Posts Tagged ‘Jimco’

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Rob MacCachren Teams With Rockstar Energy and MasterCraft Safety For 2010 SCORE International Season

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

With a career filled with 167 event victories and 19 series championships piloting everything from limited class buggies and stock Ford pickups to Trophy Trucks and the Pro 2 Unlimited trucks, Rob MacCachren is able to pick and choose exactly who he works with. In a tough economy where every racer is fighting for sponsorship dollars, it is an enviable position to say the least. So who exactly does the off-road racing legend choose to endorse? “The choice to align myself with MasterCraft Safety and Rockstar Energy was an easy one,” explains the multiple Baja 1000 and Borg Warner Cup champion. “These companies share my commitment to winning, regardless of whether the venue is desert or short course racing.”

To that end, MacCachren will be piloting the No. 20 Rockstar Energy/MasterCraft Safety Trophy Truck for the entire 2010 SCORE International season, adding to a busy schedule that also includes the Lucas Oil Off Road Series races. MacCachren’s all black Jimco-built Rockstar Energy/MasterCraft Safety Trophy Truck will be 21st off the starting line in the upcoming San Felipe 250, while teammate, Robbie Pierce will be the fourth Trophy Truck to leave the line in his own No. 30 Jimco-built MasterCraft Safety/Rockstar Energy Trophy Truck. MacCachren finished seventh at the first SCORE event of the season in Laughlin, Nevada, where only 28% of the premiere Trophy Trucks completed the course. “Jimco builds such a fast and reliable machine, and now that Rockstar Energy and MasterCraft Safety are providing me a chance to campaign my own truck for the entire SCORE desert racing season, I think that we are a real threat for the season points championship,” MacCachren stated following the race.

“As our product line expands, it is only natural that our race team grows as well” explained MasterCraft Safety CEO, Robbie Pierce. MasterCraft’s latest products include a full-line of performance driving suits, fuel and pit crew fire suits, neck braces, helmet skirts, and elbow and kneepads for pit crew safety and comfort. Available in either SFI 3.2A/1 or SFI 3.2A/5, Mastercraft Safety’s performance driving suits meet and exceed all stated SFI fire protection requirements while providing a comfortable fit and design. Optional hidden-pockets and sewn-in elbow and kneepads make this the first race suit specifically tailored to the unique environmental conditions of desert racing. Their most popular race suit, not coincidently, is the Signature edition, which is the suit of choice for SCORE Champions like Rob MacCachren and BJ Baldwin. More information on MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of products can be found by visiting www.mastercraftsafety.com.

About ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK:

“ROCKSTAR Energy is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR Energy is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in thirteen amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, Roasted Light Vanilla, Cola, and Recovery. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.”

MasterCraft Racing is Sponsored by:

Rockstar Energy Drink, BFGoodrich, Gargoyles Eyewear, Jimco, Fox Shox, Walker Evans, MSD Ignition, Palomar Communications, Hyperco, KC HiLites, Pro Am

MASTERCRAFT SAFETY MEDIA CONTACT: Kelli Willmore, 619.449.9455

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Matt Loiodice Overcomes Adversity to Prevail At LOORS Season Opener in Las Vegas

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Following his 7th place finish in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS) Unlimited Lite class in 2009, Matt Loiodice had high hopes coming in to the 2010 season opener. Unfortunately, Lady Luck was not kind to Loiodice in Round One in Las Vegas and his Jimco-built truck ended up on its side in the whoops. “With fourteen Unlimited Lite trucks on the course there is a lot of traffic, and once I got out of shape there was nowhere to go.” Loiodice commented between rounds. Thanks to his MasterCraft Safety 3G suspension seat and five-point restraints, Loiodice was able to walk away from the incident unharmed. Loiodice managed to earn a sixth-place finish that secured valuable points towards the season championship. Still, the stanch competitor was not satisfied with the results and vowed to do better in Round Two on Sunday.

