Friday, July 4, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Las Vegas' Brian Collins roars in Dodge Ram 1500 to Overall
Las Vegas' Brian Collins roars in Dodge Ram 1500 to Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck win at 22nd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
Schwarz/Christensen capture unlimited Class 1 in Jimco-BMW,Bell/Campbell ride Honda to Overall Motorcycle & Class 22 win
Source: SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, 702.735.7123
March 16, 2008
263 Total Starters roar in Mexico
SAN FELIPE, Mexico—Second-generation veteran Las Vegas desert racer Brian Collins roared through the rugged trails and washes of Mexico’s Baja California desert Saturday, earning the overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck victory in the No. 1 Collins Motorsports Mopar Dodge Ram 1500 at the 22nd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race. Setting a blistering pace right from the start in San Felipe and driving solo, he covered the sandy, silty, rocky and dusty 232-mile course in just three hours, 44 minutes, 16 seconds, averaging and amazing 62.07 miles per hour.
Dominating the field of 263 desert racers and mastering the race course with blazing speed and power, Collins’ time beat not only the cars and trucks, but also the motorcycles and ATVs that competed in the popular ‘spring break’ event to earn his fourth class win in San Felipe including his second overall triumph and his fifth career SCORE Trophy-Truck race win in the 14-plus year history of SCORE’s marquee racing division for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks.
It was also the first time since 1979 that a Dodge-powered vehicle won a SCORE race.
Finishing second overall and in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the elapsed-time race, 8 minutes and 27 seconds behind the masterful Collins was last year’s winning team of Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif. and Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, who finished Saturday’s race in 3:52:43 in the No. 1 Riviera Racing Ford F-150.
While Collins pulled off the ‘Ironman’ run in driving his Dodge truck the entire race himself, Post and MacCachren, who were the 2007 SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck season point champions, split the driving in their Ford F-150 with Post starting and turning over the wheel to MacCachren, the 2007 Dirt Sports Magazine Driver of the Year, at race mile 109.
The 263 starters from 21 States, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Italy and Israel competed in 27 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes for cars, truck, motorcycles and ATVs. The course covered three of the legendary, picturesque and treacherous Baja washes: Matomi, Azufre and Huatomote before heading back to the finish line in the shadow of the landmark San Felipe Arches. The race featured the fifth-largest number of starters in the 22-year history of the event.
Said Collins following his huge victory: “We never got out of the truck. We just had a great day. We ran at not a really hard pace, but a consistent pace the first 25 miles. We caught Bobby Baldwin right away. We caught Chad Ragland right away and Gus Vildosola. Then it was dust free. Garron Cadiente was pulled over and B.J. Baldwin was going slow for a while. It just opened up for us. (after opening up an eight-minute lead) I was very nervous about Rob MacCachren. I knew I had eight minutes and that's a lot of time, but there's never enough time with Rob. He's a phenomenal driver, a great friend. Hopefully someday we can drive together. When he's in a truck, you can't make mistakes. All the racers are glad to be back here in San Felipe. This course is absolutely phenomenal. I love it. The rougher the course is, the better it is for me.”
Winning the overall Motorcycle and Class 22 title was the talented team of Robby Bell, Sun City, Calif., and Baja legend Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., on the No. 1x Johnny Campbell Racing Honda CRF450X. Finishing fourth among all vehicles, the pair finished in 4:08:32 with an average speed of 56.01mph.
For this popular race, it was the third straight overall win for Bell while Campbell secured his eighth class win and the seventh all-around title in San Felipe in his illustrious career. It was also his first SCORE Baja race win for Campbell’s new American Honda-sponsored Johnny Campbell Racing team. Bell started the race, riding to race mile 30, Campbell did a tough middle portion from there to race mile 166 and Bell finished the final 64 miles, clinching the victory for the record-setting team.
Reflecting on his win, Bell said “It was a clean ride. I got a little confused coming into the finish and probably lost a little time. I couldn't feel my arms by the time I got off it at mile 30. I knew behind me they'd be running really fast. I gave the bike to Johnny at 30 and he just rode awesome. He took it to mile 167 and I picked up from there and brought it to here. I pulled at least a minute and a half (ahead) at the start. It was just chaotic. I passed probably eight or 10 local trucks going out, so it was hazy and scary and pretty dusty. Once I got past that, it was clean, no problems with spectators or anything. It feels awesome. It's probably one of the toughest runs you could ever do. Even though it's not so long, it's just so physically demanding. To win this one, just shows the bike was set up really well. It was flawless. In a race this short, you can't have any problems. It just comes down to seconds. It's not good being first off because you
just don't know. When you get to the finish, you just have to turn around and hope nobody comes in too son.”
Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif., lead a team to the Overall ATV and Class 25 victory for the second time in this race on a Honda TRX450R. He split the riding time equally with co-riders Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich., and Marc Spaeth, Warner Springs, Calif.
Matlock started the race and rode to race mile 30 and finished the race, riding the final 62 miles. Goodman rode from race mile 30 to 93 and Spaeth rode from race mile 93 to 170.
Helping SCORE Trophy-Truck sweep the podium in the overall portion of the event while also finishing third in the premiere SCORE racing division was second-generation desert racer Chad Ragland, Vista, Calif., who drove solo to a time of 3:55:59 in the No. 33 T-Force Motorsports Toyota Tundra. The truck was making only it’s second SCORE race start after finishing 12th in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the its debut race with teammates Danny Sullivan and Dan Friedkin in last November’s 40th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
Former World Rally Championship star driver Armin Schwarz, of Germany, and Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., split the driving to finish fourth overall and capture the unlimited Class 1 race win in a BMW-powered Jimco open-wheel desert race car. With just over one year of experience in SCORE desert racing, Schwarz pulled off his first SCORE win while the veteran former SCORE class champion Christensen earned his first ever win in Class 1.
With a time of 4:08:22 and an average speed of 56.02mph, it was also the first time a BMW-powered vehicle has ever won a class in a SCORE race.
Finishing second in Class 1 for the second of two races this season and fifth overall, Las Vegas’ B.J. Richardson drove solo and crossed the finish line in San Felipe in a Bunderson-Chevy a mere 12 seconds behind Schwarz/Christensen,
The second five overall finishers included three SCORE Trophy-Trucks and two Class 1 cars to give SCORE Trophy-Truck six of the top 10 overall finishing spots.
Sixth overall and fourth overall was Mexico’s son/father team of Gus Vildosola Jr. and Gus Vildosola Sr. in the No. 4 Red Bull Vildosola Racing Ford F-150 while earning his best SCORE race finish with seventh overall and fifth in SCORE Trophy-Truck was Nevada casino owner Roger Norman, of Reno, in the No. 8 Norman Racing Ford F-150.
Class 1 claimed the eighth and ninth overall spots among four wheel vehicles as Mexico’s Luis Ramirez Jr. was third in Class 1 in a HMS-Chevy and Enrique Bujanda of Socorro, Texas was fourth in the unlimited open-wheel class in a Porter-Chevy.
Ron Whitton, Mesa, Ariz., the senior statesman in the SCORE Trophy-Truck division at 63 years old, completed the top 10 overall car and truck finishers and was a very respectable sixth in his class in the No. 38 GNR Racing Ford F-150, ending up 44 minutes and 16 seconds behind the winning Collins.
Creative veteran age group motorcycle rider Jim O’Neal, 61, Simi Valley, Calif., became the winningest racer in San Felipe history as he put together a winning team to finish as an impressive third overall motorcycle and capture Class 30 for riders over 30 years old for his ninth class win in this race. Splitting the riding on a Honda CRF450X with O’Neal, who finished second in Class 50 on another talented team, was his son Jimmy O’Neal Jr. along with Jason Trubey, Mohave Valley, Ariz., Luke Dodson, Castiac, Calif., and Mexico’s Gerardo Rojas.
Another prominent reflection of the family side of SCORE desert racing was evident by the Class 10 victory of the son/father team of C.J. Hutchins and Mark Hutchins, of Henderson, Nev., who finished a surprising 12th overall among 4-wheel vehicles and while winning their class in a Kreger-Honda.
