NASSER AL-ATTIYAH WINS THE DAKAR RALLY
The Voice Of Off-Road Motorsports
ISSUE 1 VOL 3
FEBRUARY 2022
RECORD BREAKER INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
AUDI ELECTRIFIES THE DESERT
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BJ BALDWIN WINS BITD PARKER 425
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TABLE OF CONTENTS REGULAR DIRT>
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WORD NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
10 NEW RIDES 14 DIRTWORLD
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15 KIDS KORNER 18 CAPTURED 59 CHAPPY’S PIT STOP 59 CALENDAR
FEATURES>
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20 COVER STORY: SETH QUINTERO- RECORD BREAKER 22 DAKAR RALLY 28 AUDI ELECTRIFIES THE DESERT
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32 PARKER 425: BJ IS BACK! 36 MASTERPIECE IN METAL: THE LAMBROGHINI
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44 RED BULL ICE SCRAMBLE 46 THE NEXT GENERATION SHELBY RAPTOR 48 BRONCO RAPTOR: NEXT LEVEL PERFORMANCE
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51 NISSAN GOES RETRO
TECH> 54 INSTALLING NEW CONTROL ARMS & BUSHINGS Publisher DirtSports Inc. Editor-In-Chief Shaun Ochsner Associate Editor La-Chelle Halliday Sales and Admin Dave Arnold Contributing Editors Chris James Steve Hanson
DIRTSPORTSWORLD
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Contributing Photography Shaun Ochsner Harlen Foley Kawasaki Antonin Vincent Dave Arnold Frederich Le Floch Red Bull Julien Delfosse GASGAS Florent Gooden Ford Motor Co Gigi Soldano Red Bull Polaris Nissan Daniel Schenkelberg Printed at: Sutherland Printing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA DIRTSPORTSWORLD
DIRTSPORTSWORLD
WORD ENTRIES SPREAD THIN
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anuary got off to a they used to be. The Desert Challenge at the roaring start in the Hammers also didn’t see full fields in s industry with a ton of classes. Not enough turnaround time and too off-road events. First many events close together is what I believe to up, the Legacy Racing be the reason for thin entries at each of these Desert Showdown in events. Shaun Ochsner Editor-In-Chief Pahrump, Nevada. DirtSportsWorld Just a couple weeks later, Best in the Desert hosted the Parker 425. A week after that, the King of the Hammers Desert Challenge. Unless you run multiple race vehicles, have a lightning fast pit crew working 24-hours a day at the shop, or just plain insane, there is no way you can race all of these events. When we see back to back events with very little to no time in-between them, the entry list suffers. That was exactly the case at the Legacy and Best in the Desert events. Full fields are not what
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 5
NEWS Ultra4 Racer Gary Ferravanti Senior Passes Away News is circulating the rock crawling community of Gary Ferravanti Senior’s passing. Ferravanti drove the number 44 Ultra4 car and competed for several years at King of the Hammers and other rock crawling events. His cause of death was not disclosed. Ultra4 racing posted the following to their Facebook page: “With saddened hearts, we say goodbye to a member of our Ultra4 racing community. A racer, a friend, a piece of our family, Gary Ferravanti Sr.”
New Off-Road Event Coming to Barstow this Fall The Martelli Brothers are bringing a new offroad race event to the Barstow area this fall. The race will be called the California 300. Barstow has long been popular with off-road racers. The California 300 will feature 40 classes, pre-running, a poker run and desert clean-up. “We’re thrilled to be promoting this new event in California, in the heart of an area known for some incredible racing history and lineage…and for being a constant testing site for the off-road industry. We’ve shot hundreds of commercials and offroad product tests in this area over the past ten years. Barstow has the perfect mix of challenging race course, good pit access, and lots of land for camping and spectating. Add to that the amenities like the local hotels, cell coverage and freeway access and it really hits all of the key components we need for a successful event,” said California 300 CEO, 6 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Matt Martelli. The race is expected to take place on a newly mapped 75-mile racecourse and will be four laps. Unlimited trucks will get their own dedicated race during the event. Dates for the California 300 will be October 12th-16th.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE DIRT
Dave Prater Named Vice President of Supercross
Feld Entertainment has promoted Dave Prater to Vice President of Supercross. Prater has been with the Supercross series since 2000. Prater has contributed to the sport over the years and helped elevate Feld’s position since it purchased the series in 2008. Some of Prater’s accomplishments include revamping the points structure and introduction of the Triple Crown Format. Additionally, Prater is responsible for expanding the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West showdown events, Supercross Futures and Monster Energy Cup. Prater helped facilitate the deal to bring Supercross to NBC Sports. Prater has a strong relationship with the industry and his expertise is another reason
why Feld promoted him. Prater helped lead the series over the last couple years through the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic that led to event cancellations and a mid-season reschedule.
