DAKAR VICTORIES: HONDA ON TOP AGAIN
ISSUE 2 VOL 2
The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports
FEBRUARY 2021
THE START OF A NEW LEGACY
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: CONCRETE MOTORSPORTS PARKER 425 VICTORY
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+ TECH: REBUILDING SHOCKS + YOUNG GUNS: VALERIE CLARK
SUPERCROSS SEASON SPEED UTV CHANGING THE INDUSTRY KICKS OFF IN HOUSTON
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TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>
18
4 WORD
24
5
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
9
NEW PRODUCT
12 DIRTWORLD 62 CHAPPY’S PIT STOP 63 CALENDAR
34
FEATURES> 18 COVER STORY: START OF A NEW LEGACY 24 VICTORIES AT THE DAKAR RALLY
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30 BITD PARKER 425 34 FEATURE BUILD: SPEED UTV
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40 YOUNG GUNS: VALERIE CLARK 46 SUPERCROSS SEASON BEGINS 49 FOX RACEWAY BIG MINI FEST
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52 MASTERPIECE IN METAL
TECH> 57 MAINTAINING AND REBUILDING SHOCKS Publisher Contributing Photography DirtSports Inc. Shaun Ochsner Valerie Clark Editor-In-Chief Dave Arnold Stellantis Media Shaun Ochsner Polaris Best in the Desert Associate Editor E. Vargiolu D&C Designs La-Chelle Halliday F. Gooden AMA Hall of Fame Sales and Management J. Delfosse Extreme-E Dave Arnold C. Lopez Lucas Oil Pro MX Contributing Editors A. Vincent Feld Entertainment Chris James La-Chelle Halliday Steve Hanson Printed at: Sutherland Printing Dave Arnold Email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DIRTSPORTSWORLD
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DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 3
WORD
H
aving places to race is good. The problem is when you have too many events back to back it hurts car counts. This was the case in January. Legacy kicked off their first event in Pahrump. The unlimited TT field was relatively small. Being a new event could have partially to do with it. Then came Best in the Desert’s Parker 425. Again, not a full field of unlimited vehicles. Next up is the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge. The unlimited trucks are promised their own race if there are enough trucks registered. As of press time, they will not have their own race. It is the same story for the other classes. Too
4 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
IS IT GOOD FOR THE RACER?
many back to back events hurts car counts across all series. There simply isn’t enough prep time between events. Many racers can’t afford to pay entry fees for that many events. So, I ask, is it good for the racer? The answer is a resounding no. What can be done about this problem? Promoters need to work together to space out their events and better accommodate the racer. Many will argue about having limited dates to obtain permits. I argue back is your series successful if you have low car counts? Make it good for the racer! Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief DirtSportsWorld
NEWS Casey Currie Joins Polaris
Casey Currie has made the switch to Polaris. Currie is expected to make his debut with the RZR factory team at the upcoming King of the Hammers. Currie will race a RZR Pro XP Ultimate. “The impact Polaris has made and continues to make in the off-road community with the wide range of offroad vehicles they offer, is something I’ve wanted to be a part of for a long time. As I’ve recognized how Polaris continues to lead with innovation and next level performance on the RZR platform, along with their vision as a brand, it was clear to me that I wanted to be a part of the team. I couldn’t be prouder and more thrilled to be joining,” said Casey Currie. Polaris said Currie will be a driver on the 2022 Factory team at the Dakar Rally.
Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Announces 2021 Schedule The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will visit 10 states this year. The 12-round season kicks off Memorial Day Weekend in Southern California, right in the heart of the motocross industry at Fox Raceway in Pala near San Diego.
series personnel,” said Roy Janson, Managing Director at MX Sports Pro Racing. “While that may require some level of restriction or limited capacity, it will be in the best interest of all parties.”
Zach Osborne and Dylan Ferrandis will be back to defend their 2020 titles in the 250 and 450 classes. “Safety remains paramount in our efforts to host a successful season and we will continuously monitor all national, state, and local guidelines in an effort to ensure the well-being of our fans, competitors, and DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 5
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
The opening round starts a full three weeks after the AMA Supercross season ends, allowing riders and teams time to prepare.
Full 2021 Schedule: May 29th, 2021- Fox Raceway (Pala, CA) June 5th 2021- Thunder Valley Motocross Park (Lakewood, CO) June 19th, 2021- High Point Raceway (Mt. Morris, PA) June 26th, 2021- The Wick 338 (Southwick, MA) July 3rd, 2021- RedBud MX (Buchanan, MI) July 17th, 2021- Spring Creek MX Park (Millville, MN) July 24th, 2021- Washougal MX Park (Washougal, WA) August 14th, 2021- Unadilla, MX (New Berlin, NY) August 21st, 2021- Budds Creek Motocross Park (Mechanicsville, MD) August 28th, 2021- Ironman Raceway (Crawfordsville, IN) September 4th, 2021- Fox Raceway (Pala, CA) September 11th, 2021- Hangtown Motocross Classic (Rancho Cordova, CA)
Mint 400 Rescheduled to December
Mad Media announced the Mint 400 will be rescheduled. Large scale events ion Nevada are still not permitted under COVID 19 guidelines. Organizers were forced to move the event to December 1st through 5th. “The health and safety of our racers, sponsors, exhibitors, staff, and the public has always been, and will always be, our number one priority,” said Mint 400 Co-Owner and CEO Matt Martelli. “We don’t have a green light from the State or County to hold the event in March, because all large scale events are still on hold. We are making this decision now because we recognize that traveling to Las Vegas and participating in the Mint is a significant financial investment. By doing so, we are preserving the safety, integrity, fun, and value of this historic race for everyone involved.” The announcement comes after several months of consultation with Nevada’s permitting agencies that include Clark County, city of Las Vegas, Fremont Street East District, local law enforcement and the Nevada Department of Transportation. 6 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
First 2021 RAM 1500 TRX to be Auctioned for Charity at Barrett-Jackson The very first 2021 production Ram 1500 TRX launch edition (Vin001) will be auctioned off for charity at Barrett-Jackson. The auction will benefit the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1 helpline that provides services to veterans and their families. “The award-winning 2021 Ram 1500 TRX bolsters the brand’s strong history of highperformance trucks while expanding the light-duty lineup with the segment’s best combination of performance, capability, luxury and technology,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer - Stellantis. “When Ram 1500 TRX VIN 001 rolled off the assembly line last month, it instantly became an incredibly exciting one-of-a-kind collectible truck that enthusiasts will clamor for – especially when it goes through the Barrett-Jackson auction lane in March.”
of the launch edition trucks will be available. Within three hours of the Ram 1500 TRX going on sale, it sold out.