Keeping with the family theme in San Felipe, venerable veteran Rod Hall and his son Chad Hall, both of Reno, Nev., won the Stock Mini and the Stock Full classes respectively. The senior Hall, 70, drove a Hummer H3 while Chad Hall, 44, won Stock Full in a new Hummer H3Alpha. Hall’s oldest son Josh Hall, 46, finished third in Stock Full in a Hummer H2 to complete a very successful day for Team Hummer.
A third son/father team that triumphed in San Felipe was Mexico’s Rodrigo Ampudia Jr. and Rodrigo Ampuida Sr., who snagged Class 8 in a Ford F-150.
Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, picked up his eighth win in the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 in Class 11 for stock VW Sedans in this race while Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif. and his brother Kenneth Moss, won Class 3 in his sturdy Ford Bronco for the sixth time in the last seven years.
Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., earned his fifth win in San Felipe in Class 1-2/1600 in a VW-powered Mirage. Class 1-2/1600 had the largest field in the race with 28 starters.
Second overall among the motorcycles and in Class 22 was the team of Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif., and Mike Childress, Wrightwood, Calif., with a time of 4:21:25, just over 12 minutes behind the factory sponsored Bell/Campbell tandem. Both former factory riders, Hengeveld and Childress rode a Honda CRF450X.
Anna Cody, Spring Valley, Calif., was the only female racer to win a Class in San Felipe as she put together an all-woman team to win motorcycle Class 20 on a Honda CRF250X. Helping her Racing for Kids charity victory ride were Stacy Doerkson, Apple Valley, Calif., Cathy Duncan, Los Alamos, Calif., and Sarah Kritch, Bakersfield, Calif.
Among the other car and truck Class winners late Saturday were: John Holmes, Olvenhain, Calif., (Class 7SX, Ford Ranger), A.J. Rodriguez, Perris, Calif. (Class 7, Ford Ranger), Marcos Nunez, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600, VW Baja Bug) and Ricardo Malo, Mexicali, Mexico (SCORE LIte, Curry-VW).
Among the other motorcycle class winners were teams led by Carlos Casa, Chula Vista, Calif. (Class 21, KTM 450CXF), Brett Helm, Poway, Calif. (Class 40, Honda CRF450X), Charles Marshall, Carmichael, Calif. (Class 50, KTM 530EXC) and Donald Lewis, Marlborough, Conn. (Class 60, Honda CRF450X)
Winning the ATV Class 24 was the team led by Francisco Servin, Chula Vista, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R
The world’s best desert racers return to Mexico for Round 3 of the 208 SCORE Desert Series, May 30-June 1 for the 40th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 5000 desert race in Ensenada
The 2008 SCORE Desert Series also includes the chase for the $20,000 Volkswagen Point Leader Bonus (part of the season-long $100,000 VW cash contingency program) and the run for the Toyota Milestone Awards for car and truck racers who complete every required mile of the season.
Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Sunoco Race Fuels/Bryant Petroleum-official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant, Red Bull--official energy drink and Bosch Power Tools-official power tool. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, Kartek Off-Road, American Suzuki, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.
Associate sponsors for the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 were the Tourism and Convention Bureau of Mexicali/San Felipe, and Cotuco.
The race annually provides a greater economic impact to San Felipe than the entire month-long ‘Spring Break’.
For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the 2008 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.
22nd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
Round 2 of 2008 SCORE Desert Series
March 15—San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, 232 miles
TOP OVERALL FINISHERS
Cars & Trucks
1. Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram 1500, 3 hours, 44 minutes, 16 seconds (62.07miles per hour) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2. Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 3:52:43 (59.82mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
3. Chad Ragland, Vista, Calif., Toyota Tundra, 3:55:59 (58.99mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
4. Armin Schwarz, Germany/Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., Jimco-BMW, 4:08:22 (56.05mph) (Class 1)
5. B.J. Richardson, Las Vegas, Bunderson-Chevy, 4:08:34 (56.00mph) (Class 1)
6. Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150, 4:08:54 (55.93mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
7. Roger Norman, Reno, Nev., Ford F-150, 4:10:50 (55.50mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
8. Luis Ramirez Jr., Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, HMS-Chevy, 4:13:11 (54.98mph (Class 1)
9. Enrique Bujanda, Socorro, Texas/Hector Trillo, Canutillo, Texas, Porter-Chevy, 4:27:13 (52.09mph) (Class 1)
10. Ron Whitton, Mesa, Ariz., Ford F-150, 4:28:43 (51.80mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
11. Paul Keller, El Cajon, Calif./Steve Willonberg, Lakeside, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 4:37:39 (50.14mph) (Class 1)
12. Mark Hutchins/C.J. Hutchins, Henderson, Nev., Kreger-Honda, 4:53:52 (47.38mph) (Class 10)
13. Ricardo Malo/Arturo Honold, Mexicali, Mexico, Curry, 4:54:07 (47.33mph) (SCORE LIte)
14. Rodrigo AmpudiaJr./Rodrigo Ampudia Sr., Ensenada, Mexico, Ford F-150, 4:58:19 (46.66mph) (Class 8)
15. Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., Mirage, 4:59:38 (46.46mph) (Class 1-2/1600)
16. B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 5:00:23 (46.34mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
17. Jeff Farris, Kerman, Calif., HMS-Chevy, 5:01:40 (46.14mph) (Class 1)
18. Josh Rigsby/Steve Ewers, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Penhall-Chevy, 5:01:50 (46.12mph) (Class 1)
19. Alex Navarrete/Leonardo Navarrete, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco, 5:02:00 (46.09mph) (Class 1-2/1600)
20. Pat Dean, Las Vegas, Bunderson-Chevy, 5:08:05 (45.18mph) (Class 1)
Motorcycles
1. Robby Bell, Sun City, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. Honda CRF450X, 4:08:32 (56.01mph) (Class 22)
2. Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Mike Childress, Wrightwood, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:21:25 (53.25mph) (Class 22)
3. Jim O’Neal/Jimmy O’Neal Jr., Simi Valley, Calif./Jason Trubey, Mohave Valley, Ariz./Luke Dodson, Castaic, Calif./Gerardo Rojas, Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 4:37:38 (50.14mph) (Class 30)
4. Caleb Gosselaar, Valencia, Calif./Timmy Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:38:46 (49.93mph) (Class 22)
5. Carlos Casas/Noe Ibarra, Chula Vista, Calif., KTM 450CXF, 4:43:24 (49.12mph) (Class 21)
6. Robert Gustine, Valley Center, Calif./Bryan Gustine, San Diego/Greg Bruning, Carlsbad, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:44:22 (48.95mph) (Class 21)
7. Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Kyle Abney, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda CRF450X, 4:52:59 (47.51mph) (Class 30)
8. Shawn Dolmage/Larry Badgwellm, Lake Forest, Calif./Max Eddy, Barstow, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:57:03 (46.86mph) (Class 22)
9. Charles Marshall, Carmichael, Calif./Erik McKenna, Loomis, Calif./Dana Reed/Tim Riggs, KTM 530EXC, 5:00:00 (46.40mph) (Class 50)
10. Kenneth Durr Jr., Palm Desert, Calif./Pete Cochran, Laguna Beach, Calif., KTM 525XCW, 5:01:15 (46.21mph) (Class 30)
ATVs
1. Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Marc Spaeth, Warner Springs, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 5:05:09 (45.62mph) (Class 25)
2. Danny Prather, Ramona, Calif./Mike Cafro, Bonsall, Calif./Levi Marana, Hemet, Calif./Chad Prull, Laveen, Ariz., Honda TRX450R, 5:12:42 (44.52mph) (Class 25)
3. Stefano Caputo, San Felipe, Mexico (Italy)/Felipe Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Jorge Romo, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 5:34:26 (Class 25)
4. Javier Robles, Cd. Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico/Cristian Valles, Chula Vista, Calif./Adolfe Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 5:34:47 (41.58mph) (Class 25)
5. Alfonso Cota, Alpine, Calif./Josh Row/Greg Row, El Cajon, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 5:42:00 (40.70mph) (Class 25)
Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
All-Time Overall Champions
Cars & Trucks
Year--Driver(s), Vehicle (Class)
1982--Dan Cornwell, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)
1983--Corky McMillin/Scott McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)
1984--Scott McMillin/Corky McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)
1990--Brian Collins/Jack Johnson, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)
1991--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (Class 8)
1992--Bob Richey/Boyd Cox, Raceco-Porsche (Class 1)
1993--Scott Douglas, Ford Ranger (Class 7)
1994--Ivan Stewart, Toyota SR5 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1995--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1996--Robby Gordon, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1997--Curt LeDuc, Jeep Grand Cherokee (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1998--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Riviera-Chevy (Class 1)
1999--Ed Herbst/Tim Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2000--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2001--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2002--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2003--Gus Vildosola/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2004--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2005--Andy McMillin/Scott McMillin, Jimco-Chevy (Class 1)
2006--Garron Cadiente, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2007--Mark Post/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2008—Brian Collins, Dodge Ram1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
Motorcycles
Year--Rider(s), Vehicle
1982--Bob Balentine, Honda XR500 (Class 22)
1983--Jack Johnson, Honda XR500 (Class 22)
1984--Dan Smith/Dan Ashcraft, Husqvarna CR500 (Class 22)
1990--Dan Smith/Danny Hamel, KTM (Class 22)
1991--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1992--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1993--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500(Class 22)
1994--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1995--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1996--Paul Krause, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1997--Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
1998--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
1999--Johnny Campbell/Cole Marshall, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
2000--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
2001--Steve Hengeveld/Jonah Street, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2002--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2003--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2004--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2005--Chris Blais/Andy Grider/Quinn Cody, KTM MXC525 (Class 22)
2006--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)
2007--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)
2008--Robby Bell/Johnny Campbell, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)
Schwarz/Christensen capture unlimited Class 1 in Jimco-BMW,Bell/Campbell ride Honda to Overall Motorcycle & Class 22 win
Source: SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, 702.735.7123
March 16, 2008
263 Total Starters roar in Mexico
SAN FELIPE, Mexico—Second-generation veteran Las Vegas desert racer Brian Collins roared through the rugged trails and washes of Mexico’s Baja California desert Saturday, earning the overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck victory in the No. 1 Collins Motorsports Mopar Dodge Ram 1500 at the 22nd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race. Setting a blistering pace right from the start in San Felipe and driving solo, he covered the sandy, silty, rocky and dusty 232-mile course in just three hours, 44 minutes, 16 seconds, averaging and amazing 62.07 miles per hour.