Rockstar and Husqvarna Renew Partnership
Rockstar Energy Drink will continue to be part of Husqvarna Factory Racing for at least the next two years. The two have had a successful partnership since 2015. The collaboration has led to two special edition motocross modelsthe FC450 and FC250 Rockstar Editions being released to the public for purchase. “Partnering with Rockstar Energy Drink seven years ago has led to many great milestones and achievements by the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team in supercross, motocross, and off road. We’ve won many races and multiple championships along the way, and just this last weekend we saw our newest 450SX racer Malcolm Stewart score a career-best second-place result in Phoenix, so we look forward to continuing
to build on this great partnership” said North America Motorsport Director, Roger De Coster. The team has several successful riders including Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne in Supercross. Malcolm Stewart was a new addition to the team this year. Colt Haaker competes in Endurocross while Billy Bolt recently became the first ever FIM Hard Enduro Champion. The renewed partnership goes through 2023. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 7
NEW PRODUCT
Kawasaki Introduces New Line of Performance Oils
K
awasaki has a new line of performance oil formulations that offer greater and improved performance for Kawasaki’s line of power sports products. The all-new motorcycle blend with the KPO 4-stroke motorcycle engine oil has been optimized for performance. The blend uses the highest quality base oils and patented cutting-edge dual friction technologies. Motorcycle engines run at hotter temperatures with higher RPM’s and that is exactly what this oil blend was designed for. It also
thing, Kawasaki has a KPO semi-synthetic 2-stroke racing oil for superior performance in harsh racing environments. The high-performance oil protects engines from deposits, hot spots and corrosion. reduces engine friction and produces high clutch friction. The end result provides the rider with excellent clutch and shift feel. Kawasaki also has a full synthetic and semi 4-stroke engine oil available for motorcycles. If racing is your
If you own a Kawasaki UTV/ ATV,thereisaspecificsemisynthetic 4-stroke engine oil available to provide maximum engine lubrication over a wide range of temperatures and operating conditions. Similar to the full synthetic, this oil is recommended for both gas and diesel engines.
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NEW RIDES
Polaris Announces Purpose-Built Limited-Edition Models
N
ew limited-edition models across the Polaris portfolio of models are coming for 2022. The RZR Pro XP Rockford Fosgate edition has been refreshed with a fresh style for this year. The vehicle features 800 watts of off-road tune along with
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high-performance speakers. Four of the speakers have been upgraded to 100-watts to compliment the already powerful 400-watt 10-inch factory installed sub woofer. This sound system guarantees you will be bringing the party along on the trail or the dunes.
The colors have also been refreshed with a new red body and cage with blue doors and white Polaris “RZR” lettering.
For those that like to hunt, the all of the Big Game features are coming to the Ranger Crew XP 1000. The vehicle features a heating and air conditioning system for maximum comfortability in any climate. There is also a Pro Shield Cab System for complete protection from the elements. Within the Big Game model is a Water Fowl edition that has high mount air intakes and clutch ducting that allow the vehicle to navigate through water. The ground clearance has also been elevated to help maneuver through logs, rocks and other submerged objects. Storage has also been upgraded to allow more gear to be brought along on the hunt.
POLARIS LIMITED EDITION MODELS
Additionally, Polaris announced limited edition Scrambler and Sportsman XP 1000 Ride Command Edition ATVs.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 11
NEW RIDES
Be More BAM BAM with the GasGas 450F Troy Lee Designs Special Edition
Y
ou can ride just like “Bam Bam” Bam likes the bike set up. GasGas added more Justin Barcia. GasGas is making power by adding a lightweight Akrapovic Slip-On itsfirsteverraceteamfactoryline edition exhaust system. It improves torque and adds race bike for sale complete with the an overall power boost to the bike Quick and easy same graphics kit Bam Bam runs during changes to the power delivery can be made via the Supercross races. The bike is loaded with handlebar mounted Map Select Switch. factory team hardware to make you a real winner. The replica bike starts off with the Troy Lee/Red Bull/GasGas factory graphics kit. For those wishing to get the full Bam Bam experience, his #51 decals can be added to the bike. Other features include a Troy Lee Designs Factory Racing Seat and softer ODI lock-on grips. Gas as even added the factory racing triple clamps (in anodized red). The suspension settings on the bike have beensettofirmer,exactlythewayBam
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GASGAS BAM BAM TROY LEE DESIGNS 450F
The MC 450F comes with the Factory Wheels in black on Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires. The bike alsohasaSemi-floatingFrontDiscthatimproves braking performance. To top it off, there is an hour meter, so riders know exactly how many hours they have spent on the bike. The Bam Bam GasGas Troy Lee Designs Factory bike is available now at dealers worldwide.
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 13
DIRT WORLD dakar rally
dakar rally
Fly, like a birdie
Water bottle showers are essential to staying clean at the Dakar Rally
Dakar rally
dakar rally
The picture is so much better when you shoot the selfie from the other side of the phone.
Time for a siesta
Dakar rally
Dakar rally
Dakar Moto riders are also talented jugglers too.
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Something seems to be missing here.
THE WORLD IS A DIRTY PLACE
dakar rally
Dakar rally
Mike, Mike, Guess what day it is?
Parker 425 Is this what they meant by “air support”?
DAKAR RALLY
We catch a lot of people sleeping on the job.
SU B YO MIT PH UR OT O SEND US YOUR CRAZY PHOTO OUT IN THE DIRT AND WE MAY FEATURE IT HERE IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. Email to: Dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com
dakar rally
Can you still see me?
