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  • Nexen Tire USA Earns Podium Finish in First-Ever Appearance At King of the Hammers!

    — True North Racing – Supplied with Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road Tires – Earns Second-Place Podium Finish in Grueling Off-Road Race —

    DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2019) – Nexen Tire America, Inc., a worldwide leader in high-performance, passenger, SUV/light truck and winter tire technology, took its premier Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road tires to the 2019 King of the Hammers off-road racing event and earned a second-place podium finish in the 4WP Every Man Challenge with racing partner True North Racing.Nexen Tire made its first-ever appearance at the event by partnering with True North Racing and its driver, Alex McNeil, who pilots the #4675 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Alex finished second-place in the Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class with an elapsed time of 8:48:13. The well-established Canadian racing team set out to showcase how well Nexen Tire’s Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road Tires perform under demanding off-road conditions. True North Racing competed in the 4WP Every Man Challenge, a race consisting of a two-lap course designed to test the limits of its competitors and their equipment. The race dictates each competitor must use the vehicle’s factory frame, engine and transmission, as well as 35-inch DOT approved tires, single 2.5-inch diameter shocks on all four corners and mechanical-type steering.

    “It’s a challenge just to even finish the course, so Alex’s second place was a pretty amazing accomplishment. We were confident in the MTX’s ability to tackle these conditions, and it was great to be able to back that up with a podium finish,” said Paul Jho, motorsport senior manager for Nexen Tire. “The Roadian MTX is designed for both casual off-roaders and tough competitive conditions and that is exactly what Alex and the True North Racing Team needed to finish one of the most demanding off-road races on the planet.”

    Nexen Tire’s Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road Tire was an early front-runner at this year’s King of the Hammers. Many teams who enter the race do not finish within the allotted time frame — let alone finish at all — due to mechanical failures, rollover risks and especially tire failures. With confidence in Nexen Tire’s Roadian MTX, McNeil and the team completed the race with a podium finish on the exact same set of 35×12.5×17-inch tires they started with. This illustrates the tough-as-nails reputation the Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road Tire has earned in the competitive-racing sector and overall off-road community.

    The Roadian MTX Extreme Off-Road Tire sports top features such as:

    • Available in more than 35 different sizes including 33-, 35- and 37-inch
    • Roadian MTX’s aggressive design embraces on- and off-road versatility
    • Distinctively designed dual sidewalls – Beast and Machine – giving the customer the freedom to choose the look that best represents their lifestyle and vehicle
    • Standard 3-ply construction and F-Load rating- weight rating makes the Roadian MTX perfect for towing and heavy loads
    • Max 80 PSI to support high-load conditions
    • Tread-block design helps to eliminate noise, harshness and vibration transferred into the cabin
    • Exceptional low-air qualities for maximum performance in off-road and mud terrain environments

    “These tires surpassed all of our expectations in terms of performance and durability,” said McNeil, driver of the Nexen Tire Sponsored #4675 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. “We are beyond impressed with the Roadian MTX’s ability to handle the most tortuous conditions that a tire can be subjected to with ease and we are very excited about our continuing partnership with Nexen Tire.”

    For more information, please contact nexen@godriven360.com or call 310-374-6177.

    About Nexen Tire:

    Inspired by Nexen’s global family of drivers to engineer superior performing tires – from championship-winning Formula DRIFT drivers, rock-climbing off-road enthusiasts to everyday commuters – Nexen Tire utilizes proprietary technology and the highest quality standards in the industry to guarantee world-class products backed by unrivaled customer support for the life of each tire. As a worldwide leader in high-performance, passenger, SUV / light truck and winter offerings, the company is second-to-none in research, development and state-of-the-art manufacturing. And as part of a select group of tire manufacturers worldwide that are specified as standard fitment on original equipment vehicles, Nexen delivers premium products at a sensible price. Find out more about how Nexen has your back at nexentireusa.com – and join us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. #WeGotYou #NexenTire #NexenRacing

  • Hatch Racing Debuts the Latest Jimco-built Creation

    Every facet of a Jimco-built chassis is a combination of history and innovation; a result of four decades of experience handcrafting championship off-road racecars. Inspired by the popularity of the legendary Trophy Truck class, the Spec TT platform was conceived as an intermediary between the limited and unlimited truck classes.  Modeled after Jimco’s championship Trophy Truck chassis, the 6100 Trophy Truck Spec is the culmination of 40 years of race-winning experience and is delivered competition-ready.

