Ensenada, Baja California Mexico – The Rockstar Energy Battle South Of The Border at the Baja International Short Course track in Estero Beach was a brand new event on the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) schedule. It was the first taste of short course racing for many of the Baja, Mexico fans who are legendary in their passion for off-road racing. The track at Estero Beach was completely different from the usual; many fell prey to the rough sandy soil that more resembled the desert than the normally groomed Lucas Oil track. For Brandon Arthur, the Stinger, it was nothing he hadn’t seen in his years of racing a Trophy Truck in the desert.
“The rhythm section was a game changer last weekend,” said the Stinger, “That track was a lot different than usual in the LOORRS series. Some of the drivers had big trouble but I think it was good to change things up. During Qualifying on Saturday, we were 3rd fastest overall. They combined all the Pro Lites together in qualifying this weekend. They drew an inversion of four which put us starting on the outside of row 1 for the race. I got around Heger on lap 1 and led until lap 4 when Sheldon and I battled. He got around me but on lap 6 he wrecked going into turn one; I got the lead back.”
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“There were a couple of wrecks in the rhythm section that were bad, I’m glad nobody got seriously injured. We held the lead to the finish and took the win for Competitive Metals, Pro Traffic Services, Rigid Industries LED Lighting, Toyo Tires, HRT Motorsports, Method Race Wheels, Magnaflow, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, F&L Racing Fuels, Impact, FOX shocks, Heatshield Products, Maxima Racing Oils, Summers Brothers, Wirefab, ECP Powder Coating, Bink Designs and Redline Performance!”
“Sunday we went out in qualifying and were off the pace,” the Stinger continued, “We ended up qualifying 5th. We pulled the truck into our pit and made some changes. After the inversion, we started inside on the third row. I got a good start; coming out in 3rd after turn 2. I was just behind RJ and Brooks, (the top 2 in points) for a couple of laps before getting around Brooks. I closed on RJ but the track started to get real rough. I held my position until the finish, coming home with a 2nd place finish.
Brandon’s consistency has really started to shine. The win in round 11 and 2nd place the following day make it 5 podiums in a row. The race in Estero Beach was a big test for all, some had problems, and others shined. Brandon and the Competitive Metals, Pro Traffic Services crew, proved they are up for whatever comes their way. Consistent top finishes have them rising in the points standings as the season passes the midway point.
Brandon Arthur will be racing next in rounds 13 and 14 on Aug 22 – 23 at Wild West Motorsports Park in Sparks, Nevada. The Sparks, Nevada track is known for its huge elevation changes and challenging turns. Brandon has been consistently fast there and is looking forward to continuing his podium streak. Come check out the race in person or go to: http://brandonarthurracing.com/ for the latest news about Brandon’s racing accomplishments in the Lucas Oil Series and other select off-road events.
Photography By: Bink Designs