HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: IDEAS FOR YOUR LIST
The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports
ISSUE 12 VOL 2
DECEMBER 2021
THE
c a M c MK
ATTAC
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
SEMA BLING: A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S BUILDS
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+ TECH: PUMP THE BRAKES- END OF YEAR MAINTENANCE + THE BOOT FINISHES ANOTHER BAJA 1000
TRES GENERACIONES: THE BAILEYS CONQUER BAJA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>
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WORD NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
10 DIRTWORLD 14 NEW RIDES
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16 KIDS KORNER 18 CAPTURED 66 CHAPPY’S PIT STOP 67 CALENDAR
FEATURES>
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20 COVER STORY: SUPER TEAM UNLEASHES MCMAC ATTACK 28 TRES GENERACIONES: THE BAILEYS CONQUER BAJA 32 THE BAJA BOOT FINISHES ANOTHER BAJA 1000 34 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 40 SEMA BUILDS 46 CHAMPIONSHIPS DECIDED AT CAL CITY 50 G.A.S SEASON FINALE 54 BILLY BOLT WINS FIM ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP 56 FORD BRONCO DESERT RACER
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60 TOYOTA TRD CHASE TUNDRA
TECH> 62 PUMP THE BRAKES: END OF YEAR SEASON MAINTENANCE Publisher DirtSports Inc. Editor-In-Chief Shaun Ochsner Associate Editor La-Chelle Halliday Sales and Admin Dave Arnold Contributing Editors Chris James Steve Hanson
Contributing Photography Shaun Ochsner Paperazzi Imaging La-Chelle Halliday Kawasaki Dave Arnold Ford Motor Co Red Bull Red Bull Shai Harary Stellantis Media Polaris Husqvarna Chevrolet Honda Honda Toyota Stronghold Motorsports Printed at: Sutherland Printing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DIRTSPORTSWORLD
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DIRTSPORTSWORLD
DIRTSPORTSWORLD
WORD OBSERVATIONS FROM SEMA
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he SEMA show returned to Las Vegas after taking a year off in 2020 due to the Pandemic. There was a different feel to this year’s show. First, the International component was missing. Due to travel restrictions, there were less attendees and companies from other countries. The show was also more spread out. Companies were noticeably absent from this year’s show; SEMA organizers were able to spread exhibitors out more than usual. This was definitely noticeable in the normally packed Central Hall. A majority of the off-road exhibitors were banished to the newly constructed West Hall which meant a 10-minute walk. One could zip over there from
the new underground Tesla loop, as long as there wasn’t a line to get in one. Per the mandates in the state of Nevada, indoor masking was required, and attendees were reminded as they entered the building. Overall, it was nice to see SEMA back and business bustling. This year’s show was a great transition to ease back into some sort of normalcy our world needs after shutdowns and lock downs from COVID.
Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief DirtSportsWorld
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 5
NEWS Twelve Rounds Set for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross in 2022 MX Sports Pro Racing unveiled a 12-round schedule for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 2022 season. Next year marks the 50-year anniversary of the popular outdoor motocross series. The season will start and finish at Fox Raceway near San Diego, California. Both events are scheduled over holiday weekends. The opening round will be held May 28th which is Memorial Weekend. The series finishes September 3rd, Labor Day weekend at the same venue. In between the series visits its usual tracks throughout the summer including Hangtown, Thunder Valley, High Point, Redbud, Southwick, Spring Creek, Washougal, Unadilla, Budds Creek and Ironman. The series is on track for another epic season. Defending champions Dylan Ferrandis in the 450 class and Jett Lawrence in the 250 class will be ready to lead the way.
KTM Makes Progress on $50 Million California Headquarters KTM North America held an event to showcase its new $50 million North American Group Headquarters. The new site will be located in Murrieta, California. Plans for the 150,000 square foot site include three buildings that will house corporate offices, state-of-the-art technical warehouses and racing departments for the company’s three brands¬¬– KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas. The site will also house 300 employees. 6 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
KTM’s Global Headquarters is based in Mattighofen, Austria. The new site shows KTM’s commitment to the growing North American motorcycle market.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
Zach Osborne Announces Retirement
Zach Osborne has announced he is retiring from professional Supercross and Motocross racing. Osborne wraps up a 16-year career with four championships racing with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory team.
In a statement posted to his Instagram account Osborne says: I’m officially retiring from professional Supercross and Motocross racing. It’s been an amazing ride and one that I wouldn’t change for anything as it’s gotten me to right here where I sit today! I’m forever grateful for opportunities from great individuals, companies and teams to have the best equipment and relationships to perform at the highest level and become a champion of the sport. I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined or even dreamed of as a child.
GASGAS Announces New Rally Team Line-Up everything there is to know about rally and this will help him to succeed in 2022. Daniel only has one full season of rally racing under his belt, but he has picked things up really quickly. He doesn’t have the experience that Sam has but he’s a very quick learner as we have seen in 2021. They’re both fast, Sanders is in his second full rally season. He came in fourth at this year’s Dakar Rally. Both motivated, and capable, so we fully expect to see them battling for success at the Dakar and riders are busy preparing to race the 2022 edition of the Dakar Rally. After Dakar, the then in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World riders will campaign a full season in the FIM Championship next year.” Cross Country World Rallies Championship. Riders Sam Sunderland and Daniel Sanders will join the GASGAS factory Rally team for 2022. Sunderland is a former Dakar winner. He also won the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship in 2019.
“It’s great to have two very talented riders racing for GASGAS next season,” said Nord Stadlbauer, GASGAS team Rally manager. “They are at different stages of their careers, yet they both have the talent to win. Sam is very experienced, and his career achievements speak for themselves. He knows DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 7
NEWS
Audi Successfully Tests Electric Vehicle for Dakar Rally
Audi has completed testing in Morocco for the Dakar Rally. Audi is campaigning three RS Q e-tron electric vehicles in the 2022 Dakar Rally. Drivers Carlos Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel will lead the team’s efforts this year. In the last twelve months, the team has been readying the vehicles to handle daily off-road distances equaling the length of a typical Dakar stage. One of the biggest challenges for the engineers has been
bottlenecks in the supply chain. Much needed components have been slow to arrive. Drivers have been simulating artificial conditions including high temperatures they expect to face during the rally. “The entire team is focusing its energy on continuing the development under the toughest conditions,” says Arnau Niubó Bosch, Head of Test Engineering. The Dakar Rally gets underway in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of January.
Championship Off-Road Announces 2022 Schedule
After months of waiting, Championship Off-Road has announced its 2022 racing schedule. The series will once again host six rounds beginning at the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wisconsin June 4th and 5th. The series then moves to Crandon a couple weeks later for the Spring Brush Run. Michigan’s ERX Motorpark will play host to Rounds 5 & 6 in July along with Dirt City Motorplex in Lena, Wisconsin. In August the series goes back to Bark River. The season ends with the final event weekend at Crandon for the historic Labor Day weekend races. Championship Off-Road is moving into its third year. “Championship Off-Road had 8 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
some amazing racing last year, with so many titles coming down to the last weekend. We saw measurable levels of success in 2021, from the number of racers on track to the addition of the CBS Sports Network and record-setting live stream viewers. We can’t wait for the new season to start,” said Championship Off-Road President Carl Schubitzke.
