton with Metal Mulisha General Brian Deegan holding on to the third spot. Naughton, Brandt and Deegan all have been victorious this season and with their eyes on the Unlimited Lite championship, all three will hang it all on the line to gain an advantage.

As one of the most prolific drivers in short course off road racing history with 84 wins, it's no surprise that Lucas Oil's Carl Renezeder sits atop the standings in both Unlimited 4 and Unlimited 2. Now, with U-4 class newcomer Alan Pflueger and U-2 Rookie Jeff Ward holding the second spots in their respective divisions, the veteran is facing tough competition from an unlikely duo. Pflueger in his U-4 K&N machine will be looking to narrow the gap Renezeder holds while fending off the hard charging Kent Brascho. Speed Technologies' "Wardy," who has been nothing short of impressive in his short course off road racing debut, is looking to cap off his rookie season with an Unlimited 2 class championship.

Other Class leaders entering rounds 9&10 are John Harrah in Superlite followed closely by Chad Leising, Chuck Cheek in Unlimited Buggy and Bruce Fraley in Limited Buggy. Currently leaders in the UTV Classes are Chad George in Unlimited UTV, Hanz Waage in Limited UTV and Dan Kelly in Modified UTV. Sheldon Creed is at the top of the standings in both Jr.1 and Modified Karts while Trent Williams is pacing the field in Jr.2 Karts.

Rounds 9&10 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
Saturday October 17th & Sunday 18th
SpeedWorld Off Road Park Surprise Arizona
Gates Open at 9am

Tickets available at the box office or at lucasoiloffroad.com

Dear Lover of Baja,

For the 2009 SCORE Baja 1000 the Locos Mocos pit crew will do more than run a pit - we'll be cooking up our own Locos Mocos Pit Tacos at Borrego Junction to generate funds for the Castro-Limon Foundation for Baja kids with cancer.

Based in Tijuana, the Castro-Limon Foundation exists to provide moral and economic support for low-income and orphaned children afflicted with this serious disease.

We're asking for donations to help pay for ingredients so that all proceeds go to helping the kids. If you can spare anything, it'll help. Donations of $100 or more will get your logo on our big taco sign.

If you want to learn more about the foundation, visit http://www.fundacioncastrolimon.org/.

Please make checks payable to "Stuart Klein" and mail to his attention at:
11607 Camino Del Tierra
Lakeside, CA 92040.

Thanks! See you at the 1000! We'll fix your racer as well as your hunger.

Team Locos Mocos
www.locosmocos.com

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) 2010 schedule will be comprised of fifteen championship rounds of racing held over eight event weekends at tracks located in the states of California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. The short course off road racing season will conclude with the Rockstar Energy/Lucas Oil Challenge Cup at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona on December 12th.  

The 2010 season will see the addition of three rounds of racing over the 2009 schedule while the Challenge Cup races will now be contested on the final Sunday of the season. The series returns to Primm, Nevada, SpeedWorld in Surprise, Arizona and Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park in California while Phoenix Firebird Raceway and Miller Motorsports Park, in Tooele, Utah, will be hosting their first ever short course off road races. "Our successful inaugural season has allowed us the opportunity to expand the series into these fantastic new venues and build strong partnerships as we bring short course off road racing into new markets," said Lucas Oil Products Executive Vice President, Bob Patison.

Miller Motorsports Park adds the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series to a schedule that sees visits by the FIM Superbike World Championship, NASCAR Camping World Series, Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, American Le Mans Series, and numerous other motorsports events. Just outside of Salt Lake City, the state of the art facility is considered the finest facility of its type in North America. "Miller Motorsports Park is excited to host the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series in 2010," said John Larson, Miller Motorsports Park Senior Vice President/General Manager. "This series adds another interesting facet to the variety of events that we offer, one that we think will be very popular in this market. Lucas Oil Products is an innovative, forward-looking company whose business philosophy aligns nicely with our own, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them." The off road track, with signature high flying jumps and whoop sections, will be built within the tracks existing 4.5 mile circuit.

Contributing to the strong short course off road fan base developing in the Phoenix region is the addition of Firebird Raceway to the 2010 LOORRS schedule. "We are thrilled to be partners in such a great event with the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. This is going to be wonderful for the Phoenix area," said Charlie Allen, President and owner of Firebird Raceway. Firebird, host to NHRA Nationals, the IHBA Finals, Monster Trucks, and other events, will be the location for the season finale in December. Mike Kessler, Sales Director of Firebird Raceway, had this to say, "Myself along with the entire staff at Firebird Raceway are so pumped and excited to partner with LOORRS and host a killer event for the fans!"