Everybody likes to have fun at the Y.M.C.A
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 15
KIDS KORNER
Dexter Warren | Age: 9 | Polaris 170 JR2, JR1, Dirt Karts
PRESENTED BY:
Photos Courtesy: Harlen Foley
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, and any obstacles that make you, you: A: Firstly, I am Australia’s only youth off-road racer currently competing in the USA, I also became Australia’s youngest internationalracecardriverbackwhenIwasjust6onmyfirsttriphere.Istarteddriv of 3 and started racing dirt karts back home in Australia at the age of 5. With very little room to expand my driving ability I looked abroad to see what I could potentially race. We came across UTV off-road racing and made the choice to have a crack at it. In February 2021 as a family, we chose to move to the US to broaden my experience and chase a few personal goals. Obviously moving from another country has its own set of obstacles, but the difference in race craft and race style (short course and desert) meant I had a lot to learn and quick. With the help from Jimmy Owens of Xtreme Machine & Fabrication, he soon had me up to race speed and started to chip away at my goals. I have an older brother, younger sister, and Mum and Dad (that’s how we spell mom!). They support me and we love getting to see a whole new country. As for me? You probably won’t see a better untamed Mullet than mine and if you ever get to see me on a podium, Us Aussies celebrate hard! And I mean I don’t mind a shoey or two (due to my age - it’s normally just water though.) Q: What is it about Off-Road that brings you the most joy? A: Off-Road is a very different type of motorsport, and until you try it out, you have no idea just how fun and physically demanding it is. Last year I raced events that lasted as long as 45 minutes in up to 110 degrees (43 Celsius). Back home a typical go kart race lasts around 4 minutes and events are canceled if the temperature reaches 93 (35 Celsius) and this is why I love off-road racing, it’s tough! Q: What are your favorite tracks and Ultimate goal for 2022? A: My absolute favorite track and venue so far is Mid America Outdoors in Jay, Oklahoma. The facility is world class and the track and race series are an absolute blast, so much that I was fortunate enough to take out the 170 Limited class series for 2021 and also the 170 Limited class at the Visions Outdoors 2021 also held at the same location. My goal for 2022 is to continue to race and push myself. We unfortunately need to return to Australia sometime this year (mainly as our budget is getting thin) but if we can secure a few sponsors, I will push as hard as I can to continue developing myself as a racer. Once I return home my goal then changes to continue to help and push to get a youth series in Australia established. Australia already has a huge off-road scene, it’s just lacking a youth series for us kids to attend and race. My goal is to help as many kids as I can to get started in off-road racing. Q: What are you going to change tomorrow to make yourself better than today? A: Dramatically. School is the foundation of your career in whatever you choose. It also teaches you values and how to become a better person. Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to attend a school in the US. It’s been a crazy time and the chance to learn more values in a different country is an experience a lot of kids just don’t get. School is important - not just for learning, but to also establish friends, routines and social wellness. I love Maths (or Math as it’s called here) and there are lots of numbers in the racing scene so I can continue to develop my math skills in a real-life setting. How does your school work help you in sports? A: Dramatically. School is the foundation of your career in whatever you choose. It also teaches you values and how to become a better person. Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to attend a school in the US. It’s been a crazy time and the chance to learn more values in a different country is an experience a lot of kids just don’t get. School is important - not just for learning, but to also establish friends, routines and social wellness. I love Maths (or Math as it’s called here) and there are lots of numbers in the racing scene so I can continue to develop my math skills in a real-life setting. Q:Wheredoyouseeyourselfinfiveyears? A: I will only be 14! But I just hope that this crazy ride I’m on continues and I expand my driving abilities. Most professional race teams in Australia have youth development programs which start from the age of 13. So hopefully with the sound knowledge I’m creating here in the US, I can get a foot in at some stage, until then I will just race whatever steering wheel is in front of me. Team Warren Shout-outs: First a massive shout out to my parents, without them giving me the chance to move to America and chase some goals none of this would have happened. To Jimmy Owens and all the team at Xtreme Machine & Fabrication, they have been the backbone of our whole program, and frankly I could not have achieved the success I’ve had without them. To all of my sponsors back home in Australia. Jurys Liquid Waste, DXStar Race Gear, Craneworx, Autobarn Elizabeth, Lockwood Cranes, SS Welding Services, Adelaide Painting & Maintenance, TML Transport Two Wells, R&J Rural Supplies, Sticky Bitz. And everyone that has supported me in chasing my dreams, I say Thank you!
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QUALITY. SAFETY. TEAMWORK. INTEGRITY. COMMITMENT. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE SINCE 1991
CAPTURED
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Dakar Bicycle: Guerlain Chicherit “bicycles” off a dune in his Ford GCK Thunder Buggy during the Dakar Rally. Photo: F. Gooden
COVER STORY
RECORD
BREAKER
Story by: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Daniel Schenkelberg, Frederic Le Floch, Red Bull, Florent Gooden, Gigi Soldano
A
t just nineteen years old, Seth Quintero hasn’t even scratched the surface of what he is capable of. Yet, he has already cemented history and made it into the Dakar record books. Quintero is the youngest driver to secure the most stage wins in the history of the Dakar Rally. For most, it takes years of competing in the Dakar Rally to break those types of records, and that is only achievable if you are a really good driver. There is a very
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short list of drivers in the history of the rally that have broken records and made history. None of them as young as Quintero. Born in 2002, Quintero grew up near San Diego, California. His family spent much time recreating in the nearby deserts. At the age of four, Quintero was already riding quads and bikes. Just six years later, Quintero began racing UTV’s competitively. Things
escalated quickly when Quintero began winning races. He wasn’t even legally old enough to drive on the open roads. That didn’t matter. On closed courses, Quintero was racking up wins and championships. So, for Quintero, the Dakar Rally was terrain he was already used to. He was always all too familiar with the steering wheel, gas pedal and gauges. We aren’t sure if he uses the brakes much.