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DIRT WORLD G.A.S. GLEN HELEN
baja 1000
When racing is life
Mexican Spidey
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Somebody went a little too big
sema
Get off my lawn!
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Call me, maybe?
THE WORLD IS A DIRTY PLACE
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Look, we have one reader! Having fun on the “Birthday Crew”
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Living that good “Baja Life”
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SU B YO MIT PH UR OT O
Behold Australia’s Grossest Drinking Tradition: The Shoey
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 11
NEW PRODUCT
BFGoodrich Tires Launches New Tire Size for KR3
U
nlimited trucks now have a new wheel diameter size to run in 2022. There is now an 18” wheel diameter available for the Baja T/A KR3. Why the new size? There was a demand from drivers who run BFGoodrich tires.
The new 18” diameter size was also born out of increased horsepower and all-wheel drive popularity. With the increased size, the 18” Baja T/A KR3 allows extra suspension and brake clearance. Bigger brake packages are needed to accommodate all the new horsepower these trucks are churning out. The T/A KR3 also has a shorter sidewall that helps improve overall handling of the truck. The overall size of the tire still remains at 40” which continues to give drivers a larger footprint in the desert.
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Performance Products
PERFORMANCE IS OUR MIDDLE NAME! CBR Performance Products Inc has a number of years of hands on experience from Motocross Racing, UTV Racing, Road Racing and Off-Road Racing. Many Teams and/or individuals who use CBR products are winning championships and seeing podium finishes. www.cbr-performance.com
NEW RIDES
Polaris Steps Up The Game With New RZR Pro R
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nother Polaris RZR is joining the extensive sideby-side line-up. The RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R was just released by Polaris. The Turbo R model replaces the much-loved Turbo S. The new machines are the most capable in the Polaris line-up. Here is what is new: First, Polaris upped the power on the new model. The Pro R features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter
four-cylinder Pro Star Fury engine churning out 225 horsepower. The side-by-side can travel at speeds of up to 90 miles-per-hour. The Turbo R has a turbocharged liquid cooled twin cylinder fuel injected engine delivering 181 horsepower. The chassis has been strengthened with an even beefier roll-cage. The cage is now
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one piece fully welded with 2-inch tubing. The a-arms have been strengthened even more. Pro R and Turbo R have a stance of 74 inches. The Dynamix DV system utilizes input from the vehicle and terrain its traveling on to continuously optimize rebound and compression damping. Polaris stepped up the game with user
POLARIS RZR PRO R
selectable throttle modes controlled right on the dash. There are four modes that include Sport, Rock and Race. A new dual path clutch cooling system helps belts live a longer life. The belt is larger. A torque limiter helps prevent engine surges. The Pro R and Turbo also have a new rear-gear case and all-new front drive system along with new driveline. “RZR Pro R and Turbo R are dynamic, powerful reminders that innovation, superior performance and quality begin and end with Polaris. We’re committed to continually
leading the way,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road. “The reality is, passionate off-roaders are reinforcing their stock chassis and suspension, often spending thousands of dollars to make their machines stronger. RZR Pro R and Turbo R bring that next-level strength straight off the showroom floor.” All models will be available early 2022. MSRP on the RZR Pro R starts at $31,399. RZR Pro R4 starts at $35,999. Turbo models start at $25,999 for the two-seater and $29,000 for the four-seater.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 15
KIDS KORNER PRESENTED BY: Tristian Hinton | Age: 10 | Midwest Short Course Kart Photos Courtesy: Papperazzi Imaging and Films
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and any obstacles that make you, you: A: My name is Tristian Hinton and I am 10 years old. I currently race in the Champ Off-Road series (COR) in the Mid West. When not racing my Short Course Kart, you will find me racing my snowmobile! I started racing snocross when I was 4. My love of racing quickly expanded to racing go-karts in the summer. I was able to win a couple championships and then wanted to expand my experience & skill. In 2020 I switched gears and began racing the Champ Off-Road series. When I am not racing, I spend a lot of time playing football and racing my radio control truck around my yard. I have a super supportive family who helps me live out all my racing dreams as is documented on my Hinton Motorsports YouTube channel. Q: What is it about Off-Road that brings you the most joy? A: The challenge & the technical driving at each track. The different type of track layouts, and conditions of each race weekend brings me the most joy! COR is a great racing series in the summer, where you get to spend a lot of time enjoying the races with your “race family” and camping at the track. I love hanging out with my friends and meeting other race fans! Q: What are your favorite tracks and Ultimate goal for 2022? A: My Favorite track would be my hometown track ERX! My first win in my rookie season happened at ERX. This past year was my second year racing Short Course Karts and I took a clean sweep that weekend in front of all my family, friends, and local sponsors! My ultimate goal is to win the 2022 Championship and to move up in the ranks to a Mod Kart and win a championship in that class. Q: What are you going to change tomorrow to make yourself better than today? A: Focus and take advice from others. Be coachable & action my Dad’s spotting advice. I also want to improve by getting more hands on with my race truck and helping more in the pits. How does your school work help you in sports? A: That’s a tough one, I really like lunch and recess :) Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: In five years, I would be 15 years old. Champ Off-Road might have a change in classes… If the rules let me, I would love to be in a Pro Truck banging it out. Ultimately, I will race the biggest truck they will let me! Hinton Shout Outs: Thank you to my family, friends, and race fans for all your support. A special shout out to my sponsors for partnering with me: Wayne Swart State Farm, Beaudry Oil & Propane, Northern Chill, Wicked Audio, ESG, Snap Fitness Elk River, Speedwerx, Right Choice Construction, OGIO, SPY, Slick Products, & FXR Racing. 16 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
QUALITY. SAFETY. TEAMWORK. INTEGRITY. COMMITMENT. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE SINCE 1991
CAPTURED
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Inverted: Normally airline pilot Dallas Nord would be flying through the air right side up. Looks like he flew inverted in his Weller Racing UTV at Great American Shortcourse. Photo: Shaun Ochsner
COVER STORY
SUPER TEAM UNLEASHES THE McMac ATTACK
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COVER STORY
Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Shaun Ochsner, La-Chelle Halliday, Honda, Christopher Polvoorde
I
n the premiere SCORE Trophy Truck division, the story was about the super team. Seasoned drivers teaming up to share driving duties to conquer one of the most grueling peninsula runs down through Baja’s majestic terrain. Bryce Menzies and Andy McMillin teamed up to share driving duties in Bryce’s four-wheel drive #7 Red Bull backed Trophy Truck. The duo teamed up in 2020 and finished in third place after Bryce made a mistake, putting the Trophy Truck into a ditch. Both super teams had four-wheel drive trucks which continues to help fuel the debate over four-wheel vs twowheel drive. Bryce Menzies win at the Baja 400 allowed him to start out front for the 1000. Menzies spent several weeks pre-running, learning every part of his section of the course. Menzies and his co-driver spent hours in the hotel at nights marking dangers and translating their notes into a format for their GPS. Andy McMillin would take over driving duties around race mile 700. Menzies brought him the truck in the lead. Behind them, Andy’s cousin, Luke McMillin was keeping pace.
