Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

IndyCar Racer Davey Hamilton Joins Impact by MasterCraft Safety As IndyCar Representative

Monday, April 25th, 2011

MasterCraft Safety has made huge investments in the Impact brand since announcing their purchase of the safety equipment manufacturer from racing pioneer Bill Simpson last December.   Those investments come in many forms, but none is more important than the people who work at Impact by MasterCraft Safety.  The latest announcement to stun the racing community is the addition of Davey Hamilton as Impact by MasterCraft Safety’s new IndyCar Representative, effective immediately.  Hamilton has raced in nine Indianapolis 500 events during his illustrious career, with a best finish of fourth place in 1998.

Screen shot 2011-05-17 at 11.18.47 AM

“This is a huge addition for us,” explained MasterCraft Safety and Impact CEO, Robbie Pierce.  “I know how to manufacture a seat that can soak up three foot whoops and I am also well-versed on the unique design elements off-road racers are looking for from their helmets and driving suits.  A competitor in open-wheel that is doing 210+ mph will have different design requirements and needs.  Whether racing in the Baja 1000 such as I do or the Indy 500 like Davey, I can appreciate having products that are relevant and specifically tailored to each form of motorsports. Davey is the perfect person to fill this critical position in open-wheel as his knowledge and input will provide valuable insight and allow us to create specifically tailored and relevant products.”

“I couldn’t be happier,” Hamilton confessed.  “I have been a loyal user and advocate of Impact products for years and Robbie Pierce and I have a lot in common.  We aren’t just selling products; we are racers to the core.”  They also both know the value of properly engineered safety gear after enduring horrific crashes.  Pierce suffered a terrible accident while short course racing in August of 2010, breaking both collarbones, multiple ribs, and damaging his knee.

Davey Hamilton was involved in a devastating crash at Texas Motor Speedway June 9, 2001, nearly resulting in the loss of his legs and feet.  The road to recovery for Hamilton required 21 operations and two years of intensive rehabilitation before he could walk again.  He has been a strong advocate for improved safety ever since.  Demonstrating the iron will that he has become famous for, Hamilton returned to IndyCar racing in 2007 for the 91st running of the famous Indianapolis 500.  His strong desire and determination to once again compete resulted in a top ten finish in the rain-shortened race.

Hamilton has acted as an ambassador for open-wheel racing for years through the Indy Racing Experience and providing driver analysis for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.  The Indy Racing Experience is a unique two-seat IndyCar which is used to give fans, VIPS, and celebrities unforgettable rides at various tracks throughout the United States.  Now Hamilton will be putting those skills to use representing Impact by MasterCraft Safety.  Davey Hamilton will be attending all upcoming IndyCar races and taking that knowledge back to Impact by MasterCraft Safety’s Brownsburg, Indiana headquarters to help design innovative new safety products.

Based in Santee, California, MasterCraft Safety is the leading manufacturer of suspension seating and restraints used in applications as varied as desert racing and military vehicles.  The common theme is that MasterCraft Safety is the first choice in environments where safety can mean the difference between life and death.  With the recent addition of Impact by MasterCraft, the full spectrum of safety equipment from helmets to footwear is available for any and all forms of racing, including NASCAR and top tier open-wheel racing.  Additional information on Impact by MasterCraft Safety can be found at www.impactraceproducts.com and more information on MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of products can be found by visiting www.mastercraftsafety.com.

Marketing / Media Contact:

Kelli Willmore

619.449.9455

Photo courtesy of Hewlett-Packard

Tags: , , , ,

MasterCraft Safety Announces the Acquisition Of Bill Simpson’s Impact! Racing

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

With the introduction of the suspension seat to the niche off-road community in 1970, MasterCraft Safety immediately became an innovative leader and safety advocate for the off-road racing and recreational four-wheeling markets. Over the last 40 years, MasterCraft Safety has continuously evolved and has strived to expand its presence and improve driver safety through pioneering suspension seat designs and the addition of occupant restraints and driving suits.