SETH QUINTERO
Quintero races for the Red Bull stage of the rally. With the overall Junior team in an OT 3. Introduced win in the light prototype class in 2019, the Prototype custom out of sight. Quintero pushed side-by-side was built by Belgium- on, winning every single stage based Overdrive. The side-by-side forward. Quintero won a record utilizes a 6-speed Volkswagen twelve stages. This may be the transmission. It resembles a mostsignificantrecordQu side-by-side buggy. It features a has broken at the Rally, but it is customtubechassisspecifically nothis for first.In201,hebecame traversing dunes. The wheelbase the youngest driver to ever win a is also longer than the RZR XP stage at the rally. That led to his Turbo. The OT 3 churns out determination for the 2022 event. 177-horsepower and is turboWe can only expect this young charged. It also has a 30-inch tires. prodigy to return to Dakar in 2023 andfinishwhathestarte Quintero could have gotten the to break another record that could overall win if wasn’t for one bad be hardest of all for anyone else to day at the rally. A mechanical beat for years to come¬– the quest issue cost Quintero 10 hours to become the youngest overall of downtime during the second winner of the rally in his class. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 21
RALLY
The 2022 Dakar Rally Nasser Al-Attiyah adds fourth career win to his resume. Story by Shaun Ochsner Photos by: GasGas, Antonin Vincent, Frederich Le Floch, Julien Delfosse, Florent Gooden, Gigi Soldano & Red Bull
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T
he 2022 Dakar Rally was back the problem and Al-Attiyah was in Saudi Arabia, the largest orderedtopayafine.Hewasalso peninsula in the world. The rally assessedafive-minutepenalty lastedfifteendayswithtwelve during stage eight for a seat belt stages. The rally kicked off in infraction. Still over the course of the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. therallyfinishingeachstagein Jeddah is a port city along the Red thetopfive,Al-Attiyahstretch Sea known for its resort hotels out his points lead. His closest and beaches. The rally would competitor, Frenchman Sebastien alsofinishinJeddahtwoweeks Loebfinishedinsecondplace. later after crisscrossing the Saudi peninsula. The route would take Many have nicknamed Al-Attiyah competitors through the cities of Al “prince of the desert.” He comes Qaisumah, Riyadh, Al Dawadimi, from Doha, Qatar. Al-Attiyah has Wadi Ad Dawasir and Bisha. two decades of rally wins on his resume, including winning the Rain would cause the marathon Middle East Rally Championship stage to be cancelled. Mother at least sixteen times. Actual stats nature also wreaked havoc on the put Al-Attiyah’s win collection at course as organizers were forced to sixty-fivealongwiththirteent shorten and re-route some stages. His Dakar Rally debut was in 2004 Things weren’t easy for Nasser with Mitsubishi. That year, AlAl-Aittyah. Al-Attiyah received Attiyahfinishedtenth.Hemoved asuspendeddisqualification on toafter race with the X-Raid BMW the second stage for not having his team for three years. Al-Attiyah data logger properly connected. finishedsecondattheDakarin The A.S.O. investigated the issue 2010. A year later, he won his and determined Al-Attiyah’s firstDakarRallyinaVolkswagen Toyota crew had made a mistake. Touareg. He went on to claim wins TheToyotacrewquicklyrectified in 2015 and 2019. This year,
RALLY
LEFT: Former Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb finished the Dakar Rally in second place. 24 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
Nasser Al-Attiyah was behind the wheel of a Toyota GR DKR Hilux T1+ for Toyota Gazoo Racing as part of a four-car team effort. Toyota would use the all-new Hilux trucks on their maiden voyage in the rally. They feature a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, found in the Toyota Land Cruiser. The new trucks have bigger wheels, new single shock suspension resulting in more travel. Toyota spent a significant amount of time testing the truck before the rally. Over in the bike class, Sam Sunderlandwascelebratingthefirst win ever for GasGas. Sunderland won the rally in 2017. He took over the points lead by the second stage, put his head down and went to work ridingflawlesslywithconsistent finishes.Hehadplentyofpressure from behind as 2020 Rally champion Ricky Brabec was determined to getatopposition.Brabecfinished the rally in second. Just weeks after Sunderland’s win, he visited the GasGas headquarters in Austria, riding his winning rally bike through various buildings as employees cheered, celebrated and threw a huge party. Sunderland has put GasGas on the map as a competitive force to be reckoned with.
2022 DAKAR RALLY
“This win feels better than the first as this victory was anything but easy. The times were so close this year and there was no time to let off the gas, it was a really close race, right to the end. All of the hard work, the sacrifices, and everything that the GASGAS team has done for me makes it all worthwhile.” -Sam Sunderland
DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 25
RALLY
Another victory story was quietly developing in the SSV class. American Austin Jones held on for a Dakar class win for Can-Am. The side-by-side company now boasts five consecutive wins at the Rally. For Jones, this is his first victory, and a sweet one at that. Driving a Maverick X3, Jones said he pushed hard and had to contend with extremely strong competitors. 26 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
All-in-all, there were plenty of stories to be written into this year’s Dakar history books. The competitors continue to push and break records, raising the bar for competition more and more each year. Those that conquer the Dakar have arrived at the highest level of competition. Those that are successful come back year after year to push themselves to the limits.
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
ELECTRIC RACING
Electrifies The Desert
Story By: La- Ch e l le Ha l liday Ph o tos Prov ide d by: Au di
A
udi’s beginings, at times strenuous, are inspiring on Audi’s will to creatively survive with their ingenuity and advanced designs. August Horch, a German enginer, and founder in 1901. After disputes in 1909, he left the company and founded Horch AutomobilWerke GmbH as direct competition to his former compa.ny Legal disputes over the Horch name ensued where a court decided it was trademarked to A. Horch & Co. forcing August to rename his newly established business. August would Latinate his surname, Horch, meaning listen in German, becoming Audi in Latin. After a handful of decades, both of August’s companies and two others, DKW and Wanderer, merged to form Auto Union, an umbrella styled single shareholder. The merge of the four automobile manufacturers would give birth to the four ringed logo Audi still holds toda.y
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Audi disappeared for nearly two decades as WWII raged throughout the world. Tough years for Audi ensued as it witnessed its’ plants retooled to exclusively produce for the militar, y and later its entirety of assets disposed of and deleted from the commercial register. By 1949, a new car manufacturing plant was set up where Auto Union GmbH returned until its shares were purchased by Volkswagen from Daimler-Benz where it nearly became extinct. Volkswagen chief Heinz Nordhof, hostile to the idea of Auto Union as a standalone entity producing its own models, ordered the name from the factory buildings. Nordhof explicitly forbade Auto Union from any further product development inciting fears that VW had no long-term ambition for the Audi brand. Auto Union enginers under Ludwig Kraus’ leadership, developed the knowledge.