The Ram 1500 TRX will be auctioned off on March 26th. The auction package comes with a unique authentication kit that includes a presentation box with a custom bound book developed by the Ram brand team highlighting the vehicle’s design development, exclusive photos and video along with a speedRam boasts the 1500 TRX as the quickest, fastest and most powerful truck ever. Only 702 form model.
Mike Bell Passes Away Mike “Too Tall” Bell sadly passed away on Sunday, January 24th, 2021. Bell was 63 years old. He reportedly suffered a heart attack while mountain biking near his home in Southern California. Bell was a leading Supercross and Motocross racer in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Bell rode for Yamaha during his pro career. During Bell’s seven-year pro career, he won a total of 20 AMA and Trans-AMA nationals. Bell was inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 7
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
Sara Price, Kyle Leduc to Drive Electric Hummer in Extreme E Series Just months after the announcement of the electric Hummer, GMC announced it is teaming up with Ganassi racing for a multiyear sponsorship deal in the Extreme E Series. Sara Price and Kyle Leduc will drive an electric vehicle that features bodywork, unique graphics and grille that represent the Hummer EV.
This year the Extreme E series hosts five events starting in Saudi Arabia on April 3rd.
“I can’t think of a better fit than showcasing the look of GMC’s HUMMER EV in Extreme E with Chip Ganassi Racing,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. vice president, Performance and Motorsports. “Both GMC HUMMER EV and the Extreme E series are designed to be revolutionary – to challenge perceptions of electric vehicles and to showcase their true capability.”
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2021 Polaris Trail Edition RZR Line-Up
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olaris has taken trail riding to the next level with the 2021 RZR Trail and Trail S lineup. Both vehicles feature all-new styling along with a narrow stance and short wheelbase. These features allow riders to quickly accelerate around corners and navigate obstacles. The Polaris RZR Trail and Trail S are very nimble. Polaris boasts class-leading power-to-weight ratios along with a fast-engaging all-wheel drive. A new adjustable steering wheel position allows for better posture of the rider. The rider can have their shoulders comfortably back against the seat. The steering wheel is also smaller making for more room. The RZR Trail vehicles have a new wrap around roll cage along with sturdy full doors for safety. Both the RZR Trail and Trail S will have three trims available. The RZR Trail Sport, RZR Trail 1000 Premium and RZR Trail Ultimate. “The RZR Trail was already an incredible, purpose-built machine, however, with the feedback of our owners we’ve refined and elevated the experience, with an emphasis on comfort and ergonomics,” said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road. “The RZR Trail and Trail S lineup offer an unmatched combination of trail agility and advanced technology to give customers more value for a better ride experience.”
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 9
2021 POLARIS RZR TRAIL EDITION
Polaris also incorporated Ride-Command technology into these vehicles. A 7-inch glove touch display offers access to maps, GPS navigation and Group Ride features. The RZR Trail also comes with factory audio from Rockford Fosgate to rock out with all of your favorite riding tunes. All of the RZR Trail models are expected to be available at dealerships in February.
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NEW PRODUCT
D&C Designs Lucid VSL
D&C
Designs has a new manufactured off-road light called the Lucid VSL for the JL and JT Jeep models. Not only does the light eliminate blind spots, it is an integrated turn signal for safety. A sleek looking addition for your Jeep that will light up the dark canyons while wheeling at night or just the campsite while your Jeep is parked. The VSL Lucid is completely bolt-on and there is no need for cutting or adding brackets. The VSL Lucid is perfect for those that have added flatfenders to their Jeeps. Many flat-fenders lack front single lights.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 11
Three racers return to the bivouac after a day of shopping.
Photo: E. Vargiolu
DAKAR RALLY
Photo: E. Vargiolu
DAKAR RALLY
DIRT WORLD
Am I supposed to memorize all these turns?
DAKAR RALLY
parker 425
Gotta keep that helmet polished.
Photo: J.Delfosse
There are no laundromats on the Dakar Rally, but you still gotta wash your underwear.
Photo: S.Boue L ‘Equipe
DAKAR RALLY
Gone but not forgotten. RIP Manny Esquerra.
12 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Dakar “practice” course
Photo: F.Le Floc’h
DAKAR RALLY
THE WORLD IS A DIRTY PLACE Photo: C. Lopez
DAKAR RALLY
DAKAR RALLY
In Baja, they have recovery trucks to tow you out when your race vehicle is broken. At Dakar a helicopter flies your race vehicle out. Crowd surfing is still popular, even at Dakar!
DAKAR RALLY
That one is going to hurt!
SU B YO MI T PH UR OT O
I told you to watch out but you didn’t listen.
Photo: E. Vargiolu
DAKAR RALLY
That’s quite an exit!
Photo: F. Gooden
Photo: H. Cabilla
DAKAR RALLY
SEND US YOUR CRAZY PHOTO OUT IN THE DIRT AND WE MAY FEATURE IT HERE IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. Email to: Dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 13
KIDS KORNER
Declan Shields | Age: 7 | Youth 250 Stock
PRESENTED BY:
Q: What were your best achievements in 2020? A: I finished my first 1st Lucas Oil Off-Road Season 4th in points and was awarded Rookie of The Year. Q: What is it about Off-Road that brings you the most joy? A: Being able to make friends that also love doing the same things, and learning how to compete, but also be a good sport. Q: What are your favorite tracks and your ultimate goal for 2021? A: My favorite tracks are Crandon and I just did my first desert race for WORCS and I liked Lake Havasu a lot. My goal for 2021 is to get on the podium and finish in the top 5 in my class at WORCS. Q: What are you going to change tomorrow to make yourself better than today? A: I will change how I approach races and try to keep an open mind to any training and tips that I receive. Q: How does your school work help you in sports? A: My schoolwork helps me in focusing and bettering myself as a racer and as a person. Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: I want to continue working my way up in classes in both short-course and desert racing. I also love driving my gokart and racing that.
