News
ICON OUTFITTED SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE JEEP
San Bernardino County residents can now explore their wilderness with the peace of mind that the Sheriff dept. SAR team has a Jeep Wrangler in their fleet. You won’t find a Dodge Charger or Crown Vic in the hills looking for a lost hiker, but a Jeep JK equipped with an ICON Vehicle Dynamics 3″ suspension lift, 35″ tires, Baja Rack “Mule” roof Rack, Nitto Trail Grappler Tires and Bushwacker Flat Fender Flares! All products for this build were donated to support our local authorities, here is a current list of products: Build Components Bushwacker Flat Flares Baja Racks “Mule” roof rack ICON Vehicle Dynamics 3″ Suspension lift (w/ 2.0″ Aluminum body ICON shocks) Poison Spyder Customs Rock Brawler front bumper 35″ Nitto Trail Grappler tires Warn Winch Factory Jeep Rubicon axle swap w/ lockers Custom ICON Vehicle Dynamics 17″ rims Factor 55 Pro Link
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ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS / WSI / RPG SNOBALL 500 MENTIONED IN USA TODAY ARTICLE
by Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY Published: 12/08/2012 08:00am In an age of downsized dreams, high-priced gas and a general disdain for supersized living, Ford Motor continues to make a sales star out of a four-by-four pickup truck that kicks sand in the face of convention. It’s the Ford SVT Raptor, a full-gulping 411-horsepower V-8-powered variant of the F-Series pickup riding atop oversized tires. And it is finding new fans for its performance in ice and snow, not just desert dunes and rocky hilltops. The Raptor shows that despite all the forces aligned against it, the market for performance vehicles and brawny pickups in the U.S. auto industry remains intact. Yes, gas mileage has become a top consideration for buyers. But no, buyers aren’t going to sacrifice fun — or a vehicle that best fits their needs — for one that scores on fuel economy. That’s where Raptor comes in. “It has this kind of ‘Oh yeah, watch this’ kind of quality to it,” says Mark Williams, editor of PickupTrucks.com. “There’s a lot of cache.” Raptor competes against the Ram Power Wagon and Ram pickups customized with the Ram Runner desert kit, plus Toyota’s Tacoma Baja pickup. Raptor, however, seems to have found its place in the market by being the do-it-all truck. Despite being basically unchanged for three years, Ford Raptor saw its highest sales in a single month ever in October. The 1,400 Raptors sold for the month topped the previous monthly tally set in April 2011, by 200. The model is on pace to top 13,000 in sales for the year, highest in the three years since its debut. While the sales tallies pales compared to the F-Series pickup sales overall at 520,830 through October — it’s the nation’s best-selling vehicle — the Raptor comes with a high price tag that makes it one of the prizes of Ford’s stable. At $43,340 before delivery charges, the 2013 Raptor starts at almost twice the price of the cheapest F-150. But then again, the thing is a monster — from its 6.2-liter V-8 to its 35-inch all-terrain tires. “If a guy needs that off-road capability, there really is nothing else that can approach it,” says Jamal Hamedi, chief engine for Ford’s global performance vehicles. Hamedi was the part of the team that envisioned Raptor as a desert racer. By the time it had been fitted with touches like long-travel Fox Shox shock absorbers and a front-view camera to give drivers a view of obstacles they can’t see over the top of the hood, it turned out to have decent rock crawling and snow capability as well. When a blizzard shut down travel to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit a couple of years ago, Hamedi says he and two other Ford executives hopped in Raptors and plowed their way from Detroit in less than five hours. Raptor’s icy-weather capabilities are impressive enough that Mark Rowe of Greenburg, Penn., is organizing a 500-mile backwoods rally over the frozen tundra of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in January. The so-called SnoBall 500, which Rowe dreamed up with a few buddies, has already attracted 35 Raptor owners and $20,000 in donated raffle items, with proceeds being donated to charity. Raptor defies stereotypes, Rowe, who works for an oil-services company, says. “Everyone thinks it’s going to ride rough,” he says, but in fact, “It rides like a sports car riding on a marshmallow.” Sure, the gas mileage is pretty awful. It’s government rated at 11 miles per gallon in the city and 16 mpg on the highway, 13 mpg combined. Rowe says despite the fuel use, “It puts a smile on my face every time I get in and pull out of the driveway.” There is little else like a it. Ram developed the Ram Runner kit, costing about $18,000 though its Mopar aftermarket division, to turn its pickups into desert racers. And there has been “a great response to it,” says Steve Houtman of Mopar. The Power Wagon, with its sway bars, winch and Bilstein shocks, is aimed at traversing rough terrain. Because it rides so well, Raptor is attracting a high-end clientele outside of hard-core offroad enthusiasts, says Steve Olliges, president of Team Ford in Las Vegas, one of the