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(newest post 03/01/09)
 
 
 
 
 
INDUSTRY NEWS
February 25, 2009
Dakar.com: 2.9 million absolute unique visitors for the 2009 edition.
Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France - An increasing umber of motor racing enthusiasts followed the 2009 Dakar on Dakar.com, where, in real time, they could keep up to speed with the major moments of the rally, listen to interviews of the stage winners or follow the progress of their favourite competitor thanks to the Irittrack system. In total, 2.9 million absolute unique visitors were tallied (60% more compared to 2007). The number of viewed pages was up 15%. The on-line videos were a big hit with visitors with nearly 2.4 million clips viewed during the rally, and 1.25 million viewed pages of the event presentation published in December.

Additionally, the enormous popularity of the rally among Argentineans and Chileans, which resulted in huge public turnouts along the route, was confirmed in an analysis of internet visits. Argentina topped the list of nations with 20% of the visits to the official website, ahead of France (13%), Holland (10 %), Spain (7%) and Chile (6%).
INDUSTRY NEWS
February 20, 2009
This pit stop has meaning for Johnson - Local visit includes honoring off-road legend Ivan Stewart (San Diego Union-Tribune)
El Cajon, CA -Twice a year, Jimmie Johnson detours through his childhood neighborhood en route to a NASCAR race in Fontana.
“I like to stay connected,” the NASCAR champion said recently. “Many of my friends and memories are still rooted in El Cajon.”
This week was no exception. Johnson flew into San Diego yesterday before heading north for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. As usual, Johnson is visiting the site of the four Habitat for Humanity homes his foundation is building near downtown El Cajon and he will stop by the Chevrolet dealership in Kearny Mesa that bears his name. But this stop was also different for the driver, who is on a quest to become the first in NASCAR history to win four straight championships.
Johnson last night gave the induction speech for Ivan Stewart as the legendary off-road champion was inducted into the Breitbard Hall of Fame during the 63rd annual Viejas Salute to the Champions dinner at the Town and Country Resort. - more
INDUSTRY NEWS
February 19, 2009
The Inaugural Midwest Off-Road Racing Safety & Marketing Seminar
Abrams, WI (February 19, 2009) - The Midwest Off-Road Racing Community is coming together in Abrams, Wisconsin March 14, for the first of its kind safety and marketing seminar, geared for the short course off road racing community. The safety of the race competitors is at the top of the list for every motorsports sanctioning body, and in recent years the industry has seen new innovations in the field of driver safety. Thankfully, many of those innovations are being implemented in off-road racing. Some of the innovations are highly recommended, while others are required. In many instances, there is more than one product in the marketplace to meet these new safety regulations. Several vendors will be on hand with their safety related product lines on display.
The afternoon seminar will also include companies that can assist you in the marketing of your race team. Every team can use product sponsors and monetary partners to keep their race program feasible. The first step is to create the best possible picture of your team. Photographers, web designers, videographers, and marketing specialists will all be on hand to explain their offerings and answer any questions you may have. - more
February 19, 2009
Glen Helen’s new Off-Road Short Course Series will get under way Saturday ‘rain or shine’
SAN BERNARDINO, CA (February 18, 2009) Bob Beyer is anxious to see what will happen when the Glen Helen Off-Road Short Course Series makes its debut Saturday (Feb. 21).
The Off-Road Director of the multi-purpose raceway just north of San Bernardino said the new 1-mile race track has “held up pretty well” during the recent foul weather and the opening round of the seven-race series is “definitely a go, rain or shine. We’re not turning back now.”
There’s uncertainty along with the determination, however.
“I’m not exactly sure what to expect because we didn’t have pre-registration for this one,” Beyer said. “More and more people are calling, and more and more companies are interested, so I guess we’re headed in the right direction. The contingency companies are starting to show up, so we’ll be supported from that end, for sure.” - more
February 18, 2009
TORC Engages Paul Taublieb of Media X International, Inc. - Leading Action Sports & Motorsports Producer to Forge Media Partnerships for TV and Digital Coverage of the 2009 Series
Crandon, WI (February 18, 2009) - The Traxxis TORC , the premier shortcourse off road truck racing series in the nation, has entered in an agreement with Paul Taublieb of Media X International, Inc. (MXi), to deliver and produce television and digital media partnerships for 2009 and beyond.