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Despite slick track conditions on Sunday, Loiodice was right back in the fray mixing it up with Rodrigo Ampudia, Chris Brandt, and Brian Deegan. His sturdy Jimco chassis withstood Saturday’s incident with minimal damage, allowing the aggressive young driver to push to the front of the pack in Round Two. Loiodice’s superior equipment and never-say-die attitude gave him the victory that had previously eluded him in the highly competitive Unlimited Lite class. “If I wasn’t in a Jimco chassis my truck likely wouldn’t have survived the accident on Saturday,” Loiodice reflected after his victory. “And if it wasn’t for my MasterCraft 3G seat I wouldn’t have fared nearly as well either.” Matt Loiodice intends to prove that his victory was no fluke at the next stop on the 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series held April 17-18, 2010 at Speedworld Off Road Park in Surprise, AZ.

MasterCraft Safety is the world’s leading manufacturer of suspension seating, five-point restraints, window nets, and limit straps used in applications from short course racing to NASCAR. MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of performance seating offers both comfort and protection in high “G” load situations and provides an 84% reduction of energy in a 50 G load impact. How do they know? MasterCraft Safety performs extensive scientific testing on their full line of products, so racers like Matt Loiodice don’t have to leave anything to chance. More information on MasterCraft Safety’s full-line of products can be found by visiting www.mastercraftsafety.com.

#20 Matt Loiodice Unlimited Lite Sponsors:

MasterCraft Safety • Jimco Racing • BF Goodrich • Competitive Metals • Fox Racing Shox • Kroyer Racing Engines • Howe Performance • KC HiLites • VP Race Fuels • WireFab • Streight Edje

MASTERCRAFT SAFETY MEDIA CONTACT: Kelli Willmore, 619.449.9455

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Matching Set – Mastercraft Racing Adds a Second Trophy Truck to the Team

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

No. 20 Trophy Truck

Photography by Durka Durka Digital Media

When asked why he purchased a second Trophy Truck, Robbie Pierce, owner of MasterCraft said, “I don’t really know why, but it seemed like a good idea at the time! I once offered to buy a lady a house and she said she wanted a Trophy Truck instead. I guess I took her serious!” While no one, including Robbie, can agree how it all started – it would seem as though it began after a great day of pre-running this year’s Baja 500 course and while sharing a few margaritas with some old friends while staying at Mike’s Sky Ranch. Ordering the final few rounds of drinks before the generator shut off for the night, Mike Julson of Jimco and Robbie began discussing the purchase of a custom-built pre-runner. After some less than conventional negotiations, a crisp hundred dollar bill was handed to Julson for the commencement of the new desert toy, and so the story begins…..

Returning from the Baja 500, numerous subsequent discussions took place regarding the build of the pre-runner and from there things just kind of snowballed. “If I am going to have an expensive pre-runner, why don’t I have an expensive Trophy Truck as a back-up instead?! Afterall, Trophy Trucks are like beautiful women, they are fun…..but expensive!” was the best excuse Pierce could come up with. Plans were coming together for the new Jimco when a change of circumstances for the Lofton No. 20 Trophy Truck team would provide Pierce with the opportunity to purchase their truck.

Bob Lofton, owner of the No. 20 Trophy Truck, realized he had a bitter-sweet decision to make when his son, Justin Lofton, was selected as the driver for the second car added to the CJM Racing Team in the ARCA Re/Max Series earlier in July. The incredible opportunity Justin was presented with provided a platform for a truly successful racing career and was just too good to pass up. While both Bob and Justin Lofton are avid desert racing enthusiasts, it was clear they would need to sell the No. 20 Jimco Trophy Truck so they could focus their time and efforts on Justin’s potentially high-profile NASCAR career.

With just four races under its belt and the fact it was a matching Jimco chassis to the No. 35, the Lofton truck was an obvious choice to add to the MasterCraft line-up. Purchasing the original Jimco Trophy Truck chassis and currently campaigning it under the No. 35 in the SCORE International Series, Robbie Pierce said, “I have almost driven all the Jimco trucks and now I guess I own the first two! I have also been honored with sharing the driving duties for the Vegas to Reno race with Wil Staats in the No. 42 Trophy Truck, which also happens to be the third Jimco truck produced.”

Future plans for the two truck MasterCraft team have not been finalized for the 2010 race season, however, the immediate plan is for Mike Julson to debut the No. 20 at the SCORE International Primm 300 and finish out the year with the legendary Baja 1000. “I am very excited to be a part of the MasterCraft two truck team and finish what we started at this year’s Baja 500. Unfortunately, I lost out on a truck sale but I think Robbie will still want that pre-runner so I am not returning his hundred dollar bill!” commented Mike Julson.