    Ernesto Araiza

    When 2018 SNORE Class 10 Champion and loyal Jimco car owner Fred Hatch was ready to take on the ultra-competitive Spec TT class, he once again called on the artists and engineers at Jimco to design, construct, and deliver the next masterpiece in his collection.  Last December, Hatch Racing took delivery of their new truck at the SNORE Rage at the River in Laughlin, Nevada. With no testing time due to bad weather, the Hatch Racing Spec TT finished third – straight out of the box in both the Unlimited Sportsman and 6100 Truck classes.

    The Hatch Racing Spec TT features many of the same components and abilities as its iconic counterpart however the stock sealed GM LS3 engine and Gearworks 3-speed Turbo 400 transmission package provide a relatively affordable option compared to the unlimited class trucks.  Jimco’s lightweight and nimble Spec TT chassis design combined with GM’s LS3 power plant delivers an uncompromising performance-oriented machine while also maintaining the competitiveness that made this one of the fastest growing classes in the desert.

    Click here to see the full feature.

    About Race-Dezert.com
    Race-Dezert.com was created by off-road enthusiasts, giving off-roaders a place online to share information about the sport and culture of off-road racing.  Based in Southern California, Race-Dezert.com highlights the off-road disciplines of desert racing, short course off-road, stadium truck racing, rally raid, rally racing and rock crawling.

    Our goal is to connect the world of off-road racing globally, bringing people together through the common denominator of off-road culture.  Whether you are a racer, a promoter, a chase team member, a casual fan, or just interested in learning about off-road, Race-Dezert.com is a place where you can learn about the sport and culture of off-road racing.

  • BFGoodrich Racers Reign at King of the Hammers

    BFGoodrich wins overall for the ninth time in 13 years

    GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 15, 2019 — BFGoodrich racers dominated the notoriously tough King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, Calif., handily winning three of the four major events.

    The 235-mile King of the Hammers race takes Ultra4 cars through extreme rock crawling for one of the most grueling events in off-road racing. BFGoodrich racer Jason Scherer earned his third Ultra4 crown at King of the Hammers, and second in a row. No other racer has won back to back. The win earned him a $10,000 contingency prize from BFGoodrich and $65,000 from the race purse.

    Racing on custom BFGoodrich® Baja T/A® KR3-SR tires made specifically to win King of the Hammers, Scherer completed the race in six hours and 32 minutes – five minutes ahead of the next driver. 

    “I’m amazed we’ve started two King of the Hammers races in a row and have won back-to-back races on the same set of tires we started with. That is probably one of the most amazing feats that occurs in this brutal race,” Scherer said. “I appreciate everything BFGoodrich has done for our team to develop the best tires to conquer the harshest terrain imaginable.”

    In the King of the Hammers Desert Invitational, T1 desert trucks raced for a large prize pot of $125,000. In the end, the top five racers were all on BFGoodrich tires. The top three split the entire prize.

    Luke McMillin took first place in the T1 race, winning on 40-inch BFGoodrich® Baja T/A® KR3 tires and taking home $100,000. Justin Lofton, also a BFGoodrich racer, came in second place, winning $15,000. BFGoodrich racer Apdaly Lopez claimed third place and $10,000.

    In the King of the Hammers UTV competition, Mitch Guthrie Jr. won for the second time, competing on BFGoodrich® Baja T/A®KR2 UTV tires.

    “For this race, tire choice is the most important thing, and that’s why I run with BFGoodrich,” Guthrie said. “Not only did I have zero flats, but the tires helped guide me up some of the nastiest rock sections on the planet. Whether it was fast desert lakebed or slow rock sections, my tires helped me win.”