The 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series season kicks off March 6th at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex in Lake Elsinore, California.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series - 2010 Schedule

March 6  and 7   - Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex
(Lake Elsinore,CA)
April 10 and 11 - Speedworld (Surprise, AZ.)
May 22 and 23 - Primm Motorsports Complex (Primm, NV.)
June 26 and 27 - Miller Motorsports Park (Tooele, UT.)
August 7 and 8 - Lake Elsinore Motorsports Complex
(Lake Elsinore, CA.)
September 18 and 19 - Speedworld (Surprise, AZ.)
October 23 and 24 - Primm Motorsports Complex
(Primm, NV.)
December 11 and 12 - Firebird Raceway - (Phoenix, AZ)

BFGoodrich Tires and BlueRibbon Coalition announced today a partnership that will benefit off-roaders and off-road trails alike.  BFGoodrich Tires will make a $5 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition for each of its new 10 sizes of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tires sold between August 2009 and till the end of December 2009.

Due to consumer demand, BFGoodrich recently expanded its line of Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tire sizes, which are part of the 10 sizes eligible for the contribution.  The tire sizes are as follows:
*
* LT345/75R16 LRD
* LT365/75R16 LRC
* 38X14.50R17 LRD
* 40X14.50R17 LRD
* 36X13.50R18 LRD
* 38X14.50R18 LRD
* 40X14.50R18 LRC
* 38X14.50R20 LRD
* 40X14.50R20 LRC
* 42X14.50R20 LRC


"The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tire has set the standard in the world of off-roading, both for competitive and recreational uses" said Gary Enterline, senior product category manager, light truck tires for BFGoodrich Tires.  "What better way to give back to the community that made the tire what it is today than by teaming up with the BlueRibbon Coalition to help preserve our off-road trails."

As a respected national recreation group that represents more than 600,000 recreationists nationwide, the BlueRibbon Coalition is dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters.

 "This generous donation from BFGoodrich Tires will help the BlueRibbon Coalition continue working to keep public land open for use, whether you recreate on a mountain bike, snowmobile, motorcycle, personal watercraft, ATV, four-wheel drive, horse or your hiking boots," said Greg Mumm, executive director of BlueRibbon Coalition.

Inspired by the BFGoodrich Tires Krawler(tm) T/AKX tire, which is the most successful tire in rock-crawling history, BFGoodrich Tires incorporates Krawler TEK(r) technology into the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 TriGard(r) sidewall.  Krawler TEK technology consists of three main components:  aggressive sidewall lugs, cut- and chip- resistant sidewall compounds and sidewall cords that are up to 33 percent stronger than the previous Mud-Terrain T/AKM tire.  These advancements allow for more bite and sidewall protection along with increased strength and resistance to bruising caused by rocks and rough trails.

More information about the BlueRibbon Coalition is available at www.sharetrails.org.

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling.  BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle.  Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com.

Just patiently plugging along in desert racing’s marquee division, Arizona’s journeyman driver Pete Sohren has received the first starting position during Saturday’s computerized drawing for November’s 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. While the grizzled veteran Sohren will pilot his No. 2 Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck, starting first among the motorcycle and ATV classes will be the team led by promising newcomer Adam Thissen of Reno, Nev. on a KTM 550XC-W motorcycle.

An impressive total of 231 vehicles officially entered in time for Saturday’s computerized drawing held at SCORE International’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

With over 275 entries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 7 Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs, the granddaddy of all desert races will be held Nov. 19-22 in Ensenada, Mexico. Completing its 36th year as the World’s foremost desert racing sanctioning body, the event is the finale of the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series. To date, entries have come from 34 U.S. States and 12 countries.

With massive crowds reaching nearly 25,000 anticipated to again be spread out along the rugged course that travels much of the northern part of Baja California, down Laguna Salada to San Felipe, down thrown legendary Matomi Wash, around Mike’s Sky Ranch, down the infamous Simpson’s Hill and back to the Pacific Coast through Santo Tomas covering much of the northern half of the majestic Baja California peninsula. The race will start for the 35th time and finish for the 20th time in Ensenada.