nation’s top-selling Raptor dealers and one of the drivers involved in the original testing of the truck. He says some buyers have his and hers Raptors. Some trade in Range Rover for one. Cars.com’s Williams’ says Raptor has proven overall more capable than its rivals. “The way the computer…suspension and traction all work together is amazing,” he says.”As far as vehicles that are run to drive, it’s hard to find vehicle like the Raptor.” Copyright 2012 USATODAY.com Link to Article at USATODAY.com If your interested in taking you’re Ford Raptor and seeing what it can do in the snow filled climate of the Michigan Upper Peninsula, follow this link to get details about signing up. There are 42 trucks registered as of today 12/8/2012, with registration open until 12/21/2012. This event has attracted some major attention with the fact that the Forum thread at www.fordraptorforum.com has over 1400 post and 29,000 views. That is serious for an inaugural event that has some major promise for a long annual future. ICON Vehicle Dynamics and SnoBall 500 organizer Jason Kanakry have been working hard to put on a great event and offer some cool Raffle and Entrant Gifts like an ICON swag pack that currently includes a ICON T-shirt, Stickers, and a KC Hilites 300 lumen LED Flashlight that every registered driver and co-driver will receive. We at ICON Vehicle Dynamics are raffling off the biggest prizes at the even including a set of 3.0 front remote reservoir shocks / Billet uniball upper control arms / and ICON Raptor lower arm skid plates valued at over $4500.00
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ICON SPONSORED MONGO RACING 7200 FINISHES 2012 BITD SEASON STRONG
ICON Vehicle Dynamics Sponsored Mongo Racing Finishes 2012 BITD Off-Road Racing Season Strong and Makes Statement For 2013! The Henderson 250 was the last race of the 2012 Best In The Desert Racing Association season and was held on December 1, 2012 near Henderson NV. Class 7200 was one of the classes where the season points Championship would be decided at the finish line. 2012 was a break through year for Randy Merritt and Mongo Racing from Parker, AZ in their all new Class 7200 built by Tracy Rubio at TNC Machine in Kingman, AZ. Merritt entered the BITD Henderson 250 Third in Class 7200 points with a chance at the 2012 Class 7200 Season Points Championship. Merritt knew he would have to win this race to have a chance at the 2012 Class 7200 Season Points Championship and to win this race would require Merritt to attack the rough and rocky course very aggressively while putting his 2012 KC Hilites General Tire TNC Machine Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck through some of the most extreme torture testing known to man on this day. Merritt debuted his 2012 KC Hilites General Tire TNC Machine Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck at this year’s BITD Mint 400 and posted his first win in Class 7200 at the BITD Vegas 2 Reno, “The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States.” Merritt began the 2012 Henderson 250 first in Class and took the hole shot after the side by side start, but the excitement would be short lived as Merritt and his Co-Rider Chris Golding soon stopped near race mile 5 with flat tire, while stopped the entire Class 7200 and Class 8000 field passed them, and the advantage of class lead was gone. Merritt and Golding soon were back on track again racing hard. At the start of the second 80 mile lap Merritt was making up time and position as crossed the start/finish 7th position. Merritt continued to pick off trucks and cars as he raced across the Nevada desert. By race mile 31 on the third lap Merritt and Golding had again assumed the Class 7200 lead and raced towards the finish line behind their KC Hilites 70W HID Pod lights lighting the way. Near race mile 54 Merritt again was sidelined with flat tire and was passed by the eventual Class 7200 race winner and Class 7200 Points Champion. Merritt crossed the finish line 11 minutes behind the race winner in 2nd place. At the finish line Merritt said, “We had 2 flats today and I take responsibility for them as I was driving very aggressively today because I knew I needed to win this race for a chance at the 2012 Class 7200 Driver Points Championship. Congrats to Sean Backus on his Championship, but I think my team and I have figured this truck out and can’t wait for the 2013 season to start.” Merritt finished the 2012 BITD Henderson 250 in 2nd place in Class 7200 and showed his consistency as he finished 2ndin the 2012 Class 7200 Drivers Points Championship. Randy Merritt and Mongo Racing’s next race is the 2013 Best In The Desert Parker 425, “The Legend Lives On,” January 31-Febuary 3, 2013. The Mongo Racing Class 7200 Unlimited Ford number 7281 is sponsored by KC HiLiTes, General Tires, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Trail Ready Bead Lock Wheels, Kincaid Racing Engines, Yukon, Wilwood, Pro AM, EBC Brakes, Master Craft Safety Innovations, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, Borla Exhaust, MSD Ignition, and Mongo Made Graphics. Visit www.mongoracing.com for additional information about the team and sponsorship opportunity. Photo courtesy of General Tire.
