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Midwest Off Road Racing Gets Together in Abrams!
 Abrams, WI (January 18, 2010)-The first public meeting of the Midwest Off Road Racing (MORR) group was held this past Sunday in Abrams, Wisconsin. The past three months saw a group of concerned off-road enthusiasts' band together to improve the "State of Sportsman Off-Road Racing" in the Upper Midwest. In the past six years, the stability of the sport has been considerably shaken due to four different sanctioning bodies/series promoters attempting to guide short-course off-road racing. MORR was created to give the Sportsman racer a voice in their future and by the looks of their early accomplishments, the current sanctioning body, Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL, is definitely listening.
The meeting at Kip and Donna's Fly Way in Abrams, Wisconsin quickly filled the main banquet room. A quick count of heads totaled over 220 concerned racers, team members, and sponsors. The seven board members headed by President Dan Vanden Heuvel Sr., explained how the group came together and thanks to the group’s website and the Ross Hoek forum, several key issues were targeted for change to improve Midwest Sportsman racing.
All board members talked about the various improvements that were made during continuous talks with TORC and USAC. The combination of flyers and a PowerPoint presentation kept the entire room thoroughly interested in the 2-hour meeting. Terry Severson, TORC SportsmanTech Director, came up to the front and also announced some of changes TORC has implemented for the 2010 season.
After the presentation, the room was opened up to questions for the MORR Board and TORC personnel, Tiffany Landru and Terry Severson. When all questions were answered, MORR began accepting memberships, while the crowd hung around the bar and restaurant for some good-natured bench racing.
Here's a quick overview of the MORR meeting
Communication between all parties involved in the sport must be maintained at all times and is key to the success of our sport.
Why join MIDWEST OFF ROAD RACING?
You are given a voice in the sport. Your opinion matters and with MORR, your voice is taken directly to the organizations that promote and host Midwest off-road racing.
The cost of racing has been decreased. In 2010, TORC Midwest Sportsman entry fees have been reduced, depending on the class, as much as 50%. Registration fees have also been reduced.
100% of your entry fee will be paid back to the racers. Every penny of your entry fee funds your class, nothing else.
The year end points fund for every Sportsman class has been established. When the Crandon track owners met with MORR Board Members for the first time, they added $5000 to the year end points fund.
MORR has expanded the Sportsman race series from four weekends to six weekends of racing. Sportsman only events in Antigo and Oshkosh were added to the existing events in Crandon and Bark River.
MORR has the opportunity to find separate Sportsman series sponsors. This will create additional funds for race payback and the end of the year points fund, as well as expand the racers' contingency fund.
In the early stages of MORR, two companies have already come on board to assist with the initial start up costs of the group.
MORR members are eligible for all additional paypack and contingency. You can still compete at TORC Sportsman events without a MORR membership, but will not be eligible for any additional race weekend or points fund payouts, or contingency offers.
2010 TORC Midwest Sportsman Entry Fees - cost per weekend
Classix $150
Enduro Truck $150
Formula 4x4 $150
Light Buggy $200
1600 Single Buggy $200
Stock Truck $250
Super Buggy $250
Limited 2 $300
Limited 4 $300
All entries will also pay a $25 TORC registration fee per weekend.
100% of your entry fee goes towards the payback in your class (race payout and year end points fund).
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY USAC MEMBERSHIP?
- AUTOMATED PROCESSING WITH HARD CARD
- $200,000 Excess Medical Insurance - $25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Live Video Streaming of Events (WILL ARCHIVE 2010 EVENTS FOR LATER VIEWING)
- USAC Members Automatically Enrolled In Enhanced Communication Process (Get Email and Text Updates on Weather and Race Information)
- USAC Members Get 15% Off USAC Store Goods
- USAC Members Get Special Pricing On Partner Products
- USAC Members Eligible To Attend Special Functions (Banquets, etc)
- Member of ACCUS / FIA for safety reviews
- Member card good for other USAC sanctioned events
- Each race winner will receive a USAC Medallion
Thanks goes out to Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington of TORC, Crandon International Off-Road Raceway, and Bark River International Off-Road Raceway for opening their doors to MORR. This will help enable us to have affordable Sportsman off-road racing for generations to come.