The motorcycle and ATV classes will start their journey at 6:30 a.m. (Friday, Nov. 20) with the car and truck classes starting at approximately 10:30 a.m., or three hours after the last ATV leaves the line. Vehicles will leave in 30-second intervals in the elapsed-time race and while the fastest finishers are expected to complete the course in approximately 13 hours. All vehicles will have a 31-hour time limit to become official finishers in the legendary adventure.

The race will start and finish on Boulevard Costero adjacent to the picturesque Bahia de Todos Santos in front of the historical Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center in the heart of Ensenada.

Drawing the first start in the ATV classes was the team led by Patrick Christensen, Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., who will ride a Yamaha Raptor in Class 25.

A unique part of Saturday’s drawing was the special drawing for the top 10 finishers from the nearest previous SCORE Baja race entered in the current race in both SCORE Trophy-Truck and the unlimited Class 1. For this race it was the top 10 finishers from this year’s 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 500.

Sohren finished fourth in June’s race, tying his best career SCORE Trophy-Truck race finish.

NASCAR Sprint Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., whose roots are in SCORE desert racing and is this year’s SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck point leader, drew the eighth starting position in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the Team Gordon No. 77 Chevy CK1500. Gordon will be pulling double duty driving also driving in the NASCAR Cup season finale in Florida on Nov. 22.

Drawing the second start in SCORE Trophy-Truck was Rick D. Johnson, Barstow, Calif., this year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 500 winner, who drives the No. 71 Ford F-150. Last year’s overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck winners in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Roger Norman, Reno, Nev./Larry Roeseler, El Cajon, Calif., drew the 10th starting spot in the No. 8 Norman Motorsports Ford F-150.

Pre-race festivities on Thursday, Nov. 19, for the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, including the vastly popular tech and contingency of all vehicles and the SCORE Manufacturer’s Midway will be held from 19 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Boulevard Costero in front of the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center.  The pre-race mandatory driver/rider briefing will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Room at the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. Racer and media registration will be held at the San Nicolas Resort Hotel from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19.

While entries will be accepted up to race morning (Friday, Nov. 20), late entries will be assigned the next available number and starting position within each class.

The post-race Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 Survivor’s Celebration will be held poolside at the San Nicolas Resort Hotel at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22.

Besides Sohren, Gordon, Johnson and Norman/Roeseler, other entries among the veterans in the talented 32-truck field in the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck division include Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas (No. 3-Ford F-150), B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas (97-Chevy Silverado), Las Vegas’ Brian Collins/Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif. (12-Dodge Ram1500), Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson, Santee, Calif. (30-Chevy Silverado), Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Rick Geiser, Phoenix (GMC Sierra), Mexico's Gus Vildosola/Gus Vildosola Sr. (No. 4-Ford F-150), Honolulu’s Alan Pflueger (28-Chevy Silverado), Andy McMillin/Scott McMillin, National City, Calif. (31-Chevy Silverado), Las Vegas’ Tim Herbst/Troy Herbst (19-Ford F-150), Mark McMillin, El Cajon, Calif. (23-Ford F-150), Ron Whitton, Mesa, Ariz. (39-Ford F-150), Scott Steinberger, Cypress, Calif./Dave Sykes, San Diego (7-Ford F-150), Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix (84-Chevy Silverado), Ed Stout, Irvine, Calif. (13-Ford F-150) and Bobby Baldwin/Danny Anderson, Las Vegas (96-Chevy Silverado).

The car and truck classes with the most entries to date are SCORE Trophy-Truck (32), Class 1 (20) and Class 1-2/1600 (10).

Among the motorcycle and ATV classes, Class 22 has the most entries to date with 18.

Leading the seven Sportsman classes in the race is Sportsman Motorcycle over 250cc which had 22 entries and Sportsman Motorcycle under 250cc which had 11 entries in the drawing.

Drawing first start in Class 1 was former German World Rally Championship driver Armin Schwarz/Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., in a Jimco-BMW, while first off in Class 1-2/1600 will be Cody Robinson, Calexico, Calif., in a Romo-VW.

Pre-running on the 672.85-mile loop course will officially begin on Saturday, Nov. 6. Pre-running will be allowed only from Ojos Negros and back. One way pre-running from the start to Ojos Negros will be allowed only on Wednesday and Thursday of race week (Nov. 18 and 29).

