So. Cal racing series

[tonico]

Hi everybody

I need some feed back on the possibility of starting a DESERT racing series in Southern California.
This would be dedicated to UTVs, Stadium lights type buggies and Motorcycle engined buggies.
At this point everything is up in the air. What I am trying to ascertain is if there is enough interest for such a series. In other words “If I build it, will you come?”

The races would be shorter than the normal off-road races already in place which are really meant for full sized vehicles. I am thinking loops of about 25 miles and race length of about 100 miles possibly 150 miles.

The most likely area would be Barstow but other areas in So. Cal are not out of the question. Probably 5-6 races a year.

Rules would be pretty much standard as used by existing series.

Please let me know just how interested you would be. I would like to know just how many already race in other series and those who may consider entering but still have to prepare a vehicle.
Thoughts, suggestion, opinions, concerns are all welcome

Thank you very much
Tony
mojaveUTV@gmail.com

[racer56]

Organize a series that races with existing organizations and they will come. Also, you might try and organize some races at Cal City.

[tonico]

Organize a series that races with existing organizations and they will come. Also, you might try and organize some races at Cal City.

Hi Racer56
Thank you for replying.
When you say race with existing organizations do you mean together in the same races such as MDR and DRIVE do?

As far as Cal City goes. I know that AVE had a series last year but it appeasr that they only had a poker run at the beginning of this year. Do you know if they are still active? Ridgecrest is in the list of possible areas but it could just as well be CalCity, specially considering that the city is seems to welcome the OHV community.
Have a great day
Tony

[TreyP]

Contact Doug at DRIVE racing he will be more then happy to put something together for you guys. It's how he rolls.

[JoeyD23]

If you want a higher car count you have to try and let guys come race with semi stock vehicles. Meaning if you can find a way to allow for stock fuel cells and keep cage modifications to a minimum you could probably get a solid car count. Obviously you never want to sacrifice saftey but th emost succesful UTV turnout in recent years was at the Feb. Soboba GP in which they have very little ehicle requirements. "high dollar" desert cars will go where the money is and I am sure they will give a few of these smaller races a try if the schedule permits but series like BITD, Whiplash, and WORCS will get the bulk of their attention. So IMO you need to also try to attract the weekend warrior type who cant afford to throw $30K-$50K into a desert UTV and allow for them to put some door bars, skins, nets, and harnesses in and come out and run. Loop races work well for logistics so I would also say if you can keep the lap/loop length shorter and add more laps I think it makes it better for spectating and logisticly easier for the teams.

At the end of the day this is just my personal opinion. The racers will tell you thier opinion which is what should be the most valued.

[tonico]

Hi joeyD23
Thanks for the advice. My thoughts exactly as far as a stock class. I am not too sure about the fuel cells. In the other hand when I raced a Class 9 with the now defunct HDRA we did not have to have fuel cells or required DOM tubing either. Maybe allow fairly lax rules the first year with the understanding that if the idea catches on there will be more strict requirements the second year. I am getting interest from the bike powered buggies side too. There I will probably allow cages at 1.250" for under 1500lbs cars.

There will be an open class where most anything goes withing a given wheelbase.
One other thing that I am considering and getting some positive responses is a get together of interested parties at Barstow and do a little "expedition" following one of the tracks (Powder Puff) so that everybody could get an idea what they are letting themselves in for. Afterwards we can sit and talk.

[JoeyD23]

awesome. Yeah Idea would be lax the rules year 1 and let some guys catch the racing bug. You may want to go post a thread on www.UTVUnderground.com, most of the UTV racers hang there.

[07FJRog]

If you want a higher car count you have to try and let guys come race with semi stock vehicles. Meaning if you can find a way to allow for stock fuel cells and keep cage modifications to a minimum you could probably get a solid car count. Obviously you never want to sacrifice saftey but th emost succesful UTV turnout in recent years was at the Feb. Soboba GP in which they have very little ehicle requirements. "high dollar" desert cars will go where the money is and I am sure they will give a few of these smaller races a try if the schedule permits but series like BITD, Whiplash, and WORCS will get the bulk of their attention. So IMO you need to also try to attract the weekend warrior type who cant afford to throw $30K-$50K into a desert UTV and allow for them to put some door bars, skins, nets, and harnesses in and come out and run. Loop races work well for logistics so I would also say if you can keep the lap/loop length shorter and add more laps I think it makes it better for spectating and logisticly easier for the teams.