    BFGoodrich Motorsports Manager Peter Calhoun said the weekend wins were a significant milestone as the 2019 racing season gets underway. 

    “The 2019 season is off to a very strong start for us,” Calhoun said. “We’ve seen overall wins in the Dakar Rally, the Best in the Desert Parker 425 and now King of the Hammers. We’re thankful to all the racers who trust us to get them their wins.”

    About BFGoodrich® Tires

    With more than 100 years of heritage, BFGoodrich® Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 45 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich Tires delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences, from ultra-high performance street to off-road terrain, with one common theme — extreme performance. Upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, www.BFGoodrichracing.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Instagram or Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

  • The Mint 400 Announces Race Day Live Stream

    Watch The Great American Off-Road Race for free on YouTube and Facebook

    The Mint 400 announced their second annual live stream schedule today. New to 2019, they have expanded the coverage to include two days of fantastic race action. The two-day format will build on the storied events wildly successful live stream roll out, that reached over a quarter of a million unique visitors in 2018.

    This years program will be available on TheMint400.com as well as select sponsor websites, YouTube and Facebook, and fans will be able to tune in on their computers and handheld devices from anywhere in the world to follow The Great American Off-Road Race™.  On air talent will include off-road racing and motocross legend Ricky Johnson, off-road cultural icon Bob Bower, Ultra-4 competitor and KOH announcer Jim Marsden, and roving pit reporter Tiffany Stone. 

    2018 Mint 400 Photography

    “In 2018, The Mint 400 hit some significant milestones with the debut of our live stream package. The entire race was captured by our massive crew of photographers and cinematographers and broadcast internationally for twelve hours to over 250,000 viewers,” said Mint 400 CEO, Matt Martelli.  “Mint 400 fans at home, on their mobile device, and at the race were all able to see unparalleled off-road race coverage of over 400 entries. Our social media impact in 2018 increased 290%, partly due to this new component.”

    2018 Mint 400 Photography

    The Mint 400 live stream expansion this year will include a slew of new features and guests, including recaps highlights, and live coverage of the motorcycle and four wheel vehicle racing on Saturday March 9th as well as twelve hours of dedicated four wheel vehicle race coverage on Sunday March 10th. Saturday will feature hundreds of motorcycles competing in nineteen different classes in the morning, and eighteen classes of trucks, Jeeps, UTV’s, stock Volkswagens and vintage off-road race vehicles in the afternoon. Sunday morning the Class 10 cars, Pro UTV’s and five other classes will battle, making way for the Unlimited Trucks, Class 1 Cars, 6100 trucks, and more in the afternoon. 

    The live R/F helicopter downlink that debuted in 2018 will return again this year, piloted once again by John Tamburro of Pursuit Aviation. The system will feature a Cineflex RED MONSTRO 8K system operated by world renowned cameraman Dave Arnold, capable of transmitting an incredible twenty-three miles. The Mint 400 broadcast team executed an extensive amount of R&D in the off-season to test ways to incorporate multiple remote cameras throughout the course during the broadcast and overcome the topographical challenges of filming around the beautiful 4000’ McCullough mountain range. Their new technical solutions will be a game changer for both the industry & the viewer.


    “We’ve spent the last eight years producing the most dynamic and engaging off-road race program on the planet, for every major network from SPEED to NBC to ABC. We’re now in our second year of building the new gold standard for live streaming off-road racing, and we’ve amassed a team of incredibly experienced veterans to deliver the goods,” stated Mint 400 COO, Josh Martelli. “Our lead producer Jason Markham Exec produced the 28 hours of Live CORR (Championship Off Road Racing) coverage on both NBC Network & SPEED Channel in addition to the 56-hours Live to tape for both networks when HD broadcast was just taking hold. Together with Brian Lippy and his team at Highwire Digital, we’ve once again stacked the deck so that our racers and our sport get the same level of professional coverage as NASCAR, IMSA, and Formula 1.”

    In addition to the live stream, The Mint 400 will once again feature the state-of-the-art Yellow Brick Leaderboard and Tracking System, providing race fans and teams up to minute coverage of their favorite racers and classes all weekend.  The combination of the live stream, tracking, leaderboard and social media coverage will once again raise the bar for off-road racing media coverage.