It’s the oldest and most well known of all desert races, and it remains as the single most appealing accomplishment to a driver. Since 1967, the Granddaddy of all desert races has been run over the mysterious Baja California peninsula.

This year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race will be televised on a delayed basis as a one-hour NBC Sports special, in association with SCORE and Aura360, for the sixth consecutive year, scheduled to air at 2 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Dec. 19 on the NBC Television Network. It will also air on a delayed basis outside of the U.S. on ESPN International.

In addition to season point class point championships, drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also racing to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to all drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season.  Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 24th consecutive year, a total of 16 drivers remain eligible after Round 4 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series.

This race also features the prestigious Sal Fish SCORE IronRider awards presented to each motorcycle or ATV rider who completes the course within the time limit while riding solo. To date, nine individuals have declared that they will be attempting to complete the course riding solo.

Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Sunoco Race Fuels -official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant and Red Bull--official energy drink. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, American Suzuki, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.

For more information regarding the series, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.

2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

Final round of five race 2009 SCORE Desert Series

Nov. 19-22  -- Ensenada, Mexico

TOTAL ENTRIES: 231 (34 States, 12 Countries)(as of 10/11/09)

 PRO CARS & TRUCKS

SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (32)

2 Pete Sohren

71 Rick D. Johnson

96 Bobby Baldwin

7 Scott Steinberger

12 Brian Collins

84 Nick Vanderwey

1 B.J. Baldwin

77 Robby Gordon

19 Tim Herbst

8 Roger Norman

24 Adam Householder

3 Mark Post

9 Mark Weyhrich

16 Cameron Steele

23 Mark McMillin

4 Gus Vildosola Jr.

59 Craig Potts

28 Alan Pflueger

31 Andy McMillin

74 Rob Bruce

76 Jesse Jones

78 Jesse Ashcraft

51 Kory Scheeler

13 Ed Stout

22 Damen Jefferies

47 James Bult

30 Robbie Pierce

20 Rob MacCachren

58 Ronnie Wilson

35 Jason Voss

39 Ron Whitton

10 Greg Nunley

CLASS 1 (20)

101 Armin Schwarz

102 Harley Letner

103 Jerry Penhall

104 Armin Kremer

105 Brian Parkhouse

106 Randy Wilson

107 Robert LeMaster

108 Todd Welling

109 Rudy Cortez

110 Troy Herbst

111 Dale Lenk

112 George Thieriot

113 Josh Daniel

114 Eric Chase

115 Brad Fouvre

116 Richard Boyle

117 Brendan Fikes

118 Brad Etter

119 Charles Rudolph

120 Jesse Hooker

CLASS 1-2/1600 (10)

1601 Cody Robinson

1602 Jose Fernandez

1603 Arturo Velazco

1604 Wes McKenzie

1605 Daniel McMillin

1645 Eric Duran

1646 Corbin Harris

1647 Brian Wilson

1648 Justin Smith

1649 Arnoldo Ramirez

CLASS 3 (3)

300 Donald Moss

301 Scott Barnes

302 Daniel Wright

CLASS 5 (5)

500 Kevin Carr

501 Drew Belk

502 Chris Willis

518 Vince Wavra

519 Che Corlett

CLASS 5/1600 (5)

551 Jonathon Knight

552 Alonso Angulo

553 Oscar Venegas

554 Mark Low

550 Marcos Nunez

CLASS 6 (6)

601 Richard Blunk

602 Marc Burnett

606 Steve Kovach

607 Heidi Steele

608 John Townsend

609 Gregg Hempel

CLASS 7 (2)

701 Scott Ulrich

700 Dan Chamlee

CLASS 7SX (3)

741 Norman Turley

742 Brandt Anderson

759 John Holmes

CLASS 8 (2)

801 Rodrigo Ampudia Jr.

839 Clyde Stacy

CLASS 9 (2)

901 Zack Burkett

949 Ulises Morquecho

CLASS 10 (7)

1001 Jesus Gonzalez

1000 Mike Lawrence

1003 Javier Robles

1004 Justin Davis

1005 Lars Ferry

1006 Scott Gailey

1049 Jose Lynch

SCORE LITE (7)

1201 Luis Barragan

1202 Brent Parkhouse

1203 Morgan Langley

1204 John Langley

1205 Rob Smith

1206 John Padgett

1249 Roberto Encinas

CLASS 11 (5)

