The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States

The Longest Off-Road Race in the United States

ROOKIES LOOKING TO GAIN GROUND ON YEAR END AWARD

AT THE TSCO “VEGAS TO RENO” RACE

TheBest In The Desert Racing Association Rookie of the Year Award is turning into a real shootout coming into the third race of the season for the car and truck classes. When the green flag drops at the start of the TSCO “Vegas to Reno” race, the top ten rookies will leave the line with only 43 points separating them. At the top of the list sits Class 1500, unlimited open wheel car drivers Steve Jangaard of Torrance, CA, with 180 points and Tim McDonnell of Yorba Linda, CA in the second spot only 5 points back at 175.

While both of these drivers are technically rookies, they’re definitely not novices to the sport of off-road racing. Steve Jangaard grew up with a passion for off-road cars and in fact built his first street legal rail at the age of 15. He went on to earn a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a background that he uses to help consult other teams as well as setting up his own vehicles. Now a police officer for the City of Torrance, Steve raced motocross in the Police Olympics for a time then designed, built and raced a car in local high desert off-road events. This year Steve turned his focus on the Best In The Desert series. After successful finishes at the first two races, including a second place at the Parker “425”, Steve is entering the TSCO “Vegas to Reno” in a brand new HMS Chevy powered Class 1500 car.

Tim McDonnell is also no stranger to off-road racing. He started racing motorcycles at 15 years old then, as the years went by, graduated to classes 1600, 10 and 2 cars in other series events. After sitting out of the sport for seven to eight years, Tim missed the companionship that is so tightly associated with the off-road racing community and got the itch to jump back into it. With the help of family and friends, Tim will be challenging the brutal 570 mile TSCO “Vegas to Reno” course in his highly prepped Penhall class 1500 car.

This it the 3rd year for the Best In The Desert Racing Association’s Rookie of the Year Award. The 2005 rookie award winner was Wade Kelson. Trick Truck driver Garron Cadiente walked away with the rookie award in 2006.

Rounding out the top ten rookies going into the TSCO “Vegas to Reno” are:

1. Steve JangaardClass 1500 180 points

2. Tim McDonnellClass 1500175 points

3. Tom Gilchriese Sr.Class 1500 166 points

4. Bill RobertsonClass 1500 164 points

5. Jerry ZaidenClass 7200159 points

6. Barry KarakasClass 7200156 points

7. Erick JacobsClass 1000154 points

8. Bryan FolksClass 1000154 points

9. Gary StairsClass 2000148 points

10. Chris RobinsonClass 2000137 points

To see a complete list of current rookie points standings for the Best In The Desert car and truck classes, please go to:

Off-Road Racing’s Best-Run Series … Best In The Desert!

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