Off Road Headline News

2011-09-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Notice of Desert Advisory Council Meeting
Recommendations to be Heard
Regarding User Fees
On September 10th, there will be a California Desert Advisory Council (DAC) meeting in Barstow, California.

The focus of this meeting will be user fees.

The DAC will be taking public comments on the following topics associated with user fees.

What's working and what needs improvement for the BLM's user fee policies in the California Desert?
What feedback does the DAC have about current fee schedules and any proposed changes?
What are the suggestions for ways that BLM can communicate and administer fees more effectively
Comments on how the program could be changed and improved to be more effective will be helpful to the DAC members, such things as:

Desire for a second vehicle permit
Desire for a daily permit fee
Better notices of fee program details
Advanced notices of fee changes
Reports of where the fee revenue is spent
At the last Sub-Group meeting, the BLM reported:

They spend more to provide services than is collected from all sources of funding.
They are falling behind in maintenance and improvements due to funds received.
User fees have not been raised for many years.
User satisfaction surveys have dropped from previous levels to near 84%
You may address the DAC in person at this meeting, or, you may mail your written comments to the California Desert District BLM office at:

Desert Advisory Council
c/o Bureau of Land Management
External Affairs
22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, CA 92553

Information on the location of the Barstow meeting and field office reports are available on the DAC website:

DAC website

The information provided to the DAC will help the DAC members better understand the public's concerns and recommendations for changes to the user fee programs at recreation areas in the California desert.

This is your opportunity to inform the BLM of your views on fee increases.

The aSa does not endorse a fee increase at this time.

The American Sand Association
Unite, Inform, and Mobilize

Please DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. Instead...

Please direct questions or comments to:

The aSa Board of Directors

Four-wheel off-road racing returns to Valley

2011-05-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA
Imperial Valley Press Sports Editor
4:08 a.m. PDT, May 20, 2011

Eddie Zeller won the Class 15 at Saturday's SoCal 250 in the SNORE off-road series at Plaster City. Courtesy of Tim Townsley

There were plenty of winners in Saturday’s SoCal 250 held at Plaster City, from the Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts racing series based in Nevada. But the real winner was off-road racing in the Imperial Valley.T his past weekend marked the return of four-wheel off-road racing to the Imperial Valley, a needed and welcomed return.

“We were very pleased with the turnout, the number of entries,” SNORE race director Robert Gross said. “The spectators behaved themselves very well and we enjoyed the cooperation with the BLM.”

Racing was held Saturday at Plaster City, after a windy night that forced race officials to re-mark part of the course in the early hours Saturday.

“That was the only real challenge,” Gross said.

The race had 185 vehicles racing with 96 finishing the course. More importantly, there were no major incidents.

It also featured a handful of local racers both getting strong wins and disappointing results.

Among the fortunate was Imperial resident Steve Hall, who with his son Mark, won the Class 5 race to bump them up from sixth to second in the class points standings. It was a needed finish for the local family.

“I wanted to win this one,” Steve Hall said. “They know this is where I’m from.”

The Hall Racing Team is battling in the class points standings in SNORE this season.

“We’re very excited, great, now we’re going back to Nevada,” Steve Hall said. “We’re back on their home turf.”

Among the unfortunate was El Centro Police Chief Jim McGinley, who debuted the Baja Volkswagen Beetle he built as a promotional vehicle for public events.

He wanted to show it could hang with the boys and Saturday’s race was the perfect opportunity.

“It was going OK until I got to mile 138 and the transmission broke,” McGinley said. “I was disappointed. We had a pretty good pace going and that was disappointing.”

An off-road racing enthusiast for years, it was McGinley’s first off-road race in six years. He also assured it wasn’t his competitive return, only a chance to debut his Beetle.

“I was glad to be a part of it,” McGinley said. “I just hope we have an opportunity to have more events here. I was grateful SNORE came here and did this.”

SNORE’s trip to the Valley was its first time since it was founded in 1969. It was made with collaboration with Doug Wasser of the Imperial Valley and his associates.

“It went well,” Wasser said. “It was a lot of work, planning for six months with SNORE.”

Having started the DRIVE Off-Road Racing Series, which was forced to close up for this season because of rising BLM fees and a decline in registration, Wasser, with help from associate Larry Cox, was the perfect man to help SNORE.

I do think the entries and just the interest is due to not having a race for almost seven months,” Wasser said. “It was good to bring tech and contingency into town, to show the town that off-road racing can bring money in, it can be a source of revenue for the community.”

The drivers’ meeting was held May 13 inside the mall’s food court.
It was pretty crowded,” Wasser said. “I’m sure those restaurants ran out of food.”

McGinley also iterated the financial boost it gave to the city.

“I think it was a real positive event for the economy. Hotel rooms were packed, restaurants were packed,” McGinley said. “I’m sure the mall got a lot of activity. From an economic standpoint, the Valley benefited from it.”

The fact there is currently no four-wheel series racing in Plaster City right now begs the question if it will ever return.

While that remains to be seen, SNORE said they might next year.

“Definitely the door is open,” Gross said. “We enjoyed the hospitality of El Centro and the people down there and it was a very pleasant experience.”

The Valley certainly wants them to return.

“We’re hoping SNORE will come back next year,” Wasser said. “They know the area now and it would be a little easier on them next year.”

Off-Road Racing Returns to Plaster City

2011-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS, NV – February 23, 2011 – An off-road racing event in the Plaster City, CA area has just been announced by SNORE, the prominent Las Vegas off-road racing organization.

The race, scheduled for May 14th, is expected to draw over 250 entries. It will feature over 20 different classes of desert racing vehicles ranging in size from thundering Unlimited Trophy Trucks and ultra-fast race buggies to Baja Bugs and stock VW’s. Racers will face the rugged terrain and natural hazards for five laps over a 50-mile course in the desert near Plaster City.

This event, “The SNORE SoCal 250” is the first SNORE event in this area. “This is an excellent opportunity to stage a race in this area, and to provide a safe, environmentally sensitive and extremely challenging race for enthusiasts from California, Arizona, Nevada as well as Baja and Sonora, Mexico” said Don Wall, President of SNORE.

There are a number of racers from San Diego and Imperial Counties that already race our events,” added Robert Gross, SNORE Race Director. “We appreciate their support, and I’m really excited to bring our group down to stage a race in their area”.

SNORE (Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts) is an all-volunteer organization based in Las Vegas NV. The group sanctions a series of off-road races each year that include both professional and sportsman desert racers. SNORE produces the legendary Mint 400 off-road race that annually draws the elite who’s-who of off-road racing to that event.

Contact:
Lawton Shank
Director, Marketing
SNORE Off-Road Racing
702.351.6666
marketing@snoreracing.net

2011 High Lifter Mud Nationals Coverage presented by Bennche

2011-03-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.utvunderground.com/

Hello Friends of the Underground!

I hope all of you had a fantastic winter. I know we did with trips to Arizona, Nevada, and of course the deserts of California, our desert riding season was an awesome one. Now as spring approaches new opportunities for riding are presenting themselves all over the nation with one event about to go off in Jacksonville, TX!

The 2011 High Lifter Mud Nationals kicks off next week on March 23rd-27th and UTVUnderground.com & UTVGuide.net are loading up to head to what happens to be the largest UTV mud event in the nation. Being that this is a first for both Jon Crowley of UTVGuide.net and myself we intend on bringing all of the action back to our site both during and after the event to give everyone who cant make it a sense of what the Mud Nationals is all about from a first timers point of view. Of course all of this wouldn't be possible without the help of our sponsors Bennche, Brazos Cycles, Pro Armor, Gorilla Axle, and SSV Works!

Jon and I will depart this Sunday straight from the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series in Phoenix, AZ with Troy Merrifield of UTV Off-Road Magazine, loaded up in Jon's motor-home to make the 30+ hour trip to Jacksonville, TX. Here we will immerse ourselves into the world of "muddin'" and we can't wait! So tune in to both UTVUnderground.com & UTVGuide.net starting next week to capture the live updates strait from Mud Creek Off Road Park!

Until next time......

Ride On,

Joseph "Joey D." DiGiovanni
UTVUnderground.com Founder

NHHA Wednesday Wrap-Up, Round 3 Press Release

2011-03-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.nationalhareandhound.com/
PRESS RELEASE Mar 9th, 2011 For Immediate Release
Contact: Ryan Sanders/ Chris Blais NHHA

NHHA Wednesday Wrap-Up ~ Round 3

The NHHA headed south for Round 3, to the border city of El Centro, Ca. and after 100miles of wide open desert racing in the Superstition OHV area, the series points chase has just become that much tighter. With many of the NHHA pros competing in various events on Saturday prior to the race, the pits seemed light, but as time passed on the warm Saturday afternoon, the NHHA atmosphere grew as AMA's District 38 Road Runners Off Road group welcomed the racers with open arms.

Kurt Caselli taking the win at NHHA/ Roadrunners Round 3.
Photo by Mark Kariya.

With many of the terrain challenges that the El Centro areas have become known for as features for this year's "King of the Desert" event, FMF KTM's Kurt Caselli pressed onward from the word "go" and became the new King for 2011, racing in Superstition for his very first time. However, things weren't as easy as they were for Caselli at the prior Round 2 event, despite the absence of a key competitor.

David Pearson (Purvines Honda), Kurt Caselli (KTM), Destry Abbott (Kaw)

David Pearson, eager to keep his Purvines Racing Honda atop the points chase, was hot on the tail of Caselli for much of the day. With the duo going 1-2 off the start, Pearson rode the dust for all 100 miles rarely stopping to let off the gas. In the end, he would settle for a second place finish on the podium which was still enough to keep him in the lead for the championship points chase with 80 points. Monster Energy Kawasaki's Destry Abbott rode well despite a Saturday afternoon scare which saw his mechanic returning home to Arizona for parts, and held off a mid-race charge by Jacob Argubright to take third place in the end, for his third straight podium finish of the year.

Despite a great start, and the sights of a podium just seconds ahead, Argubright and his Kawasaki of Simi Valley KX450F took home fourth place and just couldn't make up any time on Abbott in the sandy and difficult second loop. New to the Purvines Racing Honda team, Justin Morrow took fifth overall without much effort at all. Running in 5th off the start, Morrow made it look like he had been on the Honda for years, although he had just picked it up on Wednesday. JCR Honda's defending 2010 Champ, Kendall Norman, would be a no-show to Round 3, which took many racers and spectators by surprise. Rounding out the Top 10 were - 6. David Kamo, 7. Robert Underwood, 8. Carl Maasberg, 9. Brett Saunders and 10. Brad Pace.

Holding it down for the 2-strokes, Justin's brother Chris Morrow took first place 250at 12th overall on his Zeman Suspension Yamaha YZ250. Second in the 250 class, and three spots later, Off Road Support's Levi Jones piloted his KTM250XC to his highest national finish to date at 15th overall. Another Levi, Levi Hutchins, took third place on the day in the 250 class and will return home to Nevada with a nice points lead in the 250 A class.

The battle in the Vet Pro class heated up as Dan Capparelli returned to the top of the podium to take a commanding lead in the points chase. With David Fry taking a DNF, Capparelli is now atop the podium after his 20th overall at the Road Runners event. TBT Racing owner, Travis Flateau, took second place in the Vet Pro division in his first attempt at the El Centro national. He was one of the smart ones to sit out the torrential rainstorm in 2010. At 26th overall, Mike Whitcomb and his 3Brosktm.com 450 took top honors in the 50+ plus A class, but qualified for third overall in the Vet class - not too bad for racing with guys 20 years his junior.

Dan Capparelli takes the Vet Pro Class Win. Photo by TNT Race Photos

On the prettier side of the NHHA in the Woman's Pro Class, it was again a heated battle as the top woman on the west coast went to battle on the demanding desert terrain. Taking an early lead, Shayla Fulfer piloted her Blais Racing Services/ Fastway KTM 250XCF to the lead through the midway point of the event and into the pits near Wheeler road. Off Road Support's Sarah Kritsch would make a pass out of the pits and struggle to hold off the charge of Shayla in the dunes. Running her bike dry, Kritsch would give it everything she had in an attempt at another class victory, but at mile marker 75, the bike would quit and Kritsch was forced to watch her competition slip away.
With her first win of the year, Fulfer took over the points lead with an 80-60 lead over Kritsch. The DNF hurts Sarah's championship points for 2011, and with a hometown event for Fulfer in just two weeks (Round 4 in Melba, Idaho), the Woman's Pro Class just got that much more interesting. Olivia Rich was the only other woman to finish the King of the Desert event, and now sits at third place in the points chase with 37.

Shayla Fulfer, 1st Woman Pro on her Blais Racing Services/ Fastway KTM 250XCF-W. Photo by TNT Race Photos.

The ATV Pro Class got underway after a short delay from the bike classes. Round 2 winner, Andy Lagzdins, took top honors yet again here at Round 3 and also took home a pair of Alpinestars boots for his holeshot win on the Expert Quad line. Jeff Hoskins, local D38 quad expert, took second overall in the Quad Pro class and held off the charge of long time vet racer, Wesley Feeler, who took third in the Quad Pro class. Casey Lizaolao physically took second overall ATV against a field of nearly 30 ATVs but didn't qualify for the ATV Pro Class as a "B class" rider - not too bad considering he was up against some of the fastest ATV's in the desert.

Andy Lagzdins, 1st Quad Pro. Photo by TNT Race Photos

A number of Holeshot awards were handed out, and both the B and C bike row holeshot winners, local District 38 members, took home prizes of their own. For the B Row, James Shafer and for the C Row, Darren Buonaguidi will both have a new pair of Alpinestars boots come Round 4 of the series. Also winning prizes at Round 3 from series sponsor Works Connection will be the 1st overall B and C class winners along with first overall ATV racer, Andy Lagzdins, who will all receive hour meters (results to be verified).

Congrats to our Kenda Kash winners who all received a $50 cash bill at the finish line for using Kenda tires all around their machines: Anthony Joshua, Kevin DeJongh, John Kearney and Shayla Fulfer. For the ATV's, Eric Hartell filled his pocket with a $50 dollar bill for using Kenda's on his ATV. We are handing out Kenda Kash at each round at the finish line!

Once results are verified, another series sponsor, MadJack Racing/Amsoil, is awarding 1 gallon of oil to the winners of each these classes: B 40+, B ATV, C Vet, C 200cc. Thank you to all of our series sponsors!

Round 4 heads north to Idaho as Dirt Inc. hosts their second annual AMA/Kenda National Hare and Hound in the area near Mebla, Idaho. For more info on the AMA/Kenda National Hare and Hound Championship Series, go to: www.NationalHareandHound.com
Check out your Event photos at TNT Race Photos.

Round 3 Race Video by Beau Cottington/ Promoto.tv
Round 3 Preliminary Results
NHHA Pro Support Class Standings
Round 4 Race Flyer!

AMA RACING: King of the Desert set for Sunday

2011-03-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Justin Manos races in the Rattlesnake Chase this past season at Plaster City. (PHOTO COURTESY OF TNT RACE PHOTOS (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM))
The 30th anniversary of the King of the Desert race in the AMA District 38 season is set for Sunday at Superstition.

The race is the third round of the AMA/KENDA National Hare & Hound Championship Series and is coordinated by the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club and Threat Racing.

The race will start at 9:30 a.m. Sunday and feature two loops — the first for 60 miles and the second for 40 miles.

For more information call 760-455-2142, go to www.amad38.com, www.nationalhareandhound.com or e-mail the club at roadrunneroffroad@hotmail.com

King Shocks Raffle to Benefit Fast-Aid at KOH

2011-02-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

King Shocks will be holding a raffle at 8:00pm in the Griffin lounge at the 2011 King of the Hammers Race. The proceeds of the raffle will be going to Fast-Aid, an organization that helps injured racers and their families and holds basic first aid training for teams and individuals. Many of us in the offroad community spend long hours in remote areas. Having a team member who can administer basic first aid and CPR should tragedy strike could make the difference between life or death. This raffle would not be possible without the hard work done by Fast-Aid and the generous support from the following companies in the offroad community who have donated so far. For more information.

The future of off-road racing in the Superstition Mountain

2011-01-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

By ELIZABETH VARIN
Imperial Valley Press Staff
12:22 a.m. PST, January 13, 2011
The future of off-road racing in the Superstition Mountain has been questioned, as local race organizers try to deal with newly-enforced procedures and costs.

“Basically all the races are in jeopardy, and some have been canceled,” said Roadrunner Off-Road Racing President Chip Corfman.

The motorcycle racing group is a not-for-profit organization, and the Bureau of Land Management began enforcing stricter regulations, he said Tuesday before the county Board of Supervisors. The bureau is also recouping costs for the review process and to have rangers, leaving the racing group to have to pay more to host its events.

The group has kept jumping hurdles when trying to get permits for its races, though it already had tighter rules than the bureau required, including a 15 mph speed limit in the pit area of races, Corfman said. It could put Roadrunner racing and other groups out of business.

The change stems from an accident in mid-August where eight spectators of the California 200 in Johnson Valley were killed and a dozen more injured. The bureau released a report in November, saying the bureau did not adhere to its own permitting procedures for the race.

Local offices were told to now closely adhere to the regulations, though every race has different needs, said Jan Bedrosian with the bureau. Some events require fewer bureau personnel based on the number of participants, while other events may call for more staff.

“As we’re reviewing the races, our regulations do require us to recover costs from those who are applying for use of public land,” she said.

There will be some impact on race organizers, Bedrosian said. However, the bureau is trying to permit as many events as possible and work with organizers.

The bottom line is, though, that if the bureau can’t meet the requirements to fill its own regulations — like having a certain level of staffing — then races will not be permitted, she said. It’s all about making sure the public is safe.

Supervisor Gary Wyatt sees it in a different way.

The race where spectators were killed was tragic, but the results seem like an overreaction, he said at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. The local racing groups have self-policed themselves to stricter standards than what was required and haven’t had such an incident.

It’s going to shoot down almost all events in the off-road racing areas, he said.

He and Supervisor Raymond Castillo will work with the Roadrunners club to see what solutions can come out of it, Wyatt said.

“Public land should be public,” he said. “It’s as clear as that.”

There’s been racing in the Superstition Mountain area for about 50 years, Roadrunner past president Paul Kirby said. He’s worried that the fees and permits could change that.

“We’ve got an uphill battle,” he said.

At least one race has already been canceled and one more in the permitting process might not happen.
Mojave Desert Racing’s New Years Day race was canceled because the bureau said it wouldn’t have the manpower to send to Plaster City for the race, according to a notice from MDR. The group would not comment on the permitting process.

Another racing group from San Diego may not hold its race scheduled in February, Kirby said. Getting a permit used to be a few hundred dollars, but could cost thousands now.

Kirby has met with bureau officials this week and said he is going to set up an appointment with Wyatt to give more information about the problems the racing groups are facing.

“I’m still optimistic. I think once we get people sat down and all the facts come out we’ll be able to save our season,” Kirby said.

For
Newly enforced regulations
People safer
— Jan Bedrosian, Bureau of Land Management representative

Against
Newly enforced regulations
Organizers can’t afford high fees
Races get canceled
Local stores and services impacted
— Paul Kirby, past president of Roadrunner Off-Road Racing

Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441

BLM cancels AMA D-38 race

2010-10-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Sunday, October 10, 2010 12:41 AM PDT

AMA District 38 racers won’t be rocking in the Rocktober 100 Desert Scramble at Plaster City next weekend.

The Bureau of Land Management has canceled the race coordinated by Over the Belt Racing, a club from San Diego in the AMA D-38.

“(BLM) got the permit in too late for the BLM to staff the event by their new standards,” said AMA D-38 president Rob Niemela.

BLM has tightened its presence at competitive off-road events after a race truck flipped on to spectators, killing eight and injuring a dozen, at an MDR race in the Lucerne Valley in mid-August.

BLM stated it would review each race on a case-by-case basis, in a press release in late August.

“BLM’s ongoing review will be aimed at ensuring the public safety remains our first priority,” according to the statement.

Since the accident, all races have been under the watchful eye of the BLM. BLM also canceled MDR’s permits and MDR hasn’t had a race since.