Shields’ Shout-outs: Carr One Fabrication, Adept Life Sciences, 2 X Motorsports, and DS Moto Customs. 14 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
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HIGH SPEED: That is not a mirage! Joan Pedrero Garcia speeds by this camera lens on a mission! Photo: C. Lopez
DUST DEVIL: Sam Berri kicks up a cloud of dust at the Best in the Desert Parker 425 in his single-seat Jimco race car.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 17
THE START OF A NEW LEGACY legacy racing association holds its inaugural race in pahrump, nevada. story & Photos by: Shaun ochsner
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COVER STORY
A
new off-road series has taken hold of the desert. The first event of the year for any series is always exciting. Pit crews and drivers are fresh and ready to race after having a few weeks off to rest and spend time with family and friends. More time over the holidays to prep a vehicle means more details have been paid attention to. Drivers and co-drivers are ready to get back to racing. For the Legacy Racing Association, all of this is even more exciting as the stage was set in Pahrump for the inaugural 4WP Desert Showdown.
ABOVE: Steve Strobel leads the Unlimited Class.
Pahrump is a small city located at the Southern Nevada border. It is just over a one hour drive southwest of Las Vegas. Nestled in the Amargosa Valley, the surrounding desert features some fun, fast, rocky terrain desert racers are accustomed to. The Pahrump Nugget hotel and casino was the perfect backdrop for Legacy to host its first race at. Registration, tech and contingency were all held on the Nugget property. Events kicked off with an open pre-run so all racers could have a look at the course, make notations and familiarize themselves with the terrain. The course was laid out over 220 miles with six total pits, easily ABOVE: Racers stage behind a Nye County accessible from the highway. A qualifying session was Sheriff truck for an escort though town to held for unlimited truck, class 1, 6100 and turbo UTV. the official start line.
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Eric Hustead was the top qualifier in the unlimited truck class. Hustead would be the first to line-up outside the Nugget Hotel early Saturday morning. Unlimited trucks, class 1 and 6100 would be the first to start race. They were escorted through town by the Nye County Sheriff office to the official start. The
“All the teams had so much fun. We had a perfect event to kick off our new series. There were zero injuries, the staff was on point, and the finishing rate was nearly 75% on some of the roughest terrain possible. We are so grateful for all of our brand partners and Liz; Kristy and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of our very first Legacy Racing event.”
morning air in the desert had a chill to it, but that didn’t really matter. It was race day! At 7:45am, Hustead rocketed off into the desert kicking up that familiar dust tail that follows an unlimited horsepower truck. One by one, the other unlimited trucks, class 1 vehicles and 6100 trucks also shot off into the desert. The inaugural Legacy 4WP Showdown was underway. A moment Donald, Kristy and Liz had been waiting for.
ABOVE: Eric Hustead was the top qualifier in the Unlimited Class.
Courtesy of Legacy Racing Association
Racers trickled into the hotel all-day Friday to register, fill-out paperwork and obtain wristbands. The Legacy Racing Association staff wanted to make a first impression that the event was family friendly. Wooden toy vehicles resembling trucks and buggies were handed out to kids. Who is behind this newly formed desert racing organization? Legacy Racing is the brainchild of Donald and Kristy Jackson along with longtime friend and colleague, Liz Marshall. Donald handled operations for years at Best in the Desert, working directly with Casey Folks. Folks taught Donald everything he needed to know about running a successful series. When Casey Folks passed away in 2017, Donald found himself doing many of the things Casey normally handled. In 2020, Donald Jackson stepped away from the Best in the Desert series to form Legacy Racing Association, taking desert racing in a new direction.
THE START OF A NEW LEGACY
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 21
COVER STORY
RIGHT: Steve Strobel celebrates an overall victory in at the Legacy 4WP showdown.
A second wave of vehicles were escorted through town up to the official start line. They also took off into the desert to kick off their first race of the year. Somewhere up-front Steve Strobel took over the lead. Strobel qualified third. 30-mph wind gusts helped clear the dust for racers but hindered pit crews trying fuel trucks and change tires. That didn’t stop Strobel. Legacy Racing conveniently set up the finish line right at the Nugget Hotel. Strobel crossed the finish in first place well before noon. A minute behind Strobel was Madix Bailey. This was Bailey’s first race behind the wheel of an unlimited truck. In Class 1, Madix father Brandon Bailey was also on the podium– with a first-place victory.
ABOVE: Travis Williams and his team grab their first 6100 victory. 22 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
THE START OF A NEW LEGACY LEFT: Madix Bailey came home with a second place finish for his first ever race in the Unlimited Truck Class.
BELOW: Brandon Bailey was the winner in Class 1. The Bailey’s put forth a family effort in off-road racing.
Other notable wins at the inaugural Legacy event went to Travis Williams in the 6100 class. This is Williams first career win in the class. Brent Fox won class 10. The Sizelove family entered two vehicles in 1600. Christy Sizelove went on to take the victory. Zach did not finish the race. Vito Ranuio won in the Turbo UTV class. Quantum Motorsports has put up $100,000 if a racer sweeps all four Legacy events. Ranuio is in contention for the huge payday bonus.