AUDI ELECTRIFIES THE DESERT
However,whenpresentedwithafinished prototype, Nordhoff was so impressed he authorized the car for production, when launched in 1968, went to become a huge success. Thus, launching Audi’s legacy of tenacity with groundbreaking developments that ensured the brands success throughout the troublous years. Today, Audi continues the same forwardthinking spirit as the company committed to debut an electric drivetrain to tackle the DakarRally,afirstforallcarmanufacturers. Despite the stillness of a pandemic, Audi continued designing the innovative concept, dubbed the RS Q e-tron, before regulations
“The important thing is our drivetrain is fully electric. The TFSI engine is only used to charge the batteries on the special stages. The battery has to be charged while driving, as there are currently no other options to do so in the desert” – Andreas Roos, Audi Factory Racing Project Manager
for alternatively powered vehicles had beenfinalized.Equippedwithanelectr drivetrainincombinationwithanef energy converter, the TFSI engine from the DTM, and three motor generator unit (MGU) from the current Formula E car. The MGUs will be used on the front axle and read axle while a third would serve as a generator to charge the battery while driving. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 29
ELECTRIC RACING
UD A I DAM TM
“It’s no exaggeration to speak of a ‘dream team’. “Stéphane is the most successful Dakar driver of all time. Carlos is a multiple Dakar winner and World Rally champion. With Mattias, we already celebrated many Audi successes in the past. He is one of the world’s most versatile drivers.” --Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH Audi continued its success in recruiting three championed driver teams for their journey to compete for overall victory against conventionally powered competitors. Mattias Ekström/ Emil Bergkvist (Sweden), Stéphane Peterhansel/Edouard Boulanger (France) and Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz (Spain) will compete for Audi in the world’s toughest rally from January 2 to 14, 20.
Gravel sections and blistering heat stretching over 8 days in Aragon, Spain began the endurance testing of the Audi teams and car. Fine tuning needed to be done but overall drivers were pleased with the starting point of the RS Q e-tron with its handling and reliability where it had achieved a top speed of 180 km/h. The ensemble pressed forward testing in Germany and Morocco under more extreme conditions. Deliberately spending two weeks testing in hampering sandstorms and high temperatures, higher than expected at the Dakar Rally, allowed engineers to test the components pushing limits to learn more of an understanding of its capabilities. Audi would face 91 other competitors in the automobile class which is one categories alongside motorcycles, quads, and trucks.
In the months leading up to the main event, Audi pressed on testing the newly designed RS Q e-tron on technical terrains that it would encounter during the Dakar Rally. 30 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
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AUDI ELECTRIFIES THE DESERT
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Rdoc o mc in g po a io iod i i On the second da, y an inaccurate roadbook led ngdkkdib am h oc o k idnc mn H ood n o h it i db od i mm mn ocm pbc poi oc g md m hdg mbf dno iod pndib mg n diu i hk omd o Gp n no d k ao m g ndib , c pm mpn o g n i mgt c pmn r m diu n h i db od i mm mn kg bpdib oc m ] pi a m cdn mno d o mt ori oc r.m no n b rc r m hk odib di a oc m ggt dbco tn g o m c a h m ioc b n o i odh i oc mno odh lpdm cdn n i d o mt i no b o,, b mt c r m ]g o cd oc m o k id m or odh R mg M ggt oc dm c m r mf c p rdoc oc g Champion and with 3 Dakar victories under sk md i dhkm am h -.m o his belt, was left without a chance in the top ao m no b rdi i or oc m o k o
idnc n o ]o di oc ] no idnc a gg ocm p do hn p d n kcdg n kct a pndib i bm pi ]m fdib o ci g bd n di h o mnk a m apopm m mn c n km i don o mhdi od i i h m np nnapg oc sk o
This clearly exceeds our expectations for the first Dakar participation [...] Audi is thus the first team to achieve a stage victory with an electric drive concept. This is the result of an excellent team performance. After this performance already in the first year, overall victory at the next Dakar is clearly our goal. Back in Germany, we’ll take stock, further optimize our Audi RS Q e-tron and field it in several races.” -Julius Seebach, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 31
DESERT RACING
BJ is Back Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Shaun Ochsner and Dave Arnold
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he 2022 Parker 425 has reversed course this year. Racers ran the 425-mile desert course located just east of Colorado River town of Parker, Arizona backwards. For many racers, running the opposite direction than they are used can present some challenges. Jumps, corners and the general terrain looks a little different. That’s exactly what the organizers at the Best In the Desert wanted. A new challenge.
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BJ Baldwin has been sitting quietly in his truck the last few years, usually with a toptenfinishatmostraces. These days, Baldwin hasn’t gotten much fanfare. It’s been a while since we have seen Baldwin on the top spot on the podium. Many ruled him out as competitive. With a newsponsor¬–BlackRifle Coffee and revamped pit crew, Baldwin is back and making a huge a statement in off-road.
BEST IN THE DESERT PARKER 425
As the sun rose early Saturday morning over the Arizona desert, Trick-Trucks took to the 425-mile course with limited dust. As expected, Kyle Jergensen was in the lead followed by young desert racing prodigy Jax Reline and Nic Whetstone. Redline shared driving duties in Whetstone’s Geiser-built truck. Jergensen was the top qualifier at time trials. Concrete Motorsports’ Kevin Thompson and Harley Letner unexpectedly had to call it quits by the second pit stop. A failed flex-plate would take the team out of contention. As the race continued, Jergensen would have mechanical issues. Out of nowhere BJ Baldwin soon found himself in the lead. Baldwin’s perseverance and patience were starting to pay off. The changes Baldwin made to his race program were beginning to show real results. Baldwin held on for his first victory in several years. Despite DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 33
DESERT RACING
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BEST IN THE DESERT PARKER 425
losing his brakes on the last lap, costing him several minutes, Baldwinwashumbleatthefini line, thanking his supporters and sponsors. For Baldwin, the Parker 425 win is only a sign of things to come this year.
