For a detailed look into this unique additive, and the entire line of LAT Racing Oils, visit them online at www.latraceingoils.com or call direct to 888-528-6457.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
LAT Liquid Friction Reducer is Now Available
For a detailed look into this unique additive, and the entire line of LAT Racing Oils, visit them online at www.latraceingoils.com or call direct to 888-528-6457.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
New Turbo Kit for the Polaris RZR from Bikeman Performance
This kit will consist of 2 stages depending what you’re looking to gain.
Stage I will come with the following:
Turbo Charger, BMP Full Turbo Exhaust, BMP Intake Kit, Turbo Adjustable Fuel Controller, All hoses & Fittings, Charge Tube & Boots, Boost Gauge
Stage 1 is capable of boosting 10psi max. However 6-7psi is your limit for pump gas(at low elevation). At 7lbs you nearly double your stock HP! Normally this kit is run without an intercooler. At 7psi, intercooler gains (charge temps) are not as noticeable as they are in higher boost pressures. That is a big plus for those just wanting a reliable pump gas setup because it costs you less money, and keeps the weight down.
Stage II will have all of stage one plus an auxiliary injector. On some models (mostly '09-later) you may need to purchase a different throttle body. We also upgrade your fuel control box to meet the demands of bigger boost. That will allow you to run higher octane gas and start pumping out the PSI! This kit is capable of 20psi but most will run 10-12 on a daily basis. Optional intercooler kit is recommended for optimum performance on stage II.
All of this is nicely packaged and mounted rock solid under the box to make sure no terrain or hangtime will damage your system. BMP Turbo Clutch Kits & air/fuel ratio gauges are sold separately.
$2995.95
Upgrade Options
Turbo Clutch kit (for 2008 RZR or All RZR S Model stock clutches): $325.00
Turbo Clutch Kit (For 2009+RZR without Team Roller Secondary): $549.95
Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge: $315.00
Air/Fuel Gauge + Turbo Clutch Kit: $615.00
Stage II: $300
Intercooler Kit: $475.00
Complete Billet Overdrive Clutch Kit (70+mph!!): $1649.95
More information: www.bikemanperformance.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Monday, March 29, 2010
TORC SERIES TEAMS UP WITH CHICAGOLAND FOR NASCAR WEEKEND
Speedway, IN. (March 29, 2010) - Officials of USAC's Traxxas Off-Road Championship presented by AMSOIL announced today that the 2010 series will compete at Route 66 Raceway, adjacent to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill, in late-August.
The event will be part of Chicagoland's spectacular motorsports weekend, also featuring the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Izod Indycar series along with ARCA and the Firestone Indy Lights.
Route 66 Raceway is an 8,000-seat arena which incorporates a half-mile dirt oval which hosted USAC Midget and Sprint Car races between 2001 and 2004.
The debut of the Traxxas Series presented by AMSOIL at Route 66 includes special evening shows under the lights on Wednesday August 25th and Thursday August 26th. The motorsports weekend continues with the NASCAR Camping World Truck race on the larger paved oval of Friday evening, followed by the Izod Indycar Series for the finale on Saturday. The event will be historical by bringing truck racing's two largest professional series into the same house with both off road and circle track action for fans.
The USAC TRAXXAS Off Road Championship presented by AMSOIL is the world's premier professional short course off road series. TORC drivers push the limits with 900 horsepower, action-packed fender pounding on challenging natural terrain racetracks. The 2010 season schedule kicks off at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona on May 1-2.
For up to date schedules and to see the latest TORC videos please visit www.torcseries.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
The event will be part of Chicagoland's spectacular motorsports weekend, also featuring the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Izod Indycar series along with ARCA and the Firestone Indy Lights.
Route 66 Raceway is an 8,000-seat arena which incorporates a half-mile dirt oval which hosted USAC Midget and Sprint Car races between 2001 and 2004.
The debut of the Traxxas Series presented by AMSOIL at Route 66 includes special evening shows under the lights on Wednesday August 25th and Thursday August 26th. The motorsports weekend continues with the NASCAR Camping World Truck race on the larger paved oval of Friday evening, followed by the Izod Indycar Series for the finale on Saturday. The event will be historical by bringing truck racing's two largest professional series into the same house with both off road and circle track action for fans.
The USAC TRAXXAS Off Road Championship presented by AMSOIL is the world's premier professional short course off road series. TORC drivers push the limits with 900 horsepower, action-packed fender pounding on challenging natural terrain racetracks. The 2010 season schedule kicks off at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona on May 1-2.
For up to date schedules and to see the latest TORC videos please visit www.torcseries.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Polaris Names Suresh Krishna as Vice President Supply Chain and Integration
MINNEAPOLIS (March 29, 2010) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today named Suresh Krishna as vice president supply chain and integration. Krishna has a strong background in operations, mergers and acquisitions and strategic business leadership that spans the globe.
“We are excited to have Suresh join Polaris and bring a new dimension to our leadership team as we focus on growing our business around the world,” said Scott Wine, chief executive officer, Polaris Industries. “Suresh will play a key role in developing our international footprint while overseeing global purchasing and logistics functions with a focus on reducing costs and lead times. His proven track record of delivering results will be a huge asset and fit very well with the Company’s goals and objectives.”
Most recently, Krishna led global operations, supply chain and IT for a division of UTC Fire & Security, where he was responsible operations in China, Mexico, U.S. and Europe.
Earlier, Krishna has led strategic sourcing and supply chain organizations for Mitsubishi, ABB and Diageo. He also spent a couple years as a management consultant with Booz & Co. He has lived in India, the Middle East and Europe.
Krishna holds a B.S. in engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India and an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He currently serves on the corporate advisory board of the MSCM program at Ross School of Business (University of Michigan).
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
“We are excited to have Suresh join Polaris and bring a new dimension to our leadership team as we focus on growing our business around the world,” said Scott Wine, chief executive officer, Polaris Industries. “Suresh will play a key role in developing our international footprint while overseeing global purchasing and logistics functions with a focus on reducing costs and lead times. His proven track record of delivering results will be a huge asset and fit very well with the Company’s goals and objectives.”
Most recently, Krishna led global operations, supply chain and IT for a division of UTC Fire & Security, where he was responsible operations in China, Mexico, U.S. and Europe.
Earlier, Krishna has led strategic sourcing and supply chain organizations for Mitsubishi, ABB and Diageo. He also spent a couple years as a management consultant with Booz & Co. He has lived in India, the Middle East and Europe.
Krishna holds a B.S. in engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India and an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He currently serves on the corporate advisory board of the MSCM program at Ross School of Business (University of Michigan).
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER™, snowmobiles and Victory motorcycles for recreational and utility use and has recently introduced a new on-road electric powered neighborhood vehicle.
Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry; and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Public Invited to Comment on Draft Plan for Imperial Sand Dunes
Daniel Steward, acting BLM's El Centro Field manager, said the RAMP/EIS outlines future management of public lands administered by BLM in the 160,000-acre Dunes located in eastern Imperial County. The public assisted BLM in identifying key land use issues in this area through a formal scoping process conducted in 2008.
The draft RAMP/EIS analyzes the environmental impacts of many land management issues, including recreation, renewable energy, and species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including the threatened Peirson's milk-vetch. A range of alternatives are analyzed in the RAMP/EIS, including closure of areas designated as critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to off-highway vehicle use.
The BLM has scheduled the following public meetings:
Tuesday, April 13th – San Diego, CA
Handlery Hotel
950 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
Wednesday, April 14th – El Centro, CA
Imperial Irrigation District William R. Condit Meeting Room
1285 Broadway
El Centro, CA 92243
Thursday, April 15th – Phoenix, AZ
Mountain Preserve Reception and Conference Center
1431 E. Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
All meetings will run from 6:00pm – 9:00pm
The draft is available online at http://www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro. Copies are available upon request from the field manager, El Centro Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 1661 S. 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243 or the BLM California State Office at 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W 1834, Sacramento, CA 95825.
Comments can be provided via email to caisdrmp@ca.blm.gov or by mail to the El Centro address above, attention: Carrie Simmons. For further information, please contact Erin Dreyfuss, RAMP team leader at (916) 978-4642.
Members of the public can make public comments at the meetings, however, they are strongly encouraged to submit their comments in writing.
The meetings will start with a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation about the DRAMP. Stations will be set up with detailed information where the public can present and receive help with their questions.
The ASA will be reviewing the 803-page document in order to compose valid comments. The results should be available to our membership in a few weeks.
It will be appreciated if members taking the initiative to review and prepare valid comments would copy The aSa Board of Directors. Remember, valid comments are those that present BLM with new data or point out flaws in their reasoning or other processes. Venting on an emotional basis will be disregarded by BLM.
More information on the Imperial Sand Dunes:
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Yamaha Parts and Accessories Division Announces Distribution of MSD Blaster FI
The Blaster FI allows YFZ450R and YFZ450X racers to edit both fuel and ignition maps along with, rev limiter and accelerator pump functions. Fuel and ignition mapping changes are completed on any laptop with provided MSD software, and allows for changes at 10 different RPM and throttle positions. Additionally, 10 different maps can be saved in the
Blaster FI module providing easy tuning at the track without the use of a PC. “The MSD Blaster FI is the only product in the market that provides a simple, cost effective, solution for our YFZ450R/X customers who have expressed interest in adjusting the fuel and ignition mapping for their specific racing conditions and riding preferences,” commented Yamaha Off-Road Accessory Manager, Philip Lash. “Additionally, Yamaha dealers will have exclusive distribution of the MSD Blaster FI for the first 90 days of production that is planned to begin this April.”
Mike Sharp, General Manager of MSD’s Powersports Division said, “We are excited to partner with a great company such as Yamaha. MSD is well-known for building the highest quality ignition products for many categories of professional and sportsman racing. We are committed to engineering products for Yamaha to the same standards demanded by racers around the world. We are confident that our partnership with Yamaha will be one of great success.”
Part Number: GYT-0SS55-90-86
MSRP: $435.00
About Yamaha Parts and Accessories
Yamaha Parts and Accessories Division (YPAD) develops and distributes accessories for Yamaha products. House brands of GYTR, Star Custom, Genuine and Outdoors provide products that are developed and tested in conjunction with new model development resulting in the best performing, best fit and best quality accessories available for Yamaha riders. YPAD also partners with industry leading brands to distribute products that fill gaps in our product offering though our “distributed by” program. So whether you’re a top lever racer or a casual rider, Yamaha Parts and Accessories Division is the first and best choice for the Yamaha rider.
For more information please go to www.yamaha-motor.com or call 1-800-962-7326 to find a dealer near you.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
SideXsideWorld.com is a new forum that caters to all UTVs
PRC is devoted to just the Polaris Ranger and the RZR, and Lenon felt that they needed to expand to reach out to more people in the sport. PRC has almost 12,000 Ranger/RZR members, but the time was right to start another forum for the rest of the industry. Being a PRC affiliate site will allow the sharing of many sponsor discounts, link pages and other benefits of the larger forum.