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Andy got in the truck and took off from the pit with every effort and intention to bring home a win. Unfortunately, the motor let go shortly after, ending the super team’s near perfect peninsula run. The McMillin/MacCachren super team moved into position out front and never looked back. 20 hours, 45
minutes and 59 seconds later, the team crossed the finish line in La Paz for the overall win. Luke McMillin got his first Baja 1000 Trophy Truck win in 2020. In a strange turn of events, the super team’s first place finish helped Rob MacCachren clinch the SCORE Trophy Truck Championship.
SCORE BAJA 1000
“The race was incredible. It’s an honor to be asked by Luke McMillin and the McMillin Race team to drive with them.” -Rob MacCachren
Luke, the SCORE Trophy Truck defending champion, was disqualified at the Baja 500 for running through a spectator’s camp, essentially taking him out of contention for the win. The team decided to run Rob MacCachren’s #11 and put him down as driver of record. The plan worked, earning Rob the victory.
Other super teams finishing on the podium included Tavo Vildolsola and Motocross Hall of Famer Ricky Johnson. Behind them, the super team of Cameron Steele, Ryan Arciero and Rhys Millen. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 23
COVER STORY
There is one guy who may not have won this particular race but came in with a victory and set a milestone all on his own. Sixty-four-year-old Larry Roeseler decided to remain in the driver seat the entire race, only changing navigators along the way. Roeseler is the oldest person to attempt racing the Baja 1000 solo. Roeseler has fourteen overall race wins. Ten of those were on a motorcycle. Showing that this industry is about competitive spirit as well as helping your fellow racer in a time of need, Robby Gordon towed Roeseler to the finish for the final 90 miles of the race after blowing a transmission. Roeseler finished proposed to his girlfriend, his very first Baja race in 1972 Mariel Villegas in front of on a motorcycle. thousands of race fans. Of Starting hours earlier were course, she said yes. This the motorcycles. In normal was Prieto’s first ever Baja winning fashion, Mark race win as well. He calls Samuels Slam Life 1x Honda it a “double win” CRF450 team of Justin Morgan, Kendall Norman Elijah Kiger took his first and Brandon Prieto took the ever class and Baja win victory in the premiere twoin the highly competitive wheeled division. It took them Trophy Spec class beating just over 23 hours to get to out 28 other trucks. Kiger the LaPaz finish line. SLR has scored its fourth consecutive Baja 1000 win. Honda has 31 overall wins in Baja. As the team was celebrating the wellearned victory on the podium, Mexican-born Brandon Prieto got down on one knee and 24 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
comes from Pennsylvania. The team finished the race with an impressive 7th overall. Kiger has been campaigning the Coastal Spec Truck in SCORE all season. For him, a Baja win made the effort a success. Meantime, Christopher Polvoorde also made a run-in the spec class. Polvoorde had his work cut out for him as a “first-timer” in the class. Polvoorde did exactly what he set out to do¬– finish the most iconic, grueling race in the world. Polvoorde made it to La Paz in 27 hours, 11 minutes and 58 seconds¬ earning an 8th place finish, well under the 50-hour time limit. It has been a longtime dream of his to finish the SCORE Baja 1000.
SCORE BAJA 1000
Chad Broughton, fiancé to Pistol Pete’s daughter, Paige Sohren, campaigned a three-seat trophy truck Just like the days when Pistol ran in the Trophy Truck division, the famous threeseater had Pistol driving in the middle seat with conavigators on each side. Broughton ran the same #2 logo with Pete’s brother Chad Sohren’s 2-brand apparel company on the door. The apparel company was started as tribute and way to keep the memory of Pistol of alive. The three-seat Trophy truck was one of only two Geiser trucks built. While not Pistol’s original Baja Trophy Truck, Broughton ran the sister truck owned by Pistol’s close friend
zone violations, which was Jason McNeil. Broughton the case for the Parkhouse racing with Paul Broughton, team. Eric Clay, Billy Wilson and Byron Seed, crossed the finish line in 11th place making it to La Paz in 26 hours 13 minutes and 45 seconds. In Class 1, Cody Parkhouse finished physically first. After post-race penalty reviews, the win was awarded Brad Wilson. Brad shared driving duties with his father Rony and Kyle Quinn. The entire Class 1 field that finished received penalties from SCORE. Most were for missing VCP’s and speed DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 25
OVER THE AIRWAVES
radio highlights from the pci weatherman at the baja 1000 Brought to you by:
WMX: the bikes are updating, [bike numbers] don’t take my word on the order, they just updated that way, they always have
Thank you to my counter part, Weather Mex for taking the short stick this morning and getting the bikes off the line
I’m fresh, I’m good, I’m ready!
Whoever was asking why the feed is silent, is because there is no radio traffic, because the race just started, and the chaos hasn’t started yet. So enjoy the silence!
161X - his handlebar tracker is not working. Shake it, jiggle it, do something.
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We just got a hold of the washing machine company and they’re off our channel today, thats good news, thanks Roger!
Anyone in Ojos, you’re going to start hearing some noise in a minute. Looks like the trophy trucks are hitting the blue gate. First stuck mic of the day. Pull me out of your cup holders, don’t sit on me and pull me out of your backside if thats you OK guys, I’m going rogue, I’m heading over to BFG. Anyone requesting updates on 1x and 5x, looks like there’s a good race going on between the two of them up there.
OVER THE AIRWAVES
[referencing class 11] Go Herbie Go! Might have been another number. There’s so many numbers in my head.
This is a general broadcast, tell your drivers per Menzies there is a booby trap when you get off the highway at 309. It’s bad.
It’s Baja, there’s always access
284 has rolled at mile marker 214, everyone is okay
It’s a beautiful day in Baja. I’m looking at the sunset right now and for those of you stuck at home, that sucks!
Getting tired... numbers are starting to run together
If you fall behind and the road crossings are gone you’re on your own then but I’ll be here. I’ll be cheering you on! Right now we’re gnawing on pistachios and trying to figure out who’s going to sleep next.
Good luck. Stay safe. Be smart.
This is an update from Weatherman, Weather Mex is sleeping so if you could poquito Espanol and say the race numbers in English that would be muchas gracias!
Someone needs to find Cookie in the Blue Tacoma. He’s probably sleeping. [Hours later] Hey Cookie, we were trying to find you last night, were you sleeping? They needed a trans-axle. Did you meet up with them?
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 27
FEATURE
TRES GENERACIONES
Bailey Family Conquers the Baja 1000 Together
Story by: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Shaun Ochsner, Stronghold Motorsports
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O
ff Road racing has long been a family sport. Watching your dad race while growing up is normal. Most kids dream of one day racing with their dad. The lucky ones actually get to live out that dream. For Brandon and Madix Bailey, they had an opportunity of a lifetime. You see, it all started with Scott Bailey fifteen years ago. Scott is Brandon’s father. Scott quickly got Brandon involved in racing. Brandon campaigned a Superlite Truck in the now defunct Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. At five years old, Brandon’s son, Madix began to race. He soon found himself coming through the ranks in the Trophy Kart Class at Lucas Oil Off Road. The three also went desert racing. Madix has watched both his dad and grandpa race. This year, Madix started his rookie year in the Trophy Truck class.