Other wins at the Best in the Desert Parker 425 went Connor McMullen in the 6100 class, beating out Brent Fox on corrected and adjusted time. The celebration was well underway in the 1500 Unlimited Class as Chip Prescottlandedhisfirstev in the Desert win.
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MASTERPIECE OF METAL
Jordan Pellegrino’s STORY AND PHOTOS: SHAUN OCHSNER 36 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
LAMBROGHINI
J
ordan Pellegrino has learned a thing or two about rock crawling. His dad, Tony Pellegrino has competed in multiple King of the Hammers races. Tony also attends dozens of Jeep events throughout the year. Tony started Genright Off-Road in 2006, a company that makes a host of different products for Jeeps. With all of this going on, Jordan jumped right in, wanting to compete in King of the Hammers on his own and make a name for himself. After competing in the Every Man
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Challenge Class, Jordan decided it was time to move up and compete with the big boys in the 4400 class. Last year Jordan decided he needed a more competitive car. Rather than go out and buy something from a builder, Jordan spent a year designing and building the car on his own. Thus, the “Lambroghini” was born.Jordanfinishedthebuildatthel before loading up and heading to the lakebed for the grueling week of King of Hammers. With zero test time, Jordan planned to run some of the rock trails at the Hammers just a couple days before he was to qualify for the main event. Jordan built the Lambroghini specificallytohandlethepunishingt at the Hammers. Building the car himself, he knew what to expect and what he was going to put it through.
LAMBROGHINI
The Lambroghini has 635-horsepower at the rear wheels making it a rocket. It weighs in at 5400 lbs, race-ready! The suspension is set up much like a Class 1 car or Trophy Truck. The Lambroghini’s suspension has been reinforced to sustain constant abuse from the punishing rock trails at the Hammers. The front lower control arms have over 50 pieces of steel in each arm and weigh in at a whopping 75-lbs. They stand ready to take whatever can be thrown at it.
When the Lambroghini is in reverse, a rear camera turns on allowing Jordan to see what is behind him in the rocks.
The Lambroghini has fully independent suspension along with portal hubs. Jordan wanted to stay one step ahead of the game. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 39
Inside, Jordan has everything he needs to monitor the Lambroghini’s vitals. A Motec system allows him to see various temperatures, and pressures. There are also two Lowrance GPS units that allow both Jordan and his co-driver to see where the course goes. The navigator has the larger unit with a 9-inch touchscreen.
BUILD SHEET Vehicle: 2022 4400 Unlimited Ultra4 Builder: Genright Off Road/Dobry Designs Power Train: 454ci RHS Tall Block Transmission: RDE manual reverse Turbo 400 Driveshaft: Tubeworks Independent Differentials Brakes: R1 Concepts 6-piston big brake kit Suspension: FOX 2.0/2.5 Coil-overs Steering: Howe Performance Exterior: Genright Aluminum Sheet metal body, Vision Lighting, Mickey Thompson Tires, TrailReady Beadlock Wheels, Warn Winch. Interior: PRP seats & window nets, Lowrance GPS, Motec, Rugged Radio Comms
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UTV
SCRAMBLE
Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Red Bull
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rigid winter conditions make it tough in several parts of the country to hold events. Weather did not stop the Red Bull scramble events from continuing. Red Bull’s latest Ice Scramble drew professional and amateur drivers to Lake Okoboji, Iowa. Winter temperatures here hover between Thirty- and Twenty-degrees Fahrenheit, perfect conditions for ice. Unfazed, drivers added studs to their tires and showed up ready to compete.
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The ice, twenty-four inches thick on the lake, made for some interesting racing for the competitors. On race day, things warmed up to thirty-seven degrees with a slight wind chill.Twenty-fiveracerscompetedinth Bull Ice Scramble. There were two classes. SXS Pro for the more experienced bunch and Sportsman Amateur. The race format consisted offourheatraceswithfivelapseach.
RED BULL ICE SCRAMBLE
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UTV
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RED BULL ICE SCRAMBLE
The course was one-mile in length on the frozen lakebed. The top six would transfer to the main event.
tookhomethefirst-place trophy, he claimed a $5,000 Polaris accessories voucher, a set of BF Goodrich tires and Racing was tight in the Pro SXS KMC Wheels and $1,000 in main event. Andrew Carlson cash. Over in the Sportsman was all over leader John Boos. class, Jac Radcliffe from Sprit Whenitcametothefinish, Lake, Iowa had the early lead Boos was a fraction of second and held on all the way to the ahead of Carlson. For his finish.RadcliffewonasetofBF efforts, Boos not only Goodrich Tires and $500 cash. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 45
DAILY DRIVER
THE NEXT GENERATION SHELBY RAPTOR
Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Shelby
T
he Next Generation Ford on the F-150 Raptor? With Raptor already has a ton Shelby’s upgrades, you get of capable bells and whistles. 525-horsepower out of the We are talking full off-road gate. Shelby and Ford have capability with the all-new worked together for decades, fivelinkrearsuspension so this latest project was and improved wheel travel. easy for them. Shelby also The FOX Live-Valve shock worked closely with FOX and package is electronically Whipple. controlled. So, what would make this truck better? To achieve 525-horsepower, How about Shelby’s touch the truck was given the
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Shelby EcoBoost Performance upgrade. A performance intake withhighflowfilterwas added along with Shelby’s oversized air intake tube and performance aluminum inter cooler. A special performance tune was also put on the engine. The F-150 Raptor wasfinishedoffwithShelby’ performance exhaust system.