Overall the vibe from the racers about the inaugural Legacy event was upbeat. Racers are happy and excited about the series. Many praised the work Donald, Liz and Kristy along with their team of staff and volunteers are doing. Trophies were handed out within an hour of those finishing. Many had packed up chase trucks, loaded up race vehicles and were on their way home to finish off the weekend well before the afternoon was over. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 23
VICTORIES AT THE DAK
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KAR RALLY STORY BY: SHAUN OCHSNER PHOTOS: E. Vargiolu, F. Gooden, J.Delfosse, C. Lopez, A. Vincent
DAKAR RALLY TURNS 43 Peterhansel Wins the Overall Honda Secures Second Consecutive Victory Ricky Brabec Finishes Second
DAKAR RALLY
T
he 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally started and finished in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this year. It is the second year of a muti-year deal for the Rally to be held in the country. This year’s rally spanned across 12 stages with one rest day and a prologue at the beginning. Competitors traversed through 4,751 miles of some of the roughest Saudi Arabian terrain. The Controversy, The Challenges Tainted fuel, speed restrictions for the minis and COVID-19. Those were just a few of the challenges and controversies at the 2021 Dakar Rally. First of all, trying to hold a large-scale rally event in a foreign country during a global pandemic was no easy feat. Travel restrictions cancelled flights and quarantine requirements threatened to sideline several competitors. Miraculously, some were able to still find flights into the country. The A.S.O scrambled to charter 18 flights. Other issues plagued the rally such as contaminated fuel supplied by race organizers. The fuel controversy forced Andrew Short to abandon his rally efforts
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ABOVE: Andrew Short withdrew from the rally after receiving tainted fuel. The Yamaha Monster Energy Rally team attempted to get the FIM to adjust Stage 2 finishing results, but their request was denied.
early on in the event. Short received a can of fuel that had a water mixture in it. Short posted a picture from the bivouac of the fuel tank with the caption “Almost 4 liters of water in my fuel.” Other riders also discovered water in their tanks as well. The Yamaha Monster Energy Rally team unsuccessfully lobbied the FIM to freeze the results after stage 2. The FIM denied the request, causing Short to pull out of the rally.
VICTORIES
Speed restrictions are nothing new at the Dakar Rally. Robby Gordon was slowed down in 2018 when his Wildcat XX vehicles were consistently beating the Mini’s. This year, the X-Raid Mini’s were clearly the fastest vehicles in the rally. Competitor Nassar Al-Attiyah and Toyota has been very outspoken in favor of the restrictions. Al-Attiyah has said he will not return to Dakar if the rules don’t change. AlAttiyah feels he has an unfair advantage in the class. One-two punch for Honda.
Team Honda rider Ricky Brabec was back to defend his title at the rally. Brabec claimed his first career win at the event in 2020. Honda hadn’t had a Dakar Rally victory in over 30 years before Brabec’s finish. Gilles Lalay was the last Honda rider to make it to the top overall spot on the podium in 1989. Brabec’s win marked the first victory for the Americans at the rally. Coming off the 2020 adrenaline, Brabec came out swinging early in the rally winning the Prologue. Competition was tough, and there were other Honda riders also vying for the top spot. When the dust settled at the end, Argentinean Kevin Benavides beat Brabec by one spot to take the victory. Benavides won two stages and Brabec racked up three stage wins including the Prologue. Both riders took on the rally on Honda’s CRF-450.
“I gave everything to achieve this win which is a dream come true for me.” -Kevin Benavides DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 27
DAKAR RALLY
American Effort Continues The American effort continued at the Dakar Rally. Along with Ricky Brabec in the motorcycle class, Utah native and privateer Skyler Howes rode an impressive rally to finish 5th overall. Skyler even took one stage win during the rally. Kristen and Wayne Matlock both raced Polaris RZR Pro XP side-by-sides. This would be Polaris first factory effort at the rally. Unfortunately for Kristen, several problems plagued her early on and she was forced to withdraw from the SSV class and enter the “Dakar Experience” class. That class allowed Kristen to continue her racing efforts in the rally with co-driver Max Eddy Jr. Wayne Matlock pulled off a 12th place in the overall rankings at the end of the final stage. Seth Quintero, driving a vehicle in the newly formed lightweight class, was one of the shining stars for the Red Bull Junior Team. This year was Quintero’s first Dakar rally. Quintero took an impressive Stage 6 win, earning him a title in the record books as the youngest-ever stage winner at the rally. Quintero continued on to win Stage 11 later in the week. Quintero has already said he will be back next year.
ABOVE: Privateer Skyler Howes rode an impressive rally with a 5th overall finish in the moto class.
BELOW: This is Seth Quintero participated in his first Dakar Rally.
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VICTORIES
ABOVE: Stephane Peterhansel celebrates his 14th career victory, winning the 2021 Dakar Rally overall.
“For sure it is one or two more records for me, 14 victories on three continents and also the anniversary of my first victory 30 years ago.” -Stephane Peterhansel
Peterhansel They call him Monsieur Dakar. Stephane Peterhansel came away with his 14th career win at the Dakar Rally. The Frenchman was on a role, leading the rally from Stage 2 on for the X-Raid Mini team. If you are keeping track, Peterhansel has racked up the most
wins a single category. That’s a total of eight during this year’s event. Peterhansel won his first Dakar Rally 30 years ago on a Yamaha motorcycle. Peterhansel has eight overall victories in the car class and six in the bike category. At 55-years old, Peterhansel shows no signs of slowing down. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 29
DESERT RACING
BEST IN THE DESERT Shaun Ochsner PARKER 425 Story: Photos: Shaun Ochsner & Best in the Desert
T
he Best in the Desert Parker 425 has always been a widely popular race to start off the season with. Best in the Desert had to make some changes to this year’s event. Covid-19 concerns forced the series to move the start and finish line off of the property of the Colorado River Indian Tribe (CRIT). The event was moved into the desert just off of Shea Road. There also was not an opportunity for the top classes to qualify this year due to the CRIT closure. Instead, a random drawing of entries was held to determine starting positions. To limit exposure, the drivers meeting was held online, and tech and
30 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
contingency was held as a “drive through” event. What followed were two days of off-road racing at the level everyone has come to expect from Best in the Desert. The green flag dropped Friday morning as several classes of race vehicles rocketed off into the desert, setting off on a journey on the 126-mile course. Three laps later, winners would be determined. Wheeler Morgan took the class 10 victory with a course time of 5 hours, 53 minutes and 38 seconds. Racing was tight in class 5 with Cade Garcia finishing just a
minute under Troy Grabowski. Randy Merritt continued his winning streak in class 7200.
