The SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge; the season opener for 2012. Get a first-hand view of this sick loop course as the team battles through the short course style turns and high-speed sections to make some moves on the competition!

Directed by The Martelli Brothers – Produced by Mad Media

The opening race of the 2012 SCORE International series kicked off in Laughlin, NV next to the raging Colorado River.  The Laughlin Desert Challenge was broken in to two races, giving racers the opportunity to score points both days.  The course consisted of a 6.25 mile loop, featuring high speed jumps, sandy banked turns, rocky washes, and massive ruts known for crippling even the most capable of off road vehicles.  This spectator friendly course featured 8 laps of hardcore off-road action with tons of bumping and passing.

Not only did the Friday qualifying lap earn racers spots for the first race on Saturday, but it ended BJ Baldwin tire hysteria as well. Finally, BJ ran his much-anticipated new Toyo tires in competition; and he did it well.  With this quick and testing course in front of him, it was a perfect preview at what to expect from BJ in the longer races of 2012.

One lap was run on Friday to choose the started order for Round 1.  SCORE sent racers off every 4 minutes so each racer had a clear path ahead of them.  Top qualifier was none other than Baldwin, with an impressive time of 6 minutes and 23.99 seconds.  Recent Off Road Hall of Fame inductee, Rob MacCachren, qualified second, a mere 10 seconds behind BJ. Needless to say, that’s a hell of a way to open 2012.  Greg Nunley, Loyd Sproule, and Monster Energy’s Cameron Steele rounded out the top five.

Race day brought a calm and collected BJ, something not seen in 2011.  “This year I am committed to wining races. I am not going to let anything get in the way of victory,” said Baldwin, “I want to focus on smarter driving and finishing races, keeping my eyes on the another championship.”   The race, however, was a little different than the previous days qualifying, as BJ had to constantly fight off off-road race legend Rob Mac for the lead.  “Our plan was to take it easy on the first few laps, but right after the start the pace was quick and we were being pressured by MacCachren. He started catching us on the second lap so we had to turn it up. Losing to a legend like Rob doesn’t bother me, he is an amazing driver, but beating him is awesome!” commented Baldwin.

BJ further separated from Rob when Rob had to pull over and change a flat on the sixth lap.  From there, it was smooth sailing to the finish.   Juan Carlos Lopez, from Tecate, Mexico, crossed the finish line over a minute after BJ, claiming second place in the Trophy Truck class.  Cameron Steele entered three Dessert Assassins trucks to the race, including two Trophy Trucks.  Josh Daniel, in the #14 Truck, did not finish the race and after a promising start in the early laps of the race, Steele’s #16 truck transmission blew, sending shrapnel towards the passenger seat.   Co-driver Cody Stuart suffered a severe leg injury and was taken to Las Vegas for a nightlong surgery.  Cody will have a long recovery and we wish him the best.  Cameron attended Stuarts trip to Las Vegas and was with him throughout the night.  With him in mind, he booked it back to Laughlin in time for Sundays race.

Starting from the back, Cameron was able to battle through the field of 22 to finish his #16 truck 7th.  Truck #14 finished 5th, with Josh Daniel behind the wheel.  BJ ran in to mechanical issues that forced him to limp through the course by lap 3.  On board computer issues shut down 3 cylinders when he was 14 seconds ahead of Rob Mac.  BJ made it through the 4th lap but after hearing about medical issues concerning teammate and father, Bobby Baldwin, he cut straight to him.  Bobby suffered a heavy concussion and blurred vision in his left eye after a cruel landing off a jump.  Race officials called for SCORE rescue over the radio and took the two to medical facilities.  We are happy to report after a night in the hospital and several tests, Bobby has been released yesterday morning.  Both co-drivers took over the vehicles and neither would finish.

This weekend we saw two race extremes of the new era of BJ Baldwin.  Will the new tires make a significant difference, as seen on Saturday?  Will mechanical issues continue to haunt him like on Sunday?  Your guess is as good as ours.  I guess we’ll see at the BITD Parker 425 in early February.

Photos by Art Eugenio for Mad Media

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After 44 years outsiders might think that the annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 is a well-oiled machine, perhaps even a little boring. That would be the wrong conclusion though, and only minutes after the race started that point was hammered home when a semi truck blocked the course and the first fourteen Trophy Trucks off the line came to a screeching halt. This is Baja and anything can happen- which is the appeal that brought over 200 drivers to take on not only each other but the brutal and chaotic landscape as well. Sal Fish had a few more gray hairs as the situation unfolded and the decision was made to move the TT start to past the semi truck 4.5 miles into the course instead of restart the entire field. Class 1s and the rest of the field started at the traditional starting line on Main Street, giving them some clean air but limiting the chance one of the 26 Class 1 cars would take the overall win. Playing King Solomon, Sal said that finishing positions would be determined based on highest average MPH.

There were bets in the RDC forums about how long Jesse James would maintain his starting position and he surprised a plenty of people by staying out front over 150 miles before he had a flat. Despite rolling near the finish line James still managed a top ten finish- something the WCC star has accomplished at every SCORE race this season. Tavo Vildosola, starting behind James, has issues early on that unfortunately took the reigning Baja 1000 champ out of contention before he even reached the summit. He was not alone. Matt Stevens’ truck erupted into flames at the start line and BJ Baldwin’s truck lost an engine early in the race. While some were bummed about the loop format instead of the traditional run down the peninsula to Cabo, the course was far from easy. The figure eight track started and ended in Ensenada and headed down to San Felipe in a combination of the Baja 500 and San Felipe 250 terrain for a total just under 700 miles. Bryce Menzies took the lead as the sun went down, but the front runner changed many times throughout the night.