SHELBY RAPTOR
Shelby added their custom bumper system and a bed inch tires of your choice. The fresh air hood is functional, into the engine. To complete the truck, Shelby added a 50” LED light bar.
The Shelby Raptor look is badging and Shelby signature stripes. Inside the truck, you There is leather throughout To get that feling you are in for billet racing pedals.
Raptor set you back? The Shelby Ford F-150 Raptor rings in at $124,820 MSRP and can be purchased through select Tuscany and Ford Dealers throughout North America. Each truck has a unique serial number that is Shelby Registry.
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BRONCO MANIA
BRONCO RAPTOR
NEXT LEVEL PERFORMANCE Story: Shaun Ochsner Photos: Courtesy of Ford Motor Company
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he all-new Ford Bronco models are extremely capable of tackling off-road terrain right out of the gate. But, for those wanting more and to take things to the next level, Bronco has introduced the Bronco Raptor. The vehicle was engineered by the same team that worked on the highly popular Ford F-150 Raptor. The elite offroad technology found on the Ford Bronco Raptor is also used on Ford’s Ultra4 vehicle builds. The Ford Bronco Raptor
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is the fastest vehicle out of the Raptor family. Beginning with the frame, Ford designed the Bronco to Raptor specs with a fully boxed, high-strength steel and new shock towers that increase wheel travel and off-road durability. To help protect the vehicle, heavyduty bash and skid plates protect the drive-line, engine components, transmission and transfer case. The Ford Bronco Raptor also gets competition-level Ford performance developed
axles. The rear axle is a semi-floatDanaThe 50. front drive unit includes upgraded half-shafts with a 210-millimeter ring gear. These are the same axles used on the Bronco DR Race truck. The upgraded axles help increase track width on the Bronco Raptor. Similar to the F-150 Raptor, the Bronco Raptor gets specially designed high-performance FOX shocks with the live-valve technology. Suspension height sensors and other
FORD BRONCO RAPTOR
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BRONCO MANIA
sensors in each corner constantly monitor terrain conditions and independently adjust suspension tuning. The control arms have also ben upgraded on the Bronco. The Ford Powertrain team 50 | DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM
developed a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Eco Boost engine with Raptor level tuning that targets 400-horsepower, making it the fastest Bronco in the family. Four exhaust modes also allow drivers to alter the sound of their Bronco. All of the features
already found on the other Bronco models are included on the Bronco Raptor. Don’t forget, this vehicle is still street legal! So yes, you can take it to the mall tomorrow and the next day off-road through some of the toughest terrain on the planet.
NISSAN
DAILY DRIVER
Goes Retro for Chicago Auto Show
N
issan brought back a couple of popular designs of its trucks from the 1980’s. The trucks are not full production trucks you can buy from the factory, but merely concept vehicles by Nissan Design America. The idea is showcase how one might customize their 2022 Nissan Frontier. It shows what options are available through Nissan’s expansive aftermarket parts and accessories line-up. The concepts showcase the different mid-size truck audiences and the different Frontier grade levels. The trucks were displayed at the Chicago Auto Show. Project 72X is a modern take on one of Nissan’s most popular trucks, the Datsun 720. The 720 was introduced inthefallof197andbecamethefirstvehicle
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DAILY DRIVER
assembled by Nissan in the United States, rolling off the Smyrna, Tennessee Vehicle Assembly Plant in 1983. The truck was nicknamed “Lil Hustler” as it was a bare-bones affordable truck designed for fun and marketed towards outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, racers loved it, modifying it for off-road races across the United States and Baja. The 2022 concept version features Pro-4X tires, a lift kit and adjustable upper suspension arms along with the signature sport bar behind the cab.
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The Project Hardbody pays homage to one of Nissan’s most iconic trucks ever, the D21 Hardbody. These trucks were also found at various Baja races entered in Class 7. The Hardbody won multiple championships. You can still findsomeoftheoriginalmodels racing at vintage events such as the NORRA Rally. The Chicago Auto Show concept model is built on a 2022 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4. It has a 3-inch lift kit with adjustable upper control arms.
NISSAN GOES RETRO
In addition to the throwbacks, Nissan also designed an overlander concept. Overlanding has become increasingly popular and
Nissan’s trucks are perfect for the sport. Project Adventure features a 5-inch lift kit and 35-inch mud terrain tires. A custom Carbon Fiber snorkel
designed and crafted by Nissan Accessories was also added to the truck. The truck is wrapped in a large Atlas depicting the United States. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 53
TECH
new control arms and bushings Story and Photos: Dave Arnold
W
hen it comes to suspension, you in the control arms. They are slightly want to look at more than just torn and worn out. One of the good your shocks and springs. Bushings indicators it’s time to replace or play a huge part in your suspension upgrade bushings is unusual rattling correctly working, especially with four on your suspension. You may also andfivelinksuspensionsthatmost experience something called torque new trucks come with. Several places steer. Torque Steer happens upon that bushings are key include the front acceleration of your vehicle. It will control arms and rear control arms on want to veer one way and then other linked suspensions. way. Of course, If you don’t feel comfortable doing the work yourself, In this example we are using a 2015 you can always take your vehicle to an RAM 1500. We are replacing the ASEcertifiedmechanicandhavethem rear control arms bushings. Stock check to see what needs to be replaced. replacements are great but, we decided If you are doing the work yourself, you to go with aftermarket round tube needfloorjacks.Youwanttotakea control arms for the rear. In these little pressure off the suspension before pictures you can see the old bushings digging into the rear control arms.