AMA D-38 has continued to have racing at Plaster City, and has had two races since.

Niemela said the BLM has had about eight officials at the AMA D-38 races.

Over the Belt has been offered a new date to hold the race, Nov. 21.

“From what I’ve talked to (OTB) about that, it seems they’re going to take it,” Niemela said. “It’s already been approved by us, the district.”

The next AMA D-38 race is scheduled for Oct. 31 in Plaster City. DRIVE Off-Road Racing is set to have the WCT Townsel Memorial at Plaster City on Oct. 23.

The AMA D-38 Web site states racers should check the Web site for further information regarding OTB’s race.

The DRIVE Web site had no indications its WCT Townsel Memorial race is in jeopardy of being suspended

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: Oswald wins Desert Scramble

2010-10-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Friday, October 8, 2010 2:55 AM PDT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY
David Valley rides his quad in the quad amateur division at the Chicken Trax’s Desert Scramble presented by Chicken Bones Racing at Plaster City on Sunday. He won his class.

PLASTER CITY — San Diego’s Jake Oswald won the Desert Scramble presented by Chicken Bones Racing here Sunday.

The open experience division racer won the overall race and his class in the 64-mile course in the AMA District 38 series.

FOUR-LAP WINNERS (overall)

MOTORCYCLE
Experienced
Open
Jake Oswald (1)

250
Travis Wood (4)

Senior
Tim Theodore (7)

Super senior
Todd Barnhill (8)

Amateur Open
Bubba Novis (9)

250
Tyler Pavlick (17)

Senior
Joe Bohlen (22)

Novice Open
Cody Webber (21)

250
Kyle Williams (25)

Veteran
Derek Ball (26)

QUAD

Experienced
Josh Row (15)

IV Press Off Road Week - Travis E. Wood

2010-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 12:30 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM
El Centro native Travis Wood, 17, races in the Rattlesnake Chase Desert Scramble on Sept. 19

Travis Wood won the Rattle Snake Chase presented by the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club at Superstition in the AMA District 38 series Sept. 19.

Age: 17

Division: 250 expert All series you race in: AMA D-38,

WORCS Other activities/sports you are involved in:
Bowling

Your favorites:

Pro athlete:

Kendall Norman

Pro team:

Factory Honda Race Team

Movie:

“On Any Sunday”

TV show:

“The Great Ride Open”

Movie:

“The Expendables”

What do you enjoy most about your sport?

I enjoy it all. Racing motorcycles has been a passion for awhile now. It may have its up and downs but in the end it’s all worth it.

What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport?

The most memorable moment I have had is winning my first 250 championship. I have played a lot of sports and have received many trophies but winning that title meant a lot more to me.

Tell us about someone who inspires you and why?

I would have to say my family. I can’t really choose just one person. My dad helps me with my bike and on my riding and guides me when I need help. My mom is always there for me making eat healthy the week before a race and make sure I am taking care of my school work. They have inspired me to become a better and responsible person. Without them I wouldn’t be a champ or be very successful, couldn’t have done it without them.

What is your goal in your sport this season?

My goal this season is to pull off another 250 championship. It would mean a lot to my family, especially my dad. We have been working hard and training as much as possible and hopefully it pays off in the end

The Rattlesnake Chase

2010-09-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Friday, September 17, 2010 2:30 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY

The Rattlesnake Chase will kick off at 8 a.m. Sunday at the DIP at Superstition.

Event highlights
1-Racing returns with The Rattlesnake Chase presented by the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club after the AMA District 38 summer break.

2-The event is a D-38 points paying event for all district classes, except youth.

3-Sign-ups will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 6 to 8 a.m. Sunday.

About the event

WHEN: 8 a.m. Sunday

WHERE: The DIP at Superstition

INFO: Call Kirk Hester at 760-275-9852 or go to www.amad38.com

RiderDown is pleased to present the return of Team RiderDown to the tracks and trails of the USA.

2010-09-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hello members of the RiderDown group:

RiderDown is pleased to present the return of Team RiderDown to the tracks and trails of the USA. We're looking for all types of dirtbike and quad competitors to serve as representatives of RDF in a variety of competition series across the nation.

We want your help in getting out the good word about our mission of helping injured riders as you push your limits and show your sportsmanship on the moto tracks, GNCC loops, hare scrambles, enduros, and hare'n'hounds across America.

You don't need to be a class champion, but you do need to be a responsible, sportsmanlike, and honest rider who wants to give back to the sport you love. We don't care how many trophies you have. We want good people interested in promoting RDF. We'll send you some shwag for you and to help in helping us.

For your trouble, we'll give you a little support thanks to a couple of our partners, mxsponsor.com and sts-motorsports.com.

If you are interested, DO NOT RESPOND HERE. You first need to be a registered member of http://www.riderdown.org/. Once you're a member, go to the address below, read the forum thread, and reply as requested.

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1841

If we have more applicants than available spots, we'll try to get a good variety of ages, abilities, and classes ridden.

Thanks! Spread the word to your friends that compete!

Walker Evans Racing - The Sand Sports Super Show

2010-09-15T09:52:00.001-07:00

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Walker Evans Racing
The Sand Sports Super Show

Read More About Here.

BLM to have more presence at events

2010-08-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

By ELIZABETH VARIN, Staff Writer
Saturday, August 21, 2010 12:06 AM PDT

The Bureau of Land Management will increase its presence at off-road racing events in response to a fatal accident last week, announced Director Bob Abbey on Friday.

In addition to reviewing each race permit on a case-by-case basis, the bureau will increase oversight of permit activities, like this weekend’s American Motorcycle Association race in the Johnson Valley Open Area, according to a press release from the bureau.

The race was given approval after a detailed review of the special recreation permit, along with an assessment of public safety and crowd control requirements.

Additional safety measures will be taken, like more safeguards at the start and finish line and the pit row areas, as well as increased security and medical presence, according to the press release.

“We will not tolerate any deviation from permit requirements,” Abbey said.

The changes stem from a racing accident Aug. 14 where eight spectators of the California 200 were killed and a dozen more injured.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in the California Johnson Valley OHV open area,” Abbey said. “We have launched an internal review of the tragedy and we will be taking a very close look at all approved permits and pending requests and determine whether they are appropriate on a case-by-case basis.”

The bureau suspended future permits for the group that put on the race, Mojave Desert Racing, until the investigation is complete. MDR hosts races in Plaster City, Barstow, Lucerne Valley and Ridgecrest.

The bureau is also reviewing its special recreation permit program in all Western field offices, Abbey announced Friday.

This year the bureau has issued more than 100 special recreation permits for motorized racing and thousands of people have participated, according to the press statement. The first priority at the events is public and employee safety and health.

“We will look at these requests carefully and consider the safety record of the individual or organization requesting a permit,” Abbey said.

Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441

Off-road racing permits canceled for MDR while under investigation.

2010-08-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

By ELIZABETH VARIN, Staff Writer
Friday, August 20, 2010 1:43 AM PDTEvents for a group that organizes off-road races in Imperial County have been suspended by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management after an accident in the Mojave Desert killed eight people and left a dozen injured.
Mojave Desert Racing, which sets up races in Plaster City, Barstow, Lucerne Valley and Ridgecrest, will not be permitted to run off-road races during the investigation of Saturday’s accident in Lucerne Valley, according to a press release from the bureau.

Eight spectators at Saturday’s California 200 off-road race were killed after a truck flipped onto them. Twelve more people were injured in the accident.

The next race by MDR was scheduled for Sept. 4 near Plaster City in Imperial County.

MDR representatives were not available for comment, though the group has issued press releases with condolences for those who were affected by the accident.

“MDR wishes to emphasize again that we were shocked and saddened by the tragedy at our race in Johnson Valley,” the company wrote on its Web site. “We grieve over the fact that those who perished or were injured were part of our off-road community and family. A number of the victims were our friends and we all feel a great loss.”

BLM officials did not return phone calls, but in a press release the bureau wrote that all future events scheduled, like this weekend’s American Motorcyclist Association race in Johnson Valley, are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

“BLM’s ongoing review will be aimed at ensuring the public safety remains our first priority,” according to the statement.

The fatal accident has left the off-road community reeling, said Paul Kirby, president of Roadrunner Racing, which puts on motorcycle races at Superstition Mountain.

“This is really a freak thing that has happened,” he said. “To the best of my knowledge this has never happened before in 40 years of racing down here.”

Locally, changes for permitting races may not have a big effect on off-road racing, but things could change, he said.

For upcoming races, like the Rattlesnake Chase scheduled for Sept. 19, the group has been told the permits would be scrutinized more and new safety standards may go into place, though Kirby said he didn’t know what those could be.

Safety has always been a big concern for races at courses in Imperial Valley, said Chip Corfman, owner of Threat Racing in El Centro and a member of Roadrunner Racing.

“We hold ourselves to a stricter standard than the BLM does,” he said. “We always have.”

Corfman is involved in laying out courses for races, and safety is even a concern there, he said. The group avoids high-speed areas and locations where people camp.

The safe place for spectators to watch the 20- to 25-mile races put on by Roadrunner Racing are in the pit area, where the speed limit is 15 mph, Corfman said.

While bureau changes may not affect some local races, others had concerns about restrictions by the bureau affecting recreation in the dunes.

The sand dune recreation area is a huge economic engine in the county, said county Supervisor Wally Leimgruber. More than 30 million people visit the California desert.

“Public land was always established so that the public could go places, have the recreational opportunity and enjoy the outdoors,” he said. “Now we’re having additional restrictions, and I always have concerns about these rules that will impact the off-road community.”

With the bureau’s decision about permitting, it may impose rules on recreation on public land, he said.

“It’s just getting to have more and more restrictions,” he said.

>> Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or 760-337-3441

FAST-Aid Opens Specific Account for MDR California 200 Accident

2010-08-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

LINK: http://www.fast-aid.org/california-200.html

MESA, AZ AUGUST 15, 2010: FAST-Aid has opened a donation pool for the
families of the casualties and the injured at the MDR California 200 off road
race accident. FAST-Aid, similar in nature to the Red Cross, is a non-profit
organization dedicated to providing financial, educational and personal
assistance to injured racers, support teams and their families as well as
ensures the necessary support is in place to complete a thorough recovery and
rehabilitation from motor sports racing incidents.

To donate specifically to help the California 200 casualties, please
note California 200 on your donation and 100% of the funds received will be
applied to assisting their families in this difficult time. Donations are
tax-deductible. Donations will be distributed to the families to assist with
funeral plans and to the injured for recovery and job loss assistance.

President of FAST-Aid Jared Tetzlaff stated, "FAST-Aid has full faith in the
California Highway Patrol to do a complete and thorough investigation of this
accident. Our role is not to assign blame or liability, but is strictly to do
everything we can to be there to assist the casualties and their families in the
aftermath of this tragedy. The off-road community is a tight-knit family and
the positive response from this group of people has been overwhelming and
humbling. We will continue to coordinate all of our resources to help comfort
and provide assistance to those involved."

About FAST-Aid - FAST-Aid has been helping the off road racing community since
April 2009 and has been called to assist in many different circumstances. The
board consists of nine racers, crew members, community and industry supporters.
FAST-Aid a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of supplying financial
and emotional assistance to off-roaders injured at racing events.
http://www.fast-aid.org

News outlets covering this story may contact media@fast-aid.org for more
information. Fast-Aid is asking all news outlets to get this information out to
the public who wish to make donations.

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2010-08-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT IT.

Gran Prix is a big hit for D-38

2010-06-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Saturday, June 19, 2010 12:06 AM PD

Photo Courtesy of Tim Townsley (TNT Race Photos)
Racers compete at the inaugural Live Oaks Gran Prix coordinated by Roadrunner Off-road racing Club of El Centro on June 12.

LIVE OAK SPRINGS — Cool weather and a little more than 200 racers set the backdrop to the inaugural Live Oaks Gran Prix coordinated by Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club of El Centro this past weekend.
Horizon MX Park here hosted the two-day event that had divisions from mini bikes to open motorcycle, all in a track that was a mixture of desert and motocross racing.

“It was a lot of fun,” Holtville’s Travis Wood, 17, said.

Wood won the 250 expert class in the event Sunday, more importantly enjoyed the track.

“It was a lot of fun because I like that style, half motocross, half desert,” Wood said. “The two different styles of terrain … it’s a challenge.”

It also provided 80-degree racing weather, rather than more than 100-degree weather in the Imperial Valley.

“The weather couldn’t be any better,” Wood said. “Going from 100 down to 85 and racing in it was a lot better.”

Roadrunner president Paul Kirby is already getting compliments from the race.

“It seems like we had a lot of participation from our riders and asked to do more of these types of events,” Kirby said.

That includes Wood.

“Thanks to Roadrunners for putting on a great race,” Wood said.

LIVE OAKS GRAN PRIX WINNERS

Moto mini bikes

Nathan Seals

Moto mini quads

Cameron Baker

Moto classic, vintage and women

Loren Diamond (vintage)

Thomas Engelhardt (classic)

Briana Spaugh (women)

Moto super senior and master

Larry Roeseler (super senior)

Dave Gazzaneo (master)

Moto open quads

Josh Row

Moto veteran quads

Scott Plunkett (veteran quads)

Moto women quads

Kristen Matlock (women quads)

Moto seniors

Todd Barhill

Moto 250s

Travis Wood

Moto veterans

Craig Smith

Moto 125s

James Shafer

Moto open

Bryle Stavron

Go to www.amad38.com for complete list of results

2010-05-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Contact; Johnny Jensen
Tel: 619.320.8302
Email: Johnny@Cancer-RideForLife.com
:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CANCER KILLS 64 PEOPLE EVERY DAY: DIRT BIKERS RIDE 700 MILES OF BARREN DESERT TO SUPPORT CAUSE.
Too many people die of Cancer each year, 562,340 in 2009 according to the American Cancer Society. Those people never got to finish their life, and the many people suffering from Cancer today still need our help. Cancer never sleeps, and supporting research in any way possible is one way to fight back. Do what you can today, every day counts.
That’s what Cancer-Ride For Life is all about. A group of dirt bikers that are aware and doing something to help the cause, the research and to give back. These dirt bikers are your average hard working individuals who enjoy getting out for a ride on the weekend. This is their second time riding for Cancer. The S.U.C.C.E.S.S Optimist Club of San Diego is their channel and People and Children with Cancer, is their cause.
This Ride For Life is an event taking place in November and the goal is to raise $10,000 to donate to S.U.C.C.E.S.S Optimist Club of San Diego (http://www.optimistrainforest.org). The ride will take place with a pre-determined group of riders across the deserts of California and Arizona. 700 miles to be exact. From Ocotillo California to Parker Arizona and back. The ride is nothing for the squeamish as they’ll encounter pumpkin sized rocks, deep sand, cactus, and everything the open desert has to offer. They must be in good physical and mental shape, and have good vision as the 14hr day will end in the night where they’ve just ridden their last 100 miles in the pitch black dark. The ride will surely take its toll on body and bike, finishing will be a top priority.
One of the riders (and Co-Founder of Cancer-Ride For Life), Alan Clowers is a Cancer Survivor himself. Surviving Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As if that’s not all, recently had a Triple Bypass. One tough dirt biker, out to raise awareness and help the people in need.
Johnny Jensen, a rider and Founder of Cancer-Ride For Life, also knows all to well the word “Cancer”. With his father a Bladder Cancer survivor, and of his beloved mother who lost her life this past year after being diagnosed 6 months prior with Pancreatic Cancer.
Cancer – Ride for Life has dedicated a website to the event to aid in obtaining donations to the cause. Donations can be sent in a few different formats and they are even offering a raffle from donated product(s) to raise even more money. Help those motor heads any way you can, and help them put a smile on a child’s face today. Visit http://Cancer-RideForLife.com today.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with any of the organizers or riders of the event, please contact Johnny Jensen at 619.320.8302 or on email at; Johnny@Cancer-RideForLife.com

Chicken Bones releases unofficial results

2010-04-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Friday, April 23, 2010 12:45 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Brent Wilkinson won the super senior class at the Rock ’N Rooster European Desert Scrambles and Britt Clamp Memorial Team Race at Plaster City on April 11.

In the desert scrambles, Steven Prather won at 125ccs. Travis Wood won at 250ccs. Bryce Stavron won in the open class. Ron Wilson won at veteran. Tim Theodore won at seniors. Mark S. Brown won at super seniors.

Dave Gazzaneo won at masters and Weishin Woltz won at women’s. Josh Row won at quad expert. Scott Plunkett won at quad veteran and Ray McKenize won at women’s quad.

In the youth races, Cameron Baker won the quads. Justin Wilson won the mall mini M/Cs and Troy J. Kane won the big mini M/Cs.

In the Clamp team races, Craig Smith and Ron Wilson won the veteran expert class and were the overall winners.

Bryce Stavron won the open expert. Travis Wood won at 250 expert. Bubba Novis won at open amateur. Tim Theodore and Bob Stuhler won at senior expert.

Derek McCaughy and Michael Barton won at veteran novice. Tyler Pavlick won at 250 novice.

Stephen Orton and Duane Swainston won at senior amateur. David Gazzaneo and Richard Ribley won at master expert.

Josh Row and Greg Row won at quad expert and were the overall quad winners.

Scott Plunkett and Jeff Hoskins won at quad veteran expert. Kristen Matlock won at quad women’s amateur.

For complete results go to www.amad38.com

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: Racing in memory of Clamp

2010-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Friday, April 9, 2010 12:52 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM
Friends and family of Britt Clamp gather on surfboards for the Britt Clamp Memorial at the Beach in early March in San Diego.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTY KAMERY
Marty Kamery (center) walks down the line of racers ready for a race to start last season. At his side is his daughter Jacqueline.

PLASTER CITY — The rumbling is expected to continue here this weekend with an AMA District 38 season race.

Chicken Bones Racing of San Diego will host the Rock ’N Rooster European Desert Scrambles and the Britt Clamp Memorial Team Race on Sunday.

“We’ll be rockin’ and roosterin’ in Plaster City,” Chicken Bones Racing president Marty Kamery said.

The weekend will be full of racing, all centered around Clamp, who was a San Diego resident and called the Imperial Valley his second home.

Clamp was a longtime AMA D-38 racer and volunteer who died in February after a recreational off-road accident in Plaster City.

“He’s been around for a long time,” Kamery said. “He had family in Ocotillo … this is his backyard.”

The event will kick off Saturday with a memorial ride for Clamp at 10 a.m. at the pit area.

The competitive racing will start at with individual racing at 7:30 a.m. Sunday and conclude with the youth races at noon.

The team racing will start at 1 p.m. for motorcycles and at 2:45 p.m. for ATVs. The team race is named after Clamp.

“His kids will drop the banner at the memorial race on Sunday,” Kamery said.

He also said they are expecting more than 200 racers for the event.

“We’re looking forward to a good time and full day of racing,” Kamery said.

Go to www.amad38.com or www.chickenbonesracing.weebly.com for more information.

Clean-dezert.org has teamed up with NS OFFROAD

2010-04-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Clean-dezert.org has teamed up with NS OFFROAD to put on a fundraiser event to benefit our local desert clean ups. We have reserved a private showing of Dust to Glory on April 29th at Cinema City Theatres in Anaheim Hills (Imperial / 91fwy). Tickets are $10 a person and ALL proceeds go to clean-dezert.org and will help pay for more dumpsters, disposal fees, and more clean ups.

Before the movie, there will be a truck show in the theater parking lot at 6pm. Many race teams have committed to come to show their support as well as guys with their own projects. All vehicles welcome and wanted (prerunner, race, 4x4, rally) no matter the build budget. Grab food at Carl’s Jr., In-N-Out, or Knowlwood’s near by, check out the cool rides, see a great movie, and support a good cause. There will be security and a photographer during the event as well

Email adam@clean-dezert.org with any questions. Check back for updates on trucks that will be at the show.

Adam Filbin
WWW.Clean-Dezert.org

Chicken Bones Racing Rock’n Rooster European Desert Scrambles

2010-04-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

Wilson stepping back from racing

2010-03-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, March 25, 2010 12:27 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Imperial’s David Wilson is the No. 1 plate holder in the AMA District 38 series senior division.