FEATURE
This year was extra special for the Baileys. They campaigned a single Trophy Truck to race in the most notable, iconic, grandfather of all off-road races on the planet¬¬– the SCORE Baja 1000. Three generations of racers with one thing in mind. Finish the Baja 1000 as a family. The Baileys are the first family to accomplish a Baja peninsula run with three generations of racers in the premiere class of desert racing. It has been done in other classes, but never a Trophy Truck. Madix says he is grateful to have the opportunity to accomplish this race with both his dad and grandpa. The Baja 1000 is one of the biggest races he has ever participated in. Madix got some seat time about a
year and a half ago in Baja. This time around its game time. The Bailey’s have been planning this race for some time. To have all three of them compete together definitely is extra special. The Baileys have surrounded themselves with great help and focused team manager to make their Baja effort successful. Splitting up the driving duties for 1200 plus miles course meant the Baileys had their work cut out for them.
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As the sun rose over the Baja peninsula, Trophy Trucks began to make their way to the start line in Ensenada. Among the roar of the unlimited horsepower machines, Madix would start the journey to La Paz. Eleventh off the line, the green flag dropped, and Madix shot out into the Baja desert, making family history. Their support team had pits set up all the way down the peninsula, all wearing custom made shirts that read “Tres Generaciones”
TRES GENERACIONES
mile 435, near Cocos Corner. As Madix arrived in the darkness of Baja, the pit crew went to Madix was having a work, bleeding the solid run for the first 150 brakes and quickly miles. In Baja things can coming up with a go sideways really quick, fix. Brakes working, sometimes ending your race Brandon jumped in just as fast as it gets started. the truck and took Madix and co-driver Joe off into the night. A began experiencing brake few miles later, the issues, followed by a right brakes failed again. front flat. With a fresh tire Brandon pushed from the rear rack of the on just as his son truck, Madix did all he Madix did, sans could to make it to his dad brakes. Around race several hundred miles down mile 733, Brandon the peninsula sans brakes. hit a corner a little Brandon was waiting for too hot. At this point the truck to arrive at race he wished he could
use his brakes to control his speed but there was nothing there. Brandon found himself stuck on the side of course for three and half hours. In Baja, you don’t quit. You find a way to continue moving forward. The Baileys share that same mentality. That’s what helps drive their success. Overcoming adversity, Brandon got out of his predicament and got the truck to
his dad who was waiting near Loreto. The pit crew once again got to work on the brakes, this time figuring out issue. Scott Bailey drove the truck the last 400 miles to La Paz for teams three generation finish. Madix, Brandon and Scott accomplished exactly what they set out to do, become the first Trophy Truck team to finish with three generations of family racers.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 31
BAJA 1000
The Glickenhaus Team Finishes Another Baja 1000 in the Boot. Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Shai Harary
T
hey started two years ago, racing against Ford’s factory Bronco. The first year, the Bronco failed to finish the Baja 1000. Both years, the SCG Baja Boot has finished the race. That first year, they drove the Boot straight from their factory in Danbury, Connecticut and went straight into the race. Without a challenge from the Ford Bronco this year, the Boot was modified and entered in Class 1. There would be significantly more mileage to complete. Much more grueling desert terrain and a steeper learning curve.
The engineering team along with First Mode would also be in Baja to help test out the new hydrogen fuel cell. Glickenhaus is preparing to be the first team to successfully finish the Baja 1000 with a 32 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
zero-emission vehicle. They will tackle that challenge next year and they have started development early with this year’s SCORE Baja 1000. The reason for Hydrogen is that it has a greater density
than batteries, equaling more usable energy per liter. The Boot will be fueled by cryogenic liquid hydrogen, vaporized on-board providing power.
THE BOOT
Driving the Boot in this year’s race was Darren Skilton, Viry Felix and Roman Dumas from France. The drivers of the Boot pushed on for the 1,200 plus mile journey to La Paz. During the race, they replaced two broken axles. One of the things they learned for next year is the need to beef up the CV joints. They are also expecting the Hydrogen Fuel Cell to make the vehicle heavier as well. It will be a road prototype, so the team will need to save weight where they can. In addition to the race boot, they brought a road version, which yes, was driven 4,000 miles from the factory all throughout Baja and back home. The team continued on to battle fog and Baja’s famous silt. The 4x4 components on the Boot had no problem navigating the terrain. The Boot finished in 7th place.
The Glickenhaus team still has an open invite to Elon Musk to compete against them at the SCORE Baja 1000. Boot vs. Cybertruck. Musk has yet to respond to their challenge. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 33
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
y a d i l o H GIFT GUIDE For the off-roader in all of us! In Need of Extra Storage Space While Off-Roading? OFFROAD IN MIND Product: Recovery Gear Box (RGB) Site: www.offroadinmind.com
• While it’s not water proof, it is water resistant. Any rain or power wash just slides down on the outside
Features: • Extra storage for your gear or recovery gear • Tool-less installation • 1850+ cubic inches (over 8 gallons) of space • Secured to spare tire • It’s lockable - use any standard hitch lock of your choosing (when on the trail, use a cotter pin to keep it closed) • Gear is secured inside by “Velcro”® • Secure snatch strap or kinetic rope inside • Strap/rope can be connected to recovery point even when lid is closed & locked • Gear is where you need it • Rear camera? No problem! We made a large hole that it sticks through and a camera relocation kit with a 3rd brake light, license plate, and license plate lights - sold separately. • Universal fit: any sized tire, any rim backspacing, any rim with “spokes”
Included items: 1 Recovery Gear Box, 2 ratchet straps, and enough Velcro® to store all of your gear, 1 standard hitch lock Capacity: 1850+ cubic inches or over 8 gallons of space Dimensions: 24” diameter x 7” height ---------Recovery gear not included--------
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FOR THE OFF-ROADER IN ALL OF US
SITE: score-internationalgear.com/ collections/accessories-1/products/books
BAJA 50TH ARY ANN I VE RS BOOK SET !
