The sand was flying Oct. 8 – 9 in Barstow, CA when 174 women drivers took to the track to compete in the ladies only Powder Puff Off-Road Race for the Cure. After the dust settled, one winner emerged as queen of the off-road, Shelby Reid. Class 1 driver Reid turned in an impressive six laps with an average speed of 47.9 mph and a total time of 3:30:31. The Powder Puff Off-Road Challenge is the biggest all women driver event with teams representing several states. It is also one of the largest events annually presented by M.O.R.E. In its fifth year, the annual event is presented by M.O.R.E. Racing and title sponsor Royal Purple Inc.

This ladies’ only two-day event begins with tech and safety on Friday. On race day Saturday, all vehicles run a 28-mile loop and are split into two different heats during the competition. Each heat results in a winner with one overall winner crowed at the end of the second heat.  Not only does the event showcase what the ladies can do on the off-road course, but many of the racers honor a cancer survivor or a loved one they have lost by participating. “My gramma, a breast cancer survivor of 14 years, was able to attend and root us on. We were able to place 3rd in our class (7s). We were pretty stoked about it considering this was our first race ever,” said Andrea Colello.

Racers competed in several classes that also included a variety of off-road vehicles including Buggies, Trucks, UTVs and Jeepspeed. Group One winner was Class 5 driver Ann Anderson who completed four laps at an average speed of 38.5 mph. Her overall time was 2:54:26. “If you guys don't think these gals are serious and got skills you're fooling yourselves; watch out or you may lose your ride,” said Jeff Cepielik.

After the racing was over, race teams, families and friends enjoyed an evening of entertainment, a BBQ and a raffle that included the grand prize of a 2011 Rhino 700 FI Auto 4x4. “What an awesome time! I loved it! It was my first time racing the puff, first time racing ever and I have the race bug now! I can't wait until next year. I'll be there for sure,” said Andria Calkins. Proceeds from the race totaling over $122,000 will be donated to the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Research Center.

Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer-related deaths, and it is estimated that more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Breast cancer doesn’t just affect women, 2,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease and about 40,000 women and 400 men will die from breast cancer this year. Royal Purple is proud to be an annual sponsor of the event. To find out more about the Royal Purple Off-Road Race for the Cure visit www.Royalpurple.com/rp-racing.html or http://moreracing.net/powderpuff2010/. See you next year on the track!