Imperial’s David Wilson didn’t know what to expect when he debuted in competitive off-road motorcycle racing.

With the experience that comes from riding since the age of about 10, Wilson, 47, decided to join the AMA District 38 senior division.

“It looked like fun and I wanted to see how I stacked up against other guys,” Wilson said.

He stacked up well, clinching the division No. 1 plate two years in a row since then.

“I thought it was a pretty good accomplishment. I thought the first year might have been by luck, so to speak,” Wilson said. “So to be able to back it up with the tough competition out there says quite a bit.”

He raced against tough competition for the top plate in the division.

“I just went out there to chase around fast guys. There’s a lot of fast guys in that class even though it’s labeled senior class,” Wilson said. “There’s a lot of talent, so the competition is pretty stiff.”

Wilson’s second season, last year, also had tragedy outside the desert course.

Wilson is the grandfather of Cody and Tanner Townsel, two boys that died in a car accident with their father Wesley, in May.

Wilson pondered suspending his season.

“I didn’t know if I’d come back or not. With support from family, friends and the racing community, I went back and finished the season,” Wilson said. “I miss having those boys around. It was nice having Wes, Cody and Tanner around at the events.”

This season, Wilson has decided to step back from the season and just enjoy the events as a fan and supporter.

“This season, I will take this season off and maybe help with some of the races,” Wilson said. “Watch from the sideline, so to speak.”

He has already raced in some AMA D-38 races this season and might do some of the remaining races.

CODE kicks off season in Mexicali

2010-02-12T09:55:00.001-08:00

MEXICALI — El Centro’s Ruben Espinoza Jr. and a handful of Imperial Valley racers are set to kick off the CODE Off-Road Racing Series here this weekend.
Espinoza finished second in class 11 last season and is looking for the class championship this year. He also won the same class in the MDR Superstition Series last year.

“I’m feeling pretty good. We have the car ready and and we’ll see how it goes,” Espinoza said. “There will be some tough competition.”
There will be about 16 racers in his class, racing in two different heats, at this weekend’s Casas Geo Gran Prix.

Espinoza will use this weekend’s race as a measuring stick for the rest of the season.

“It’s a very important race. There’s a lot of competition and if we win this race, that means we’ll have no problems finishing as class champions,” Espinoza said. “I know I’ll be sure of myself for the next races.”

Racing will kick off Saturday with four-wheel vehicles. It will continue with ATV and motorcycle class Sunday.

The race will be held at Laguna Salada, located 19 miles southwest of Mexicali.

Semper Fi has race Saturday

2010-02-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Friday, February 12, 2010 12:02 AM PST

Semper Fi Motorsports will have an AMA/ATVA-sanctioned race — the Sweethearts 100 — Saturday at Plaster City.
The race will be 22 miles and kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday. Pre-registration can be made from 5 to 9 p.m. today or from 6 to 8 a.m. Saturday.

For more information go to www.smp-38.com or call series president Reuben DeHoyos at 619-279-0098.

Lakeside Off - Road days! Feb 20, 21 2010

2010-02-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

S&S Publishing, Inc.
P.O. Box 845
Borrego Springs CA 92004
760-767-4680
editor@ss-offroadmagazine.com

CONTACT:
Sherri Kukla (760) 767-4680,
DATE: February 5, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

OFF ROAD SHOW COMES TO SAN DIEGO

The San Diego Off-Road Coalition announces the return of their popular off road exposition in the form of Lakeside Off-Road Days scheduled for February 20-21, 2010 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds.

This interactive off road event will feature two days of motorcycle racing, lawnmower racing, off road vendors, food, drinks and fun. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 16 are free with an adult. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Active duty military admission is $8 and members of the San Diego Off-Road Coalition will get in for $5.

Lakeside Off-Road Days will provide opportunities for people to discover how to get started or be more involved in the sport of off roading. Many of the organized off-road groups in San Diego County will be available to talk about their club events, races and activities. Some agency land managers from off road areas will be available to talk about the opportunities for off road activity in and outside of San Diego County.

The San Diego Off Road Coalition was founded in 1981 and is an all volunteer, non profit organization dedicated to keeping access to public lands open to all forms of recreation. They also educate the user on how to be good stewards and managers of those lands. San Diego Off-Road Coalition members believe in family and the power of family weekends to build strong character and good citizenship in our children.

SDORC members routinely volunteer in trail maintenance and restoration projects, highway and desert clean-ups, and park patrol in order to help preserve off roading opportunities and set a positive example for beginning off-road enthusiasts.

SDORC helps fund a lawyer, through their Ecologic partnership, and a lobbyist to help keep public lands open for recreation and to educate legislators on the positive aspects of off-road recreation. The off-road experience is all about family and the mission of SDORC is to keep that experience alive and make sure that future off-road enthusiasts understand how to do so in a safe and responsible way.

For more information on SDORC or Lakeside Off-Road Days visit www.sdorc.org or call 619-390-5631.

Tuck wins AMA season opener

2010-02-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Brawley’s Aaron Tuck won the fourth annual Jeff Cady 2010 Desert Scramble presented by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego in the AMA District 38 season opener at Superstition on Sunday.
SUPERSTITION — Brawley’s Aaron Tuck won the fourth annual Jeff Cady 2010 Desert Scramble to kick off the AMA District-38 season on the right foot here Sunday.
“It was a fun course. I got out into the lead real quick and then stayed out there,” Tuck said.

The race, organized by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego, was the start of the season. It was also the start of El Centro’s Cameron Corfman’s defense of his No. 1 plate.

He finished second Sunday.

“I’m kind of focused on the national series and the SCORE series but I’m definitely not going to take any time away from the 38 series,” Corfman said. “That’s the hometown series … you gotta defend your No. 1 plate.”

Brawley’s Craig Smith finished third.

For Tuck, it was a good way to start the season.

“It feels good to get back out there and race. I’m not sure if I’m going to race the whole season but it’s a good way to start the year,” Tuck said.

The race featured about 150 riders eager to the kick off the season.

“It was an excellent turnout, beautiful weather, 150 fired up racers,” said OTB race referee John Janke. “Everybody had a good time.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Kristen Matlock races in the AMA race Sunday.

McCallum wins points title in MDR series

2010-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
El Centro’s Shawn McCallum races in the MDR Superstition Series Bud Light Dash on Dec. 31 at Plaster City. McCallum won the race and the class 1 points championship.

El Centro’s Shawn McCallum had plenty to celebrate on New Year’s Eve.
The off-road racer won the class 1 points championship in the MDR Superstition Series at Plaster City last week.

On Dec. 31, McCallum won the class and the overall race to win his second class 1 championship of the year at the Bud Light Dash — the first in the inaugural DRIVE Off-Road Racing Series.

“It was pretty good. We kind of had a picture-perfect day,” McCallum said. “We had one flat … other than that the car ran flawless and just had a really, really good day.”

Also at the race, El Centro’s Steven Eugenio finished second overall and won the class 1,600 race. El Centro’s Caleb Sanden finished fifth overall and second in the 1,600 class.

McCallum’s previous class 1 championship was in 2008 in the MDR series. In 2005, McCallum won both the CODE Off-Road Racing Series and MDR class 1 championships.

This year, he won two again in one year.

“We won two class 1 championships in one year, which is pretty cool,” McCallum said. “We’re pretty stoked about that.”

The race itself had 156 registered racers and thousands of spectators.

“There was a lot of people around the whole course,” McCallum said. “There were a lot of racers out there.”

McCallum will look to defend both of his titles this season.

“We just had a really good year and we’re looking forward to a good 2010 and being competitive and try to be upfront at every race this year,” McCallum said.

New off-road series takes off Saturday - IV PRESS

2010-01-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Thursday, January 7, 2010 11:58 PM PST

PLASTER CITY EAST — The Off-Road Championship Series presented by Semper Fi Motorsports Productions will kick off Saturday with the inaugural 150 Hare Scramble here.
The race will feature motorcycles and quads and is AMA-sanctioned. The race will have M/C classes for Pro, 125, 250, open, vet, senior, super senior, masters and women. It will also have ATV classes for Pro, Sportsman quad, vet quad and women’s quad.

Signups are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight and from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Saturday. A membership to the AMA/ATVA is required to sign up.

Racing starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. For more information go to www.smp-d38.com

Year to end with ‘Dash’ for glory -IV PRESS

2009-12-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 12:42 AM PST

COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM An off-roader races in the MDR Bud Light Dash last year at Plaster City. This year’s race is set to start Thursday at Plaster City West.

The year will end with a bang as more than 100 entries and thousands of spectators are expected at the MDR Production’s Bud Light Dash, the finale of the Superstition Championship Series at Plaster City West, on Thursday.
For local racer Shawn McCallum, Thursday’s race will decide whether he gets his second class championship of the year or not.

“We’re in a tight battle in the class 1 points with the McMillins,” McCallum said.

McCallum leads the class by a few points with Daniel McMillin close behind. McCallum already secured the class championship in the newly formed local DRIVE Off-Road Racing Series.

He’s looking for his second championship of the year.

“Now we’re just trying to back it up with the MDR series in the same year,” McCallum said.

To do so, McCallum will need to not only finish but beat McMillin.

“We need to have a good strong finish on Thursday,” McCallum said. “Come race day, we need to beat them to secure our championship.”

The MDR Web site stated it had 135 entries as of Tuesday. Thousands of spectators have always poured out in previous years for the race.

“There’s already a lot of people out there,” McCallum said.

The race is set to start at 8:30 a.m.

DASH TO THE DASH

Head west on Interstate 8

Take Dunaway Road exit and head north

Turn left on Evan Hewes Highway to head west

Turn right into the Plaster City East OHV area or pass the plant and turn right into the Plaster City West OHV area

For more information go to www.mdrracing.com

Rascon riding to the top - IV PRESS

2009-12-18T09:03:00.001-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Friday, December 18, 2009 1:03 AM PST

El Centro’s Gabriel Rascon races in an AMA District 38 race earlier this season. Rascon won the top plate in the ATV amateur division for next season.

When El Centro resident Gabriel Rascon began the AMA District 38 Superstition Series this year he had one goal in mind — win the top plate.
The 18-year-old did that in his first full year of competition in the ATV amateur class recently.

“I was just trying to keep up there in the points, see how I can be competitive with all those fast guys,” Rascon said. “I told my dad in the beginning of the season I wanted to get the No. 1 plate and in the end it came through.”

Rascon, who sported the 7q plate this season, will have the 1q plate on his quad and will look to defend it.

“I will try to defend it and start going to other races,” Rascon said.

Rascon focused on the AMA series this year and will venture into other circuits like the CODE Off-Road Racing Series and ZR Promo, based in Mexicali.

Rascon got his start in racing in second half of the AMA season in 2008 but has been riding recreationally since he was about 7 years old.

“My dad bought a quad for my older brother and he passed it down to me,” Rascon said. “We went out to watch the AMA races and I loved to race so I asked him and he let me do it.”

Corfman wins No. 1 plate

2009-12-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Friday, December 11, 2009 12:54 AM PST

Photo Courtesy Of Tim Townsley(TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
El Centro’s Cameron Corfman won the top plate in the AMA District 38 series.

El Centro’s Cameron Corfman will have a merrier Christmas this year after winning the No. 1 plate in the AMA District 38 series.
Corfman finished as the top rider in the open class division, earning him the plate that he will proudly display next season.

“It’s pretty cool. Ever since I was a little kid I would see the older racers with the No. 1 plate and I always wanted to have one,” said the 19-year-old. “I had a great season and I’m looking forward to some more good seasons.”

Corfman won his plate at the AMA D-38’s final race of the season, the Christmas Classic, presented by Road-runner Off-Road Racing on Sunday at Superstition.

“It was the final race of the season; there were some great points battles that were decided,” Roadrunner president Paul Kirby said. “It was a full day of racing.

Kirby said the race attracted about 130 racers, down about 20 from last year. Despite the economic troubles, Kirby said riders still supported the series.

“The season started out right in the middle of a bad economy and the numbers were real good. This fall, we could tell our numbers were down just a little bit,” Kirby said. “The people in California are resilient and they find a way.”

Brawley’s Craig Smith won the No. 1 veteran plate. For a complete list of results and more information, go to the Web site www.amad38.com

San Diego Off Road Magazine Name Change.

2009-12-07T17:18:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! We wanted to let all of you be the first to know that with the January issue we are making a slight name change to the magazine. It will now be called S&S Off Road Magazine. This should better represent who we are especially to the readers outside of San Diego County and the prospective readers and shops that could distribute the magazine, but hesitate because of the words San Diego in the heading. it will also help to eliminate the confusion between the magazine and the San Diego Off Road Coalition.

Earlier this year we incorporated and are operating under the corporate name of S&S Publishing Inc. so it flows well with our new corporate name also.

Thanks for all your contributions to the magazine! We look forward to a great 2010!

Sherri Kukla
S&S Publishing, Inc.
S&S Off Road Magazine
formerly San Diego Off Road Magazine
760-767-4680
Fax 760-767-4937

UTVUnderground.com Welcomes 5 New Site Sponsors!

2009-11-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

UTV UNDERGROUND.COM is proud to announce the addition of 5 new site supporting sponsors. UTVUnderground.com has over 25 site supporting sponsors ranging from manufacturers, retailers, organizations, and media partners.

During the months of October and November UTVUnderground.com has welcomed in 5 new sponsors to the site. First starting with Walker Evans Racing www.walkerevansracing.com who came on board as the title Shock Sponsor for the Underground. Walker Evans Racing has been a supporter of UTVUnderground.com even before becoming a site sponsor. RJ Anderson who races the Walker Evans Polaris RZR in the Lucas Oil, TORC, and SXS Stadium Series has been racing as a member of the UTVUnderground.com Race Team for most of 2009. “This partnership was a natural one given the support both companies show each other” says Joey D. of UTVUnderground.com.

Another top racing company acquired as a supporting site sponsor was none other than Weller Racing www.WellerRacing.com out of Phoenix, AZ. Weller Racing like Walker Evans Racing has been supporting UTVUnderground.com for most of the year in the form of Corry Weller who races the Weller Racing 610 Yamaha Rhino in the Lucas Oil, SXS Stadium Series, and other desert and short track organizations. When asked about Corry Weller and Weller Racing as a company Joey D. of UTVUnderground.com had this to say, “We were thrilled the day Corry put those Underground decals on her race car. Corry and her race team are huge advocates for UTV racing, they are the kind of people we want to be associated with….. We couldn’t be any more thrilled to have Weller on board as our title Engine Sponsor. Weller Racing is truly one of the pioneering and most respected names in the UTV Industry and UTV racing scene.”

The first Wheel and Tire sponsors were also announced this last month. Both Douglas Wheels www.dwtracing.com and Pit Bull Tires www.PitBullTires.com joined UTVUnderground.com this last month. Underground organizers are working tirelessly to round up the best names in UTV to provide their members with member discounts and direct access to some of the best product manufacturers in the industry. “DWT brings innovative designs and superior products to not only the everyday UTV enthusiast but also to the hard core racer. The development of the new DOONZ sand paddles and Lightcast wheel series show us that DWT is committed to developing amazing new products for the UTV community…” says Joey D.

Pit Bull Tires www.PitBullTires.com has come on strong in recent months promoting their new UTV tires. Pit Bull Tires has made a commitment to develop new and innovative tires that not only serve the recreational user but also the most aggressive of UTV drivers. “What attracted me the most to Pit Bull was the excitement shown when meeting Mike of Pit Bull this year at the Off Road Expo. Then once I saw that Pit Bull was offering a $5000 purse to the UTV class at the 2010 King of The Hammers race I knew this was a company we needed to get on board as our tire sponsor.” Joey D. said when asked about Pit Bull Tires.

The newest addition to the Underground’s list of industry leading sponsors is Axia Alloys www.AxiaAlloys.com. Axia Alloys is a maker of high end billet machined parts for UTV’s. Axia’s products can be seen on all types of UTV’s from race cars to play cars to show vehicles. When asked about Axia Joey D. said “Axia provides a product line that lots of companies try to emulate but just can’t seem to duplicate. Axia’s quality parts not only look the best but hold up to the rigors of off road driving. We couldn’t be happier to have Axia on board as an accessories sponsor. “

***********************************************************************

If you are interested in becoming a supporting site sponsor and advertiser with UTVUnderground.com please email Joey DiGiovanni at joeyd@utvunderground.com. UTVUnderground.com has become the premiere UTV online community with over 1000 members since going live in late January of 2009
.

Johnny Jensen Rides For Life

2009-11-17T20:38:00.000-08:00

Contact; Johnny Jensen
Tel: 619.320.8302
Email: Johnny@Cancer-RideForLife.com
:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CHILDREN SUFFER FROM CANCER: DIRT BIKERS RIDE 600 MILES OF BARREN
DESERT TO SUPPORT CAUSE.
Too many children die of Cancer each year. 100,000 in fact. Those children never got to enjoy life, andthe many children suffering from Cancer today still need our help. Cancer never sleeps, and supporting research in any way possible is one way to fight back. Do what you can today, every day counts. That’s what Cancer-Ride For Life is all about. A group of dirt bikers that are aware and doing something to help the cause, the research and to give back. These dirt bikers are your average hard working individuals who enjoy getting out for a ride on the weekend. But this time, they will ride for a cause. The Children’s Cancer Research Fund is their channel and the Children with Cancer, is their cause.
This Ride For Life is an event taking place on December 18th and the goal is to raise $5000 to donate to Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The ride will take place with a pre-determined group of riders across the deserts of California and Arizona. 600 miles to be exact. From Ocotillo California to Parker Arizona
and back. The ride is nothing for the squeamish as they’ll encounter pumpkin sized rocks, deep sand,cactus, and everything the open desert has to offer. They must be in good physical and mental shape, and
have good vision as the 14hr day will end in the night where they’ve just ridden their last 100 miles in the pitch black dark. The ride will surely take its toll on body and bike, finishing will be a top priority.
One of the riders (and Co-Founder of Cancer-Ride For Life), Alan Clowers is a Cancer Survivor himself. Surviving Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. As if that’s not all, recently had a Triple Bypass. One tough dirt biker, out to raise awareness and help the Children.
Johnny Jensen, a rider and Founder of Cancer-Ride For Life, also knows all to well the word “Cancer”. With his father a Bladder Cancer survivor, and of his beloved mother who lost her life this year after being diagnosed 6 months prior with Pancreatic Cancer.
Cancer – Ride for Life has dedicated a website to the event to aid in obtaining donations to the cause. Donations can be sent in a few different formats and they are even offering a raffle from donated product(s) to raise even more money. Help those motor heads any way you can, and help them put a smile on a child’s face today. Visit http://Cancer-RideForLife.com today.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with any of the organizers or riders of the event, please contact Johnny Jensen at 619.320.8302 or on email at; Johnny@Cancer-RideForLife.com

DRIVE has final race of season

2009-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, November 5, 2009 11:04 PM PST
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Ramsey El Wardani races in the DRIVE Off-Road Racing Series’ Grand Prix on Sept. 19 at Superstition.

The DRIVE Off-Road Racing Series will close out its inaugural season with The Phantom 200 on Saturday at the Superstition dry lake bed.
Entries are low for Saturday’s race, series president Doug Wasser said, but it doesn’t reflect the inaugural season.

“I think it’s been successful considering we started in July of ’08, getting it ready and we’ve actually made it through the year,” Wasser said. “Actually, entries are pretty low being the end of the year; most of the people have spent most of their race budget.”

Many are also pre-running for the upcoming Baja 1,000.

“It’s been tough but it’s been a good learning experience going into next year,” Wasser said.

Wasser said there will definitely be a next season but with a reduced number of races. He said they’ll bring it down to three or four.

“We’re gonna reduce the schedule a bit and give more people more time to get their cars ready,” Wasser said.

The first race of the next season will be in February and include a surprise that Wasser said will be named later.

“We haven’t finalized the schedule but the first race will have a little surprise that we’ll disclose next week,” Wasser said.

But for now, series officials will be celebrating Saturday night its inaugural season.