PARKER 425
The Parker 425 was the final race for the Trophy Lite series. Dave Taylor led the first lap. Larry Schmueser had the lead on the final lap. Behind Schmueser was Taylor. Both drivers suffered flat tires but continued to claw at the championship. Greg Bragg was able to pass both drivers for the win. Patrick Whitt ended up taking home the championship, beating Schmueser by one point. ABOVE: Randy Merritt continues his winning streak.
ABOVE: Patrick Whitt earned a hard-fought Trophy-Lite season championship, beating competitor Larry Schmueser by a single point! DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 31
BEST IN THE DESERT
Saturday’s event saw 18 trick trucks blast off into the desert. Josh De Jong led the first lap but stopped for a significant amount of time with mechanical problems. Steve Olliges then took over the lead. Olliges had the lead at the very beginning of the race as he was first off the line. At one-point BJ Baldwin was also out front. When the dust settled, reigning 2020 champions Harley Letner and Kevin Thompson put their Concrete Motorsports trick truck on the podium with the overall victory.
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Other winners during Saturday’s event included Dustin Grabowski in 6100, Connor McMullen in 6200 and Michael Frye in 1500.
PARKER 425
CHAMPS TAKE THE VICTORY: 2020 Trick Truck champions Harley Letner (left) and Kevin Thompson (right) start off the Best in the Desert season with a win.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 33
FEATURE BUILD
Speed UTV Changing the Industry
Story By: LaChelle Halliday Photos By: Speed UTV
S
peed UTV has taken the internet by storm becoming popular demand continuously trending on all platforms given one of its co-founders’ worldwide popularity in the powersports industry, Robby Gordon. Robby has led a significant life of racing throughout his years to encompass racing entities including Indy Car, NASCAR, CART, IMSA, IROC and off-road sanctions SCORE, Dakar Rally, NORRA and BITD. Gordon also competes in the Stadium Super Trucks, which he owns and founded in 2013 while also managing the Speed family of brands, including the energy drink Speed Energy that has sponsored his racing efforts since 2010.
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Sharing co-founding duties is Todd Romano, infamously known worldwide as the Tonka Trophy Truck driver who competed in the SCORE sanctions including the Baja 1000, Stadium Super Trucks, and even took chances at the King of the Hammers. Romano provides 30 years of racing experience along with 20 years in powersports business to assist in the grandiose Speed movement taking the industry by storm. The Gordon-Romano duo dates back heavily with both having extensive and firsthand design capabilities working together on the birth of a previous UTV. Six years ago, the duo partnered with Arctic Cat to design and build
CHANGING THE INDUSTRY
the Wildcat XX which ultimately went on to win UTV of the Year two years in a row. What the team had created was a masterpiece machine but there were a few issues that arose around its entrance to the public. Firstly, without a large buzz circulating the industry about the new UTV, it succumbed to being denied onto the sales floor of large western brand dealers. This was culminated from a possibility of not being what the dealers were envisioning, or a misunderstanding of its differential characteristics from others on the market. Overall, the Arctic Cat Wildcat XX Reflecting only a few years prior, the Wildcat failed, falling short of the two-time trophied XX won Best UTV for two years and was UTV expectations. unable to get a simple meeting with dealers, yet Speed UTV hadn’t produced a physical car but Feeling defeated the duo began to envision a was being begged by dealers for the business. new way to design, manufacture, build and market a UTV in today’s market while evading Speed UTV has built something entirely mistakes that were made previously. The two that the industry has never seen. decided they would establish the demand, build the car and organically market the build straight to the consumer. Subsequently, Speed UTV was The hurdles to finance the project were tremendous with large named banks, Wells born. Fargo, stating “talk to us in five years” or The road traveled was never an easy jaunt to Chase replying, “Are you kidding me?” when approached to fund the adventure and believe success for the duo, but the journey granted an abundance of knowledge that entrepreneurs in Speed UTV above the competition. As only know as hard work and dedication. While more retorts of “no” began pouring in with deciding which dealers they would utilize, they the questions of “what if it doesn’t work”, it were taken aback by the demand from dealers became apparent that larger entities were not endemic to the business outline of Speed UTV. requesting the opportunity to purchase the Finally, TCF and Freedom Roads, both with UTVs which still had yet to be built. business models based around power sports, were excited and were convinced in the fruition of success.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 35
SPEED UTV
“We’ve had great success because our story is exciting to everybody. They all believe in what we’ve done because of our reputations, years in the industry, what we’ve done in the past with a 0% fail rate. We have a 100% success rate with everything we’ve done in powersports.” Todd Romano.
Building a demand for a UTV that still hadn’t been built wasn’t a challenge for the team as they were able to capitalize on the fan-base Robby has accumulated over his years in the racing spotlight. With one million followers, Speed UTV is able to host weekly live events, teaching the consumer on the engineering, safety and new renditions of the UTV they will be purchasing, with forty thousand viewers exclusively interested. DSW: How has Robby Gordon’s name helped with your marketing? TODD: I’d say you really can’t beat it. (laughing) No offense to what you guys do but I can’t buy editorial space anywhere that gets me forty thousand visitors exclusively interested in my product. I just run a YouTube channel on a Wednesday night it doesn’t cost me a dollar and that channel actually makes me $10K a month.
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Speed UTVs are built on three chassis- Baja Bandit, El Diablo, and El Jefe with three editions: A base model, Limited Edition and Robby Gordon Edition. Each UTV is equipped with the same components in every UTV only changing the number of doors, a few plastics and a cage to encompass a four-door body. At 75-inches wide for all models, Speed UTV ultimately went above and beyond expectations and requirements necessary for a UTV and surpassed the ROPS certifications and obtained an FIA certification as well becoming the only company in powersports to have an A+ or B pillar rating. Thus, allowing the Speed UTV, right off the line
to have the ability to enter into the Dakar Rally, World Rally X, and the 24-hour Le-mans. Striving for the safest yet fastest UTV possible, Speed UTV engineers designed the cage to encompass the rollover bar from the top of the window line straight to the floor to strengthen the cage for possible forward crashes. Standard on each UTV are five-point harnesses in each carbon fiber race seat, lumbar support air bladder, and wrist restraints.