At the end of the day this is just my personal opinion. The racers will tell you thier opinion which is what should be the most valued.

I totally agree with this thinking, Drive blew it it IMO, factory fuel tanks in UTV's are tough, but could add Alum shrouds over/around them, but these things are doing the same thing they do every weekend for thousands of peeps. we prob had 5 or more UTV's that wanted to race the first Drive race and because of fuel tank issues, none of us showed up. I do give it up to them for setting up a shorter lap course for the UTV's in the interest of logistics, that was a great idea to have them kinda on there own course within the series.

two classes would be good also. Stock/mod and Open/full race chassis cars.

[450grl]

You had my interest until you said "Barstow" - lol!! I don't know if I can run that course more than once a year without some serious chiro bills!! :) (jk! - sort of!)

[JoeyD23]

We need to get you out to Superstition Corry!!!! You would love it!

[tonico]

Thanks for the responces.
About Barstow. Keep in mind that I am open to other areas. In fact I will be going to watch some races up at Cal. City to get a feel for the area. Besides if you drive around Barstow enough times you develop bionic kidneys. :-)
To be quite honest the fuel cell thing also has me leaning towards allowing the stock tanks in the stock class. Maybe some simple modification stock leakig if upside down.
I sometimes get the feeling that every other promoter just wants to get the rules out of the way so just basically copies SCORE's and be done. They are great guide lines but guide lines only, at least to me. This is why I am doing all this research and reach out to you guys for opinions.
The idea is to have a series that focus on UTV's/mini buggies and a class similar to the 3000 automotive powered restricted buggies. Not some afterthought included in a full size race.
If you want to read more about this go to:

http://www.minibuggy.net/forum/events-group-gatherings/11766-so-cal-desert-racing-series.html

I have read about the SR1. Reading the existing rules for racing UTV's I don't see too many places where they would race. This would be ideal.

Tony

[JoeyD23]

a series is going to have to adopt the SR1 class...no one has a rule ook written to accept that class of right now....

[tonico]

a series is going to have to adopt the SR1 class...no one has a rule ook written to accept that class of right now....

I would say that they fit the UTV Racing Association's Open Outlaw class. I intend to include all of their classes with the possible change of allowing stock gas tanks in the Stock class.
Tony

[dnf736]

I totally agree with this thinking, Drive blew it it IMO, factory fuel tanks in UTV's are tough

Yep, with that and their and the entry fee IMO.

There was a time when a local motorcycle desert race club was interested in hosting UTV's, Im not sure if they're still interested but maybe it could allow someone piggyback off their already set up course & insurance? I dont know, just a thought.

Alta Vista Events-CLICK (http://www.altavistaevents.com/09-1stp.htm)

[**JM**]

Wow! I was just thinking about this last weekend. I agree with everything Joey has mentioned with the low cost. Possibly have stock, super stock, and run what you brung classes. Kind of like how GNCC does it.

Instead of using car courses, why not go and scout out trials like we do for District 37 bike races? Since most UTV’s are not that much wider then a quad with aftermarket suspension, this may work. That would open up some fun courses that are not all beat up by cars and trucks! Lucerne, Ridgecrest, Barstow, Cal City would be great places.

I really think if the cost was low you could get a great turn out. D37 bike race entry fees are usually around $40 and get 150-300 entries. Obviously UTV racing fees would be more but you get my drift. I have a RZR that’s about ½ done and would be in! I would love to see something like this take off!!

[JoeyD23]

there are lots of guys like JM..we just need to get somethign going and spread the word!