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ICON SPONSORED ALEXANDER MOTORSPORTS TAKES THE 2012 BITD CLASS 5000 CHAMPIONSHIP
The Henderson 250 race in Jean, NV on December 1st was the last race of the Best In The Desert (BITD) 2012 series. This was Alexander Motorsports first year running with BITD; the goal was to be consistent and it proved to be successful. Out of 6 races they were able to podium 5 times, 4 of them being first place. With the Bluewater Desert Challenge race in Parker, AZ Alexander Motorsports already earned enough points to secure the Class 5000 Championship and only needed to start the Henderson 250 race. This was a golden opportunity for Steve Alexander to push the car harder than he ever had to test the new front suspension and prove its reliability. The goal was to overall their heat which started at 9:30am. The first half of the race ran flawless with Steve as the driver and Kris Trajano navigating running in second place, 4 minutes behind the leader, Bryan Folks in his Ford powered Class 1100. After a short pit stop for fuel, and driver/co-driver changes, Doug Roorda with Gavin Ferguson navigating would continue the fight. Doug was able to shorten the distance from the lead car down to 2 minutes. With only 20 miles to the finish Doug clipped the side of a rock at 90 mph, taking out the left rear tire. Unfortunately he chose the worst area to try to change a tire, with a mixture of silt and sand they could not get the car jacked up high enough to remove the tire. After working like 2 groundhogs digging enough dirt out from under the tire, 14 minutes had elapsed and they were now running 10th. Doug hammered down catching and passing one car and giving Alexander Motorsports a 9th overall, 1st in class finish. The new Longero Motorsports front suspension along with ICON Vehicle Dynamics shocks proved to be bullet proof and handled every bit of power delivered by the Wiks Racing Engines Type 4 paired up with the RC Trans prepped Mendeola 2-d. The new air filtration system with K&N Filters kept the motor running clean and powerful. The pre filter worked so well that the secondary filter was spotless. This would not have been possible without the awesome support of the title sponsor KC HiLiTES! Their next race will be the 2013 Best In The Desert Parker 425 “The Legend Lives on” on February 2nd, 2013. Thanks to everyone that made this possible starting with the expert maintenance of the Alexander Motorsports crew and the support of the following sponsors: KC HiLiTES, Livewire Energy, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Wiks Racing Engines, RC Trans, Mickey Thompson Tires, Longero Motorsports, FK Rod Ends, K&N Filters, MSD Ignition, Torco Advanced Lubricants, BTR Wheels, Butch’s Speed Shop and Patrick Sign’s.