Racing into History - New books commemorating the SCORE Baja 1000 & 500 50th Anniversary. • Pictorial Celebrations of Both Races • Capturing the Historic 50th Anniversary race weeks from set-up to the finish line. • Massive 416 & 432 page Commemorative Hardbound Books listing all entrants and finishers. • Race History highlights as told by many of the SCORE Legends. • Historic Vehicle Overview. SITE: www.cbr-performance.com/jeeps/ CBR now specializes in cooling your Jeep. We all know a stock Jeeps Cooling system will often struggle when pushed to its limits off-road and that’s why we now offer a variety of cooling options. Whether you are Dropping in a Hemi, LS or just running it stock, CBR will have an option to keep you running cool out on the trail. Jeep Radiator’s feature CBR’s new Extreme Performance Extruded Tube Cores which offer top of the line performance while improving reliability. High Performance Standard Replacement JK Radiator 2007-2017 JK Jeep Radiator With 19” Spal Brushless Fan 52mm Extreme Extruded Tube Core DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 35
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Trailer Valet Blackout 8,000 lbs / 10,000 lbs Capacity Adjustable Drop Hitch
SITE: trailervalet.com/shop/blackout-series-10000-lbs-drop-hitch/ The Trailer Valet Adjustable Blackout Drop Hitch has a weight capacity of 8,000/10,000 lbs and the high grade aluminum material is topped with Trailer Valet’s Signature Wrinkle Black Powder Coating (700-hour corrosion resistance rating) for strength and durability while towing. The model pictured includes both a 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch ball and a 0-6 inch drop. Key Features: • Signature wrinkle black powder coating with 700 hrs of corrosion resistance • Black on black color for a sleek, cohesive look • Heavy duty quality built for heavier loads • Comes in four drop sizes: 0-4 inch, 0-6 inch, 0-8 inch, and 0-10 inch
SITE: https://usactiontrax.com/ US made ActionTrax are the premier vehicle selfrecovery board for sand, snow, mud, and rock. ActionTrax have no temperature, terrain, or weight restrictions and are guaranteed against breakage. Sold in pairs Standard polymer teeth ActionTrax $274 Metal tooth ActionTrax $349 Orange metal tooth ActionTrax now on sale for $299 until Christmas 36 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
FOR THE OFF-ROADER IN ALL OF US
SITE: lucasoil.com/products/appearance/slick-mist-ceramic-speed-wax Slick Mist Ceramic Speed Wax is a Professional Paint Sealant and Durable Protectant anyone can use. May also be used on gel coat, glass and chromed surfaces. Overspray will not harm rubber and plastic trim. Also works great on aluminum surfaces, vinyl wraps, PPF, matte finishes and ceramic coated surfaces. We recommend use every one to two months. 100% compatible with Lucas Slick Mist Speed Wax. A Professional Si02 Hybrid Ceramic Paint Sealant KEY BENEFITS • Super glossy appearance, beading and protection • Long lasting, instant results • UV resistant • Easy to use • Completely cures in hours • Overspray will not harm rubber and plastic trim • Safe on PPF, vinyl wraps, matte finishes, ceramic coated surfaces, gel coat, glass and chromed surfaces • Compatible with Lucas Slick Mist® Speed Wax DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 37
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Youth Tech Full Zip Hoodie - They’ll be ready to take on the
cold, breezy months in comfy zip-up kids sweatshirt. The kids Polaris sweatshirt is made with spandex for flexible movement for those that like to stay active and the fleece-lined hoodie is cozy on and off the trail. SITE: https://atv.polaris.com/en-us/shop/apparel/youth/ hoodies/youth-tech-full-zip-hoodie/?pfm=Browse 509 Youth Tactical 2.0 Helmet – COMING JAN. 2022The helmet features a Venturi Vent System to pull moist air from the breath box. Maintain your clear field of view with the integrated eyeport seal to create a draft-free seal when paired with 509 Goggles. The helmet also features Magnetic Fidlock chin-strap technology to enable faster securing and removing of the helmet. Venturi Vent system generates negative pressure at velocity and pulls moist air from the breath box Integrated Eyeport Seal is co integrated with the breath box and creates a draft-free seal with 509 goggles for unparalleled warmth and clear field of view. DOT-and ECE 22.06-approved SITE: https://atv.polaris.com/en-us/shop/apparel/youth/ riding-gear/509-youth-tactical-2-0-helmet/?pfm=Browse “WHISKEY THROTTLE” - BOURBON BARREL AGED COFFEE MEDIUM ROAST “APEX” - COLOMBIA DARK ROAST “RACE DAY” - SUMATRA DARK ROAST
“CORKSCREW BLEND” - MEDIUM ROAST “GRAND PRIX” - PAPUA NEW GUINEA MEDIUM ROAST
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SITE: racercoffeecompany.com/collections/coffee Racer Coffee Company is a Veteran and Prior LEO owned LLC. We have drank our fair share of coffee and know what a great cup of joe tastes like. We have partnered with TKC Roasters to bring to our customers the finest beans, hand chosen from around the world. Our coffee beans are roasted in small batches to ensure quality and the best taste. Whether at a track and field meet, off road race, cycling, motocross, karting, oval track, or simply trying to beat the person next to you to the open register at the grocery store, bring Racer Coffee with you.
CAPTURED Lucky Gambler: Brendan Gaughn rips through the Baja silt in his South Point Casino Class 1 at the SCORE Baja 1000. Photo: Shaun Ochsner
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 39
BUILDS
SEMA BLING
T
he SEMA show is just as much about showcasing the latest products as it is building flashy project vehicles. Vehicles that not only standout to attendees, but vehicles that showcase how a company or multiple companies’ products can be used and installed. Most go all out with builds. Here are some of the cool ones we found at this year’s SEMA show. It seemed like just about elite 2.5 coil overs, along with everyone had a Ford RTR Tech 6 forged bead-lock Bronco in their booth. In some wheels and 37-inch off-road cases, multiple Broncos. Ford tires. contracted companies to help build four Broncos. Vaughn BDS Suspension’s build is Gittin Jr created a Bronco RTR based on a 2021 two-door Black dealer package concept based on his popular Fun-Runner off- Diamond series Bronco. The theme of the Bronco resembles road vehicles. The Fun-Runner an off-road first responder Bronco features an Ultimate vehicle. BDS added their 4-inch Dana 44 FDU front axle and UCA system with FOX 2.5 PES performance intake system. coil overs, BDS rear adjustable The Bronco was customized with Gittin’s custom long travel control arms and track bar/sway bar disconnect. The Bronco suspension, Fox Performance
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also has CrawlTek Revolution bumpers with a recessed winch mount and recovery hooks. Finally, a modified half truck hardtop and CrawlTek slider steps complete the build. Tucci Hot Rods built a quad-track snow adventure vehicle based on the 2021 four-door Badlands Bronco. The vehicle sits on 88-Series quad tracks perfect for sand and snow. The vehicle has a Ford accessories swing gate
storage, flat snowboard rack and Yakima LockNLoad roof rack system. A Rigid light package WARN Zeon winch and retractable running boards were also added to the Bronco. Southern California based LGECTS motorsports customized a four-door Outer Banks Bronco with their Baja Forged bumpers in the front and rear. They added an ICON Vehicle Dynamics 3.0
suspension lift. Ford Performance parts off-road rock lights and a Ford Licensed Accessories tailgate folding table was added to the build. A JBL soundbar, premium interior organizer and under-floor safe was added to the interior. LGECTS also customized a Bronco Sport Badlands. The vehicle has tons of upgrades from Ford Performance parts that include a 2-inch
suspension lift, rock sliders, off-road rock lights and fender flares. LGE-CTS wanted this Bronco to be capable on any trail adventure. A BORLA cat-back performance exhaust system
SEMA BLING
enhance the exhaust note of the vehicle. An ICON and Hellwig suspension products were added to the build. Finally, a WARN VR EVO winch with Factor 55 hook help complete the build. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 41
BUILDS
D E Z I R custom tailgate reinforcement A P MO
Over at Mopar, they didn’t want to be outdone either. They took the latest Wrangler and RAM models and went all out with their product offerings. The Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept stretches a four-door Wrangler Sahara into a three-row off-roader. Jeep extended the Sahara and additional 12-inches to hold the extra seats. The vehicle also has a 2-inch lift kit with Black Rhino York wheels. A
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system and oversized spare tire carrier modification kit enables a larger spare tire to be mounted.