[tonico]

Thanks for the responses. I feel that we are all in the same page or very close.
I am all but convinced that a stock class will be allowed stock tanks. To be honest my main concern is not some much rupturing a stock tank, which is where fuel cells came in on their own. I am more concerned about a roll over and while the occupants are doing their "bat impersonation" there is gas flowing out all over the place or if the gas line brakes or comes off giving the hot engine a gas wash.... :-)
You guys know UTVs far better than I do. Could simple steps/mods be done to prevent this from happening?
The only area that I will not allow what comes from the factory is the door area. That will have to be closed in some fashion. I can't believe that the factories are not being sued over this. Anyone that was at the PP race with a radio monitoring the MORE Relay Frequency heard right at the end the call go out for some guy (spectator) rolling his UTV down a hill.... Broken arm.
Tony


As far as tracks are concerned we are trying to put together some sort of an outing (s) to scout locations. The first would probably be in Barstow to follow the Powder Puff course (2007). There are already suggestions on bypassing some of the worst areas. I am also considering Lucerne Valley even if I hate to take almost an hour to go fetch ice. A lot less racing going on out there. We do not have dates set right now but anybody interested please let me know.

Even though this will not be a democracy, I would very much prefer to go along with your suggestions where ever feasible rather than create a series and throw it in your face and say deal with it. This will simply not work.

Please keep the suggestions coming. Any constructive criticism will be considered.

Tony

[JoeyD23]

Do a search on Yamaha Rhino and you will find that there are plenty of morons suing..............

Now as for closing in the sides, that shoul dbe a requirement. Door Bars are neccesary and like rog said, maybe an aluminum sheeth areound the cell just to keep it form being punctured. I have put my rhino on its side and I know plenty of people who have and in the stock tanks I never saw any fuel run out?

Essentially:

Door Bars with paneling
5 Point Harnesses
Fire Suit
Helmet
Neck Roll or Hans device/Leat brace
Rear Amber or Blue Flashing Running Light
Aluminum sheild around stock fuel cells
Long Travel OK


what else am I missing. I put Long Travel in becuase some guys want to have beeter suspension yet still cant afford to completely build their vehicles out.

[tofarnorth]

what about breaking classes up between single cyl and twins

[JoeyD23]

probably not a bad idea either....

[07FJRog]

for Tonico, most tanks have vents already, they can easily be modded to have a check ball inline and the "loop added" this would be a critical inspection point IMO. the Rzr has had the least under protection for the tank, this should be protected by alum sheet, .090 or better

joey's list is good for stock/mod. add a fire bottle also and drivers side window net,
anyone can get a wrapped net for their SxS.

if ya want to keep singles and twins together then have the twins carry a passenger. :eek: lol

6 point Minumum bolt on cage and doors as mentioned by Joey, but not a bolt together cage. Factory cage would have to be welded and added onto to and attache to rear frame, Bumpers mandatory also.

I like the sound of "outlaw class" for the any motor swap SxS. :)

[tonico]

I think I may visit a few dealers and show interest in the "safety aspects" of the different vehicles....
The idea of single engines vs twins having to have a passenger is not that outlandish... In class 0 the single seaters have a higher
minimum weight limit 2 seaters. Some would race a two seater + ballast without a co driver.... I suppose that they could not find anyone
with the stomach to be co drivers.
Tony

[tonico]

One thing that I would like to include would be a Stock Class. While looking at verious options that rehardless what any body says (right or wrong) The Rhino is really what got the whole UTV racing movement going sort of like the VW. So why not a sort of Class 11 for UTV's?
Rhinos only, interchange of stock parts between models/years provided that no welding/cuts is done. Reinforcing of brackets, mountings allowed. Exhaust/air filters open. Skid pans open. The cage could be modified or after market. Full door panels/bars. Shocks/springs open provided that they fit the stock mounts and be the same type (no bypass).
Stock ECU (after market chip OK). Until someone proves to me that they can make the stock tank safe, fuel cells + all the normal safety items Belts, nets and probably seats.
Opinions?
Tony

[07FJRog]

One thing that I would like to include would be a Stock Class. While looking at verious options that rehardless what any body says (right or wrong) The Rhino is really what got the whole UTV racing movement going sort of like the VW. So why not a sort of Class 11 for UTV's?
Rhinos only, interchange of stock parts between models/years provided that no welding/cuts is done. Reinforcing of brackets, mountings allowed. Exhaust/air filters open. Skid pans open. The cage could be modified or after market. Full door panels/bars. Shocks/springs open provided that they fit the stock mounts and be the same type (no bypass).
Stock ECU (after market chip OK). Until someone proves to me that they can make the stock tank safe, fuel cells + all the normal safety items Belts, nets and probably seats.
Opinions?
Tony

at what criteria could prove safe? , over 100,000 Rhinos with stock tanks running around every weekend and no issues. it has solid steel under it. it has a check valve vent system, that can be looped easily. it is mounted within the cage. it has steel straps for hold downs.

this is the same issue as to why no one showed up for the Drive Series.

just sayin

[Big Guy]

Im interested. Keep us posted.