“We’re just looking to have fun. Our entries are low but we’ve got a couple of teams going for the overall season,” Wasser said. “We’re going to celebrate the fact that we made it through the whole year.”

The Phantom 200

Superstition dry lake bed

Friday

7:30 a.m. – Course is open for pre-running

4 to 8 p.m. – Registration, tech and contingency at the start/finish area

Saturday

6:30 a.m. – Late registration and Kart registration

6:45 a.m. – Start of Kart race

7:15 a.m. – Main race drivers meeting

8 a.m. – Start of main race

8 p.m. – Awards ceremony

For more information go to www.drive-racing.com

Aaron Tuck wins Chicken Trax in AMA D-38 race

2009-11-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Thursday, November 5, 2009 11:04 PM PST
PLASTER CITY — Brawley’s Aaron Tuck won the Chicken Bones Racing Chicken Trax’s Desert Scramble part of the AMA District 38 Superstition Series here Sunday.
Craig Smith finished second overall, Wesley Deen finished third, Travis Wood fourth, David Wilson finished fifth, Eric Biddlecome finished sixth, Christian Marthiens finished seventh, Corey Freeman finished eighth, Todd Barnhill finished ninth and David Bailey finished 10th.

The next AMA race will be the Full Throttle M.C. “The Last Dance” on Nov. 15 at Plaster City.

For more information go to www.amad38.com

Desert cleanup ready for Saturday

2009-10-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:01 PM PDTPHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
A rider races in the 2008 Chicken Trax’s Desert Scramble in Plaster City. This year’s race will be held Sunday.

Halloween will be celebrated in the desert this weekend with the Chicken Trax’s Desert Scramble presented by Chicken Bones Racing of San Diego in the AMA District 38 Superstition Series at Plaster City.
The race is set to take off at 9 a.m. Sunday but the event will kick off with a desert clean up at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

“It’s one of our goals … to keep the desert clean for our kids,” Chicken Bones Racing club president Marty Kamery said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

So far, 140 people have pre-registered to lend a hand in the desert cleanup. Kamery said each of those who pre-registered will receive a free T-shirt.

“We ordered extras so hopefully we can hand out those extras to those that show up,” Kamery said.

The cleanup will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. followed by race signups from 2 to 5 p.m. The evening will culminate with a Halloween costume contest from 6 to 7 p.m.

The winner will get free entry into Sunday’s race. On Sunday, the race will take off at 9 a.m.

“We’re looking to have about 150 to 200 racers,” Kamery said, aided by the cool weather. “The weather is supposed to be great; it’s definitely helping.”

For more information visit the Web site www.amad38.com

“We’re just hoping everybody can come out and we’re looking forward to it,” Kamery said.

Corfman gets wins at Dash

2009-10-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Friday, October 23, 2009 12:06 AM PDT
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
FROM LEFT: Philman R. Price and Craig Smith race in the AMA District 38’s Pumpkin Dash on Saturday.

El Centro’s Cameron Corfman won the Pumpkin Dash 100 on Saturday in the AMA’s District 38 season.
The race, presented by Over The Belt Racing of San Diego, had plenty of excitement for Corfman.

“I was doing pretty good. My little brother (Kyle) was the first to the Bomb so I was chasing him for a while … it was pretty cool,” Corfman said.

Corfman passed his little brother, only after Brawley’s Aaron Tuck had passed both. So Corfman was trailing Tuck after passing his brother.

But Tuck ran into mechanical problems in the last loop of the race, giving Corfman the win.

“In the last lap, his bike broke down about a mile after the start line,” Corfman said.

With the win, Corfman still leads the open expert class. His next focus will be the SCORE Baja 1000 in November.

In other overall results from Saturday’s race, Craig Smith finished second, Damian Bermudez finished third, Wesley Deen finished fourth, Steve Fenton finished fifth, A.J. Stewart finished sixth, Travis Wood finished seventh, Corey Freeman finished eighth, Eric Biddlecome finished ninth and David Wilson finished 10th.

For more information or complete list of results go to www.amad38.com

McCallum still leading class in MDR series

2009-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Friday, October 23, 2009 12:05 AM PDT
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
FROM LEFT: Gunnar Peterson and Nathan Cretchton race in the MDR Production’s Superstition 250 on Sunday.

SUPERSTITION — Imperial Valley’s Shawn McCallum still leads the 100 class at the MDR Superstition Series after finishing second overall at the Superstition 250 here this past Sunday.
“We’re pretty happy with it. We had some troubles with the car,” McCallum said.

His father, Larry, drove most of the 192-mile course before Shawn took over. Shawn suffered some injuries at an earlier race that haven’t completely healed.

It was important for Shawn to get points for the race to keep the lead in his class.

He finished second in the class behind Daniel McMillin, who won the class and overall race Sunday.

“It keeps us in the lead for the points,” Shawn said.

The team will now focus on the final MDR race of the season, The Dash 200, on Dec. 31.

“I should be healed enough for the New Year’s race,” Shawn said.

In other overall finishes at Sunday’s race, Steven Sourapas finished third, Tim McDonnell finished fourth, Erik Harp finished fifth.

For more information or a complete list of results go to www.mdrracing.com

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: Weekend full of racing- IV PRESS

2009-10-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:26 PM PDT
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)Shawn McCallum leads the MDR Superstition Championship Series in Class 100 going into Saturday’s Superstition 250 at Plaster City.

The MDR Superstition Championship Series will continue the season with the Superstition 250 on Saturday at Plaster City.
About 80 entries are set to duel it out in the desert in the first race since early July.

“That’s a little higher than normal,” Shawn McCallum said. McCallum is one of a handful of Imperial Valley residents who help MDR officials set up courses. “The racing is getting pretty good here.”

McCallum is also leading the Class 100.

“This race, we need to finish and try and win to keep the points lead going, increase our points leads,” McCallum said.

The fifth of seven series races will kick off at 8 a.m. Saturday at Plaster City West. The awards ceremony will be at 7 p.m. the same day at the start/finish line.

For more information and a course map go to www.mdrracing.com

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: Halloween set in desert

2009-10-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:26 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
A rider races in last year’s Over the Belt’s Halloween Dash in Superstition. OTB will host this year’s event Sunday.

Over the Belt Racing of San Diego will present the Halloween Dash at the Superstition Pole Line.
The event will feature racing and a Halloween costume contest. Sign-ups will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by the costume contest Saturday.

Racing will start with the bomb run from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday, a riders meeting at 8:30 a.m. and racing at 9 a.m.

For more information go to www.amad38.com

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: Locals battle it out at I.V. 125

2009-10-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Thursday, October 8, 2009 10:55 PM PDT
PHOTO COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM
Steve Grieb of San Diego races in the Imperial Valley 125, a season race in the AMA District 38 series, Sunday at Plaster City East.
PLASTER CITY EAST — Brawley’s Craig Smith won the Imperial Valley 125 in the AMA District 38 season here Sunday.
Smith battled El Centro’s Cameron Corfman and his brother Kyle Corfman, Brawley’s Aaron Tuck and Imperial’s Wesley Deen throughout the entire race for the win.

“That was one of the most exciting District 38 races I’ve ever put together,” Imperial Valley Racing Off-road Motorsports president Gary Peacock said. “It was a close event.”

Smith won it in 2 hours, 57 minutes, 26 seconds followed by Cameron Corfman (2:57:37), a difference of only 11 seconds.

“It was an exciting event and my hat’s off to these local guys,” Peacock said. “It was pretty much a local race all day long … it was great.”

Kyle Corfman finished third, Tuck fourth and Deen fifth. Tim Theodore of Spring Valley finished sixth, A.J. Steward of Jamul finished seventh, Pete Andrassy of Poway finished eighth, Corey Freeman of Fallbrook finished ninth and David Wilson of Imperial finished 10th.

In the ATV division, Kyle McDaniel of Santee won, Steve Carver of El Cajon finished second, Gabriel Rascon of El Centro finished third, Saul Lucatero of La Mesa finished fourth and Eric Hartell of Lakeside finished fifth.

Racers faced winds that reached up to 25 mph at one point, making it tough for racers to see through the dust.

“The wind was really nasty,” Peacock said.

But the race still attracted racers and even some spectators.

“Even with the nasty weather, it shows how tough these guys are,” Peacock said.

The next race will be The Halloween Dash on Oct. 18 presented by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego.

For a complete list of results or more information go to www.amad38.com

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: Corfman wins Chase, atop standings

2009-10-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Friday, October 2, 2009 9:51 AM PDT

FERNANDO ACOSTA JR. PHOTO
Austin Baker, 14, of Alpine rides down a turn on a mud hill during the Rattlesnake Chase race at The Dip at Superstition on Sunday morning. Baker races in the 125 beginner class.

SUPERSTITION — El Centro’s Cameron Corfman continues to lead the open expert class in the AMA District 38 after winning the Rattlesnake Chase here Sunday.
Corfman had to overcome early troubles to win the race.

“I thought I would have done better on the start,” Corfman said. “It was in the second-to-last lap that I caught the guy in second place, and I caught the last guy in the last lap.”

“I was really pushing it toward the end,” Corfman said.

According to unofficial results posted at www.amad38.com, Brawley’s Aaron Tuck finished second overall and Justin Manos finished third in the open expert class and third overall.

Kyle Corfman finished fourth overall and fourth in the open expert class.

Corey Freeman finished fifth overall and first in the 250 amateur class. David Wilson finished sixth overall and first in the senior expert class.

Earl Roberts finished seventh overall and second in the senior expert class, followed by Brian McDuffee who finished eighth overall and first in the veteran amateur class.

Pete Andrassy finished ninth overall and third in the senior expert class and Phillipe Gorgue finished 10th overall and second in the veteran amateur class.

Also, Kyle Hearold won the 250 expert class, John Conyer won the veteran expert class, Mark Brown won the super senior expert class, Anthony Fenton won the 250 novice class, Thomas Wardrup won the open amateur class.

Carey B. Lincoln won the senior novice class, Michael Kosmas won the open novice class, Michael Barton won the veteran novice class, Mark Baker won the senior amateur class and Josh Maxwell won the 125 novice class.

Corfman will next race in the Imperial Valley 125 on Sunday at Plaster City East.

The weather during the race is expected to be in the mid 80s, a welcomed change for Corfman.

“I’m looking forward to a race under 90 (degrees),” Corfman joked. “I can’t remember when it’s been that nice outside.”

For a complete list of results go to www.amad38.com

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: I.V. 125 kicks off Sunday

2009-10-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Thursday, October 1, 2009 10:34 PM PDT

The inaugural Imperial Valley 125 will kick off Sunday in the AMA District 38 season at Plaster City East, presented by Imperial Valley Racing Off-Road Motorsports.
The race is the third after the summer break and race coordinator and club president Gary Peacock is excited about the nice weather.

“It looks to be about 84 (degrees). It should be perfect,” Peacock said.

Racing will start at 8 a.m. and feature a 32-mile loop in the shape of a “butterfly.” Riders will race around four times.

The youth racing will be after the main event, about 11:30 a.m.

“They’ve been getting real exciting too,” Peacock said of the youth racing.

Registration is open now at www.ivracing.net or call 356-2884 for more information. For information is also available at www.amad38.com

AMA race takes off near Superstition Mountain

2009-09-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
By ELIZABETH VARIN, Staff Writer
Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:31 PM PDT

FERNANDO ACOSTA JR. PHOTO
Senior class dirt bike rider Brett Driscoll, 46, of El Centro jumps his dirt bike coming up the mud hills Sunday morning during the Rattlesnake Chase cycle race at The Dip at Superstition Mountain. The race covered a 25-mile course with dirt bikes making three loops and quads making two around the course.
FERNANDO ACOSTA JR. PHOTODirt bike superstar and honorary race starter Tim Staab talks about how it feels good to just be out in the desert on the sidelines watching others ride the course and being able to start the races Sunday morning at The Dip at Superstition Mountain.

PLASTER CITY — Billowing clouds of dust formed lines throughout The Dip near the Superstition mountains in western Imperial County as about 150 off-road motorcycle and quad riders raced off into the hills.
It was part of the “Rattlesnake Chase,” an American Motorcycle Association desert race hosted by Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club, said club president Paul Kirby.

The course, a 25-mile loop near Superstition, is an “awesome race course for quads and bikes alike,” he told a group of all-terrain vehicle riders before the first race.

The course was great, said motorcycle racer Brett Driscoll, 46, of El Centro. There were rocks, sand, loops and hill climbs, all of which makes for a good variation of terrain.

Driscoll only got a lap into the three-lap race before his bike broke, he said. However, he knows the area because he’s been riding it since he was 10 years old.

Similarly, Tony Baker, 41, of Alpine, has been racing at the Dip since 1985, he said. He enjoys desert racing because it gives people a chance to feel how great the desert air is.

Baker was not in the race Sunday, but he was there to support friends and his 14-year-old son, Austin, he said.

He has met a lot of people through racing, and considers it to be like a family affair, he said.

“It’s like having a big family reunion every few weeks,” he said.

Several people at the race consider it to be a reunion with friends.

Martha Wardrup, 45, drove about 100 miles to the race, she said. She came because her son was racing, but she said she would have anyway to volunteer with the club, with which she has been involved for four years.

People at the races do become a community, and everyone is willing to help others, whether it be giving out water to acting as a pit crew, she said.

“We want to make it where you feel welcome,” she said.

However, once the racers get on the course, it’s a competition, said Wardrup’s friend and fellow mother of a racer, Becky Estrada, 55, of El Centro.

One thing that made this race more special was the guest starter, said hosting club president Kirby. Tim Staab, a former off-road racing star, got to drop the flag, signaling the start of the motorcycle races.

Staab, who has been racing since high school, thought it was great to pull down the flag and watch the race, he said.

Seven years ago his racing career was halted after an accident that caused him to lose some memory, he said. Now, he said, he is like a 7-year-old in a 31-year-old body.

Staab does recall racing at the Dip, where he “won here a heck of a lot,” he said. He especially liked watching the motorcycle race.

“It was me in the past,” he said.

Staff Writer Elizabeth Varin can be reached at evarin@ivpressonline.com or at 337-3441.

OFF-ROAD THIS WEEK: AMA race set for Sunday

2009-09-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, September 24, 2009 11:22 PM PDT
Quad racer Greg Holmer races in the last year’s Rattlesnake Chase at Superstition.Photo courtesy of (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)

More than 150 riders are expected to race at Sunday’s Rattlesnake Chase presented by Imperial Valley Cycle Center in El Centro.
The race is the second of the second half of the AMA District 38 season and will feature three 25-mile loops for motorcycles and two loops for quads at The Dip at Superstition.

“The course has a lot of different terrain. We’re enthusiastic and we’ve got a good course,” Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club president Paul Kirby said.

Roadrunner is organizing the race.

The first race of the second half of the season was held two weeks ago and was a night race. Sunday’s race will be the first day race of the season.

Sunday’s race will also feature off-road racing star Tim Staab. The former champion in Baja and this side of the border will be the honorary starter.

“He’ll be around all day Sunday to sign autographs. He’s kind of a superstar in our sport so we’re very excited,” Kirby said.

Kirby has also had positive feedback regarding Sunday’s race.

“Everybody’s excited. We know the economy is sluggish and a lot of our people are hard-working people but Californians are resilient,” Kirby said. “They’re going to have fun one way or another.”

For more information go to www.amad38.com

FAST Aid to announce on Totally Off Road Radio

2009-09-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

San Diego (California) – F.A.S.T. AID non-profit organization is set to make an announcement on this Wednesday’s Totally Off-Road Radio show hosted by Jim Holthus.

F.A.S.T. AID president Jared Tetzlaff along with founders Adam Gunn and Pat Dailey as well as racing veteran Chad Ragland will be interviewed live on the show about this newest non-profit organization and how it will help the off-road racing community. Information will also be provided on how off-road racers, individuals and sponsors can get involved in the F.A.S.T. Aid Organization.

Additionally F.A.S.T. AID president Jared Tetzlaff is expected to announce a contingency program for the upcoming SCORE Primm 300 race held in southern Nevada on September 12th 2009.

F.A.S.T. AID, founded just 4 months ago provides financial and emotional assistance to off-roaders injured at racing events.

F.A.S.T AID is supported by donations from sponsors, individuals and racing organizations in the off-road community, Tune into Totally Off Road Radio to hear how you can be part of F.A.S.T. AID.

More information on the F.A.S.T. Aid organization can be obtained at www.fast-aid.org.
Totally Off Road Radio can be heard each Wednesday from 6pm-8pm in the San Diego area on KCEO AM 1000 and is also webcasted worldwide at www.torrshow.com.

Winners of the Thundering Trails Off Road Camp For Kids Drawing

2009-09-01T14:19:00.001-07:00

I would like to express my appreciation for your generosity in support of Thundering Trails Off Road Camp for Kids. Because of you we were able to raise over $200.00! Your personal commitment was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal. You truly did a wonderful thing. Your generosity will directly benefit the children.

The Winners of Drawing.

First Place: Elizabeth Orton

Second Place: Doug Wasser

Third Place: Duane Hollander

Oak Town Grand Prix

2009-08-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

AT LIVE OAK SPRINGS

OakTown Flyer

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
PAUL: 760-562-6271
KIRK: 760-275-9852 FEES
AUGUST 29 & 30, 2009

DRIVE Off Road Racing Announces ORW as Title Sponsor for September Race

2009-06-23T08:31:00.001-07:00

El Centro, CA - June 23, 2009
Contact: Doug Wasser - 760-791-7663

We are extremely happy to announce Off Road Warehouse (ORW) as the title sponsor for our September 19th race.

The ORW Grand Prix presented by DRIVE will be a two heat format with averaged times from both heats deciding the winners. Classes will be split up into groups based on normal average speeds and will run on an 11 to 13 mile course. This race will feature the PRO 1600 group and is a points race for all classes.

As part of their sponsorship package ORW will be providing event t-shirts to all entrants, volunteers, and registered media and will be hosting a post race BBQ on Saturday night. ORW will be providing the food and drinks for the BBQ and we have a special group that will be cooking the food and asking for donations for a worthy charity. We'll announce more details about the BBQ and the charity as things get firmed up.

ORW will also have their chase truck on site Friday night at Tech to help anyone with minor issues that can be fixed on the spot. (d-rings, tie wire, minor welds, etc.)

The ORW contingency awards are being doubled for all classes at this race and they are working on an extra special prize for the PRO 1600 class winner.

Entry fees for this race only are being reduced! DRIVE paybacks and bonuses will remain the same.

Pro - $420 or $380 if you register and pay in full by 2:00 PM 9-5-09
Sportsman - $300 or $260 if you register and pay in full by 2:00 PM 9-5-09
Trophy Kart - $40 or $30 if you register and pay in full by 2:00 PM 9-5-09

More details coming soon.

DRIVE Off Road Racing
Doug Wasser
760-791-7663
Off Road Warehouse
Jay Langley
858-514-7046

CELEBRATION AT ELEVATION

2009-06-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

The grand opening of The Live Oaks Off-Road facility July 4th week-end.

Things to expect. Ribbon cutting, 20 minute practice sesions by skill level, open to bikes and quads, mini track, give aways, hot dogs and hamburgers, live band Saturday night, fireworks show ( Golden Acorn Casino ) All this is FREE. There is camping space available at the RV park for $10.00 per night and at the track is $15.00 per night. Cabins for rent from 89.00 per night. This place is fun for all skill levels. Cancel those river plans and head for the mountains. See you there.

Ocotillo Wells Fire Department Volunteers In Trouble

2009-06-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Your help is needed to
save the emergency services
provided by the local volunteers
who serve at the Ocotillo Wells
Volunteer Fire Department.

Please link to www.owvfd.org today and help save this locally run organization!

Please pass this along
to all your off road
buddies!

Desert Dudes and Dirt Divas - Off-Road Toy Expo at Westfield Parkway

2009-05-14T18:52:00.001-07:00

Desert Dudes and Dirt Divas
Off-Road Toy Expo at Westfield Parkway
415 Parkway Plaza
El Cajon, CA 92020

Date: Saturday, May 16th
Event hours: 10 am to 4 pm (Mall hours that day are 10 am to 9 pm)
The entire event takes place inside the mall.