1101 Eric Solorzano

1102 Michael Brown

1103 Dolores Casarez

1104 Jim Graham

1149 Gustavo Garayzar

STOCK FULL (2)

878 Joe Bacal

879 Justin Matney

STOCK MINI (2)

778 Robert Ditner

779 Gavin Skilton

PROTRUCK (0)

CLASS 17 (3)

1701 Eric Filar

1702 Mike Shaffer

1749 Cliff Cook

BAJA CHALLENGE (4)

BC1 Christian Hammarskjold

BC2 Jay Culbertson

BC3 Brian Valentine

BC4 Mike Cassling

CLASS 2 (1)

209 William Erickson

PRO MOTORCYCLES

CLASS 22 (18)

2x Adam Thissen

3x Jason Lulis

4x Cameron Corfman

5x James Hall-S

1x Robby Bell

7x A.J. Stewart

8x John Kaisersatt

9x Dunn Voyer

10x Mark Bradford

11x Ivan Ramirez

12x Kendall Norman

13x Chuck Neugebauer

14x Chad Black

15x Ron Wilson-S

16x Brad Williscroft

17x Aaron Lindsey

18x Colton Udall

19x Adam Neuwirth

CLASS 21 (5)

101x Dan Troy

102x Ronnie Wilson

103x Bill Boyer

104x Chris Parker

105x Jeremy Purvines

CLASS 20 (5)

151x Manuel Reyes

150x Anna Cody

153x Jesus Rios

154x Tony Gurule

155x Marco Bernaldez

CLASS 30 (8)

301x Mike Johnson

302x Sean Bradley

303x Jean-Paul Cyr

304x Alejandro Ventosa

305x Eric Alfaro

306x James Dickinson

307x Richard Boyle

308x Sol Saltzman

CLASS 40 (5)

401x Brian Campbell

402x Brad Turnidge

403x Tom Vogt

400x Scott Myers

405x Mike Prunty

CLASS 50 (4)

501x Hugh Graffunder

502x Gary Barr-S

503x Craig Wear

500x Jim O’Neal

CLASS 60 (1)

600x Donald E. Lewis

PRO ATVS

CLASS 25 (5)

2a Patrick Christensen

1a Wayne Matlock

4a Greg Row

5a Felipe Velez

6a Nick Nelson

CLASS 24 (5)

101a Brian Harris

100a Craig Christy

103a Cesar Chanate

104a Tom Wright

105a Roberto Ruiz

CLASS 26 (2)

201a Chuck Neugebauer

202a Reid Rutherford

SPORTSMAN

SPT CAR (4)

1401 George Jackson

1400 Peter Lang

1403 Raymond Calore

1449 Peter Ramseier

SPT TRUCK (2)

1501 Nick Tonelli

1502 Ken Fraizer

SPT UTV (3)

1801 Dave Roberts

1802 Thomas Graves

1803 Reid Nordin

SPT M/C 250< (11)

201x Charles Shortt

202x Matt Ladendorf

203x Brian Garrahan

204x Joel Blockson

205x Miguel Montenegro

206x Seppo Saarinen

207x Talya Dodson

208x Fred Sobke

209x Doron Kollan

210x Zachy Moritz

249x Nathan Barlow

SPT M/C 250> (22)

251x Craig Anstine

252x Salvador Sainz

253x Jeff Leonard

254x Cliff Cook

255x Craig Campbell

256x Oscar Fazz

257x Eric Anderson-S

258x Jeb Boynton

259x Dave Bervin

260x Michael Powell

261x Mike Kaplan

262x Andrew Siegmund

263x Ricardo De La Pena

264x Gary Gonzales

265x Doug McCrady-S

266x Shohei Himeno

267x Bob Gumser

268x Ray Grupp

269x Tibi Imbuzan

270x Mike Mensinger

271x Trent Burgiss

299x John Lowe

SPT ATV (10)

51a Dennis Lemare-S

52a Howie Orona

53a Adrian Valdez

54a Edgar Saldivar

55a Daniel Wehr-S

56a Yuval Sharon

57a Daniel Montano

58a Brad McLean

59a Manuel Jimenez

99a Gustavo Ameca

S-indicates solo rider

Just Released!

Following the first four of five races in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series, 16 of SCORE’s toughest drivers remain in the hunt to earn 2009 SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards.