Once again, thank you for all that attended and everyone that helped make this a very successful meeting.
To view a short video created by MT Graphics and 3DCD Video on the meetings festivities please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Q2g33RW_I
For more information about Midwest Off Road Racing and becoming a member of the group, please visit www.midwest-offroadracing.com
2010 MORR Board of Directors
President - Dan Vanden Heuvel flydtmn77@aol.com
Vice-President - Ross Hoek ross@rosshoek.com
Secretary - Mike Vanden Heuvel racermike177@yahoo.com
Treasurer - Pat Flanagan pflanagan1@new.rr.com
Directors at Large - Don Demeny racing@bayland.net
Geoff Dorr geoffdorr@hotmail.com
Mike Reusche philsinc@ymail.com
Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL
Midwest Sportsman Series 2010 Schedule
June 5-6 -- Landglade Co. Fairgrounds, Antigo, WI
June 19-20 -- Crandon Off-Road Intl. Raceway, Crandon, WI
July 10-11 -- Bark River Off-Road Raceway, Bark River, MI
July 24-25 -- Winnebago Co. Fairgrounds, Oshkosh, WI
Aug 14-15 -- Bark River Off-Road Raceway, Bark River, MI
Sept 4-5 -- Crandon Off-Road Intl. Raceway, Crandon, WI
TORC Goes Under the Lights at the Oshkosh Speedzone
July 24-25
Provided by TORC Series
Corona, CA (July 16, 2009)-Professional off-road racing is returning to The Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway at the fairgrounds in Oshkosh, WI! The Traxxas TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL, has secured the Fox Valley's premier dirt track for two rounds of action packed family entertainment.
The racing kicks off Friday evening and continues Saturday night with a second round of action packed competition! Fans can expect to see top teams from the PRO Super Buggy, Sportsman and Grassroots ranks in the following classes compete in the TORC Series:
• PRO Super Buggy
• SRT Limited Trucks
• SRT Stock Truck
• SRT 1600 and 1600 Light Buggy Classes
• Grassroots Formula 4x4, Enduro Trucks and Classix
• PRO 2wd and PRO 4x4 exhibition race
"The decision to hold a TORC event at our location will wipe the disappointment away for many of our race fans. Many experienced Off-Road for the first time last year. I received many e-mails when Oshkosh was dropped from the schedule, our fans here wanted to see the race return," said Denny Payne, Oshkosh Speedzone's marketing director.
Larry Stratton of Speedzone reverberated these sentiments: "We look forward to working with Sportsman and Grassroots race teams to make this year's event better and more enjoyable for the racers and their families. We learned a lot last year and this year things will be even better!"
Fast Facts:
The Race: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
The Date: Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12th.
The Track: Oshkosh SpeedZone
The Time: 6:00pm
Radio: USACRacing.com
Schedule: Friday and Saturday- 6pm
Track Contact: Jeff Lemiesz
2009 Top 3 Sportsman & Grassroots Drivers In Points:
Pro Super Buggy
Doug Fortin
Tim Lemons
Shawn Morris
SRT Stock Truck | Midwest
Craig Metz
Al Konitzer
Don Demeny
SRT 1600 Buggy | Midwest
John Fitzgerald
Mark Steinhardt
Mike Seefeldt
SRT 1600 Light Buggy | Midwest
Matt Gerald
Greg Stingle
Wesley Frehse
SRT Limited 2WD Truck | Midwest
Keith Steele
Luke Johnson
Ross Hoek
Grassroots Enduro Truck | Midwest
Bob Rinehart
Ben Wierzba
Matthew Ives
Grassroots Classix | Midwest
Dale Chestnut
Robert Weiland
Dale Anderson
Grassroots Formula 4x4 | Midwest
David Demaegd
Jim Ridderbush
Dave Miah
Lap Times and Scoring Provided by USAC, TORC Series Live Scoring and Timing at Each Event
Provided by TORC Series
Corona, CA (June 24, 2009)-USAC, the sanctioning body of The Traxxas TORC Truck Series presented by AMSOIL, announces enhanced coverage of TORC events on "TORC Live", a new area of the USAC website that brings all of the action live to viewers at home. Just by visiting www.torcseries.com and clicking on the LIVE Coverage button, you can get the latest information directly from the race track. Whether it's results, timing, or multimedia you are looking for TORC Live has it.
