http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/uroc_phoenix07/

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/uroc_phoenix07/UROC045.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/uroc_phoenix07/UROC107.JPG

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/uroc_phoenix07/

We feel some corrections need to be made.

Cautious about the new format, the Lovells did not pay for series fee and even with an event win and a second they were not in the running for the series championship.

We did not run the series because the Ranger was supposed to be on it's way to Australia after SEMA. We would have not been able to race in PHX.

Chad and Roger drive together......

Who???:D

The only controversy surrounded the Pure Adrenaline Cup, which was awarded to the Lovells after Shannon Campbell was disqualified for going off the course and stripped of the win. Rising above the drama, Campbell invited all of the competitors to his nearby shop for a barbeque dinner and party.

This is misrepresentative. We were not aware of ANY controversy. Campbell did not only "go off the course", he BYPASSED the course. The win was not "stripped" from Campbell as it was never his. He could have looped around and made the corner and probably still beat us but he didn't. He told me, "Ah, I figured I'd just keep going." This race was for nothing more than a TROPHY! I told Ranch I didn't care and I imagine Shannon did the same.

Harry, respectfully, we absolutely appreciate the coverage and are a bit hesitant to bring this to light but come on.....

Before and after the event, I feel like Rockcross is a lot to stomach but pretty entertaining and fun to drive. We were there because we wanted to be, nothing more.

When I read the article words like controversy, dull, less exciting, and anti-climatic pop out. It is a reflection on all of us who participated if it really sucks that bad. There was a lot of effort put into this event that has gone unrecognized. Many teams drove a lot of miles and did a lot of damage without complaint. The conditions were not great but everyone worked to overcome them. Maybe the article could have focussed on the kids chipping mud off my hood or getting a picture with Cottin. How about RJ Brown flogging the rocks repeatedly and breaking his junk just to please the crowd? There was a lot of good that went on out there also.


With all respect - Brad Lovell

I agree with Brad..... I was looking forward to the story and pictures. Wanting to forward the link to my sponsors of the coverage but with some of the terms used I will pass. Pictures rocked but they will have to find it themselves. I'm trying to get money out of these companies and this story really did nothing for the teams that beat there junk up. Really the stuff between UROC XRRA or who ever is really behind the scenes. When the green flag drops at any of the events the croud goes wild and thats all our sponsors need to hear. The rest is usually blown out BS and rumors.

R.J.

Thanks for the feedback and criticism guys. Brad part of the difficultly of nearly live updates on the internet is that I do not have a lot of time to do proofing. The silver lining though is that it is a lot easier to make corrections online than in print. I will work with Lance to correct the errors.


We did not run the series because the Ranger was supposed to be on it's way to Australia after SEMA. We would have not been able to race in PHX.

Thanks for the clarification Brad, I will see to it that the article gets updated.


This is misrepresentative. We were not aware of ANY controversy. Campbell did not only "go off the course", he BYPASSED the course. The win was not "stripped" from Campbell as it was never his. He could have looped around and made the corner and probably still beat us but he didn't. He told me, "Ah, I figured I'd just keep going." This race was for nothing more than a TROPHY! I told Ranch I didn't care and I imagine Shannon did the same.

Well the way I saw it there was a controversy. Sarge was telling the spectators that Shannon won and Ranch pulled Shannon aside to talk to him after the race. By that point everyone had left so as far as the fans knew Shannon won. Maybe "controversy" is too strong of a word though, "confusion" would probably be a better choice. I didn't mention the confusion about the number of laps in the Pure Adrenaline Cup; I wasn't looking to harp on every little miscue. I just felt that this even was not up to the level of Salt Lake or Phoenix.


When I read the article words like controversy, dull, less exciting, and anti-climatic pop out. It is a reflection on all of us who participated if it really sucks that bad. There was a lot of effort put into this event that has gone unrecognized. Many teams drove a lot of miles and did a lot of damage without complaint. The conditions were not great but everyone worked to overcome them. Maybe the article could have focussed on the kids chipping mud off my hood or getting a picture with Cottin. How about RJ Brown flogging the rocks repeatedly and breaking his junk just to please the crowd? There was a lot of good that went on out there also.

I drove a lot of miles to be there too (and even had some damage!), but I feel that my job is not to paint a pretty picture, but an accurate one. The fact of the matter is that at the end of the season there were less fans and less teams competing in RockCross than at the beginning of the season. Add in the rule changes and the choice of starting lines (where the fans couldn't see??!!) and there were some serious problems at this event. This was not meant as a knock on competitors, but the promotion and organization were lacking. Part of that was definitely because of the weather, but not entirely.

Had to chime in. I attended this event, being a local from PHX. Luckily I found a small thread on Pirate that informed me of the upcoming event. Seemed like there was very little advertising for this and none of my local 4x4 shops or friends knew of it. From what I noticed as a spectator, the number of fans looked pretty small, and I'm including the event photographers as 'fans'. While I appreciate the racers who made the trip and gave the course hell, I have to side with Harry's version of the story being accurate.

I also wish the announcer guys would update the crowd on what is going on and gives them better timelines of how the races will unfold. I was lost. One example I saw was when the announcer told everyone that the Lovell's engine had blown and they were out of it. This wasn't true and they were back racing after a small fix.

Had to chime in. I attended this event, being a local from PHX. Luckily I found a small thread on Pirate that informed me of the upcoming event. Seemed like there was very little advertising for this and none of my local 4x4 shops or friends knew of it. From what I noticed as a spectator, the number of fans looked pretty small, and I'm including the event photographers as 'fans'. While I appreciate the racers who made the trip and gave the course hell, I have to side with Harry's version of the story being accurate.