Bryce battled with Andy McMillin and Nick Vanderway up front before he got word that Rob MacCachren had issues, and then Menzies set a more conservative pace before handing the No. 70 truck off to Ricky Johnson at RM 540. This approach allowed Menzies to finish third overall, cinching SCORE season championship. Andy Mac wasn’t racing for points, as he posted on RDC prior to the race “Most don’t remember who won a championship 5 years ago. Everyone remembers who wins the Baja 1000 overall.” Andy started tenth and drove the first 200 miles before handing the truck over to his father Scott through the rough sections in San Felipe. Andy got back in at RM 511 to take the truck to the finish line for the win. It was the team’s second win in three years and Andy’s third overall, putting him in the company of Robby Gordon and Ivan Stewart.

After nearly fifteen hours of racing, Nick Vanderway and the No. 8 Got Milk team were only three minutes behind McMillin on corrected time. Vanderway was running the huge 42” BFGs on 20” Trailready rims and the peanut gallery predicted scattered drivetrain parts, but Nick, his brother Larry, and off-road legend Curt LeDuc kept the truck together to finish second ahead of a lot of big budget teams. Even at a conservative pace Bryce Menzies finished third; only a minute behind Vanderway in his very first Baja 1000. Racking up a TORC Pro 2WD championship and a SCORE Trophy Truck title this year, it is fair to say that this kid has a bright future in all forms of off-road racing.

Wind throughout the night kept the dust down, but visibility was still an issue as fog moved in. Drivers could just not get a break! Of the 29 Trophy Truck starters there were 21 finishers, but none of them ran a flawless race. The harsh terrain of Baja has little patience for quitters. Gary Weyhrich had finished in the top five all season and was running fast, but when we saw him in BFG Pit 2 in the middle of the night the entire rear end was apart and being repaired. Weyhrich soldiered on and eventually finished 16th overall, just in front of Adam Householder. Householder started way back in the field and was leading on corrected time after 250 miles, but a broken driveshaft and some brake issues cost them time.

In Class 1, Justin Davis started way back in the field but the wunderkid managed to pass all other Class 1 cars to finish sixth overall and first in class to take home the Class 1 championship at only eighteen years of age. On the bikes, JCR Racing was able to hold off the THR Kawasaki onslaught to keep the title for Honda for the fifth year in a row. Despite the brutal course, the finish rate was actually rather high at 55%. Regardless of whether they finished or not, every member of every team came home with a story to tell. Be sure to log in to the RDC forums to hear each of their stories firsthand.

Photos by Jason Zindroski

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Taking the unofficial overall victory at the 2011 SCORE Baja 1000 was the father and son team of Andy and Scott McMillin. It came down to the wire with the top three Trophy Trucks all finishing within minutes of each other. Winning their second Baja 1000 title together as a team, Andy stated at the finish line that finishing it with his Dad was the most important part of the win.

Stay tuned for more photos and a full write up here on RDC!!

This is hands-down the ultimate trophy truck out there. No expense was spared and all the best components were used to build this race car. The truck was recently stripped down to bare chassis, treated and every nut and bolt is brand new and all major parts were rebuilt, replaced or refreshed. This truck was tested off-road for less than 50 miles and was recently measured on a dyno (references upon request). You may find other trophy trucks on the market, but this one is the ultimate. All parts are top of the line and the tuck was maintained and shaken-out by champion driver Jerry Whelchel and his team of mechanics. If you are ready to take on any SCORE or BITD race, this is the truck to be competitive in. If it is good enough for Chet Huffman and Jerry Whelchel, it will be good enough for you. This truck is race ready now! There is no trophy truck out there like it!

COST TO BUILD: $800,000. It took 6 months to build & 2500 man hours.
SALE PRICE: $379,000
RACE HISTORY: Best in the Desert Champion 2008 and overall winner 2008 Parker 425. Drivers: Chet Huffman and Jerry Whelchel.
PRESS: Truck has been featured in dozens of ads and editorials for companies like, Fox Shocks, Mobil 1 and Dirt Sports Magazine.
BODY: All graphics on the car are removable.
CONDITION: Car is in “AS NEW” condition and needs nothing. This truck is loaded!
CONTACT: Serious and well informed buyers please call Jonandre at 310.902.5108

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The Monster Energy Off Road Team headed out to Parker, AZ this past weekend to take on the Best In The Desert Bluewater Desert Challenge.  This years race was one of the dustier of the series, providing some pretty harsh racing conditions.  Congratulations to Cameron Steele for taking 2nd in Class 1400.  BITD will close out the 2011 season in Henderson, NV on December 2nd-4th.

Photos by Jason Zindroski for Mad Media

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1. What are you driving this season? Desert and Short Course?

This year I am driving with Camburg Racing in the #75 Trophy Truck in the BITD series. I am also driving the Foddrill Super Buggy in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.

2. What vehicle have you had the most fun driving?

Both Trophy Truck and Pro 2 are awesome to drive and I can’t really say I have had more fun in one over the other.

3. About how many races do you think you have raced during your career? How many wins?

I have been racing since 1974 so I would say over 500 races for sure. I have won over 250 offroad races.

4. What race stands out as the best race you have ever done?

1978 or 79 Riverside I won in a 10 car and that was probably the best race ever!

5. We have seen in some videos that you like to wear the shoulder harnesses very loose during a race, what is the reason for this?

To prevent neck injury.

6. If you could only race one would you pick short course or desert? Why?

This is tough because I love them both but I would have to say desert because I am in the car for 10 hours not 15 minutes.

7. Your iPod is playing right before starting a race, whats playing on it?

Rage Against the Machine.

8. Pick one of the two to navigate for you at the Baja 1000, Danica Patrick or Jessica Simpson.

Come on now, Danica Patrick because she races and would get it!

9. If you could own one “super car” what would it be?

I don’t like super cars because they can’t go offroad. I would drive a Toyota Tundra with a Camburg long travel suspension and Fox Racing Shox.

10. What is your favorite TV show?

TMZ, because I love the gossip. It’s like Race-Dezert.com on steroids.

11. Pick one race that would mean the most to you by winning it. Why?

Either the Baja 1000, Mint 400 or the Vegas to Reno. But If I had to pick one it would be a peninsula run Baja 1000 ending in Cabo.