Display
15 to 20 ATVs/dirt bikes/rock climbers/waverunners (confirmed)
2 trophy trucks (confirmed)
5 specialty vehicles -- truggies, race vehicles, VW bug that runs on vegetable fuel (confirmed)

Music Band “A Dull Science” confirmed
Live radio station remote (station TBD, but likely KSON)

Entertainment/Activations (all of these are in progress, but are subject to change)
Raffle to win ATV and shopping spree contest
San Diego Off Road Coalition (educational/environmental element)
ECPD (motorcycle/summer safety), confirmed 4/9
Energy drink sampling
Credit union for pre-approvals or pre-qualifications for loans
Informal modeling of latest adventure gear by Westfield retailers

Advertising
Radio (week before on morning show)
Racedezert.com?
Off-Road Partners
In mall display featuring the ATV customers can win
E-blast to mall data base and off-road partner database and radio database
2 large banners on outside of the mall 3 weeks prior
One sheet in select retailers
Band
Community partners

Contact: For information
Michele Predko
Regional Marketing Director, San Diego
619-544-8160

FiberwerX Open House - Saturday May 2, 2009

2009-04-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

The King of the Desert Race Drawing Party

2009-04-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

King of the Desert race Sunday

2009-03-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Friday, March 13, 2009 12:34 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM
Baja Champion Larry Roesler races in the AMA District 38 Rock 'N Rooster European Desert Scramble at Plaster City East on Feb. 22.

SUPERSTITION — The AMA/FMF National Hare & Hound Series will make its way through Imperial County with King of the Desert here Sunday.

The race, presented by Roadrunner Off-Road Racing and Threat Racing, will have riders coming from seven Western states, four countries and the top 10 off-road cyclists in the country.

“We’re got perfect weather; we’re really excited about it,” Roadrunner president Paul Kirby said. “Even though there’s a slump in the economy, all our races have had a raise in entries and we feel the national is going to be the same way.”

The National Hare & Hound Series has races across the country. The top riders follow the circuit, tallying up points.

For the local District 38 racers, the race allows them to race with the best of the best.

“We’re hoping or some of the local guys to crack the top five,” Kirby said.

The race is one of the biggest D-38 organizes in the year and attracts thousands in spectators.

“We’re expecting 300 riders … spectators, we normally get 2,000 to 3,000 spectators,” Kirby said.

The race also attracts major off-road publications.

“We’re confident we’re going to have great numbers and all the major off-road publications are here,” Kirby said.

The race will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Bomb run practice will be from 6 to 8:30 a.m. A chapel service will be at 8 a.m.

Registration is from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and from 6 to 8:45 a.m. Sunday.

The event will have several vendors with parts, food and beverages.

“We want to invite the Valley to come out and watch,” Kirby said. “There’s no charge to watch.”

For more information go to www.amad38.com

2009-02-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

MEET THE PLUNKETTS
By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, February 26, 2009 10:36 PM PST

TODD KRAININ PHOTO
Gloree Plunkett, 5, and her parents, Renee and Scott, sit on top of a quad outside their home in Imperial on Thursday.

The Plunkett family is like any other family.

Scott Plunkett and wife, Renee, have been married for eight years. They have a 5-year-old daughter, Gloree, a kindergartener at T.L. Waggoner Elementary School in Imperial.

Scott has a 16-year-old son, Preston, who lives in Tehachapi. The couple works to pay bills and has the occasional problems with cell phones.

But on the weekends, the family turns into an off-road quad racing machine.

Scott has been racing stock cars and off-road vehicles for 23 years.

Just recently, Renee and Gloree joined the off-road racing lifestyle. Preston has already been racing for a short while.

“I just grew up in it (racing). My dad was always involved in racing. He did drag racing, he got into bikes and stock cars,” Scott said of his father, Bobby. “I just grew up in racing so it’s kind of a natural thing to go into for me.”

That racing bug just bit his wife and daughter, who are racing quads in the AMA District 38 series and doing well.

Scott is racing in his third full season at AMA and won the quad veteran expert class points championship last season.

He’s well on his way to defending his title this season after a winning three races and finishing second in another so far this season.

His wife is slowly but surely getting faster.

“She starts in the back, but she holds her own,” Scott said. “She rides in the middle of the pack with the boys.”

Renee inaugurated her racing career with the final two races of the season last year in AMA. Now, with a new quad and with her husband as her mechanic, she is getting faster.

“I want to just show overall improvement and just continue to get better, increase my speed and times and beat a few more people,” Renee said, “which seems to be happening.”

While the racing bug bit Scott years ago, for Renee it’s a new passion.

“It’s the adrenaline apparently and I’m a competitor,” Renee said.

Both are competitors and love to compete against each other.

“I love to compete with him. Him and I are similar, we love to compete on small things like pool to air hockey,” Renee said.

Gloree, now that she’s old enough to compete in the races, is also seeing some success.

She won her first race of the season even though there was only one other competitor, a boy.

“It was surprising to see her so excited and happy,” Renee said of her shy daughter. “This is a good thing to help her get past her shyness and she did really good.

“She keeps her pace, keeps her line and kind of is a natural thing for her,” Renee said.

Preston also races when he visits his father, making the weekend into a fun-filled family racing event.

“It’s good because it’s not just me out there anymore. I’m more worried about how they’re doing,” Scott said. “Competition-wise, it’s a blast having them out there racing.

“Desert racing is the whole family going out to camp for the weekend … it’s just more family-oriented,” Scott said.

TNT RACE PHOTOS

Plaster City CA Desert Clean-up & RDC 250 Start Order Draw

2009-02-24T19:29:00.000-08:00

Rooster to rock out Sunday

2009-02-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:23 PM PST

Great weather and about 200 riders are expected Sunday for the Rock ’N Rooster European Desert Scrambles coordinated by Chicken Bones Racing of San Diego in the AMA District 38 season at Plaster City East.

“We’re looking great, the weather’s perfect and we’re looking good,” Chicken Bones Racing president Marty Kamery said.

Kamery is also the D-38 vice president.

Kamery said Sunday’s races are shorter and simpler making it a great race for novice riders to learn desert racing.

“This is a great event to get your feet wet in desert races,” Kamery said. “They’re only one-hour races. Each loop is about 15 miles, they run it three times and takes about an hour.”

Other races run for about 2 1/2 hours to three hours.

“We definitely get people that want to jump into desert racing,” Kamery said. “This is a good one to get your feet wet.”

Racing will start at 7:30 a.m. with the individual races in classes 125, 250 and open. The veteran, senior, super senior, master and women classes will race at 9 a.m. followed by all quads at 11 a.m.

The racing will continue with the Chicken Chase mini race for children 12 and under at 12:15 p.m. The mini race will be at a different course to allow parents to watch their children.

Team racing will start at 12:45 p.m. for motorcycles and 2:30 p.m. for quads.

Registration is from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday will also include an all-you-can-eat taco feast for $8 starting at 6 p.m.

“We welcome all spectators to come and watch and take part in a day full of racing,” Kamery said.

Corfman has perfect race

2009-02-13T10:42:00.001-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:29 PM PST

PHOTO COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM
Riders race in the AMA District 38 All American 110 at Plaster City East on Sunday.

PLASTER CITY EAST — Rarely does a racer get a perfect race.

On Sunday, El Centro’s Cameron Corfman got a perfect race at the AMA District 38 All American 110 here to get a class win at 251-open and the overall victory.

“That was the kind of race that happens no more than five times in a racer’s career, that everything goes great,” Corfman said. “I didn’t have any close calls, no near crashers, the bike ran perfectly.”

Corfman beat A.J. Stewart from Jamul, who finished second, and Travis Wood of Holtville, who finished third overall.

Wood won his 126-250 class. Brawley’s Damian Bermudez finished fourth overall and third in the 251-open class.

Mark S. Brown of Wellton, Ariz., finished fifth overall, Pete Andrassy of Poway finished sixth overall, David Zawistowski of San Diego seventh, Justin Hambleton eighth, David Wilson of Imperial finished ninth and Jason E. Cogbill finished 10th.

The race had 151 entries and 103 finishers.

“It went real well. I had more people finish the whole 110 miles,” said Gary Peacock, Imperial Valley Off-Road Racing Club president.

I.V. Racing was the race organizer.

Corfman knew almost from the beginning the race was his to win.

“I got a really good start. There was nothing behind me,” Corfman said. “Right off the start, I was feeling good about the race.

“After the bomb run ended, there was no one in front of me,” Corfman said. “Pretty much, since the bomb run, it was my race.”

Rain on Feb. 6 also helped keep the dust down and provided better traction.

“It races a lot nicer,” Corfman said. “My bike ran perfectly this race. The conditions were great, I could not have asked for a better race.”

The next AMA D-38 race is scheduled for Feb. 22 — the Rock N’ Rooster European Desert Scrambles — presented by Chicken Bones Off-Road Racing of San Diego. The race will be at Plaster City East.

OFF-ROAD: AMA D38 All American 110 starts Sunday

2009-02-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

By RYAN LEON, Sports Writer

Thursday, February 5, 2009 11:28 PM PST

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM
Racers practice for an AMA District 38 race a few weeks ago. There are eight different levels of experience riding in Sunday’s race.

The Imperial Valley racing scene is set to come together and compete for the gold as the I.V. Racing club presents the fourth annual AMA District 38 All American 110 race on Sunday.

“The All American is always our race to kick off our season and every year it’s always a blast,” I.V. Racing president and race organizer Gary Peacock said. “We are always able to get a strong turnout of people looking to have fun and do some racing.”

The race consists of five laps around a 22-mile course filled with sharp corners, looping turns and narrow straight-aways that draw in riders from all over Southern California.

“Every year we never have a shortage of riders, be it from youngsters to over 70-year-old men,” Peacock said. “Ever since the inaugural year we have been growing and we have come a long way. I just hope we continue to do so.”

The race will run as one big contest broken up into individual divisions breaking down into beginners, novice, amateur, expert, veteran, senior, super senior and master for both men and women. The race is also divided into three riding classes: 125, 250 and open.

“Last year, we were able to have a total of about 170 riders and it resulted in a close race full of competition,” Peacock said. “And this year with us shooting to have about the same turnout if not more will only provide more excitement.”

Although a lot of the competition may come from the adult divisions, the All American doesn’t neglect the kids that come out for the event. Youngsters from ages 4 to 8 years old and 8 to 12 get their own little races to have fun and prepare them for the next level.

“We always have a lot of kids that just love to ride and be out here having fun, and they never complain about how they did, they just ride to have fun,” Peacock said. “For a lot of the youngsters it also works as a learning experience for the ones that will be racing in the big races in the next couple of years, so when they are old enough they can just jump right in.”

Every year there is always a little bit of tradition thrown into the mix and for the past four years that tradition has been the start of the race.

Like they did in the old days, the race starts with the riders straddling the front tire with the vehicle off, and at the sound of the gun the rider must jump around, hop on the bike, start it up, then go.

“It is an old-time thing that we decided to use to make the race just a little more interesting,” Peacock said. “And it always gives the crowd a laugh to see who can get on their bike the quickest and get going; it’s all done for fun.”

Last year’s winner of the race, in the open division, was San Diego’s Ron Wilson who barely edged out Brawley’s own Aaron Tuck in a close contest.

Registration can be done online at www.ivracing.net or at the race site from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday or 5 to 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

The race will be held off Evan Hewes Highway and Dunaway Road.

For more information, contact Peacock at 356-2884.

Partnership for Johnson Valley - Drive Off Road Racing

2009-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

January 22, 2009

Greetings!

I wanted to pass on some important information about the proposed 29 Palms Marine expansion into the Johnson Valley OHV area. If you ride, race or are in the off road business this could effect you no matter where you recreate. Please take a few minutes to read it.

Partnership For Johnson Valley hosts meeting with local businesses and Military representatives from Twentynine Palms

What was to be a routine meeting to discuss the proposed expansion of the Twentynine Palms MCAGCC chaired by Harry Baker turned into an emotional discussion about the economic impacts the military's proposed expansion would have in Lucerne, Johnson, Yucca Valley and surrounding communities if tourism was removed from the region.

"This is a Route 66 scenario" said one of the business owners concerned about local impacts on tourism that could turn our communities into ghost towns.

Ed Waldheim, President of the California Trail Users Coalition and a Director of the Partnership, was visibly shaken and genuinely concerned that the emotion of these local retailers could never be channeled through typical scoping methods. Range Expansion Program Manager Joe Ross, assured us he would relay this overwhelming concern demonstrated by local business owners to the upper military brass and that every comment carries weight. He noted that socioeconomics will be one of many important items to be fully analyzed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

One very important key element discussed was the volume of scoping comments that have been received so far by the Marines. As of today, just under 900 Emails and about 500 hard comment letters have been received. This number of comment letters to the military is disappointingly low.

The Partnership is urging the public to send letters to the military regarding this issue. The more the better. Unique comments and ideas are openly welcome from all types of tourists, multiple users and local residents. All substantive comments that are received will be incorporated into the Draft EIS, scheduled for release in spring 2010.

Comments can be as simple as one sentence, or as many words as you would like. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING COMMENTS IS JAN 31, 2009.

Download comment form here Comment Sheet

Comments may be submitted in writing by sending a letter to:

Mr. Joe Ross, Project Manager, 29Palms Proposed Training
Land/Airspace Acquisition Project, MAGTFTC/MCAGCC,
Bldg. 1554, Box 788104, Twentynine Palms, CA 92278-8104;

by an e-mail to SMBPLMSWEBPAO@usmc.mil ;

or by voice mail at 760-830-3764

All meetings of the PFJV are open to the public, and the military is regularly invited and in attendance. Harry Baker said, "I've been very gratified that Marine Corps representatives accept our invitations and take time out of their busy schedules to attend. They have shown an impressive willingness to be open, honest and listen to all stakeholder concerns during their planning process."

If you would like to donate to the Partnership, please send a check or money order in care of:

Partnership For Johnson Valley
3550 Foothill Blvd.
Glendale CA 91214

Paypal link
Donate to PFJV

About The Partnership for Johnson Valley: The leadership of the Partnership For Johnson Valley has been cooperatively working with the military and the affected Stakeholders in an effort to explore alternatives to the proposed land expansion. The PFJV is a division of the 501(c)3 California Trail Users Coalition. The Mission of the Partnership is to unite the many people who enjoy the diverse activities available in the multiple-use open access area of Johnson Valley. The Partnership's charter is to promote responsible recreation and the use of desert resources through conservation and education. The goal of the Partnership is to ensure public open-access to the area in the present, and for future generations who Live, Work, and Recreate in Johnson Valley. For more information and updates, please visit Partnership for Johnson Valley

AMA D-38 kicks off season Sunday

2009-01-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Thursday, January 22, 2009 10:42 PM PST

The AMA District 38 season kicks off Sunday with the third annual Jeff Cady Sand Blast at Plaster City West.

The race is named after Jeff Cady, a former Imperial Valley resident who died during the first race of the season in 2006.

Sunday’s race, coordinated by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego, will also mark the start of the season for motorcycle and quad racers.

“We’re hoping to have a good turnout. I’ve gotten several phone calls and e-mails from new people that have seen the flyers and are interested in trying out desert racing,” OTB vice president Dan Berkhart said.

The race will feature four laps around a 25-mile course.

“This year, the course is keeping in line with the sand blast term,” Berkhart said. “There’ll be a lot of sand washes and so forth.”

Berkhart said they are expecting about 140 racers that are eager to kick off the new season.

“We’ll have the standard folks that come every year and are eager to hit the dirt again,” Berkhart said.

Racing is set to start at 10 a.m. Sunday. Registration can be made from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

To get to the Plaster City West: Take the Dunaway Road exit north off Interstate 8, turn west on Evan Hewes Highway and follow the arrows to the pits.

For more information go to www.amad38.com or www.otbracing-d38.com

Rolfe wins in DRIVE

2009-01-23T09:06:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Thursday, January 22, 2009 10:42 PM PST

Holtville’s Glen Rolfe drives his Trophylite truck in a race last season.

Holtville's Glen Rolfe, the first local to race in the Trophylite Series last year, just wanted to kick off the second year of the series on a positive note.

Rolfe did just that after winning the first Trophylite race of the season and finished second overall — the Trophylite 200 — in the Drive Off-Road Racing Series at Plaster City on Saturday.

“It was a great race and I’m so glad to get a great win,” Rolfe said.

Going into the race, Rolfe wasn’t feeling too secure.

“We had a week to prep it back up. We were trying out some new shocks and the day before the race, we went back to the old ones, so that was interesting,” Rolfe said. “We did some qualifying runs and something wasn’t right. We changed all the spring-heights and did some testing before the race.”

After qualifying, Rolfe ended up starting fourth.

“By half way into the first lap, I kind of felt the groove and we already caught up to Mikey Childers and he’s fast,” Rolfe said.

Rolfe stayed with Childers until passing him in the second lap. By the fifth and final lap, Rolfe had a comfortable lead and cruised it to the finish line.

“I was happy with how the truck and we did put up a fast average of 40 mph,” Rolfe said.

The race also marked the start of the inaugural DRIVE series, which features five races, four left in the year.

“I think it went really well. We didn’t have any accidents, didn’t have any issues with our timing and we had more volunteers than we needed, which is always a good thing,” Drive president Doug Wasser said.

Before the race, Wasser was hoping things would go smoothly the first race of the season to attract more racers. Now, he’s getting more interest.

“We got a lot of good feedback from the racers after the race. They all had a good time and most of them want to come back and race,” Wasser said. “We had a guy as far as New Mexico come.”

The next race in the Drive series is the Race-Dezert.com 250 on March 21 at Plaster City.

“We’d like our entries to be higher, but other than that, we have just have small things to change to make it run better, but hoping it runs as smoothly as this one,” Wasser said.

New series kicks off Saturday

2009-01-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:04 PM PST

With the New Year comes the inaugural Drive Off-Road Racing Series set to kick off Saturday with the Trophylite 200 at Plaster City.

The series, organized by locals, is hoping to kick off with a fun, safe and smooth race en route to a successful year.

“I’m excited and dizzy,” Drive president Doug Wasser said. “There’re just a lot of things to do; especially, being a new series, we have a lot of prep work … going into our next race, the work will be done.”

The series will feature several classes including the always competitive Class 1601 that has tough racers like Imperial’s Quentin Tucker, El Centro’s Steven Eugenio, Caleb Sanden and Cody Robinson.

Tucker finished the MDR Superstition Series Class 1600 champion and will look to carry his streak over to the Drive series.

“I’m looking for a win, but there’re some tough guys out there,” Tucker said. “Eugenio’s gonna race and if I ever get a chance to beat him, he’s the guy to brag about beating if you beat him.”

“Cody Robinson, he’s fast and when he’s on his game, he’s real fast. Sanden, he’s another guy that you wanna brag about beating if you beat him,” Tucker said.

While Tucker will be looking to battle those guys, event organizers will be looking to put on a good show.

“We definitely need to do the best job we possibly can,” Wasser said.

So far, about 40 vehicles are registered, fewer than the 50 organizers were hoping to get. But Wasser said if Saturday’s race goes well, that number should be easily reached next race.

“There’s a lot of people coming to watch to see if we do a good job,” Wasser said, “so the pressure is on.

“For us, we just want it to be safe, people have fun … that’s the most important thing for us, people have fun,” Wasser said.

Trophylite ready for another succesful season

2009-01-16T14:42:00.001-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, January 15, 2009 10:04 PM PST

The Trophylite Series will kick off its second season Saturday with the first of five races — the Trophylite 200 in the inaugural Drive Off-Road Racing Series at Plaster City.

The Trophylite Series and Trophylite Truck was founded by Heber’s Matt Scaroni.

Saturday’s race has 15 trucks registered to race including last year’s series champion Louis Chamberland and the only local racer who competed in the series last year, Glen Rolfe of Holtville.

Scaroni will also race Saturday with Andy McMillin. Scaroni’s younger brother, David, will race with Tom Penbroek.

The race will also mark the first time the Trophylite Series runs through the Imperial County.