[tonico]

07FJRog
Thak you for your response. This is exactly the kind of feed back that I am looking for. As far as there being any number of Rhinos or UTV's running around with no issues really does not mean anything. Going by that trucks or for all it matters any car would not be required to have fuel cells in order to race.
With that said the parameters would be:
1- In case of any kind kind of roll over or if the fuel line became disconnected or ruptured there would be no fuel spilled? As you indicated this appears to be resolved as far as the Rhino goes. Is this the case for all UTV's? If I go with a Rhino only stock class from what you are saying it should be no problem.
2- In case of a T-bone by another race vehicle or in a roll over a rock hitting the filler cap/neck, how protected is the filler cap? I have looked closely at this and I feel that considering that that part of the body would be enclosed, as long as the cap is behind the sheet metal, it should be okay. It may be a bit of a pain to fill the tank, but due to the fact that races will be relatively short, refilling during a race may not be necessary. What range does the Rhino get on a full tank anyway?
This is the kind of dialogue that would I like to have with multiple people interested in a stock class. This is why I started to consider a single make (Rhino) class. Consider that at tech inspection there would be no time to study every single idea and decide if it is adequate or not. If a method to improve the safety of the standard system was arrived at, than that can be published as a requirement and everybody complies with it.
The reason that I conceived a racing series for UTV's/mini buggies only, is because the requirements would not be the same as in other series where you's be "mixing it up" withe other vehicles weighting upwards of 4000lbs. I will be adding to the usual rules cages made of 1 1/4" x 0.090" DOM for under 1500lbs vehicles.
Lets face it regardless what anybody claims most any rules are based on SCORE rules. The last thing I will do is the lame excuse that a cage is not good enough to withstand a Trophy truck landing on it. In fact I doubt that a 1 1/2" x 0.090" cage for under 2000lbs allowed by SCORE rules will withstand the impact of a Trophy truck going over 100mph any way. Beside in this series there will not be vehicles over 2500lbs and I doubt that anybody will be going over 100mph.
I would like read more on this subject. In fact ideally I would like to see first hand how this could be accomplished. I can travel anywhere in SoCal within reason to take a first hand look and discuss this.
Tony

[bajaxp]

If this is a 'Rhino Only' class it will fail. It needs to be open to all manufacturers. Go to any multi-line dealership and ask what the best selling SxS has been for the last two years. It isn't Yamaha. And to be touting their 'safety' is curious at best.

Open it up to all manufacturers and let 'er rip.

[tonico]

Personally I would rather have it open to all makes. The issue is the fuel cell and to some extend the roll cage. If I go with any make I will probably go with fuel cells. I can't be turning tech inspection into a science project trying to figure out if all the solutions that everybody with different makes UTV's brings is adequate.
Quite honestly I am confused how someone can drop thousands of dollars on all kinds of "cool" mods but than has a problem spending $300-$400 tops on a fuel cell. Nothing says that someone is probably racing more than a fuel cell....
I would love to see some one in the industry come up with a "racing kit" which would include a proper roll cage, fuel cell, racing seats, belts, nets and covers for the doors for a reasonable price. No "cool factor", just functional straight forward stuff.
Numbers also speak volumes. As it stands now the responses are running at something like for every UTV racer interested in this idea I have 5-6 mini buggy responses. What's up with that?
Tony

[bajaxp]