As the countdown for the Primm 300 race begins, the “Outlaws” of this year’s Baja 500 have something to prove – but now X2!

MasterCraft Team 35 is Sponsored by:

BF Goodrich, Jimco, Mirage, Fox Shox, Walker Evans, Mogi, MSD Ignition, Palomar Communications, Hyperco, IonEarth

For Additional MasterCraft Team 30 Information Visit:

www.mastercraftracing.com

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Cheat! All the Cool Kids Are Doing It!

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

As the most penalized Trophy Truck team for “course deviation,” Robbie Pierce, in the No. 35 MasterCraft Trophy Truck, shares his thoughts on SCORE International’s official results ruling for the 2009 Baja 500 race.

Baja 500

Interview of Robbie Pierce

Photography by Trackside Photo

What went through your mind as you were awaiting the official Baja 500 results?

“I have to admit, as I went about my day waiting for SCORE to release the final results from the previous Saturday’s race, I secretly hoped for a move up from third to fourth position. While I was not excited about getting a podium finish in this way, the thought crossed my mind. After ‘Black Thursday’ I have had some time reflect on those thoughts. I understand now what a hollow victory that would have been.

I was extremely proud of our ‘unofficial’ fourth place finish. The truck was prepped well, the team practiced fuel stops and tire changes, logistical plans were made and yes, I was in Mexico pre-running for at least two weeks. I was not pre-running to find ‘cheater lines,’ but rather to know the course well enough to pass safely or when not to lift when everyone else would be. Someone asked me, ‘why so much pre-running?’ My answer – These guys are good and the ones winning are down here doing their homework too.”

What did you think upon hearing SCORE International’s results ruling for the Baja 500?

“I was extremely disappointed for my team as they worked so hard to get us in the top five, but unapologetic for racing the lines my co-driver, Mike Julson, and I chose. I am proud as Hell to have handed off my truck to Mike at race mile 225 and watched as he closed the gap on the No. 19 Trophy Truck of Herbst. Someone asked me how I felt about Mike taking the lines that resulted in our penalty and I said, ‘it looked like he did his homework!’ Jokingly, I called Mike after learning of the results and politely asked ‘Did you even go to the (expletive) beach or did you just drive up the highway to the finish line?! In all fairness, I would have taken the same lines as well.”

IRC mentioned to several of the racers that data would be pulled from the trackers after the race. Sal Fish also referred to the “yellow sheet” in the Baja 500 driver’s info packet in regards to course deviation and speeding. Why do you think the penalties and results shake-up was still a surprise to the off-road race community?

“The problem we face as drivers is that we know the team ahead of us is using the same line or ‘cut,’ so in our mind we have no choice. More so, our experience tells us and trains us that no one gets penalized in anyway, its just a part of racing in Baja. The teams that are now sitting in the top spots, claiming they do not deviate from marked course are lying. The reality is the entire race was not analyzed; only select locations and teams that were clean through those areas were because they either didn’t do their homework or were running so far behind it didn’t matter.”

What are your thoughts on IRC’s technology and its impact on off-road racing?

“I have serious doubts about the tracker’s ability to detect minor course deviations. I know I ran 200 yards off course for a half mile or so to avoid the silt at race mile 162 – just south of Laguna Salada. I would really like to see that overlay IRC data from that section of the race. I question whether the evidence used in determining the penalties is truly based off data gathered from the IRC tracker. My guess is SCORE International is partially using photographs and video – which would explain the limited scope of course review.”

How do you think the penalties will affect the teams for the Primm 300?

“I applaud SCORE for tidying up their house, I hope they continue, but I fear down the road it’ll still be just as messy.

On a personal level, what means most to me is earning the respect of my peers. We know who won, who took second and yes who took 4th. The No. 35 Trophy Truck was schooled by Robby, beat by BJ and Norman/Roeseler, but no one else. The Primm 300 is next and all will be righted in the world of SCORE desert racing. Everyone’s rightful position will once again be assumed and I say this because I know how hard those guys work to be where they’re at.”

Anything else you would like to add or comment on?

“Well, we all know who really won….Congratulations Robby on a great race!”