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ICON PARTNERS WITH WD-40 / CHIP FOOSE / SEMA CARES F-350 PROJECT
ICON Vehicle Dynamics Partners on WD-40 Specialist/SEMA Cares Chip Foose F-350 Project ICON Vehicle Dynamics is proud to announce we will be a primary partner in the upcoming WD-40 Specialist/SEMACares Chip Foose F-350 project. We are so excited to be a part of this build with great companies and Chip. The Ford Super Duty F-350 will ultimately be auctioned off for a great charity cause. Keep an eye out for more on this project as it develops. WD-40 Company and Chip Foose Partner for Second Year To Design Two Charity Trucks, New Collectible Cans SAN DIEGO – Sept. 4, 2012 – Two of the biggest names in the automotive world are teaming up again – this time with Source Interlink Media – to build two trucks that will benefit a good cause and to create new, limited edition WD-40® Smart Straw® cans that feature some of Chip Foose’s classic vehicle designs. “This year, we’re upping the ante and building two vehicles – one that pays tribute to WD-40 Company’s history and one that celebrates some of its newer specialty products that help auto pros like me get the job done right,” said Foose. “With the help of some great aftermarket partners and a lot of WD-40 brand products, we’ll be able to build two vehicles that honor those who work hard every day.” Foose-Inspired 1953 Ford F-100 Pickup The first Foose-inspired project vehicle is a 1953 Ford F-100 Pickup that commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 Multi-Use Product and looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early ‘50s when the company was called Rocket Chemical Company. With updated drivetrain, suspension, wheels, tires, and paint, the finished WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose ’53 Ford F-100 will be introduced at the 2012 SEMA Show and make stops at key West Coast auto shows and events before being auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities – Childhelp®, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children, and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp, which provides life-changing camping experiences to special needs and chronically ill children. Custom 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty Work Truck The second vehicle in this year’s build program is a custom 2012 Ford F-350 Super Duty work truck that will include Foose-inspired custom front and rear wheel flares, side rockers, and front chin spoiler, among other upgrades. The WD-40® Specialist™/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F-350 represents the new WD-40 Specialist line of products, which help skilled trade professionals get their specific jobs done with ease. Following its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show inside the WD-40 Company booth, this vehicle will be on the road for 16 months making special appearances, and then auctioned to help fund the SEMA Cares scholarship program. “After raising a combined $400,000 for SEMA Cares with our last three project vehicle builds, we expect these trucks to turn a lot of heads and continue to help a great cause,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Company. “Working with Chip, who’s an expert in his trade and has been using our products his whole life, is a great fit and we look forward to showcasing more of his designs on some limited edition cans this fall.” The partnership with Foose is part of an integrated marketing campaign designed to educate automotive professionals and enthusiasts about the many ways to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product and the new WD-40 Specialist line of products to get the job done. WD-40 Company is also partnering with Source Interlink Media (SIM), the premier source of special interest media in the United States, to help get the word out about the charity truck builds. With more than 75 publications, 100 websites, 800 branded products, more than 50 events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, home theater, and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach. WD-40 Company will feature Source Interlink Media on some of its web properties, social media platforms, e-newsletters, signage, collateral, and ads related to the vehicle builds. For more information on the trucks and the collectible cans, check back soon at WD40.com. WD-40 Company, with headquarters in San Diego, is a global consumer products company dedicated to delivering unique, high-value, and easy-to-use solutions for a wide variety of maintenance needs of “doer” and “on-the-job” users by leveraging and building the brand fortress of the company. The company markets multi-purpose maintenance products, which include the WD-40® Multi-Use Product, 3-IN-ONE®, BLUE WORKS®, and WD-40® Specialist™ product lines. The company also markets homecare and cleaning brands X-14® mildew stain remover and automatic toilet bowl cleaners, 2000 Flushes® automatic toilet bowl cleaners, Carpet Fresh® and No Vac® rug and room deodorizers, Spot Shot® aerosol and liquid carpet stain removers, 1001® household cleaners and rug and room deodorizers, and Lava® and Solvol® heavy-duty hand cleaners. WD-40 Company markets its products in more than 160 countries worldwide and recorded sales of $336 million in fiscal year 2011.
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ICON WILL BE AT OFF-ROAD EXPO POMONA BOOTH #4418