Personally I would rather have it open to all makes. The issue is the fuel cell and to some extend the roll cage. If I go with any make I will probably go with fuel cells. I can't be turning tech inspection into a science project trying to figure out if all the solutions that everybody with different makes UTV's brings is adequate.
Quite honestly I am confused how someone can drop thousands of dollars on all kinds of "cool" mods but than has a problem spending $300-$400 tops on a fuel cell. Nothing says that someone is probably racing more than a fuel cell....
I would love to see some one in the industry come up with a "racing kit" which would include a proper roll cage, fuel cell, racing seats, belts, nets and covers for the doors for a reasonable price. No "cool factor", just functional straight forward stuff.
Numbers also speak volumes. As it stands now the responses are running at something like for every UTV racer interested in this idea I have 5-6 mini buggy responses. What's up with that?
Tony

I agree with you on most points. I too, don't get the mini-buggy thing. My guess is that it is the 'vocal minority.' The quantity of the chinese buggies sold is small compared to SxS's.

Yes, fuel cells are pretty cheap compared to all of the other stuff we put on our rigs. Eg...the same price (roughly) as one bead lock or one trick shock.

My opinion is that people don't want to put a fuel cell in the bed of their SxS's and installation is always a challenge. If there was a direct fuel cell replacement offered that fit in the same location as stock and used the same fuel pump, I believe that more would be willing to make the conversion.

I also like the idea of a race kit, either offered by the aftermarket or OEM's.

[07FJRog]

1 1/4 tubing????? not even close. 1.5 minumum .095 DOM or Moly, minimum. 1" .095 cross bracing.

stock uprights are 1 3/4 for most cages, kawi is odd at 1 5/8", from all that I know the kawi cage is the weakest on stock form, and I agree that a 6 point bolt on cage for "stock" class should be sufficient and required. this is the normal mounting points and two the the rear frame rails. solid side doors also, 3 point bolt in minimum. this class needs to be "bolt-on" as much as possible, IMO for better turn out.

side impact from others in open dezert racing with all UTVs should not be a huge concern IMO, we would not be racing with large vehicles are we???

we have and can replace the stock tank in the stock tank location for most with a cell with foam and rollover valves, but this will downsize the cell from stock, due to plumbing and shape. so we can address the fill issue you speak of.

stock 8 gal cell will yield aprox 10 mpg while racing a stock power plant, give or take.

mini buggies should be in their own class, IMO UTV's are belt CVT drive, 4x4 with beds.

this would include, the rhino, teryx, RZR, ranger, Bigred, Mule (lol), Artic cat.
could have stock under 700cc and over 701 cc. this puts the little cats, rhinos, and Bigred together, and all the others together, RZR 760, kawi 750 and cat 1000.

open class, and cvt motor swap or modified base powerplant up to 1000 cc.
renegade class??? 1300 cc any power plant swap. ie street bike motor.

these last two should be fully welded chassis setups, like BITD or LOORRS, TORQ spec styles.



redline and others should be with all the mini buggies including the predator really, but not race at the same time as UTVs for safety.

I like that you taking input and thinking about many aspects of this.


Rog

[tonico]

Here the classes that I have worjed out so far
UYV
Stock - Everything bone stock with the addition of safety related items. Any exhaust, ail filter system, replacement shocks/springs that fit the standard mounts (no bypass), reinforcement of mounts.
Mod - This would be basicallt the same as the BITD.
Open/outlaw - Anything goes within wheelbase limits including Motorcycle engines. I have committed that if I get a consistent 10 entries for the SR1's I would create their own class along their standard rules.

Mni Buggies:
Stadium Lites - Up to 90" wheelbase, 800cc 4stroke/500cc two stroke
Mini - Up to 100" wheelbase 1000cc M/C engines.
Pro Mini - Up to 110" wheelbase 1200cc M/C engines
3K - This is a take off from the class 3000 buggies. It allows automotive engines up to 2.4L engines (Ecotec), 103" wheelbase. Maximum weight 2,500lbs.

At this point I am not looking at engines mods, except no turbos/superchargers. If someone with a 'busa rolls up I will probably allow it with say a five minute/per lap penalty. If ten roll up, I will create a class.

