Lake Elsinore hosts opening round of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing ‘So. California Shootout’

Just in time for spring, off road racing arrived at the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park for Rounds 1 and 2 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, presented by Geico. The multitude of sights, the smell of racing fuel, and the sound of screaming engines thrilled fans Friday and Saturday nights, March 20 and 21, with racing under the lights to the delight of enthusiastic crowds and left them all wishing for “just one more race.”

Since 2009, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series has sanctioned most of the West Coast off road short course events. And each year, all drivers start off even, at least on paper. But the truth is that some drivers have an edge in driving skills, some drivers have the advantage of more experience, and some teams have better equipment and more money to spend on allowed improvements. But they all start off even, right?

The start of the 2015 season was really no different than any other. The drivers raced under beautiful, dry Southern California weather conditions and the fans were on hand to spot the early season standouts amongst the seasoned veterans and the relative newbies . . .

Thursday was a designated practice day as drivers tested themselves and the nine-tenths-mile track, checking for strengths and weaknesses in both. There were a few fans on hand. Friday night brought more good weather and stands nicely filled with fans. By Saturday night, race fever peaked with stands filled to capacity and countless number of fans lining the spectator fence. A phrase to gladden any event promoter: “standing room only!”

Each night, the drivers gave the crowds everything that they asked for and more . . . With eight classes and eight races each night, there are too many victors to report here, but a complete listing of all race results can be found at www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

That said, the final Round 2 race on Saturday could possibly be titled the “best of the night.” A Pro 2 Unlimited race, this one featured all of the legends and the strongest of the newer drivers. Following a Round 1 win in Pro 2 Unlimited on Friday night, Bryce Menzies jumped out to an early lead by the end of lap one, a lead that he would hold all the way to the checkered flag. Similarly, Rob MacCachren grabbed and held onto second place wire to wire.

The battles behind them were fierce, back and forth challenges for the full 16-lap race. In particular, Jeremy McGrath, who started in the fifth pole place, seesawed back and forth between 4th and 6th place. Then, on the 14th lap, a huge stack up in front of the stands gave McGrath the room necessary to jump into 3rd place and hold on for the checkered flag. Best race of the night!

So, the 2015 off road racing season is off to a great start . . . The series moves on to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for Rounds 3 and 4 on April 24 and 25, and then returns to the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park for rounds 5 and 6 on May 30 and 31. The series finale Rounds 17 and 18 will also be held at Lake Elsinore on October 24 and 25. If you missed out last weekend, be sure to get your tickets for the next Lake Elsinore race!

Editor’s Note: Mike Clary is a professional sports photographer and Canyon Lake resident. He wrote this article for a website to which he contributes: Inland Empire Sports & News (iesportsnews.com).




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