SideXsideWorld.com, otherwise know as SSW, has categories for about every brand of SxS you can imagine. They also have a designated area for dune riding, mudding, rock climbing, trail riding and many more related topics.
To give their members more reasons to hang out on their forum they have included sections on ATV camping, outdoor grilling, digital photography and a lot of other fun topics SSW is one of the few SxS forums to offer their members FREE club stickers just for joining. Everyone gets a free 1.5 x 5" off-road sticker just for taking 60 seconds to register as a member.
So if you want to learn more about your machine through our technical sections, find the best places to ride, or just plain discover a way to enjoy your side x side machines in a whole new way, go to www.SideXsideWorld.com and check out the new guys on the block!
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Off-Road Enthusiast Tours for a Cure in Pink RANGER RZR
Minneapolis, March 23, 2010 – For the second year in a row, Off-Road Enthusiast CJ Rena Johnson is on a mission, a mission to cure. Johnson, along with her Pink Polaris RANGER RZR, is visiting private, public, local, state and federal ATV and OHV parks around the country to spread the word and raise money for various charities including American Cancer Society, American Breast Cancer Society, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and St. Jude Children Research Hospital.
“2009 was a huge success,” said Johnson. “Once again, we are going to take the nation by storm as we take on challenges in a way that will affect our community in very positive and profound ways.”
“OHV Tour for a Cure” works by having sponsors, groups, businesses, participants, spectators and other riders pledge donations to the charity of their choice. People interested in pledging or joining one of the rides can visit http://www.cjrenajohnson.com/ for an updated list of places “OHV Tour for a Cure” will stop. Johnson attends every event and rides along in her Pink Polaris RANGER RZR which has become a symbol of the tour.
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER®, snowmobiles and Victory Motorcycles® for recreational and utility use. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry, and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory Motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris® apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories, is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Monday, March 22, 2010
Holz/Kroyer equipped Polaris RZRs Dominate VORRA UTV Season Opener
“The power from our Holz/Kroyer engines was clearly the differentiator in the first race of the 2010 VORRA season,” commented Jon Crowley. “From the holeshot to the finish line, we were out in front of the pack. It was a lot of fun to battle against Dennis for first place all day.”
“I really like that the Stage III kit is designed to run on pump gas, so it is perfect for a weekend on the track or in the dunes,” said Crowley. “The power is easy to use and reliable which is real important for my RZR.”
The Holz/Kroyer Stage III and II kits were developed by Kroyer Racing Engines and are distributed solely by Holz Racing Products. You can find out more at holzracingproducts.com.
About Holz Racing Products:
For the past 10 years, Holz Racing Products has engineered and extreme tested the finest quality, most effective performance parts available for UTV, ATV and snowmobile applications. Manufactured in the USA and race tested around the world, HRP leads the field in Polaris RZR accessories and performance products. For more information visit their website at www.holzracingproducts.com or call 360-398-7006
About VORRA:
Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) was established in 1975 as a family-oriented organization and is led by current promoter Wes Harbor who believes that “off road racing has its roots in people’s garages”. VORRA is the only organization to offer both four short course races and three desert races as part of its overall season championship. Each race draws over 60 racers between multiple classes available for Cars, Trucks, Pilots, ATV, UTV and Trophy Karts. In 2010 VORRA has added two additional truck classes and a stand alone ATV Race Series. More information can be found at www.vorra.net
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
DragonFire Racing makes it three for three
The win is DragonFire Racing, Team Green Kawasaki and ITP's third consecutive SCORE Baja Victory; prior to the race, the team also won the 2009 Baja 500 and Baja 1000. The win at the San Felipe 250 completes the trifecta in the SCORE International Series.
The winning "Nessie" Teryx was engineered, manufactured, assembled, and prepped from chassis to engine at DragonFire's Phoenix facility. DragonFire's race proven engine and components are key to the vehicles' success.
The complete "Nessie" vehicle is available for purchase from DragonFire Racing. Also available, the comprehensive a-la-carte line of the vehicles' winning components including: an oversized piston kit, proprietary cam, valvetrain components, top end gasket kits, exhaust system, ignition, suspension, lighting, seats, safety harnesses, and more.
Todd Romano, President of DragonFire Racing, stated "Winning San Felipe takes great preparation, and patience, offering no down time. We want to thank our teams and sponsors, Team Green Kawasaki, Carlisle Tire, ITP, and Fox Racing, for making this three for three."
DragonFire Racing, based in Mesa, Arizona, is the leading manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket racing, performance, and utility parts for ATVs and UTVs. DragonFire Racing products are available at dealerships worldwide. For more information, visit www.dragonfireracing.com.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Friday, March 19, 2010
ITP Wins San Felipe 250 on BajaCross Tires
The BajaCross is ITP’s most rugged tire ever, built to handle the toughest and heaviest UTV applications. It performs impressively in a wide variety of terrain conditions on 4x4 and utility ATVs as well as UTVs. An 8-ply rating and 25% stronger construction has resulted in a high level of durability. Our extended-life rubber compound and innovative overlapping tread pattern provides a smooth, predictable ride as well as slow wear characteristics — this is the highest-mileage tire ITP has ever produced! Stepped lugs provide consistent tread edges as the tire wears, for predictable performance throughout the long life of the tire. Wraparound lugs provide improved shoulder protection, while a super deep Rim Guard feature offers the best wheel lip protection in the business. Despite its strength, the BajaCross’s advanced carcass design delivers the most comfortable, trail-compliant ride available.
The ITP BajaCross now comes in six sizes: 25x8R-12, 25x10R-12, 26x9R-12, 26x11R-12, 26x10R-14 and 26x11R-14.
Since 1982, ITP has grown into the world's #1 ATV/UTV aftermarket tire and wheel source, and continues to provide a complete line of innovative tires and wheels for virtually all ATVs and UTVs. For a copy of ITP’s full-color product catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740. For other inquiries or technical advice, contact ITP at 930-A S. Rockefeller Ave., Ontario, CA 91761; (909) 390-1905. Or visit ITP’s website at www.itptires.com.
Photo by DirtFocus.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Nye County SAR Team Uses Kawasaki 610 Mule and All Terrain Res-Q Trailer to Perform Successful Off-Road Rescue at Nevada Sand Dunes
Upon arrival at the dunes staging area, emergency personnel found the adult female passenger from the 4-wheeler accident, despite being injured, had managed to walk almost 2 miles to reach a parking area and called 911 for help. She reported that the adult male operator, with serious multiple injuries, was laying at the bottom of a sandbowl. The two had been riding a single seat sport type all-terrain vehicle in unfamiliar desert terrain. Upon cresting a sand dune at an unsafe speed, the 4-wheeler tumbled approximately 30 feet, coming to rest near the bottom of the bowl.
Upon reaching his location, the adult male ATV operator was treated at the scene for neck, back, chest and leg injuries by EMTs from Nye County SAR and the Nye County Volunteer Ambulance unit in Tonopah. Once this patient was packaged for transport, Nye County Search & Rescue members loaded him onto their All Terrain Res-Q trailer. Towed by Tonopah VFD's 4X4 Kawasaki 610 Mule utility vehicle, this off-road patient transport trailer is the first of it's kind in Nevada.
Two Nye County SAR EMTs and a driver from Tonopah VFD safely transported the victim to the waiting ambulance. The three rescuers covered a distance of almost 2 miles over soft sandy desert terrain in just 10 minutes! Requiring only three rescuers to accomplish the carry out portion of this rescue mission not only saved time, it allowed other medical personnel to provide care to the 4-wheeler passenger's less serious injuries at the same time her companion was being transported.
According to Rick Motis, Commander of Nye County Search and Rescue in Tonopah,"Without the All Terrain Res-Q trailer, this mission would have required 6 to 10 more personnel and almost 3 hours to carry the patient out." Additionally, "With a trailer, risk of injuries to rescuers is greatly reduced as they're not required to carry patients out in a basket stretcher while traversing the soft sand."
The manufacturer adds: "All Terrain Res-Q Trailers are best described as 'time savers' and 'manpower multipliers' during off-road rescue missions in remote desert areas."
At the waiting ambulance, the patient was transferred from the rescue trailer's basket stretcher to the ambulance stretcher without need of further packaging; saving even more time. Rick Motis added:
"When dealing with off-road emergencies in remote locations like Crescent Sand Dunes, any amount of minutes saved often translates into lives saved!"While the passenger was treated and released from a local hospital, the operator was flown by medical ICU aircraft to a regional trauma center in Reno for treatment. At last report, both accident victims are recovering from their injuries.
For more information about 'All Terrain Res-Q' trailers visit www.eeresq.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Jeff Stambaugh Wins Again in WORCS Racing Rhino UTV 3 Class
Primm, NV (3/16/2010) - It was cold. It was dark. It was wet. Saturday at Buffalo Bill's in Primm, Nevada had less than ideal racing weather in the afternoon and into the evening. As the sun went down the UTVs staged at their respective lines. A total of 19 UTVs made it out for WORCS round 2. As darkness loomed overhead it began to rain -- not a gentle spring sprinkle, but a cold downpour. The spectators were less than thrilled and the track became a mess, but Jeff Stambaugh rallied hard and took 1st overall! Lines 1 & 2 left a minute apart. One minute after Class 2, Stambaugh left the line with the Class 3 UTVs. He caught the rest of Class 3 sleeping and grabbed a solid holeshot, went off the first jump and onto the truck track. This race was fast and rough. The truck track was high speed and the off road was whooped out, Stambaugh explains his advantage, "It was really a benefit to me to have the Rhino. Everyone wanted RZRs because they were lighter and faster, but they just can't handle those deep whoops like my Rhino. My Lonestar works flawlessly in that stuff -- the rougher the better!"
One lap in, he had managed to overtake most of class 2 and came back into the truck track looking strong and fast. By this time it was completely dark and the rain was still coming down, "Just like at home!" By lap 2, Stambaugh was a solid 3rd overall -- he had taken the lead early and never looked back at Class 3, then overtook most of Class 2 in a matter of 2 laps and had his eyes set on the leaders. The two RZRs in out front were battling it out in the whooped off-road and Jeff managed to put his head down and charge on to catch up to them. He drove smart and tailed them both. He managed to get around one RZR in Class 1 and then the leader made a mistake that left the door wide open. Jeff passed the leader on the last lap seconds before they would enter the scoring chute. The former leader made a last ditch effort as they came off the pavement and headed toward the chute, but was unsuccessful. Jeff crossed the finish line 1st in class, and 1st overall.
