Photography credit to Mike Aiello
Desert racing offers a variety of terrain that no other form of racing can boast; smooth roads, rocky silt, water, and dust. In the desert, things can change in an instant but the net result is always the same, a grand adventure.
For those unfamiliar with the desert, a “7200 truck” is an unlimited mid-size truck. The only restrictions are a 6-cylinder motor and maximum overall width.
The #7231 Torchmate/AMSOIL Ranger was built around a stock frame which limits it more but also allows it to compete in the further restricted SCORE Class 7. It has a fire breathing 4.5L Ford motor originally designed for NASCAR and countless hours of custom fabrication. This race, the Silver State 300, is a single loop around the most desolate areas of eastern Nevada. Bill Kunz would drive with Team AMSOIL rock racer Brad Lovell navigating the entire 322 miles.
The pair darted from the start line second in their class. After about 35 miles, they crept up on the leader but soon lost him in the blinding silt. Luckily he pulled off at the first pit, giving the Torchmate/AMSOIL Ranger some clean air. They pitted at race mile 90 and watched Al Hogan regain the lead.
Near race mile 120, along a narrow stretch of mountainous road, something went haywire and all electrical power in the truck cut out. As they loosened the trucks belts, the #7286 of Dave
Caspino plowed into the back of the Ranger which, to their benefit, pushed them off the course and out of harms way. They were able to trace their electrical problem to a loose battery terminal. Despite losing several positions, the crew focused on finishing strong and not worrying about the lead.
Over the next 30 miles, they passed Caspino and another 7200 truck when they pulled off the course to make repairs. The AMSOIL sponsored duo raced out of the mountains and towards the BFGoodrich/AMSOIL pit area. However, before they could reach the pits, they spotted a column of black smoke and were informed that Hogan's truck had caught fire. A race official told them that the race was on hold until the fires was put out. Hogan, leading the 7200 class, hit a power pole with enough force to completely knock it over. The power lines fell onto the wrecked t
ruck and started a fire. Somehow, everyone got out safe but the truck burned to the ground. After clearing the wreck, the race was resumed and trucks were started 30 seconds apart. The restart worked in their favor as they were able to take fuel and still maintain their position near the front of the pack.
Kunz and Lovell ran clean for the next 70 miles before gaining and passing another vehicle, not knowing if the truck was a 7200 truck or not. Finally, the finish line came into view, and they took the checkered flag. After driving 322 difficult miles, they won by only 5 minutes and 17 seconds.
"This is our first win in the #7231 Torchmate Ranger and we could not be happier," said Lovell. "AMSOIL and BFGoodrich have really gotten behind our program and we owe them our thanks."
On the same day as this race, the #32 and #232 rock racers returned to RAM Off-Road Park In Colorado Springs, Colo. Roger Lovell and Mark Hayward gave hair raising rides all day for the charitable cause Christmas for Kids. They helped raise nearly $1,000 to make Christmas brighter for children in need. With no time to spare, the entire Torchmate team will convene in Farmington, N.M. on October 3 to battle for top honors at the WE-Rock Grand Nationals.
Desert racing offers a variety of terrain that no other form of racing can boast; smooth roads, rocky silt, water, and dust. In the desert, things can change in an instant but the net result is always the same, a grand adventure.
For those unfamiliar with the desert, a “7200 truck” is an unlimited mid-size truck. The only restrictions are a 6-cylinder motor and maximum overall width.
The #7231 Torchmate/AMSOIL Ranger was built around a stock frame which limits it more but also allows it to compete in the further restricted SCORE Class 7. It has a fire breathing 4.5L Ford motor originally designed for NASCAR and countless hours of custom fabrication. This race, the Silver State 300, is a single loop around the most desolate areas of eastern Nevada. Bill Kunz would drive with Team AMSOIL rock racer Brad Lovell navigating the entire 322 miles.The pair darted from the start line second in their class. After about 35 miles, they crept up on the leader but soon lost him in the blinding silt. Luckily he pulled off at the first pit, giving the Torchmate/AMSOIL Ranger some clean air. They pitted at race mile 90 and watched Al Hogan regain the lead.
Near race mile 120, along a narrow stretch of mountainous road, something went haywire and all electrical power in the truck cut out. As they loosened the trucks belts, the #7286 of Dave
Caspino plowed into the back of the Ranger which, to their benefit, pushed them off the course and out of harms way. They were able to trace their electrical problem to a loose battery terminal. Despite losing several positions, the crew focused on finishing strong and not worrying about the lead.Over the next 30 miles, they passed Caspino and another 7200 truck when they pulled off the course to make repairs. The AMSOIL sponsored duo raced out of the mountains and towards the BFGoodrich/AMSOIL pit area. However, before they could reach the pits, they spotted a column of black smoke and were informed that Hogan's truck had caught fire. A race official told them that the race was on hold until the fires was put out. Hogan, leading the 7200 class, hit a power pole with enough force to completely knock it over. The power lines fell onto the wrecked t
ruck and started a fire. Somehow, everyone got out safe but the truck burned to the ground. After clearing the wreck, the race was resumed and trucks were started 30 seconds apart. The restart worked in their favor as they were able to take fuel and still maintain their position near the front of the pack.Kunz and Lovell ran clean for the next 70 miles before gaining and passing another vehicle, not knowing if the truck was a 7200 truck or not. Finally, the finish line came into view, and they took the checkered flag. After driving 322 difficult miles, they won by only 5 minutes and 17 seconds.
"This is our first win in the #7231 Torchmate Ranger and we could not be happier," said Lovell. "AMSOIL and BFGoodrich have really gotten behind our program and we owe them our thanks."
On the same day as this race, the #32 and #232 rock racers returned to RAM Off-Road Park In Colorado Springs, Colo. Roger Lovell and Mark Hayward gave hair raising rides all day for the charitable cause Christmas for Kids. They helped raise nearly $1,000 to make Christmas brighter for children in need. With no time to spare, the entire Torchmate team will convene in Farmington, N.M. on October 3 to battle for top honors at the WE-Rock Grand Nationals.
Until then, we'll see you at the races.
