RockCrawler.com

  • Gordon Pilots His Dakar Rally HST Gordini to Another Win

    Team Dakar USA Ready for Multi-Car Effort with the Introduction of a Second HST Gordini

    LA PAZ, Mexico May 6, 2015 – After capturing the inaugural Pro Unlimited Class of the NORRA Mexican 1000 on Thursday, Robby Gordon and his HST Gordini race car, specifically built for the Dakar Rally, stayed in the La Paz, Mexico area for the weekend and entered the Dos Mares 500 off-road race, where the Gordini captured another overall title.

    After blowing down the Baja California peninsula from Ensenada to La Paz over four days in the Mexican 1000, Gordon and his team’s biggest task in preparing the Gordini was sending it to a local car wash in the capital city of the State of Baja California Sur for a bath before sending it through another rugged off-road race.

    Gordon drove the shorter-wheel-base and lower-horsepower Gordini in both the Mexican 1000 and Dos Mares 500 rather than his standard larger and higher-powered trophy truck in order to give the Dakar Rally vehicle additional miles under extreme conditions. Although he started at the rear of a small field of trophy trucks in the Dos Mares 500, Gordon passed all but Gary Magness on course and won the event on overall time by more than six minutes. Gordon’s running time was 4 hours, 48 minutes and 28 seconds, and Magnes’ time was 4:54:37.

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    “It was another great test for the Gordini and I appreciate everyone at the Dos Mares 500 allowing us to enter at the last minute,” Gordon said. “It’s a great race and I hope it continues to grow. The course was a lot of fun and it put some additional punishment on the Gordini and it continued to perform flawlessly.”

    The course started in La Paz and turned east toward San Evaristo and then north along the Sea of Cortez before turning inland for Ciudad Constitucion. From there the course turned south back toward La Paz and made a long run along the Pacific Ocean.

    The HST Gordini that Gordon raced in the Mexican 1000 and the Dos Mares 500 is an exact replica and was raced as a test for the 2016 Dakar. The original Gordini won the final stage of the 2015 Dakar Rally and the second Gordini has won all five stages it has competed in.

    Gordon has competed in the Dakar Rally since 2005 and became the first American driver to win a stage in the famed race in his first attempt. Since then he has won more than 10 stages with his own team and a top overall finish of third in 2009. No American has ever won the overall Dakar Rally, something Gordon is desperate to change. He plans to enter a minimum of two HST Gordini’s in 2016 and could enter as many as four.

    Keep up with everything Robby Gordon and the 2016 Dakar Rally by connecting on http://www.planetrobby.com and follow along with the team on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/thespeedenergydrink, and http://twitter.com/SPEED_ENERGY.

    The HST Gordini is supported by SPEED Energy, Toyo Tires, Traxxas, 4 Wheel Parts, Grand Design Recreational Vehicles, Momentum by Grand Design, Magnaflow Exhaust, Eibach Springs, King Shocks, Mastercraft Safety, Embee Performance, MAC Tools, DeWALT, Freightliner Trucks, Replay XD, Impact by Mastercraft Safety, Lincoln Electric, Torchmate by Lincoln Electric, Ron Davis Racing Products, Techni Waterjet, Hella, Mechanix Wear, Saftey-Kleen, Weddle Industries, Kartek Off-Road, Team Gordon Race Wheels, Pro Am Racing Products, Anaheim Hills Auto Body.

    About SPEED Energy – SPEED Energy is available in four flavors: Unleaded, Fuel, Ethanol and Octane, which provides the human machine with the fuel it needs to keep up with the SPEED of life. Each drink contains a potent energy blend of B-vitamins, caffeine, taurine and ginseng. SPEED is packaged in 16 ounce cans that have a stylish black top and sexy body and are available in singles, four-packs, and cases. SPEED Energy is available in the United States in major retailers, convenience stores, grocery stores, bars and nightclubs.

    About Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. Toyo Tires manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks.

    For more information log onto www.toyotires.com and connect with the community on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ToyoTires and follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/ToyoTires. 

  • Patrick Clark Dominates LOORRS Round 4 and Wins first Pro 2 Race

    unnamedRounds 3&4 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series took place on the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. After years of racing during the day at this track, LOORRS threw all the drivers a curve ball when they decided to race under the lights. Patrick Clark and his Las Vegas based team came off some great momentum from opening rounds and were prepared to push hard going into the second weekend of racing. (more…)

  • Trail-Gear is now offering Longfield Rear Axle Shafts and Suzuki Aisin Hubs

    Longfield Chromoly Rear Axle Shafts

    141042-1-KIT

    Big tires and low crawler gears can and do lead to broken rear axles. If you are looking to upgrade your

    drivetrain, check out our Longfield Chromoly Rear Axle Shafts. These axles feature a break strength of

    8,300 ft-lbs of torque and up to 120 degrees of twist.