Times do not get adjusted for the Rhino race, but he did leave 2 minutes after Class 1 and still managed a phenomenal finish coming from the last row to first battling machines with bigger engines (up to 1000cc in Class 1). "I couldn't be happier with that finish, " he stated right after the race, "I thought I finished 2nd overall, but then I was told the guy I saw in front of me was broken and that was his 1 and only lap
-- I was really excited! I couldn't believe it but, MAN! That's awesome. I didn't even care about being cold and wet after that!"
Jeff would like to thank the following- without them he would not have had such a good weekend: Lonestar Racing, Elka Suspension, Fullbore Innovations, Blitz Vision, SixSixOne, Weller Racing, S&S Motorsports, Patriot Racing, Kelley Blocks, & his girlfriend.
One lap in, he had managed to overtake most of class 2 and came back into the truck track looking strong and fast. By this time it was completely dark and the rain was still coming down, "Just like at home!" By lap 2, Stambaugh was a solid 3rd overall -- he had taken the lead early and never looked back at Class 3, then overtook most of Class 2 in a matter of 2 laps and had his eyes set on the leaders. The two RZRs in out front were battling it out in the whooped off-road and Jeff managed to put his head down and charge on to catch up to them. He drove smart and tailed them both. He managed to get around one RZR in Class 1 and then the leader made a mistake that left the door wide open. Jeff passed the leader on the last lap seconds before they would enter the scoring chute. The former leader made a last ditch effort as they came off the pavement and headed toward the chute, but was unsuccessful. Jeff crossed the finish line 1st in class, and 1st overall.
-- I was really excited! I couldn't believe it but, MAN! That's awesome. I didn't even care about being cold and wet after that!"
Jeff would like to thank the following- without them he would not have had such a good weekend: Lonestar Racing, Elka Suspension, Fullbore Innovations, Blitz Vision, SixSixOne, Weller Racing, S&S Motorsports, Patriot Racing, Kelley Blocks, & his girlfriend.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Monster Energy Kawasaki and Lasher Motorsports join forces for 2010
The Lasher Motorsports Kawasaki Teryx was designed and built by Side X Side Outfitterz of Oak Hills, CA. Side X Side Outfitterz was chosen because of their years of desert racing experience and knowledge of the UTV platform. Wally and the crew at Side X Side Outfitterz build the products that make the long distance drives more enjoyable and comfortable. When it comes to keeping the Kawasaki Teryx performing at its best, Paul at ZT Fab knows what it takes. We are proud to have Paul maintain our car and keep it running strong in the desert.
Keeping the the Lasher Motorsports Kawasaki Teryx ahead of the competition is a Muzzy’s 800cc V-Twin built entirely by Lockmann Precision. Coupled with Muzzy’s performance cylinders and heads, is their new Pro Pipe Exhaust, bored throttle bodies, and a MSD Ignition. This winning combination is any racers dream as the power that is put down in undeniable.
Getting traction in the Desert is one of the biggest keys to success. With GBC Motorsports Dirt Commanders, the team will have the traction needed, and will not have to worry about flats with GBC’s strong 8-ply rating. GBC has a strong racing presence on the East coast in the GNCC series and is proud to add to their winning reputation on the West coast. The GBC Dirt Commanders will be installed on the new Walker Evans 14” bead lock UTV wheels. Walker Evans is known for performance in bead locks and is the wheel of choice in all desert racing applications.
To tame the rough desert, and smooth out the whoops, a set of Walker Evans Racing 10? 2.5” dual rate coil over shocks with remote reservoirs were installed, along with the race winning +5 long travel kit from Xtreme Machine and Fabrication. The XMF and Walker Evans combo, along with the Summers Brothers 300m axles guarantee no issues in the desert! Helping keep the car pointed in the right direction is a billet steering rack that boasts a 20% increase in speed over the stock rack from Billet King.
When safety comes to mind there is no better choice than Simpson. Lasher Motorsports chose Simpson because of their outstanding track record and focus on safety and comfort. The team is equipped with Devil Ray Carbon Fiber Helmets, and custom stitched two layer fire suits along with their D-3 racing belts.
Lasher Motorsports is proud to announce UTVUnderground.com and OffroadPress.com as their official media partners. The community that UTV Underground has built and their dedication to UTV racing is undeniable! Without their support the team wouldn’t be where it is today.
2010 Sponsors include:
Monster Energy, Kawasaki, Side X Side Outfitterz, GBC Motorsports, XMF, Walker Evans, ZT Fab, Hostyle Racing, Summers Bros, Billet King, Pro Armor, Muzzys, Simpson, Beard, MSD, K&N OffroadPress.com, UTVUnderground.com
For more information on the Lasher Motorsports Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx you can visit www.lashermotorsports.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
30 UTV's Invade Pala Raceway for the 2010 Pala Raceway Spring GP
Pala, CA 3/13/10 - The 2010 Pala Raceway Spring GP presented by Summers Bros., UTVUnderground.com, and OffRoadSwapMeet.com turned out to be a HUGE success. With 30 UTV's staging at the start line for a 3 class land rush start the race proved to be hard, fast, and exciting. The tight enduro styled course took racers from a large open field into the hills of the Pala Indian Reservation and back into an awesome MX styled track.
Racers competed in 3 classes ranging from Unlimited, Modified, and Stock. Everything from R1 powered Yamaha Rhinos, to 4 seat family wagons, and professional LOORRS Unlimited UTV's were lined up side by side for a 45 minute GP race. While the course proved to be much rougher then what most expected it was still a very exciting course. Lots of vehicles fell victim to the Pala rocks. Tires and rims were being ripped apart like rubber balloons and aluminum cans. The racers who finished did it because of smart driving, awesome team support, and lots of luck!
While we are still waiting on official results we do know that Brent Fouch in his Kawasaki Teryx took top honors in the Unlimited class followed by Taylor George in the Monster Energy / Funco Kawasaki Teryx normally piloted by Funco family member Chad George. This was Taylor's first time behind the wheel of this championship winning Teryx and by mid race she was turning off lap times that were as fast and at times faster then our winner Brent Fouch. Brent hasn't always had the best of luck on the short track in his Teryx but Saturday was his day as he raced a flawless race to take home a dominating win. Brent has moved onto the Super Lite division in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series but will continue to race his #699 Teryx in the Pala GP Series as well as the ITP Series at Lake Elsinore.
Summers Bros. awarded 2 sets of their top quality +6 axles to winners in the Unlimited and Stock classes. Jose of Summers Bros. was in attendance and said he was amazed at the turnout. He was pleased to be a part of this event and looks forward to the next round!
It was a great weekend, a lot more relaxed the most of the "big" racing series but there was no shortage of excitement and competition. Racers like Doug Mittag with his co-driver RJ Anderson were tearing the track up in first place in the COD "Red Dragon" Polaris RZR until they lost their rear differential mid race due to a large rock that punctured the rear skid plate. Unlimited UTV racer Tyler Winbury competed in his old super stock Wagon Burner's Yamaha Rhino and had his little brother co-driving with him. They unfortunately didn't get to complete a full lap due to motor problems. The Wagon Burners looked like the team of old with 5 UTV's in competition. They even let Luke Johnson son of superstar MX and Unlimited2 truck racer Ricky Johnson take the wheel of their stock Kawasaki Teryx Pit vehicle. Luke wheeled it in with only a little bit of bumper damage to the stock Teryx which he said was as much fun to race as anything else he drives. Wagon Burners Team Owner, Uncle, Father, Husband, and Friend Pat Winbury said it's time to upgrade it to a new Funco front bumper! Anyone who has raced UTV's on the west coast over the last 4 to 5 years knows that Team Wagon Burners on any given race can have upwards of 8 cars racing ranging from Teryx's, Rhino's, RZR's, and Arctic Cats. The Winbury's have it all. They are one of the first family's of UTV racing so to see them out at Pala racing together again was a real blast for all of us and we hope to see more of them at future events.
Magnum Off Road out of Vista, CA showed up with 4 cars of their own and they were all racing hard until a few had some Pala rocks take them out. Bill Hogan in his Magnum Off Road / Voltage Off Road Lighting Polaris RZR-S has unofficially won the modified class. He drove an awesome race and his RZR-S was in the hunt all day! Dan Fernandez of OffRoadSwapMeet.com came in just behind him in his 4 seat Yamaha Rhino. Fernandez broke a spindle in the practice/parade lap but due to some quick help from 747Ink's Trevor Smith Dan was able to get his Yamaha Rhino back on the course and into the starting lineup.
There are too many stories to tell in one single write up so I will leave it up to the racers themselves to tell their many stories on UTVUnderground.com. It was a great day at Pala Raceway, and it looked like we may have found a series that can fully re kindle the magic so many think we may have lost on the UTV racing front. The entry fees were affordable, the track was an equalizer, and the atmosphere was pure fun! I cant remember the last time I saw a race this large where when it was complete the racers, their friends, and families all stood at the finish line reflecting on their race all together with nothing but smiles across every ones faces.
If you didn't make it to Pala this race then be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next. Word is it's going to be a lot bigger and the track is going to be a little more refined. Until next time.........
Check the official Pictures and Results thread here:
http://www.utvunderground.com/f18/pala-raceway-spring-gp-utv-race-pictures-results-3283.html
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Racers competed in 3 classes ranging from Unlimited, Modified, and Stock. Everything from R1 powered Yamaha Rhinos, to 4 seat family wagons, and professional LOORRS Unlimited UTV's were lined up side by side for a 45 minute GP race. While the course proved to be much rougher then what most expected it was still a very exciting course. Lots of vehicles fell victim to the Pala rocks. Tires and rims were being ripped apart like rubber balloons and aluminum cans. The racers who finished did it because of smart driving, awesome team support, and lots of luck!
While we are still waiting on official results we do know that Brent Fouch in his Kawasaki Teryx took top honors in the Unlimited class followed by Taylor George in the Monster Energy / Funco Kawasaki Teryx normally piloted by Funco family member Chad George. This was Taylor's first time behind the wheel of this championship winning Teryx and by mid race she was turning off lap times that were as fast and at times faster then our winner Brent Fouch. Brent hasn't always had the best of luck on the short track in his Teryx but Saturday was his day as he raced a flawless race to take home a dominating win. Brent has moved onto the Super Lite division in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series but will continue to race his #699 Teryx in the Pala GP Series as well as the ITP Series at Lake Elsinore.
Summers Bros. awarded 2 sets of their top quality +6 axles to winners in the Unlimited and Stock classes. Jose of Summers Bros. was in attendance and said he was amazed at the turnout. He was pleased to be a part of this event and looks forward to the next round!