You can also see your lap times after the race by clicking on your driver's name on the USAC site. This is available for the Pro Truck classes only but may be expanded for other classes soon.
"The USAC TORC Live site is great for fans," stated Jason Smith of USAC. "The results are being streamed as the race is happening, and if you miss a few laps, you can click on the name of the driver on the results page and it will display their timing for each lap so you never miss a beat. For a true race enthusiast, nothing beats this kind of interaction."
USAC, the United States Auto Club, is an auto racing sanctioning body for the Silver Crown Series, the National Sprint Car Series, the Mopar Midget National Championship Series, .25 Midgets, and the TORC Series. For more information on USAC please visit www.usacracing.com/torc_live.
TORC-National Racing Series Converges on Crandon International, 24,000 Gather for First Race in the Midwest
Provided by TORC Series
Crandon, WI (June 21, 2009)—The Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL came to Crandon International Off Road Raceway for rounds five and six of the 2009 schedule. It was the west coast teams turn to make the 2,000 mile trek to Wisconsin to compete at the most prestigious track on the TORC circuit, in front of over 24,000 fans.
Saturday in the Kumho Tires PRO 4x4 class, Monster Energy's Rick Huseman took both the win and the Oakley Bomb Run Award for the fastest lap time, almost breaking Johnny Greaves 2008 track record. The father son Rockstar team of Kyle and Curt Leduc swept second and third place. In the AMSOIL PRO 2WD class, another two of Rockstars finest- Rob MacCachren and Todd Leduc took first and second place. Red Bull star Ricky Johnson took third place and the Oakley Bomb Run Award for fastest lap. In the Forest County Potawatomi PRO Light class the podium was stacked with talent including winner Marty Hart. Racing veteran Chad Hord took second and the Oakley Bomb Run Award; Steven Federico took third and his first podium of the 2009 season.
Sunday's action in the AMSOIL PRO 4x4 class saw Red Bull's Steve Barlow lead his first race of the season for several laps, before losing the lead in a multi car incident. In the end it was Rick Huseman who swept the weekend by capturing both the win and the Oakley Bomb. In a similar race Barlow's teammate, Ricky Johnson also led most of the Kumho PRO 2WD race, but a punctured tire from contact caused him to finish in fourth place. Scott Taylor took first place and the Oakley Bomb Run Award. Todd Leduc took another weekend podium, this time with a second place finish. Crowd favorite Dan Vanden Heuval rounded out the top three.
The highlight of the weekend was surely The Forest County Potawatomi Chairman's Cup. PRO 4x4 and PRO 2WD trucks battled it out in a shoot-out for the 25,000 dollar cash prize, as well as the coveted Chairman's Cup Trophy. The PRO 2WD driver lined up ahead of the PRO 4x4 class for a few-second head start. Ricky Johnson took the lead and held it throughout with Mike Oberg hot on his tail. In lap two the Wild Man Cenni crashed on the front stretch taking him out of the race. Johnny Greaves also pulled off early in the race. In lap 3 Scott Douglas, Rick Huseman and Mark Jenkins got into each other. Douglas was black flagged for rough driving. In the end Ricky Johnson took his first ever cup win, and became the second PRO 2WD driver in Crandon history to win the Chairman’s Cup. The last PRO 2WD winner was Scott Taylor in 2002.
The next stop on the 2009 TORC race schedule is Bark River International Raceway in Bark River, Michigan for rounds seven and eight. The action will take place over two days, July 11th and 12th.
TORC Readies for Rounds 3 and 4 at Perris Auto Speedway, Perris, CA
The PDG would like to thank everyone involved for their part in launching a great weekend of racing at Texas Motor Speedway to start the 2009 season of TORC the premier short course off-road race series. It is with great pride (and relief) that we report to all that the first race weekend was a big success!