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Question: “Armin, the time has now come for the AGM-Jimco X6 SCORE Trophy Truck to be unleashed. How exciting is that?”

Armin Schwarz: “Unbelievably exciting. But I’m even more looking forward to testing the vehicle. The truck runs very quietly, just like the WRC cars I used to drive. We did a great deal of work on the geometry and on the pivot points of all axles. It seems almost like a hybrid between a buggy and trophy truck. It’s very agile and manageable, but still it demonstrates excellent resilience in tough terrain – and that’s exactly what a SCORE Trophy Truck should have.”

Question: “How long did it take from the first drawings to the premiere of the Trophy Truck?”

Armin Schwarz: “Martin and I drew up the first plans back in mid-2009 when we were both feeling frustrated at having to start behind all the SCORE Trophy Trucks. In June 2010 the first drawings were completed. We then developed the first components. But only when we sold our very successful Class One Buggy to Australia after clinching overall victory at the 2010 Baja 250 and a superb racing season could we concentrate totally on our Trophy Truck project. That was in November 2010.”

Question: “When can we see the Trophy Truck in action for the first time?”

Armin Schwarz: “Our first race is in November this year at the Baja 1000. But, we don’t have any race strategy whatsoever. For us it’ll be more a major test outing, perhaps the biggest test that you can possibly put a race car through. Martin, our team and I all think that we can conduct test kilometres in a competition environment. Our partners support us wholeheartedly and they know that we’ll be going for victory in 2012.”

Question: “What will now become of the AGM Buggy with which you were so successful in the US SCORE Championship to now? And how does your crew line-up look for 2012?

Armin Schwarz: “Martin sold the Buggy to a successful racer from the Australian Offroad Championship who is very happy with the car. For 2012 we are obviously planning some important steps in further developing the truck. And we will also work on the reliability because that’s the most crucial factor if you want to win. And we have many other innovative ideas in mind, but we won’t share these ideas for the time being.
Moreover, AGM still has another Class One Buggy with which Armin Kremer was so successful in the last years. I don’t want to say too much about that either – but I will say this: Armin is in the AGM team and he’ll be staying there. We have a great time together and Armin is a fighter. He complements our team very well.”

Question: “What are your goals for the 2012 season?”

Armin Schwarz: “We aim to finish all races and win as many as possible. Martin, the team and I have one very clear goal and that is to win the Baja 1000 – regardless of whether it’s in 2012 or 2013. The main thing is to win this awesome race! In all the years that Sal Fish has run the SCORE Organisation, and all his helpers have found unbelievably beautiful and tough tracks, never before has a non-North American won. Only in 2010 did a Mexican, let’s say an ‘almost’ North American, manage this feat – and that was our friend from the Vildosola team. We want to be the first Europeans to do this and that is our aim.
I want to express my thanks to my friend who has virtually ‘carried’ me after my active WRC time: Wilfried Eibach, whose company celebrated its 60th anniversary a fortnight ago. Dear Wilfried, you really sorted out a wonderful “post-WRC” activity for me. And man, is it fun. There are very few of these types – people like Wilfried Eibach, Sal Fish, Yves Morizot and of course my friend and team mate Martin Christensen. To you all, and my family of course, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and patience.”

Information on the AGM-Jimco X6 SCORE Trophy Truck

All German Motorsports built the Trophy Truck in the USA in close collaboration with Jimco, the most experienced and best chassis manufacturer in the international offroad scene. Jimco is responsible for the chassis and the construction of the vehicle. TriStar Metals, a US subsidiary of AGM partner Stammcut, supplied premium quality material for the new chassis under the BMW X6 silhouette.
The design of the new Trophy Truck was developed in close cooperation with the creative team of Achim Storz. DESIGN STORZ based in Zell am See (Austria) developed the silhouette of the Trophy Truck with the body of the BMW X6 as an inspiration.
Another partner is Meziere Enterprises, a long-standing supporter of AGM that specialises in machined and lathed parts for racing. Team boss Christensen worked with the engineers from Meziere to develop calculations, drawings and CAD data. An incredible amount of machined parts feature on the Trophy Truck, made Meziere from lightweight material like aluminium, magnesium or titanium. All carbon-fibre components on the vehicle, for instance the internal parts that are exposed to strong vibrations, are supplied by partner Lynx Composites.
With the suspension, All German Motorsports places it trust in partners Eibach (springs) and Fox (shocks). Powering the AGM-Jimco X6 Trophy Truck is a 725 hp V8 Denzio BMW engine. The filter system and the air ducting were set-up by K&N in Riverside, California. Partner Remus built an ultra-lightweight exhaust with a multi-flow 4-in-1 exhaust system – giving the unmistakeable sound that fans so love to hear. Liqui Moly is the supplier of all lubricants which have been specifically developed for the hot, sandy and difficult conditions of offroad racing in the desert. Fuel comes from the long-standing partner F&L Fuels that delivers virtually all high-performance petrol to the SCORE Series.
Fortin delivers the gearbox: A four-speed sequential shift automatic gearbox. At the rear axle All German Motorsports works with Drexler Motorsport, experts in the field of differentials. The team selected a differential which gives considerably better vehicle handling on the twisty and rolling tracks than a rigid drive. And the tyres are supplied by the reliable partner, BF Goodrich. AGM now use an Alcon 6-piston brake system.
All German Motorsports get all the safety systems, like the Recaro seats, the Schroth harness system, race wear, helmets and the Stand21 HANS system, as well as all the small parts like switches and so forth, from their partner Off Road Warehouse ORW. The monster features a Powerstride battery system. With the software, the team has launched a development project in conjunction with B&M Tricon. IT solutions were found that are intended to contribute to simplifying and optimising the set-up of the vehicle in the future.