It was a great weekend, a lot more relaxed the most of the "big" racing series but there was no shortage of excitement and competition. Racers like Doug Mittag with his co-driver RJ Anderson were tearing the track up in first place in the COD "Red Dragon" Polaris RZR until they lost their rear differential mid race due to a large rock that punctured the rear skid plate. Unlimited UTV racer Tyler Winbury competed in his old super stock Wagon Burner's Yamaha Rhino and had his little brother co-driving with him. They unfortunately didn't get to complete a full lap due to motor problems. The Wagon Burners looked like the team of old with 5 UTV's in competition. They even let Luke Johnson son of superstar MX and Unlimited2 truck racer Ricky Johnson take the wheel of their stock Kawasaki Teryx Pit vehicle. Luke wheeled it in with only a little bit of bumper damage to the stock Teryx which he said was as much fun to race as anything else he drives. Wagon Burners Team Owner, Uncle, Father, Husband, and Friend Pat Winbury said it's time to upgrade it to a new Funco front bumper! Anyone who has raced UTV's on the west coast over the last 4 to 5 years knows that Team Wagon Burners on any given race can have upwards of 8 cars racing ranging from Teryx's, Rhino's, RZR's, and Arctic Cats. The Winbury's have it all. They are one of the first family's of UTV racing so to see them out at Pala racing together again was a real blast for all of us and we hope to see more of them at future events.
Magnum Off Road out of Vista, CA showed up with 4 cars of their own and they were all racing hard until a few had some Pala rocks take them out. Bill Hogan in his Magnum Off Road / Voltage Off Road Lighting Polaris RZR-S has unofficially won the modified class. He drove an awesome race and his RZR-S was in the hunt all day! Dan Fernandez of OffRoadSwapMeet.com came in just behind him in his 4 seat Yamaha Rhino. Fernandez broke a spindle in the practice/parade lap but due to some quick help from 747Ink's Trevor Smith Dan was able to get his Yamaha Rhino back on the course and into the starting lineup.
There are too many stories to tell in one single write up so I will leave it up to the racers themselves to tell their many stories on UTVUnderground.com. It was a great day at Pala Raceway, and it looked like we may have found a series that can fully re kindle the magic so many think we may have lost on the UTV racing front. The entry fees were affordable, the track was an equalizer, and the atmosphere was pure fun! I cant remember the last time I saw a race this large where when it was complete the racers, their friends, and families all stood at the finish line reflecting on their race all together with nothing but smiles across every ones faces.
If you didn't make it to Pala this race then be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next. Word is it's going to be a lot bigger and the track is going to be a little more refined. Until next time.........
Check the official Pictures and Results thread here:
http://www.utvunderground.com/f18/pala-raceway-spring-gp-utv-race-pictures-results-3283.html
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
2010 VORRA Series Kicks Off This Weekend at Prairie City
Many of last years top competitors have committed to yet another year of aggressive racing. Sam Berri, Class 1 overall winner in 2009, said “This will be my 25th straight year racing the VORRA series where my car has never missed a race. I am looking forward to 2010 with more competitors which will bring more challenges.” Shannon Harwell and Steve Sullivan will also be back for the green flag in Class 1 to see if they can’t take a checkered flag from the noteworthy Sam Berri in 2010.
2009 was a three way battle to the end in the Class 10 with Red Team Racing coming out on top with the car that also finished the 2009 Vegas to Reno in the midst of their VORRA season. They are planning to defend their title in 2010. Class 7, Class 9, the classic Class 11 also promises racing action for the traditional off road racers.
In 2009, Harbor created a new truck class called Group T. This combines several class types into one competitive group to fuel the racing spirit. Over the course of the year, 24 trucks competed in this class where Bruce Field in a Class 8 took the overall points series win. This years line up looks just as strong with 2009’s top three: Bruce Field, Mike Koenig & Jake Povey will all be coming back to battle for the championship.
Promoter Wes Harbor believes that “off road racing has its roots in people’s garages” and continues to keep the entry fees to a minimum while maintaining a high quality racing experience. One of the bigger classes in the series is the Sportsman class where anyone can test their skills at racing. 2009 consisted of a solid battle where Kevin Yoder in a rock buggy took the final championship. Ten or 1/3 of this class will transfer into their respected classes, leaving 20 or 2/3 in the Sportsman class to work to the top in 2010.
The Pilot and UTV class will run on the track together again, but the action should be more aggressive. The UTV class looks to pick up three more consistent racers to create a battle that hasn’t existed in the past. A new Quad/ATV Division of VORRA is set for the 2010 series, allowing it to be completely separate track from the cars and trucks. “We feel that this will give the ATV racers a better experience because we can make a more purpose built courses that challenges their skills and their machines,” explained Harbor.
The 2010 series should be the best yet! There is an addition of Ultra4 and Class 11 to the line-up and the Short Course races will have a new 5-lap 3-Moto program replacing the 8-lap 2-Moto system. There are battles already brewing, and the dropping of the green flag on Saturday morning will launch the 35th running of the Valley Off Road Racing Series.
Direct Link to Schedule and Information: http://www.vorra.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=67
2010 VORRA Race Series Race Schedule (ATV’s Not Included)
Date Race Type Location
March 20 – 21, 2010 Short Course Prairie City, CA
April 17 – 18, 2010 Short Course Prairie City, CA
May 28 – 31, 2010 Desert Race – 300 Miles Yerington, NV
July 16 – 18, 2010 Desert Night Race – 250 Miles Fallon, NV
September 4 – 6, 2010 Desert Race – 225 Miles Hawthorne, NV
October 9 – 10, 2010 Short Course Prairie City, CA
October 30 – 31, 2010 Short Course – Halloween BBQ Prairie City, CA
November 13th, 2010 Awards Banquet TBA
Valley Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) was established in 1975 as a family-oriented organization and is led by current promoter Wes Harbor who believes that “off road racing has its roots in people’s garages”. VORRA is the only organization to offer both four short course races and three desert races as part of its overall season championship. Each race draws over 60 racers between multiple classes available for Cars, Trucks, Pilots, ATV, UTV and Trophy Karts. In 2010 VORRA has added two additional truck classes and a stand alone ATV Race Series. More information can be found at www.vorra.net
Who: VORRA – Valley Off Road Racing Association
What: Round 1, Short Course Racing
Where: Prairie City OHV Area, Folsom, CA
When: Saturday March 20 & Sunday March 21
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Aaron Wedeking Returns to PRP Seats
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Saturday, March 13, 2010
New Polaris RZR Winch Mounting Kit from ATR
ATR’s new winch mounting kit for the Polaris RZR is CNC laser cut and formed from 3/16" steel and comes in a durable black powder coat finish. Zinc plated mounting hardware and installation instructions included. Fits all common size ATV winches 3,000 lbs and under with a 4 hole pattern of 3” x 4.875”. ATR Polaris RZR Winch Bracket comes with a LIFETIME Warranty – You bend it they’ll replace it! For more information visit ATR’s website at allterrainresearch.net or give them a call at 903-581-0008.
Direct Link-http://allterrainresearch.net/store/polaris-rzr-winch-mounting-kit-51
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Motorcycle Industry Council Announces Election Results for 2010 Board of Directors and Officers
IRVINE, CA – March 11, 2010 – The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) today announced election results for the 2010 MIC Board of Directors. In one of the closest MIC elections ever, Eric Anderson, President of VROOM Network, LLC, was re-elected to an aftermarket/allied trades director seat.
Earlier in the election process, Larry Little, Senior Vice President, Chief Brand Officer of Cycle World, representing aftermarket/allied trades members, and Mark Blackwell, Vice President-Motorcycles of Polaris Industries, representing motorcycle manufacturer /distributor members, were also re-elected to the board. The membership voted by mail and electronic ballot and the results were tabulated by Hall & Jones, CPA.
The remaining three previously elected directors will serve the second year of their two-year term that expires in February 2011: Don Emde, Owner/President, Don Emde Productions, Inc., Frank Esposito, President, Kendon Industries, Inc., and Sarah Schilke, Director of Marketing Services, Moto Niche Marketing International
These board members join the six directors appointed by the motorcycle manufacturer/distributor members who pay market share dues: Ray Blank, Senior V.P., Motorcycle Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Steve Bortolamedi, Senior Communications Manager, American Suzuki Motor Corp.; Jon-Erik Burleson, President, KTM North America, Inc.; Roger Hagie, Director, Public Affairs, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA; Paolo Timoni, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.; Mike Schmitt, Division Manager, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA.
Officer Elections
In February 2010, at the MIC’s members-only annual meeting held in conjunction with the 2010 Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, the MIC board of directors re-elected the current officers to serve for 2010: Larry Little, chairman, Roger Hagie, vice chairman, and Eric Anderson, secretary/treasurer. Tim Buche was elected president and chief executive officer. Buche has served as MIC president since 1996.
“It’s my pleasure and privilege to continue to serve the MIC members as chairman of the board of directors and, in turn, to serve the 25 million motorcyclists across America,” said Little. “Right now we’re promoting aggressive initiatives like Revive Your Ride! to drive traffic to dealerships and attract new riders. I’m optimistic that working collectively, we’re geared up to make great progress in 2010.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Earlier in the election process, Larry Little, Senior Vice President, Chief Brand Officer of Cycle World, representing aftermarket/allied trades members, and Mark Blackwell, Vice President-Motorcycles of Polaris Industries, representing motorcycle manufacturer /distributor members, were also re-elected to the board. The membership voted by mail and electronic ballot and the results were tabulated by Hall & Jones, CPA.
The remaining three previously elected directors will serve the second year of their two-year term that expires in February 2011: Don Emde, Owner/President, Don Emde Productions, Inc., Frank Esposito, President, Kendon Industries, Inc., and Sarah Schilke, Director of Marketing Services, Moto Niche Marketing International
These board members join the six directors appointed by the motorcycle manufacturer/distributor members who pay market share dues: Ray Blank, Senior V.P., Motorcycle Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Steve Bortolamedi, Senior Communications Manager, American Suzuki Motor Corp.; Jon-Erik Burleson, President, KTM North America, Inc.; Roger Hagie, Director, Public Affairs, Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA; Paolo Timoni, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.; Mike Schmitt, Division Manager, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA.
Officer Elections
In February 2010, at the MIC’s members-only annual meeting held in conjunction with the 2010 Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, the MIC board of directors re-elected the current officers to serve for 2010: Larry Little, chairman, Roger Hagie, vice chairman, and Eric Anderson, secretary/treasurer. Tim Buche was elected president and chief executive officer. Buche has served as MIC president since 1996.
“It’s my pleasure and privilege to continue to serve the MIC members as chairman of the board of directors and, in turn, to serve the 25 million motorcyclists across America,” said Little. “Right now we’re promoting aggressive initiatives like Revive Your Ride! to drive traffic to dealerships and attract new riders. I’m optimistic that working collectively, we’re geared up to make great progress in 2010.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Friday, March 12, 2010
Polaris RZR "Anti-Theft" Shift Lock Now Available from EMP
- Powder Coated- Texture Black.