"Headed by a legend, Ricky Johnson, combined with the support of the top drivers, TORC is clearly the property which is going to be the leader in this incredibly exciting, action-packed form of motorsports," commented Taublieb, CEO and Founder of MXi. "Along with his partner, Mitch Covington,I'm thrilled to be a part of a team which has put together an incredible schedule with great promoting partners, has locked in a fantastic sponsorship portfolio and offers the opportunity to build a media property from a great racing tradition that can be broadcast in a cutting-edge fashion." - more
February 18, 2009
Crandon Raceway Announces 15 Year Exclusive Deal with Traxxas TORC(tm) Series Crandon, WI - n a momentous move that establishes a new foundation for professional off-road racing in the U.S., officials of Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, the country's most recognized off-road racing facility, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive, long-term agreement with Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington, owners of The Off-Road Championship Series (TORC(tm)).   
The deal includes rights to hold short-course racing at the fabled "Big House" of off-road racing through the year 2018 and beyond. 
"We believe in Ricky and Mitch and their fresh direction for the future of short-course off-road racing with their Traxxas TORC Series and we want Crandon Raceway to be a part of a new dawn for professional off-road racing in the U.S.," stated Cliff Flannery, president, Crandon Raceway. - more
February 17, 2009
CORR & Lucas Oil Open Lines of Communications - Midwest Racing Important to Industry
Corona, CA  - Bob Patison, Executive Vice-President of Lucas Oil Products:The management staff of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and representatives of Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) have met several times over the past two weeks to discuss issues of mutual concern within the short course off road industry. The end result of these meetings was an agreement between the parties to work together to promote the well being of short course off road racing. Jim Baldwin, principal figure in CORR, offered the use of the CORR name and logo to the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series for a period of one year. Mr. Baldwin also offered the use of his fabulous Chula Vista facility to Lucas Oil Off Road for 2009, maximum of three events. Mr. Baldwin’s offer was conveyed in writing on February 12, 2009 and confirmed in a telephone conversation the following day between Jim Baldwin and Bob Patison. - more
February 17, 2009
2009 General Tire TROPHYLITE Series Competitor Messer Beats Them All... Twice
Heber, California -TROPHYLITE would like to congratulate Gary Messer on his two recent victories at the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge and last weekend's SNORE Battle At Primm. Messer drove his TROPHYLITE to two dominating victories in the SCORE Sportsman Truck Class at the Laughlin Desert Challenge and the SNORE Mini Metal Class at the Battle at Primm. - more
February 16, 2009
23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe Results
Los Angeles, CA - Champion Southern California desert racers Damen Jefferies and Robby Bell received the pole positions for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles in the computerized drawing for starting positions held Saturday for the upcoming 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. Jefferies races in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division while Bell competes in Class 22 for open motorcycles.
Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series will be held March 13-15 in Mexico’s quaint and picturesque fishing village of San Felipe, located on the East side of the Baja California peninsula along the azure waters of the tranquil Sea of Cortez. - more
February 16, 2009
Short Course Racing Returns to Glen Helen This Saturday
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Glen Helen Off-Road Short Course Series, a racing competition that is designed to accommodate professionals, the experienced and beginning racers will make its debut Feb. 21 at Glen Helen Raceway Park.
Off-Road Director Bob Beyer has spent the past few months building and refining a race course that has drawn praise from those who have driven it during two test sessions. The course, approximately 1 mile in length, will be a permanent addition to the existing facilities that have made Glen Helen one of the busiest and most versatile motor sports venues in the nation. - more
February 11, 2009
Computerized Start draw for 23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 This Saturday
LOS ANGELES, CA - Many of the world’s top desert racers are expected to be entered in time for Saturday’s computerized start draw for next month’s 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race. With the drawing being held at the SCORE International headquarters in Los Angeles, the race itself will be held March 13-15 along the Sea of Cortez in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
With over 225 entries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232.4-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher. - more
February 10, 2009
TRAXXAS, the Fastest Name in Radio Control, Becomes TITLE SPONSOR of TORC
Crandon, WI - Ricky Johnson of TORC – THE Off-Road Championship Series announced today that a three year agreement has been reached with Traxxas, The Fastest Name in Radio Control to become the 2009-2011 series title sponsor of the world’s premier short course off-road racing series. Theseries will be referred to as The Traxxas TORC Series or THE Traxxas Off-Road Championship Series and will be broadcast on national network television beginning in June 2009. The Traxxas TORC series will feature the fastest names in off-road racing competing at top tracks across America. - more
February 10, 2009
Ford Factory Effort F-150 Raptor R Takes Second @ Parker 425
Parker, AZ - Las Vegas off road racing icons, Rob MacCachren and Steve Olliges, arrived to the surrounding desert of Parker, Arizona with the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck setting their sights on the podium of one of the nation’s toughest off road desert race, Best in the Deserts’ Parker 425.