1. How is it WINNING the San Felipe Challenge of Champions, your first SCORE class 1 win?

Winning was awesome, I now know what Charlie Sheen has been talking about all this time!  I want to dedicate the win to two very special people who are no longer with us.  My Aunt Cristian Dickson and Marty Hendrickson.  Two extraordinary people that will be truly missed! It was really special, because for one it was my first big class 1 win and also Chuck Hovey, who started and did the first 100 miles, has never won there before either so it made it even sweeter.   Actually we were not planning on racing it at all.  We had put in a new fresh engine from Danzio, and before racing the 1000 we wanted to test it, so we decided to race it last minute.  Looks like it was a good test after all! McMillin Racing couldn’t of done it without the help and support of all of our crew members, chase support, and all of our friends and family who dedicate time and effort to come to the races and help us out, it really means a lot to not just me, but to our entire family. And also to our sponsors who play a huge role in our success.  McMillin Homes, BFGoodrich Tires, Fox Racing Shox, Baja Designs, and Crane Motorsports!

2. When did you start racing? What was your very first race co-driving and driving?

I’ve been into racing ever since I can remember.  Going down to Baja and watching the San Felipe 250, the 500 and the 1000 have always been a part of my life.  Started racing in 2003 in a Jimco 2/1600 car in at the time the FUD series in Plaster City and it’s grown to what it is today, racing class 1 cars and now Trophy Trucks both in Baja and in the States.

3. Place these in order starting with fastest: you, your brother Luke, cousin Andy, cousin Jessica.

Well me first duh, haha.  On a serious note, we all race different classes so it’s difficult to compare.  I know when I race my 1600 car against Luke, he is a serious competitor and Andy is super fast and smooth in the Trophy Truck so pick your poison!

4. You drove your Dad’s trophy truck for a section at Vegas to Reno, how was that compared to the class 1? Which do you like better?

Driving in the big holes and overall comfortability, the Trophy Truck is hands down the better choice.  The class 1 is a great Baja 500 and 1000 car because it’s nimble, light, fast and dependable.   The biggest thing I had to get used to was being aware of the rear end in the center of the truck.  If I had to pick right now, I’d pick the class 1 car only because I am the most used to it, but I’ll probably be jumping ship soon!  Racing 1600 cars for close to 8 years now has taught me the most though about line choice, reading terrain and traction.

5. When are you going to drive the TT full time so you can kick Andy’s ass?

Next year the plan is to race the Geiser Trophy Truck with my dad Mark in no particular series, just the races we enjoy the most.  So next year is when I plan on trying to kick Andy’s ass! Key word, trying.

6. If you could only do 1 race a year what race would it be? Why?

The Baja 1000 because it’s the Baja 1000.   Every aspect of that race gives me goosebumps.  The racing, the pre running, the people, the food, the logistics, the terrain, the competition, and the list goes on.  If not the Baja 1000, I really like the SNORE RATR races or the BAP races.  Those are a blast!

7. Eva Longoria or Heidi Klum?

Hmmm, this one is tough.  I have to go with Eva, only because I’m not a fan of Project Runway which is also Andy’s favorite show.  Did I say that?

8. How much prerunning do you normally do before a race and what do you prerun in?

Depends on the race but we try to do as much as possible.  Usually I will do my section two to three times, maybe four if we have time.  I pre run in an Alumicraft 4 seater built by John Cooley.

9. How do you get your hair to stay awesome even after having a helmet on all day?

It’s all about the prep.  Shampoo and condition thoroughly and then add a little bit of product to give it that “WOW” factor.  To be honest, I actually have no idea what I’m talking about.

10. Have you ever been scared or worried in a race before? What happened?

2010 Baja 1000, I decided to take my car for swim in a place called Frog Canyon about 30 miles South of Cocos Corner.  Having water come up to the seats is not a good feeling, especially at night in the Baja desert.  Luckily, Troy Harper from the Desert Assassins was there with a 4×4 and was able to pull me out in about 10 minutes.  Car fired right up and we kept going.  And that was the only downtime we had in 1000 miles of racing, go figure!

11. If you could ride along as a fly with 1 person in a race car in ANY motor sport in the world who would it be? In what?

Oh man, I’d say ride with Robby Gordon in the the old Valvoline truck at some race in the 90′s.

Questions by Austin Farner

Rob MacCachren showed everyone this past week that when your drivers education teacher told you to keep two hands on the wheel, it actually slows you down.  Coming off a broken collar bone after a rollover in his Pro 2 truck a month back at Glen Helen, MacCachren not only reached the podium last week out in Crandon, but also took the overall win in his Trophy Truck today at the SCORE San Felipe Challenge of Champions race.   Also impressive is that he won this same race back in March, but nearly 5 minutes slower then his winning time of today.  Tavo Vildosola led most of the race only to be slowed down by a hub issue at race mile 196, allowing Rob Mac gain the lead again.

In Class 1 Dan McMillin who teamed up with Chuck Hovey once again took the top spot in their respective class.  Both drivers are coming off impressive showings at the BITD Vegas 2 Reno race where Hovey grabbed a top 5, and Dan finished in the Top 10 at his first stab at racing a Trophy Truck with his dad Mark.  Coming in second place was the always fast Letner Racing who had the lead but was forced to drive the last 30 miles with no power steering slowing them down.

The real winner in San Felipe were Gatorade and water bottle companies as the heat took its toll on everyone.  Contingency on Friday was a ghost town most of the day with very little vendors, and everyone rushing through to get their cars past tech to stay out of the heat.  With temps reaching over 100 in town and humidity at 40% people stayed inside, in the pool, or at the bar to keep cool.  On race day the usual overpopulated Zoo Road was probably only at 40% capacity.   Other popular spectating spots on the course also had less spectators, leading people to wonder is the lack of spectators due to the high heat or because of the lack of entries?