Dominating the field of 263 desert racers and mastering the race course with blazing speed and power, Collins’ time beat not only the cars and trucks, but also the motorcycles and ATVs that competed in the popular ‘spring break’ event to earn his fourth class win in San Felipe including his second overall triumph and his fifth career SCORE Trophy-Truck race win in the 14-plus year history of SCORE’s marquee racing division for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks.
It was also the first time since 1979 that a Dodge-powered vehicle won a SCORE race.
Finishing second overall and in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the elapsed-time race, 8 minutes and 27 seconds behind the masterful Collins was last year’s winning team of Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif. and Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, who finished Saturday’s race in 3:52:43 in the No. 1 Riviera Racing Ford F-150.
While Collins pulled off the ‘Ironman’ run in driving his Dodge truck the entire race himself, Post and MacCachren, who were the 2007 SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck season point champions, split the driving in their Ford F-150 with Post starting and turning over the wheel to MacCachren, the 2007 Dirt Sports Magazine Driver of the Year, at race mile 109.
The 263 starters from 21 States, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Italy and Israel competed in 27 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes for cars, truck, motorcycles and ATVs. The course covered three of the legendary, picturesque and treacherous Baja washes: Matomi, Azufre and Huatomote before heading back to the finish line in the shadow of the landmark San Felipe Arches. The race featured the fifth-largest number of starters in the 22-year history of the event.
Said Collins following his huge victory: “We never got out of the truck. We just had a great day. We ran at not a really hard pace, but a consistent pace the first 25 miles. We caught Bobby Baldwin right away. We caught Chad Ragland right away and Gus Vildosola. Then it was dust free. Garron Cadiente was pulled over and B.J. Baldwin was going slow for a while. It just opened up for us. (after opening up an eight-minute lead) I was very nervous about Rob MacCachren. I knew I had eight minutes and that's a lot of time, but there's never enough time with Rob. He's a phenomenal driver, a great friend. Hopefully someday we can drive together. When he's in a truck, you can't make mistakes. All the racers are glad to be back here in San Felipe. This course is absolutely phenomenal. I love it. The rougher the course is, the better it is for me.”
Winning the overall Motorcycle and Class 22 title was the talented team of Robby Bell, Sun City, Calif., and Baja legend Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., on the No. 1x Johnny Campbell Racing Honda CRF450X. Finishing fourth among all vehicles, the pair finished in 4:08:32 with an average speed of 56.01mph.
For this popular race, it was the third straight overall win for Bell while Campbell secured his eighth class win and the seventh all-around title in San Felipe in his illustrious career. It was also his first SCORE Baja race win for Campbell’s new American Honda-sponsored Johnny Campbell Racing team. Bell started the race, riding to race mile 30, Campbell did a tough middle portion from there to race mile 166 and Bell finished the final 64 miles, clinching the victory for the record-setting team.
Reflecting on his win, Bell said “It was a clean ride. I got a little confused coming into the finish and probably lost a little time. I couldn't feel my arms by the time I got off it at mile 30. I knew behind me they'd be running really fast. I gave the bike to Johnny at 30 and he just rode awesome. He took it to mile 167 and I picked up from there and brought it to here. I pulled at least a minute and a half (ahead) at the start. It was just chaotic. I passed probably eight or 10 local trucks going out, so it was hazy and scary and pretty dusty. Once I got past that, it was clean, no problems with spectators or anything. It feels awesome. It's probably one of the toughest runs you could ever do. Even though it's not so long, it's just so physically demanding. To win this one, just shows the bike was set up really well. It was flawless. In a race this short, you can't have any problems. It just comes down to seconds. It's not good being first off because you
just don't know. When you get to the finish, you just have to turn around and hope nobody comes in too son.”
Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif., lead a team to the Overall ATV and Class 25 victory for the second time in this race on a Honda TRX450R. He split the riding time equally with co-riders Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich., and Marc Spaeth, Warner Springs, Calif.
Matlock started the race and rode to race mile 30 and finished the race, riding the final 62 miles. Goodman rode from race mile 30 to 93 and Spaeth rode from race mile 93 to 170.
Helping SCORE Trophy-Truck sweep the podium in the overall portion of the event while also finishing third in the premiere SCORE racing division was second-generation desert racer Chad Ragland, Vista, Calif., who drove solo to a time of 3:55:59 in the No. 33 T-Force Motorsports Toyota Tundra. The truck was making only it’s second SCORE race start after finishing 12th in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the its debut race with teammates Danny Sullivan and Dan Friedkin in last November’s 40th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
Former World Rally Championship star driver Armin Schwarz, of Germany, and Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., split the driving to finish fourth overall and capture the unlimited Class 1 race win in a BMW-powered Jimco open-wheel desert race car. With just over one year of experience in SCORE desert racing, Schwarz pulled off his first SCORE win while the veteran former SCORE class champion Christensen earned his first ever win in Class 1.
With a time of 4:08:22 and an average speed of 56.02mph, it was also the first time a BMW-powered vehicle has ever won a class in a SCORE race.
Finishing second in Class 1 for the second of two races this season and fifth overall, Las Vegas’ B.J. Richardson drove solo and crossed the finish line in San Felipe in a Bunderson-Chevy a mere 12 seconds behind Schwarz/Christensen,
The second five overall finishers included three SCORE Trophy-Trucks and two Class 1 cars to give SCORE Trophy-Truck six of the top 10 overall finishing spots.
Sixth overall and fourth overall was Mexico’s son/father team of Gus Vildosola Jr. and Gus Vildosola Sr. in the No. 4 Red Bull Vildosola Racing Ford F-150 while earning his best SCORE race finish with seventh overall and fifth in SCORE Trophy-Truck was Nevada casino owner Roger Norman, of Reno, in the No. 8 Norman Racing Ford F-150.
