2009 SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge - Catch up with Larry Roseler & Justin "Bean" Smith as they set new Leap records and BJ Baldwin talks about his new General Tires
January 22, 2009 –The 2009 SCORE desert racing season literally went off with a bang tonight as the 15th annual Laughlin Leap started with a fireworks show that lit up the sky. Although many forcasts called for rain tonight in Laughlin, so far the sky is clear and racers are eagar to begin the 2009 season.
Trophy Truck driver Greg Nunley was drawn at random to start the show underneath the fireworks as cars and trucks from all classes lined up for their shot at the $16,000 Laughlin Leap 'purse'.
Justin "Bean" Smith rolled out his newly aquired 1-2/1600 with hopes of taking home not only the purse for the Laughlin Leap but his first win of a full 2009 season ahead of him. Smith has an extensive desert racing background but this will be his first full year behind the wheel as the Driver of Record with his own team and car. Bean, as he is better known as in the industry, flew far off the leap both jumps to capture not only the win for his class but set a new record in the 1-2/1600 class. Up until tonight Rob MacCachren held the record of 96'6" feet but Smith beat it tonight as he jumped 101'6"!!
2009 SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
January 22-25
The 15th Annual Laughlin Leap
Thursday, January 22 @ 6:00PM
Plan to compete in the Laughlin Leap, Thursday night, January 22. The Leap is open to all official entrants in the Laughlin Desert Challenge SCORE race. In order to compete in the Laughlin Leap you must be officially pre-registered in the Laughlin SCORE race. BEST OF ALL, IT’S FREE !
Free Tickets / Discounts for Drivers: Each Laughlin Leap Team will be given four (4) general admission tickets for the Leap event. Additional spectator tickets may be purchased at a discounted price to all official entries in the race. Discounted tickets will only be available THROUGH JANUARY 20 by calling 702-298-2214, please have your race number available. PLEASE instruct your team supporters to enjoy the event from the stands and to stay out of the infield!
New Divisions For More Competition:
DIVISION A – all interested racers from Classes 1/2-1600, 5-1600, 9 and 11.
First Place is $2,000 / Second Place is $600.
DIVISION B – all interested racers from Classes 3, 7, 7SX, SM, SF, Sportsman Truck. First place is $2,000 / Second Place is $600.
DIVISION C – all interested racers from Classes 5, 10, SCORE Lites, Sportsman Buggy. First place is $2,000 / Second Place is $600
DIVISION D – all interested racers from Protruck, and Class 8.
First place is $2,000 / Second Place at $600
DIVISION E – all interested racers from Class 1 Unlimited. First place is $2,000 / Second Place at $600 DIVISION F – all interested racers from Trophy Truck. First place is $2,000 / Second Place at $600 The longest LEAP of the night will receive a big and beautiful LAUGHLIN LEAP TROPHY.
Laughlin Leap registration takes place at the Laughlin Special Events Park at Bruce Woodbury Drive and Thomas Edison Drive from 2:30PM to 5:00PM (Nevada/California time) on Thursday, January 22, near the main gates at the event site. You may also pre-register for Laughlin Leap by calling 702-298-2214 or mailing the entry form to the Laughlin Tourism Committee, 1585 S Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029.
NO LAUGHLIN LEAP ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 5:00 PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 22.
At 5:00PM on Thursday, January 22, there will be a mandatory meeting for all Leap participants at the VIP Tent. There may be last minute details regarding final rule changes and any other details not covered prior to the event. IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL COMPETITORS ATTEND THIS MEETING. Vehicles will be staged at 5:30PM at the west end of the grandstand area. Competition begins at 6:00PM.
Laughlin Leap Rules:
1 - The vehicle that is used for the Laughlin Leap must be the vehicle entered in the SCORE race.
2 - Two-seat vehicles have the option of not having a co-driver.
3 - Approved helmets and firesuits must be worn during the competition by all vehicle occupants.
4 - The leap distance will determine the order of finish in each division.
5 - SCORE will require that contestants sign a waiver of liability prior to the jump.
6 - Instruct your teammates family memebers and other supporters to stay out of the in field.
7 - A minimum of three competitors in each division must compete for that division to pay first place.
8 - A minimum of five must compete for the division to pay through second place.
9 - Ties will split appropriate prize fund.
For information contact the Laughlin Tourism Commission at 702-298-2214
