Race prep started early, but at the last minute decided to make some major changes and multiple issues kept coming up and didn’t get to make our way down to Alabama until late the night before the race. After a layover outside Cleveland, TN, we finally rolled into the park around 5 AM Saturday morning. After getting several hours of sleep in the tow pig, woke up to set up for the weekend and get everything ready to pass tech for qualifying and the race. Left one of the required fire extinguishers back home, but fortunately Shawn Fisher came through in a pinch and had an extra one to use.
After mounting it, ran a short tour of the park to get oriented on where everything was. Unfortunately, a significant section of the course was taped off for the hill climbing competitions going on that morning, so I didn’t get to pre-run the woods course. So, after getting a lay of the land, I went over to the short course section to check in and do some pre-running of that section. It was full of tight turns and plenty of jumps. It looked like it was going to be a blast.
After checking in, took off to pre-run and the 4973 car felt scary coming off the jumps and way off in the corners. Hadn’t had anything adjusted from standard trail settings I normally run, so took it back to the trailer to adjust the shocks. Firmed up the fronts and adjusted the rears and made my way back to the short course. Still didn’t feel right and went back to the trailer. Checked tire pressure and one was way low and discovered a bad valve stem. Aired back up to the pressure of the other tires and hit the course again.
This time, it felt on point. Time was getting close to the advertised cut-off time of 11 am for qualifying. Just ran that one test lap and since I didn’t want to miss qualifying, went ahead and next ran my qualifying lap. Ran a very smooth, but conservative run, thus I had a fairly slow qualifying time and started in the back of the pack for the race itself.
This being my first UTV race, I was here to learn what the 4973 and I were capable of. The race was a time corrected, two at a time, 30 second intervals. Finally, I was off and trying to chase Cash LeCroy down. Got some serious fun air on the jumps on the back side of the course and made my way into the woods section. Before long, I was passing rigs that had broken and was catching up to those starting in front of me for passes. I came across a fellow racer that had rolled over in a sharp turn. I stopped to make sure he was ok. He waved me on, but I’m not out to win this one, so I decided to help and we pulled line to get him back on his wheels.
Continued on the course, mashing the pedal down and this thing was fast in the rocks. Made quick work of going down Jolene and up slick rock falls, stopped at the checkpoint and continued on the course… at least I thought I did. I realized soon that I had somehow gone off course despite an awesome job by the Pro Rock staff and volunteers marking the course and making it idiot proof. After several minutes, I got oriented again and made my way back to the course where I had made the wrong turn. The rest of the lap went smooth as can be. I was still being somewhat conservative since I hadn’t gotten a chance to pre-run it, but didn’t feel I was making bad time either. I was still passing broken down UTVs left and right. The course was taking its toll on the field of racers.
Completed the first lap and on the second, it was game on. I knew where I was going, so hit the second lap much harder. This course was a blast with a great mix of wide open, tight twisties, squeezes between trees and plenty of rocks to climb over. Handled Easy Rider and Jolene without issue, came up on Slickrock Falls and decided to try to cut some time by taking a harder line than I did the first lap. Felt something pop and lost some traction. Backed over to the easier route and got myself off the course to check things out. The front diff case had broken. Didn’t want that to be the end of the race, so put her back into 2WD and made my way to the checkpoint and finished out the lap, ending up 17th out of a total of 35 registered racers.
All things considered after stopping to help someone and getting off course on the first lap, if I hadn’t have done that, I would have had a really good lap completion time and was doing even better on the second lap. This was a huge learning experience for me and after finding out what I’m capable of without making mistakes, I’ve come to realize I’ve built a very capable RzR and I just might be able to hang with these folks after all.
My RT Pro stuff performed like a champ the entire race. Their springs soaked up the rocks like it was nothing, the suspension was very predictable and had me flying through the air on jumps with complete confidence. The front bumper hit a rock on Jolene and didn’t even break the powdercoat and their cage system I know is going to protect my few brain cells if I decide to lay it on it’s lid.
My Nitro Racing Parts shifter always felt smooth and clean. Gives me the confidence to hit the hills and be able to dump reverse if needed.
The PRP Seats helped make that rough course feel like I was going down a freshly paved highway. Best suspension seats on the market, their 5.3 harnesses kept me secure and their door bags kept everything I needed within arms reach.
The Raceline Wheels Mamba beadlock rings took a beating on the rocks and held up awesome.
My 32″ Maxxis Tires gave me traction whenever I needed it. These things just flat out grip, while keeping the weight down at only 35 lbs each.
Super ATV Atlas boxed arms with their uniballs took some good smacks, including one rock that gave me a pretty good jolt when I hit it at speed. Their high clearance design gave tons of extra clearance, but even with the big rocks they just shrugged off the blows and held up to hits that would have taken out inferior designs. The 1/2″ UHMW skid system took some serious punishment as well, especially going down Jolene. Tough as nails while the UHMW just slides over rocks without getting hung up. The Rackboss system took everything I could give it and the HD radiator kept things cool when the throttle was to the floor. The rhino 2.0 axles handled everything I could throw at them.
For engine protection and gains, can’t beat Metal Conditioner Squared. Dyno proven performance is incredible!
Though I didn’t have to use it during the race, I’m always glad to being running a Factor 55 ProLink. Closed system winching is the only way to go. Stay safe!
Highly recommend Pro Rock Racing to all my racing friends and those considering getting out there. There’s some serious payouts in these races and 100% of entry fees goes back to the racers for the prize money. Check it out folks.
Finally, I learned a ton during this race. I didn’t know what I didn’t know and while I still have a long way to go, I know I can be competitive in this sport. There are going to be some podiums in the future.
Up next, Ultra4 Racing Showdown in Shamokin. The Showdown in Shamokin presented by Rock Krawler Suspension is the weekend of April 13-15 in Pennsylvania. For those looking for something a bit closer to Kentucky, the next Survival race is at Knott County Mine Made Adventure Park the weekend of May 25-27. Can’t wait to see everyone there!