The RAM TRX RexRuner concept starts out with a 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine churning out 702 horsepower and 650-lb ft of torque. The TRX RexRunner concept is painted in Ash Gray with blue accents. It has 14-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights that generate an exceptionally
bright 4,300 lumens. Perfect for off-road driving. The Mopar bed extender flips inward for transporting tools and equipment. The Kaiser M725 Concept Jeep is built around a 1967 military ambulance with a ton of customization. One thing of note on the vehicle, Jeep put a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI V-8 under the hood for maximum power.
SEMA BLING
TACO-ZILLLA CAMPING TO THE EXTREME
If Overlanding and Camping is your thing, Toyota built the vehicle for you. The “TacoZilla” is a Toyota TRD Sport Pick-Up truck with an integrated camper. The truck was custom built by Marty Schwerter and the Toyota Motorsports Garage team.
The paint job brings back the old-school vintage yellow, orange and bronze lines. Fender flares and General Tire Grabbers were also added to the truck. In all, 2-inches of wheel clearance was added to the truck making it functional for overlanding.
The camper cab has rounded edges that blend in with the truck. A large pop-up Lexan skylight provides ambient light and natural air circulation into the camper. The interior is fully insulated with full bathroom and hot water shower. There is a functioning stove and sink along with 3D printed table that can be converted to wall art or ample sleeping space. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 43
BUILDS
CHEVY BEAST The Chevy Beast concept is based around a modified Silverado chassis. The “Beast” takes the capability of Chevrolet Performance to the next level.
Designers and Engineers at Chevrolet started with a short-bed Silverado and heavily modified it. The frame was shortened even more and a 4130 chromoly tube frame structure was added for safety. Engineers built a long travel five link rear suspension for the Beast. The chassis was also widened for stable handling and
driver control in off-road driving situations. The Beast has a Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine with a supercharged V8 rated for 65 horsepower. Thirty-seven-inch tires are mounted to 20-inch beadlock wheels. The Beast also got a big brake kit upgrade from Chevrolet Performance. Inside there are a pair of 7-inch diagonal screens that monitor vehicle functions and performance. The Beast has Baja Designs LED lights, a couple of spare tires in the bed and a custom front grille. 44 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
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DESERT RACING
CHAMPIONSHIPS Decided at Cal City
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BEST IN THE DESERT CAL CITY Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner
B
est in the Desert held its season finale for the first time ever at Cal City. The race based out of the Peralta Ranch had to be moved from the Bluewater Casino in Parker, Arizona after a decision by the Colorado River Indian Tribe (CRIT). CRIT cited rising COVID cases had the possibility of wiping out their small tribe.
The fresh venue for Best in the Desert featured 28-miles of race course. The format was two-days and most classes completed a total of three total laps each day. In addition to racing for the season championship, big money was on the line as it was the third round of the Maxxis Triple Crown. First place in the Unlimited Car and truck classes would win $50,000.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 47
DESERT RACING
In the Trick Truck class, there was a smaller field, but that didn’t stop the championship contenders from showing up. There was plenty of drama that developed in the class. Kyle Jergensen had the overall combined time for the weekend allowing him to lock up the championship. However, his celebration would be delayed while Best in the Desert mulled on penalties for Jergensen. Rule #19 requires racers to remount their spare wheels after a tire change in the desert or face a penalty. Jergensen followed the rule, however a strap broke, causing the wheel to come off the truck. After several days, Best in the Desert reviewed evidence and decided not to penalize Jergensen on the premise that the wheel was not intentionally left in the desert. Jergensen beat out the Concrete
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BEST IN THE DESERT CAL CITY
Motorsports Team of Kevin Thompson and Harley Letner who are the defending champions.
championship. Dustin Grabowski beat Sterling Miller and Ray Griffith in the 6100 class. Their final combined times were all Single Seat King Sam Berri within three seconds of cruised to an easy Class each other. Grabowski had 1500 finish at Cal City. His plenty of points to clinch overall win combined with the championship. victories at Laughlin earned Peter Hajas was awarded him the season points
the overall win in Class 10. He bested Wheeler Morgan. Bret Jeffers finished fifth overall but locked up the season championship. Jim Beaver claimed a win in the UTV Unlimited class and Cameron Meister led UTV Turbo. Ryan Piplic went home with the UTV Turbo Championship. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 49
SHORT COURSE
GAS Completes Inaugural Season With Glen Helen Finale Story and Photos: Shaun Ochsner
T
he Great American Shortcourse Series held its final race of the season at Glen Helen. The series completed eight rounds across four weekends. GAS started this year off after last year’s shutdown of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. GAS fills the void for short course on the west coast. Seven points separated Christopher Polvoorde and Madix Bailey in the Pro-Lite class. In Round 7, Polvoorde took the win and Bailey held on for second. Bailey wasn’t so lucky in Round 8. He started on front in the pole position and for the next three laps held off Polvoorde. Thats when disaster struck. Bailey rolled in a turn causing officials to throw a full course caution. He was able to return to the race on the lead lap running near the back of the pack but that would be short-lived. Bailey would be forced to
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pull off the track and end his run after making contact with other trucks. The Pro Buggy class saw drama right to the end. Trevor Briska and Trey Gibbs have been fighting for the championship all season. It would come down the final turn in round 8. Gibbs was ahead of Briska, but Briska was quickly gaining ground. Both came off the jump before the final turn sideby-side. Briska got crossed up with Gibbs landing on top of him. Gibbs was unable to move and Briska
GAS GLEN HELEN FINALE
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 51
SHORT COURSE
continued on to finish the race. Officials awarded Briska the win at the podium, but later penalized him for rough driving and awarded the championship to Gibbs. One of the most competitive husband and wife teams in short course are the Wellers. They live together, race together and work together.
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When they hit the track, all bets are off. Both took on the SR1 UTV class in a pair of Can Ams. Jokingly, if Corry loses to Jason, it is she who has to make the sandwiches. Jason never hears the end of it if he is on the losing end of the race. Both remained competitive to the end with Jason locking up the championship and his wife Corry taking second.
GAS GLEN HELEN FINALE
In the Pro-2 class, Dave Mason Jr stayed consistently at the top of the podium all season. Ricky Gutierrez took the win in Round 7. Mason was back in first place during Round 8. Mason had already secured the championship long before he set foot at Glen Helen. This year was Mason’s first full season running the Pro-2.
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MOTO
d e n w o r C t l o B y o l r l i u B d n E n d o r i p Ha m a h C d l r o W FIM Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Husqvarna
I
t was a hard-fought battle this season. Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Billy Bolt has the hardware to show for all of his efforts. Bolt has been crowned the FIM Hard Enduro World Champion. Bolt endured eight races this season to secure his victory. The FIM Hard Enduro Series is in its first year and Bolt will be added to the history books.