Leading the way are two racers in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division along with six in Class 1-2/1600 for 1600cc VW-powered open-wheelers.

The two SCORE Trophy-Truck drivers who have completed every race mile so far this season are: Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C. (No. 77 Chevy CK1500) and Ed Stout, Santa Ana, Calif. (No. 13 Chevy Silverado).

Over 275 entries are expected to compete in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs in the upcoming season-ending 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The final round of the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series will be held Nov. 19-22 in Ensenada, Mexico.

The computerized drawing for starting positions, by class, will be held this Saturday at the SCORE International headquarters in Los Angeles.

Toyota is presenting these prestigious awards to the world’s toughest desert racers for the 24th consecutive year. The Toyota Milestone awards will go to those pro car and truck drivers who finish every required mile in the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series.

“Toyota is proud to honor the world’s best desert racing drivers,” said Les Unger, national motorsports manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “For over two decades, we have had the privilege of presenting the SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards to the toughest racers on the planet.”

Racers from at least 30 U.S. States, Austria, Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Mexico are expected to compete in this year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.  

The loop race will start and finish on Costero Boulevard in front of the historic Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center adjacent to the Bahia de Todos Santos in the heart of Ensenada. Over 200,000 spectators are expected to line the race route which covers much of the northern part of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.  On Friday, Nov. 20, which is Mexican Revolution Day, Motorcycles and ATVs will start first in the elapsed-time race at 6:30 a.m. followed by the cars and trucks at 10:30 a.m.

2009 SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards

(Through Round 4, 16 Racers have completed every required mile in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series)

SCORE Trophy-Truck

Robby Gordon

Ed Stout

Class 1

Randy Wilson

Class 1-2/1600

Brian Wilson

Justin Smith

Cody Robinson

Mario Gastelum

Eric Duran

Samuel Araiza

Class 5/1600

Alonso Angulo

Class 7

Dan Chamlee

Class 8

Clyde Stacy

Class 10

Mike Lawrence

Scott Gailey

SCORE Lite

Brent Parkhouse

Stock Mini

Gavin Skilton

MasterCraft Safety is proud to announce their partnership with the Lucas Oil Off-Road Race Series (LOORRS) for the upcoming October event at Speedworld Off-Road Park in Surprise, Arizona.  As the "Presenting Sponsor" for Rounds 9 and 10 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Race Series, MasterCraft Safety will have a significant on-site presence at the Speedworld event and will also debut the Unlimited 2 race truck, with company owner, Robbie Pierce, behind the wheel.

Robbie Pierce, MasterCraft Safety C.E.O., commented, "Short course racing is the next natural step for the company and I look forward to not only supporting the Lucas Oil Off-Road series as a sponsor, I also look forward to my first race in Arizona in the Unlimited 2 class.  As a desert racer, I was able to develop products specific to the conditions of this kind of racing and with the addition of the Unlimited 2, MasterCraft Safety will be able to more easily identify the needs of the short-course racer and expand the product offering accordingly."

Lucas Oil's Tony Vanillo is also extremely pleased with the partnership and remarked, "Robbie Pierce runs a first class operation both with his company and his racing program. MasterCraft Safety has made significant contributions to off-road racing with their industry leading advancements in safety products and seating. It is very special to us that they recognize the strength of our series with their participation and presentation of these rounds of racing in Surprise, Arizona."

Televised broadcasts of the Speedworld Off-Road Park race can be seen on the Speed Channel, Versus Network and also on MavTV.  Be sure to check local listings for times for broadcast times!

To help provide better joint access, Weldcraft offers several TIG torches with flex-neck designs. The company’s popular WP-9, WP-17 and WP-26 Series of air-cooled TIG torches all feature an optional ‘F’ or flex-neck model (e.g. WP-17F) for welding applications featuring limited joint access and/or difficult joint angles. Weldcraft also offers valved versions of each of these flex-neck torch models (e.g. WP-17FV) for use with power sources that do not have gas solenoids.

Weldcraft’s WP-9F and WP-9FV torches have been designed for welding thin gauge materials—up to 1/4 inch—and offer 125 amp DC and 100 amp AC welding capacity at 60 percent duty cycle. The torches feature a lightweight body that adds to operator comfort and control, even when welding on hard-to-reach joints.