Class 1 claimed the eighth and ninth overall spots among four wheel vehicles as Mexico’s Luis Ramirez Jr. was third in Class 1 in a HMS-Chevy and Enrique Bujanda of Socorro, Texas was fourth in the unlimited open-wheel class in a Porter-Chevy.
Ron Whitton, Mesa, Ariz., the senior statesman in the SCORE Trophy-Truck division at 63 years old, completed the top 10 overall car and truck finishers and was a very respectable sixth in his class in the No. 38 GNR Racing Ford F-150, ending up 44 minutes and 16 seconds behind the winning Collins.
Creative veteran age group motorcycle rider Jim O’Neal, 61, Simi Valley, Calif., became the winningest racer in San Felipe history as he put together a winning team to finish as an impressive third overall motorcycle and capture Class 30 for riders over 30 years old for his ninth class win in this race. Splitting the riding on a Honda CRF450X with O’Neal, who finished second in Class 50 on another talented team, was his son Jimmy O’Neal Jr. along with Jason Trubey, Mohave Valley, Ariz., Luke Dodson, Castiac, Calif., and Mexico’s Gerardo Rojas.
Another prominent reflection of the family side of SCORE desert racing was evident by the Class 10 victory of the son/father team of C.J. Hutchins and Mark Hutchins, of Henderson, Nev., who finished a surprising 12th overall among 4-wheel vehicles and while winning their class in a Kreger-Honda.
Keeping with the family theme in San Felipe, venerable veteran Rod Hall and his son Chad Hall, both of Reno, Nev., won the Stock Mini and the Stock Full classes respectively. The senior Hall, 70, drove a Hummer H3 while Chad Hall, 44, won Stock Full in a new Hummer H3Alpha. Hall’s oldest son Josh Hall, 46, finished third in Stock Full in a Hummer H2 to complete a very successful day for Team Hummer.
A third son/father team that triumphed in San Felipe was Mexico’s Rodrigo Ampudia Jr. and Rodrigo Ampuida Sr., who snagged Class 8 in a Ford F-150.
Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, picked up his eighth win in the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 in Class 11 for stock VW Sedans in this race while Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif. and his brother Kenneth Moss, won Class 3 in his sturdy Ford Bronco for the sixth time in the last seven years.
Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., earned his fifth win in San Felipe in Class 1-2/1600 in a VW-powered Mirage. Class 1-2/1600 had the largest field in the race with 28 starters.
Second overall among the motorcycles and in Class 22 was the team of Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif., and Mike Childress, Wrightwood, Calif., with a time of 4:21:25, just over 12 minutes behind the factory sponsored Bell/Campbell tandem. Both former factory riders, Hengeveld and Childress rode a Honda CRF450X.
Anna Cody, Spring Valley, Calif., was the only female racer to win a Class in San Felipe as she put together an all-woman team to win motorcycle Class 20 on a Honda CRF250X. Helping her Racing for Kids charity victory ride were Stacy Doerkson, Apple Valley, Calif., Cathy Duncan, Los Alamos, Calif., and Sarah Kritch, Bakersfield, Calif.
Among the other car and truck Class winners late Saturday were: John Holmes, Olvenhain, Calif., (Class 7SX, Ford Ranger), A.J. Rodriguez, Perris, Calif. (Class 7, Ford Ranger), Marcos Nunez, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600, VW Baja Bug) and Ricardo Malo, Mexicali, Mexico (SCORE LIte, Curry-VW).
Among the other motorcycle class winners were teams led by Carlos Casa, Chula Vista, Calif. (Class 21, KTM 450CXF), Brett Helm, Poway, Calif. (Class 40, Honda CRF450X), Charles Marshall, Carmichael, Calif. (Class 50, KTM 530EXC) and Donald Lewis, Marlborough, Conn. (Class 60, Honda CRF450X)
Winning the ATV Class 24 was the team led by Francisco Servin, Chula Vista, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R
The world’s best desert racers return to Mexico for Round 3 of the 208 SCORE Desert Series, May 30-June 1 for the 40th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 5000 desert race in Ensenada
The 2008 SCORE Desert Series also includes the chase for the $20,000 Volkswagen Point Leader Bonus (part of the season-long $100,000 VW cash contingency program) and the run for the Toyota Milestone Awards for car and truck racers who complete every required mile of the season.
Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Sunoco Race Fuels/Bryant Petroleum-official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant, Red Bull--official energy drink and Bosch Power Tools-official power tool. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, Kartek Off-Road, American Suzuki, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.
Associate sponsors for the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 were the Tourism and Convention Bureau of Mexicali/San Felipe, and Cotuco.
The race annually provides a greater economic impact to San Felipe than the entire month-long ‘Spring Break’.
For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the 2008 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.
22nd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
Round 2 of 2008 SCORE Desert Series
March 15—San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, 232 miles
TOP OVERALL FINISHERS
Cars & Trucks
1. Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram 1500, 3 hours, 44 minutes, 16 seconds (62.07miles per hour) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2. Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 3:52:43 (59.82mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
3. Chad Ragland, Vista, Calif., Toyota Tundra, 3:55:59 (58.99mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
4. Armin Schwarz, Germany/Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., Jimco-BMW, 4:08:22 (56.05mph) (Class 1)
5. B.J. Richardson, Las Vegas, Bunderson-Chevy, 4:08:34 (56.00mph) (Class 1)
6. Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150, 4:08:54 (55.93mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
7. Roger Norman, Reno, Nev., Ford F-150, 4:10:50 (55.50mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
8. Luis Ramirez Jr., Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, HMS-Chevy, 4:13:11 (54.98mph (Class 1)
9. Enrique Bujanda, Socorro, Texas/Hector Trillo, Canutillo, Texas, Porter-Chevy, 4:27:13 (52.09mph) (Class 1)
10. Ron Whitton, Mesa, Ariz., Ford F-150, 4:28:43 (51.80mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
11. Paul Keller, El Cajon, Calif./Steve Willonberg, Lakeside, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 4:37:39 (50.14mph) (Class 1)
12. Mark Hutchins/C.J. Hutchins, Henderson, Nev., Kreger-Honda, 4:53:52 (47.38mph) (Class 10)
13. Ricardo Malo/Arturo Honold, Mexicali, Mexico, Curry, 4:54:07 (47.33mph) (SCORE LIte)
14. Rodrigo AmpudiaJr./Rodrigo Ampudia Sr., Ensenada, Mexico, Ford F-150, 4:58:19 (46.66mph) (Class 8)
15. Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., Mirage, 4:59:38 (46.46mph) (Class 1-2/1600)
16. B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 5:00:23 (46.34mph) (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
17. Jeff Farris, Kerman, Calif., HMS-Chevy, 5:01:40 (46.14mph) (Class 1)
18. Josh Rigsby/Steve Ewers, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Penhall-Chevy, 5:01:50 (46.12mph) (Class 1)
19. Alex Navarrete/Leonardo Navarrete, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco, 5:02:00 (46.09mph) (Class 1-2/1600)
20. Pat Dean, Las Vegas, Bunderson-Chevy, 5:08:05 (45.18mph) (Class 1)
Motorcycles
1. Robby Bell, Sun City, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. Honda CRF450X, 4:08:32 (56.01mph) (Class 22)
2. Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Mike Childress, Wrightwood, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:21:25 (53.25mph) (Class 22)
3. Jim O’Neal/Jimmy O’Neal Jr., Simi Valley, Calif./Jason Trubey, Mohave Valley, Ariz./Luke Dodson, Castaic, Calif./Gerardo Rojas, Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 4:37:38 (50.14mph) (Class 30)
4. Caleb Gosselaar, Valencia, Calif./Timmy Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:38:46 (49.93mph) (Class 22)
5. Carlos Casas/Noe Ibarra, Chula Vista, Calif., KTM 450CXF, 4:43:24 (49.12mph) (Class 21)
6. Robert Gustine, Valley Center, Calif./Bryan Gustine, San Diego/Greg Bruning, Carlsbad, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:44:22 (48.95mph) (Class 21)
7. Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Kyle Abney, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda CRF450X, 4:52:59 (47.51mph) (Class 30)
8. Shawn Dolmage/Larry Badgwellm, Lake Forest, Calif./Max Eddy, Barstow, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:57:03 (46.86mph) (Class 22)
9. Charles Marshall, Carmichael, Calif./Erik McKenna, Loomis, Calif./Dana Reed/Tim Riggs, KTM 530EXC, 5:00:00 (46.40mph) (Class 50)
10. Kenneth Durr Jr., Palm Desert, Calif./Pete Cochran, Laguna Beach, Calif., KTM 525XCW, 5:01:15 (46.21mph) (Class 30)