Current requirements for cages call for 1 1/2" x .090 (.095) for vehicles under 2000lbs and 1 1/2" x 0.120" for under 2,500lbs. UTV's best I can tell are under 1500lbs, but if you guys feel that you need 1 3/4" I have no problem with that. Most Mini buggies even the large ones come in well under 1500lbs or even 1000lbs and are usually built from 1 1/4". Score does not allow them using the lame excuse that I mentioned before.
BTW when I say mini buggies I do not even consider the Chinese made ones at all. These are mostly custom built with a few turn key ones such as the Redline, the Sinister, Drakart or the plans built Rorty in its various models and a few others made in the good old USA.
Tony

[TutTech]

I really think your onto something here.
I will be there for sure when the first race starts you can count me in.
My wife will run in the 3k class and I will hopfully have my mini built and ready for the first race. If not soon very soon.

I think the rules are really getting dialed in and make a lot of since.
Not to many but just enough to get people racing. Also I like the if you have 10 cars a like you can create a new class for them. That makes since.

Good start I hope you get it all worked out and make this dream a reality.
Like I said count my wife and I in we would love to come race with these conditions and cars. Very cool.

Also I believe it was talked about that this will be a no nerfing event?
Or no? Or yes? :D
My wife in her 3k car is used to it and all but the mini buggies etc. in the light weight and smaller tube size could take a real hit from one another and faster not just bigger cars. I understand accidents happen and people get tangled up but a full blown ram your mini buggy from behind could get someone killed or seriously injured?? :(


Well keep us posted, my wife and I can't wait.
;):)

[tonico]

I have started on the rule book. I am hoping to have a complete draft by the December, 5 race. By than I should have also have talked to the BLM. I would like you to read it over. Only when you break out Word and start typing does one realize the incredible and sometimes redundant detail these things have....
Yes there will be no nerfing rules complete with "consequences"... I understand your concern only too well, remember I use to race a Class 9. My new chassis is probably about six inches longer at the rear to allow more "cave in" before it gets into the engine... :-) Interestingly enough I had a lot more problems with cars which were barely faster than me than with the real fast trucks/buggies.... whats up with that?
At the moment my main concern remains to be insurance. The issue that so far I see is that the ones that are involved in insuring racing events do not seem to have any idea what a desert race is all about. They all assume some kind of permanent race track with fences, restricted pits, gran stands and all that good staff...
I will probably be at Glen Helen tomorrow to see what I can see. Racing always charges my batteries if you catch my drift.
BTW could I have your private email address? You can sent it to mojaveutv@gmail.com.
Thanks for the support.
Tony

[tonico]

EVERYBODY
I would like to have a "exploratory expedition" to look at potential track routes up in the Barstow area.
This will probably happen on December 6. There is a MORE race on December 5.
We will probably get together at the Slash X.
Time TBA.
Let see a count of hands
Tony
Mojave Racing Minis

[Ocotillo Explorer]

I would like to buy a UTV and race it in So Cal. but there is not a current series that interest me fully. A 5 or 6 race series would be great in So Cal. I like plaster city, superstition and Barstow the best. It would be great if a series had more classes, like a stock class, modified, and unlimited. This would make it more fair and competitive. Maybe you could add this series along to DRIVE or one of the motorcycle series in So Cal. ...Keep us posted

[tonico]

BTW this get together does not require that you bring a UTV or buggy. As long as you feel "comfortable" with your ride what ever that maybe, join us.
Nothing (well almost) is off the table at this point, so anything is possible.
Tony

[lpmold]

Sounds great to me. We have run BITD and had a great time, but entry and travel make it expensive. Had a good time with some testing at an MDR race too! I think 100 miles will be too short, lots of prep to only run 100 Mi. Possibly 150-200 would be a good fit for the cars you are targeting. Maybe run a two race pilot series and evaluate the turn out?

Rhino 1945

[tonico]

The way I see it if things go as planned, 2010 will be mostly an evaluation year. There will definitely be different length races within the same race. This is also the reason why I want to get together on the 6th. You have raced, you know what to expect. There are many who really do not realize that this is more than just tearing up the desert. I work road crossings for MORE. A common encounter the day before the race: "Is this where the track goes?" "yes" "Cool thanks". There goes "Johnny racer" up the track.... A couple of hundred yards later. U-turn, back on the access road.... :-)
Thanks for the response
Tony

[Dirty*]

Going into year 1 don't over commit (It's easy to do!!). Create a short series 2-3 rounds to get you feet wet. Make sure you try not to stack your date on other races as there are a limited amount of racers. Make sure your scoring is accurate if you don't have access to GPS scoring or Transponder scoring make sure you have a qualified staff to score your races. Try and gain support from the racers,forums and local shops.

