Mitchell DeJong Slashes the Competition

Temecula, CA (May 31, 2011) – “Drive fast, take chances” is what 13 year old racer and ultimate race fan, Mitchell DeJong says when he’s talking about racing.  Those same chances he takes on the race course are paying off this year as he lands his #1 TRAXXAS/RedBull SuperKart in the Winner’s Circle for the third time this season. He also slid his Legends asphalt racer onto the podium for the very first time at Toyota Speedway.

Mitchell DeJong celebrates his third 2011 victory, and fifth podium finish of six races

Mitchell DeJong jumps to victory at Round 6 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series

As Mitchell rolled into Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing’s Glen Helen Raceway for practice, he debuted the all new partnership with TRAXXAS, the leader of the radio control world. Mitchell has spent countless hours driving his TRAXXAS Slash truck in the pits, at the shop, simply just being a kid at play, but when news hit that Mitchell should seek some additional race support, TRAXXAS was first to raise their hand for this aspiring driver.

With the new excitement buzzing about Mitchell and TRAXXAS, he took it to the packed stands of Glen Helen Raceway and qualified 3rd for Round 5 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, only 0.147 seconds off the leader! With his sights set on the win, Mitchell battled with friend and fellow DeJong SuperKart racer Mitch Guthrie Jr. for 12 intense laps. In the end the #1 TRAXXAS/RedBull SuperKart advanced to 2nd place, but just didn’t have the momentum for the win.

Mitchell DeJong takes flight during practice // Image by SuperLite Championship

After some fine tuning by Duncan Racing, video review and a good nights rest, Mitchell SLASHed the competition by commanding the pole position and drawing a zero inversion, which allowed him to start up front for Sunday’s Round 6 event. The green flag dropped and it was the Mitchell and Mitch show again, the two young DeJong SuperKart racers swapped positions for a short while, but this time Mitchell wasn’t letting go of his championship contentions. With the pedal down, and the Fox Racing Shox soaking up the hard biting cross ruts, Mitchell took his #1 TRAXXAS/RedBull SuperKart to a new track record and the top of the podium.

Mitchell slides the #1 TRAXXAS/RedBull SuperKart // Image by SuperLite Championship

Mitchell commented about the weekend, “I’m really excited about this weekend, running the TRAXXAS/RedBull SuperKart is pretty awesome. I love their R/C trucks, they react so much like my SuperKart it’s crazy, they’re just fun! Thanks TRAXXAS for believing in me.”

Even though Mitchell has been throwing dirt most of his racing career, he’s also taking his asphalt Legends racing to the next level by competing in the Pro-Adult class.  Mitchell recently turned all eyes and ears toward him at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California, when he qualified in the top 5, and raced 35 intense laps against some seasoned racers. Some of his competitors have been racing longer than Mitchell’s been alive. The 13 year old racer used his off-road experience to take some more aggressive lines over the inside corner bumps, stayed out of trouble, and secured a 2nd place podium finish! As the race ended the reigning champion of the Toyota Speedway Legends series congratulated Mitchell with his success in only his third Pro-Adult race!

#24 Mitchell DeJong races wheel-to-wheel in his DeJong Legends race car, 2nd place.

Join Mitchell throughout the year as he competes for his 6th off-road championship and seeks his very first victory in Legends Racing.  His next Lucas Oil Off-Road race is June 25-26 at Miller Motorsports Park north of Salt Lake City,UT.  Mitchell’s next Legends race is June 4, at Toyota Speedway of Irwindale.

Special thanks to:  TRAXXAS, Red Bull, DeJong Off-Road, Fox Racing Shox, DWT, Method Race Wheels,  Simpson Racing, Ultra Custom Boats, Schampa, Eliminator Motorsports, Streight Edge, RK Racing Chains, Duncan Racng, Zip-Tie Productions, Fast-Aid and PayDirt Media.

Say “Hi” to Mitchell on Facebook, or check out his profile page on TRAXXAS.com!