- Jesse Ashcraft was in third place in Trophy Truck when rolled the truck at race mile 248.  Medical help was requested for the codriver but was later canceled.
- Caspino was stuck on the dry lake bed for a while as they could be heard on Weatherman asking for help repeatedly.
- Andy McMillin sat this one out in his Trophy Truck but shared driving duties with his older sister Jessica in the protruct.  Word on the street is that he is selling the Trophy Truck to get another Protruck.  Not really.
- Justin Davis threw a fan belt and had power steering issues slowing him down off the start.
- CTR Trophy Truck cracked oil pan.
- Bad Apple Racing blew a motor.
- Their seemed to be more Ford Raptors in town then race entires.

Photos by Jason Zindroski of HighRev Photography

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Best in the Desert’s Vegas to Reno is the longest, most treacherous, off-road race in the United States. Starting outside of Las Vegas in the mining town of Beatty, NV, the 550-mile course winds its way across the badlands of Nevada. Racers encounter a mix of high-speed graded roads, wicked silt beds, rocky washes, mountain passes, and giant rolling hills. With more than 300 entries, this race is one of the most difficult to finish, let alone win.

The Monster Energy Off-Road Team lead by Trophy Truck Champion “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin came with guns blazing as the team managed to qualify four vehicles in the top-20 during qualifying on Wednesday. The team consisted of “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin, Troy Herbst, Tim Herbst, Larry Roesler, Jerry Zaiden, and Jerry Whelchel in Trophy Trucks. Representing Monster Energy in Class 1 was bike veteran Mikey Childress.

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

Monster Energy presents: On-Board with Monster Energy at BITD Vegas to Reno 2011. The Monster Energy off-road team attacked the Nevada desert at this years Best in The Desert Vegas to Reno. Experience what it’s like to ride on-board with “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin as he hits speeds in excess of 140mph across barren dry-lake beds, or through the crazy rally roads of the Nevada hills with Mikey Childress. Ride shotgun as race legend Larry Roessler battles brutal rocky washes and blinding silt beds that make up this insane course. Strap in and check out the insane desert racing action presented by Monster Energy.

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

For immediate release:

COPS goes TT

The COPS racing team is excited to announce that it has ordered a Trophy Truck from Racer Engineering.
“We started in class 12 and have gradually been moving up classes each year, so a Trophy Truck

at this point is what makes the most sense for our team,” said John Langley. “Our plans next year are to
race Class 1 and TT in most races but keep our class 10 ready to take to any races that conflict with our
unlimited class program.”

The Trophy Truck is scheduled to be delivered in January and its first race will likely be the 2012 SCORE San Felipe 250. In addition to the SCORE series, the COPS racing team is planning on entering several BITD races in the 2012 season as well as selected SNORE races like The Mint 400.

Racer engineering is also building another class 10 that Cops Racing will race at this year’s Baja 1000.

http://copsracing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/COPS-Racing-Team/225385060837865

Mad Media Wednesday #5 “BJ Goes to the Beach”

When BJ Baldwin and Mad Media go to the beach – mayhem ensues! Check out this clip of BJ getting loose on the beach at in San Felipe with his 850 horsepower trophy truck!  No fun police allowed. Now if only we could do this in Oceanside!

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

Photos by Vincent Knakal of Mad Media

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-Words and photos by Matt Kartozian

While they are relative newcomers to desert racing, the Riot Racing team has already made a huge impact and have grown a large fan base.  Much of this is due to their outstanding racing films and photography that they use to highlight the team.

While almost everyone is familiar with the films, far less are familiar with the massive amount of work it takes to keep the team racing in the premier Trophy Truck class in two different series.  Today we join Riot Racing at their shop in Las Vegas for a behind the scenes look at what it takes to keep the Riot  Racing machine well oiled and at the top of their game.

Riot 1 (front) and Riot 2 in various stages of teardown and prep

The team fields two Geiser Brothers Trophy Truck and runs them in the Best In The Desert (BITD) and SNORE series.   Marc Ewing is the primary driver and Josh Daniel is the reserve driver for the trophy and at certain races he drives the second truck or a class 1 car.  In addition the team maintains a Geiser trophy prerunner and a fleet of chase and support vehicles.  We arrived at the shop just a few weeks after the team scored their first overall win in Plaster City, CA at the SNORE SoCal 250.

While the team brings a huge group of people to the races, back at the shop the work is done by just three people.  Jordan Poole, Shop Manager and regular co-driver for Marc Ewing.   Sammy Zaranti, Lead Mechanic and Brandon Johnson, Mechanic and Fabricator.

Left to right. Sammy Zaranti - Lead Mechanic, Brandon Johnson - Mechanic and Fabricator, Jordan Poole - Shop Manager

The small crew is kept very busy prepping and maintaining the trucks not just for the two race series but also team’s extensive test schedule, typically at least once a month and often a few weeks before the upcoming race accelerating the prep schedule.  Additionally there are also frequent photo shoots and PR functions that coincide with the test sessions.

It takes about three weeks for the crew to prep each truck and they are torn down to the frame every race (minus wiring and plumbing) for a complete prep.  Sammy Zaranti sums it up nicely ” Winning starts in the shop.  It all starts with preparation.  Without proper preparation you will get piss poor performance.  It’s a good three weeks to turn a truck around.  Every truck always gets a full prep which keeps our quality control really high.  That way when Marc gets in the truck, the vehicle is the last thing he has to worry about.”

The crew has extensive experience in the off road world, previously working at some of the sports top race shops including Collins Motorsports, Grove Racing and Kory Scheeler’s Realtech Realty team and they all give credit and thanks  to their former teams.

As the Shop Manager Jordan has a busy schedule.  He oversees all the scheduling, parts ordering, volunteer recruitment and the logistics of getting everyone and everything to the race then feeding and housing the people, which can include up to 50 volunteers at each race. ” Scheduling is gnarly trying to run both series.    We have one truck for each series and they leapfrog each other.   The bottom line is making sure each truck is ready to go and performing at its best for each race to give Marc the best opportunity to win.” Jordan tells us.  ” The hard part for me is arranging for all the people to come to race, house and feed them, give them a plan for the race and then get in truck and have no control.  I have to make sure everything is done on time so I don’t have to think about it on race day.  A lot of our volunteers are guys that just come to me and want to help the team.  Others are friends of mine that I can trust to get the job done while I am in the race truck.  Every one of our volunteers is a badass and does their job 100%.  I don’t worry when we come into the pits because I know our guys have it handled.”