ATVs
1. Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Marc Spaeth, Warner Springs, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 5:05:09 (45.62mph) (Class 25)
2. Danny Prather, Ramona, Calif./Mike Cafro, Bonsall, Calif./Levi Marana, Hemet, Calif./Chad Prull, Laveen, Ariz., Honda TRX450R, 5:12:42 (44.52mph) (Class 25)
3. Stefano Caputo, San Felipe, Mexico (Italy)/Felipe Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Jorge Romo, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 5:34:26 (Class 25)
4. Javier Robles, Cd. Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico/Cristian Valles, Chula Vista, Calif./Adolfe Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 5:34:47 (41.58mph) (Class 25)
5. Alfonso Cota, Alpine, Calif./Josh Row/Greg Row, El Cajon, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 5:42:00 (40.70mph) (Class 25)
Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
All-Time Overall Champions
Cars & Trucks
Year--Driver(s), Vehicle (Class)
1982--Dan Cornwell, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)
1983--Corky McMillin/Scott McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)
1984--Scott McMillin/Corky McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)
1990--Brian Collins/Jack Johnson, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)
1991--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (Class 8)
1992--Bob Richey/Boyd Cox, Raceco-Porsche (Class 1)
1993--Scott Douglas, Ford Ranger (Class 7)
1994--Ivan Stewart, Toyota SR5 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1995--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1996--Robby Gordon, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1997--Curt LeDuc, Jeep Grand Cherokee (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
1998--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Riviera-Chevy (Class 1)
1999--Ed Herbst/Tim Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2000--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2001--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2002--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2003--Gus Vildosola/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2004--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2005--Andy McMillin/Scott McMillin, Jimco-Chevy (Class 1)
2006--Garron Cadiente, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2007--Mark Post/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
2008—Brian Collins, Dodge Ram1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)
Motorcycles
Year--Rider(s), Vehicle
1982--Bob Balentine, Honda XR500 (Class 22)
1983--Jack Johnson, Honda XR500 (Class 22)
1984--Dan Smith/Dan Ashcraft, Husqvarna CR500 (Class 22)
1990--Dan Smith/Danny Hamel, KTM (Class 22)
1991--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1992--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1993--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500(Class 22)
1994--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1995--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1996--Paul Krause, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)
1997--Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
1998--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
1999--Johnny Campbell/Cole Marshall, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
2000--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)
2001--Steve Hengeveld/Jonah Street, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2002--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2003--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2004--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)
2005--Chris Blais/Andy Grider/Quinn Cody, KTM MXC525 (Class 22)
2006--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)
2007--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)
2008--Robby Bell/Johnny Campbell, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Phojo Transmission: MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
Byline:
Gran Prix
Byline Title:
Credit:
ACCELER8ING.COM
Source:
Copyright:
C2008 ACCELER8ING.COM
Caption:
March 09, 2008 - Boulder City, Nevada
Caption Writer:
Acceler8ing Mobile
Special Instructions:
Original Transmission Reference:
mobile20080309
Phojo Transmission: MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
Byline:
Gran Prix
Credit:
ACCELER8ING.COM
Copyright:
C2008 ACCELER8ING.COM
Caption:
March 09, 2008 - Boulder City, Nevada- Race 1 Open bike, 250cc, divisions Gran Prix
Caption Writer:
Acceler8ing Mobile
Special Instructions:
Visit us on the web at www.acceler8ing.com
Original Transmission Reference:
mobile20080309
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Phojo Transmission: MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
Byline:
Gran Prix
Byline Title:
Credit:
ACCELER8ING.COM
Source:
Copyright:
C2008 ACCELER8ING.COM
Caption:
March 08, 2008 - Boulder City, Nevada- Legendary vintage motocross having a run on the track.
Caption Writer:
Acceler8ing Mobile
Special Instructions:
Original Transmission Reference:
mobile20080308
Phojo Transmission: MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
Byline:
Gran Prix
Byline Title:
Credit:
ACCELER8ING.COM
Source:
Copyright:
C2008 ACCELER8ING.COM
Caption:
March 08, 2008 - Boulder City, Nevada- 65cc's blaze out of the start.
Caption Writer:
Acceler8ing Mobile
Special Instructions:
Original Transmission Reference:
mobile20080308
Phojo Transmission: MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
Byline:
Gran Prix
Byline Title:
Credit:
ACCELER8ING.COM
Source:
Copyright:
C2008 ACCELER8ING.COM
Caption:
March 08, 2008 - Boulder City, Nevada- 50cc's off and running beginning the start of an action packed weekend in the desert.
Caption Writer:
Acceler8ing Mobile
Special Instructions:
Original Transmission Reference:
mobile20080308
Phojo Transmission: MRAN Lords Of The Dirt
Byline: Gran Prix
Byline Title:
Credit: ACCELER8ING.COM
Source:
Copyright: C2008 ACCELER8ING.COM
Caption:
March 08, 2008 - Boulder City, Nevada- Excellent weather and sunny blue skies for the start of the Lords of the dirt Gran Prix.
Caption Writer: Acceler8ing Mobile
Special Instructions:
Original Transmission Reference:
mobile20080308
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
2008 SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
T.J. Flores taking flight at the Laughlin Leap.
Robby Gordon on his first attempt at the Laughlin Leap during the 14th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge.
14th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark 702.735.7123
January 25, 2008
Round 1, 2008 SCORE Desert Series Saturday and Sunday in Laughlin, Nev.
MacCachren powers No. 1 Riviera SCORE Trophy-Truck to pole position in qualifying for 14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. NASCAR’s Robby Gordon second, Carl Renezeder third in first-ever qualifying for SCORE Trophy-Truck
LAUGHLIN, Nev. –Las Vegas’ star desert racer Rob MacCachren powered his No. 1 Riviera Racing Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck to the fastest qualifying lap to earn the pole position for this weekend’s season-opening 14th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nev.
Marking the first time in SCORE history that there has been qualifying for a SCORE Desert Series race, MacCachren, who splits driving time with team owner and driver of record Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif., covered the 6.25-mile loop course 6 minutes, 52.28 seconds while averaging 54.61 miles per hour to edge NASCAR’s Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., who was second in his No. 77 Chevy CK1500 in a time of 6:53.12 at an average speed of 54.48mph. With 2 vehicles starting side-by-side in 15-second intervals, third in qualifying with a time of 6:56.47 (54.086mph) was Carl Renezeder, Laguna Beach, Calif., in his No. 17 Chevy Silverado.
Las Vegas’ B.J. Baldwin, who has two straight overall and SCORE Trophy-Trucks wins in this race, qualified fourth fastest in the No. 97 Chevy Silverado in 7:00.22 (53.57mph) while fifth fastest was Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., who is the second driver for team owner/driver Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif., with a time of 7:04:54 (53.07mph) in the No. 40 Chevy C1500.
A total of 22 of the 30 vehicles in SCORE Trophy-Truck attempted to make the historic first qualifying lap.
The unique race, split into two parts, will be held Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the 17 classes divided into five race groups running multiple laps each day.
The featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division will race at 1 p.m. each day followed by the unlimited Class 1 cars at 3 p.m.
Ticket information is available at www.visitlaughlin.com. For more information on the SCORE Desert Series, visiting the SCORE website at www.score-international.com.