ICON at the 2012 Off-Road Expo Who’s going to the 2012 Off-Road Expo in Pomona, CA this year? We will be there in full force, ready to show & tell you about all of our great products, including a couple new ones we think you will really be excited about. We here at ICON have been hard at work developing and testing cool new products that will take your ride to a new level. Make sure to drop by the Pomona Fair Grounds on October 6th & 7th to visit us in BOOTH #4418 – SEE YOU THERE! The 2012 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire offers you the greatest collection of off-road companies, parts, equipment, gear, and experts ever assembled in America. From off-road racing to rock crawling, trail riding to sand sports, to motorcycles and ATVs, to camping and adventure travel, you have the unique opportunity to meet and talk with the most knowledgeable people in the off-road industry. With a full weekend of excitement and 10 acres of off-road vendors in one location, you will see everything that is going on in the dynamic world of off-road. Event Highlights Toyota Ride & Drive Team LOSI Racing / Horizon Hobby Remote Control car off-road obstacle course “SCOREville” – a tribute to the SCORE Baja Legends and the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Live start draw for 45th anniversary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – Saturday Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Exhibition Course High-flying Freestyle Motocross Action Over 300 Off-Road Vendors selling the latest in 4×4 aftermarket performance wares at rock bottom industry prices Meet off-road celebrities like Maxxis Tire driver Brian Deegan! Hourly prize giveaways via Text To Win! Overland Adventure Travel Pavilion Miss Off-Road Expo Contest Live Music All Weekend on the Bud Light Entertainment Stage
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ICON ATTENDS RAPTOR EXPEDITIONS – CREATURES OF THE NIGHT RUN
The “Creatures of the Night” run has officially concluded, with yet another amazing time with some awesome participants. As many of you saw early on, the plans for this run changed not too long before the run was scheduled to begin, due to some of the recent storms and damage the southwest deserts have experienced. We planned a route that we knew was a mixture of mostly high speed trails, with the occasional slow technical section to mix things up. The group met in Victorville at 9PM for a bite to eat, followed by time for each owner to do any last minute prep work and modifications if needed. Most participants took advantage of the time and filled their stomachs and gas tanks before getting together for a quick driver’s meeting before we began the run that evening. Monster Energy provided the group with the needed energy for a long night ahead, as the cans were quickly snatched up by all participants before heading off. With a mixture of new faces, and VERY familiar ones (RICK!) the group of almost a dozen Ford Raptors set off to complete our designed route from Victorville to Las Vegas, Off Road. The trail begins with what you could consider a short “warm up” to get everybody settled in and comfortable… what was next was surely to be considered a nail-biter! During our driver’s meeting we discussed this section, ensuring everybody knew this was NOT a section to be taken lightly! Windy tight trails, up and over the ridgelines heading out of Victorville, giving the run’s participants an enjoyable yet very technical and challenging section of trail. The roar of the Raptor’s 6.2L engine could be heard echoing through the narrow passages our group was now navigating. Our General Tires kept the support team and various participants on course, leading the group along this treacherous, yet enjoyable stretch of trail. Our first stop on this windy section was to assist Dave Corbett in his white supercab, who had experienced an inner fender liner issue due to a nice front end G-out. His Co-Driver and Kenny from the R.E. group jumped right on it, and pulled the problematic fender. We were on our way, and Dave caught up to the group in no time! For those of you who don’t know Dave, he was involved in a motorcross accident years ago, and is paralyzed from the waist down. He drives his Raptor with hand controls, and really flies! He truly lets nothing hold him back from doing what he loves… The trucks re-grouped at the crossing of the I-40 interstate, where a short break before heading up to our next section of trail. Our original route had the group travelling down the wash sections for about 5 miles… but due to the floods the days before, Connor made the call to bypass this section, due to safety concerns of possible un-marked cautions, and very unstable soft terrain. So, after a short 2 mile drive on the I-15 interstate we bypassed the section in question, and were on our way to our next off road section.The wind picked up a small amount on the next small stretch, traversing some gas line roads, which parallel the I-15 corridor. An extremely fun, windy yet non-technical stretch of trail brought us to our turn onto a large dry-lake bed… which thankfully was still dry! From there, the group forged on towards a long, very high-speed section of dirt roads carving our way through Fort Irwin. Some of the participants spent time exploring the mock towns used for soldier training, while we re-grouped once again before heading southeast towards Baker.The next sections seemed to fly by, as we make GREAT time into Baker, allowing the group to fuel up the trucks and their bellies if needed. By now, most participants were starting to push themselves into second gear, as fatigue mixed with adrenaline started setting in. As we hit the trails once again for the next stretch, the group experienced just how these storms can affect the landscape and what once were groomed trails… wash-outs, debris, and sudden drops were all cautions that although