Riot 2, Riot 1 and the prerunner.

Away from the races Sammy Zaranti is the main man for prepping the trucks but on race day he takes over the pits.  ” On race day I run the main pit and work as a tire changer.  I make sure everyone has a job and that the pit is safe while making our stop as smooth and fast as possible.  Before each race we do a full pit stop practice here at the shop with our volunteers.  That way everyone knows their job and its make the pits on race day that much safer.”

Sammy is also a fan of the open source style shop at Riot Racing.  ” In the shop we are given the leeway to try new things.  It’s an open environment, everyone is free to throw out and try ideas and that makes the team strong, utilizing everyone’s experience. ”

Alex double checking the bolts

Brandon Johnson works with Sammy to get the trucks ready to race, test or shoot.  While they have fun at the shop they take the work seriously.  ” We won’t to cut a corner to save a day of work, that will come back to haunt us at the track.  Typically we do one project per day, like the front suspension, do it right, then double and triple check everything to make sure it’s perfect.”

The Riot Racing team is on the way up, and after their first win they are hungry for more.  With the solid crew they have in the shop and the pits we should all expect big things to happen.   Jordan sums it up well ” We won our first race in Plaster City in May and we are ready to win more.  We have the right program and the right guys, top to bottom.”

The shop is made of two large bays, one for the race vehicles and the other for the support vehicles.

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Monster Energy presents: Onboard with Monster Energy at the 2011 SCORE Baja 500. The Monster Energy off-road team faced a challenging race in Baja this year and had its share of ups and downs. Experience first-hand what it feels like to ride along with these insane drivers as they tear through the Baja desert and wreak havoc along the way!

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

Music by Affiance “Dissent!” on Bullet Tooth Records

Monster Energy Presents: Exclusive coverage of the 2011 SCORE Baja 500. The Monster Energy Off-Road Team was out in full force for one of the roughest Baja races of the year. This year’s course was a gnarly combination of steep hill climbs and dusty open roads. While rough conditions took out a number of competitors, the Monster Energy Team walked away with some great finishes. Congrats to Marc Burnett for winning Class 6, Tim Herbst for a 2nd place physical finish and 6th place overall and the rest of the Monster Energy Team for persevering and finishing an incredibly tough race. Strap in and check out the insane desert racing action presented by Monster Energy.

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

Music by Affiance “For Power” on Bullet Tooth Records

The legendary SCORE Baja 500 is still underway as we are writing this, racers will be battling all Baja has to offer till early Sunday morning. Today has been a day of great racing with Bryce Menzies winning the prestigious Trophy Truck class as well as the 4 Wheel overall. In Class 1 Steve Euegino/Adam Pffankuch took the win coming from the back of the pack picking people off mile by mile. Running the number plate Ox, Colton Udall took the win on the bikes, crossing the finish line the same time as 1x in support of Jeff Ox Kargola. Of course all results are unofficial until SCORE reviews all tracking and gives out any necessary penalties.

Our day (Myself, Scott Smith, and Curtis Guise) started off at the Ojos Negros road crossing, where we would be shooting for the first 12 vehicles until we had to leave for our next spot as we would be following the main pack all day. Being that it was at mile 33, everyone was pretty much in the same order as they started, except that Roger Norman didn’t come through, and Rob Mac has moved up a spot passing TSCO.

The next spot we headed to was near KM77 where they get back on the dirt from a pavement section. We’d shot there at the 1000 last year and we knew if we timed it right we’d be able to catch the leaders there for a second time. By now we were at race mile 80 and the racers were starting to get spread out, with a few people nowhere to be seen, and a few jumping or falling back a few positions. Robby Gordon had moved through the pack in his Dakar Hummer to 16h physically with BJ Baldwin right behind him, still unable to “open up the back of it like a bag of cheatos”. Also by now some of the Class 1 cars had been working there way to the Trophy Truck pack going for the overall.

After an hour went by we got in the truck and drove down to Borrego to shoot at the mini zoo road / Ojos jump. With the racers having to go through the summit, and with a lot of rough sections before the jump we knew we had plenty of time to beat them, and we got there with about 20 minutes to spare. When we first got there the crowd didn’t seem to be as big as years past, but as soon as that first helicopter came around the mountain, and dust could be seen in the distance people came out of nowhere and we were now rubbing elbows with fans wanting to play chicken with a trophy truck.

Bryce Menzies was still holding his lead strong with Andy McMillin right behind him, A funny moment came when Bryce went by and all the locals thought Vildosola was in the lead because of the Redbull paint job. When Vildosola did come through he hit the jump the best, launching his truck to the crowds delight. Robby Gordon also launched his Hummer off the jump coming in a respectful second place in the air department. At this point, which was about race mile 200, it looked as if Robby had made up the most positions again coming by 6th physically.

We shot near Borrego for about two and a half hours before heading to our last spot which was at the meadow before they cross over near Ojos, near race mile 419. By now the sun was getting close to the ridgeline and the racers were only a short time away from racing at night. Bryce still held his lead showing that in his first full season in a Trophy Truck he is a force to be reckoned with. The team of Larry Rosseler and Tim Herbst had gotten around Andy McMillin and came by in second place. While Justin Davis was the first physical Class 1 car, the single seater of Euegino was close behind on his way to the win.

Stay tuned for more information on results as they come in. RDC will be at the finish line all night to bring you the best coverage in offroad. In the mean time we just crossed the border and are going to Jack In The Box for a milkshake, curly fries, and a jumbo jack.

