Riverton,
Utah, June 25 The Goodyear Skyjacker Extreme Rockcrawling Nationals
is now at the midway point in the 2002 season. The second half
of the year kicks off in Cedar City, Utah July 11-13. Coming into
this event Mike Shaffer has the lead in the series with consecutive
wins in Farmington N.M and in Vernal UT. This makes the history
books as no competitor has won two consecutive events in RCAA’s
four-year history. Trailing behind him at a distance of only three
positions (6 points) is Joel Randal. Joel is very consistent and
has the luxury of the second position being much less stressful.
Equally distanced behind him is Jason Paule. When RCAA’s
President Ranch Pratt was asked about the tight points race, he
responded, “It’s far from over, last year Shannon
Campbell dropped from 2nd to 8th in one event. One broken part
or clipped gate can change everything.”
The third
event being in Cedar City is very critical. RCAA started rockcrawling
competitions in the Cedar area and it quickly earned a reputation
as one of the hardest areas in the country. Survival here is critical
for those who wish to take the title. Cedar City is known for
its hospitality to RCAA, it’s competitors, media, and fans.
Maria, the Marketing Director for Iron County Tourism said, “Everybody
loved the event.” She also said it was a success adding
excitement to Cedar’s annual July Jamboree. This year expect
even more participation and some very important announcements
being made at the July Jamboree.
In other
news, RCAA’s President Ranch Pratt promised no new rule
changes at the beginning of the 2002 season, except in the name
of safety; addendums could be added. In short the following rules
were added and made effective May 15th 2002. In respects to safety.
(1)”Judges will not start an obstacle without all areas
of the course being clear of spectators.” (2)“If,
during the timed portion of an obstacle, spectators cross a pennant
barricade the judge may stop the clock and progression of a team/competitor
until such time as the course is cleared. (3) “Spotters
straps may not be wrapped around the spotter’s wrist.”
(4) Penalty points may now be assessed if a competitor breaks
RCAA rules. “This includes all rules including sportsmanship
which may be in addition to disqualification.
On another
note, RCAA is pleased to announce the support of Tuffy
Security Products to the sport of rock crawling.
Tuffy is the leading manufacturer of security consoles in the
four-wheel drive industry, especially in the Jeep arena. “Having
Tuffy as a sponsor adds greatly to RCAA’s credibility and
we are excited to help in any way possible with their marketing
efforts,” said Pratt.
Mid-Season
Points and Standings