CHANGING THE INDUSTRY
All components are designed, engineered and manufactured by Speed to include the 3.2 internal bypass shocks with the first ever high speed / low speed compression rebound adjustment. From the fully customized Seep patented beadlock wheel with full face removal allows for a narrow body by having a zerooffset wheel. Hugging the full face beadlock is a Speed UTV 32.5-inch tire with the Speed logo designed into the tread of the tire. Learning from other sanctions of racing led to the bulkhead transmission becoming the mount for the suspension creating more space without overcrowding tubes and with the transaxle in the back of the motor, becoming patented by Speed UTV. Hailing their individuality, they stand patented as the only company to have front steer, front spindles similar to every offroad car made excluding other SXS rivalries.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 37
SPEED UTV
Speed UTV is the first ever to have a three-speed shift on the fly ability, allowing and designed for quick deceleration when coming up to a hill or object rather than up and down shifting. When in racing, running the Speed key tune adds 300HP allowing the car to reach speeds of 118MPH. No need to upgrade motors as the tuning is standard and included on every UTV, but only can be unlocked with purchase. Adding to the leveledup craftsmanship, the engines in each UTV were fully designed and built by Joey Arrington, the mastermind behind NASCAR engine builds while the transmission and differentials were engineered by Albins. The engine, first ever flex fuel sensor and dual injectors, firing lean on one injector as boost is coming in and increasing the pulse on both injectors, has the ability to grow amid displacement limitation changes. With a different bore and stoke the engine can go to a 1256. The factory turbo injectors can withstand up to 500HP allowing little to no need for aftermarket products, while also encompassing enough room in the bed, equal to a Ford Raptor, 50 square-inch to house 35-inch tires with room for storage boxes. Even equipped with a tailgate, Speed UTVs are the only SXS to carry a spare tire below the shock towers, proving how much ingenuity has gone into the design and creation of each UTV. Full time production is scheduled to begin March 2021 with the first customers obtaining their UTVs mid-April to early May.
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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
YOUNG GUNS
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VALERIE CLARK BATTLING IN THE BIG LEAGUES Story By: La-Chelle Halliday Photos By: V. Clark, S. Clark
H
igh school can be a daunting stage in life plagued with popularity, exams, college applications and varsity sports that can leave any teenager exhausted battling against others their own age. However, to one sixteen-yearold, rather than taking on other teens, she is battling individuals twice her age. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Valerie Clark, at sixteen, is entering the ring as off road racing’s new 6100 contender. Walking straight into the big leagues didn’t occur overnight or at a one-time hefty cost. Valerie originally saddled herself onto a horse before finding her passion in off road unlike her father who had already caught the dirt bug racing side by sides. After a heated discussion requesting her father to stop racing to invest the money on her horse, her father proposed a new idea. Rather than shoveling costs for horse riding, he teetered around the idea of purchasing Valerie’s own side by side to race. Valerie agreed catapulting her life onto an unknown path full of dirt, adventure, and lasting friendships.
YOUNG GUNS
Practicing her newfound skills was no easy feat in the town of Kansas City, MO with only a few areas of short course that ultimately weren’t ideal for her style. Ultimately, Valerie and her father had to fly across the country to capitalize on the young racer, landing them in the desert of Nevada where most desert legends practice their own skills. As the time passed by Valerie having been brought up on rock crawling with her family, was finally ready to get behind the wheel at her first race. The duo took a chance and sat Valerie in the truck on the second day of the 2018 Rage at the River letting the young girl at ABOVE: Valerie at the 2020 Bluewater Desert Challenge being interviewed as the only woman to cross 14 years old loose in the dirt. Astonishing those the finish line. watching, she placed just outside of the podium young girl’s eyes when he officially but was later disqualified for being under the disqualified her 6th place finish that couldn’t minimum age of 16 by Kenny Thatcher himself. be extinguished and began to plan the deal that would change Valerie’s entire future. Two years later, a few phone calls, plane rides, training and spending almost half of 2020 away Kenny Thatcher, a dominate voice in offfrom home, Valerie is setting and breaking goals road and his community, owns the truck and higher than most high school students can even rides shotgun navigating for the young racer imagine. Finally of legal racing age, 16, Valerie while coaching her through the challenges is stepping into a new spotlight as one of the alongside Valerie’s biggest fan, her father. few females in the highly competitive class of The duo is closely knit, so close in fact they 6100. Mr. Kenny Thatcher saw a light in the share the seat driving but never together. BELOW: dubbed the Green Goblin, this Trusty Textron XX is the first car Valerie ever raced.
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VALERIE CLARK
DSW: How is it sharing the seat with your dad? VALERIE: (laughing) well, we split the driving 50/50. We tried racing together and it just didn’t work. (laughing) If there are odd numbered of laps, we will play rock paper scissors, winner will take the extra lap. Looking forward, Valerie has set some unprecedented goals for her age. However, the battle that is packed into such a young adult, this girl will be hard to hold back if any dare tries. Those who have tried are no longer apart of her successes now or going forward. Valerie lost a few friends who interpreted her original overflowing excitement of racing as bragging and boastful. Unfortunately, those individuals would never know the purest happiness Valerie and many others have found in their passions. Those passion, beyond what the past few could comprehend, to be crowned the first ever King of the Hammers Princess along with a SCORE
overall points champion title to add to this aspiring teen’s rising name. Overall, Valerie does aspire to one day become a stunt driver while continuing her racing goals and driving obsession. With such high aspirations and goals, and a chaotic schedule, one can wonder how this teen can even manage multiple moving parts throughout the week. However, Valerie is beyond her years and able to balance high school, playing rugby and still traveling cross country training for another upcoming race.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 43
YOUNG GUNS
DSW: How soon will we be seeing you in Baja? VALERIE: 2021! I’m still trying to convince everyone to do the Baja 1000, but I will ironwoman one day! Stating that the stress is overwhelming at times she holds tight to her family, her faith and those close to her, especially her 8-year-old sister who looks up to Valerie. She is ultimately a champion at heart as well as the dirt, taking time to teach others, guiding them in their faith as it has done for her. Valerie is far from sitting on the sidelines or taking a break any time soon, as she recently added a film she will be filming with in Texas. This young gun has a bountiful future ahead of her and we’ve only seen the peak as this young but dominating youth begins to show the offroad community that she is simply getting started.