    The live stream, race leaderboard and race tracking links can be found at TheMint400.com beginning Thursday of race week.

    About The Mint 400
    Known as “The Great American Off-Road Race™,” The Mint 400 is the most celebrated, prestigious, and challenging off-road race on the planet. This annual four-hundred mile marathon between the top off-road racers in the world includes over four hundred and fifty race teams in twenty-four different classes of off-road vehicles. Established in 1968, The Mint 400 is steeped in American lore. Thousands of racers and celebrities from around the world have attempted to tame the brutal Nevada desert, but less than half of them have ever finished the Mint. An entire week of events lead up to the famed off-road contest in and around Las Vegas, including a vehicle parade down the Las Vegas Strip, a drivers meet and greet, a pit crew challenge contest, the Miss Mint 400 beauty pageant, massive parties, a qualifying race, and a huge ten-block “contingency” gathering on Fremont Street East. Over forty-thousand spectators gather to watch the world’s best off-road race teams do battle at The Mint 400!

    About Mad Media
    Established in 1995, Mad Media is a San Diego based marketing and creative agency, specializing in adrenalized film and television production. Owners Matt and Josh Martelli have spent over two decades crafting authentic, culturally engaging brand messages in print, web, photography, and film platforms for some of the worlds top brands including Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, and Polaris Industries.  Mad Media’s viral film projects, such as the Gymkhana series and XP1K series, have been viewed hundreds of millions of times. From their early days as pioneers of branded viral video content for skateboard companies Osiris and Expedition, to their most recent work spreading the gospel of off-road racing with the world famous Mint 400, Mad Media remains a powerhouse pioneer of digital media.

  • Rancho(R) Announces Official Sponsorship of the 2019 Jeep Jamboree USA Program

    Enthusiast-First Suspension & Shock Company Enters into Sponsorship for Third Consecutive Year

    Los Angeles, Tues., Jan. 22, 2019 – The Rancho performance suspension and shocks brand of Tenneco has again partnered with Jeep Jamboree (JJUSA) in 2019 as the official event sponsor for its third consecutive year.

    “Jeep Jamboree USA continues to connect us with thousands of avid enthusiasts and Jeepers through their adventure-driven events,” said Chris Gauss, director, performance products, Tenneco. “If you look back into Rancho’s history, you’ll see our roots in the off-road Jeep events that brought together the outdoors, adventure, enthusiasts and Jeeps…identical to the popular Jeep Jamboree events today.”

    At select 2019 JJUSA events, a Rancho-outfitted Jeep Wrangler JL will be available for participants to see Rancho products firsthand on and off the Jeep Jamboree event routes as it showcases the latest Rancho suspension technologies.

    Participants also will be able to experience the Rancho-sponsored Jeep Jamboree Outdoor Garage, where event attendees can see Rancho suspension parts on display and ask questions. Attendees will be able to experience the events from afar online at www.GoRancho.com through the Rancho 360 VR experience throughout the season.

    “The Rancho team is truly an enthusiast-first organization. Through their sponsorship over the course of three years plus at-event support, they’ve certainly enhanced our participants’ experiences through educational initiatives like the Jeep Jamboree Outdoor Garage,” said Pearse Umlauf, president and CEO, Jeep Jamboree USA. “The Outdoor Garage is staffed by industry experts who provide helpful off-road preparedness tips and guidance to participants about vehicle modifications. The Rancho team has dedicated an entire event team to staffing this interactive product display vehicle at more than 20 upcoming events. This truly gives Jeep enthusiasts a unique experience and the ability to experience Rancho products in the field.” 

    Since 1955, the Rancho brand has been synonymous with Jeeps and its history is entrenched in innovative solutions and product engineering specific to Jeeps. The Rancho brand has a full complement of performance suspension systems, shock absorbers, ride control products and popular RockGEAR™ off-road performance accessories. 