“Once again I am completely humbled by the tireless efforts and dedication shown by the team and the pit crew before, during and after the race. I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved with the No. 35 MasterCraft Racing Trophy Truck. Each individual plays an important and integral role on the team and their hard work does not go unnoticed.” Robbie Pierce

MasterCraft Team 35 is Sponsored by:

BF Goodrich, Jimco, Mirage, Fox Shox, Walker Evans, Mogi, MSD Ignition, Palomar Communications, Hyperco, IonEarth

For Additional MasterCraft Team 35 Information Visit:

www.mastercraftracing.com

For Press Information on MasterCraft Racing No. 35 Contact:

Kelli Willmore

602.295.2767

kelli@willmore.com

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MasterCraft Team 35 Finishes 8th in Trophy Truck Class at the 2009 SCORE San Felipe 250

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

A Rewarding Disappointment

MasterCraft Team 35 Finishes 8th in Trophy Truck Class at the 2009 SCORE San Felipe 250

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Famous fiction author, Louis L’Amour, must have had Team 35 in mind when he said “Victory is won not in miles but in inches.”After suffering from a devastating crash at the SCORE LaughlinDesert Challenge, the #35 Jimco MasterCraft Trophy Truck driven by team owner, Robbie Pierce, had to undergo a massive tear-down and transformation in preparation for the first Baja race of the 2009 season.

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Drawing for the fourth starting position, Robbie was certain the SCORE San Felipe 250 would be a great race by commenting, “I am completely humbled by the unselfish effort that has been put out over the last five weeks to make the San Felipe race a reality. The entire team, including Mike Julson, Bill Varnes and his crew, and John and Mike over at Jimco, have worked non-stop and I cannot thank them enough. I am truly grateful to everyone and I will do my best to make them proud.”

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Unfortunately all the sweat and skinned knuckles could not prepare the team for the unlucky change of events that occurred just one day before the race. While doing a last minute systems and equipment test near Borrego, the engine on the Trophy Truck began losing power and idling rough. Hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, the pre-run crew pulled the valve-cover and after a thorough inspection concluded the head was cracked.

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Not willing to let five weeks of hard work go down the drain, Pierce made the decision to race the pre-runner remarking, “We all showed up to race and I wasn’t about ready to let the guys down. Just 18 hours before staging we made the decision to save the race by working all night and prepping my Prophy truck. Our goal this year is to win a SCORE race in the Trophy Truck class and I don’t think that is possible without a good starting position. I felt like I was bringing a knife to a gun fight but I knew I needed to finish in the top 10 if I wanted a good draw and a shot at winning the Baja 500.”

With nearly 3,500 pre-run miles under its belt, Team 35 was a little nervous about the outcome of the race and how the pre-runner would fare after the starting flag dropped. On the way to staging Pierce commented, “It’s just too bad we couldn’t get the Jimco to the line. The truck was truly running awesome. The shocks and suspension were dialed in perfectly and I couldn’t be happier with some of the changes that were made after Laughlin.”

2009 SCORE San Felipe 250 2009 SCORE San Felipe 250

Racing for a top 10 finish instead of a win changed the team’s strategy for race day. Running the truck conservatively, Robbie passed an upside-down Roger Norman in the #8 Trophy Truck around race mile 68. Shortly after, Pierce and his co-driver, John Vance, were plague by a broken upper ball-joint causing the team to lose a couple of hours while the crew fixed the truck in the field. Other than a tire change at mile 165, the remainder of the race was uneventful and the Prophy crossed the finish line 7 hours, 34 minutes and 36 seconds after it began its journey.

Finishing the SCORE San Felipe 250 with an admirable 8th place in the Trophy Truck class, Pierce commented, “This is the most disappointing and rewarding race in my short career. I cannot praise the team enough. Led by Dan Fogle and Bob Howle, the team worked tirelessly into the night to get ‘The Little Truck that Could’ as prepared as possible. This was their race.”

Held in Baja California, Mexico, the 2009 San Felipe 250 marked round two of SCORE International’s five race desert series. The course traversed 232.4 miles of sandy washes, silt, rocky and whooped out terrain. The MasterCraft Team #35 will be back and looking for a win at the SCORE Baja 500 inEnsenada, Baja California, June 5 – 7, 2009.

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