 The strengths of our series were demonstrated by outstanding racing action. Thanks go out to all drivers, teams, track crew, TORC officials and USAC officials. While racing conditions varied due to rains from Friday to Saturday, the expertise of those aforementioned presented a tremendous show for the warm Texas fans. We were pleased with the crowd attendance both nights as the word spread in the Texas market and the crowds swelled to large capacity Saturday night despite rains all afternoon.
Timing and scoring as well as jumbotrons worked well. In a few transponder instances, manual scoring was on the ready and provided the redundant backup necessary to maintain timing integrity.
In consideration of travel challenges under the nation’s economic conditions, the weekend hosted a "pro only" venue. This decision allowed grassroots teams to focus on Midwest/West Coast points in their pursuit of a TORC national championship. We look forward to receiving the broad spectrum of race teams/classes that are that have defined short course off-road racing and will continue to define TORC. The inclusiveness of our sport and the camaraderie shared in the pits and stands adds to our popularity.
There was an unfortunate incident regarding conflicting sponsorships that the PDG has addressed with TORC. The title sponsor, Traxxas, has an agreement that gives them exclusivity to branding radio control in the TORC Series. In years past, a title sponsorship had not been sold in our sport. As part of the deliverables package to a title sponsor, TORC offered brand exclusivity to Traxxas which they obtained through 2011. There was only one such contract sold or offered to sponsors as such was reserved for a title sponsor. We recognize the Series' initial need to raise maximum capital to procure the television packages sought by everyone’s sponsors. We also acknowledge the depths of Traxxas' contributions to the sport and respect the decision of TORC to honor their commitments to our title sponsor. In consideration thereof, we have formally recommended to the TORC Series, that while they are bound to this agreement, no other agreements with this level of exclusivity, which may affect teams, will be offered to sponsors in the future. Therefore, it does not affect teams’ abilities to procure other, non-R/C vehicle sponsor support.
We thank Terry Severson (Tech Director) and the entire USAC team for overseeing the weekend’s events. Congratulations are in order for all involved as there were not any black flags. As the rain wrecked havoc on Saturday’s track, we experienced a delayed schedule in order to prepare the track surface for better racing. As a result, technical inspections for the weekend were considered "light". Therefore, the PDG recommended that TORC conduct more stringent searches in both obvious and obscure areas of rules infractions in Perris, CA.
Special thanks go out to all involved for the professionalism displayed at this important first event. The PDG was very impressed with enthusiasm of the Texas fans that braved all-day rains to come out and see our show. As TORC rolls into Perris, California for Rounds 3 and 4 on May 29-30th, bring your "A" games as we will be televised nationally on ABC!
Respectfully,
The Professional Drivers Group
Oakley Demolition Crew Creates the 'Oakley Bomb Run Award' for the Fastest Qualifiers
 Crandon, WI (May 12, 2009)-Oakley, the "Official Timekeeper of The Traxxas TORC Truck Series", announced today that it will award the top qualifier each week, in each of he top four pro classes, with a special Oakley-designed "Oakley Bomb Run Award". The driver with the top qualifying time will get a "bomb" to keep and a sticker to go on the team's hauler or truck that marks the drivers' "kills" just like a fighter pilot marks theirs (and reminds their competition who was the fastest that day).
"The Oakley demolition crew decided to drop a bombshell on racers with the most explosive times, a salvo of sick sculpture that salutes the fastest qualifiers," said Colin Baden, president of Oakley. "We've been in that mindset ever since we invented Time Bomb®, one of our first precision instruments, and it's our way of showing appreciation for being chosen as the Official Timekeeper of TORC. Racers can earn it by "nuking the competition", something we've been doing to timid minds since day one," Baden concluded.
Oakley will also create some year-end awards in addition to an overall Oakley Bomb Run Award; Oakley has designed a one-of-a-kind commemorative championship watch that will be awarded to the class champions in the 2009 Traxxas TORC Truck Series presented by AMSOIL. In addition, Oakley will award the end of the season, will present four full size "Oakley Bomb Run Awards". In each of the four classes, the driver with the most "Oakley Bomb Run Awards" will receive the 2009 Season Bomb Run Trophy.