Photos by HighRev Photography

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Camburg releases their first webisode of the Greene Motorsports Kinetik Trophy Truck build. Stay tuned for more episodes in the coming weeks!

For more info visit www.camburg.com

The BITD Silver State 300 qualifying runs were today with Chuck Hovey grabbing the top spot in his single seat car. First Trophy Truck goes to BJ Baldwin who always thinks he does horrible in qualifying but is always near the top. Josh Daniels had the top spot but due to a faulty transponder he was assessed a penalty which dropped him down to third. From talking to people who went on the prerun the course is very fast with not a whole lot of passing areas, so it will be interesting to see how the field handles it. We will have live video from the finish on Saturday, as well as photos and a highlight video so stay tuned!

1. Chuck Hovey
2. BJ Baldwin
3. Josh Daniels
4. Rob Mac
5. Jason Voss
6. TJ Flores
7. Justin Lofton
8. Kyle Conlon
9. Ray Ray Griffith
10. Pat Dean
11. Sam Berri
12. Jesse Jones
13. Steve Strobel
14. Mikey Childress
15. Garrick Freitas

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For the eighth time in a row at a SCORE desert race, FOX Racing Shox earned the top spot among the elite SCORE Trophy Truck class.  With victory at the 2011 San Felipe 250, Rob MacCachren continued the winning ways of SCORE Trophy Trucks equipped with FOX Racing Shox. Baja 1000 Champion, Andy McMillin started the FOX winning streak at the 2009 SCORE Baja 1000. Joining McMillin and MacCachren in the winner’s circle over the past two years are Jesse Jones, Gustavo Vildosola, and Bryce Menzies.

FOX RACING SHOX DOMINATE SCORE Trophy Truck RACING

Monster Energy Presents: Exclusive coverage of The General Tire Mint 400! The Mint 400 is America’s oldest and most brutal off-road race. This year, Monster Energy’s BJ Baldwin piloted his #97 Trophy Truck to an overall first place victory over a stacked field of hundreds of competitors and nearly forty open-class vehicles. BJ dominated the race, and finished an astounding nineteen minutes ahead of the next competitor, his father Bobby Baldwin’s #96 trophy truck, driven by Chad Ragland. Check out these exclusive highlights captured by Mad Media, and stay tuned for a special television presentation of the 2011 General Tire Mint 400 Race, later this year. For more information on the Monster Energy Off-Road Team visit www.monsterenergy.com

Photos by Vincent Knakal of Mad Media

Directed by The Martelli Brothers – Produced by Mad Media

Qualifying for the SNORE Mint 400 just finished up and there was some action on the course just like last year. Jason Voss rolled his trophy truck on the qualifying lap, and a few other trucks ate some dirt such as Roger Norman and Kory Scheller. Word on the street is that BJ Baldwin may be in the top spot.

Photos by HighRev Photography

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RENO, NV     MARCH 22, 2011  – Roger Norman is gunning to repeat the success from last years Mint 400.  The Norman Motorsports #8 Crystal Bay Casino truck qualified and finished first last year putting Roger Norman on the podium with an amazing finish. “Winning overall coupled with taking the pole position in qualifying makes this an epic event for us,” said Norman after last years finish.

Roger Norman spent Saturday assisting other racers and the SNORE team mark course for the race.  “We placed down arrows, turn arrows, all of them, ensuring that it is ready for this weekends race,” said Norman.  “The track seems a little rougher but we are still going to use the same strategy that we did last year: No mistakes or issues, and we will be keeping a close eye on where we are in the race.”  Eric Branstrom, who co-drove with Norman for last years win, will co-drive again this year.

The #8 Trophy Truck has been at Norman Motorsports shop in El Cajon, CA getting a new mounting system for the shock reservoirs.  “We have also been working on upgrading the drivetrain.  We just continue to add quality reinforcements after reinforcement to all the components in the truck as the courses get rougher and rougher,” said Norman.

Qualifying for starting position will be on Thursday March 24^th at 1:30.  Norman will be available at Tech and Contingency on Friday.  The Mint 400 Race will start at 7am Saturday March 26^th.  Norman Motorsports Communication Team will have live commentary on the Norman Motorsports Channel: www.justin.tv/rogernorman8 (Register now to know every time the channel goes Live)

Roger Norman Website: www.RogerNormanRacing.com

Roger Norman Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/NormanMotorsports

Video from 2010 Qualifying Run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_0wzhEyuJ8

Next Race:

March 25-27                        SNORE                                    Mint 400                                    Las Vegas, NV

April 1-3                        W.E. Rock                        West Rock Crawling                        Tucson, AZ

Norman Motorsports Partners: Crystal Bay Casino, BFGoodrich, KMC, Vision X, K&N Filters, Mastercraft, Fire ETC, NEO, CMI, Big Ass Fans, Safety Kleen, Eibach Springs, Cruz Roja, Baja Fools, Rod End Supply, High Angle Drivelines, Trail Glow, Galley at the Marina

Dear Friends,

Here’s my short report about a magic journey I made thanks to Pistol Pete:

We’re off! I slam my foot on the throttle, the eight cylinder roars like a wounded T-Rex and here we go. It’s 12 March, and 30 degrees Celsius. I’ve just come from my fabulous winter training in Finland (minus 30 degrees) and now I’m catapulting myself in Pete Sohren’s Trophy Truck over the first metres of the 25th San Felipe 250. The houses of the town on the east coast of the Baja California seem a blur as I fly by. I hear Bryan Lyttle’s voice in the intercom, we quickly find our rhythm. At Race Mile five we reach a field of rocks. I hesitate for about a millisecond: Take them between the wheels or under the tread? A fraction of a second is too long: Both left tyres punctured, brake discs destroyed.

Bryan and Taylor rush out of the truck – one of the specialties of the Trophy Truck is that you have a co-driver and a mechanic in the cockpit. The driver sits in the middle.