    Note: The Longfield Chromoly Samurai Rear Axle Shafts are made specifically for our Rock Assault

    Samurai Rear Axle Housing

    Available Options:

     Longfield Chromoly Rear Axle Shaft, 79-85, Single, 303470-1-KIT, $145.95

     Longfield Chromoly Rear Axle Shaft, 86-95, Single, 303471-1-KIT, $145.95

     Longfield Chromoly Tacoma Rear Axle Shaft, Single, 303472-1-KIT, $145.95

     Longfield Chromoly Samurai Rear Axle Shaft, Long, 141033-3-KIT, $145.95

     Longfield Chromoly Samurai Rear Axle Shaft, Short, 141034-3-KIT, $145.95

     Longfield Chromoly Rear Axle Shafts, 79-85, Pair, 140178-1-KIT, $282.45

     Longfield Chromoly Rear Axle Shafts, 86-95, Pair, 140179-1-KIT, $282.45

     Longfield Chromoly Tacoma Rear Axle Shafts, Pair, 141042-1-KIT, $282.45

    Suzuki Manual Locking Hub

    302256-3-KIT

    Genuine replacement Aisin hub that will fit your Suzuki Samurai, Sidekick, Jimny and more. The Suzuki

    Manual Locking Hub will come with a hub gasket and cover hardware. Sold individually.

    Application Data:

     1986-1995 Suzuki Samurai 4WD

     1986-1995 Suzuki Sidekick

     1986-1995 Suzuki Sidekick, X90

     1986-1998 Geo Tracker 4WD

     1986-1998 Chevrolet Tracker 4WD

     1989-1998 Suzuki Escudo, Vitara

     1990-1995 Suzuki Jimny JA11

     1993-1995 Suzuki Jimny JB31

    Suzuki Manual Locking Hub, 302256-3-KIT, $103.95

  • BFGoodrich® Tires All-Terrain T/A KO2 Earns Praise From Consumers

    KO2 selectAfter 168,000 miles registered, new All-Terrain tire tops class ranking when BFGoodrich® Tires launched  its most advanced light truck tire ever —  the new All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tire  late in 2014, there was confidence that the company that had created the All-Terrain category built an industry leading product. After 168,000 consumer miles logged through TireRack.com’s consumer ratings and reviews, the All-Terrain T/A KO2 ranked on top, with a 100% best in category score, in the On-/Off-Road All-Terrain tire category. (more…)

  • Team GT Driver The One to “Beat” in Chandler

     

    • Ryan Beat goes from last to first to capture first LOORRS win as an owner/driver on General GRABBERSTM.
    • Team GT newcomer, Jerrett Brooks, garners first win on GRABBERSTM.

     

     

    Fort Mill, SC, April 28, 2015 – The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) threw down for Rounds 3 and 4 in Chandler, AZ with Team GT dominating Pro-Lite competition. Friday night’s battle was one for the history books as Team GT member, Ryan Beat, captured his first Pro-Lite win as a driver/owner in the No. 51 Rockstar Energy/Lunarpages Dodge. Coming from the back of the pack, Beat had his General GRABBERTM’s hooked up while navigating his way to the top five by the second caution of the race. An incident on the final lap brought out a green, white, checkered scenario but it didn’t disrupt Beat’s rhythm. A misstep by leader, Brandon Arthur, combined with an artful pass by Beat, drove Beat right into victory lane.

    “The race was more frustrating than I would have liked,” sited Beat following his win. “We started based on points so I was pretty far back. I got spun early and at that point just wanted a solid top-five finish.” Beat then found some speed in his truck and powered up to the front where he said, “I dove for it on Sheldon (Creed) going into turn one and made it stick then just drove on to the win. It was a lot of fun. I can’t thank my sponsors and everyone that has helped on this program enough. This is a huge confidence boost.”

    “Congratulations to both Ryan and Jerrett on their wins,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. “To sweep Pro-Lite for the weekend is a great accomplishment. We’ve introduced a new Pro-Lite tire and I think that has been a step in the right direction for the Pro-Lite program. We’ve been with Ryan since he started in LOORRS and to watch him grow as a driver and now car owner, makes me extremely proud. You’ll be hearing a lot more from him for years to come.”

    About the new tires, Beat is a fan stating, “The new GRABBERTM has been great. It has better performance and grip and we barely have to groove it. We can pretty much go win with a tire right off the shelf which is great.”

    When asked about the balancing act between driver and owner Beat said, “It’s been a lot of fun but a lot of work doing both.” He continued, “You want to preserve the truck as an owner and not have fix a wrecked truck every week. On the other hand, as a driver and a racer, you want to do everything you can to win. It’s definitely a fine line but I’m enjoying it.”