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R team faced some of the most treacherous elements that Mother Nature has doled out in the season opener race in over a decade. A powerful winter storm pushed across the Mojave Desert to the California/Arizona state line in Parker, Arizona. Floodgates unleashed from the sky over a 100-mile swath of land, forcing racers to overcome even more challenges than normal.
“The mud was unbelievable. The desert was very challenging and so different than I’ve seen it in many years of racing in the desert,” said Rob MacCachren. - more
February 6, 2009
Qualifying Results - BITD's Blue Water Resort Parker 425
Parker, AZ - 1.) Steve Sourapas/Rob MacCachren 2.)  John Herder 3.)  Andy McMillin 
4.) Josh Daniel  5.) BJ Baldwin 6.) Jerry Whelchel  7.) Scott Kincaid 8.) Rick Johnson
9.) Sam Berri 10.) Scott Schowajsa
February 5, 2009
Off-Road Grand Prix – “The UFC of Motorsports!”
ORGP & PDG meet the Masses in the Midwest
- report from bumpracer.com
Abrams, WI (February 5, 2009) - On a sub-zero evening in Northern Wisconsin, the leaders of Off-Road Grand Prix, Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington, along with two members of the Professional Drivers Group (PDG), Scott Douglas and Johnny Greaves, presented the footprint of off-road racing’s only national race series. Nearly two hundred drivers and race team members filled the banquet hall at the Fly-Away in Abrams, Wisconsin to listen and present questions to the leaders of both groups. Also on hand were newest staff members of Off-Road GP, Eastern tech director Terry Severson, and Office Manager, Tiffany Landru. Their wealth of knowledge and experience are key assets for the success of this off-road racing series. - more
February 5, 2009
Mitsubishi Withdraws from DAKAR RALLY
TOKYO (AP)—Mitsubishi will no longer compete in the Dakar Rally for financial reasons, the company announced Wednesday.
The announcement came as Japan’s fourth-largest automaker said its group net loss will amount to $670 million for the fiscal year through March 2009.
“The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly,” Mitsubishi Motors said in a statement. - more
February 5, 2009
SCORE Announces Cost-Saving Measures
LOS ANGELES—Continuing its previously announced commitment to help reduce racing costs this year, SCORE International has announced additional cost-saving measures prior to next month’s 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, to be held March 13-15 in San Felipe. The measures are designed to make the popular Sea of Cortez race more affordable.
As previously announced at the conclusion of the 2008 championship series, SCORE will keep entry fees at the same level as last year. Furthermore, after consulting with authorities in Mexicali and San Felipe, SCORE has decided to run the same 232 mile course as last year. This will require less pre- running time and provide familiar logistics to race teams. - more
February 4, 2009
LUCAS OIL Purchases AMERICAN OFF-ROAD SERIES
Hesperia, CA - Lucas Oil Products has finalized an agreement with Tony and Sherry Vanillo to acquire complete ownership of the newly formed American Off Road Series. The Series has been renamed the “Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series”. Lucas Oil will operate the Series under its racing division, I-10 Race Promotions, Inc. Lucas Oil currently owns and operates two race tracks, the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri and the Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe, California. Lucas Oil also owns and operates three racing series and sanctioning bodies: the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League and the Southwest Modified Series (currently entitled the Super Clean Modified Series-presented by Lucas Oil). - more
February 4, 2009
BUMPRACER will be at the OFF-ROAD GP DRIVER'S MEETING later today in ABRAMS, WI.
Stay tuned for the latest information from the world of short-course off-road racing! 