Provided By TORC Series
PDG Awards Over $12,000 to Drivers Racing Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL
April 27, 2009 (Temecula, CA)-The Professional Drivers Group (PDG) announced today that it is awarding a total of $12,000 in cash to PDG members that are traveling to the first two weekends of racing in the Traxxas TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL. In addition, 45 drivers have already registered to receive the Traxxas $1,000 start money to be awarded at Texas Motor Speedway on May 15.
In the coming weeks, the PDG will be awarding travel funding to West Coast based drivers attending the Midwest events. To be considered for this funding, drivers need to have their application in by MAY 25th and recipients will be announced by Saturday, May 30th at Perris Auto Speedway.
The PDG would like to thank AMSOIL and Traxxas for making this possible.
We are also very excited to soon be announcing the new list of sponsors that are becoming involved in the PDG Travel Fund.
Catch the world's greatest off-road short-course racers in action at Texas Motor Speedway on May 15-16 and in Perris California on May 30-31 at Perris Auto Speedway. Check them out at: TORCseries.com.
PDG Test Session at Perris Valuable and Informative
Writeup provided by Mike Reusche, MT-Graphics
 Perris, CA (April 22, 2009)– The two day Professional Drivers Group (PDG) test session at Perris Auto Speedway served many purposes for racers looking to compete in the Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL. Over forty PRO and Sportsman drivers were on hand to take advantage of the free test session. The fine folks at AMSOIL picked all the costs involved in the two day test session. A special thanks goes out the AMSOIL Motorsports director, Jeremy Meyer for getting behind this event.
Along with the racers, representatives were on hand from AMSOIL, Traxxas, TORC, the PDG, USAC Racing, Kumho Tire, BFGoodrich Tire, King Shocks, Fox Shox, Walker Evans Racing, Pro Power Racing, Fortin Racing, Roush-Yates Engines, and Phil's Incorporated, as well as several members of the media. The entire event was streaming live, over the internet, thanks to www.trackinginternational.com.
At 12 noon, on Sunday, PDG representatives held an informal meeting explaining how the group was formed and what the reasons for creating such an organization. This was similar to the January meeting that was held in Abrams, Wisconsin. Then the founders of the TORC series, Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington said a few words, and talked about the future of short course off-road racing. The rest of the TORC staff was introduced, Office Manager, Tiffany Landru, Media Relations, Christine Lunniss, and Technical Directors, RJ Anderson and Terry Severson. USAC Racing was represented by Jason Smith. Mike Jenkins from Traxxas, and Jeremy Meyer of AMSOIL, said a few words to the crowd expressing their enthusiasm for the inaugural TORC season.
The two day affair also gave racers, team owners, and media personnel to sign up and pay their dues for PDG and USAC membership. After all the formalities, two afternoon test sessions and one under the lights were scheduled for all TORC classes. Then the event finished up on Monday with one more midday session. All divisions of racing, PRO-4WD, PRO-2WD, Pro-Light, Super Buggy, Single Buggy, UTVs, and Trophy Karts, were well represented.
Each session went smoothly as teams really went to work trying different suspension and tire grooving setups on the very challenging .7 mile layout at Perris Auto Speedway. More than a couple competitors put their race vehicle through some unintended aerobatics. Others experienced mechanical failures that, thankfully, happened before the season started. For many it was the first time back behind the wheel in almost seven months.
The Traxxas two-seat PRO-2WD truck, as well as the Vegas Off-Road Experience truck, were trackside offering ride-alongs throughout the day.
After Sunday's full day of testing, Scott Douglas invited all PDG members for an informal meeting back at his hospitality to talk more about the PDG and get more feedback from the West Coast racers.
The final Monday midday test session saw several PRO drivers, including new arrivals Jeremy McGrath and Brian Deegan, take advantage of the time to fine tune their trucks for the final time before heading to opening round of racing at the Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway on May 15. The tracks at Perris and Texas are very similar to one another.
After one O'clock on Monday, everyone packed up and headed home. All in attendance were impressed with the organization of the event as well as the Perris Auto Speedway facility.