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Bolt got a second-place finish at the GetzenRodeo race in Drebach, Germany. Bolt came into the final round with a three-point advantage. The win at GetzenRodeo went to hometown hero and rival Manuel Lettenbichler. Bolt put a good fight only coming in three-tenths of a second behind Lettenbichler. Both
secured the same amount of final points in the season. Bolt has won three races during the season. He stayed consistent with several second-place finishes. The 24-year old’s worst race was a fourth-place finish at the Red Bull Romaniacs event. Bolt put his head down, stayed focused and went to work.
BILLY BOLT HARD ENDURO FIM WORLD CHAMPION
“World Champions! What an amazing feeling it is. It’s going to take a while to process this one. I can’t believe I’m the FIM Hard Enduro World Champion” -Billy Bolt
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 55
BRONCOMANIA
From the Dealership to Baja
Ford’s First Ever Limited-Edition Production Desert Race Bronco Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
F
ord Motor Company is back at it with another off-the-line production race vehicle built on the Bronco platform. Earlier this year, the company announced it would build a limited run of 4600 class race Broncos ready to race the Every Man Challenge at the King of the Hammers. Now you can drive a Baja ready race Bronco right from your local dealership. The Bronco Desert Racer comes fully built with everything you need to compete in the Baja 1000. Larry Minor and Rod Hall won the 1969 Baja 1000 in a stock Bronco. For starters, the Bronco DR comes with a fully built, SCORE legal safety cage. The tubes encase the two-passenger cockpit. The Bronco team started with a production
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model and used CAD designs and virtual tools to build the vehicle into a fully functional race vehicle. The original frame of the vehicle remains intact and is covered on the outside by resin transfer molded fiberglass body panels. All of the glass has been removed to save weight. The Bronco DR comes with a thirdgeneration Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8 powerplant that generates more than 400 horsepower. A 10R80 transmission is mated to the engine. The transmission has an electric shift on the fly transfer case commonly found in the F-150. Torque is transmitted via independent electronically locking front and rear differential. Large airintakes on the upper sides and third located
FORD BRONCO DESERT RACER
“Bronco DR exists to give hardcore off-road enthusiasts a Built Wild, turnkey 4x4 to compete in desert racing events, including the unforgiving Baja 1000.” -Mark Rushbrook Ford Performance Motorsports Global Director on the roof provide cooling for the rear mounted radiator. The 65-gallon fuel cell has been installed in the cargo area. Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV Dampers help to control the suspension on the Bronco Desert Racer. The dampers have bodies with finned fluid cooling channels. The Bronco will also come with Multimatic-designed billet aluminum lower control arms. To help complete the capability of the Bronco DR, it will come with Baja winning 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain all season tires on beadlock wheels. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 57
BRONCOMANIA
The Bronco Desert Racer weighs in at 6200 pounds. 50 units will be available in late 2022 with a starting sale price of approximately $200,000.
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MOTO
Tallon LaFountaine Wraps Up WORCS Championship Story:Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Honda
S
wasn’t 100 percent coming into the opener at Havasu, which is a really brutal, physical track, especially if you’re under the weather. I struggled in the beginning, and also at round 2 in Arizona, in a technical section. After that race, I realized I really needed to focus on the LaFountaine competed aboard technical stuff. My speed is a CRF250RX throughout fine when the courses are more open like motocross, but 10-races, notching a pair of I needed to wins and two-second place finishes. LR Honda team rider Tallon LaFountaine hit a career high-point this season. Not only did he clinch the 2021 AMA NGPC Pro II title, but then LaFountaine went to Primm for the final WORCS race of the season and locked up the championship.
“It was an up-and-down season,” LaFountaine said. “I
make improvements in the off-road stuff. I was stoked at
this last round, because they had a pretty good technical Pro section, and I was one of the only ones to hit it clean every lap.” SLR team owner Mark Samuels says LaFountaine will move up the 450 class in 2022. LaFountaine is looking forward to the extra power from the bigger bike.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 59
TRUCKS
Toyota’s Ultimate Desert Chase Tundra
Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos:Courtesy of Toyota
C
hase vehicles need to be functional, nimble, capable and ready to take on any terrain. Perhaps The Toyota TRD Tundra is one of the most overlooked vehicles in the fleet. It may not have giant bins for tool storage, but you can bet it can get to remote locations faster than a traditional chase truck. This is exactly what Toyota had in mind when it built the ultimate chase support vehicle. Toyota came up with the Desert Chase Tundra concept and looked to Marty Schwerter at the Toyota Motorsports Garage to make it a reality. Toyota wanted to showcase it’s “born from invincible heritage.”
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The Desert Chase Tundra build began with a 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. The truck has Toyota’s new capable powerplant with the i-FORCE Max twin turbo charged 3.5-liter V6 engine. It’s paired with an electric motor system that features a 10-speed automatic transmission. The package produces 437 horsepower. A long travel suspension using the Tundra’s stock mounting points was designed. The team also added a wide-body kit custom designed at TRD’s North Carolina composite shop. Method Race wheels with 37-inch General Tire Grabber X3 allterrain tires help the Tundra through the rough terrain. For night missions, the TRD Desert Chase
DESERT CHASE TUNDRA
Tundra has rear and side-facing Rigid Lights. A Rigid Light bar up front can also accommodate eight lights. The team took things a step further, allowing the chase driver to electronically raise and lower the light bar below the roof line to eliminate wind noise and improve aerodynamics.
Essential items were also installed on-board the Tundra including a custom roll bar, jack, 15-lb CO2 bottle, and extra fuel and water containers, spare tires and ARB Tred Pro Recovery Board.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 61
TECH
pump the brakes: essential end of the year maintenance Story and Photos: Dave Arnold
The year is coming to an end. You have been playing in the desert, chasing race vehicles, hauling your toys and race vehicles. The hard work your vehicle has been putting on wears on your brakes and that dirty air filter you have probably neglected to change. Two of the most over looked and important to your vehicle safety. A dirty air filter will affect power, mileage and can ruin your engine. Bad brakes are always a safety concern. You don’t want to wait till they go metal to metal or completely fail! The end result can be expensive and dangerous and possibly catastrophic. 62 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
So, what a better time to do my own brakes and clean my air filter!
I am doing the maintenance on my 2015 Ram 1500 two-wheel drive. Some models may differ but basically the same premise. There are several type of brake pads out there including metallic, metallic silver and ceramic. I chose to go with the ceramic. I would check which recommendations are for your vehicle and always go with a better pad. This is something you don’t want to cheap out on.
ESSENTIAL END OF THE YEAR MAINTENANCE
First thing you wanna do get the vehicle on a flat surface if possible and make sure to chalk the rear wheels and set the emergency brake. Loosen up the lug nuts while the tires are still touching the ground. If you jack up the vehicle in the air, especially if you are doing the job by hand and do not have an impact wrench, the tire will just spin and you will accomplish nothing. Do the order according to the tools you are using. Once you have the proper floor jack, find the correct spot to jack up the vehicle. If you have them, I highly suggest using jack stands to secure the vehicle. Never trust your jack to be your only source holding the vehicle up, safety first! Once the vehicle is safely at the height needed, its time to remove the front tire. Some people will take both sides off at the same time, I choose to do one at a time. A good recommendation is to remove your brake reservoir cap, so when the level of the fluid rises there won’t be any back pressure. Remove the brake caliper. On the back of the caliper there are two bolts that will allow you to remove the caliper from its frame. In my case there were two 13 mm bolts. The brake caliper may be a little stubborn to pull off. To make things easier you can use a C clamp, or my case a small bar clamp to place on the caliper and the pad to depress the pistons so they will release easier. I should note that my rotors
were in perfect condition. They were brand new last time and I chose not to get the rotors turned. If there are any grooves on the rotors you might want to take it to a machine shop and have them turned to spec. If they’re too far gone, I highly suggest getting new rotors. That may cost a little bit more money, but when it comes to safety there should be DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 63
TECH
there should be no price on that.