- Includes: Mounting Hardware.
- Allows you to lock your RZR in the park position.
- Fits: all years and model RZR.
- Lock is easily visible to keep thieves away.
More info: www.extrememetalproducts.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Austin Kimbrell Starts LOORRS Season on Podium
Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Austin Kimbrell showed the UTV Unlimited class that he and his Kawasaki Teryx™ are podium-worthy, earning the pole position during Friday’s qualifying and then going on to finish second in Saturday’s Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Even with a broken throttle cable during Race 2 on Sunday, Kimbrell acted quickly and was able to come from second-to-last and finish just off the podium in fourth. Muzzy Kawasaki’s Robert VanBeekum had a good showing on Sunday with a second-place finish, while reigning UTV Unlimited champion Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chad George finished 4-5 for the weekend.Starting Fresh
With two seasons under his belt, Kimbrell came into the season not sure where he stood against the competition. Friday’s qualifying put Kimbrell on top with a time almost one second faster than his closest rival and in good position for the weekend of racing. In Saturday’s eight-lap race, he was out front nearly the whole race, but finished second after a minor water pump issue.
“At the first race, you don’t really know where you are going to stand up against everyone,” said Kimbrell. “We went out pretty good last year and since we went with the same motor package for this season, we thought we would do well. We were definitely relieved that our work paid off.”
“At the first race, you don’t really know where you are going to stand up against everyone,” said Kimbrell. “We went out pretty good last year and since we went with the same motor package for this season, we thought we would do well. We were definitely relieved that our work paid off.”
Quick Thinking
During the second race on Sunday, Kimbrell jumped out to the holeshot, but on the second jump his throttle cable broke. He used quick thinking to use his hand to push in on the throttle body. With one hand on the throttle body and one hand on the wheel, Kimbrell worked his way through the field to finish in fourth.
“It was not the easiest thing to hold the throttle body and steer with one hand,” said Kimbrell. “I did get a little break since we had a red flag and the mandatory caution. It wasn’t too fun, but being able to still race and not DNF was the positive side to it.”
“It was not the easiest thing to hold the throttle body and steer with one hand,” said Kimbrell. “I did get a little break since we had a red flag and the mandatory caution. It wasn’t too fun, but being able to still race and not DNF was the positive side to it.”
Looking Ahead
George used his experience to get him through the first weekend of racing, as he faced different challenges in each race. After qualifying third on Friday, George’s first race didn’t go according to plan after he lost his front wheel drive on the first lap. He was able to pull through for a fourth-place finish, despite his troubles. On Sunday, the set-up didn’t suit George and he played it safe for a decent running to fifth place.
“This weekend didn’t really go according to plan,” said reigning champion George. “We made some changes that helped us in the long run, but hurt us a little this weekend. Going into the next race, we already know what to change and what our speed will be. I definitely want to get back on top of the podium.”
“This weekend didn’t really go according to plan,” said reigning champion George. “We made some changes that helped us in the long run, but hurt us a little this weekend. Going into the next race, we already know what to change and what our speed will be. I definitely want to get back on top of the podium.”
Results
Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
Las Vegas Motor Speedway- Las Vegas, Nev.
March 6-7, 2010
Unlimited UTV Saturday Results
1. RJ Anderson, Polaris
2. AUSTIN KIMBRELL, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
3. Tyler Parks, Polaris
4. CHAD GEORGE, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
5. John Dempsy
Unlimited UTV Sunday Results
1. RJ Anderson, Polaris
2. ROBERT VANBEEKUM, MUZZY KAWASAKI
3. TYLER WINBURY, KAWASAKI
4. AUSTIN KIMBRELL, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
5. CHAD GEORGE, MONSTER ENERGY/FUNCO/ KAWASAKI
Las Vegas Motor Speedway- Las Vegas, Nev.
March 6-7, 2010
Unlimited UTV Saturday Results
1. RJ Anderson, Polaris
2. AUSTIN KIMBRELL, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
3. Tyler Parks, Polaris
4. CHAD GEORGE, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
5. John Dempsy
Unlimited UTV Sunday Results
1. RJ Anderson, Polaris
2. ROBERT VANBEEKUM, MUZZY KAWASAKI
3. TYLER WINBURY, KAWASAKI
4. AUSTIN KIMBRELL, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
5. CHAD GEORGE, MONSTER ENERGY/FUNCO/ KAWASAKI
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Upgrading the Steering Rack on our Monster Energy Kawasaki Teryx
By Jon Crowley, Crowley Off-Road
I didn't have time to upgrade the rack on my Kawasaki Teryx before the King of the Hammers UTV Race, but I wanted to make sure I got this upgrade done before hitting the short course for the VORRA series. I haven't had any problems with the OEM Kawasaki steering rack, but with the big, agressive Pit Bull Tires, a +4" Funco long travel, and extreme conditions, I didn't want to take any more chances on a failure. After doing a little research, I went with a rack and upgraded tie rods from BilletKing Off-Road.
BilletKing Off-Road is the UTV arm of F1 Engineering, which was founded by Roger Flynn. Roger has worked almost his whole life in engine and suspension development for International FIA Formula One, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indycar and Champ Car, Motorcycle and Off-Road racing.
Roger and his crew spent many hours designing a new rack housing system that is pretty much bullet proof, yet is a simple bolt in upgrade. The steering ratio is 20% quicker than the factory unit to make the Kawasaki Teryx more responsive around trees and boulders and on tight twisty trails.
The rack housing is CNC machined from a single billet of 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum, hard anodized to protect the aluminum from corrosion then high strength aluminum bronze bushings are pressed into each end to support the rack gear.
The rack gear itself is machined from a round bar of 300M alloy steel, a full 7/8" diameter on the standard unit and 1.0" diameter on the super strength race rack. The gear is vacuum furnace heat treated to 280,000 psi tensile strength and then carbon nitride plasma coated to increase tooth strength and to give corrosion resistance.
Some of BilletKing's competitors use a square section rack gear as they are readily available commercially in a variety of low cost alloys. This makes the housing easier to machine by just milling a slot into the two or three housing half sections, this of course opens the possibility of movement or failure at the joints.
BilletKing prefer to go the more difficult route and use the stronger round section rack gear and align boring the single piece housing to maintain the structural integrity of the whole unit, this also keeps the close tolerances that we require for minimum backlash in the gears.
The helical pinion gear is CNC hobbed from H11 aerospace tool steel and through hardened.
The rod end clevises are CNC machined from a block of chrome-molly steel and have locating lugs machined into the end that mate with slots in the rack gear to prevent the clevis from turning and to keep them vertical to the wheels. The clevises are bolted to the rack end with (supplied) grade 12.9 metric allen head bolts and spring washers.
The rack and pinion comes complete with steel tie rods, clevises, dust boots and all required hardware.
The optional race tie rods are made from high strength 2024 aircraft structural aluminum and hard anodized to match the rack housing. The kit comes with all grade 8 hardware, chrome molly high misalignment rod ends, chrome molly clevises and heat treated 17-4 stainless outer joint pins.
BilletKing Off Road based in Hesperia, CA and manufactures all of the parts used in their Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Teryx and Arctic Cat Prowler rack & pinions. To find out more, visit their website at: http://www.f1engineering.com/bk-index.html or give them a call at 760-948-4355.
You find out more about Jon's Kawasaki Teryx at www.CrowleyOffRoad.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
I didn't have time to upgrade the rack on my Kawasaki Teryx before the King of the Hammers UTV Race, but I wanted to make sure I got this upgrade done before hitting the short course for the VORRA series. I haven't had any problems with the OEM Kawasaki steering rack, but with the big, agressive Pit Bull Tires, a +4" Funco long travel, and extreme conditions, I didn't want to take any more chances on a failure. After doing a little research, I went with a rack and upgraded tie rods from BilletKing Off-Road.
BilletKing Off-Road is the UTV arm of F1 Engineering, which was founded by Roger Flynn. Roger has worked almost his whole life in engine and suspension development for International FIA Formula One, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indycar and Champ Car, Motorcycle and Off-Road racing.
Roger and his crew spent many hours designing a new rack housing system that is pretty much bullet proof, yet is a simple bolt in upgrade. The steering ratio is 20% quicker than the factory unit to make the Kawasaki Teryx more responsive around trees and boulders and on tight twisty trails.
The rack housing is CNC machined from a single billet of 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum, hard anodized to protect the aluminum from corrosion then high strength aluminum bronze bushings are pressed into each end to support the rack gear.
The rack gear itself is machined from a round bar of 300M alloy steel, a full 7/8" diameter on the standard unit and 1.0" diameter on the super strength race rack. The gear is vacuum furnace heat treated to 280,000 psi tensile strength and then carbon nitride plasma coated to increase tooth strength and to give corrosion resistance.
Some of BilletKing's competitors use a square section rack gear as they are readily available commercially in a variety of low cost alloys. This makes the housing easier to machine by just milling a slot into the two or three housing half sections, this of course opens the possibility of movement or failure at the joints.
BilletKing prefer to go the more difficult route and use the stronger round section rack gear and align boring the single piece housing to maintain the structural integrity of the whole unit, this also keeps the close tolerances that we require for minimum backlash in the gears.
The helical pinion gear is CNC hobbed from H11 aerospace tool steel and through hardened.
The rod end clevises are CNC machined from a block of chrome-molly steel and have locating lugs machined into the end that mate with slots in the rack gear to prevent the clevis from turning and to keep them vertical to the wheels. The clevises are bolted to the rack end with (supplied) grade 12.9 metric allen head bolts and spring washers.
The rack and pinion comes complete with steel tie rods, clevises, dust boots and all required hardware.
The optional race tie rods are made from high strength 2024 aircraft structural aluminum and hard anodized to match the rack housing. The kit comes with all grade 8 hardware, chrome molly high misalignment rod ends, chrome molly clevises and heat treated 17-4 stainless outer joint pins.
BilletKing Off Road based in Hesperia, CA and manufactures all of the parts used in their Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Teryx and Arctic Cat Prowler rack & pinions. To find out more, visit their website at: http://www.f1engineering.com/bk-index.html or give them a call at 760-948-4355.
You find out more about Jon's Kawasaki Teryx at www.CrowleyOffRoad.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Triple Dog GT Diesel Provides Four Functions in One Unit
By Jon Crowley
Like many off-roaders, I own a diesel truck so I can get my toys to the trail without much worry. I have a 2005 Ford F250 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel. It has been a great truck, but over the last few years, it seems like the power has dropped off a bit and my mileage has gone downhill. I blamed my perceived performance drop on the low sulfur diesel here in California and left it at that.
I haven't done anything to juice up performance like an exhaust, air filter or tuner on the truck because I wasn't towing anything like a big 5th wheel. But the thought of adding a tuner that would help improve fuel economy crossed my mind. So I did a little research and was impressed by what I read about the Triple Dog Gauge Tuner (GT) from Bully Dog Technologies.
