Once again, Alumicraft racers proved their dominance by winning in both the desert and short course. For the Best In The Desert's Vegas To Reno, Alumicraft racers swept the podium in Class 1000, with Corey Goin capturing the victory. Some 2,000 miles east in Bark River, Michigan, Larry Job and Mike Kirkham raced their Alumicraft Super Buggies to win Championship Off-Road Rounds 9 and 10.
This year's Vegas To Reno event was full of excitement and wild weather. Severe monsoons and flash flooding forced race officials to make last-minute course diversions, and they even implemented a highway transfer section. The event organizers pulled off a massive win to keep the race afloat and we appreciate the efforts from all involved.
At the finish line of the 495-mile race to Reno, it was an all-Alumicraft Class 1000 podium finish. In his #1036 car, Corey Goin had the fastest time of 7 hours, 19 minutes, and 32.336 seconds. Brian Crawford in the #1053 Alumicraft finished three minutes behind for 2nd place. In 3rd place was #1075, Preston Brigman, also leading the division points championship.
Vegas To Reno Class 1000 Alumicraft Podium
1st - Corey Goin
2nd - Brian Crawford
3rd - Preston Brigman
"Robbie [Surprenant] and I [Corey Goin] drove and navigated the entire race. We qualified 3rd. Our race was completely clean other than one flat tire. We did this race with four crew members, my daughter and three grandkids. Due to the rain on the previous days, new areas of the course were nothing less than spectacular. The transfer section was quite nice. You rarely get a half-time break in an off-road race."
"This Alumicraft Race Car is a 2013 model. With the suspension tuned by SDG, Weddle Albins transmission on BFGoodrich Tires, we could show that older does not mean anything when prepped by Greg Pierson. Our sponsors are everything to us. Thank you, HELENA Agri-Enterprises, Fiber Care Bath Tubs, and Alumicraft, for helping us get this big win!"
Over on the short course side, rain and mud was again a significant factor for the competitors of Championship Off-Road. Bark River International Raceway is one of the bigger and faster tracks on the circuit. But with the muddy track, it may have equalized the field.
Championship Off-Road Bark River Alumicraft Podiums
Round 9
1st - Larry Job
2nd - Ryan Schwalbe
Round 10
1st - Mike Kirkham
2nd - Michael Meister
In Round 9, Larry Job could maneuver his #07 Alumicraft Super Buggy to the front in the first half a lap. Job held it down through to the checkers.
"This old car has been in storage for eight years. I [Larry Job] took it out, dusted it off, and brought it to Alumicraft last year to prepare for this year. I had not even driven it until Crandon just this June. It has run like a dream all this season."
"Normally, I have to start in the 5th row because it's based on points. Since I missed the 1st and 2nd rounds, I do not have the points to start up front. Fortunately, they had a 10-position inversion for us in Round 9 and I could start on the front row. It was very slippery because of the rain, but I got the lead halfway around Lap 1 and led to the finish. All year the Alumicraft car has been flawless."
On Sunday for Round 10, the Super Buggy racers had a rough go with a couple of cars getting tangled up in the race's first half. Alumicraft racer Mike Kirkham benefitted and assumed the lead after the restart. Championship points contender and fellow Alumicraft racer Michael Meister poured on the pressure from behind. Mike and Michael would finish 1st and 2nd. After Sunday's finish, Meister leads the division by thirteen points.
"Starting in the second row helped us get to the front quickly! The track was blue-grooved in a lot of the corners. We selected a good tire groove for the track conditions. I got up to second place by the competition caution and then the leader pulled off. Putting me in the lead for the second half of the race."
"It came down to trying to hold off the defending champ Michael Meister. I had to move my lines around a little throughout the race to pick up speed in areas where I struggled. Meister and I raced clean wheel-to-wheel, but I could hold him off for the win. My Alumicraft car handled the track conditions great. It felt great to pick up a win at one of my favorite tracks! I am Looking forward to my hometown track in Crandon for the biggest race of the year in a few weeks.
"No matter if your equipment is old or new, the thing that matters is quality, craftsmanship, and performance. If you own a new Alumicraft race car, you have the tools to win. If you own an old Alumicraft race car, chances are it has won or is due for a win. Either way, when you are ready for victory, let Alumicraft prep your machine and get it ready to take you to the podium. Call Alumicraft Race Cars for an expert consultation on what it takes at 619-596-9841 or go to: http://drivealumicraft.com
