DESERT DRIVEN - Jeepspeed Series

are much warmer to wear, offer much less flexibility, but will offer significant layers of protection in a critical situation.

While we will dive in depth into Fire Extinguisher choices and use in future installments of our Safety First column, we will touch on briefly that each pit always needs to have their fire extinguishers out and available. Teams that are fueling need to have a dedicated person with a fire extinguisher in hand ready to be the first line of defense in case of a flash fire. Having it in a truck or even hanging on the back of the truck is not an acceptable alternative. While it has not been mandated yet, it

Photo by Dirtfocus

is strongly suggested that this person is also covered with SFI rated fire protection. Make sure each and every time, you are giving your crew and your drivers every opportunity to be as safe as possible in a critical situation. Race Safely everyone and try and keep Safety First!

Jeepspeed was founded in 2001 by Mike Barnett and Clive Skilton. After attending the 2000 Dakar Rally, Skilton returned with the concept of an affordable off-road race & rally type class in the United States. Seeing an opportunity for vehicles featuring limited wheel travel, similar in scope to Dakar rules, but using relatively stock American built Jeep vehicles, Jeepspeed was born. Jeepspeed is now owned 100% by Mike Barnett, as Skilton recently retired and sold to Barnett, but Clive still attends many of the races.

The first race took place in 2001 and attracted well-known off-road personalities such as the Currie family, Ryan Wallace of Rubicon Express, Skyjacker Suspensions, and the Barnett Brothers of T&J Performance. The Jeepspeed class was an immediate success. By 2003, Jeepspeed had issued 50 race team numbers and regularly had 20 Jeeps entered at each event.

Jeepspeed was created to offer Jeep

Class 1700 Photo by RnR Photos

enthusiasts affordable racing, rallying and adventure. You can have fun racing durable, affordable Jeeps and you don’t have to spend a million bucks. Since 2001 Jeepspeed has delivered the best entry level racing on dirt. Jeepspeed rules are carefully written to create fierce competition while keeping race costs to a minimum. Class modifications were made in 2015 and introduced a new race series to attract new drivers and more recent models.

Mike Barnett said, “Jeepspeed is not a spec class. You don’t have to buy a vehicle built by a company for that class. You build your own Jeep race truck that fits your budget and skill level. Any model Jeep may be used as long as it fits into the few simple rules.”

Following is a brief description of the four classes that make up the Jeepspeed Series.

Jeepspeed Class 1700 Stock

This is the most popular and affordable class. Vehicles in this class must be Jeeps and use components readily available to the general public and are allowed limited options for modification. A maximum 6-cylinder engine may be used Use of up to 33-inch tires are allowed with one shock per wheel.

Jeepspeed Class 2700 Intermediate

The Intermediate Class is for Jeep and Dodge productionbased vehicles and fits between the limited Class 1700 and the modified Class 3700. Any Jeep or Dodge production engine may be used. Up to 35-inch tires are allowed and limited to two shocks per wheel.

Jeepspeed Class 3700 Modified

This class allows a higher degree of vehicle modifications. Vehicles in this class must be Jeep or Dodge sport utility vehicles and light trucks. Any make production/crate engine may be used. Up to 37-inch tires can be used with no limit to to the number of shocks per wheel.

Jeepspeed Class 4700 Open

This is the unlimited Jeepspeed class with the least modification restrictions. Vehicles in this class must be Jeep or Dodge sport utility vehicles and light trucks that are recognizable as by the brand grill, hood and fenders. The frame and chassis is open. Any

Class 2700 Photo by RnR Photos

make engine may be used. Up to 37-inch tires are allowed with no limit to the number of shocks per wheel.

With an average of 20 to 30 similar race vehicles on the starting line, the competition is tight and fierce. At Jeepspeed, they say their mission is to bring off-road racing to anyone who wants to experience the thrill of the race - without breaking the bank.

Barnett also owns and operates T&J Performance Center in Orange, California, a truck, Jeep and SUV repair company that also builds quality off-road vehicles. With over four decades of experience, Barnett’s professional staff can handle all of your vehicle services. They offer a wide range of services, and while they specialize in assembling components for trucks, Jeeps and SUVs, their team has the knowledge to work on any off-road vehicle. They are considered a one-stop shop for off-road vehicles from 1942 to present. From 1942 military Jeeps to a new 2020 JL or Gladiator, they understand and know what fits and what doesn’t. They can handle custom fabrication, gear ratio changes, suspension, or just a simple tune up. Their techs are highly trained and knowledgeable.

It’s fast, easy and relatively inexpensive to go racing with Jeepspeed, and they offer several ways to get involved. Contact Mike Barnett directly for more information: www.JEEPspeed.com

Phone: (714) 719-2696

Email: mike@jeepspeed.com

Class 3700 Photo by Dirt Nation

Class 4700 Photo by RnR Photos