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SUPERCROSS
SUPERCROSS SEASON UNDERWAY! 2021 racing schedule kicks off with a Triple Header in Houston. Story by: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Feld Entertainment
T
he 2021 AMA Supercross Season is underway and already off to a wild start. The season opened in January with a tripleheader in Houston, Texas at NRG Stadium. As expected with Supercross, the on-track battles have already been exciting. This is the first time in years, the opening rounds have not been held in Southern California. The event was moved due to California’s COVID restrictions. Feld Entertainment has been selling limited amounts of tickets to their events. Justin Barcia came out of the gate in Round 1 with a big win. This year marks the first year Gas Gas has built a Motocross bike.
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Barcia gave the company their first Supercross podium. Barcia is on a mission this season to win the championship, but so is every other rider. Each round has seen a different winner thus far. Defending champion Eli Tomac had the win during the second round at Houston. Cooper Webb won third event.
2021 SEASON UNDERWAY
Justin “Bam Bam� Barcia opened Round 1 of the season with a win on the allnew Gas Gas motocross bike.
Honda rider Ken Roczen has been consistently in the top 5 earning him the points lead. A recent win at the 4th round, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana helped Roczen stretch out his lead. Roczen was penalized four points during the second round for jumping a red cross flag when Chase Sexton went down with an injury. Sexton so far has not returned to race and could possibly be out for the season. Sexton has only had two races on the Honda 450 for Team Honda HRC.
Cooper Webb won the third round of the Supercross Triple Header at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Ken Roczen has been consistent thus far. Roczen currently leads the points standings and is on a mission to win the season championship. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 47
SUPERCROSS
There is still plenty of racing left this season. Roczen, Webb, Barcia and Tomac are all keeping the battle nice and tight. We will
find out in May who takes the season victory. All races this year will be televised on NBC Sports Network.
2021 Supercross Schedule: Round 1: January 16th, 2021 Round 2: January 19th, 2021 Round 3: January 23rd, 2021 Round 4: January 30th, 2021 Round 5: February 2nd, 2021 Round 6: February 6th, 2021 Round 7: February 13th, 2021 Round 8: February 20th, 2021 Round 9: March 6th, 2021 Round 10: March 13th, 2021 Round 11: March 16th, 2021 Round 12: March 20th, 2021 Round 13: April 10th, 2021 Round 14: April 13th, 2021 Round 15: April 17th, 2021 Round 16: April 24th, 2021 Round 17: May 1st, 2021
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NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) NRG Stadium (Houston, TX) Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, IN) Camping World Stadium (Orlando, FL) Camping World Stadium (Orlando, FL) Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, FL) AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) Atlanta Motor Speedway (Atlanta, GA) Atlanta Motor Speedway (Atlanta, GA) Atlanta Motor Speedway (Atlanta, GA) Rice-Eccles Stadium (Salt Lake City, UT) Rice-Eccles Stadium (Salt Lake City, UT)
MOTO
FOX RACEWAY’ BIG MINI FEST
W
hen Californians get bored from quarantine, they always find a way to have fun! This includes blowing the dust off their pit bikes to go race at Fox Raceway near San Diego. The track hosted its first race of the year¬¬– The Big Mini Fest. These little mini Moto bikes weren’t designed for the average full grown adult. It is however easy to slap some taller bars on them and go racing! If you are 7 to 12 years old you might just feel a little bit better on this bike. Both kids, teens and adults came out to the event.
Story and Photos: Dave Arnold
There was a mix of classes from pro mini bike racers to the weekend warriors. Fox Raceway was more than accommodating by putting this event on and designing a bike track that caters to these mini rippers. Motoloans stepped up as the title sponsor with support from Fox racing. Riders turned out in droves with close to 200 entries! With the sun still shining in North San Diego County, practice began with dozens of riders filling the track from start to finish.
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BIG MINI FEST
The youngest riders at the event even had an opportunity to ride. The Stacyc Electric balance bike is a perfect learning platform for little riders to learn basic motocross skills. The bikes are powered by a 20volt battery, the same one you would find on your power tools. These youngsters received some of the loudest cheers from the fans. Under the lights, at the first drop of the gate, the pro riders hit the track with lots of highflying bar bashing low to the ground action. The fastest riders quickly moved away from the carnage behind them. All classes made for an exciting night a racing. One thing about pit bike racing is it is always
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physical and the riders are very close, banging elbows and bikes. Because they are low to the ground, injuries were far and few.
MASTERPIECE OF METAL
A STEP UP Fusion’s new affordable Class 3000 T-4 STORY AND PHOTOS: SHAUN OCHSNER 52 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
T
he Fusion T-4 is part of a stepping stone class in desert racing. It fits nicely between UTV’s and the 6100 class at an affordable price. A top of the line Trophy Truck now costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and to be competitive requires a seasoned driver. While the 6100 class is great for learning skills that a driver can one day get into a Trophy Truck, they still cost over $300,000. The Fusion T-4 is meant to be raced in Class 3000, and only costs $150,000. While the parts on the truck are meant to keep the vehicle limited and costs down, there are still some options you can add or change out on the truck. Engine size in the class is limited to a Ford 2.3 turbo four cylinder or Chevy 2.7 turbo cylinder. The class is limited to a 118 inch wheel base. The largest tire allowed is a 37-inch. The rules are in place to prevent drivers from running expensive trophy truck hubs and brakes. Shock absorbers are limited to 3.5 inch. Rotors are also limited to 13 inches.