Adding to Weldcraft’s flex-neck torch model offering are its WP-17F and
WP-17FV TIG torches. Designed to provide high-capacity performance on thin- to medium-gauge materials, these torches provide 150 amp DC and 115 amp AC welding capacity and are ideal for both professional and hobbyist welding operators requiring better access to difficult joints. Weldcraft offers both of these WP-17 Series torches in 12.5- and 25-ft, one- or two-piece cable lengths and also has multiple accessory kits, cable covers and extension kits available.

Rounding out Weldcraft’s offering of air-cooled flex-neck torch models are the WP-26F and WP-26FV, both 200-amp DC/150-amp AC torches (based on 60 percent duty cycle rating). These WP-26 torches have been designed with maximum performance and dependability in mind. They are ideal for use on heavy-duty continuous welding applications with limited joint access, and like the WP-9 and WP-17 models, are designed to adjust to any angle the welding operator needs.

The WP-9, WP-17 and WP-26 flex-neck torch models all feature reliable air-cooling capabilities that eliminate the need and expense of water-cooled systems.

For more information, contact Weldcraft at 800-752-7620 or 920-882-6800; fax:     920-882-6840; visit www.weldcraft.com;  e-mail customerservice@weldcraft.com or write to Weldcraft Customer Service, 2741 N. Roemer Road, Appleton, WI 54911.

Weldcraft is the world’s leading manufacturer of GTAW (TIG) welding torches and accessories. A broad line of premium products includes the unique Crafter Series, WP Series, MicroTig™ and Quick Connect System.

Today, the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series announced that MasterCraft Safety, a leader in the off road safety and seating marketplace, is the Presenting Sponsor of rounds 9&10 in Surprise, Arizona on October 17th and 18th.  MasterCraft Safety C.E.O Robbie Pierce, an accomplished driver in the highest levels of open desert off road racing, will also be making his first appearance behind the wheel of the 800hp MasterCraft Safety Unlimited 2 race truck.
 

"Along with our desert program and products, we have been behind drivers and teams in short course off road racing for quite some time," said Pierce. He continued, "This is a great opportunity to be able to support the series, create fantastic exposure for MasterCraft Safety and debut the new race truck. We are proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of rounds 9&10 in Arizona. It's going to be an exciting weekend!"
 

MasterCraft Safety has long been a fixture in the off road racing community and the introduction of the brand new Unlimited 2 along with their Presenting Sponsorship of the Arizona event marks a considerable increase in their presence in short course off road racing. "Robbie Pierce runs a first class operation both with his company and his racing program. MasterCraft Safety has made significant contributions to off road racing with their industry leading advancements in safety products and seating. It is very special to us that they recognize the strength of our series with their participation and presentation of these rounds of racing in Surprise, Arizona," said Lucas Oil Off Road Racing's Tony Vanillo.
 
Rounds 9&10 on October 17th and 18th of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Presented by MasterCraft Safety will be the series final visit to SpeedWorld in Surprise, Arizona for the 2009 season. The final rounds of racing, Rounds 11&12 will be held in Primm, Nevada November 14th and 15th. The 2009 short course off road racing season will conclude with the RockStar Energy/Lucas Oil Challenge Cup on December 11th and 12th in Lake Elsinore, California.
 
For more information about MasterCraft Safety, please visit Mastercraftsafety.com

Officials with Rally America, Inc., the premier sanctioning body for performance rally competition in North America, announced today that BFGoodrich Tires has joined them as the presenting sponsor of the 2009 and 2010 Rally America National Championship Awards Banquets.

A longtime supporter of performance rally competition world-wide, BFGoodrich builds world-class rally tires which are the choice of many of the world’s top rally teams including many in the Rally America National Championship and various Regional rally events held across the U.S. and North America

“BFGoodrich is excited to be the presenting sponsor of the Rally America National Awards Banquet”, said Roberts Kukainis, BFGoodrich motorsports manager.  “The drivers and fans of the Rally America series know the importance of going fast while maintaining control.  BFGoodrich gets feedback from rally racing and uses it to make both better rally tires, and better tires overall.  Congratulations to Rally America for 5 great years; and now on to the next five!”

The 2009 Rally America National Championship Awards Banquet presented by BFGoodrich will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 9:00am to Noon at the Rockhouse Grill & Tavern in Houghton, Michigan following the final Rally America National Championship event of the 2009 season – the Lake Superior Performance Rally.