Once this is done, reverse the order and take the brake pads out of the box and Now that we have the you’ll see metal spreader calipers off, remove the old springs that go on the tip brake pads. They should of the wings of the brake slide right out. Make sure pad that will insert into the you spray all of the surfaces caliper. I suggest using them with a good brake cleaner. as they add a little bounce This will clean the caliper back of the brakes so they and rotor. I prefer the Lucas won’t drag and squeal. Not Oil brand brake cleaner. 100% necessary to use. Next you will need to Some kits may not have remove the slider pins where them. the caliper attaches and clean as well as grease the area, so they move freely. They are usually located behind the rubber boot where the bolts attached with the caliper. You will notice that the pistons are out on the caliper, so you’ll need to compress them. A simple way to do this without buying special tools is break out that C clamp or bar clamp. Place the brake Once the brake pads are pad against the pistons and into the slot it’s time to apply the clamp squeezing reattach the caliper to the them back in so you can fit caliper frame. Do the same both the brake pads which procedure on the other side. have more meat on them When finish put the tires now. One of the reasons you back on your vehicle and want to remove the cap from make sure the lug nuts are the brake fluid reservoir hand tight. Once the vehicle is that there will be less is back on the ground you resistance. can torque them in a pattern recommended by your manufacture and torque specs. Since you probably already 64| DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
have the hood up on your truck or vehicle, check out your air filter. In my case it was an aftermarket K&N cold air filter. I purchased the K&N recharge kit which comes with cleaner and oil. Spray the cleaner on the air filter after it is removed from the vehicle and rinse with warm water to get all the nasty dirt and dust out. Shake it out and let it dry. Once dry, apply the special fabric oil that helps collect the dirt dust and grime and keep it out of your engine. Cleaning the air filter greatly your fuel economy and saves your motor! If you are still running the stock air filter, you can go to your local auto parts store or order a new one off the website to replace it. Lastly, if you haven’t changed your engine oil, it may be time to do so.
CHAPPY’S PIT STOP
A CALL OF
LEADERSHIP
Words: Steve Hanson
1 CORINTHIANS 16:13 NIV Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
I
want to end 2021 racing season with a look at biblical examples of leadership. Hopefully, this does not come across like a Tony Robins leadership pep talk but more of a biblical challenge to each of us to step-up and lead like Godly men/women in our circle of influence. Let’s go back to the Old Testament’s first appointed king of Israel, King Saul. If you know anything about Saul, you remember he looked too highly of himself as the king instead of a servant for the King. A follower of Saul was Johnathan and his leadership showed us what it looks like to lead with courage. Johnathan had the bravery to climb the mountain to face their enemy with a “perhaps God will intervene.” His leadership encouraged the Israelites to come out of hiding, defectors rejoined their ranks and enemies ran for their lives. Saul’s replacement was King David. David fell into some of the same traps Saul did, but instead repented and found his way back to God. Fast forward to the church of the New Testament largely lead by the life of Peter and Paul. The two began the adventure of sparking off the beginning of the church as we know it today. Peter was originally named Simon and was known as a rough and reckless fisherman. Fisherman of the time were gruff, unkempt, vile, shabbily dressed, and often used vulgar language. Kind of sounds like many of us offroaders, right? Remember, it was Peter who left the boat to walk on the water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29)— and promptly took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink (verse 30). It was Peter who took Jesus aside to rebuke Him for speaking of His death (Matthew 16:22)—and was swiftly corrected by the Lord (verse 23). It was Peter who suggested erecting three tabernacles to honor Moses, Elijah, and Jesus (Matthew 17:4)—and fell to the ground in fearful silence at God’s glory (verses 5-6). It was Peter who drew his sword and attacked the
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servant of the high priest (John 18:10)—and was immediately told to sheath his weapon (verse 11). It was Peter who boasted that he would never forsake the Lord, even if everyone else did (Matthew 26:33)—and later denied three times that he even knew the Lord (verses 70-74). Through all of Peter’s ups and downs, the Lord Jesus remained his loving Lord and faithful Guide. Jesus reaffirmed Simon as Peter, the “Rock,” in Matthew 16:18-19, promising that he would be instrumental in establishing Jesus’ Church. After His resurrection, Jesus specifically named Peter as one who needed to hear the good news (Mark 16:7). And, repeating the miracle of the large catch of fish, Jesus made a special point of forgiving and restoring Peter and re-commissioning him as a leader of the church (John 21:6, 15-17). Peters’ life should speak to each of us concerning God’s call on us as leaders. God loves us just as we are, but He doesn’t want us to stay just as we are. His purpose is to conform us into the image of his son Christ Jesus, regardless of any of our past mistakes. God rebukes, corrects, chips away, encourages and inspires us toward godliness. God is at work right now, in your life, drawing you towards Christ so that you can… Seek to be on guard, standing firm in the faith, to be courageous and strong leaders. How are you responding to what God is doing, are you cooperating with Jesus’ work in your life? Today, right now, the Holy Spirit is prompting you to dependence and obedience. How are you going to respond? During our short little offseason, I pray that: 1. The Holy Spirit to be at work in your life conforming you to Christ’s image. 2. Your family be set apart for Christ. 3. Your team to be holy, healthy, and growing in Christ. 4.The lost to be saved, the least of these served, disciples made, and laborers sent out into the harvest. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, God speed in 2022. Follow @rfc_dirtsportministry
CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER
Mint 400 Las Vegas, NV December 1st-5th
EVENT TO ATTEND King of the Hammers Desert Challenge
SNORE Rage at the River Laughlin, NV December 9th-12th Best in the Desert Year End Series Awards Las Vegas, NV December 11th
JANUARY Legacy Racing Desert Showdown Pahrump, NV January 5th-9th Best in the Desert Parker 250 Parker, AZ January 6th-8th Best in the Desert Parker 425 Pre-Run Parker, AZ January 9th Best in the Desert Parker 425 Parker, AZ January 20th-23rd San Felipe Desert Mayhem El Jefe 300 San Felipe, Baja January 21st-22nd
It will be here before you know it. The main gates on the lake-bed open for business January 21st, an entire week before the King of the Hammers Toyo Tires Desert Challenge. Class 1, Class 10, Trick Trucks, Class 11 and UTV’s all battle it out in the desert of Johnson Valley as the first events of the King Hammers week get underway Saturday January 29th. Are you making plans to be there? Thousands of race fans descend on the lakebed to watch the best drivers in the industry race the toughest race on the planet. More information: ultra4racing.com
King of the Hammers Desert Challenge Johnson Valley January 29th-30th Have an event for our Calendar? Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 67
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