The GT is a vehicle engine tuner, monitor, gauge and diagnostic device all in a single unit. The GT also has an all new Driving Coach feature which teaches end users to maximize their vehicles fuel economy potential. It sounded like it was flexible so I decided to give it a try. In addition to the GT, I decided to get a Pyrometer Kit so I could keep an eye on exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) if I put it in any of the performance tunes.
The installation of the GT is real simple. It mounts to the windshield with a suction cup that really works well. Then it plugs into the OBD II port and a switched 12V power source.
Since the pyrometer needs to be installed in the exhaust (preferably in the manifold, I had a local shop that deals with diesel exhaust and performance goodies install it for me. The pyrometer plugs right into the GT so you can view your EGTs in real time.
The Pyrometer Probe Kit (part # 40390) comes with everything seen here which includes all the parts and pieces necessary to acquire exhaust gas temperatures to display on the Triple Dog GT.
Installing a Pyrometer Probe Kit along with a diesel Triple Dog GT (part # 40420), unlocks the safety defueling feature for defueling based on exhaust gas temperatures.
The Bully Dog GT plugs into the OBD II port on your vehicle. One cable goes up to the GT, another goes to switched 12V power, and the other (shown on the right) is the pyrometer input (optional).
So far, I am very impressed with the Bully Dog GT. The installation was simple, the interface is very complete and the power increase is addictive. Hopefully I can keep my foot out of it enough to increase my mileage...
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Like many off-roaders, I own a diesel truck so I can get my toys to the trail without much worry. I have a 2005 Ford F250 6.0L Powerstroke Diesel. It has been a great truck, but over the last few years, it seems like the power has dropped off a bit and my mileage has gone downhill. I blamed my perceived performance drop on the low sulfur diesel here in California and left it at that.
I haven't done anything to juice up performance like an exhaust, air filter or tuner on the truck because I wasn't towing anything like a big 5th wheel. But the thought of adding a tuner that would help improve fuel economy crossed my mind. So I did a little research and was impressed by what I read about the Triple Dog Gauge Tuner (GT) from Bully Dog Technologies.
The GT is a vehicle engine tuner, monitor, gauge and diagnostic device all in a single unit. The GT also has an all new Driving Coach feature which teaches end users to maximize their vehicles fuel economy potential. It sounded like it was flexible so I decided to give it a try. In addition to the GT, I decided to get a Pyrometer Kit so I could keep an eye on exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) if I put it in any of the performance tunes.
The installation of the GT is real simple. It mounts to the windshield with a suction cup that really works well. Then it plugs into the OBD II port and a switched 12V power source.
Since the pyrometer needs to be installed in the exhaust (preferably in the manifold, I had a local shop that deals with diesel exhaust and performance goodies install it for me. The pyrometer plugs right into the GT so you can view your EGTs in real time.
The Pyrometer Probe Kit (part # 40390) comes with everything seen here which includes all the parts and pieces necessary to acquire exhaust gas temperatures to display on the Triple Dog GT.
Installing a Pyrometer Probe Kit along with a diesel Triple Dog GT (part # 40420), unlocks the safety defueling feature for defueling based on exhaust gas temperatures.
The Bully Dog GT plugs into the OBD II port on your vehicle. One cable goes up to the GT, another goes to switched 12V power, and the other (shown on the right) is the pyrometer input (optional).
So far, I am very impressed with the Bully Dog GT. The installation was simple, the interface is very complete and the power increase is addictive. Hopefully I can keep my foot out of it enough to increase my mileage...
Triple Dog GT Features:
- Huge horsepower and torque gains (over 100 hp)
- Improved engine efficiency (fuel economy potential)
- Four On-the-fly power levels
- Safety Defueling
- Loads of download features ie. Speedometer calibration
- Display over 15 vehicle parameters (PIDs)
- Read and Erase Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Contact Info:
Bully Dog Technologies
Phone: 866-285-5936
Website: www.bullydog.com
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
RECREATIONAL GROUPS PREVAIL IN TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SUIT
GREAT FALLS, MT (March 11)--A coalition of recreational groups has prevailed on the merits of their lawsuit challenging the Travel Management Plan for a portion of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in north central Montana.
The order was issued on March 10th from the Great Falls Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. The Court ruled in favor of the recreational group plaintiffs, finding that the Travel Plan violated the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as the Montana Wilderness Study Act (MWSA).
On the NEPA claim, the Court found that the Travel Plan "reduced total motorized routes by nearly thirty percent from the most restrictive " present for public comment, and summarized, "the public was not allowed to comment on major portions of the because the original was not supplemented. Transparency required by law was missing." Other changes between the draft and final decision noted by the Court included restrictions on the off-trail travel allowed for camping and a change in the deadline for winter motorized recreation.
On the MWSA claim, the Court found that the final decision "eliminated roughly two-thirds of previously available motorized routes from the Middle Fork WSA." The Court agreed with prior analysis by the Court's Missoula Division that the MWSA requires the Forest Service to maintain the "wilderness character" existing in 1977 when the statute was passed. The Court thus ruled "he Forest's attempt at enhancement or creation of wilderness character in the Middle Fork WSA by adoption of the 2007 Travel Plan exceeded its authority under MWSA."
The remedy for the violations will be determined through additional proceedings. The order directs the parties to submit further materials on or before March 19th, and sets a hearing on the remedy issue for March 29, 2010.
The suit was filed by the Russell Country Sportsmen, Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association, Great Falls Snowmobile Club, Meagher County Little Belters, Treasure State Alliance, Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and BlueRibbon Coalition. Representing the plaintiffs are Paul Turcke of Boise, Idaho, Bill Horn of Washington, D.C., and Rob Cameron of Helena, Montana.
A copy of the Court's decision may be viewed at:
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/LCNF_Decision_dkt_45_3-10-10.pdf
# # #
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
The order was issued on March 10th from the Great Falls Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. The Court ruled in favor of the recreational group plaintiffs, finding that the Travel Plan violated the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as the Montana Wilderness Study Act (MWSA).
On the NEPA claim, the Court found that the Travel Plan "reduced total motorized routes by nearly thirty percent from the most restrictive " present for public comment, and summarized, "the public was not allowed to comment on major portions of the because the original was not supplemented. Transparency required by law was missing." Other changes between the draft and final decision noted by the Court included restrictions on the off-trail travel allowed for camping and a change in the deadline for winter motorized recreation.
On the MWSA claim, the Court found that the final decision "eliminated roughly two-thirds of previously available motorized routes from the Middle Fork WSA." The Court agreed with prior analysis by the Court's Missoula Division that the MWSA requires the Forest Service to maintain the "wilderness character" existing in 1977 when the statute was passed. The Court thus ruled "he Forest's attempt at enhancement or creation of wilderness character in the Middle Fork WSA by adoption of the 2007 Travel Plan exceeded its authority under MWSA."
The remedy for the violations will be determined through additional proceedings. The order directs the parties to submit further materials on or before March 19th, and sets a hearing on the remedy issue for March 29, 2010.
The suit was filed by the Russell Country Sportsmen, Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association, Great Falls Snowmobile Club, Meagher County Little Belters, Treasure State Alliance, Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and BlueRibbon Coalition. Representing the plaintiffs are Paul Turcke of Boise, Idaho, Bill Horn of Washington, D.C., and Rob Cameron of Helena, Montana.
A copy of the Court's decision may be viewed at:
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/LCNF_Decision_dkt_45_3-10-10.pdf
# # #
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Weller Racing on the Podium For Rounds One and Two of the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series!
Chandler, AZ (3/11/09) Weller Racing, LLC firmly announced their presence for the 2010 season at rounds one and two of the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series (www.lucasoiloffroad.com), held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada this past weekend.
Weller Racing’s Unlimited UTV driver and Monster Energy/Kawasaki backed Austin Kimbrell took commanding, early leads on both days, only to get bitten by fluke, bad luck on Saturday when a coolant line failed, causing him to lose his lead just before the finish line, but Kimbrell still rallied back for a second place podium finish. Sunday’s race saw Kimbrell back out in the lead again until more bad luck hit in the form of a broken throttle cable. A true competitor, Kimbrell continued to race one-handed, while controlling the throttle on the carburetor with his other hand – still pulling off a fourth place finish for the day!
Weller Racing saw even more podium finishes in the newly added SR1 UTV class, with Tyler Herzog taking first place on Saturday, followed by Gary Thompson in second, and Josh Stechnij rounding out the podium for round one on Saturday! Sunday’s racing action was intense, and resulted in Gary Thompson bringing home his very first win in the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series, much to the delight of his wife and son, Gary Jr.
The SR1 class was created to give everyone an equal shot at the podium, and the results from this past weekend show that this class is doing what it was intended to do, as Weller Racing’s Tilted Kilt driver, Corry Weller, also saw her first LOORRS podium with a hard fought second place finish, coming in just behind Thompson. Doug Mittag rounded out the podium with a third place finish, resulting in five different racers on the podium in just two rounds.
“This class is so much fun!” commented Weller. “With all of the horsepower have now and everyone being pretty even, it’s definitely a suspension and traction game out there! My XMF/Walker Evans setup worked awesome, and my Maxxis BigHorns found the traction I was looking for – I just need to get better at pitching it into the corners!”
Not only was this weekend the first inaugural race for the SR1 class, but one of the major supporters of the Lucas Oil Series stood up and took notice of this new class in a big way. MagnaFlow Exhaust Products presented a new exhaust system as a contingency prize to the winner of the SR1 UTV class for round one, which went to Ivy Trucking’s Tyler Herzog.
Weller Racing’s drivers are looking forward to seeing even more of the podium at the next two rounds, to be held at Speedworld Offroad Park in Surprise, AZ on April 17-18th.
About Weller Racing, LLC:
Weller Racing has been at the forefront of development, testing and building some of the fastest performance motors in the UTV industry since 2006. Based out of Chandler, AZ, Weller Racing provides custom UTV and ATV products for a world wide client base, and is an established name in the world of short course off-road racing. Duners, recreational riders and racers alike have counted on Weller Racing to provide them with countless hours of fun, and repeated trips to the podium. For more information, visit their website at www.wellerracing.com, or call 480-507-4771
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Weller Racing’s Unlimited UTV driver and Monster Energy/Kawasaki backed Austin Kimbrell took commanding, early leads on both days, only to get bitten by fluke, bad luck on Saturday when a coolant line failed, causing him to lose his lead just before the finish line, but Kimbrell still rallied back for a second place podium finish. Sunday’s race saw Kimbrell back out in the lead again until more bad luck hit in the form of a broken throttle cable. A true competitor, Kimbrell continued to race one-handed, while controlling the throttle on the carburetor with his other hand – still pulling off a fourth place finish for the day!