Today, MasterCraft Safety once again elevated the company’s presence as a revolutionary manufacturer of safety products and stunned the motorsports industry with the announcement of their acquisition of Bill Simpson’s Impact! Racing Products. The official announcement of the asset-based purchase was delivered during a press conference held at the “Impact! Racing by MasterCraft Safety” booth shortly after the opening of today’s International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Founded in 2002, and led by the iconic and charismatic Bill Simpson, the purchase of Impact! Racing adds a host of new products such as helmets, gloves and shoes that will compliment MasterCraft Safety’s existing product line. Even more importantly, Bill Simpson will remain with the company as a technical and design consultant and will work side-by-side with MasterCraft Safety CEO, Robbie Pierce. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working with Bill,” explained Robbie Pierce. “This is the man who invented the Nomex driving suit and has continuously improved many of the safety solutions used in today’s motorsports. Bill Simpson is synonymous with safety, which makes him a perfect fit for both companies and I cannot be more honored to work with him.”

In his book, Racing Safely, Living Dangerously, Bill Simpson recalls the first time he met, Rick Mears, prior to the two becoming close friends. Simpson’s initial impression was that Mears was “just another one of those blankety-blank off road racers.” Many years later, Simpson is ironically handing over the reins of his company to another blankety-blank off-road racer: Robbie Pierce. Much as Simpson tested his own products early on (most famously lighting himself on fire while wearing a Nomex race suit), Robbie Pierce competes in a SCORE Trophy-Truck class in the SCORE International desert racing series, a sanction best known for the grueling Baja 1000. “In all honesty, the off-road racers of today do not get the credit they deserve,” explained Simpson. “A racer is a racer and that common thread is all is takes to understand the needs of all the different circuits out there. Robbie and I have both created products that matter for our particular markets. This acquisition is combining a powerful wealth of safety expertise in a broad range of motorsports.”

With a history deeply rooted in racing and a unique sense of understanding driver needs, Robbie Pierce was the ideal choice to carry forward Bill Simpson’s vision and legacy. “As a racer, Robbie understands the inherent dangers of competing and the importance of safety equipment. Drivers rely on my products every time they strap into their race vehicle and that is a reality both Robbie and I share and something neither of us take lightly,” remarked Bill Simpson.

Also sharing Bill Simpson’s loyalty and concern for employees, MasterCraft Safety acquired not just the inventory and product designs of Impact! Racing, but also the real estate. Impact! Racing’s manufacturing facility is situated on 3.5 acres located in the heart of “Gasoline Alley” in Brownsburg, Indiana and their retail location is in the center of NASCAR country in Mooresville, North Carolina. The full-line of Impact! Racing products will continue to be proudly made in the USA, in the birthplace of the famed Indy 500, and will compliment MasterCraft Safety’s manufacturing in Santee, California. “Some of the employees have been with me since 1973 and I am extremely pleased that Robbie has chosen to maintain the existing sales and operations here in Indiana and will continue manufacturing with the same talented workforce that has gotten the company to where it is today,” remarked Bill Simpson.

As dirt meets asphalt, look for MasterCraft Safety’s style and influence to find its way into a host of new Impact! Racing products while Bill Simpson’s legacy will continue through the development of entirely new safety solutions catered towards the existing MasterCraft Safety audience. Throughout the evolution of this acquisition, gradual changes will be made as operations are slowly integrated. For the time being, both brands will operate separately, maintaining a focus on the loyal racers and enthusiasts who have created the identity of each individual company.

More information on MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of products can be found by visiting www.mastercraftsafety.com. Impact! Racing’s colorful history and extensive product line of helmets, gloves, shoes and driving suits are available online at www.impactraceproducts.com

Stop by the Impact! Racing by MasterCraft Safety booth #1201 at the International Motorsports Industry Show in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 1st – 3rd, 2010 or visit booth #501 at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Florida on December 9th – 11th, 2010. For those not familiar with off-road racing, Robbie Pierce’s SCORE Trophy Truck that just completed the Baja 1000 race is on display in the C&R Racing booth #1723 at IMIS! Visit their booth to learn more about the vehicle technology used in the harsh and unforgiving desert-racing environment.