“We’re real excited to finally have a local race. Every time Trophylite has raced it has been in Las Vegas or Arizona,” Scaroni said. “It’s nice to have a local race and show off our trucks.”

This year’s series will no longer head to Arizona but focus on California and Nevada.

The second Trophylite race will be the General Tire Mint 400 in the SNORE Series on March 26 in Las Vegas.

The third will be the Glen Helen Baja Cup on June 27 in San Bernardino, followed by the Ricky Johnson Off-Road Grand Prix in Oct. 29 in Las Vegas.

The final race of the season will be the Henderson Fabtech Classic in the Best in the Desert Series on Dec. 4 in Henderson, Nev.

For now, Scaroni is focused on this weekend’s race.

“I’m just hoping for a good tight race and that everybody stays safe and everybody has a good time,” Scaroni said.

For more information go to www.trophylite.com

Oswald gets win at AMA race

2008-11-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF

Friday, November 28, 2008 12:28 AM PST

PLASTER CITY WEST — Jake Oswald of San Diego won the second annual Desert Cross presented by Full Throttle MC in the AMA District 38 season here Sunday.

Unofficial results have Oswald winning the overall race and open class race.

A.J. Stewart of Brawley finished second overall and Wesley Deen finished third overall.

Bobby Kirby of El Centro finished fourth overall and Eric Biddlecome finished fifth. Bobby Youngs finished second, Trevor Rose finished seventh, Andrew Garvey finished eighth and Jordan Smith finished ninth. Thomas Wardrup finished 10th overall.

El Centro’s Kyle Corfman won the 250 experienced class. John Wheeler won the 250 amateur class. Chaz Konarska won the 250 novice class.

James Shafer won the 125 novice class. Dominic Bloemendaal won the 125 expert class.

Brawley’s Craig Smith won the veteran expert class. Nicolas Garza won the veteran novice class and Rich Nixon won the veteran amateur class.

Todd Kennedy won the senior expert class. Charlie Sherrell won the senior amateur class. Stephen Orton won the senior novice class.

Mark Brown won the super senior expert class. Chris Wardrup won the super senior amateur class.

Weishin Woltz won the women’s novice class.

Jeff Hoskins won the quad expert class. Kyle McDaniel won the quad amateur class.

For complete results go to www.amad38.com

Chicken Bones to host race Sunday

2008-11-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Thursday, November 6, 2008 10:50 PM PST

PLASTER CITY — About 150 riders are expected at the Chicken Trax Desert Scramble hosted by Chicken Bones Racing Club of San Diego here Sunday.

“We have had some winds the last couple of races; other than that, it’s going to be a good time,” Chicken Bones Racing Club president Marty Kamery said.

The race is part of the AMA District 38 season. The previous race was the Halloween Dash hosted by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego on Oct. 19 at Superstition.

Sunday’s race will feature four laps around a 20-mile course for a total of 80 miles.

Sunday’s race will be Chicken Bones’ second and final host race of the season.

“We’re expecting probably 500 to 700 spectators,” Kamery said.

Racing will begin at 9 a.m. Chaplain Mark Butke of Racers for Christ will provide Sunday services for racers at 7:30 a.m. at the start/finish line.

The next AMA race will be Nov. 23 at Plaster City West. For more information go to www.amad38.com

Local club suffers theft

2008-10-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF

Thursday, October 30, 2008 11:58 PM PDT

The Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club is asking for help from the Imperial Valley.

On Monday, the local club that has racers compete in the AMA District 38 series among other series, had its supply trailer stolen Monday night in El Centro.

“It’s devastating for us; we’re non-profit,” Roadrunner president Paul Kirby said. “The contents are worthless to anyone. It’s basically supplies, course markers, stakes, staplers, unclaimed trophies.”

The club is hoping for any information regarding the trailer.

Members include Brawley’s Aaron Tuck and El Centro’s Cameron Corfman, who hold the No. 1 and No. 2 plates in the AMA D-38 series this season, respectively.

The club also has a number of members ranging from veterans to teens.

To report any information regarding the trailer call Kirby at 562-6271.

Superstition 250 resumes Saturday

2008-10-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:28 PM PDT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Quentin Tucker rides at the Coyote Wash 200 race in June at Plaster City West.

After about four months of inactivity, the MDR Racing Supersition Series resumes with the Superstition 250 at Plaster City on Saturday.

The battle for the title in the 1600 class also resumes between local racers.

El Centro’s Quentin Tucker leads the class with 118 points and is in fifth overall. Close behind is out-of-towner Ray Files with 104 points and El Centro’s Caleb Sanden with 92 points.

“I’m just going to run the car as fast as I can and keep it on all fours and try to finish,” Tucker said.

During the long break, Tucker and his crew took the time to put in a new motor and new steering system in his car.

“Hopefully, it will be good,” Tucker said.

With only two races left, including this Saturday’s, Tucker’s biggest objective is to finish to accumulate points.

“That’s the plan,” Tucker said. “Everybody else will be pushing it hard, so we’ll have to see what happens.”

Sanden will be looking to push it hard to reclaim his class points title. Sanden officially received a DNF in the last MDR race — the Coyote Wash 200 in June — after the engine blew out.

“It’s my first DNF in two years,” Sanden said.

Now, Sanden will look to win this weekend.

“We’re out there to get the championship,” Sanden said, “and we think if we win this race, we’ll win our championship back.”

After the long break, Sanden is also anxious to get back on the course.

“The car is definitely ready to go,” Sanden said. “We’re definitely looking forward to it.”

At the race, El Centro’s Shawn McCallum is also battling for his class championship in Class 100.

He’s in second place in the class, but will be driving El Centro’s Robert Wagner truck because his vehicle is still getting worked on.

“We’re just trying to finish up there and get some points,” McCallum said.

McCallum, who is helping with the race coordination, said this race should be a big one.

“There’s already (more than) 100 cars, which is the largest entry that they’ve had at the Superstition 250,” McCallum said. “It’s the largest turnout in its history.”

McCallum is the five-time defending class 100 champion and is looking to keep it that way.

“We’re just trying to retain that points championship,” McCallum said

Plenty of action at MDR race

2008-10-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Thursday, October 23, 2008 10:54 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Quentin Tucker races in the MDR Superstition Series Superstion 250 on Saturday.

SUPERSTITION — There was plenty of fortune and misfortune at the Superstition 250 in the MDR Superstition Series here Saturday.

Imperial’s Quentin Tucker finished seventh in the 1600 class and 12th overall. He led the class going into the race. Official points standings haven’t been released so Tucker is left wondering where he now stands.

“I’m not sure right now,” Tucker said. “I think I personally did great. I never gave up, just trying to finish and that’s what I did.”

Andy Anderson was in fifth in the class going into the race and won the class Saturday. Two of the racers above him had DNFs and the other finished fourth.

While it’s obvious Anderson moved up it’s unknown if Tucker still leads — and if he does Anderson is close behind.

“I know he’ll be close to me, that’s kind of a worry,” Tucker said.

His seventh-place finish was attributed to a flat tire and having to steer the off-road beast without any power steering fluid.

“It made it real difficult,” said Tucker of steering.

In the same class, El Centro’s Steven Eugenio finished fifth and ninth overall. He was in sixth going into the race and probably moved up as well.

While Tucker saw some misfortune, it wasn’t as bad as other local racers.

Behind Tucker, in third place, was El Centro’s Caleb Sanden and looking to get a win to defend his class points championship.

After passing everyone in their class before mile marker 10 of the 250-mile race, the motor in Sanden’s vehicle ran into serious problems forcing Sanden to pull out.

“I’m very disappointed because we had a car we knew was capable of winning this,” Sanden said.

It was also Sanden’s second DNF in a row, something he said he hasn’t had in his entire 18-year racing career.

“It’s a big hit for the team but also to myself,” Sanden said.

With that, Sanden is determined to win the final MDR race of the season — The Dash on Dec. 31.

“We’re going to The Dash to win, bottom line,” Sanden said. “We might not get the points championship, but definitely want the win.”

In the same class, Cody Robinson had a DNF and was in ninth going into the race.

In class 100, El Centro’s Shawn McCallum got a DNF. He was in second in the class going into the race.

Oswald wins AMA race

2008-10-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF
Thursday, October 23, 2008 10:55 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Matt Lane races in the AMA District 38 Halloween Dash presented by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego on Sunday in Superstition.

SUPERSTITION — Unofficial results for Sunday’s Halloween Dash presented by Over the Belt Racing in the AMA District 38 series has Jake Oswald of San Diego winning overall.

Ron Wilson of San Diego finished second overall and Brawley’s Aaron Tuck finished third. Brawley’s Craig Smith finished fifth and El Centro’s Kyle Corfman finished sixth.

Imperial’s Wesley Deen finished seventh, A.J. Stewart of San Diego finished eighth, San Diego’s Eric Fischer finished ninth and Travis Wood of San Diego finished 10th.

The next AMA D-38 race is the Chicken Trax’s Desert Scramble presented by Chicken Bones of San Diego on Nov. 9 at Plaster City.

For complete list of results to go www.amad38.com

AMA racing ends

2008-10-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

BY IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF

Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:28 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
A racer takes a jump during the Clark Maynard Memorial 250 on Oct. 5 at Plaster City West.

Off-road desert racing will culminate this weekend with the AMA District 38’s Halloween Bash presented by Over the Belt Racing from San Diego.

The race is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Superstition OHV riding area.

Sign-ups will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The poker run will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday followed by the kids’ race from 4 to 5 p.m.

A costume contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.

Sign-ups can also be made from 5 to 8 a.m. Sunday. The Bomb run will be from 6 to 8 a.m. Sunday followed by a mandatory riders meeting at 8:15 a.m.

To get to the OHV area, head north on Dunaway Road, right on Evan Hewes Highway, left on Huff Road, left on Wheeler Road and follow the arrows to pits.

For more information go to www.amad38.com or www.otbracing-38.com

Tuck/Corfman win team race

2008-10-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, October 9, 2008 10:27 PM PDT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Racers ride in the third annual Claude Maynard Memorial No Wimps Team 250 presented by IV Racing Offroad Motorsports in AMA District 38 on Sunday at Plaster City West.

Brawley’s Aaron Tuck and Cameron Corfman of El Centro are back where they should be — atop the AMA District 38 results list.

The duo teamed to win the third annual Claude Maynard Memorial No Wimps Team 250 on Sunday at Plaster City West.

The win came a couple of weeks after Corfman ran into mechanical problems and Tuck crashed at the Rattlesnake Chase — both finished out of the top 10.

“It’s great to come back, especially since the No Wimps 250 is the biggest race besides the Nationals,” Corfman said. “And the local guys won it, too, so that’s good.”

While Corfman and Tuck were the overall winners on a motorcycle, Brawley’s Tyson Huff and Ricky Torres from Holtville won the overall race on an ATV.

The race featured a long technical four-lap course that was made more difficult by high winds that knocked down course markers.

The downed markers caused riders to slow down to make sure they were riding on the correct course.

“The wind blew really bad, really hard and blew down a lot of arrows, so the first lap everybody was kind of just trying to find the course,” Tuck said. “I couldn’t ride really hard the first lap, had to keep slowing down and looking for the arrows. We made it through the first lap and after that picked up the speed.”

The duo had a problem-free race and went on to win it.

“It feels great. I couldn’t have asked for a better race,” Corfman said.

The race was also the last race to be hosted by the IV Racing Offroad Motorsports, one of two local clubs in the Imperial Valley.

“We had trouble with the wind,” IV Racing Offroad Motorsports president Gary Peacock said. “Other than that, everybody fared pretty well. The cream definitely rises to the top.
But with four races left in the AMA D-38 season, including the Euro Scrambles hosted by the other local club Roadrunner Off-Road Racing in December, the season is far from over.

The Halloween Bash is set for Oct. 19 at Superstition and presented by Over the Belt Racing of San Diego

No Wimps 250 set for Sunday

2008-10-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Thursday, October 2, 2008 10:56 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM) A racers rides in the Rattlesnake Chase presented by the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club in AMA District 38 on a couple of weeks ago at Superstition Dip.

Action continues in AMA District 38 racing with this Sunday’s Claude Maynard Memorial No Wimps Team 250 at Plaster City West.

The race, presented by Imperial Valley Off-Road Motorsports, will feature four loops of 63.4 miles each, totaling 253 miles.

“Weatherwise, it’s going to be like in the 80s, going to be great,” I.V. Off-Road Motorsports president Gary Peacock said. “Coursewise, it’s going to be long.”

The race is named after Maynard, a former off-road racer and parts store owner in El Centro. He died of natural causes a few years ago.

The race will kick off at 6:30 a.m. and take about five hours to complete.

“It’s a tough one. It tours about the whole desert area,” Peacock said. “Look for the local boys; they’re going to do pretty good.”

One of those will be El Centro’s Cameron Corfman, who is looking to erase a poor performance at the previous AMA race, the Rattlesnake Chase, held a couple of weeks ago.

Corfman had mechanical problems that took close to an hour to fix. He finished out of the Top 10.

“I’m definitely looking to bounce back this race,” Corfman said.

He will team with Aaron Tuck of Brawley, who also had mechanical problems at the Rattlesnake Chase and finished out of the Top 10.

Youth races will quickly follow after the main event races

Locals among Top 5 at AMA race

2008-09-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
Thursday, September 25, 2008 11:04 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
A racer rides in the Rattlesnake Chase presented by the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club in AMA District 38 on Sunday at Superstition Dip.

SUPERSTITION DIP — The Rattlesnake Chase presented by the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club ended back-to-back weekends of AMA District 38 racing here Sunday.

Jake Oswalt of San Diego took home the overall win with Bruce Mirada of Orange County taking home second.

Brawley’s Craig Smith finished third in the three 28-mile loop course.

“I rode really good compared to the guys that beat me, they were going fast,” Smith said. “There was quite a few fast guys out there so I was really happy with how I did.”

The surprise was El Centro’s Kyle Corfman, younger brother of Cameron, finishing fourth overall and way ahead of his older brother.

“I’m pretty excited about that; it makes we want to race even more,” Corfman said. “I was hoping for Top 10 and hoping for first in my class.”

He accomplished both goals, also winning his 250 expert class.

A.J. Stewart of San Diego finished fifth.

For Cameron Corfman of El Centro, Aaron Tuck of Brawley and Bobby Kirby of El Centro, things didn’t go well.

All three finished out of the Top 10, where Cameron Corfman and Tuck normally take top spots.

Despite that, Roadrunner president Paul Kirby said the race was a success.

“One of the unique things about the Dip is you get some real unique terrain you don’t get at Supersition,” Kirby said. “I thought we had a good turnout considering we were up against back-to-back racing.”

Last year’s race attracted 160 riders, slightly higher than this years’ 140.

Imperial Valley Cycle Center also provided refreshments.

“They provided shade and refreshments for hundreds of people,” Kirby said. “They went out of their way.”

The race attracted between 1,200 to 1,400 spectators Kirby said.

Next for District 38 is Imperial Valley Off-Road Racing’s third annual Claude Maynard Memorial No Wimps Team 250 at Plaster City West on Oct. 5.

BITD race takes off Saturday morning

2008-09-26T15:49:00.001-07:00

By IMPERIAL VALLEY PRESS STAFF

Thursday, September 25, 2008 11:04 PM PDT

MESQUITE, Nev. — The Best in the Desert Racing Association will have its eighth of 10 season races here starting today.

The Bilek Racing Silver State “300” has two local racers pre-registered as of Sept. 18.

Holtville’s Taylor Brady is set to race with teammates Tanner Harris of Alpine and Corbin Harris of Rancho Santa Margarita in the 2000 class.

El Centro’s Steven Eugenio along with teammates Kyle Conlon of Campo, Jake Velasco of San Diego and Cameron Butcher of La Quinta are set to race in the class 1000.

The official standings on BITD’s Web site were not accessible as of press time Thursday so their official standings were unavailable.

The race will kick off with registration and contingency today.

Racing will kick off at 6:30 a.m. for motorcycles. Car and truck racing will kick off at 9:30 a.m.

For more information go to www.bitd.com

AMA D-38 racing returns

2008-09-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

By JAMES ARENS, Sports Writer
Thursday, September 18, 2008 10:13 PM PDT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Aaron Tuck races in the AMA District 38 Double Night VIsion Team Scrambles hosted by Imperial Valley Racing on Saturday at Plaster City East.

On Saturday, the first night-race of the second half of the AMA District 38 race season took place and was dominated by Imperial Valley locals wanting to get off to a quick start in the standings.

The Double Night Vision Extravaganza at the Plaster City OHV area had six Valley-based teams place in the top 10.

The team of Aaron Tuck and Cameron Corfman finished in second with an overall time of 1 hour, 55 minutes and 3 seconds.

“Aaron hasn’t raced in a night race since the last race of the first half so he wanted me to start the race,” said the 18-year-old Corfman. “And we raced really consistently and on top of that, there was a lot more competition out there I think than usual.

“But it was a fun race and we were in second pretty much the whole race,” Corfman said.

Jake Oswald of San Diego won the race coming in just about two minutes sooner (1:53:23) than the Tuck/Corfman team. The race was eight laps, each being on a 10.8-mile loop.

For another local team, El Centro’s Bobby Kirby and San Diego’s A.J. Stewart, placed fourth Saturday.

“It was a fast race and there weren’t too many technical areas, it was a little dusty and a few mud holes but overall it was a good ride this weekend,” said the 22-year-old Kirby.

According to race promoter and I.V. Racing owner Gary Peacock, the riders and spectators both loved the atmosphere.

“We had about 102 entrants or somewhere around there but we had well over 1,000 people out there,” Peacock said. “Just down in pit road with all the flood lights illuminating the area it looked like a big party down there just with all the people watching down there.”

For more information or complete race results contact Kirby at 562-6271 or visit www.amad38.com

Roadrunner to host AMA race

2008-09-19T19:39:00.001-07:00

By JAMES ARENS, Sports Writer
Thursday, September 18, 2008 10:13 PM PDT

The first day-race of the second half of the AMA District 38 season is slated to start in the wee hours of Sunday at The Dip in the Superstition OHV area.

The 8 a.m. race should have another large turnout, somewhere around 150 contestants, riding around three 25-mile loops.

The event is sponsored by Imperial Valley Cycle Center and will have giveaways. It will also have a barbecue for the 1,200-plus expected to attend.

“I think this is our most fun race of the season,” said Paul Kirby, president of Roadrunner Racing, the host of the weekend’s race. “It’s a really fast race; the rain has brought the desert to life and the conditions should be really good for a fun race.”

There is no cost to any who would like to attend. There will also be a mini-bike race after the main race that is slated to end around 11:30 a.m.

For more information contact Kirby at 562-6271 or visit www.amad38.com to view the entire race schedule.

AMA D-38 season resumes with night race

2008-09-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

By JAMES ARENS

Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:23 PM PDT

Taylor, Scaroni get wins at Primm 300
AMA D-38 season resumes with night race

Sports Writer

When the heat goes down the engines start to rev up again in the AMA District 38 race season with this weekend being the Double Night Vision Extravaganza at the Plaster City OHV area hosted by Imperial Valley Racing.

“We’re hoping for about 100 contestants to come out and compete this weekend,” said Roadrunner Racing club president Paul Kirby. “We’re also looking at about 1,200 people coming out and watching this first race of the season. It’s going to be a good one because it’s at night and there are a lot of locals in the hunt.”

The race will begin about sundown and will start off with the bikes first on a 10-mile closed course and then one hour later the quads tear into the track for about a 1 1/2 hour-long race.

“This should be a really good second half to the season and there should be a lot of aggressive riding in every race because it’s so close,” Kirby said.

With the rain Thursday afternoon, Kirby is hoping that the conditions will be favorable for the participants and spectators alike.

“It’s cooled down a little bit because of the rain and our Web site has been pretty busy so we’re hoping to get a big crowd out there,” he said. “It’s going to be extra spectacular at night because you get to see all those lights bouncing around.”

Locals to do battle at Primm 300

2008-09-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, September 4, 2008 11:16 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT SCARONI (br) Heber’s Matt Scaroni will race his Trophylite truck at the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series’ Primm 300 this weekend in Primm, Nev. Scaroni will look to win the Sportsman Truck class.