marked, were still a surprise to most drivers! The driver’s concentration is truly in full effect, as they attempt to analyze the terrain with nothing but headlights, bolt-on spotlights, and LED light bars to show the way. As the sun slowly began to rise, the group made a scenic stop at the Cima Lava Tubes. Natural underground caves, formed from centuries-old lava flows in the area… With the large volcanoes in the background, the group had a short hike up to the caves. What makes big tough men act like scared little girls? Well, apparently “Bats” do! Haha! The cave’s natural inhabitants were not phased by the tourists, although our group definitely got a kick out of seeing some natural phenomenon mixed in with the off road driving. By the time we left the lava tubes, the sunrise was in full effect, making for an absolutely BEAUTIFUL drive towards Cima Rd. As we flipped our Oakley shades on to help shield the rising sun. The joshua trees lined both sides of the trail, which was compromised of white, brown, red, and black dirt… a truly stunning section of trail, which also happens to be some of the groups favorite sections! High speeds, with sudden drops, which can be taken at high speed, keep drivers and passengers on their toes. Soon after, the group made a quick stop at the Shell station to re-group before heading north. The group crossed over the hills and into the valley, passing the Sky Ranch Estates. Connor offered a tour of the estates to the drivers who haven’t experienced the odd community… where their hangar is literally in their driveway! RSV1 experienced a minor electrical issue, which gave the group an opportunity to help the RE team for a change! Gary with the fuses, and Gordon with the muscles!We then headed east, over the mountain pass leaving Sky Ranch Estates, towards Goodsprings. This windy stretch of trail snakes through some incredible canyon views, as the wide sweeping trails allow for some high speed drifting in a truly scenic location. The smooth graded trails were enjoyed by all, as we headed into what is arguable the roughest section of trail our groups usually experience. All drivers did a GREAT job of navigating the rough rocky sections of trail, avoiding sharp boulders and some very deep washouts! The Method Wheels (wheel choice of most the participants on the run) held up perfect under the rock-crushing punishment we were putting these trucks through. Remarkably, the group made it through the rough section without a single incident… keep in mind this was around 8AM, when our minds and body’s were about ready to get some rest! A quick photo op at the end of the trail on Day 1!Soon we were headed to the Hard Rock Hotel… where Connor had arranged early check-in for the group! Most of us had a quick bite to eat for breakfast before heading up to our rooms. From there, some relaxed… some slept… some hit the pool… and others hit the bar! Saturday was a blast, and all participants took advantage of the extra time in Vegas to enjoy themselves… whether at the pool, Freemont Street, or the casinos, it was a great day. We all met up at 8:30PM at P.F. Chang’s Chinese restaurant for a group dinner, where we shared stories from our run… and our Saturday activities! The group presented Connor with an “Emergency Kit” for use next time he finds himself in a bind… after dinner, the group was free to go their separate ways, although there was a small gathering poolside at the Hard Rock, where we shared some after dinner mixed drinks, Azunia Tequilla shots, and camaraderie among participants before heading to bed to rest for day 2’s ride home!Rise and shine. 8:30AM at the valet, where the Hard Rock Hotel was gracious enough to allow us to use their valet staging area to prep our trucks for day 2! Day 2’s route was to be the same return route as our night run, allowing for a change of scenery in the daylight, as well as a chance to run some of the trails that would now be familiar to most drivers. This was very evident, as the group made progress at a BLISTERING pace not typically experienced with our group runs. In just 2 short hours, we were already at the Cima lava fields, and heading towards baker. Day 2 was also used for some great photo ops. Here are some of the photo’s taken by Gary Fries, beautiful as always!As RSV4 stopped to lend a hand with a tire change-out, we heard a call come over the radio that something had happened to Truck #1, with driver Rick Ryckman. Rick and Scott (Rick’s Co-Driver) were on the last stretch of trail heading into Baker, when we heard them call for help over the radio. Originally, we only knew a few things… one, that they had an emergency… and two, that the truck was on it’s side! Unfortunately, during the rollover, the radio for Rick’s truck had somehow been keyed and was stuck broadcasting, making communication for everybody else very difficult. Gordon Brown and his Co-Driver Jeff were first on the scene, as they were behind Rick. To the relief of Gordon and Jeff, they found Rick and Scott both on their feet, outside the truck walking around. Shortly after, Gordon made a broadcast to all parties that everybody was “OK” and there was no injury or emergency. Not long after the rollover, the truck was pulled back onto it’s wheels and the damaged body work was stripped, leaving a bare front end! A few engine cranks later, and the truck started right up to the surprise of everybody watching. A quick analysis by the R.E. crew, and it seemed the truck was 100% fine, mechanically! The decision was made by Connor to drive the truck back to the Outlaw shop, avoiding a tow and allowing the crew to show how tough these trucks really are! Some pictures of Rick’s truck, and