Good Luck Ken Johnson

[tonico]

Ken
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I have actually identified six dates starting with the 4th of July week end with no conflicts. Initially the scoring will be a combination of computer + manual by two different teams. I am going to try to actually send text messages to the teams every time a car comes through the start/finish with the timing information. This of course depends on the cell coverage for the area.
I see that you are down the road from me. Do you race or plan to race?
Tony

[Dirty*]

Ken
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I have actually identified six dates starting with the 4th of July week end with no conflicts. Initially the scoring will be a combination of computer + manual by two different teams. I am going to try to actually send text messages to the teams every time a car comes through the start/finish with the timing information. This of course depends on the cell coverage for the area.
I see that you are down the road from me. Do you race or plan to race?
Tony

Racing are in the plans, but i need to find that stuff they call money. LOL But good luck it sounds like your super motivated and have tons of support. Shoot me a pm if you need any advice. Thanks Ken Johnson

[tonico]

Planned classes:

UTV Stock - Bone Stock as delievered by manufactturer
UTV Mod - Base stock with all sort of mods, stock chassis mods allowed
UTV Open - Just about everything goes within wheelbase restriction. All tube chassis and up to 1200cc engine. (no automotive)

Buggy Light - Up to 90" wheelbase, eng 500cc 2-stroke/800cc 4-stroke
Mini Buggy - Up to 100" wheelbase, 1000cc m/c engine
Open Buggy - up tp 110" wheelbase, 1200cc m/c engine
3K - Up to 103" wheelbase, automotive engine up to 2,400cc
Trophy Kart Elite - Not sure if I am having this one.

EVERYBODY
We are getting together this Sunday, the 6th, at the Slash-X cafe start/finish at 9am. I have thrown together a whip flag for my buggy with my Avatar (white on black). Look for it.
I will have a few copies of the rule book which even though not complete should give you a good idea where I am going with this.
You do not have to bring your race vehicle. Anything that you feel confident with out in the desert will be fine.
Tony

[JoeyD23]

coming together nicely!!!

[tonico]

Hi guys
First I hope you all had a great festive season and you have all got over hangovers, etc.
I have now a proposed track which I have been over twice first with a truck and second with a Stock Rhino followed by a Ranger.
It is almost 10 miles it is relatively easy even with a couple of "technical" sections. This loop has not been approved by the BLM.
MORE has a race on the 23nd and I am hoping to get some of the interested racers to meet at the Slash X area on the 24th
to do a "fun run" around the loop..
If you are interested please send me your private email and I will send you a map of the track.
Tony

[gootjr]

Tony
This sounds like a great idea and is coming together nicely. Great racing semi laxed rules and affordable. Our new cars sound like they would fit a couple classes, 86" wb and any MC engine. Thanks for your efforts.
Bob

[tonico]

This is exactly what type of car that I had in mind to compete in the series. I believe that there is a great future for smaller sized racing buggies. The cost involved in the full sized cars are just astronomical.
Tony

[lpmold]

I'm interested. How many races and what dates? You can email coarse map to ll@lpmold.com

lpmold
Rhino 1945

[zerozerofour]

for Tonico, most tanks have vents already, they can easily be modded to have a check ball inline and the "loop added" this would be a critical inspection point IMO. the Rzr has had the least under protection for the tank, this should be protected by alum sheet, .090 or better

joey's list is good for stock/mod. add a fire bottle also and drivers side window net,
anyone can get a wrapped net for their SxS.

if ya want to keep singles and twins together then have the twins carry a passenger. :eek: lol

6 point Minumum bolt on cage and doors as mentioned by Joey, but not a bolt together cage. Factory cage would have to be welded and added onto to and attache to rear frame, Bumpers mandatory also.

I like the sound of "outlaw class" for the any motor swap SxS. :)


where can I get a check valve for my tank and how do I do it?