About MasterCraft Safety:

Based in Santee, California, MasterCraft Safety is the leading manufacturer of driving suits, window nets, and innovative safety seating and restraint systems custom tailored to endure the most extreme environmental conditions and off-road terrain. In addition to four decades of real world testing in the most extreme racing conditions, independent tests by nationally recognized laboratories indicate the MasterCraft Safety suspension seat directly resulted in an 84% reduction of energy in a 55 “G” load event. Whether the Impact! Racing or MasterCraft Safety products are on a top fuel dragster, a SCORE Trophy Truck or a blast-attenuating seat for a military MRAP, the common theme is both companies are the first choice in environments where safety can mean the difference between life and death.

IMPACT! RACING & MASTERCRAFT SAFETY MEDIA CONTACT:

KELLI WILLMORE

619.449.9455

kelli@mastercraftsafety.com

Tags: , , , ,

Doing Well is the Best Revenge For MasterCraft Racing At 2010 SCORE Primm 300

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Doing Well is the Best Revenge For
MasterCraft Racing At 2010 SCORE Primm 300

The situation was looking grim for MasterCraft Racing coming into SCORE International’s Terrible’s Primm.  MasterCraft Safety CEO and race team owner, Robbie Pierce, was still busted up from a horrific short course accident a month prior and racing legend, Rob MacCachren, was arbitrarily disqualified by the Nevada Bureau of Land Management for allegedly pre-running a closed (yet unmarked) race course.  Given the dire circumstances, most race teams would have conceded defeat before the green flag had even dropped. The Rockstar Energy Drink / MasterCraft Racing Team has a reputation for never shying away from a challenge and that reputation was further solidified this weekend in Primm.

Just one month after a spectacular crash behind the wheel of his Pro 2 Unlimited truck in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS) at Glen Helen Raceway, Robbie Pierce climbed back behind the wheel of the No. 30 SCORE Trophy Truck for the Terrible’s Primm 300 race. Starting the competition in the fifth position, Pierce was just three weeks out of the hospital and recovering from two broken collarbones and a nasty gash on his knee requiring more than 40 stitches.

In the first race after his crash, Pierce was able to gain valuable time and track position during his 137 miles behind the wheel. After two laps, Pierce handed the truck over to his co-driver, Mike Julson, just 50 seconds behind race leader, Jesse Jones.  Upon exiting the truck, Pierce remarked, “That Jimco was running absolutely flawless!  That is probably the best that truck has ever run!  I wish I could have stayed in it for the entire race but I do not think I could have remained competitve for all four laps.”

Mike Julson, owner of Jimco Racing and chassis builder for the No. 30 SCORE Trophy Truck, ran at a pace consistent with Pierce’s and ultimately crossed the finish line  in an elapsed time of 4 hours, 50 minutes, and 8 seconds.  With less than five minutes separating the No. 30 MasterCraft Racing SCORE Trophy Truck from race winner, Jesse Jones, the duo of Pierce and Julson claimed the second place podium in the SCORE Trophy Truck class and also successfully claimed the second overall position out of 115 competitors.

The unforgiving Primm course, located just 30 miles south of Las Vegas, is a combination of rough, squared out ruts or smooth, burned-in terrain with some cleverly placed rocks.  This is a sprint race that can be won or lost over a tire change.  With absolutely no flats on the BFGoodrich tires, the No. 30 SCORE Trophy Truck was able to stay up front all day.

Starting  towards the back of the pack in the 27th position,  the No. 42 SCORE Trophy Truck, owned and driven by Will J Staats, was looking for a little redemption after experiencing a disappointing DNF just 45 miles from the finish at the SCORE Baja 500.