Rick posing for the camera!For those of you that know Rick, there are a few things that everybody undoubtedly agrees on. Rick drives fast, gets right to business, and is fearless behind the wheel! Rick constantly pushes his truck to the limit of what is feasible in a factory pre-runner like the Raptor. With that in mind, Rick took the proper steps and had his truck built to withstand the type of abuse he puts it through, in addition to making it safe in the process. He is a long-time veteran of the Raptor Expedition runs, and has almost 10 runs under his belt. Any time you’re pushing yourself to the next level, which Rick typically CANNOT resist, you walk a delicate line. If given the choice of driving “fast” or “faster”, Rick will always push himself to be “faster” and in that respect has definitely improved his skill and speed over the past year or so we have shared on these runs. Above all, the team at Raptor Expeditions is relieved that Rick has chosen to spend the money to be responsible in his pursuit of speed. Rick, you’re a joy to have on the runs, and we’re all very thankful that you and Scott escaped without injury. Props for being calm and cool, and we CAN’T WAIT to see what’s in store for you and your truck after the rebuild. After Rick’s stunt show, the group decided it was a good time to wrap up for the day, as everybody’s adrenaline was starting to subside. We fueled the trucks in Baker, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and then all participants headed their separate ways. All in all, it was a GREAT run, and all participants truly shared what we at R.E. consider one of our favorite runs to date. The run’s participants also had the first hand opportunity to see how tough these Raptors really are, even after a seemingly devastating roll-over, the truck was driven 200 miles back to Los Angeles! Talk about “Ford Tough”! We’d like to thank everybody that joined us on the run, and for helping out when needed! We were more than happy to have the Icon crew join us for a run, and while we showed them what our expeditions group does, they got a chance to demonstrate some of their skills behind the wheel of their Icon-prepped Raptor. We’re looking forward to seeing more vendors on these runs in the future, and hoping to see the Icon boys on more runs in the future! As always, a special thanks to Gary Fries for taking incredible photos. Looking forward to the next one.
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ALEXANDER MOTORSPORTS AT THEIR FIRST BITD VEGAS TO RENO
Alexander Motorsports showed up to the Best in the Desert “General Tire Vegas to Reno” debuting not only their Longero Motorsports fabricated front boxed trailing arms that deliver 16″ of travel but also a new Type 4 2820cc by Wiks Racing Engines and a new air filtration system using K&N air filters. The plan was to run a clean race, putting the new package to a full test by finishing 534 miles. The first racers left the starting line in Beatty, NV before the sun came up while Alexander Motorsports had their final pit meeting with their 3 chase crews assuring everyone knew where they had to be. The trucks were loaded with pit boxes, tires, several cases of water and Livewire Energy chews to keep everyone alert. Alexander Motorsports left the line as the second Class 5 around 11 o’clock. 5 minutes later the GPS called it quits, after 3 attempts to bring it back to life Steve Alexander informed navigator Gavin Ferguson that they were going to be racing “old school style” – if you can’t see it, get off the gas. Within 20 minutes 5005 had taken the lead. The new Wiks racing engine was delivering unbelievable torque to the bulletproof RC Trans prepped Mendeola; no matter how deep the silt was, car 5005 pushed past every stuck vehicle that fell victim to the relentless Nevada silt. 2 hours after the start they reached Pit 3, 99 miles into the race for their first fuel stop. The car was performing flawless. After a quick splash of fuel they went on to attack more silt. Pit 5, 192 miles into the race, car 5005 still running flawless was due for fuel and a driver change – Doug Roorda would change out with Steve, navigator Gavin was staying in the car. Alexander Motorsports received word that they were the only class 5 still running. Pit 9, 307 miles into the course was the next scheduled pit stop for fuel and a rear tire change. While averaging almost 44 mph and with 7 hours and some change since the start Doug and Gavin charged out of Pit 9 to battle the night with one thing on their minds – a finish. Unfortunately 8 miles later the steering rack had other plans and snapped leaving car 5005 without steering at mile 315. Luckily it broke loose in an area without cliffs or other dangers that could have been critical for passengers and car. With no possible way of fixing the damage, Steve Alexander had to make the unfortunate call to end the race. Alexander Motorsports would be a given a first place DNF. Everything performed just as we had planned, no matter what the terrain dished out. Unfortunately due to an unforeseen circumstance out of our hands we had to end the race early. Our next race will be the Best in the Desert Bluewater Challenge in Parker, AZ on October 13th and 14th, 2012. Thanks to everyone that made this possible starting with the expert maintenance of the Alexander Motorsports crew and the support of the following sponsors: KC HiLiTES, Livewire Energy, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Wiks Racing Engines, RC Trans, Mickey Thompson Tires, Longero Motorsports, FK Rod Ends, K&N Filters, MSD Ignition, Torco Advanced Lubricants, BTR Wheels, Butch’s Speed Shop and Patrick Sign’s.