[TutTech]

I went out after our last race with Tonico and did the loop.. it is about just the right size for a mini or utv to feel like you did a desert race.
The first section or starting section is level and not bad with rollers and no rocks etc. it is over by Slash X in Barstow.. no worries and my buggy goes flat out through that section.

The next couple miles are just rollers and ruts and slowly turns into rocks as you go over the first road crossing on stoddard wells road..
About mile 4 you get into the rocky sections on the ground.. still able to go good with up to 4 lanes to choose from so passing or what not should be fine and should not see any nerfing issues.
There are little hills and up down sections and rocks.. then a bottle kneck as you come back around by stoddard wells road crossing at the second time you cross it.

Then the fun starts .. you do have a hill to go up and over.. it is rocky with 2 lanes at all times to choose from.. but you climb up several times and drop down several times and pretty steeply too.... pretty cool and should keep anyone from just gearing up or putting big tires on from just running away from everyone by being faster flat out.. You have a little of everything.. mostly whoops is the main constant.. everything else you get a little of all kinds of terrain that is at Barstow anyways.

I think it came out to almost 11 miles on my gps and would take a person doing a safe pace and not wanting to brake their mini or utv under 30 minutes a lap.
(safe and not braking and not a seriously high end mini or utv.. the average.)
So that would add up to an all day or 6 hour race or so and that is a long race in a mini or utv.. which is what this is all about.

You will feel like you did a 500 I am sure after you run this in your mini or utv as it is not a track or paved road.
It is big enough for everyone to race around and not get in each others way with tons of lanes and choices and plenty of passing.
There are no fewer then 2 lanes at all times. Now that is awesome.
Pits is right by slash x and plenty of pitting.
The entire course is never more then 3 miles away from pits from one way or another.. it does a nice loop around pits and so will be easy for helping each other out or chasing your vehicles. There are roads within 20 feet of more then half the course with mostly the exception of the hill top.. that will be tougher to chase help.. but the other 70% you can drive on a dirt road to help your race car or get help.
Very few road crossing to man and everything is in the same valley so even hand held radios or cbs should work.

This is a great first time course and makes a lot of since why Tonico chose this for a first time desert race for minis.

After the race you can hit up slash x for food or go 15 minutes into Barstow for hotels, food, gas etc.

Very cool and I am excited and waiting to hear some positive feedback from the BLM.. Tonico was waiting on them and insurance for approval to make this all happen.
He had to go meet with blm to go over his packet soon he said also.

I think a smaller race organization for smaller vehicles is great especially in this economy and for all the growing number of smaller buggies and utvs wanting to race.
This is awesome.... plus you can do dual sports.. race short course at say Glenn Hellen or Parris and hit up Tonico and do his desert races.

He will be holding up to 6 races in a full year or season.. this year will have less only a couple as he is waiting and working with blm to get it all approved.

Anyways just some inputs from what I know after meeting him for the meet and greet and ride my wife and I took around his course he set up.

If you want any info you can contact myself too for questions etc about racing, safety, tech rules etc.. just let me know how I can help.. I also plan on helping out at the races also with pit support etc.

Hope to see you all show up as soon as everything gets approved this year.

:)


oh and as for fuel check valves check with auto parts stores.. I did see this one
http://www.spiderautomotive.com/aeromotiv15107.html
and http://www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?tpc=Aeromotive_One_Way_Check_Valves_1510 6_-_15107&form_prod_id=913,50_4968&action=product You will want to attach it directly to the top of your tank or as close as possible.. so if you roll over you will not loose all the fuel in your tank.. this will stop it from spilling out should your line come of etc. Your filler kneck should also get one but I could only find them in the big size.. but do some searching and asking.. or try looking into something like this?
http://www.jazproducts.com/econo_fuel_cells.html
or their other products.. you can buy them with the check valves on the filler, vent and fuel lines.
Here are what a lot of us budget guys use for racing is these fuel cells by them.
http://www.jazproducts.com/pro_sport_fc.html


Good luck.

[pride_in_motion]

I have been out of the state for a year and a half. I found this thread and just was curious, is this idea dead or still in the works? I used to race in a similar series in the 80's called A.R.A. and that was awesome...