Short course off-road racing will be returning to Perris May 29 for rounds three and four of the Traxxas TORC series presented by AMSOIL.
For more information about Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL, www.torcseries.com
PDG and TORC Raised $50,000.00 for TEXAS Event!!
Must Pre-Register by Monday, April 20th
The PDG is pleased to announce that aLL Pro trucks will receive $1000.00 to help with travel to The Off Road Championship's (TORC) opening race at Texas Motor Speedway on May 15-16. All drivers have to do to qualify for this money must pre-register with TORC Series no later than Monday, April 20; take the "Green Flag" on Friday, May 15; and be a paid PDG member. You can register for races by going to the TORC website and downloading the Race Entry Forms. Pre-registration will also be available ant the TORC/PDG Test and Media Day at Perris Auto Speedway on April 19-20.
The Professional Drivers Group (PDG) has raised $50,000.00 with help from sponsor TRAXXAS which will be divided between all Pro truck drivers. Each will receive $1000.00 just to take the Green Flag Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway.
This is totally separate from the PDG Travel fund. Any pro driver that would like to apply for the PDG Travel fund may do so. Apply for travel fund
Pro Drivers must have a current USAC License and be a PDG member.
THANK YOU TRAXXAS!
Bark River Lions Club & the PDG Put
Their Heads and Hearts Together
 April 7, 2009-Members of the PDG executive board met with the Bark River Lions Club to formulate a plan that will ensure a long term partnership with PDG and The TORC Series. The Bark River Lions Club has been committed to the off-road community for years. The PDG and the TORC Series are excited to have the Bark River International Raceway on their schedule and want to continue bringing unsurpassed racing action to the fans in the Midwest.
The PDG members shared their goals and future plans for securing premiere off-road racing in the Midwest. While the Bark River Lions Club members are committed to promoting short-course off-road racing, they wanted reassurance if they invest in making changes to the track that the series would continue to use the facility in the future. Both parties shared ideas that could potentially make the Bark River track and facility even better than it currently is.
Changes discussed include:
• Change the start, possibly a 2 x 2 rolling start, or a completely new location from the current start. • Move hot pits to a location better seen by the fans.
• Change sections of the track to produce better side by side racing-possibly a split lane section where you would choose one line or the other.
• Banking a few turns to get two lines in the turns.
• New section with table tops and whoops.
• How about this... a track design that could run one direction the first day and backwards the following day.
Stay tuned for updated information on "NEW" technical, challenging, and innovative Bark River International Off-Road Raceway!!!
The Bark River Lions Club also expressed interest in investing in the PDG travel award scholarship fund to assist racers with their travel expenses to the track. This is something that will be further discussed at a later date.
The end result was both positive and exciting for the Bark River Lions Club and the PDG. The PDG would like to thank the Bark River Lions Club for the invitation to the meeting, giving us the opportunity to be involved, and their commitment to the future of off-road racing.
The PDG is committed to making short course off-road racing the best, most exciting form of racing for the fans, while providing a viable marketing alternative to potential sponsors.
Good Times at PDG and TORC Event at Oakley –
Big Turnout For Short- Course Racing!
Foothill Ranch, CA (March 26, 2009)-The PDG and TORC kicked-off the up-coming inaugural season of the Traxxas TORC Series last evening with a star studed event held at Oakley's breathtaking headquarters in Foothill Ranch, CA,. The crowd of drivers, sponsors and fans showed up early and stayed late with the excitement of the upcoming season dominating the topic conversation during the cocktail party. Oakley, Monster Energy, and Red Bull provided food and drinks for an electrified crowd of short-course enthusiasts and PDG drivers and their race trucks were on hand along with sponsors and members of the press.
"This crowd really exceeded my expectations and I am really stoked about the success of the event," stated Ricky Johnson, owner of The Traxxas TORC Series. "The enthusiasm and support from this crowd really means a lot to my partner Mitch and me. It was really rewarding to finally meet a lot of the drivers, press, sponsors and fans that came out tonight."