Weller Racing saw even more podium finishes in the newly added SR1 UTV class, with Tyler Herzog taking first place on Saturday, followed by Gary Thompson in second, and Josh Stechnij rounding out the podium for round one on Saturday! Sunday’s racing action was intense, and resulted in Gary Thompson bringing home his very first win in the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series, much to the delight of his wife and son, Gary Jr.
The SR1 class was created to give everyone an equal shot at the podium, and the results from this past weekend show that this class is doing what it was intended to do, as Weller Racing’s Tilted Kilt driver, Corry Weller, also saw her first LOORRS podium with a hard fought second place finish, coming in just behind Thompson. Doug Mittag rounded out the podium with a third place finish, resulting in five different racers on the podium in just two rounds.
“This class is so much fun!” commented Weller. “With all of the horsepower have now and everyone being pretty even, it’s definitely a suspension and traction game out there! My XMF/Walker Evans setup worked awesome, and my Maxxis BigHorns found the traction I was looking for – I just need to get better at pitching it into the corners!”
Not only was this weekend the first inaugural race for the SR1 class, but one of the major supporters of the Lucas Oil Series stood up and took notice of this new class in a big way. MagnaFlow Exhaust Products presented a new exhaust system as a contingency prize to the winner of the SR1 UTV class for round one, which went to Ivy Trucking’s Tyler Herzog.
Weller Racing’s drivers are looking forward to seeing even more of the podium at the next two rounds, to be held at Speedworld Offroad Park in Surprise, AZ on April 17-18th.
About Weller Racing, LLC:
Weller Racing has been at the forefront of development, testing and building some of the fastest performance motors in the UTV industry since 2006. Based out of Chandler, AZ, Weller Racing provides custom UTV and ATV products for a world wide client base, and is an established name in the world of short course off-road racing. Duners, recreational riders and racers alike have counted on Weller Racing to provide them with countless hours of fun, and repeated trips to the podium. For more information, visit their website at www.wellerracing.com, or call 480-507-4771
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
ITP ADDS PLATINUM FINISH TO 12- AND 14-INCH SS212 LINE
This one-piece wheel, with a distinctively muscular style, is available in a 12x7 size, as well as unique 14x6 and 14x8 sizes designed specifically for front and rear applications, respectively. These dedicated sizes provide more precise fitment and make the most of 26- and 27-inch radial tire performance on most late-model 4x4 sport/utility ATVs as well as many side-by-side UTV applications. The 14-inch models are a great choice for UTVs, as they carry an 800 lb. load rating (12-inch ATV models are rated at 700 lbs.)!
Like all SS Alloy wheels, the SS212 comes standard with a custom SS wheel cap and is manufactured through ITP’s high-tech Advancecast process, resulting in an incredibly strong yet light final product. ITP is so confident of the SS212’s durability, in fact, that it’s covered by a lifetime structural warranty: if you bend or break it, ITP will replace it!
Since 1982, ITP has grown into the world's #1 ATV aftermarket tire and wheel source, and continues to provide a complete line of innovative tires and wheel for virtually all ATVs and UTVs. To order, contact your favorite distributor. For a copy of ITP’s full-color product catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740. For other inquiries or technical advice, contact ITP at 930-A S. Rockefeller Ave., Ontario, CA 91761; (909) 390-1905. Or visit ITP’s website at www.itptires.com.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
RJ Anderson Does the Double in his RANGER RZR at Round 1 and 2 of the Lucas Short Course Season Opener
Minneapolis, March 10, 2010–The 2010 Lucas Off Road Side-by-Side short course season kicked off with a bang this past weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Polaris team driver RJ Anderson taking first in Saturday’s Round 1. Anderson, had a tight battle with the leader until the last lap when the leader’s engine let go, letting Anderson cruise to victory with a 19 second margin over second place. Tyler Parks finished third, also in a RANGER RZR.
“I had so much fun out there today,” said Anderson. “This is the first time we raced at this track and it took me a while to determine the best lines, but by half way mark I had it figured out.”
Sunday’s Round 2 started off with a soggy track after heavy rain the night before. The “Unlimited UTVs” were lined up along with an experimental class that featured Side-by-Side’s fitted with 150 horsepower motorcycle engines. But despite stiff competition, the combination of driving skill, Kroyer power and the RANGER RZR’s four wheel drive allowed Anderson to again take the top spot on the podium on Sunday.
“With all of the rain we thought the track was going to be really slippery, but my RANGER RZR hooked up real well,” Anderson said.
Anderson also had the fastest lap on Sunday with time of 1:18.83 and with his two victories he takes a commanding lead in the championship.
The next rounds of the Lucas Off Road Racing Series takes place at Speedworld Off Road Park, in Surprise Arizona, on April 17 and 18.
Anderson is sponsored by Walker Evans Racing Shocks, Polaris ORV, Kroyer Racing Engines, South Point Casinos, Goodyear and Holz Racing Products.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UTVUNDERGROUND.COM
About Polaris
With annual 2009 sales of $1.6 billion, Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER®, snowmobiles and Victory Motorcycles® for recreational and utility use. Polaris is a recognized leader in the snowmobile industry, and one of the largest manufacturers of ORVs in the world. Victory Motorcycles, established in 1998 and representing the first all-new American-made motorcycle from a major company in nearly 60 years, are rapidly making impressive in-roads into the cruiser and touring motorcycle marketplace. Polaris also enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris® apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.
Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PII,” and the Company is included in the S&P Small-Cap 600 stock price index.
Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories, is available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime from the Polaris homepage at www.polarisindustries.com.
Follow UTVGuide.net on Twitter
Recap of Rounds 1 and 2 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
Modified Kart
Kicking the action off on Sunday morning were the kids of Modified Kart. After the overnight rain, the inside of turn one on the kart track had become nothing more than a pit of mud soup, and a couple drivers were forced into this area and got stuck off the start, forcing a full restart of the race. After a clean getaway on the second start, Bradley Morris took the lead in his #504 BME Motorsports/K&N Machine. Behind Morris were yesterday’s winner Mitchell DeJong, Blake Lenk, Brandon Vermillion, and Zach Hunt. Vermillion, who’d been the driver caught out worst by the mud pit, was making the most of his second chance, moving his #585 Hart and Huntington/San Manuel Band of Mission Indians kart up to third. Hunt was close behind, moving his #534 past Lenk to take over fourth place. Up front, Morris and DeJong were pulling away from the field, with Morris setting the fast lap early on at a 43.448. At the competition yellow, Morris led DeJong’s second-placed #524 Speed Technologies kart, while third was Vermillion, fourth was Hunt, and fifth was Lenk in the #521 Missing Lenk Motorsports machine. After the restart, Hunt really started to challenge Vermillion for third, and the two ended up in the soup inside of turn one, the second time for Vermillion. With one lap to go, it was still Morris and DeJong holding the top two spots, with a big gap back to third placed Sheldon Creed in the #500 Redline Performance machine (Creed is running the racing livery of fellow kart racer Parker Porter, who is recovering from a motorcycle injury). Fourth was Lenk, and fifth was Hunt. The top three held their positions through the race’s end, while Hunt got around Lenk to take fourth on the final lap.
Junior 2 Karts
After a great finish by the young lady Shelby Anderson in yesterday’s race, it was another girl, Paige Porter, who took her crack at the top step of the podium in today’s Junior 2 Kart race. Porter got off to a great start, slotting in second behind leader Sheldon Creed after the first lap. Chad Graham ran third in the Bulletproof Suspensions/Cornwell Tools machine, followed by Micaela Cheek and Jack Grabowski. The top three were all running very close, and further back, Grabowski was up to fourth in the #427 ProAm kart, ahead of #460 Chad Winkler in the Metal Mulisha machine. Up front, Porter seemed to be able to out-pull Creed on the straights, but Creed managed to hold his lines and maintain the lead in the #422 A.M. Ortega/Team Associated machine through the competition yellow. Porter still ran second in the Redline Performance kart, with Graham third, Winkler fourth, and Grabowski fifth. Winkler jumped up to third after the restart, and pulled himself into the battle for the lead with Creed and Porter. Winkler muscled by Porter to grab second, and carrying the momentum of the fastest lap of the race (a 53.292), was able to get alongside Creed on the final straight of the final lap, taking the lead within the last fifty feet to take the win! Creed finished second, Porter third, Grabowski fourth, and Graham fifth.
Junior 1 Karts
The boys and girls of Junior 1 Kart were up next, and it was yesterday’s winner #212 Brock Heger in the Brock Heger Racing kart who jumped out to the early lead. Preston Roben followed closely in second, with Trevor Doherty third, Cole Mamer fourth, and Jack Yeiser fifth. Once the initial chaos of the start had subsided, the running order amongst the top five stayed the same, and at the competition yellow, it was still Heger out front, followed by Roben in the Duggins Construction/McKenzies #210, Doherty in the #297Autolite/North County Yamaha machine, Mamer in the #235 Mamer Racing/Kartek kart, and Yeiser in the #244 Sway-A-Way Race Runner Shocks machine. The running order was still the same as the white flag came out, leaving all the excitement to get packed into just one lap. First, Doherty slowed briefly, allowing Mamer and Yeiser to get by and take over third and fourth spots. Then, as Doherty was trying to hold off a hard-charging Travis PeCoy, the two got locked together, spun towards the infield, and nearly ran over a scrambling official! Everyone ended up ok, and Jeffrey Winkler in the #260 Arizona Iced Tea/Metal Mulisha kart was able to capitalize on the chaos to nab fifth place at the line. Heger was the winner, taking a clean sweep of the weekend, followed by Roben, whose consolation prize was the fast lap, a 49.396. Third was Mamer and fourth was Yeiser.
UTV
Next up were the UTVs, and as with yesterday, both the Unlimited UTV class and the SR1 class would be running together. Yesterday’s winner RJ Anderson in the #637 South Point/Kroyer Polaris jumped out to an early lead, and was followed by Gary Thompson in the #802 Thompson Roofing/K&N Yamaha, Austin Kimbrell in the #607 Monster Energy Kawasaki, Dan Kelly, and John Dempsey. Kelly moved up to second place but then pulled off the track with back pain. Nothing seemed too serious, but medical personnel took him off track just to be safe. This incident brought out a red flag of the race, and when racing resumed, it was still Anderson up front, Thompson back up to second, Robert Vanbeekum third in the #664, Corry Weller fourth, and Tyler Winbury fifth. The order stayed the same through the competition yellow flag, with Weller moving her #801 Weller Racing/Maxxis Tires Yamaha up to third on the restart. Weller put some good pressure on Thompson for second, and the lead in SR1, but couldn’t quite get there in time. Up front, Anderson took his second win of the weekend, posting the best lap of the Unlimited UTV class to boot (1:18.833). Thompson finished second overall, first in SR1, and took the SR1 and outright fast lap at a 1:18.694. Weller was third, Vanbeekum fourth, and Winbury was fifth in the #694 King Shocks/Funco Kawasaki.