I also wish the announcer guys would update the crowd on what is going on and gives them better timelines of how the races will unfold. I was lost. One example I saw was when the announcer told everyone that the Lovell's engine had blown and they were out of it. This wasn't true and they were back racing after a small fix.


I agree, the fan base did not seem to be there, however, considering zero advertisement and the weather conditions, the crowd was decent size. The crazy part is, none of them left when the wind pick up and it began hailing.

X2 applauding the racers!!! This is a tough time of year to load up and go race, not to mention having money left in your "Race Budget".

Were did the story go?? Is it being updated?


Bill

Were did the story go?? Is it being updated?


Bill

Ummmm, no? Story hasn't gone anywhere?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/uroc_phoenix07/

Ummmm, no? Story hasn't gone anywhere?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/uroc_phoenix07/


All I can see is the pics no story. It most be my web browser.

Thanks Lance

Thanks for the response Harry.

The bottom line is that my opinion doesn't really matter - the fans and the industry will make the call. Honestly - thanks for being there, thanks to Pirate for the coverage. I don't think you are, but please don't misinterpret my comments. I have been treading on thin ice lately critiquing the media….

All I can see is the pics no story. It most be my web browser.

Thanks Lance

Bill, check it out now. It should work for you. Thanks for the head's up, it was working fine on my browser, but I found the issue.

Bill, check it out now. It should work for you. Thanks for the head's up, it was working fine on my browser, but I found the issue.

He was reading with his eyes closed........:D:laughing:

Bill, check it out now. It should work for you. Thanks for the head's up, it was working fine on my browser, but I found the issue.


Thanks Lance

A bunch more photos have been added (thanks, Houp!)

http://www2.pirate4x4.com/albums/uroc_rockcross_phoenix07/ahu.jpg

http://www2.pirate4x4.com/albums/uroc_rockcross_phoenix07/ahs.jpg

A bunch more photos have been added (thanks, Houp!)



No Problem Lance!! Thank you again for the opportunitie this weekend and everything in 2007!!! I greatly appreciate it, it was a real opportunity of a life time!!!

Those pictures are awesome! Ahhh.... the memories. I guess I better get the pressure wsher out again today. It is a blistering 35 degrees out.

I am not going to take sides here, however the job of the media is to report what they saw, heard, and talked to fans and racers about.

If this is how Harry saw the event, then he needs to report just that, otherwise it's just another "controlled" media outlet, and those are all sell outs.

The bad comes with the good, and I read it as a way for the promoters to make positive changes for next season. A sport in it's infancy will have growing pains, however if those aren't brought to light, or talked about, they will often go unchanged and ignored.

I am not going to take sides here, however the job of the media is to report what they saw, heard, and talked to fans and racers about.

If this is how Harry saw the event, then he needs to report just that, otherwise it's just another "controlled" media outlet, and those are all sell outs.

The bad comes with the good, and I read it as a way for the promoters to make positive changes for next season. A sport in it's infancy will have growing pains, however if those aren't brought to light, or talked about, they will often go unchanged and ignored.

I dont agree. when you have the word "controversy" in a story when there wasnt isnt right. The trophy that I have made and the Pure Adrenaline Cup was started to have fun. There was never a issue w/ the Lovells or Shannon. I'm sure it makes for a better story to read but w/ out a actual interview its all here say......

I dont agree. when you have the word "controversy" in a story when there wasnt isnt right. The trophy that I have made and the Pure Adrenaline Cup was started to have fun. There was never a issue w/ the Lovells or Shannon. I'm sure it makes for a better story to read but w/ out a actual interview its all here say......

You are right on that one, and Harry already pointed out that he probably should have and could have used a better word. I believe he even was going to edit the story.

Im not saying his version was perfect, just making sure that even though we all love this sport and want to say just good things about it, the "news" wont always be that way.

RJ, go work on your junk!!! :flipoff2:
((did you see the post by Jeff covering the questions you asked me the other day on the phone about KOH?)

I dont agree. when you have the word "controversy" in a story when there wasnt isnt right. The trophy that I have made and the Pure Adrenaline Cup was started to have fun. There was never a issue w/ the Lovells or Shannon. I'm sure it makes for a better story to read but w/ out a actual interview its all here say......

RJ, you realize that Harry edited his wording, right?

RJ, you realize that Harry edited his wording, right?

I did look. I was just commenting on Brandons comment. I just took it a little too personal. Its all cool. The pictures rocked like always. You got the best photogs around. Everytime I look at the pics I feel DIRTY.......and I like it!

I did look. I was just commenting on Brandons comment. I just took it a little too personal. Its all cool. The pictures rocked like always. You got the best photogs around. Everytime I look at the pics I feel DIRTY.......and I like it!

Then you called me and yelled at me...it hurt! :flipoff2: ;)

Hary, thanks for the corrections. I hope you don't think we are trying to get sideways with you. Brad and I are just real pasionate about what we do, I'm sure you can understand that. Thanks for the coverage.

Lance, thanks for helping to grow the sport.

Houp, great shots as always!

Hary, thanks for the corrections. I hope you don't think we are trying to get sideways with you. Brad and I are just real pasionate about what we do, I'm sure you can understand that. Thanks for the coverage.

Lance, thanks for helping to grow the sport.

Houp, great shots as always!


Thanks CHOPS!! It was great seeing everyone again and finally getting to my first Rock Cross. It was a blast, can't wait to see one in better weather conditions.