14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge qualifying results from Friday
1 lap over 6.25-mile race course
SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)--
Pos., Vehicle No., Driver of Record, co-driver, vehicle make, time, speed
1. 1 Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 6 minutes, 52.28 seconds (54.61 miles per hour)
2. 77 Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., Chevy CK1500, 6:53.12 (54.48mph)
3. 17 Carl Renezeder, Laguna Beach, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 6:56.47 (54.09mph)
4. 97 B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 7:00.22 (53.57mph)
5. 40 Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., Chevy C1500, 7:04.54 (53.07mph)
6. 2 Pete Sohren, Glendale, Ariz., Ford F-150, 7:04.78 (52.94mph)
7. 85 Todd Wyllie, New River, Ariz., Chevy C1500, 7:06.15 (52.82mph)
8. 12 Brian Collins, Las Vegas/Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Dodge Ram2500, 7:07.2 (52.69mph)
9. 51 Kory Sheeler/Mike Costello, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 7:11.15 (52.20mph)
10. 86 Josh Baldwin, Newport Beach, Calif., Ford F-150, 7:14.50 (51.72mph)
11. 13 Ed Stout, Santa Ana, Calif./Jason Batulis, Tustin, Calif., Ford F-150, 7:14.69 (51.61mph)
12. 45 Rich Ronco, Peoria, Ariz., Chevy Silverado, Tatum Motorsports, 7:25.94 (50.45mph)
13. 22 Damen Jefferies, Apple Valley, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:40.72 (48.81mph)
14. 35 Robbie Pierce, Santee, Calif./Brent Gustin, Seal Beach, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:41.53 (48.70mph)
15. 54 Jesse James, Sunset Beach, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:43.23 (48.60mph)
16. 96 Bobby Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 7:48.03 (48.08mph)
17. 48 Jeff Spiers, Boise, Idaho/Ryan Spiers, Meridian, Idaho, Chevy Silverado, 8:12.69 (45.64mph)
18. 29 Stephen Jangaard, Torrance, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 8:18.34 (45.18mph)
19. 8 Roger Norman, Reno, Nev./Ronnie Gillespie, Las Vegas, did not finish
20. 4 Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150, did not finish
21. 91 Bill McBeath, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, did not finish
22. 5 Travis Coyne/Brandon Coyne, El Centro, Calif., Ford F-150, did not finish
23. 10 Ernesto Cervantes, La Paz, Mexico, Ford F-150, did not start
24. 55 Luis Wallace, Cd. Juarez, Mexico, Ford F-150, did not start
January 25, 2008
Round 1, 2008 SCORE Desert Series Saturday and Sunday in Laughlin, Nev.
MacCachren powers No. 1 Riviera SCORE Trophy-Truck to pole position in qualifying for 14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. NASCAR’s Robby Gordon second, Carl Renezeder third in first-ever qualifying for SCORE Trophy-Truck
LAUGHLIN, Nev. –Las Vegas’ star desert racer Rob MacCachren powered his No. 1 Riviera Racing Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck to the fastest qualifying lap to earn the pole position for this weekend’s season-opening 14th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nev.
Marking the first time in SCORE history that there has been qualifying for a SCORE Desert Series race, MacCachren, who splits driving time with team owner and driver of record Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif., covered the 6.25-mile loop course 6 minutes, 52.28 seconds while averaging 54.61 miles per hour to edge NASCAR’s Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., who was second in his No. 77 Chevy CK1500 in a time of 6:53.12 at an average speed of 54.48mph. With 2 vehicles starting side-by-side in 15-second intervals, third in qualifying with a time of 6:56.47 (54.086mph) was Carl Renezeder, Laguna Beach, Calif., in his No. 17 Chevy Silverado.
Las Vegas’ B.J. Baldwin, who has two straight overall and SCORE Trophy-Trucks wins in this race, qualified fourth fastest in the No. 97 Chevy Silverado in 7:00.22 (53.57mph) while fifth fastest was Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., who is the second driver for team owner/driver Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif., with a time of 7:04:54 (53.07mph) in the No. 40 Chevy C1500.
A total of 22 of the 30 vehicles in SCORE Trophy-Truck attempted to make the historic first qualifying lap.
The unique race, split into two parts, will be held Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the 17 classes divided into five race groups running multiple laps each day.
The featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division will race at 1 p.m. each day followed by the unlimited Class 1 cars at 3 p.m.
Ticket information is available at www.visitlaughlin.com. For more information on the SCORE Desert Series, visiting the SCORE website at www.score-international.com.
14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge qualifying results from Friday
1 lap over 6.25-mile race course
SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)--
Pos., Vehicle No., Driver of Record, co-driver, vehicle make, time, speed
1. 1 Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 6 minutes, 52.28 seconds (54.61 miles per hour)
2. 77 Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., Chevy CK1500, 6:53.12 (54.48mph)
3. 17 Carl Renezeder, Laguna Beach, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 6:56.47 (54.09mph)
4. 97 B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 7:00.22 (53.57mph)
5. 40 Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., Chevy C1500, 7:04.54 (53.07mph)
6. 2 Pete Sohren, Glendale, Ariz., Ford F-150, 7:04.78 (52.94mph)
7. 85 Todd Wyllie, New River, Ariz., Chevy C1500, 7:06.15 (52.82mph)
8. 12 Brian Collins, Las Vegas/Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Dodge Ram2500, 7:07.2 (52.69mph)
9. 51 Kory Sheeler/Mike Costello, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 7:11.15 (52.20mph)
10. 86 Josh Baldwin, Newport Beach, Calif., Ford F-150, 7:14.50 (51.72mph)
11. 13 Ed Stout, Santa Ana, Calif./Jason Batulis, Tustin, Calif., Ford F-150, 7:14.69 (51.61mph)
12. 45 Rich Ronco, Peoria, Ariz., Chevy Silverado, Tatum Motorsports, 7:25.94 (50.45mph)
13. 22 Damen Jefferies, Apple Valley, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:40.72 (48.81mph)
14. 35 Robbie Pierce, Santee, Calif./Brent Gustin, Seal Beach, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:41.53 (48.70mph)
15. 54 Jesse James, Sunset Beach, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:43.23 (48.60mph)
16. 96 Bobby Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 7:48.03 (48.08mph)
17. 48 Jeff Spiers, Boise, Idaho/Ryan Spiers, Meridian, Idaho, Chevy Silverado, 8:12.69 (45.64mph)
18. 29 Stephen Jangaard, Torrance, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 8:18.34 (45.18mph)
19. 8 Roger Norman, Reno, Nev./Ronnie Gillespie, Las Vegas, did not finish
20. 4 Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150, did not finish
21. 91 Bill McBeath, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, did not finish
22. 5 Travis Coyne/Brandon Coyne, El Centro, Calif., Ford F-150, did not finish
23. 10 Ernesto Cervantes, La Paz, Mexico, Ford F-150, did not start
24. 55 Luis Wallace, Cd. Juarez, Mexico, Ford F-150, did not start
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
And now a word from...
Thanks for some of the clips Wicked Gravity Video! We are suffering from Laughlin Desert Challenge Fever. Crappy weather on tap for the event.
SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark 702.735.7123
January 20, 2008
This Weekend in Laughlin, Nev. B.J. Baldwin going for 3-peat; Post/MacCachren begin defense of season point title at 14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
Over 150 entries ready to start 2008 SCORE Desert Series on Thursday with $16,000 Laughlin Leap; SCORE Trophy-Truck qualifying on Friday, third spectator area added for event; Play-by-play audio of SCORE Trophy-Truck/Class 1 races
To be streamed by Totally Off-Road Radio on www.race-dezert.com
LAUGHLIN, Nev.—B. J. Baldwin is looking for a three-peat and the team of Mark Post/Rob MacCachren will begin defense of their 2007 overall season point championship as over 150 entries are ready to launch the new desert racing year at this weekend’s season-opening 2008 SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nev.
For the 14th straight year, motorsports fans and racers from 17 states, Mexico and Germany will converge on Laughlin, the desert resort town along the banks of the Colorado River for the popular SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. The first major motorsports event of the year will launch the 2008 SCORE Desert Series, the world’s foremost desert racing series.
A total of 17 Pro and two Sportsman classes for cars and trucks will be split into five groups in Laughlin, each running as part of one of separate multiple-lap races over the much-abbreviated 6-mile loop each day. Racing action will run from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday as the winners and finishing order will be deciding on the total elapsed time for the two days of racing. Racers will compete for nearly $400,000 in prize money and contingency postings.
Besides B.J. Baldwin, of Las Vegas, in the No. 97 Baldwin Motorsports Chevy Silverado and Post, Laguna, Beach, Calif./MacCachren, Las Vegas, in the No. 1 Riviera Racing Ford F-150, many of the other top desert racers in the world are entered in the SCORE Trophy-Truck division. Baldwin’s two career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins were the last two years in Laughlin while Post and MacCachren each have seven career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins, including three in 2007.