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FUSION T-4
LEFT: Under the hood of this truck is a GM 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder tri-power engine. Class rules also allow a Ford 2.3 Turbo 4-cylinder mated to any production transmission. BELOW: Every part is custom built at Fusion off-road’s Lake Elsinore California race shop.
LEFT: The T-4 features 40 spline axles with a 9-inch rear end.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 55
The interior of the Fusion T-4 includes all of the latest GPS equipment, including an AIM dash for monitoring everything on the truck. There is a Lowrance GPS and intercom system for communication between driver and co-driver. The truck is also equipped with PRP seats to keep the driver and codriver comfortable.
BUILD SHEET Vehicle: 2021 Fusion T-4 Builder: Fusion Off-Road Power Train: GM 2.7 turbo 4-cylinder Tri Power Engine Drive Train: GM 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Brakes: Jamar Suspension: King 3” coil overs with 3.5 bypass shocks Steering: Howe 3” rack and pinion Exterior: Custom Designed Fusion Body Interior: PRP Racing Seats, Hostyle nets and bags Lowrance GPS, AIM racing dash 56 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
TECH
maintaining and rebuilding shocks Story by: Shaun Ochsner
Y
ou pay a premium for your off-road degrading your shock effectiveness. If shocks. Like everything else they are overlooked, parts can start to fail. going to need some TLC. Our pre-runner series King Shocks were no exception. We brought them over to the team at LaFortune Race Cars. Owned by longtime off-road racer Jason LaFortune, his shop offers full race prep and fabrication services. Their crew pays attention to every detail when it comes to working on your off-road vehicle. Sometimes one of the most overlooked details of off-road prep, are shocks. Whether off-road racing, pre-running or general off-road usage, those shocks are going to need to be rebuilt. The seals wear out, oil begins to break down DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 57
MAINTAINING AND REBUILDING SHOCKS
So, what is involved in rebuilding wornout shocks? First, you need a seal kit from your shock manufacturer. In our case, King sells these through your local off-road shop. LaFortune Race Cars had one shipped to the shop before we arrived. Included are several replacement seal rings. You also need to purchase shock fluid. Our shocks used about a gallon of the custom mix. King also sells a higher blend synthetic oil specifically for race vehicles. That blend can withstand higher temperatures and lubricates moving parts faster.
To take your shock apart, remove the o-ring and wiper cap.
Once the shocks were pulled off the truck, the springs needed to be compressed in order to remove the shock shaft. There are various ways to do this. Having a spring compressor in the LaFortune shop made it really easy and convenient. Also, when the shock is pulled off, don’t forget to clean the joints and mounting points. Plenty of dirt and grime gets in 58 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
these parts. We then remove all of the components from the shaft. We drained the old oil out of the shock.
TECH
The oil in our shock had broken down and was of a dark color, a significant indicator that it needed to be replaced. Once you have the shock apart, replacing the seals in very simple. You want to make sure you get everything cleaned up including the piston and shim stacks. Once everything is put back together it’s time to pour new oil into the shaft. The final step is to seal the shock, tighten everything and re-install on truck.
We immediately noticed improved ride quality on our truck. Shock service is recommended every 1-2 years to get the best performance out of them. Shock rebuild performed at: LaFortune Race Cars 626 290 2392 https://www.lafortuneracecars.com/ DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 59
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CHAPPY’S PIT STOP
THE GREEN FLAG IS WAVING Words & Photos: Steve Hanson
PSALM 23 NIV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. 3) He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6) Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I
ts official, the green flag is waving, and the start of 2021 has begun. Barely halfway through January already and I have two races behind me. I wish I could say with 2020 behind me I only have optimism in front of me. I am afraid that is not the case. China virus is still here, season race schedules are still changing weekly, people are still rioting, and our country’s leadership still leaves me uncertain of our nation’s future. This dismal realization and the verse above open my eyes to my own wavering. I have put hope and faith in men/women, and parties to lead us. Have you been there? It is time to push in the clutch and take a deep breath. Time to get grounded again and take on 2021 with a restored soul and refreshed spirit. Our guidance should come from looking towards the Lord by placing our eyes on Him not a man/woman or government party. It is too easy to seek direction from our own echochambers by listening to narrative that only confirms what we already hope to be true. Jesus is the author of true hope, so choose 56 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
to listen to His word and place your faith in His guidance. Just like a shepherd’s staff can guide and protect us, God’s word will guide and protect us. A counselor may comfort us in the storm, but we need God to still the storm. Loosing does not bring total destruction any more than winning brings all things our way. Regardless of life’s peaks and valleys keep pressing forward; So, let us stop looking for the advancement of a candidate/political party but instead the advancement of Gods kingdom and blessing of the family. We are instructed to Love God, look higher and Love your neighbor as yourself. If we can do those two things there is hope. MARK 12:29NIV “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself as I have loved you,” There is no commandment greater than these. Follow @rfc_dirtsportministry
CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS february King of The Hammers- Johnson Valley, CA January 29th-February 6th DP4 SXS Racing- Ridgecrest, CA February 6th
EVENT TO ATTEND BITD Parker 250
SNORE 250- Kingman, AZ February 12th-13th WORCS ATV/SXS Round 2- Blythe, CA February 12th-14th Slash X Duel in the Desert- Barstow, CA February 20th Best in the Desert Parker 250 (Moto,Quad,UTV) February 18th-21st Legacy Racing Hare Scrambles- Laughlin, NV February 26th-28th Artic Derby Dash SXS, Eagle River, WI February 26th-27th
march
The Best in the Desert Parker 250 features Motorcycles, Quads and UTV’s. The race course winds through the desert near the town of Parker, Arizona. There are even youth classes at the Parker 250.
VORRA X-TREME Shortcourse- Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, CA March 19th-20th Best in The Desert UTV Legends Championship Laughlin, NV March 25th-28th DP4 SXS Racing- Johnson Valley, CA March 27th Have an event for our Calendar? Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 57
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