PRIMM, Nev. — A handful of Imperial Valley off-road racers resume action in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series with the Primm 300 here this weekend.

All are going in with a win in their respective classes as the main target — some will even have to battle each other for the victory.

El Centro’s Steve Mamer leads the SCORE Lites class with 172 points, nine points ahead of Rick St. John of Encinitas.

Mamer finished fourth at the first race of the season — the Laughlin Desert Challenge in January — followed with another fourth-place finish at the San Felipe 250 in March.

A sixth-place finish in the Baja 500 in Ensenada in late May has Mamer leading his class.

Mamer will look to keep up his consistency this week.

“Just a good solid finish,” Mamer said is his goal, “top five, just hoping to bring it home in one piece.”

Mamer will co-drive with Craig Smith of Brawley. A top five finish will probably be enough for him to continue leading the class.

“I’m looking kind of forward to it,” Mamer said of leading the class. “I just hope I have a good race this weekend and hopefully no problems and run pretty smoothly.”

El Centro’s Tom Watson, also racing in the Lites class, is in 11th place in the class standings and looking for nothing less than a win. He has a secret weapon looking for that win — Heber’s David Scaroni.

Scaroni has dominated the Primm 300 in the Lites class the past four years with two wins, a second- and third-place finish. The last three years, he’s raced with Watson, his uncle.

“I really enjoy doing this race. I’ve been successful in the past,” Scaroni said.

But Scaroni doesn’t see himself dominating like previous years.

“This year, the competition is pretty tough,” Scaroni said. “Who ever wins it, had to work for it.”

Scaroni’s older brother, Matt will also be at the race.

Matt Scaroni, president and founder of Trophylite, will race one of his Trophylite trucks in the Sportsman truck class.

It will be his first race of the season in the class and is expecting nothing less than a win.

“We always do this race and this year, I decided to go race this truck,” Matt Scaroni said. “I don’t see why we couldn’t win this race.

“It’s probably the easiest class, definitely not the competition of the Trophy Truck (class) and if we don’t win this class, I’ll be extremely disappointed,” Scaroni said.

Eugenio, team win big in class

2008-08-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Friday, August 29, 2008 12:37 AM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF ART EUGENIO/TRACKSIDEPHOTO.COM
Kyle Conlon of Campo drives his Class 1000 car in the Best in the Desert Racing Association’s Vegas to Reno race this past weekend in Las Vegas. His navigator was Cameron Butcher of El Centro. The two, along with co-driver Steven Eugenio and navigator Jake Velasco of Holtville, won the class by more than an hour to build a strong lead in the class championship.

LAS VEGAS — Going into the longest race the Best in the Desert Racing Association has to offer in the season here this past weekend, El Centro’s Steven Eugenio and teammate Kyle Conlon of Campo were leading the 1000 class.

The two, racing under BEA-CON Racing, were only looking to finish and follow up with a win in the final two races of the season.

Instead, the two blew away the competition in their class, not only winning, but finishing an hour ahead of any other 1000 class vehicle.

“We were just running a good pace,” Eugenio said. “We weren’t pushing it.”

The team only had one flat tire throughout the 457.5-mile race, during Conlon’s half of the race. He had a short two-minute lead when he and navigator Cameron Butcher of El Centro went down with a flat tire.

They quickly changed the tire and fell behind only about four minutes. By the time Conlon handed the car to Eugenio, Conlon had built up an 18-minute lead.

Eugenio and his navigator Jake Velasco of Holtville had no problems the rest of the way to win the race.

“We were just all pumped. We had no intentions on winning the race, all we wanted to do was finish,” Eugenio said. “We knew we ran well all day, we knew we had the win and we were stoked.”

In the same class, Mike Lawrence of Brea was in second in points going into the race. He was registered to race, but his finish was not known.

BITD only published the top seven finishes in the class and Lawrence was not among them. James Hodgson of Edmonton, Canada, was in third in points going into the race and he, too, was registered. He also didn’t finish in the top seven.

Although official points standings haven’t been released by BITD, Eugenio and Conlon are sitting atop the class comfortably.

The win for both adds to an already-stellar debut season for the pair.

“This is great. We’ve won two out of three races … I say we’re doing an awesome job,” Eugenio said. “The car is working perfect and both drivers are doing a great job of getting the car to the finish line … I don’t know what more I could ask for.”

Next in the series is the Bilek Racing Silver State 300 in Mesquite, Nev., in late September.

The group will look for a win at Mesquite to pretty much secure the class win.

The team then just looks to finish at the Henderson’s Fabtech 400 in early December in Henderson, Nev.

“At the Mesquite race, being a smaller race, we’ll try and go for a win there. If we get the win, then probably just cruise at the 400,” Eugenio said. “I think we’ll have the championship locked up.”

Longest race in America’ set

2008-08-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:23 PM PDT

The Best in the Desert Racing Association’s “Vegas to Reno” race this weekend will kick off with motorcycles at 6:30 and 10:30 this morning for four-wheel vehicles. The race will be 457.5 miles through Nevada’s desert and mountains. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
BEATTY, Nev. — In only his debut season in the Best in the Desert Racing Association in Nevada, El Centro’s Steven Eugenio is raising up a sand storm, leading class 1000 going into this weekend’s “Vegas to Reno” here.

The race, dubbed the longest off-road race in the states, will have 457.5 miles of high desert floor at 2,500 feet elevation to mountainous heights of over 9,000 feet, forcing competitors to adjust to the changing pressures and endure extreme hot and cold temperature variations.

The course has a dry lakebed which allows racers to reach speeds over 100 miles per hour. Racers must also fight their way through narrow canyons, boulder-lined paths and deep silt beds.

With such obstacles and a comfortable lead in the class, Eugenio and his co-driver Kyle Conlon are only looking to secure a finish.

“We’re just trying to keep the (class) championship (race) alive,” Eugenio said. “It’s a long race, we just need to finish.”

The race for motorcycles starts at 6:30 this morning and at 10:30 this morning for four-wheel vehicles.

Conlon of Campo will take the first half of the race. Eugenio will drive the second half which will include some night racing.

“I’m a little more experienced in the night driving,” Eugenio said. “It’s just been our thing that we swap starting positions every other race. It just came out being that I have nighttime driving.”

The team leads the class with 170 points. Mike Lawrence of Brea trails with 157 points and James Hodgson of Edmonton follows with 127 points.

Three races remain in the series, but only two for four-wheel vehicles, meaning Eugenio and Conlon need to finish the race.

“There are two more races in the series that are a lot shorter, that we plan on pushing a little harder,” Eugenio said.

Being in only his first year in the BITD series, Eugenio is looking like the favorite to win it.

“It’s a great feeling to know that … we’re on top,” Eugenio said. “We feel we can take it if we race smart and race correctly.”

Locals leading classes in different series

2008-07-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor

Thursday, July 3, 2008 10:33 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Imperial’s Quentin Tucker takes off in the MDR Coyote Wash 200 in June. Tucker finished fourth and leads the class in points.

With most off-road racing series half-way through its season, a handful of local racers are leading their respective classes and looking for class point championships, respectively.

In the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series, Holtville’s Steve Mamer is leading the SCORE LITES class with 172 points after three races, and with two final SCORE races to go.

The team had some problems in the Baja 500 in late May. The team fell off the side of a mountain, but after repairs to the vehicle, was able to get back in the race a couple of hours later.

“We had an OK race in the Baja 500,” Mamer said. “We ended up sixth.”

The team will look to finish strong in the last two SCORE races.

“We’re just looking to finish well,” said Mamer, who is teaming up with long-time friend Craig Smith of Brawley for the driving duties. “We’re looking to finish to win this thing (class).”

The team is getting ready for the next score race — the 13th annual Terrible’s Primm 300 in early September in Primm, Nev.

In the MDR Superstition Series, Imperial’s Quentin Tucker is leading a closely contested 1600 class after the Coyote Wash 200 in June.

Tucker was in second in the points standings going into the race. After a fourth-place finish and a DNF to then-class leader — Caleb Sanden of Holtville — Tucker is leading the class and looking to stay there.

“I’m feeling pretty good right now,” Tucker said.

At the last race, Tucker had some mechanical problems that dropped him from the lead to fourth.

“After Sanden broke, I knew I had to finish to be in the (points) lead,” Tucker said. “I knew I had to get it fixed so I could finish the race.”

Tucker will look to finish the final two races of the series.

“We have two races and we’re going to try to keep the lead,” Tucker said.

Sanden’s inability to finish the race dropped him to third place in the class standings and has said in previous weeks, he will look to get back on top.

The next MDR race will be the Superstition 250 in October at Plaster City west.

El Centro’s Paul Lopez is also looking for class championships in two different series — the CODE Off-Road Racing Series and ZR Promo — both based in Mexicali.

Lopez leads the ZR Promo’s expert class and second in CODE’s M/C sportsman class, right behind Ensenada’s Alberto Ruiz.

“I’m very happy about being right there in the points with Alberto,” Lopez said. “I’m looking forward toward the upcoming races … my goal is to ultimately win the sportsman championship.”

In ZR Promo, Lopez is looking for his second consecutive class championship and with two races left in the series, feeling confident he can accomplish it. Next in ZR Promo is the Grand Prix in October.

Lopez faces a tougher feat in CODE, but not an impossible one.

Next in the CODE is the ORW Grand Prix in Tecate — a technical race that runs through mountains.

“That’s a tougher race because it’s up in the mountains by Tecate,” Lopez said. “I’m just looking to get a top five. As long as I can get a top five to stay in the points, I’ll be happy.”

After the race in Tecate, Lopez will look to win the final two races of the CODE series.

“I’m anticipating wins in both of the races,” Lopez said.

Off-Road: First half of AMA season ends

2008-05-09T17:56:00.001-07:00

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Riders line up for the start of the AMA District 38 Night Vision Extravaganza at the Superstition dry lake bed shorty before sundown Saturday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)

Thursday, May 8, 2008 11:03 PM PDT

SUPERSTITION — The first half of the AMA District 38 season came to an end Saturday night under flood lights at the Imperial Valley Off-Road Racing’s Night Vision Extravaganza at the dry lake bed here.

Riders line up for the start of the AMA District 38 Night Vision Extravaganza at the Superstition dry lake bed shorty before sundown Saturday.
Imperial Valley racers dominated by taking home the top four overall positions. Brawley’s Craig Smith was the overall winner, also winning the experienced category.

“It turned out to be a pretty fun race. It’s been a long time since I’ve run at night,” Smith said. “I’ve always been good at night … I don’t know why.”

Smith finished in 1 hour, 30.28 minutes, just four minutes ahead of No. 1 plate holder and Brawley resident Aaron Tuck (1:34.07). Holtville’s Todd Kennedy (1:43.27) and Travis Wood (1:45.25) followed, respectively.

Mark S. Brown of Wellton, Ariz., rounded out the top five positions (1:46.27).

“It was unbelievable under the lights. There was a nice little breeze, temperature was pretty good, it had a good turnout, good spectators,” I.V. Racing president Gary Peacock said. “Everybody just really enjoyed it.”

There was plenty to enjoy at the event, which kicked off at noon with a couple of events for anyone up for a friendly challenge.

Riders, not just AMA members, jumped on their motorcycles looking to be the last across the finish line.

“The slow race was hilarious to watch,” Peacock said.

ATV riders then tried to be the first to finish an obstacle course backward.

“The reverse ATV race was really fun to watch,” Peacock said. “I got more ideas for next year … more games.”

The event was also a fundraiser that grossed close to $1,700 for the Rider Down Organization and Racing For Christ.

“There was about three times more than last year,” said Peacock of the rider and spectator turnout. “It was a great way to end the first half of the season.”

Accordingly, the second half of the season will kick off with the I.V. Racing’s Night Vision Team Race at Plaster City East on Sept. 13. Racers are already looking forward to it.

“Everybody’s already talking about the night team race in September,” Peacock said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to put something together really fun.”

Peacock also praised the Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club of the Imperial Valley for cooking and handing out 90 pounds of ribs and Sunbelt Rentals in Imperial for donating use of the flood lights.

For Smith and other riders, the summer break will give them time to keep improving.

“Practice a little bit more until it gets too hot to go out to the desert,” Smith said. “We’ll try to go up in the mountains in Mexico where it’s cooler and yeah, you get kind of (anxious to return) after a while.”

For complete list of results go to www.amad38.com

2008-05-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

Off Road: Sanchez gets first class win in bug
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF EFRAIN MACIAS
Imperial’s Ish Sanchez and co-pilot Pete Morquecho won the class 550 at the MDR King of the Desert 250 on Saturday at Plaster City West.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 10:38 PM PDT

PLASTER CITY WEST — In 1989 Ish Sanchez’s father bought him a Volkswagen Beetle his senior year at Central Union High.

He drove it through his time at Imperial Valley College before converting it to an off-road racing vehicle in 2001.

On Saturday, Sanchez and his Baja bug won the class 550 at the MDR King of the Desert 250 here — his first series win since converting his vehicle.

“It was a real big win for me,” Sanchez said. “Fortunately, things came out on my end and I can say my car has a win.”

Sanchez finished the race in 3 hours, 43.32 minutes, about seven minutes ahead of the second-place finisher (3:50.56). He won it with his co-pilot Pete Morquecho who drove half of the race.

“It was very competitive and it was a fast course,” Sanchez said. “I didn’t have any flat tires, no mechanical problems, everything was pretty much great.”

Sanchez wasn’t the only local racer to have a successful day as six racers finished in the top-10 overall positions.

Imperial’s Jason Jernigan had the biggest day for local racers. He finished second in the 100 class and second overall in 3:21.47.

El Centro’s Robert Wagner won the 800 class and finished third overall (3:22.53).

The 1,600 class had four locals competiting and had all four finish in the top-four positions in the class.

El Centro’s Steve Eugenio won the 1,600 class and finished fifth overall (3:26.51).

“I started sixth in the pack and was in the lead by the end of lap 2,” Eugenio said. “My co-driver Kyle Conlon took it home from there.”

Cody Robinson of El Centro finished second in the class and sixth overall (3:29.17), Caleb Sanden of Holtville finished third in the class and seventh overall (3:30.42) and Imperial’s Quentin Tucker finished fourth in the class and eighth overall (3:36.18).

The race itself was a big hit said MDR owner and president Jim Williams.

“It was real good. The people really enjoyed it,” Williams said. “Our turnout, there was almost 100 registered … much higher than last year.”

The course also had a few new sections that the Bureau of Land Management approved for racing.

“There were some new areas that we went into,” Williams said. “It was a shorter course and very fast, people liked it.”

MDR’s next race will be the Coyote Wash 200 Night Race on June 14.

2008-05-02T18:24:00.001-07:00

Off Road: Racing set under the stars Saturday
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Thursday, May 1, 2008 10:38 PM PDT

SUPERSTITION — The AMA District 38 has one more season race before its summer break and organizers are saying it’s going to be a fun one.

Imperial Valley Off-Road Racing is presenting the Night Vision Extravaganza at the dry lake bed here Saturday.

“Man, it’s going to be fun,” I.V. Racing president Gary Peacock said. “It will be a spectator event.”

Racing for motorcycles begins at 7:30 p.m. under floodlights. ATVs continue the action at 9 p.m., but the event will kick off hours before.

At noon, there will be a motorcycle slow race where the winner will be the last rider across the finish line. The race course will be a straight line across the dry lake bed. Riders won’t be allowed to touch the ground with their feet and without swerving.

An ATV reverse race will be at 1 p.m. The course will have obstacles to test ATV riders’ skills all while riding in reverse. A family fun run will be at 2 p.m. where riders will pick up stickers along a course to fill up a card. After the race, all the cards will be collected for a raffle.

All of the races, except the night races, are open to the public and not just AMA members. Each will have prizes and proceeds going to the Rider Down Organization and Racing For Christ.

Roadrunner Off-Road Racing of the Imperial Valley will also be on hand barbecuing 90 pounds of ribs and giving away free beverages.

“Just come out and enjoy the daytime activities,” Peacock said. “Bring your quad or bike and have some fun.”

The AMA youth races will begin at 4 p.m. before the main event races.

“This one, being the last one before the summer break, is turning into a District 38 carnival,” Peacock said. “And it’s a real fun event with a lot of action for the general public.”

To get to the race course, go west on Interstate 8, take the Dunaway Road exit and head north, go east on Highway 80 to Huff Road and head north to Wheeler Road. After hitting Wheeler, follow the race arrows to the south side of the lake bed.

For more information call Peacock at 356-2884 or go to www.ivracing.net

2008-05-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Superstition area eyed for geothermal plant
By ERIC GALVAN, Staff Writer

JOSELITO VILLERO PHOTO
Gary Peacock, promoter and owner of Imperial Valley Racing, staples orange markers on stakes to guide motorcycle racers during a race at the Superstition Mountain area west of Imperial while Mark Sigmon (also shown below) tests his motorcycle.

Superstition area eyed for geothermal plant
Valley faiths join in prayer
Supervisor candidates face off in debate
Garcia hopeful for better teamwork
Through The Eyes Of The Valley: Ramos helps kids gear up for college
Border Patrol bids farewell to soldiers
Rape victim claims choking
Big rig tips over, no injuries reported

Thursday, May 1, 2008 10:41 PM PDT

A proposed geothermal plant in the Superstition Mountain area could reduce available off-roading land if built.

San Luis Obispo-based Layman Energy Associates Inc. has proposed creating a 20-megawatt geothermal facility on more than 3,000 acres of land.

“The stage of development is very early,” Layman Energy president Erik Layman said Thursday. “And what we’ve done is the company has filed federal geothermal lease applications on a fairly good-sized area.”

Steve Razo, public affairs officer for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, confirmed Thursday that Layman Energy is in the application process and has applied to lease land from the BLM.

Razo said BLM has not yet gone forward with the project.

A portion of the proposed Layman project overlaps land that is owned by the U.S. Navy and utilized by Naval Air Facility El Centro.

THE NAVY’S IMPACT

NAF El Centro Public Affairs Officer Michelle Dee said NAF El Centro has been in contact with members of the off-highway vehicle community and have taken them on tours of the Navy’s study sites.

She said any development of geothermal resources by the Navy will take place on land that is not for public use and would not impact OHV open area.

The Navy Geothermal Program Office is preparing to conduct a programmatic environmental impact statement for a geothermal development program at the NAF El Centro range, Dee said.

In 2007 President Bush signed an executive order with one of the goals asking that at least 50 percent of current renewable energy purchases come from new renewable sources, Dee said.

The PEIS conducted by the Navy covers 3,110 acres of the 218,000 that make up the range complex. The Navy is also studying an adjacent BLM parcel that covers 2,830 acres for cumulative impact, but not for development, Dee said.

Before BLM can make a decision on leasing the property to Layman an environmental impact statement must be conducted. BLM is cooperating in preparation of the Navy’s PEIS and may incorporate it in any future determinations of leasing land for the purposes of geothermal development, Dee said.

The Navy’s PEIS, Dee said, focuses only on Navy development and Navy land only. Before a determination is made on leasing the land, additional studies may be necessary.

OFF-ROADERS IMPACTED MOST

Layman said he thinks BLM is supportive of the project, but said studies need to be conducted to identify any impacts.

“The off-roaders tend to be concerned of their loss of their vehicular playground,” Layman said.

“But the main thing is we want to make sure we address any off-road concerns and use concerns.

“We’re ready to work with the off-road folks to make sure they have continued access,” Layman said.

“They’ve provided some maps to us and it’s pretty compatible use.”

Gary Peacock, owner of Imperial Valley Racing and local off-road race promoter, said the creation of the plant would add to the continued loss of OHV land.

He said off-road recreationists have had trouble with the BLM in securing extra land to utilize. But he said he believed there are few issues with the BLM when it comes to projects like the geothermal plant proposed by Layman.

“It’s like a double standard,” he said. “It’s OK for geothermal to come in and take this precious land, but if we want to race a motorcycle, forget about it.”

He did say there is a reasonable solution.

