BJ Baldwin finishes 2nd at SCORE season opener, Laughlin Desert Challenge
Las Vegas, NV - The SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge is one of the more unique off-road races of the season in that it mixes the best of long distance desert racing with spectator friendly short course. The race consists of two days of racing eight laps around a rugged 6.25-mile course, including an infield with the famous “Laughlin Leap” as part of the course. Racers start two vehicles wide, drag racing to the first jump leading out into the treacherous Nevada desert. Considered the best off-road race for spectators, it features multiple spectator viewing areas, including a stadium seating area which features the extremely popular SCORE vision large-screen LCD display, showing live footage from approximately 95 percent of the race course. The 14th annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge featured motorsports fans and racers from 17 states, as well as racers from Mexico and Germany all converging in Laughlin, NV, the desert resort town along the banks of the Colorado River.
On Saturday, BJ Baldwin rocketed off the start drag racing Carl Renezeder to the first tabletop jump and out into the desert. The racing was heated as drivers changed positions upon return into the infield almost every lap. By lap five BJ had carved a sizeable lead, only to lose it due to a transmission failure, which cost him valuable time during the final two and a half laps. The final result of the day was a 6th in trophy trucks for BJ Baldwin.
Sunday would only prove to be marginally better as the two time defending Laughlin Desert Challenge champ made what proved to be a critical tire grooving mistake. The result caused BJ to lose valuable traction in the rain soaked course. Despite the challenges BJ stayed the course finishing the two days of racing 2nd in Trophy Trucks with a total time of 2:13:38 only 43 seconds behind first place.
“ The competition was challenging, the course was rough, and the conditions were challenging, this is what off-road racing is all about! I had a great time. We ran into a couple of issues that cost us valuable time. On Saturday we started losing a trany on the 5th lap, so all we could do is limp through the last two and a half laps. It was frustrating watching guys we had reeled in pass us back. On Sunday I grooved my tires in an attempt to get better traction on the wet track and that backfired on me. It felt like I was racing on slicks, I couldn’t get any traction at all. I was looking for a third win in a row this year, but I got beat fair and square. I’ve got to give it up to Rich Ronco, he drove great both days to take the win. I am going to focus on getting ready for Parker,” stated the confident BJ Baldwin.
Check out BJ Baldwin’s website for race results, photos and video at http://ballisticbjbaldwin.com/
BJ Baldwin’s next race will be the BITD Parker 425 February 1st-3rd
BJ Baldwin is sponsored by:
BFGoodrich Tires