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BITD “VEGAS TO RENO” RANDY MERRITT AND MONGO RACING WIN CLASS 7200
Randy Merritt and Mongo Racing Win Class 7200 At the “Longest Off-Road Race in the United States” BITD “Vegas to Reno” By Steven Draper On Friday, August 17, 2012, Randy Merritt and Mongo Racing finished 1st in their class for the 3rd time in the Best In The Desert’s “General Tire Vegas to Reno, The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States.” The Best In The Desert Racing Association began putting on the “Vegas to Reno, The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States” in 1996 and Randy Merritt has raced 12 of the past 16 races, with 3 class wins and 6 finishes of 4th place or better. Randy Merritt and Tracy Rubio teamed up for the driving duties for this great event. Tracy Rubio, designer and fabricator of the 2012 KC Hilites General Tire TNC Machine Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck, is known in the Off-Road Racing community for building and racing his TNC Machine Unlimited Trick Truck out of Kingman AZ; and started this year’s “Longest Off-Road Race in the United States” first in Class 7200 ahead of the other 20 official starters. Tracy Rubio started the race with Chris Golding in the Navigator’s seat and stayed in the physical lead for the first 281 miles of the 534 mile Off-Road race. Of the 21 Class 7200 starters the top 8 broke out into three groups within minutes of each other. At Race mile marker 281, or Pit 8 near the Coaldale Junction on US 95 in Nevada, Rubio brought in the KC Hilites, General Tire, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck for its second full fuel stop and a driver change. Randy Merritt, Owner and Driver of the KC Hilites, General Tire, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck, took over driving with RD Minor in the Navigator’s seat. During the pit stop Merritt was passed by truck 7205, who then assumed the lead. When Merritt exited the Pit he was in catch up mode. Within miles, Merritt was only seconds behind the lead truck and maintained a pace knowing there was still over 200 miles left in the race. Near Race mile marker 335, Merritt passed truck 7205 for the physical lead and later found out the pass was also for the lead on corrected time as the race was over for truck 7205. Merritt now had an approximate 15-20 mile lead on the next 3 trucks, but Merritt maintained his pace knowing from experience that anything could happen and no lead is safe until the finish. Merritt stopped for his last scheduled fuel stop near Race mile maker 389 and was out with an approximate 20 mile lead over the next 3 trucks. The Mongo Racing team went to the Finish line in Dayton NV for the finish. The team was notified that the KC Hilites, General Tire, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Mongo Racing Class 7200 Truck was stopped near Race mile marker 520 according to the IRC Satellite tracking system. The team waited at the finish line knowing what ever happened to the truck had to be repaired by Merritt and Minor and waited helplessly. After approximately 15 minutes the IRC Satellite tracking system showed Merritt moving at speed again, but the top 3 trucks were now within a few miles of each other. At the Finish Line the Mongo Racing crew watched as the KC Hilites, General Tire, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck crossed the finish line 1st while starting the stopwatches to count down the time required to ensure a Class 7200 win. The Mongo Racing team and fans waited anxiously for the next 11 minutes. Shortly after eleven minutes the next 2 Class 7200 trucks crossed the finish line and the IRC Satellite tracking showed Randy Merritt as the unofficial Winner of Class 7200 of the 2012 Best In The Desert “General Tire Vegas to Reno, The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States.” After the race Merritt told the Dusty Times reporter, The KC Hilites, General Tire, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Mongo Racing Class 7200 Ford Truck ran great and the Mongo Racing team did a great job with the pits and pre-race preparations. It was a long and tough race. Merritt added the course was either fast or grueling and this was only the 3rd race for this truck and team; and to finish the 2012 Best In The Desert “General Tire Vegas to Reno, The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States” with a 1st in Class 7200 is a huge accomplishment. At the awards ceremony, Merritt gave a lot of credit for win to the team and to Tracy Rubio of TNC Machine for design and durability of this new race truck. Merritt also thanked KC Hilites, General Tire, ICON Vehicle Dynamics for the ZETA Coil Over and Bypass shocks, and all the other sponsors that support Mongo Racing. The Mongo Racing Class 7200 Unlimited Ford number 7281 is sponsored by KC HiLiTes, General Tires, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Trail Ready Bead Lock Wheels, Kincaid Racing Engines, Yukon, Wilwood, Pro AM, EBC Brakes, Master Craft Safety Innovations, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, Borla Exhaust, MSD Ignition, and Mongo Made Graphics.
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