The evening kicked-off with cocktails and appetizers and then moved into the Oakley theatre for a preview of Steve Naughton’s new film, entitled "Crandon". "The film brings back a lot of emotion for me, I love this sport and the heritage of short-course off-road racing," stated PDG board member Scott Douglas. "It really set the tone for the things to come this season. This was a special event for all of us that have worked really hard over the last few months."
After the film, TORC owners Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington made a presentation and answered questions about the upcoming TORC season, as well as recognizing sponsors, members from the PDG, and TORC staff. Mike Jenkins, CEO of Traxxas, a professional driver and team owner, gave a short speech.
"The way the drivers, sponsors and series owners have pulled together is unprecedented. Traxxas is absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of this series and support the efforts of the PDG and TORC. We are committed to making The Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL a sustainable top-level series for years to come."
After Johnson and Covington presented an update, the PDG took to take the stage. PDG executive board members Johnny Greaves, Scott Douglas, Curt LeDuc, Evan Evans, Steve Barlow and Rick Huseman, all took turns discussing the goals and unity of professional short-course drivers. "We are united together for the future of the sport we all have worked so hard for," stated Cut LeDuc, veteran PRO 4X4 driver and team owner. "The PDG has been amazingly united and together we can influence the future of the sport for generations of new racers coming on. The PDG is not just about the top three classes but the sportsman classes as well-we want the future of the sport to be brighter than ever and we think RJ, Mitch and the PDG have captured that vision with TORC."
The party continued out in the lobby well after Oakley personnel turned up the house lights and a wonderful evening was had by all.
The Traxxas TORC Series-The Off Road Championship, presented by AMSOIL is the world’s premier off road series, bringing together the best of Midwest short course off-road racing with exciting new Western State venues. TORC drivers push the limits with action-packed fender pounding on challenging natural terrain racetracks. The season kicks off May 15, 2009 at Texas Motor Speedway. For more information on TORC please visit www.torcseries.com.
PDG Changes TORC Test and Orientation to
Sunday and Monday–April 19-20
Now no charge to PDG members compliments of AMSOIL!
 Perris, Ca. (March 16, 2009)–The Professional Drivers Group (PDG) announces a change in dates for the PDG Driver Orientation Event. Due to the overwhelming response and at the urging of the sponsors, we have moved the test days to Sunday and Monday (April 19th-20th) so as to not conflict with the Best In The Desert race.
The 2-day TORC Series open practice at Perris Raceway in Perris, CA, will be FREE to all PDG members, compliments of AMSOIL. This is a great opportunity to get driver and equipment dialed in for the 2009 TORC Series season. This will be a great chance to practice with some of the best off-road drivers in the country! A USAC license is also required.
The PDG test day will be hosted by TORC series sponsors, tire companies, and USAC. Practice will be open to the public both days with FREE admission, along with music, concessions, and fun. Media and TV crews will be on hand to capture firsthand all the excitement of the first practice session of the year.
Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, home of the Southern California Fair. The track is approximately one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego. To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit at the Ramona Expressway and go two miles east to the fairgrounds. You can call the track office at 951-940-0134.
You can join the Professional Drivers Group (PDG) by going to the online sign-up form at www.PDGoffroad.org. Sign up and photos for USAC Hard Cards will also be available.
| Perris Speedway Website | TORC Series Website |
PRACTICE – MEDIA – MUSIC – FOOD - FUN
PDG to Announce Exciting Incentives and Opportunities for Membership
While the Professional Drivers Group (PDG) is still in the organizational stage, there are some exciting benefits already in the works that will be available exclusively to their membership. To join, please go to the online membership application. The fees are very affordable ($40.00 for drivers and $25.00 for supporters) and will provide funding for the PDG’s efforts to have a voice in off-road racing, particularly the TORC Series, which the PDG supports.
The Professional Drivers Group (PDG), with backing from several sponsors and track owners, has established a Travel Fund Scholarship for independent teams to help with travel expenses. Any Pro 4x4, Pro 2WD or Pro Light PDG members traveling between the West Coast and Midwest regions for Points are eligible.
Several teams from the West Coast and the Midwest will be awarded travel vouchers for up to $2000 per trip.