“They keep pinching us and pinching us,” he said. “But if they’re going to take this (land) and do something else with it then open some more for us.

“If they’re going to take more of it away, then give us a new area,” he said.

2008-04-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Off Road: Tuck, Corfman have tough race
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:34 PM PDT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Riders (above and below) race in the No Fools 100, an AMA District 38 season race, at Shortly after the race started, he hit a berm, flipped over his handlebars and landed on his back. His motorcycle ran over him, adding insult to injury.

“It was a pretty bad crash,” Tuck said. “I had a tire track up my arm. I’m pretty lucky to get back up and keep going.”

With pain in his back and other parts of his body, he got back on his bike and finished three of four laps to finish 104th overall. He was only looking to score points for the overall championship at that point.

“I was hurting pretty bad,” Tuck said. “I kept going and I actually did three laps, just cruising.”

His week didn’t end there.

On Wednesday, Tuck and his wife welcomed Cooper Aaron Tuck into the world — the couple’s second child.

Tuck will rest the next couple of weeks as well as spend time with his newborn, in preparation for the next AMA District 38 race — a night race May 3.

“I like racing at night. It’s actually been a while since I’ve done a night race so I’m looking forward to it,” Tuck said.

El Centro’s Cameron Corfman, the No. 2 plate holder, had a similar fate — minus a newborn.

The 17-year-old student at Southwest High finished one of four laps and 128th overall after breaking the frame of his motorcycle when he hit a crevice along the course’s dry lake bed.

Riding at high speeds caused the course to be somewhat dusty, making visibility difficult. He was able to see the crevice enough to get the front wheel over without a problem. The back wheel was not so lucky.

“The back tire stuck the other side and the suspension bottomed out,” Corfman said. “Luckily, I saw it just quick enough to get the front tire over.”

He didn’t suffer any injuries.

With the top two riders in the district out, Brawley’s Craig Smith stepped up, finishing second overall, behind Alpine’s Jake Oswald, and first in the veteran category.

“I started kind of slow the first two laps,” Smith said. “I finally loosened up and my last two laps were pretty good.”

The course itself provided racers with fast times.

“The whole course is really fast. So, it’s kind of nice … nice and exciting at the same time when you’re doing over 100 mph,” Smith said.

Smith and Corfman will team up for a ZR Promo season race this weekend in Mexicali.

“I’m excited about the chance to race with Cameron,” Smith said. “He’s been going fast lately and I think it’s going to be fun.”
Plaster City East on Sunday.

2008-04-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Off Road: Winds stir things up at AMA race
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Riders race in the RoadRunner Off-Road Racing’s King of the Desert, an AMA National Hare and Hound series race, at Superstition on Sunday.

Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:04 PM PDT

SUPERSTITION — Strong winds caused havoc at the 27th anniversary of the King of the Desert presented by the RoadRunner Off-Road Racing Club and Threat Racing — an AMA District 38 race — here Sunday.

The winds didn’t slow down racers or an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 off-road enthusiasts that made the trip to the desert to watch the third round of eight in the AMA National Hare and Hound Series.

Winds knocked down course markers and arrows, causing a handful of riders to miss checkpoints and ultimately be disqualified.

The most notable disqualification was given to David Pearson of Las Vegas, who won the race but missed a checkpoint.

“He was a perfect gentleman about it,” RoadRunner club president Paul Kirby said. “He cast no blame on the club or the people that set up the course. He said, ‘The wind came up and Mother Nature dealt you guys a bad hand.’”

Instead, Destry Abbott of Peoria, Ariz., was given the official overall win.

For Brawley’s Aaron Tuck, the winds made the race a bit more difficult, but it didn’t slow him down. He finished fourth in the 251cc-Open A class and ninth overall.

“We were riding straight into the wind for miles up one sand wash and it made it difficult,” Tuck said. “It was really tiring trying to ride into the wind like that.”

His start was also something he wasn’t too happy about.

“I didn’t get quite a good start that I wanted. I had to kind of work my way up a little bit in the beginning, pass a few people,” Tuck said.

Overall, he accomplished his goal of finishing in the top 10.

“I’m still happy with my finish. I wanted a top-10 finish, but I think I could have finished a bit higher,” Tuck said.

For El Centro’s Cameron Corfman, the race didn’t go as well. After a strong start, Corfman was battling with the front of the pack and starting to pull away when he hit a rough surface and broke the rear foot brake lever.

“I was competing with the people who usually beat me,” Corfman said. “I had no rear breaks so I had to slow down a lot and I could only use my front breaks.”

But the lever wasn’t the problem. After fixing the problem in the pits and after getting back into the race, his fender card — which displays the rider’s number — fell off.

Riders must have the fender cards on their motorcycles to be identified at checkpoints. Because of that, he was disqualified.

“I know it happens. It kind of sucks, ’cause even after I have the break lever fail, I got back and unofficially finished the race,” Corfman said.

He had finished 12th overall.

Kirby made it a point to say all riders who were disqualified were because they missed checkpoints after getting lost, not because of trying to cut the course.

He also said disqualifying Corfman was difficult, especially since he is a member of the RoadRunner club.

“We’re really proud of him so it was really tough to have to do that,” Kirby said. “He’s one of our stars.”

The next AMA District 38 race — the No Fools 100 presented by Imperial Valley Off-Road Racing — is scheduled for April 13 at Plaster City East.

2008-03-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

Off Road: King of the Desert to be crowned Sunday
By MARIO RENTERIA, Sports Editor
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)

SUPERSTITION - The AMA/FMF National Hare and Hound Series will make its way through the Imperial Valley, bringing the top riders in the country here Sunday.

Between 8,000 to 10,000 spectators are estimated to head out and watch the third of six races in the series.

“I think the off-road community has been in a buzz over it,” Roadrunner Off-Road Club president Paul Kirby said. “We have riders from the south western states and four different countries competiting.”

Roadrunner along with Threat Racing are organizing the series race, also known as the 27th annual King of the Desert.

More than 300 racers are expected, including the top 10 in the country.

“AMA has representatives out there, all the major off-road publications are coming,” Kirby said. “We’re expecting quite a big turnout.”

Plaster City and Superstition are home to AMA District 38 races. Sunday’s race, while following the same format, will have a different course.

The race will have an “A” loop which is 60 miles and all riders will have to face. The race will also have a “B” loop which is 40 miles and is an addition to the “A” loop for only expert and amateur riders.

For District 38 members, the Hare and Hound Series gives them an opportunity to measure themselves against the best in the nation.

“Our local guys will be going up against guys that do this for a living,” Kirby said.

The district is hoping its top racers — Aaron Tuck of Brawley, Cameron Corfman of El Centro and Jack Oswalt and A.J. Stewart of San Diego — can keep up with the big boys.

“Those are District 38 hopefuls,” Kirby said.

With Tuck and Corfman holding the No. 1 and No. 2 plates, respectively, both are up for the challenge.

“It’s definitely a big challenge, going against guys that race for a living and have factory support and are extremely fast,” Tuck said. “But the only thing, I kind of just focus on just going out there and try to have a good clean race, and just kind of take it how it goes.”

Corfman, a 17-year-old student at Southwest, said it’s all about attitude.

“You can’t let them intimidate you. When those guys show up, you know its serious, not that we don’t take it serious,” Corfman said.

Corfman is looking to get at least a top 15 finish.

“There’s going to be a lot of competition,” Corfman said.

The course itself will also pose a challenge.

“I’m just looking forward to a challenging race course,” Tuck said. “The National Hare and Hound is always technical and challenging along with there being the national riders … so just looking forward to a fun race.”

The race will start at 9:30 a.m. Bomb run practice will be from 6 to 8:30 a.m. the day of the race.

2008-02-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

Off-Road: Fall not slowing down teen
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Cameron Corfman races in the AMA District 38 Full Throttle 100 in January at Plaster City.
Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:01 PM PST

For years, El Centro’s Cameron Corfman has been tearing up the local off-road circuit on his motorcycle.

The 17-year-old senior at Southwest High has been turning heads in his young career, but recently that career almost came to an end.

At the AMA District 38’s Christmas Classic presented by Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Club in early December, the teen suffered a fall that could have had worse consequences.

After a bad start and while trying to make up for it, Corfman misjudged a whoop and went flying over the handlebars.

“I was going way too fast and went over the handlebars,” Corfman said. “The first thing to hit was my head and then I remember kind of rolling around and getting back up.”

He got to his feet and was able to ride back to the pit to seek medical attention.

Fortunately for Corfman, all he suffered was a concussion — the worst injury he has suffered in his young competitive career.

“I’ve never had any real bad crashes,” Corfman said. “It was the most severe crash I’ve ever had.”

It happened because he was trying to push himself too much.

“That’s what I was doing when I crashed,” Corfman said. “I crashed riding over my ability level. I was probably getting overconfident for a while.”

Who wouldn’t with his track record?

Corfman first jumped onto a motorcycle when he was 2-years-old. He started competing in motocross when he 6 and moved to desert racing when he was 13.

“I started doing desert races just to do some cross training,” Corfman said.

He quickly left motocross for desert racing and hasn’t looked back since.

“Desert racing is not so hard on your body,” Corfman said. “All kinds of things can go wrong (while in a desert race) … it’s kind of like a thrill for me.”

Corfman returned the next race a few weeks later looking only to get back on the motorcycle. He finished eighth overall and fifth in the open class. It was a worth it for Corfman who was given the No. 2 plate by the local District 38 organization.

“I just tried to do the race and get that over with,” Corfman said.

A couple of months later, Corfman is back to feeling 100 percent.

In the first D-38 race of the new season, he finished third overall. He finished second overall in the second race of the D-38 season and fourth overall at the All American 100 on Presidents Day weekend.

This weekend, Corfman and Threat Racing teammate Aaron Tuck will pre-run for the SCORE Baja 250 in San Felipe.

He’s competed in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 last season.

“I’d like to podium at the 250,” Corfman said. “(In the AMA season) I’d like to get another top-three finish in the open class.”

Every time he rides his motorcycle he leaves that crash behind him, but it won’t be something he’ll forget.

“It was an eye-opener,” Corfman said. “You can’t be riding over your head … just keep it on two wheels and have fun.”

2008-02-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

Off-Road: Tuck wins All American 100 on Sunday
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:28 PM PST

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
A rider races in the AMA District 38 All American 100 on Sunday in Plaster City East.

PLASTER CITY EAST — A bad start in the AMA District 38 All American 100 here Sunday left Brawley’s Aaron Tuck finishing second.

But after the overall leader was officially disqualified Thursday for cutting the race course, Tuck was given his second consecutive district win.

“It was OK,” Tuck said. “I got a really bad start and was dead last off the line, so I just had a lot of dust all day long.”

He had more than plenty of dust as the race, hosted by Imperial Valley Off-Road Racing, had 180 entries during the Presidents Day weekend.

“There were a lot of people, not just racers, but spectators also,” Tuck said. “It was pretty cool. … There were people out in the race course watching everyone.”

The race featured a front-tire straddle start, where riders do just that — they face their motorcycles before jumping aboard and taking off.

“It was just like thunder at the start,” I.V. Racing president Gary Peacock said. “Just like the old days. … It was great and it was fun.”

The next AMA District 38 race is the Rock’n Rooster hosted by Chicken Bones Racing on March 9 at Plaster City West.

But for Tuck, his teammate Cameron Corfman — who finished fourth overall Sunday — and team Threat Racing, the next challenge is the 22nd annual SCORE San Felipe 250 on March 14-15.

“Right now, myself and Threat Racing and Cameron are kind of focusing our attention on that,” Tuck said, “getting everything organized and taken care of.”

All American 100

Overall results

(Top 10 only)

1 n Aaron Tuck

2 n Steve Rich

3 n A.J. Stewart

4 n Cameron Corfman

5 n Todd Barnhill

6 n Jimmy Lopez

7 n Justin Manos

8 n Bobby Kirby

9 n Neil Faber

10 n Cory Evenson

2008-02-22T09:51:00.001-08:00

Off-Road: Sanden wins season opener
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor
Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:28 PM PST

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
ABOVE: Holtville’s Caleb Sanden rides in his No. 1688 Sanden Motorsports car in the MDR Productions’ FUD 200 on Saturday at Plaster City West.

PLASTER CITY WEST — After pre-running the MDR Productions’ FUD 200 on Feb. 15, Holtville’s Caleb Sanden and his Sanden Motorsports team discovered something that would test their resilience.

They discovered broken front springs on the front end of their car hours before the MDR season took off.

“We had to replace the whole front end,” Sanden said. “We knew we had to race. We battled through it, got the front end together and tested it in the early morning.”

It was worth it as Sanden won his 1600 class and finished second overall. The class win wasn’t the way Sanden was looking to kick off his defense of his class championship, but it worked.

“We knew we had a chance. We knew it would be close,” Sanden said. “I had to make up for it in the seat. We knew we were going to have to push the car but not too far.”

Sanden and his team had to work through most of the night to fix the problem.

“We battled that night. We worked in the dust, we lost parts and tools with just one light,” Sanden said. “We pulled together as a team.”

Imperial’s Quentin Tucker, in his first race driving by himself, finished second in the 1600 class — 28 minutes behind Sanden — and fourth overall.

“It’s awesome,” said Tucker of his finish. “I know Sanden, he’s been racing for a few years and he’s really fast and I just have to get some good luck or he get some bad luck so we can win. We all want to win just as bad.”

Tucker, like Sanden, started with a bit of bad luck.

As Tucker and his Lil’ Tucka’ Motorsports team were preparing the car the morning of the race, an oil filter blew off.

“I didn’t think I was going to race, but we got the car together,” Tucker said.

FUD 200

Top nine overall finishers

1 n Shawn McCallum (3:32.30)

2 n Caleb Sanden (4:03.34)

2 n Robert Wagner (4:03.34)

4 n Quentin Tucker (4:31.18)

5 n Ray Files (4:44.52)

6 n Richard Burnworth (5:41.13)

7 n J.C. Andres (6:17.12)

8 n Aaron Celiceo (6:19. 23)

9 n Cliff Zucker (6:55.22)

>> The next MDR race will be the King 250 on April 26.

2008-02-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

OFF ROAD: Sanden kicks off title defense

By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Thursday, February 14, 2008 11:34 PM PST

PLASTER CITY WEST - Caleb Sanden’s title defense in the 1600 class in the MDR Racing Superstition Series kicks off here Saturday with the Fud 200.

“We’re trying to get things going again,” said the Holtville resident. “We won the championship and kind of kicked back a little, but now it’s time to kick back into gear and get going again.”

The Fud 200 marks the first of five Superstition Series races that culminates with the Bud Light Dash 200 on New Year’s Eve.

Sanden and his Sanden Motorsports team are looking to clinch back-to-back series championships.

“We’re definitely out to defend our title,” Sanden said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

The 1600 class also features the most cars competing in the MDR series with fields sometimes reaching as high as 45 cars.

Racing will kick off at 8 a.m. The contingency will be from 4 to 8 tonight.

“We’re really excited to get the season started again,” Sanden said. “It’s a blast to get out there with friends and family.

“It’s just a good time, especially when you’re going out there knowing you’re the defending champion in 1600 … that’s the class to be in.”

2008-01-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)

Off Road: Tuck riding full throttle
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

Aaron Tuck races in the Full Throttle 100 Sunday in Plaster City West. Tuck won the race.
Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:59 PM PST

PLASTER CITY WEST — It was sort of vindication for Brawley’s Aaron Tuck and El Centro’s Cameron Corfman.

Tuck won the Full Throttle 100 presented by Full Throttle MC of San Diego here Sunday, while Corfman battled for a second-place finish.

Tuck, the No. 1 plate holder, moved back into the winner’s circle after finishing second the previous race due to a flat tire.

“I had a trouble-free race this time … no flats, no nothing,” Tuck said. “I got a good start and got out in front and stayed there.”

Corfman’s day wasn’t as easy.

“It was a good race. I crashed on the first lap and A.J. Stewart was in third and passed me,” Corfman said.

Stewart ended up with a flat tire giving Corfman the chance he needed to get back in second.

“He had to stop in the pits for a long time,” Corfman said.

At the Jeffrey Cady Sand Blast on Jan. 6 — the AMA season opener — Tuck suffered a flat tire at the end of the second of four 25-mile loops after he started pulling away from the competition.

He lost time and the top spot with the flat, but was able to make it back to a second-place finish.

At the same race, Corfman was making his return after suffering a concussion a couple races ago. He finished third, but more importantly, regained his confidence and momentum for Sunday’s race.

“It was a good race. I felt great going into the race,” said the No. 2 plate holder Corfman. “It’s the best I’ve ever felt after a race … the battle with A.J. was great.”

Sunday’s crash, wasn’t serious, more of a tip-over at high speed.

“I was probably only down for five second, but it feels like 30 (seconds),” Corfman said. “I was going into some filthy stuff, hit a rock … just tripped over and it was just enough for (Stewart) to get by me.”

Stewart finished in seventh after winning the first race of the season.

Full Throttle 100

Overall finishers (top 10 only)

1 - Aaron Tuck Open

2 - Cameron Corfman Open

3 - Todd Barnhill Senior

4 - Craig Smith Veteran

5 - David Wilson Senior

6 - Steve Rich Veteran

7 - A.J. Stewart Open

8 - Bobby Kirby Open

9 - Mark Brown Sup Senior

10 - Jason Cogbill Veteran

Next points race

All American 100

By Imperial Valley Racing

February 17

Plaster City East

2008-01-12T11:33:00.001-08:00

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Riders (above and below) race at the Santa Claus Sprint 100 on Dec. 16 at Plaster City West presented by IVRacing Off-Road Motorsports — the last race of the AMA District 38 2007 season. The new season kicked off Sunday with the second Jeffrey Cady Sand Blast presented by Over The Belt Racing of San Diego.

Off Road: Tuck, Corman off to a sand blast
By MARIO RENTERÍA, Sports Editor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TOWNSLEY (TNTRACEPHOTOS.COM)
Riders (above and below) race at the Santa Claus Sprint 100 on Dec. 16 at Plaster City West presented by IVRacing Off-Road Motorsports — the last race of the AMA District 38 2007 season. The new season kicked off Sunday with the second Jeffrey Cady Sand Blast presented by Over The Belt Racing of San Diego.

Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:49 PM PST

PLASTER CITY WEST — Brawley’s Aaron Tuck kicked off the AMA District 38 season with a second-place finish overall in the open class at the Jeffrey Cady Sand Blast presented by Over The Belt Racing out of San Diego.

“It’s a pretty good start. I would have liked to win it,” Tuck said.

He didn’t because of a rear flat tire.

“I was doing great. Everything was going good, a great start,” Tuck said. “I started pulling away …”

Then he suffered a flat tire at the end of the second of four 25-mile loops.

“I lost a bunch of time with that,” Tuck said.

But he wasn’t out of it. He recovered, making it back to second place.

“I pretty much caught up, passed everybody,” Tuck said. “I thought I was in the lead.”

He wasn’t.

A.J. Stewart of San Diego was and held on for the overall win.

“It was a good race course,” Tuck said.

For El Centro’s Cameron Corfman, Sunday’s race was about getting back on the motorcycle.

After a crash a couple of races ago, Corfman was making his return to the course and finished third overall in the open class.

“I haven’t really ridden at race-pace until I felt comfortable,” Corfman said. “This race, I felt comfortable.”

He kicked off the first loop with a cautious approach to get back the feel of the motorcycle.

“Within the first lap, I felt 100 percent comfortable,” Corfman said. “I was satisfied.”

Imperial’s David Wilson finished fifth overall.

Remembering a friend

Sunday’s race, named after Jeffrey Cady, attracted about 120 racers and about 100 spectators.

“It was a good race. The Cady family was present. It was windy, but that was minor,” OTB Racing Secretary Ericka DeHoyos said.

Cady was a good friend of DeHoyos’ husband, Reuben, before he died in a race accident on Jan. 15, 2006.

A few weeks later, Reuben DeHoyos and another friend decided to form OTB Racing to organize a race in Cady’s honor.

“That’s the way we started our club,” Ericka DeHoyos said. “My husband and Mark McNeil decided to start their own club.”

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