Among the other SCORE Trophy-Truck entries are: NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., seven career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins (No. 77 Chevy CK1500), Brian Collins, Las Vegas, four career race wins (No. 12 Chevy Silverado), Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., four wins (No. 40 Chevy C1500 as second driver with Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif.), Mexico’s Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., (No. 4, Ford F-150), Carl Renezeder, Laguna Beach, Calif. (No. 17 Chevy Silverado), Josh Baldwin, Newport Beach, Calif. (No. 86 Ford F-150), Damien Jefferies, Apple Valley, Calif. (No. 22 Chevy Silverado), TV sportscaster Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif. (No. 16 Cadillac Escalade) and TV star Jesse James, Sunset Beach, Calif. (No. 54 Chevy Silverado).
The marquee racing division is SCORE Trophy-Truck, featuring high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks along with the unlimited Class 1 for open-wheel desert race cars. Those two featured classes will run the final two races each day with SCORE Trophy-Truck at 1 p.m. followed by Class 1 at 3 p.m. Each will run 8 laps each day, two more than last year.
The colorful $16,000 SCORE Laughlin Leap competition will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Racers will attempt to break the record of 160’ 6” set in 2004 by Mark Post.
From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, the first qualifying for SCORE Trophy-Truck start positions will be held, with each of the 31 entries in the class allowed to run one lap at race speed or accept starting positions by random draw after the qualifying starting slots have been determined.
Daily general admission tickets for the primary infield stadium grandstand seating are $20 each for each day (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), children five and under are free. Daily VIP tickets are $40 each for each day, good for admission to the Laughlin Hospitality Chalet, including food, beverage and special seating.
The stadium seating area will once again include the extremely popular SCOREvision large-screen LCD display, showing live footage from the SCORE Laughlin Leap on Thursday and live footage from approximately 95 percent of the race course on race days.
Tickets for the grandstand and VIP areas at Laughlin Events Park are on sale at 800.308.2253.
The two other spectator areas for the race are SCORE Hill and the ‘Cougar Corral’ and tickets for them will be available only at their respective entrances.
Overlooking the infield area and the main pits, general admission to SCORE Hill will be $5 per person.
The new ‘Cougar Corral’ is located on the west side of the course adjacent to Laughlin High School. With easy view of over one-mile of the race course, admission to the Cougar Corral will be $10 per vehicle for day use one on a first-come, first-served basis each day. The only entrance and exit to this new spectator area will be on Cougar drive off of Highway 95.
For the first time in event history, the pre-race SCORE Manufacturer’s Midway and contingency will be held away from the start/finish line area. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, this year’s display of all the participating vehicles in the race will be held on Bruce Woodbury Way, starting at Casino Drive in the heart of the Laughlin resort district.
Brothers Bill and Dave Gasper will start defense of their 2007 unlimited SCORE Class 1 season point title in their No. 100 Chevy-powered Porter open-wheel desert race car. Other top contenders in Class 1 include two-time overall race winner Dale Ebberts, Canyon Lake, Calif., who will drive this year with team owner Brad Etter, Villa Park, Calif., in another Porter-Chevy, Las Vegas teammates Pat Dean and B.J. Richardson in identically-equipped Bunderson-Chevy race cars, seven-time race winner in the World Rally Championship, Germany’s Armin Schwarz, who drives with team owner Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., in a Jimco-BMW, 2007 SCORE Rookie of the Year Eric Chase, San Diego, who races with his father Stuart Chase in a Penhall-Chevy and third-generation desert racer Harley Letner, Orange, Calif., in a Alpha-Chevy.
Scheduled to make his SCORE Class 1 debut will be 10-time XGames medal winner Brian Deegan, Temecula Calif., in a Playtech-Chevy.
SCORE Trophy-Truck regular Josh Baldwin will also race in Class 1, where he finished fourth last year in his Jimco-Chevy.
Leading the multiple class winners in this race who are in the starting grid are George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., who has seven wins in Class 5 in a VW Baja Bug, Las Vegas’ Rob MacCachren (6 class wins), Donald Moss, Sacramento Calif. (5) in Class 3 in a Ford Bronco, and with four class wins each: Las Vegas’ Brian Collins (SCORE Trophy-Truck) and Mexico’s Eric Solorzano (Class 11).
Besides Baldwin, MacCachren is also entered in two classes this year. Besides SCORE Trophy-Truck, he will drive Saturday in SCORE Lite for four-time defending series class point champion Tom Watson, San Diego, in a Jimco-VW.
Starting its 35th year in 2008, SCORE has also announced that audio streaming coverage of the event will be broadcast on the internet. With live play-by-play of both Saturday and Sunday’s SCORE Trophy-Truck and Class 1 races along with recaps of the other classes each day through the services Totally Off-Road Radio, the streaming will be available at www.race-dezert.com.
Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Sunoco Race Fuels/Bryant Petroleum-official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Volkswagen-official vehicle, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant, Red Bull--official energy drink and Bosch Power Tools-official power tool. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, Kartek Off-Road, Fram, Autolite, Prestone, Bendix, American Suzuki, Micron, NAPA Chassis, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.
Special sponsors for the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge are: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Events, Laughlin Tourism Committee and the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce.
For more information regarding the series, contact SCORE International at its Los Angeles headquarters (818.225.8402) or visit the official website of the 2008 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.
14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
Round 1, 2008 SCORE Desert Series
Schedule of Events(Subject to Change)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.--Driver Registration-Antigua Banquet Room, River Palms Hotel
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.--Media Center Open-River Room, River Palms Hotel
6 p.m.--$16,000 Laughlin Leap-Laughlin Events Park (Start/Finish Line)
Friday, January 25, 2008
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.--Course Pre-running (Racers Only)-Official Race Course-Laughlin Events Park
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.--Driver Registration-Antigua Banquet Room, River Palms Hotel
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.--Media Registration-River Room, River Palms Hotel
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.--Contingency & Technical Inspection-Bruce Woodbury Way & Casino Drive
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.--Qualifying-SCORE Trophy-Truck-Official Race Course-Laughlin Events Park
Saturday, January 26, 2008
6 a.m.--Late Registration & Tech Inspection-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.--Media Center Open-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
Sunday, January 27, 2008
6 a.m.--Late Registration & Tech Inspection-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.--Media Center Open-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
DAILY RACING SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
7 a.m.--RACING STARTS (5 groups each day) Start/Finish Line-Laughlin Events Park
80-minute time limit for each group
Starting intervals--two vehicles every 15 seconds
7 a.m.--Group 1-Classes 1-2/1600 (6 laps), 5/1600 (6), 11 (3), SPT Car (6)
9 a.m.--Group 2-Classes 8 (6 laps), Protruck (6), 7 (6), 7SX (6), Stock Full (5), Stock Mini (5), Class 3 (5), SPTTruck(5)
11 a.m.--Group 3-Class 10 (7 laps), SCORE Lite (7), Class 5 (7)
1 p.m.--Group 4-SCORE Trophy-Truck (8 laps)
3 p.m.--Group 5-Class 1 (8 laps)
The Start/Finish Line area is located at the Laughlin Events Park
At the corner of Thomas Edison Drive and Bruce Woodbury Way
Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.
January 20, 2008
This Weekend in Laughlin, Nev. B.J. Baldwin going for 3-peat; Post/MacCachren begin defense of season point title at 14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
Over 150 entries ready to start 2008 SCORE Desert Series on Thursday with $16,000 Laughlin Leap; SCORE Trophy-Truck qualifying on Friday, third spectator area added for event; Play-by-play audio of SCORE Trophy-Truck/Class 1 races
To be streamed by Totally Off-Road Radio on www.race-dezert.com
LAUGHLIN, Nev.—B. J. Baldwin is looking for a three-peat and the team of Mark Post/Rob MacCachren will begin defense of their 2007 overall season point championship as over 150 entries are ready to launch the new desert racing year at this weekend’s season-opening 2008 SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nev.