Completing a nearly flawless first lap during the Terrible’s Primm 300, the No. 42 suffered a crank position sensor issue shortly after passing the main pit on the second lap.  Unable to reach a speed greater than 40mph, Will J Staats limped the truck to the second pit where the crew was able to switch out the sensor and get the truck back on course and running at a competitive speed again.  Crossing the finish line with an elapsed time of 5 hours, 8 minutes and 44 seconds, Will J Staats and navigator, Greg Shapiro, claimed a respectable 7th place class finish and an 11th overall finish among 115 competitors.

This past weekend, the Rockstar Energy Drink sponsored team of MasterCraft Racing would have been campaigning three SCORE Trophy Trucks had it not been for the unjustified and unfounded disqualification of Rob MacCachren. On Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 the Bureau of Land Management (”BLM”) handed down the unprecedented and arbitrary action of disqualifying Rob MacCachren from this weekend’s Terrible’s Primm 300 race.

Team owner, Robbie Pierce, fully supports MacCachren and remarked, “I believe this governmental agency was overzealous in their actions against Rob.  The BLM’s claim and their subsequent decision is completely unfounded.  There are no clearly defined rules and BLM representatives, Bob Dieli and Chris Linehan, certainly could not provide a record of these stipulations to MasterCraft Racing when requested.  The Primm area BLM officers took this issue too far by denying my teammate a chance to compete in this event and thereby limiting his ability to carry out and honor his sponsor contracts and commitments.  The BLM’s ruling has destoyed Rob’s chance of earning the season points championship he was in contention for and certainly has the proven talent to claim.”

As the consummate professional, Rob MacCachren and his family attended the race as spectators and watched the events unfold from the MasterCraft Racing main pit.  When asked if it was difficult to stand-by and watch Rob remarked, “As any competitor knows, it is hard to be on the sidelines as your peers compete.  It is both disappointing and frustrating but I am very proud of the team and their efforts.  MasterCraft Racing has assembled an incredible crew and they were just as disappointed as I was.  Fortunately, they didn’t let it get them down and were able to go out there and do a great job for the other two trucks.”

The next stop for the MasterCraft Racing Team is the SCORE season finale; the 43rd annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.  This year’s legendary race returns as a “peninsula run” and commences in Ensenada on November 18th, 2010 and finishes in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico.

MasterCraft Racing is Sponsored by:

Rockstar Energy Drink • BFGoodrich • Gargoyles Eyewear • Jimco • Fox Shox • Walker Evans • Rancho Drivetrain • MSD Ignition • Palomar Communications • Canidae • KC HiLites

MASTERCRAFT SAFETY AND MASTERCRAFT RACING MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelli Willmore

kelli@mastercraftsafety.com

602.295.2767

Photography by: Jason Zindroski

High Rev Photography- www.highrevphoto.com

Tags: , , , ,

Rob MacCachren is “Robbed” Again at the SCORE Primm 300

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Rob MacCachren is “Robbed” Again at the SCORE Primm 300

The Greek philosopher Plato once said, “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”  It would seem as though more profound words have never been spoken as this quote still holds true almost 2,500 years later.

On Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 the Bureau of Land Management (”BLM”) handed down the unprecedented and arbitrary action of disqualifying Rob MacCachren from this weekend’s Terrible’s Primm 300 race for engaging in limited testing of the SCORE Trophy Truck No. 20 in the dry lake bed area of Jean, Nevada.  There is no question that Rob MacCachren was not engaged in pre-running or reconnaissance of the course.  Rob was merely doing what racers have always done for years, without this type of sanction or consequence.