Among the various year-end awards handed out at this year’s banquet, the 2009 Rally America Rookie of the Year will be presented as well as the much-coveted Rally America Rally of the Year award.  In addition, BFGoodrich will recognize Rally America, Inc. for its unwavering commitment to the sport of rallying in the United States with a 5-year milestone achievement award as the premier sanctioning body for performance rallying in North America since 2005.

Those interested in attending the 2009 Rally America National Championship Awards Banquet presented by BFGoodrich can purchase tickets in advance by downloading the ticket order form located at http://www.rally-america.com/story.php?article=532 and faxing the form directly to Rally America at (763) 553-2862 before 5:00pm on October 13th, 2009.  Advance tickets to the year-end banquet are available for $14 per person, while tickets the day of the event will be available for $17 per person.

This year’s 9-event Rally America National Rally Championship started in January and was contested in eight states.  With National rally events taking place in Michigan, Missouri, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Maine, Minnesota & Colorado the Rally America National Rally Championship is one of the most recognized performance rally championships in the world.

For the last 5 years the 9th and final round of the Rally America Championship Series will return to picturesque Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on October 16th and 17th.

The peak of Fall colors will be in full force providing a striking backdrop to rally cars tackling the tough gravel roads and the famous Brockway Mountain Stage, a perennial favorite among some the nation’s top rally drivers.

Leading up to LSPR, the 2009 Rally America Championship Series provided no shortage of memorable moments and LSPR promises to deliver even more spectacular stories. LSPR will see the return of many X Games superstars to the local area to compete for top honors and a final push for Championship points.

At LSPR, the most notable stories are:

Subaru Rally Team USA driver, Travis Pastrana from Davidsonville, MD, mathematically won his 4th Rally America Championship in a row at the Ojibwe Forests Rally in lat August. However, his competitive spirit will not allow him to take it easy at LSPR as he seeks his 6th overall win this season.

2nd and 3rd place overall is still up for grabs at LSRP! Ken Block, Andi Mancin, and Andrew Comrie-Picard (all X Games rally car racing competitors) will battle it out for the final two podium spots.

Only 20 points separate the top three drivers in the highly entertaining Super Production Class. 22 points awarded to first place will be all Jimmy Keeney, Pat Moro, and Piotr Wiktorczyk will need to secure the class win after a much deserved LSPR finish!

Subaru Rally Team USA driver, Ken Block from Ranch Sante Fe, CA, typically competes in the top Open Class. However, due to complications at the Ojibwe Forests Rally in August he will return to compete in the Super Production Class car normally driven by Subaru Rally Team USA teammate and BMX legend, Dave Mirra. Ken used the same Super Production car at last month’s event, Rally Colorado, and won three stages despite driving a less powerful car and before his rally ended in a mechanical failure. Expect Ken to repeat his success at LSPR considering he won this event in 2008!

17-year-old, Dillon Van Way from Carencro, LA, in his first season as a national competitor showed enough talent and tenacity to be just 1 point away from winning his first-ever National 2 Wheel-Drive championship.

LSPR is one of the most revered rally events in the nation by competitors alike due to a great local organizing committee and extremely challenging roads. The mystique surrounding this event have been graced by many U.S. and international rally drivers, such as 11-time US rally champion John Buffum, Mark Lovell, Travis Pastrana, Ken Block and Mark Higgins

The event is headquartered in Houghton, MI and competition will take place as far as Kenton and Copper Harbor. As the Fall season sets in over the Upper Peninsula, frigid Lake Superior temperatures have been known to bring unpredictable weather conditions ranging from rain, snow, and occasional sun breaks to complicate rally team strategies.

Fans will be given the opportunity to meet the drivers and take pictures of the cars at the two Parc Exposés, which take place on Friday, October 16th at the Country Inn & Suites in Houghton, and on Saturday, October 17th in downtown Calumet. More information can be found on www.lsprorally.com or http://rally-america.com/events/2009/LSPR/

Rally America will also host the season ending National Championship Awards Banquet presented by BFGoodrich Tires at the Rockhouse Grill & Tavern on Sunday, October 18th from 9:00am – 12:00pm in Houghton, MI. Rally America will officially announce the Rally of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and the champions of each car class. The nation’s top rally teams and competitors will be on hand to receive their awards before going into the off-season. Ticket sales and more information can be found at www.rally-america.com.