Limited Buggy
Limited buggy faced a three row inversion of Saturday’s race results to determine Sunday’s start order, which put Kenny Freeman and Ricky Gutierrez on the front row for the start. Freeman got a good start in his #302 Freeman’s Carpet Service buggy to grab the early lead over the #399 Menzies Motorsports/Bully Dog machine of Justin Smith. Dave Mason ran third, yesterday’s winner John Fitzgerald was fourth, and Kyle Lucas sat in fifth. Mason began to slide backwards through the field, allowing Fitzgerald into third, Lucas into fourth, and Curt Geer into fifth, while up front, Smith had got past Freeman for the lead. Fitzgerald then moved into second in his #314 mavTV/Hart and Huntington buggy, and at the competition yellow, he still sat second behind Smith, with Freeman third, Geer fourth, and Bruce Fraley now fifth in the #312 BFGoodrich Tires/DFT buggy. On the restart lap, it was déjà vu all over again for Justin Smith, as Fitzgerald got by him to take the lead, just as he’d done on Saturday. Fraley moved up to third, passing both Freeman and Geer. Up front, Fitzgerald was now flying, setting the fast lap at a 1:17.945, and taking the win over second-placed Smith. Fraley got third, and with the last lap slowing of Geer, Freeman got fourth and Kyle Quinn took fifth in the #311 Wilson Motorsports/Goodyear buggy.
SuperLite
SuperLite was up next, and it was Saturday’s winner Brian Deegan in the #38 Rockstar/Maxxis Tires machine who took the lead at the outset of Sunday’s race. Ricky James, who’d missed Saturday’s action with a concussion, slotted in second in the #24 SoCal Super Trucks/Bully Dog truck, with Brandon Ward in third, Chad George in fourth, and Dawson Kirchner in fifth. For reasons unknown to this reporter, James was given a drive-through penalty, which put him at the back of the pack, and allowed Brent Fouch into the top five. James quickly made up some lost ground, slotting back into fifth behind Deegan, George, Ward, and Kirchner at the competition yellow. On the restart lap, George tried to get his #42 Monster Energy/Kawasaki-sponsored truck into the lead, but Deegan was having none of it. James had got by the #92 Troy Lee Designs truck of Ward and the #16 Speed Technologies truck of Kirchner to get into third place, and despite a hard charge on the final lap, he moved no higher. Deegan won over George, with James third, Kirchner fourth, and Ward fifth. Fast lap of the race went to James with a 1:17.219.
Pro 4 Unlimited
Rain had started to sprinkle as the Super Lite race started, and though some fans had started to leave, those who stayed were now in for the treat of Pro 4 Unlimited. Mike Johnson and Rick Huseman started on the front row thanks to a three row inversion, and Huseman rocketed out to a substantial early lead in his #36 Monster Energy/Traxxas Toyota. Carl Renezeder ran second in the #1 Lucas Oil/General Tires Ford, with Johnson third, yesterday’s winner Scott Douglas fourth, and Kyle LeDuc fifth in the #99 Toyo Tires/Makita Ford. As Huseman gapped away from the field, Douglas, LeDuc, and Adrian Cenni got by Johnson to slot in third, fourth, and fifth. Douglas then did a great move to out-drive Renezeder into turn two, taking over second place. At the competition yellow, it was Huseman way out in front, Douglas second in the #27 AMSOIL/Kumho Tires Ford, Renezeder and LeDuc close behind in third and fourth, and Cenni fifth in the #11 Atrium/King Off-Road Racing Shocks Chevrolet. On the restart, Cenni made a mistake in turn one that allowed Johnny Greaves into fifth place. LeDuc got by Renezeder and Douglas to take over second, but then both he and Greaves each lost a spot with small mistakes. LeDuc then crashed into the barrier on the outside of turn three and was out of the race. Up front, Huseman was again streaking away, and finished way ahead of the field to get the win. Huseman had been fast from the word go, setting the fastest lap of the race on lap one with a 1:08.519. Douglas came in second, Renezeder third, Cenni fourth, and Greaves finished fifth in the Monster Energy/Fox Racing Shox Toyota.
Pro Lite Unlimited
Another three row inversion put Matt Loiodice and Casey Currie on the front row of Sunday’s Pro Lite Unlimited race, and after a big pile-up just past the start/finish line collected Chris Brandt, Anthony Verdone, and Corey Sisler, a full restart of the race was called upon. Verdone was unable to continue, and something wasn’t quite right with Brandt’s truck, but both he and Sisler made the restart. On the restart, Currie grabbed the lead in the #2 Monster Energy/Magnaflow Exhaust Ford, and was followed by Marty Hart, Rodrigo Ampudia, Brian Deegan, and Loiodice in the #20 MasterCraft Safety/Competitive Metals Ford. Hart, Ampudia, and Deegan quickly moved into the top three spots, but Deegan then slowed and pulled into the hot pits. He re-emerged quickly, but had lost several spots, and it was now Hart, Ampudia, Currie, Loiodice, and Todd Cuffaro in the #46 Maxxis Tires/Lucas Oil Mazda in the top five. Hart then crashed into a barrier coming off the jump out of turn one, damaging the left front corner of his truck and putting him out of the race. Ampudia inherited the lead in his #36 Lucas Oil/BFGoodrich Tires Ford, with Currie second, Loiodice third, Cuffaro fourth and Sean Geiser fifth in the #16 ReadyLift/Slednecks Toyota at the competition yellow. On the restart lap, Currie slowed to a stop and was out, while Geiser got into the barrier on the outside of turn three and lost a few spots. Cuffaro also dropped back, and the running order was now Ampudia, Loiodice, Adam Wik in the #11 Wik’s Racing Engines Chevrolet, Deegan in the #38 Rockstar/Metal Mulisha Ford, and Brandt in the #82 mavTV/Hart and Huntington Toyota, whose truck had come to life after a few shaky laps in the early going. Wik got around Loiodice briefly, but lost it coming into turn five and dropped back to fourth. Deegan then dropped out, and with one lap to go, LeRoy Loerwald was now up to fifth in the #8 K&N/Oakley Ford. The top five held their positions on the last lap, with Ampudia taking first, Loiodice second, Brandt third, Wik fourth, and Loerwald fifth. However, post-race inspection found Ampudia’s truck to have too short of a wheelbase. Although the difference was small, officials were forced to disqualify Ampudia, handing the win to Loiodice. Hart clearly had the fastest lap of the race at a 1:14.612 in his #15 Stronghold Motorsports/Kolpin Ford, the only Pro Lite Unlimited to go below 1:15.
Pro 2 Unlimited
After a thrilling Pro Lite Unlimited race, fans were now reveling in better weather (the rain had let up) and the roaring thunder of the Pro 2 Unlimiteds. Robby Woods and Rodrigo Ampudia started on the front row, and the race was a thriller from the outset. Out of turn one, Woods crashed down the landing of one of the biggest jumps on the course, doing a series of spectacular barrel rolls. Amazingly, nobody hit Woods’ truck, and Woods himself emerged disappointed but unharmed. A full restart was called for, and as the green dropped again, Ampudia grabbed the lead in the #36 Papas & Beer/Tecate Ford. Close behind were Rob Naughton in the #54 Stronghold Motorsports/ReadyLift Ford, Saturday’s winner Ricky Johnson in the #48 Red Bull/Kumho Tires Ford, Rob MacCachren in the #21 Rockstar/ProAm Ford, and Bryce Menzies in the #7 Bully Dog/Super Clean Ford. Naughton then snagged the lead from Ampudia, and further back, Jeff Ward was up to fifth in the #3X Speed Technologies/SuperLite Chevrolet. Jeff Geiser’s #44 Canidae Dodge then caught fire, forcing a red flag of the race. When action resumed, Johnson got by Ampudia for second, then took advantage of Naughton’s bicycling in turn four to grab the lead. MacCachren and Ampudia also got by Naughton thanks to Naughton’s mistake, and at the competition yellow, it was Johnson, MacCachren, Ampudia, Naughton, and Ward in the top five. On the restart, Ward lost it in turn one and dropped well back, handing fifth to Menzies. A hard-charging Jeremy McGrath was just behind Menzies, and after the two got together in turn four, McGrath’s #15 Monster Energy/Traxxas Toyota was up to fifth. On the final lap, McGrath also got by Naughton, and with a last desperate leap over the final jump, so did Carl Renezeder in the #17 Lucas Oil/Team Associated Ford. Johnson was the big winner, taking a clean sweep for the weekend. MacCachren finished second, while fast lap setter Ampudia (1:11.189 on lap two) got third. McGrath took fourth, and reigning points champion Renezeder rounded out the top five.
Pro Buggy Unlimited
The final race of the weekend was that of the Pro Buggy Unlimiteds, and it was a Cameron Steele/Rich Ronco front row at the start. Steele grabbed the early lead in the #916 Menzies Motorsports/Metal Mulisha AlumiCraft, ahead of yesterday’s winner Doug Fortin in the #996 Fortin Racing Inc./Fox Racing Shox Racer Engineering buggy. Ronco sat in third in the #999 Tatum Motorsports Tatum buggy, with Cody Freeman fourth in the #994 FCS Flooring/Wik’s Racing Engines Racer Engineering buggy, and Larry Job fifth in the #907 Menzies Motorsports/Bully Dog AlumiCraft. Freeman went off the track while trying to pass Ronco, dropping well back in the field. Ronco then started to slide backwards, and behind Steele and Fortin, it was now Job, Randy Minnier in the #995 Ramtek/Onsite Energy AlumiCraft, and Chuck Cheek in the #957 Stronghold Motorsports/Lamb Energy AlumiCraft at the competition yellow. After the restart, Fortin really began to put the pressure on Steele, who’d previously seemed to be faster than Fortin. Eventually, Fortin capitalized on what appeared to be a missed shift by Steele, taking the lead and never looking back. Fortin took the fast lap of the race with a 1:12.763 (the only driver to dip into the 1:12s), and went on to take back-to-back wins. Steele finished second, his teammate Job got third, Minnier got fourth, and Freeman recovered from his early mistake to get fifth.
All in all, the last-minute venue change proved to be a more than surmountable hurdle for the LOORRS team, and those who witnessed the action here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway went home happy. Be sure to join us in April at the Speedworld Off Road Park in Surprise, AZ, just north of Phoenix, for Rounds 3 and 4. Action starts Friday April 16th with qualifying, and racing will take place on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th. Until then, be sure to check back with lucasoiloffroad.com to keep up on all the latest Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series news and updates.
Written by Scott Neth for the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
