Just Misses Sweep of Twin Weekend Races to Kick Off 2012 Campaign

LAUGHLIN, Nevada, January 16, 2012 – Having endured a challenging 2011 off-road racing season, Joe Bacal brought his oven-fresh, factory-backed Lexus LX 570 to the 18th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge looking for a bit of redemption.  After narrowly missing victory on Saturday “by one corner,” Bacal set a marker on Sunday with an emphatic win in the Stock Full class against a feisty 2011 class champion.

“We did a lot of work on the new LX to address issues we uncovered in our first two seasons,” said Bacal.  “It paid off big in Laughlin–the truck really flies!  A lot of the new speed comes from an improved suspension, courtesy of King Shocks.”

Bacal had just completed the new LX 570, a badly needed replacement for his battle-scarred first generation racer.  It had virtually zero test time before the Laughlin races and Bacal faced a problem early on.  But once the big LX cleared its throat, Bacal realized he had a very quick racer.

“We had teething electrical problems that slowed the new rig at the start of the first race,” said the 2010 Stock Full class champion.  “It caused the engine to run in limp mode intermittently, but it cleared up long enough that I was able to reel in the leader and nearly got him at the end.”

Although the new Lexus was quick out of the box, Bacal’s rivals in the Stock Full class weren’t making life easy for him, and the race format of multiple laps around a short course made for a lot of wheel-to-wheel racing.

“We diced with the leaders and had to race guys in other classes that we normally wouldn’t run into,” said Bacal.  “The racing was close and we also had some pretty big jumps that kept things interesting.”

In addition to the suspension changes, Bacal’s JT Grey Racing team and his vehicle builder, Geiser Brothers Racing, made further improvements to the big LX 570 in the off season with an eye toward weight reduction and more favorable weight distribution.  The results were encouraging to the team as they look forward to a highly competitive 2012 racing season.

“It’s important for us to start strong this year after the difficulties we faced in 2011,” noted Bacal.  “The competition has also intensified considerably, so we feel really good about our position so far.  Fortunately, our sponsors such as King Shocks, BF Goodrich, KC HiLiTEs and ARB are stepping up to the challenge with us.”

For more information and updates on Joe Bacal, visit www.controlamidchaos.com

Bacal and the JTGrey Racing team acknowledge the following companies for their outstanding products, services and support:

• Lexus
• F-Sport (wheels, performance parts)
• BF Goodrich (tires)
• King Shocks (suspension components)
• KC HiLiTES (lighting)
• Cancer Treatment Centers of America
• Head First Design (graphics and marketing support)
• ARB  (off road accessories)
• Geiser Brothers Racing (vehicle build and prep)

About JTGrey:

JTGrey Performance Driving, LLC was created in 2007 by Joe and Teresa Bacal to provide expert high-performance driving services (on and off-road) to the auto industry and related companies such as parts suppliers, print advertising and marketing agencies and the commercial and feature film industries, among  others.  The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

JTGrey Racing was created by Joe and Teresa Bacal in 2008 to support Joe’s off-road racing efforts and is also based in Phoenix.

Joe Bacal Takes New Lexus to Victory in SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge is a post from: RockCrawler 4x4 and Offroad Magazine

TORRANCE, Calif. – March 3, 2011 – Lexus announced today it will be the primary sponsor for the JTGrey Racing team and its LX 570 flagship luxury utility vehicle in the quest to win the 2011 SCORE Stock Full Championship.

“The JTGrey Racing team demonstrates just how capable, reliable and durable the Lexus LX 570 is,” said David Nordstrom, vice president of marketing, Lexus division.  “It’s exciting to see the LX 570 conquer the rugged and extreme desert terrains with the same nimbleness and dexterity it has when it navigates city streets.  Its off-road mastery combined with its powerful 5.7-liter V8 are sure to be a winning combination again this year.”

Last season, sophomore off-road racer Joe Bacal and his JTGrey Racing team piloted the LX 570 to victory taking the 2010 SCORE Stock Full Championship.  Along the way, the team took first place in the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, SCORE Terrible’s Las Vegas Primm 300, the MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, and Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 races.  The team placed second in the Tecate SCORE Baja 500

“Last year the JTGrey team had an unbelievable racing season,” said Bacal.  “We are prepared for the new challenges this season will bring.  We’ll be racing harder and faster with Lexus this year and expect some great finishes in the LX 570.”