For the 14th straight year, motorsports fans and racers from 17 states, Mexico and Germany will converge on Laughlin, the desert resort town along the banks of the Colorado River for the popular SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. The first major motorsports event of the year will launch the 2008 SCORE Desert Series, the world’s foremost desert racing series.
A total of 17 Pro and two Sportsman classes for cars and trucks will be split into five groups in Laughlin, each running as part of one of separate multiple-lap races over the much-abbreviated 6-mile loop each day. Racing action will run from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday as the winners and finishing order will be deciding on the total elapsed time for the two days of racing. Racers will compete for nearly $400,000 in prize money and contingency postings.
Besides B.J. Baldwin, of Las Vegas, in the No. 97 Baldwin Motorsports Chevy Silverado and Post, Laguna, Beach, Calif./MacCachren, Las Vegas, in the No. 1 Riviera Racing Ford F-150, many of the other top desert racers in the world are entered in the SCORE Trophy-Truck division. Baldwin’s two career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins were the last two years in Laughlin while Post and MacCachren each have seven career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins, including three in 2007.
Among the other SCORE Trophy-Truck entries are: NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., seven career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins (No. 77 Chevy CK1500), Brian Collins, Las Vegas, four career race wins (No. 12 Chevy Silverado), Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., four wins (No. 40 Chevy C1500 as second driver with Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif.), Mexico’s Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., (No. 4, Ford F-150), Carl Renezeder, Laguna Beach, Calif. (No. 17 Chevy Silverado), Josh Baldwin, Newport Beach, Calif. (No. 86 Ford F-150), Damien Jefferies, Apple Valley, Calif. (No. 22 Chevy Silverado), TV sportscaster Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif. (No. 16 Cadillac Escalade) and TV star Jesse James, Sunset Beach, Calif. (No. 54 Chevy Silverado).
The marquee racing division is SCORE Trophy-Truck, featuring high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks along with the unlimited Class 1 for open-wheel desert race cars. Those two featured classes will run the final two races each day with SCORE Trophy-Truck at 1 p.m. followed by Class 1 at 3 p.m. Each will run 8 laps each day, two more than last year.
The colorful $16,000 SCORE Laughlin Leap competition will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Racers will attempt to break the record of 160’ 6” set in 2004 by Mark Post.
From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, the first qualifying for SCORE Trophy-Truck start positions will be held, with each of the 31 entries in the class allowed to run one lap at race speed or accept starting positions by random draw after the qualifying starting slots have been determined.
Daily general admission tickets for the primary infield stadium grandstand seating are $20 each for each day (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), children five and under are free. Daily VIP tickets are $40 each for each day, good for admission to the Laughlin Hospitality Chalet, including food, beverage and special seating.
The stadium seating area will once again include the extremely popular SCOREvision large-screen LCD display, showing live footage from the SCORE Laughlin Leap on Thursday and live footage from approximately 95 percent of the race course on race days.
Tickets for the grandstand and VIP areas at Laughlin Events Park are on sale at 800.308.2253.
The two other spectator areas for the race are SCORE Hill and the ‘Cougar Corral’ and tickets for them will be available only at their respective entrances.
Overlooking the infield area and the main pits, general admission to SCORE Hill will be $5 per person.
The new ‘Cougar Corral’ is located on the west side of the course adjacent to Laughlin High School. With easy view of over one-mile of the race course, admission to the Cougar Corral will be $10 per vehicle for day use one on a first-come, first-served basis each day. The only entrance and exit to this new spectator area will be on Cougar drive off of Highway 95.
For the first time in event history, the pre-race SCORE Manufacturer’s Midway and contingency will be held away from the start/finish line area. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, this year’s display of all the participating vehicles in the race will be held on Bruce Woodbury Way, starting at Casino Drive in the heart of the Laughlin resort district.
Brothers Bill and Dave Gasper will start defense of their 2007 unlimited SCORE Class 1 season point title in their No. 100 Chevy-powered Porter open-wheel desert race car. Other top contenders in Class 1 include two-time overall race winner Dale Ebberts, Canyon Lake, Calif., who will drive this year with team owner Brad Etter, Villa Park, Calif., in another Porter-Chevy, Las Vegas teammates Pat Dean and B.J. Richardson in identically-equipped Bunderson-Chevy race cars, seven-time race winner in the World Rally Championship, Germany’s Armin Schwarz, who drives with team owner Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., in a Jimco-BMW, 2007 SCORE Rookie of the Year Eric Chase, San Diego, who races with his father Stuart Chase in a Penhall-Chevy and third-generation desert racer Harley Letner, Orange, Calif., in a Alpha-Chevy.
Scheduled to make his SCORE Class 1 debut will be 10-time XGames medal winner Brian Deegan, Temecula Calif., in a Playtech-Chevy.
SCORE Trophy-Truck regular Josh Baldwin will also race in Class 1, where he finished fourth last year in his Jimco-Chevy.
Leading the multiple class winners in this race who are in the starting grid are George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., who has seven wins in Class 5 in a VW Baja Bug, Las Vegas’ Rob MacCachren (6 class wins), Donald Moss, Sacramento Calif. (5) in Class 3 in a Ford Bronco, and with four class wins each: Las Vegas’ Brian Collins (SCORE Trophy-Truck) and Mexico’s Eric Solorzano (Class 11).
Besides Baldwin, MacCachren is also entered in two classes this year. Besides SCORE Trophy-Truck, he will drive Saturday in SCORE Lite for four-time defending series class point champion Tom Watson, San Diego, in a Jimco-VW.
Starting its 35th year in 2008, SCORE has also announced that audio streaming coverage of the event will be broadcast on the internet. With live play-by-play of both Saturday and Sunday’s SCORE Trophy-Truck and Class 1 races along with recaps of the other classes each day through the services Totally Off-Road Radio, the streaming will be available at www.race-dezert.com.
Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Sunoco Race Fuels/Bryant Petroleum-official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Volkswagen-official vehicle, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant, Red Bull--official energy drink and Bosch Power Tools-official power tool. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, Kartek Off-Road, Fram, Autolite, Prestone, Bendix, American Suzuki, Micron, NAPA Chassis, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.
Special sponsors for the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge are: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Events, Laughlin Tourism Committee and the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce.
For more information regarding the series, contact SCORE International at its Los Angeles headquarters (818.225.8402) or visit the official website of the 2008 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.
14th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
Round 1, 2008 SCORE Desert Series
Schedule of Events(Subject to Change)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.--Driver Registration-Antigua Banquet Room, River Palms Hotel
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.--Media Center Open-River Room, River Palms Hotel
6 p.m.--$16,000 Laughlin Leap-Laughlin Events Park (Start/Finish Line)
Friday, January 25, 2008
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.--Course Pre-running (Racers Only)-Official Race Course-Laughlin Events Park
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.--Driver Registration-Antigua Banquet Room, River Palms Hotel
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.--Media Registration-River Room, River Palms Hotel
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.--Contingency & Technical Inspection-Bruce Woodbury Way & Casino Drive
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.--Qualifying-SCORE Trophy-Truck-Official Race Course-Laughlin Events Park
Saturday, January 26, 2008
6 a.m.--Late Registration & Tech Inspection-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.--Media Center Open-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
Sunday, January 27, 2008
6 a.m.--Late Registration & Tech Inspection-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.--Media Center Open-Start/Finish Line area-Laughlin Events Park
DAILY RACING SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
7 a.m.--RACING STARTS (5 groups each day) Start/Finish Line-Laughlin Events Park
80-minute time limit for each group
Starting intervals--two vehicles every 15 seconds
7 a.m.--Group 1-Classes 1-2/1600 (6 laps), 5/1600 (6), 11 (3), SPT Car (6)
9 a.m.--Group 2-Classes 8 (6 laps), Protruck (6), 7 (6), 7SX (6), Stock Full (5), Stock Mini (5), Class 3 (5), SPTTruck(5)
11 a.m.--Group 3-Class 10 (7 laps), SCORE Lite (7), Class 5 (7)
1 p.m.--Group 4-SCORE Trophy-Truck (8 laps)
3 p.m.--Group 5-Class 1 (8 laps)
The Start/Finish Line area is located at the Laughlin Events Park
At the corner of Thomas Edison Drive and Bruce Woodbury Way
Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.
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