Pre-running for the VORRA Yerington Desert Race

First off, I’d like to thank Team Simpson for helping us out with a two-layer driving suit for my co-driver. We depend on Simpson Race Products to keep us safe while racing – harnesses, window nets, driving suits and helmets. Great products and great service.

We pre-ran the 50 nile loop on Friday and made a few minor tweaks and pre-ran a bit more on Saturday. Car was running great.

Race day did not turn out too well for us. We started behind a RZR, three class 9′s and a class 11. By mile ten we had passed them all and had clean air. I was running at a nice pace, but not pushing it at all. Power was awesome and suspension was working pretty good. We had just finished a decently fast section at about 60 MPH or so, and slowed a bit for a cattle guard. That is when the we lost power all of a sudden. After a quick diagnosis, we found that the CVT belt had broken. Even more bad luck was I forgot to bring a spare. We were out of the race at mile 18. Truly disappointing to work so hard and have everything going so well and lose with a rookie mistake. This was our first long desert race and I learned a ton.

Not so sure why the belt let loose. Figured it might have gotten hot on the high speed section, but I have pretty good airflow through the tunnel.

We are going to get more air into the CVT, and also add an alternator befor the next race.

Pre-run video

Tech Inspection

Showing off the Kawasaki Teryx at impound before the parade

Parade in downtown Yerington before the Yerington desert race

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Race Recap by Jon Crowley