Coming into the Best in the Desert's "Vegas to Reno" race, everyone knows the difficulties and challenges ahead of them. With more than 450 miles of race course it has some of the most technical and abusive terrain in the United States.
Jason Campbell, driving with Scott Zindroski and Morgan Wilson in the AMSOIL/Camburg Toyota, was last off the line in their class as they faced a rear starting position on Friday. The first 80 miles featured some of the races roughest terrains and it showed early as a large number of trucks and buggy's succumed to the elements.The AMSOIL/Camburg truck was able to overcome a 20 minute traffic jam and numerous stops to help out downed racers during the early stages of the race to stay on course. At one point, the truck pulled over to help a stranded buggy that had run out of gas. The crew filled an 8 oz. water bottle with gas from their fuel tank about 30 times to get the buggy restarted.
After they made it over the 8,500 foot summit, Jerry Zaiden took over driving with Brad Hisgen and Justin Held along for the ride. With 200+ miles to go, Zaiden knew they had a chance since half the field typically fails to finish. After helping more stranded racers, the Toyota was stuck in 4-LO and had to make it to the next scheduled pit stop at a high speed of 27 mph.
Zaiden pulled into Pit 9 and the crew refueled and reset the ECU, which allowed the Toyota Tundra to get out of the lower gear. With only 110 miles left to the finish line, Zaiden set a fast pace to the end.
The AMSOIL/Camburg/Toyota crossed the finish line sixth in their class and 99th overall in 16 hours and 57 minutes. Out of 202 vehicles that started the grueling race, only 51% of those entries finished the event. In uncommon fashion, all of the Class 8100 trucks, the same class as the Camburg team, finished the 450 mile race.
Up next is the Best in the Desert Silver State 300 on September 26-28.
Until then, we'll see you at the races.