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NEW CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS
Remember to always use jack stands and never trust your jack. An Impact Gun, open ended wrench and a torque wrench should be all the tools needed. At the shop we put the truck on the rack and used the jack system on the lift to take pressure off of the suspension. Once this is done we started with the passenger lower first. Once we got the lower removed with the appropriate tension removed we attached the new passenger side lower arm by attaching the front side first. Moving onto the rear, we adjusted the jack to allow the bolt to slide in the bracket. You can also do this by putting a jack under the rear end and do slight adjustments. With the lower control arm in place we go to the upper one and repeat the process again with small adjustments, so the bolt will fit in through the bracket and control arm. Then we repeat the process on the driver side again with fine adjustments to the bolt will slide through the bracket and control arm.
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TECH
After all, four control arms were replaced, we torqued the bolts to spec. Remember to always check the torque settings for your particular make and model vehicle.
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NEW CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS
We also wanted to replace sway bars on the truck as well. These were very easy to replace. The truck can be off the jack stands for this part of the process because no load has to be taken off them. After inspection on the hard pan bar, which is the fifth link of the rear suspension, the bushings were fine, so they did not
need replacing at this time. Remember, if you do a suspension lift, you may want to go to adjustable rear control arms and a longer pan hard bar to keep the rear end with the correct alignment. You should always check the bushings in the front as well. This was not necessary on our RAM truck
It’s always good to get a good alignment with the new parts. Since we were already at a qualified shop, all we had to was move the truck from one rack to the alignment rack a few feet away. We also changed the oil and rotated the tires to make sure we were ready for the desert trip. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 57
CHAPPY’S PIT STOP
DEFLATED Words: Steve Hanson
HEBREWS 10:39 NIV But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
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ave you ever had one of those flat tires where the tire completely shreds, the tread and sidewall completely come apart? Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Have you ever had a day that resembles that tire? A day where you feel so deflated you want to disappear. Maybe a relationship went south, job promotion was given to someone less deserving or a job itself was terminated. Things do not always go as planned. These are not unusual or unique experiences, but they can bring a sense of defeat that are difficult to move beyond. On the way to a race late last year, I suffered two flat tires from driving through some screws leaving me stranded on the side of the freeway. Once I finally got myself going again, my wife called to let me know she was rushing our youngest to the emergency room with fears that his appendix had burst. This one-two punch left me feeling dejected and overwhelmed. Such despondency is not the life for a Jesus follower. If you have ever found yourself having a day like this then this Pit Stop is for you. Don’t stay deflated, pull on into the pits and let’s get you past any deflating thoughts. In the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 14) you can read about King Asa, a Godly king that did things right in God’s eyes. Because of this, his kingdom was able to prosper and spend its energy building up a good defense system in Asa’s city of Judah. The people of Ethiopia became jealous of this and with an army of a million plus and three hundred chariots went to war against King Asa’s army of only 580,000 courageous warriors. It was as lopsided as it gets, and Asa knew his army was about to be crushed. Most of us would have hunkered down behind our fortified walls and held out until the bitter end like the battle of the Alamo. We all remember how the Alamo ended. Not King Asa, he left his protected city and met the enemy head on in the Valley of Zephathath. This ended up being a brilliant strategy because the valley was too small for the chariots and troops to advance together.
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1) GO Out! When you feel deflated, or an event wants you to shrink back and hunker down. Do not forget how God has been equipping you for just this occasion. Consider your present situation. What resources need to be utilized? Should you go out in your faith today or shrink back in defeat? Step up and go out like King Asa. 2) Cry Out Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where there is no hope for victory unless God brings it. King Asa took the focus off himself and put it on God. He petitioned God to stop the enemy, made it God’s problem and gave God the honor in victory. Asa understood that he had no power to overcome the challenge in front of him but knew that when we cry out to God in our trouble and hurting situations He will show up.
2 CHRONICLES 14:11-12 NIV Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.” 3) Find Confidence Remember that God is not just interested in our climactic moments in life or taking victory laps. He wants that never-ending relationship with us where we are continually seeking and relying on Him even during the mundane day-to-day life. God wants us to take courage, don’t slack off. He is not finished using us. We need to find confidence in this truth. 2 CHRONICLES 15:2&7 NIV …. “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you… 7) But as for you be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” I pray your encounters with God sets a fire under you to strengthen your hands and embolden your soul to have a close relationship with Him. That your relationship with our Lord is what defines you when you step on the podium as well as when you find yourself broken in the pits. Follow @rfc_dirtsportministry
CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY
King of the Hammers Week Johnson, Valley, CA February 1st-5th
EVENT TO ATTEND THE MINT 400
DP4 Round One Ridgecrest, CA February 5th Legacy Racing Metroprint Hare Scrambles February 4th-6th Laughlin, NV SNORE 250 Primm, NV February 11th-12th Best in the Desert UTV Legends Championship February 17th-20th Laughlin, NV
MARCH Curt LeDuc Swapmeet Soboba Casino San Jacinto, CA March 5th
Packed with several spectator areas attendees have a chance to watch live racing out in the desert in areas normally closed to the public. , a VIP area and more. Get up close and personal with drivers on Fremont Street or at the start line. Vehicles will line-up for a historic parade down the iconic Las Vegas strip. Events kick off Wednesday March 9th. For more information visit www.themint400.com
VORRA Fallon 250 Fallon, NV March 4th-6th The Mint 400 Las Vegas, NV March 9th-13th SNORE Battle at Primm Primm, NV March 25th-27th DP4 Round Two Johnson Valley, CA March 26th
Have an event for our Calendar? Send us an email: dirtsports@dirtsportsworld.com DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 59
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