To qualify, each team must submit a Travel Fund Award Application to show their need for assistance. The PDG Board will make the final selection and award the teams the scholarship.
The goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to teams to help give them the opportunity to showcase their talents among the top off-road racers in the country. | TRAVEL FUND APPLICATION
Another membership benefit will be periodic test days at Crandon. A date for the first test date will be announced as early as this week. A media day is also being arranged to allow media to take photos, interview drivers and other activities to promote off-road racing.
PDG Meet the Masses in the Midwest
Abrams, WI (February 5, 2009) - On a sub-zero evening in Northern Wisconsin, the leaders of Off-Road Grand Prix [THE Off Road Championship], Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington, along with two members of the Professional Drivers Group (PDG), Scott Douglas and Johnny Greaves, presented the footprint of off-road racing’s only national race series. Nearly two hundred drivers and race team members filled the banquet hall at the Fly-Away in Abrams, Wisconsin to listen and present questions to the leaders of both groups. Also on hand were newest staff members of Off-Road GP, Eastern tech director Terry Severson, and Office Manager, Tiffany Landru. Their wealth of knowledge and experience are key assets for the success of this off-road racing series.
The meeting began with Ricky Johnson explaining the process that took him to the formation of the Off-Road GP, and the soon to be completed purchase of the World Series of Off-Road Racing. The infrastructure, the permanent facilities, and the history of the sport were all key elements to his decisions. Ricky made the point about the passion he has for this sport and how he intends grow and promote this unique form of Motorsports. The future will see RJ from driver to race series owner/director. One point, RJ made was the way he is presenting the series to sponsors and to the marketplace. Short course off-road racing, does bring desert racing to the masses, but ORGP want to be known as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Challenge) of the Motorsports world. The mix the speed, the bumps, jumps and side by side racing, with the technical and strategy aspects of the teams and their race vehicles and that’s what the ORGP being to the Motorsports world.
As noted before, the ORGP will be sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC). Along with all the on-track and tech duties, USAC will include ORGP in their marketing, on their website, and at the year end awards banquet in Indianapolis. The USAC website will be key in the creation of streaming video with side bar stories on the drivers and other stories,that develop throughout the season. In conjunction with the SEMA show, the ORGP will also have its own awards banquet also honoring all Sportsman and PRO drivers in Las Vegas.
Mitch Covington spoke on some of the business aspects of the series and what to expect in the coming days and weeks. Key points such as sponsors and television coverage will become official in the days ahead. The three PRO truck classes will be included in the television package.
Johnny Greaves and Scott Douglas stepped up to the microphone to discuss what brought the drivers together, to form the Professional Drivers Group (PDG). Several PRO drivers on the West Coast got together to try to understand what direction the future of this sport was heading. At the same time, the group believed it needed a unified voice to express their wants, needs, and opinions, to keep their livelihood intact. The drivers continued to meet over the course of 4-6 weeks to put their plan together. In turn, meetings were held with sponsors and race promoters.
After everything was said and done, the PDG determined that the race series and marketing package Ricky Johnson had put together was the direction the drivers and the sport needed, to continue for the long term. In the near future, the PDG will be launching its website to keep everyone updated with all the latest information.
Questions came from all over the banquet hall and covered a variety of topics. The series is a strong believer in the sportsman racer, and creating opportunities to “move up the ladder” into the PRO ranks. The sportsman series will have an east coast and west coast points series as some of the classes differ depending which side of the Rocky Mountains you race.
As stated before, Terry Severson is the Technical Director in the East, and R.J. Anderson, of Walker Evans Racing, will head the tech director duties in the West. The technical directors will assist USAC with nuisances of off-road race vehicles when it comes to the inspection process as well as the liaison between the racers and the USAC tech committee.
After about two hours, the informal meeting adjourned and the 2009 bench racing season began. The response to the meeting among the group was very upbeat. Everyone had positive comments about how the leaders of the ORGP and the PDG came to Wisconsin to keep everyone updated and in the loop with all the developments in the sport.
Story courtesy Mike Reusche, MT Graphics |