    As for a championship Beat says, “Pro-Lite is a gnarly level and things happen fast.” He continued, “I know we’re a championship caliber team but that mishap on Saturday put us far back in points. That said, anything can happen in Pro-Lite. I know we’re a top three, four truck and I’m going to do what I can to get out there and win races and see what happens from there.”

    In Round 4 action on Saturday, it was Team GT newcomer, Jerrett Brooks, that emerged the victor in the No. 77 General Tire/Synergy Electric Nissan. Brooks battled Sheldon Creed for the lead for the duration of the race. While Creed put up a good fight, Brooks never gave up his persistence. Finally, on the last lap, Brooks put the moves on Creed in turn three to set him up for a race-winning pass in turn four. Brooks crossed the line to capture his first career win on General GRABBERSTM.

    “Jerrett has been a great addition to Team GT.” Roffler continued, “We see great things for him in the future and are thrilled to have him on the team.”

    Also in Round 4 action, Carl Renezeder, showed true to form running up front for the duration of the Pro-4 race in the No. 17 Lucas Oil/General Tire Ford. After a fierce battle, and the dust settled, Renezeder captured a third-place finish.

    About General Tire

    For 100 years General Tire has offered a complete quality line of ultra-high performance, passenger, light truck, off-road and commercial tires to meet all your needs. General Tire is a proud supporter of Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, Best in the Desert Racing Series, Major League Fishing, Chili Bowl, Pro-Pulling, Late-Model Dirt Series, Drag Boat Series, World Cup of Softball, American Sprint Car Series, FreestyleMx.com Tour, Zero One Odyssey, and Spec Tire of Trophylite and JeepSpeed. Team GT supports off-road and short course teams including Mikey Childress, CJ Hutchins, Doug Fortin, Harley Letner, Jim Riley, Macrae Glass, Randy Merritt, Ray Griffith, Ryan Beat, Carl Renezeder, and Camburg Racing.

    About Continental AG

    Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2014, the corporation generated preliminary sales of approximately €34.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tire, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs approximately 200,000 people in 53 countries.

  • 4 WHEEL PARTS LAUNCHES FIRST EVER CANADIAN TRUCK & JEEP FEST IN EDMONTON

    Compton, California (April 29, 2015) – For the first time ever, North America’s only touring off-road show and exposition is coming to Canada when 4 Wheel Parts brings Truck & Jeep Fest to Edmonton’s EXPO Centre on May 2-3. While reinforcing its position as the global leader in truck, Jeep and 4×4 performance product sales and installation, 4 Wheel Parts’ unique Truck & Jeep Fest event complements the corporation’s seven Canadian retail locations which now include the recently opened store in Langley, BC, bringing the total number of stores across North America to 69.

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    Edmonton Truck & Jeep Fest’s distinctive interactive experience allows visitors the opportunity to engage with leading industry experts and vendor representatives who are on-site providing product demonstrations and the latest in truck, Jeep and 4×4 technology. The free event spreads across 100,000 sq.ft. of the EXPO Centre, is open to the public and features the off-road industry’s most innovative custom trucks and Jeeps alongside displays from North America’s leading off-road performance aftermarket manufacturers. Visitors will be treated to hourly promotional pricing and giveaways while poring over $500,000 in inventory at factory-direct prices.

    4 Wheel Parts Director of Canadian Operations, Terry Harvey, expressed his enthusiasm for 4 Wheel Parts’ most recent expansion into Canada as well as for what is to become an annual event in Edmonton. “We’re pleased to be providing a more extensive product offering, expert advice and a complete retail experience to off-road enthusiasts here in Canada,” he said. “Now, after visiting SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association Show) each of the last 25 years in Las Vegas, Nevada, it’s exciting to provide an opportunity for our customers to have access to many of the same manufacturers and cutting edge products that comprise the 4 Wheel Parts merchandise lineup in this extraordinary setting here in Edmonton.”

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    This event is the fourth stop on the Truck & Jeep Fest tour which also visits San Mateo, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Puyallup, Washington; Dallas, Texas; Ontario, California; Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida and Columbiana, Ohio throughout the yearlong schedule.

    4 Wheel Parts Truck & Jeep Fest hours on Saturday, May 2 are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday Truck & Jeep Fest is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expert ASE-certified technicians will also be on-site to provide professional advice as well as install and service event purchases at a discounted rate.

    “Attendees are going to be impressed with the wide range of available products and exceptional pricing offered during this event,” concluded Harvey.

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    About 4 Wheel Parts:

    4 Wheel Parts is the global leader in off-road truck, Jeep and aftermarket performance products. With 69 locations across the U.S. and Canada and growing, 4 Wheel Parts Service Centers install all the products they sell. Maintaining the nation’s largest inventory of off-road tires, wheels, lift kits, and accessories, 4 Wheel Parts serves customers across the country and around the globe. Life is Better Off-Road™.
    Visit them at 4wheelparts.com or call toll-free 877-474-4821.