    Rancho is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and is manufactured and marketed by Tenneco. Tenneco is the global supplier and manufacturer of the Rancho brand of suspension systems and components, shock absorbers, off-road protective equipment, specialty exhaust pipe kits and more for a variety of trucks, sport utility vehicles and Jeeps found around the globe.

    To follow along on the Rancho adventure, Connect with Rancho on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To learn more about Rancho products, contact your nearest Rancho dealer, call 1-734-384-7806 or visit www.GoRancho.com.

    About Tenneco  

    Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, Tenneco is one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of Ride Performance and Clean Air products and technology solutions for diversified markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway equipment and the aftermarket, with 2017 revenues of $9.3 billion and approximately 32,000 employees worldwide. 

    On October 1, 2018, Tenneco completed the acquisition of Federal-Mogul, a leading global supplier to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with nearly 55,000 employees globally and 2017 revenues of $7.8 billion.  Additionally, the company expects to separate its businesses to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, in late 2019.

    About the Future Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company

    Following the separation, the aftermarket and ride performance company will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and braking companies.  The aftermarket and ride performance company’s principal product brands will feature Monroe®, Walker®, Clevite® Elastomers, MOOG®, Fel-Pro®, Wagner®, Champion® and others. The Aftermarket and Ride Performance company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $6.4 billion, with 57% of those revenues from aftermarket and 43% from original equipment customers.

    About the Future Powertrain Technology Company

    Following the separation, the powertrain technology company will be one of the world’s largest pure-play powertrain companies serving OE markets worldwide with engineered solutions addressing fuel economy, power output, and criteria pollution requirements for gasoline, diesel and electrified powertrains. The powertrain technology company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $10.7 billion, serving light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway and industrial markets.

  • Youngest 4400 Ultra4 Driver Qualifies in Top 10 for KOH2019 in New FIS Car

    Jordan Pellegrino Qualifies 9th out of 107 Entries 

    Determination and commitment to succeed has driven Ultra4’s youngest 4400 driver, Jordan Pellegrino, to focus on a brand new Full Independent Suspension Ultra4 car to race at the 2019 Nitto King of the Hammers powered by Optima Batteries. The Rockstar Energy – Mickey Thompson Tires – KMC Wheels – GenRight Off Road FIS car features a Triton Engineering Chassis, 74 Weld portals, a few T1 truck parts, and is racing on Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires. This is one of two FIS cars entered into the 4400 class for the 2019 King of the Hammers race.

    During Tuesday’s qualifying, 20 year old Jordan Pellegrino’s goal was to go fast and keep the car together on the almost 2-mile qualifying track that consisted of short course, jumps, desert whoops, rocks, sand washes, rock trails going up and down Short Bus, and back into Hammertown short course. 

    In a blistering time for the first race the new FIS car has seen, Jordan qualified 9th in a field of 107 with a time of 2:26.7, which is only 8.4 seconds off the pole position time from Nick Nelson which was 2:18.3. 

    “I had a few bobbles in qualifying that cost a couple of seconds, but overall I am happy with where I qualified in the new car. It is wicked fast. Now to focus on keeping it together for the duration of the 4400 race on Friday.” Said an ecstatic Jordan Pellegrino after his run.

    The Full video replay of Jordan’s qualifying run is available on GenRight Off Road’s social media pages and King of the Hammers recorded Live Feed.

    GenRight Off Road Racing number 98 of Jordan Pellegrino is excided to have multiple partners involved for 2019 including Rockstar Energy, Mickey Thompson Tires, KMC Wheels, Rockstar Garage, K&N Filters, Triton Engineering, 74 Weld, JE Reel, R1 Concepts, FOX, WARN, Sparco, Simpson Racing, PRP Seats, Fuelsafe, Torco USA, Aeromotive, FKRodEnds, Rugged Radios, RCV Performance, Eaton Detroit Locker, Scosche, Red Peak Off Road,  Bullet Liner, Griffin Radiator, Factor55, Odyssey Batteries, HPS Performance, ARP Fasteners, CPCarillo, Scat Crankshafts, RCI Injectors, Heatshield Products, Heatwave Visual, Advanced Adapters and GenRight Off Road.