The 2nd Annual Sandcar Challenge put together by TBO Productions was bigger and better than last year. There were well over 80 entries at this year’s race. This event gives Builders, Fab

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Ultimate Sandcar Challenge

ricators, and Sandcar Enthusiasts the opportunity to come out and put their workmanship, driving skills, and love for the sport to the test. If you really want to make it to the final round, you’d better be ready to put everything on the line.

Some of the top Sandcar manufacturers in the industry were there to show the world what they are really made of. Amongst some of them were Sand Cars Unlimited, Tatum Motorsports, Suspensions Unlimited, SideWinder, Sand Limo, Funco Motorsports, Extreme Performance, DeJong Sandcars, Buckshot Racing, Chenowth, and more.

Pretty in PINK - Suzie from DuneBunny clothing line.

The folks at TBO did a good job bringing racers, vendors, manufacturers, and builders together for the Ultimate Sandcar Challenge. This was an all age event, so there was a good mix of people. The event had something for everyone. There was plenty of food and drinks to go around. The clothing companies tailoring to the sand community were there to help with the latest designs and styles. Most of the major Sandcar builders had some type of display set up in the exhibitor area of the race grounds.

Racers are lined up for their next run

It’s amazing how many different Sandcars there were at the race. I couldn’t believe that some of the same high dollar cars I usually see cruising around Glamis and Gordon’s were now here racing on a dirt track. It was almost mesmerizing to see how these cars were being pushed to the limits. Let’s not forget the drivers of these cars either, these guys and gals were really putting themselves out there in order to gain some respect, have a little fun, and maybe take the trophy home.

Since 64 Sandcars qualified for the race, there was plenty of racing to be seen. This got the crowd pumped and excited. People were screaming and cheering for their favorite drivers and Sandcars. It was quite a sight to see how each Sandcar had its own personality. There was the “General Lee”, which resembles the famous car from Dukes of Hazard. The Monster Manx Woody looked like it belonged at the beach, but it showed us a thing or two when it handled the woops like they were waves. Heck, even the Snoopy dog fight themed car made it on the field. I guess they didn’t read the sign at the entrance that read “No Pets Allowed”. As if the graphics and themes of these cars were not already dumbfounding, the crowd just lost it when they heard the sounds of powerful motors roar. The Subaru Outback 3.2s, Chevy LS1s, and Cadillac Norstars filled the stadium with pure adrenaline.

Extreme Performance displays one of their Platinum Chassis cars

The Ultimate Sandcar Challenge track was built on a 1/4-Mile circle track. TBO brought in truckloads of dirt to build this short course mayhem. They made two identical tracks side by side. Each Sandcar raced against their opponent on separate tracks, which allowed the racers to really open up the cars. Today’s Sandcar is built for extreme performance, and without a doubt is different than what we had 10-15 years ago. These cars are getting more and more aggressive, and will take on almost any whoop, jump, or turn you throw at it. It was evident the sport is evolving. Who would have thought that a Sandcar would be jumping dirt mounds, powering through woops, and sliding into a straightaway – much like you would see at a Tuff Truck or Stadium Truck event. Today’s Sandcars are made to be tough.

It was with this toughness that Dale Dondel from Hemet, CA, a leading Trophy Truck Racer in SCORE made it into the final round. He drove the #159 Sandcar with a 1000 HP motor that just scared the CV joints off the other opponents. Dondel was hands down the favored racer to take this year’s win. His opponent Jeff Quinn, owner of McKenzie’s Off Road and a seasoned racer was right there with Dale Dondel. He drove his #141 SideWinder PreRunner Series car with 430HP. Off the line, Dondel took a major leap and led the race as he flew threw the air.

Jeff Quinn #141 from McKenzie’s takes the lead, showing he has what it takes to make it to the final round.

Coming off the first corner, Dondel started having problems. By the time he reached the second corner, his Mendeola had had it. The ring and pinion had been destroyed. Jeff Quinn was able to catch up and keep it steady. Coming off the second turn, Quinn powered through the finish line after passing his opponent. This year’s Ultimate Sand Car Challenge winner is Jeff Quinn from McKenzie’s along with his SideWinder PreRunner from DuneBuggy.com. Congratulations to all the racers, you’re all winners.

We’ll be back next year to see if Jeff Quinn can defend his title. You can count on getting the best event coverage from Off-Road.com

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