Cozy cockpit: navigator, driver and mechanic in a Trophy Truck

They rip the wheels off, remove the remains of the brake discs and disengage the brakes on the left. Fit two new wheels (a wheel weighs around 40 kilos). Bryan and Taylor spring (possibly now five kilos lighter) into their seats, rocket start and onwards. Without left brakes we go full bore – until at about 115 kilometres a rear right tyre rapidly loses air – as if a valve has come off. At the service point we get a new wheel and ranking 15th we hand the Trophy Truck over to my partner Pete Sohren – aka Pistol Pete – after around 230 kilometres.

Flat out through the desert with 800 hp and endless wheel travel

Now, what you have to realise about Pistol Pete is that he’s extremely quick and doesn’t even know how to spell the word “fear”. With all his routine and driving genius, Pete brings the bruised and battered truck home to San Felipe after 250 miles in 16th place. An incredible performance.

See for yourself: Pistol Pete is simply the greatest!

What is left for me to say? First: a huge thanks to Pete for giving me the chance to drive his truck, for his trust and for the great time we had racing. And thank you to AGM and Martin Christensen for the perfect back up – as usual. Martin does it right: He doesn’t get bogged down in nostalgia about our sensational overall win at the San Felipe last year. He looks ahead to the AGM Trophy Truck. And you’re right Martin – let’s go for it!

Maybe you had already heard: Around four weeks ago I tore my Achilles tendon playing sport. Normally I wouldn’t have been able to race. But Dr. Martin Poell as my doctor and Sigi Hornikel my physiotherapist performed what seems like a miracle. I drove the San Felipe 250 without one twinge of pain! My sincere thanks to you both. And above all I want to thank my wonderful wife Petra and our two children for their support. They were so incredibly wonderful and kept me bolstered and supported and looked after me – without their help I would never have managed in San Felipe. Now I’m very happy to be heading home again.

And what’s coming now? Well, as they say, there’s no rest for the wicked. Preparations for the Baja 300 Powerdays Germany are running at high revs. After missing many appointments because of my injury I need to get going to catch up with what’s my team have been doing – in the last weeks they’ve been flat out.

I’ll be back with more news in four weeks. Until then,

best wishes,

Armin

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Hoping for a repeat of his 2010 San Felipe victory, Jesse Jones and the Jones Motorsports team headed to San Felipe, Baja California in search of another win. Jones was able to claim the 2nd overall finish once again, but lost the first in class repeat by only 44 seconds.

The 252 mile race was full of ups and downs for the team. The Geiser built #1 Trophy Truck started 10th off the line and by mile 10 had overheating problems with the rear end. Charging past the 9 competitors that started before him, Jones was first on the road by Race mile 92. Jones hit a rock coming into the wash which subsequently got them stuck after changing the tire. 6 trucks passed by Jesse and his co-driver Joe as they got the truck unstuck. The short race left him with enough time to pass everyone who got around him in the wash, except for race winner Rob MacCachren. “The race started great despite our mechanical problems, but I made a mistake in the wash and it put us down for a really long time,” sighed Jones. “It was a really close race, I had some exciting battles out there.”

While Jones may be a little let down with his second 2nd place finish in the SCORE series this year, a second place finish at the San Felipe 250 puts the team in the overall points lead for the season. Jones is also currently leading the BITD points championship after a victorious 1st place win at the Parker 425 last month. The next race for the team is the BITD Silver State 300, on April 23rd. Jones returns to the SCORE series June 4th for the Baja 500 in Ensenada.

Jones Motorsports would like to thank BFGoodrich Tires, Fox Racing Shox, and Geiser Brothers Design & Development. For more photos of the race and additional information on Jones Motorsports, visit our website at www.jones-motorsports.com

RENO, NV     MARCH 7, 2011  – Roger Norman, in the Norman Motorsports Crystal Bay Casino Trophy Truck, will start 3^rd on Saturday March 12^th at the 25^th Annual MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Desert Race.  “Starting 3^rdis great.  With SCORE it’s the luck of the draw when it comes to starting positions.  It is the second best starting position I have ever had, usually we are starting 5^th or farther back,” commented Roger Norman.  The race will start on Saturday morning at 10am.  Norman Motorsports Communication Team will have live commentary on the Norman Motorsports Channel: www.justin.tv/rogernorman8 (Register now to know every time the channel goes Live)

“This is going to be a very difficult race to get the truck to the finish line, it is by far the roughest 250 miles of Baja I have experienced to date,” said Norman after pre-running for 4 days.  The course is a 252 mile loop west of San Felipe running through three major washes including Matomi, Huatomote and Chanate with silt, jagged rocks, narrow passes between walls of rock and deep whoops.  “The whoops seem to be bigger and steeper than normal, it is a constant pounding, it seems like you never get a break.”

The Crystal Bay Casino #8 Trophy Truck is ready to take the green flag.  The biggest improvement to the truck is adding a new communications intercom system that they will test for the first time in hopes of finding the best solution for clear communication in the truck and to the remote pits.  The truck did get a completely new cooling system and new modified hood to allow for additional cooling opportunities.

Roger Norman and co-driver Lance Clifford have been in San Felipe pre-running for the last week and have had nothing but problems with their pre-runner.  “This is the most challenges that I have had during a pre-run or a race!  We have had shock problems, steering problems, chased electrical issues and that is the short list!” commented Norman as he was headed back to the border to continue testing after being in the US for 6 hours.

The SCORE San Felipe 250 Tech and Contingency will be on Friday March 11^th.  The 252 mile race will start on Saturday March 12^th at 10am.  Norman will take the green flag at 10:01, being the third off the line at 30second intervals. Register for Norman Motorsports Justin TV Channel to know every time Roger Norman goes Live: www.justin.tv/rogernorman8

Roger Norman Website: www.RogerNormanRacing.com

Roger Norman Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/NormanMotorsports

Next Race:

March 11-13                          SCORE                                    San Felipe 250                                        San Felipe, Baja

March 25-27                        SNORE                                    Mint 400                                    Las Vegas, NV