When asked exactly what transpired team owner, Robbie Pierce, commented “After leaving the engine builder and dyno-tuning facility on Wednesday afternoon, Rob MacCachren and my Crew Chief wanted to verify the engine tuning changes and test No. 20 SCORE Trophy Truck in a very limited capacity.  To accuse Rob MacCachren, a Las Vegas native, of pre-running the race course in a race vehicle is absolutely absurd.  We certainly would not have parked the MasterCraft Safety semi-truck in plain sight and would not have been running a fully branded race vehicle if we were trying to sneak on course for reconnaissance.  Rob lives in the Las Vegas area, knows the race course well, and could come out to pre-run at anytime throughout the year if he wanted to.”

It has often been said, rules were made to be broken, right?  Well in this instance, BLM representatives could not fairly explain when exactly testing of trucks in this area became subject to sanctions. When questioned at length by MasterCraft Racing representatives and Robbie Pierce, BLM officials could not easily answer the question, “If the testing had been done earlier in the week or 48 hours ago, would it have been a violation?”

When pressured further for a clear delineation of the rules, BLM representatives could also not answer, “When does the area in question cease to be public land and when does it become an absolute and clearly defined closed area?”  MasterCraft Racing has now received two diametrically opposed answers from two different representatives.  One answer from BLM representative, Bob Dieli, indicated, “When the race course is marked,” while the other BLM representative present at the meeting indicated, “When the event permit was signed and accepted by the race promoter.”

It is MasterCraft Racing’s official opinion that all governmental agencies owe the public fair notice of any change in policy, especially a change that carries such a drastic impact. In this case, BLM has failed to set forth a specific, appropriate and unambiguous policy and to provide fair notice of the policy.  This is wrongful, and if the disqualification is not rescinded, the MasterCraft Racing team will suffer significant economic damages and the ripple effect of the BLM’s decision is unquantifiable to the off-road racing community.  The verdict establishes an entirely new precedent and further limits our sport and our public lands.

“While I fully respect Sal Fish and the tremendous amount of pressure he is under to appease the governmental agencies in order to continue off-road racing in the United States, I also feel it is SCORE International’s responsibility to clearly state the rules and regulations for which we are accountable.  A simple statement of ‘No pre-running’ does not adequately cover this specific circumstance.  I stand by Rob MacCachren and fully support him.  He was absolutely NOT pre-running and the vague rules detailed on SCORE’s website by no means apply to this incident and this set of circumstances,” stated Robbie Pierce, owner of MasterCraft Racing.

Pierce further commented, “Unfortunately, for SCORE International to be provided an event/race permit, the promoter has agreed that BLM has the absolute and final say and veto power to penalize and disqualify racers in the 2010 SCORE Primm 300 competition as they see fit.  They say that the third time is the charm, however at this point, I do not want to leave it to chance.”

MasterCraft Racing is Sponsored by:

Rockstar Energy Drink • BFGoodrich • Gargoyles Eyewear • Jimco • Fox Shox • Walker Evans • Rancho Drivetrain • MSD Ignition • Palomar Communications • Canidae • KC HiLites

MASTERCRAFT SAFETY AND MASTERCRAFT RACING MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelli Willmore

kelli@mastercraftsafety.com

602.295.2767

Tags: , , , ,

MacCachren ROLLS Deuces at 2010 CRANDON TORC Series Opener!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Returning to Crandon International Raceway in the north woods of Wisconsin has always been something special for the Crandon Champion, Rob MacCachren.  This year was no different.  The results speak for themselves as ROCKSTAR Energy Racing captured the second spot on the podium both Saturday and Sunday.

QZ2J6385_O

Kicking off the 2010 Traxxas TORC series season at the famed race track provided the ROCKSTAR Energy Drink/BFGoodrich Tires/Mastercraft Safety sponsored racer with years of intimate knowledge of a track that he has excelled on.  “I love to race at Crandon.  The fans are amazing and we’ve always had very good results racing here.  It’s something special,” said the smiling MacCachren.

MQ8W7488_T

The ROCKSTAR Energy Racing #21 race team traveled across the country to the beautiful Wisconsin countryside in defense of their 2009 TORC Pro 2 Championship.  The reigning Pro 2 champions kicked off their 2010 season racing in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series where they lead the ranks among the Unlimited Pro 2 trucks.