- Mike, editor
February 3, 2009
2009 SXS STADIUM SERIES AT PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY NAMES TITLE SPONSORS
Murrieta, CA - With the '09 season getting ready to start - The Mickey Thompson/Kal Gard Lubricant's SXS Stadium Series presented by Skin Industries has put together an all star list of support from the industry's giants & legends such as Mickey Thompson and Kal Gard Lubricants as well as receiving support from the industry's largest media sources including Off-Road Magazine! - more
INDUSTRY NEWS
February 03, 2009
OFF-ROAD EXPO ‘SPRING BREAK’ TAKES OVER SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Pomona, CA - Looking to party off-road style this spring? Look no further than the Spring Off-Road Expo presented by Toyota, set to roll in to the Pomona Fairplex this spring break. This off-road extravaganza will showcase the latest trucks, Jeeps, UTVs, sand rails, ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, RVs, accessories and more from more than 150 national and local exhibitors. In addition to amazing show discounts, attendees will enjoy live bands, a bikini contest, a tricked-out truck show and more. - more
February 2, 2009
SCORE CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS AFTER LAUGHLIN
Los Angeles, CA - Following his dominating season-opening victory at the recent 15th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon finds himself at the top of a very crowded Overall leaderboard in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings. With 54 points, Gordon, who returned to his desert racing roots in Laughlin, also leads the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck class for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500. - more
January 29, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS
Off-Road Grand Prix Announces 2009 Race Schedule, Get Ready for Crazy Action and a National Championship Series
Lake Elsinore, CA (January 29, 2009) - The USAC sanctioned Off-Road Grand Prix (ORGP) announced today that it will be holding eight, points-race weekends plus two sportsman weekends in 2009 with the world’s best short-course drivers from coast-to-coast. The season will take flight at Perris Auto Speedway in California, make a Midwest swing, including the prestigious Crandon International Off-Road Speedway, and end in Las Vegas in November. With the Professional Drivers Group (PDG) kicking in, it is sure to deliver the best racing entertainment going. - more
January 26, 2009
Robby Gordon and Toyo Tires® Win Overall at the 15th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
LAUGHLIN, NEVADA – Robby Gordon piloted his Monster Energy/Toyo Tires Chevrolet Silverado trophy truck to an overall win during the 15th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nevada this weekend. Just back from his third overall finish at the Dakar® rally which was less than a week prior, Gordon switched from his Monster Energy/Toyo Tires Hummer H3 rally racer to his trophy truck shod with 37X13.50R17 Toyo® Open Country M/T®-R tires to win at Laughlin by more than four minutes. - more
January 26, 2009
NASCAR’s Robby Gordon dominates field to capture Overall victory
 Laughlin, NV - Starting his new racing year on a high note, NASCAR owner/Driver Robby Gordon returned to his racing roots Sunday to easily dominate the field to capture the Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck victory at the season-opening 15th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. With the race split into two days of 8 laps each of an intensely rugged 6.25-mile course, Gordon ran a combined total time of 1 hour, 57 minutes, 54 seconds, averaging 50.89 miles per hour in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500.Second after the opening 8 laps by just 13 seconds, Gordon easily retook the lead both physically and on corrected time on the first lap as all of his challengers fell by the wayside. - Saturday Results || Sunday Results
January 23, 2009
Roeseler Wins Laughlin Leap as the Ford Trophy Truck Race Set Record
 LAUGHLIN, Nev. –Veteran desert racer Larry Roeseler lit up the Laughlin night, setting an event record in winning Thursday’s SCORE Laughlin Leap competition, a prelude to this weekend’s season-opening 15th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge in Laughlin, Nev.Winner of two straight SCORE desert races to end the 2008 SCORE season with Norman Motorsports teammate Roger Norman, Roeseler thrilled the standing-room only crowd of nearly 5,000, winning the SCORE Trophy-Truck truck division by sending his powerful No. 88 Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck off the six-foot dirt jump for an event record distance of 161 feet, 6 inches. Roeseler backed up his record leap with an identical 161’ 6”. - more
January 23, 2009
TEAM GORDON ANNOUNCES THIRD HUMMER FOR THE 2010 DAKAR RALLY
CHARLOTTE, NC – Team Gordon Off-road, which is responsible for Robby Gordon’s Dakar efforts, announced today plans to run a third Hummer in the 2010 Dakar Rally. Eliseo Salazar, a Chilean former Formula One, IndyCar and sports car driver, is scheduled to be the driver of the team’s third Hummer entry. Team Gordon Off-road just completed a challenging two weeks participating in the 2009 Dakar Rally throughout Argentina and Chile. It was the team’s fourth and most successful Dakar attempt since its inception in 2006. Gordon finished third overall behind Giniel De Villiers, the 31st Dakar Rally car class winner. Gordon’s teammate, Eric Vigouroux drove his identical Hummer to a 13th place finish. - more
January 9, 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS
LUCAS OIL AMERICAN OFF-ROAD SERIES IS LAUNCHED! 
Hesperia, CA - Lucas Oil American Off-Road Series will kick off its 2009 inaugural season on April 4th & 5th at the Primm Valley Motorsports Complex in Primm, NV. “Lucas Oil American Off-Road Series will prove to be the premier short course racing series in 2009.” – Tony Vanillo, CEO, Lucas Oil American Off-Road Series
The 2009 schedule is as follows:
 April 4-5
Primm Valley Motorsports Complex, Primm NV
May 2-3
Speedworld Motorsports Park,
Wittmann, AZ
June 27-28
Kal Gard Motorsports Complex,
Lake Elsinore, CA
Aug 22-23
Kal Gard Motorsports Complex,
Lake Elsinore, CA
Oct 17-18
Speedworld Motorsports Park,
Wittmann, AZ
Nov 14-15
Primm Valley Motorsports Complex, Primm, NV

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2009 Dakar Videos