The JTGrey LX is outfitted with 37-inch BF Goodrich Baja TA project race tires, custom King Racing shocks, Sparco race seats, and nine KC Hilites HID’s.  Top Trophy Truck builder Geiser Bros. Design and Development made modifications for the build out and will be on site for race support.

Lexus will be cheering for the JTGrey team and the LX 570 at the upcoming races:

• Mastercraft Safety SCORE San Felipe 250 Race, March 11-13

• 43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 500, June 3-5

• 16th SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300, August 26-28

• 44th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, November 17-20

In addition to Lexus, other sponsors include Hino Trucks, BFGoodrich Tires, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Geiser Bros. Design and Development, King Racing Shocks,  ARB 4×4 accessories, KC Hilites, Head First Design, F Sport, Sparco, Hammer Nutrition, Oakley and Mechanix Wear.

Lexus Races into 2011 with JTGrey Racing Team is a post from: RockCrawler 4x4 and Offroad Magazine

PRIMM, Nevada, September 13, 2010 – Just 15 months ago, Joe Bacal and Lexus surprised the off-road racing establishment with a trouble-free run to victory in the team’s very first race at the 2009 Baja 500.  Since that first success, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America-sponsored team has enjoyed an unbroken streak of wins and podium finishes that on Saturday culminated in their first off-road championship with a dominant Stock Full-class win at the SCORE Terrible’s Las Vegas Primm 300.

“We came into this racing series as off-road racing rookies but we also came prepared,” said Bacal.  “We did our homework and were confident the Lexus would be fast and reliable.  Of course it helps to have a great team and sponsors behind you, too.  Things have worked out pretty well.”

Well enough, in fact, that Bacal’s JTGrey Racing team is now a Lexus factory-supported effort.  Up until recently, the luxury automaker provided help on a limited basis but is now fully behind the team leading into the upcoming Baja 1000, and is committed for the 2011 season as well.  “Having Lexus’ full support behind our racing program is huge,” said Bacal.

It has also helped to have a driver with the grit and determination that Bacal—a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor—has brought to the racing program.  Thus far he has driven every mile of every race, including the 2009 Baja 1000.  Then just days ago, Bacal was preparing for the Primm 300 when he took a wrong step off his trailer and cut his knee almost to the bone, requiring 25 stitches to repair.  But the idea of not racing never occurred to Bacal.

“The timing of my knee injury was pretty bad; I could only do a really quick shakedown of some changes we made to the LX the day before the race,” Bacal lamented.  “We weren’t sure how the new BF Goodrich Baja TA KR Project race tires would feel at speed, but they made a major difference—our average speed for the race was really good.”

With one race left on the SCORE 2010 calendar, Bacal has managed to secure 249 points in the Stock Full class with 3 wins and 1 second place finish.  His nearest challenger has 85 points but cannot score enough to surpass Bacal this year, giving Bacal enough of an edge to claim the class championship.

“It’s been an amazing year for us but the mother of all off-road races is coming around again and we’d really like to win it as well as the Toyota Milestone Award,” noted Bacal.  “THAT would be huge!”

The 43^rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 kicks off on November 17, 2010.

Joe Bacal and Lexus Secure First Off Road Championship is a post from: RockCrawler 4x4 and Offroad Magazine

Bacal and Lexus Take a Beating but Never Falter in Fast-Paced Race

LAUGHLIN, Nevada, January 18, 2009 – In a heart-stopping beginning to his second year in off-road racing, Joe Bacal put his Lexus LX 570 ahead of his closest class rival as they raced flat out to the first corner at the SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge 2010 season opener on Saturday, only to feel the full force of competition slam into him as he headed for the apex.  Rival competitor Justin Matney left a major wound in Bacal’s Lexus as he pushed his way through, but the adrenaline-fired Bacal re-passed Matney shortly after and was never headed again en route to another Stock Full-class victory this past weekend.

This is not to say Bacal never looked back.  “This is one of the most difficult races I’ve done,” said Bacal.  “The longer races like Baja require a more conservative approach to make sure you finish.  But this was a sprint race and pretty much flat out—I didn’t even have time to wipe my visor.  It was crazy but the Lexus is a rocket ship.”

And like Bacal, apparently hard to break.  Despite considerable damage sustained in the crash, Bacal, co-driver Bob Ditner and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Lexus continued unabated after the first-corner dust-up—important because the other competitors weren’t letting up.  After their Saturday triumph, Bacal and Ditner duplicated the feat on Sunday in the second and final round of the Laughlin event.

The two-race format gives competitors a chance to race on Saturday and repair/refresh their vehicles for the second round on Sunday.  The event is the first on the 2010 SCORE calendar and Bacal’s back-to-back victories give him a large lead in the Stock Full class championship after just one race weekend.  “It’s the best possible way to begin the new season,” noted Bacal.  “I have to thank Bob (Ditner) and my team for such a great start.”

Significantly, Bacal and his BF Goodrich-shod Lexus also extended their perfect finishing record.  This was their fourth event since the JTGrey team began its off-road racing campaign with a surprise win at the Baja 500 last year.  The LX 570 has been severely thrashed on the tough desert courses but has finished every time, remarkably with zero flat tires in over 1500 miles of hard desert racing.  Bacal has driven every mile.

Joe Bacal and his JTGrey team race next at the Mastercraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, March 12-14.

# # #

For more information and updates on Joe Bacal, visit www.controlamidchaos.com.

Bacal and the JTGrey Racing team acknowledge the following companies for their outstanding products, services and support:

• Cancer Treatment Centers of America (primary sponsor)
• Lexus (LX 570, original parts)
• BF Goodrich (tires)
• Toyota Racing Development (wheels, performance parts)
• King Shocks (suspension components)
• KC HiLiTES (lighting)
• Head First Design (graphics and marketing support)
• ARB and Old Man Emu (off road accessories)
• Débaufré Swiss Watches
• Sparco (seats, safety equipment)
• Mechanix Wear
• Geiser Brothers Racing (vehicle build and prep)
• Powertank (CO₂)
• Tomo Therapy (Joe’s radiation treatment)

About JTGrey:

JTGrey Performance Driving, LLC was created in 2007 by Joe and Teresa Bacal to provide expert high-performance driving services (on and off-road) to the auto industry and related companies such as parts suppliers, print advertising and marketing agencies and the commercial and feature film industries, among  others.  The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

JTGrey Racing was created by Joe and Teresa Bacal in 2008 to support Joe’s off-road racing efforts and is also based in Phoenix.

Joe Bacal Survives First-Corner Hit to Win Laughlin Desert Challenge is a post from: RockCrawler 4x4 and Offroad Magazine

Cancer Survivor Goes the Distance Solo in Punishing Race

ENSENADA, Mexico, November 23, 2009 – After taking an “out of nowhere” victory at the Baja 500 earlier this season, cancer survivor and off-road rookie sensation Joe Bacal nearly stole the show again with an epic 27-hour drive in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America JTGrey Lexus LX 570 to finish runner-up in the 42nd running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 last Friday and Saturday.

“It’s tough to narrowly miss the big prize, but just crossing the finish line in the biggest off-road race—and doing it after battling cancer—is a victory, both professionally and personally,” said Bacal. “Even after driving straight through the night, I felt good at the finish. I was dialed in and so was my Lexus—this was fun!”

Bacal and navigator Gerald “Smitty” King stormed out of Ensenada at 11:59 Friday morning in the LX 570 and quickly settled into a comfortably quick pace, making good time early on. “King Shocks’ new suspension setup made the LX fast and easy to control,” observed Bacal. But the infamous Baja 1000 lived up to its reputation. Many competitors noted that it was one of the toughest in memory, with dust and visibility a near constant challenge that made passing a precarious process at best. “There were a number of times that I came up to pass slower cars and had to wait a long time because the dust was so heavy and going off course (to pass) was very risky.”

Driving through the dark desert night without the dust presents its own set of visibility problems but Bacal credits the banks of KC HiLiTES on his Lexus for helping him through. “The big KCs really light up the desert,” he noted.

Aside from scheduled stops for fuel, there were few other surprises as Bacal used his considerable off-road skills to keep the big Lexus out of trouble for most of the race. As in his previous races, the BF Goodrich tires never failed, but Bacal did have one mechanical issue that required two stops to finally sort as the pounding desert landscape took its toll. Another unscheduled stop to free the rig after getting stuck briefly and Bacal and King never looked back, arriving back in Ensenada in just over 27 hours.

Their extraordinary effort was only the third race for Bacal and his Cancer Treatment Centers of America-sponsored team, but his consistently high finishes also earned him a remarkable second place in SCORE International’s driver points for the Stock Full class. “I think we surprised a lot of people with our racing program this year,” noted Bacal. “My team, sponsors and family also made huge contributions. Another special mention goes to Long Beach Racers for their excellent race support.”

NBC Sports will provide delayed coverage of this year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, currently scheduled to air on December 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

For more information and updates on Joe Bacal, visit www.controlamidchaos.com.

Bacal and the JTGrey team acknowledge the following companies for their outstanding products, services and support:

• Cancer Treatment Centers of America (sponsor)
• Lexus (LX 570)
• BF Goodrich (tires)
• Toyota Racing Development (wheels, performance parts)
• King Shocks (suspension components)
• KC HiLiTES (lighting)
• Long Beach Racers (race support)
• Head First Design (graphics and marketing support)
• Old Man Emu (off road accessories)
• Débaufré Swiss Watches
• Sparco (seats, safety equipment)
• Mechanix Wear
• Chet Huffman Motorsports (expertise)
• Geiser Brothers Racing (vehicle build and prep)
• Powertank (CO2)
• Zeal Optics (sunglasses)
• IonEarth (global race positioning)

About JTGrey:

JTGrey Performance Driving, LLC was created in 2007 by Joe and Teresa Bacal to provide expert high-performance driving services (on and off-road) to the auto industry and related companies such as parts suppliers, print advertising and marketing agencies and the commercial and feature film industries, among others. The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

JTGrey Racing was created by Joe and Teresa Bacal in 2008 to support Joe’s off-road racing efforts and is also based in Phoenix.

Joe Bacal Captures Second with Marathon Drive in Baja 1000 is a post from: RockCrawler 4x4 and Offroad Magazine

New Developments Position Team to Capture Off-Road’s Top Prize

PHOENIX, November 16, 2009 – It’s said that preparation can make all the difference in challenging endeavors, and Joe Bacal and his JTGrey Racing Team have taken the idea straight to heart for the 42nd running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000—the toughest and most prestigious off-road race in the U.S.—set to start this Friday morning.

Sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Bacal began his rookie off-road racing season in June of this year with a remarkable victory in the Baja 500. He followed with a solid second-place finish at the Primm 300 in the new-to-racing Lexus LX 570 that, much like Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor Bacal, has proven durable and unrelenting. But Bacal knew there was more potential in the Stock Full-class Lexus to make it quicker and easier to drive in rough terrain, so the team spent useful time between races testing and developing various components with their eye on conquering Baja.

“The Lexus has been tough as nails but we knew it had more to give,” said Bacal. “The new setup has transformed the performance and now I can’t wait to put it to the test.”

Bacal also wanted an experienced Baja co-pilot at his side and so hired expert navigator Gerald (Smitty) King to guide him on the notorious race course. King is a veteran in the ultra-quick trophy trucks and is often requested by top desert racers.

Physical and mental preparation is also critical for the grueling desert contest which, like previous events, Bacal plans to drive without relief; King will do the same. “Taking control is something I know well from my cancer experience,” noted Bacal. “You have to take charge and surround yourself with a great team to give yourself the best chance to win.”

By virtue of his Baja 500 victory and Primm 300 podium, Bacal heads into the Baja 1000 second in points in SCORE’s Stock Full class with a legitimate shot at winning the 2009 championship. Bacal has also earned a “Rookie of the Year” nomination on SCORE’s “2009 Off-Roadsman of the Year” ballot.

This year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will start at 6:30 a.m. EST on Friday, November 20 from Ensenada. NBC Sports will cover the event, currently scheduled to air on December 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

For more information and updates on Joe Bacal, visit www.controlamidchaos.com.

Bacal and the JTGrey team acknowledge the following companies for their outstanding products, services and support:

• Cancer Treatment Centers of America
• Lexus (LX 570)
• BF Goodrich (tires)
• Toyota Racing Development (wheels, performance parts)
• King Shocks (suspension components)
• KC HiLiTES (lighting)
• Old Man Emu (off road accessories)
• Débaufré Swiss Watches
• Sparco (seats, safety equipment)
• Mechanix Wear
• Chet Huffman Motorsports (expertise)
• Geiser Brothers Racing (vehicle build and prep)
• Powertank (nitrogen)

# # #

About JTGrey:

JTGrey Performance Driving, LLC was created in 2007 by Joe and Teresa Bacal to provide expert high-performance driving services (on and off-road) to the auto industry and related companies such as parts suppliers, print advertising and marketing agencies and the commercial and feature film industries, among others. The company is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

JTGrey Racing was created by Joe and Teresa Bacal in 2008 to support Joe’s off-road racing efforts and is also based in Phoenix.

Cancer Survivor Joe Bacal to Drive Full Distance in Off-Road Racing’s Ultimate Test: The Baja 1000 is a post from: RockCrawler 4x4 and Offroad Magazine