Racing in both of off road racing’s premier series, Rob MacCachren is focused on one thing and that’s to win championships in both series.

MQ8W7556_T

From the time the ROCKSTAR Energy Racing crew unloaded the #21 Ford F150 Pro 2 from the ROCKSTAR Energy race hauler they were fast.  Rob explained, “We’ve been working and testing throughout the off season, as well as in between races and we were fast right from the beginning.  You know that I’m all about winning each and every race and although we didn’t win this a race this weekend, the results put us in a great position moving into the next TORC Series race at Bark River International Raceway in Michigan.”

QZ2J6365_O

Working closely with race team sponsors, BFGoodrich Tires, Mastercraft Safety, FOX Racing Shox, Patton Racing Engines, Pro AM, Rancho Drivetrain Engineering and Motive Gear, as well as many others, allows Rob MacCachren to assist in the development of racing components that live longer and achieve maximum performance.

QZ2J6326_O

MacCachren commented, “We are always working towards improving our times on the track and it is often a direct result of working very closely with our sponsors who are as passionate about racing and winning as we are.”

Thousands of fans jammed into The Big House for the annual off road racing extravaganza.  “We had a big weekend in the ROCKSTAR Energy Racing pit zone.  It’s great to have fans across the country and anytime we come to Crandon, it’s a mad house,” said Rob.

MQ8W7486_T

With only a few days between the Traxxas TORC Series Round 2 and the Lucas Oil Off Road Series Round 7, the crew immediately began prepping the #21 ROCKSTAR Energy Drink/BFGoodrich Tires/Mastercraft Safety Ford 150 for this weekend’s race at Miller Motorsports Park in Toole, Utah.  Crew Chief Jim Blackmore explained, “We are in the midst of prepping the race truck tonight and tomorrow and then we will load it into the ROCKSTAR Energy race hauler and get on the road to Utah for this weekend’s race.  The truck is in great shape and we’re going to Lucas Oil in Utah to win both days.”

Dominating in the elite Unlimited Pro 2 class with victories in both Lucas Rounds 5 and 6, Rob MacCachren continues his march towards his 2010 goal of earning another Pro 2 season championship.  In 2008, Rob MacCachren earned a Pro 2 season championship in the Championship Off Road Racing series and in 2009, he was crowned Pro 2 champion in the Traxxas TORC series.  Here in 2010, Rob MacCachren continues striding towards championships in both series.

About Rockstar: Bigger. Better. Faster. Stronger. ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blends of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is scientifically formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles—from athletes to rock stars. PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR!

2010 Rockstar Energy Racing Sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, BFGoodrich Tires, FOX RACING SHOX, Mastercraft Safety, Rancho Drivetrain Engineering, Motive Gear, Pro AM, KC HiLites, Nevada Off Road Buggy, Racin’ Dirty and DIRTnewz.

Rob MacCachren Racing Quick Racing Facts:

Rob MacCachren- 28 year racing career

19 – Off Road Racing Championships (Desert and Short Course)

170 – Off Road Racing wins

5 - SCORE Baja 1000 Victories (Longest 1296-miles in 2007)

5 - SCORE Baja 500 Victories

3* - Borg Warner Cup Trophy’s

3 - Governor Cup Trophy’s

Rob MacCachren’s career accomplishments include winning three consecutive Borg-Warner Championships, as well as three Governor’s Cup Championships, all at Crandon International Raceway in Wisconsin.  The multi-disciplined championship racer has accumulated 170 victories and 19 championships between closed short course and open desert racing.

Rob has also accumulated 5 SCORE Baja 1000 victories and another 5 SCORE Baja 500 wins.  MacCachren was heralded as the premier driver after winning the longest distance (1296 miles point-to-point) SCORE Baja 1000 ever held in 2007.

Tags: , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »