Four days until the start of the BITD Vegas to Reno The Long Way Race, and we are ramping up the plans for the coverage on this epic event!

There will be coverage from the pits as "live as our electronics will permit in the middle of the Nevada desert" right here on Pirate4x4.com!

To get you started... search "Vegas to Reno" and check out some of the other teams posts and prep stories...some are great! Also check out www.bitd.com



Here is the official Entry list for the Ultra4 Class (as of 8/14/09) (This is a qualifier for the 2010 King of the Hammers; Top 10 cars that start on Saturday will earn a entry.)

As of 8/14/09 Official BITD Registrations for Ultra4 Class are as follows:
4403
Jason Carner (34) Birmingham, AL,
James Schofield (27) Birmington, AL,
Troy Johnson (40) Riverside, CA,
BlueTorch Fab, Superior Axle, Turnkey, JE Reel, Ruggeo Radios, SpiderTrax, PRP,cQal, Fox, The Fab School, Howe, CTM, BFG, United Rentals, ProComp Wheels, Safety Solutions

4405
Travis Carpenter (28) Orangevale, CA,
Dan Trout (24) Rancho Cordova, CA,
Hasa Pool Products, Yukon Gear, Powertank, infinit Graphx, Solid Axle, Fishmouth Fabworks, MFS, Rock Zombies 4x4 Club

4406
Robert Usnick (36) Fayetteville, NC,
Steve Tolbert (37) Fayetteville, NC,
Brandon Kasnick (25) Raeford, NC,
Billy Brown () Fayetteville, NC,
Performance Off-Road, Final Touch Powder Coating, Trail Tough, HeiserOil.com, Paraclete, Raceline Wheels, BF Goodrich

4411
Dean Bulloch (51) Cedar City, UT,
Tom Allen (49) Weatherford, TX,
PSC, MasterCraft, BFG, Stak, CTM, Currie, Mast Motorsports, Heavenly Bodies, Winchline, Tom Woods Driveshafts, MS Inc, Seymour Martin, Warn, TrailGear, D&P Perf

4435
Kevin Sacalas (26) Riverside, CA,
Douglas Williams (32) Redlands, CA,
Jon Jonsson (51) Ferndale, WA,
Sam Wiseman (44) Riverside, CA,
Viking Off-Road, Winchline, Bilstein, Griffin Thermal Products, RCV
Performance, Trail Gear, BFG, Twisted Stitch, Livorsi Marine, JE Reel Driveline

4454
David Cole (38) Twin Peaks, CA,
Chris Ridgway (38) Apple Valley, CA,
Brandon Naves (29) Camrillo, CA,
Steve Schneider (30) Temecula, CA,
Kirby Off-Road, Griffin Rad, BFG, Raceline Wheels, RCV, Vision X, PRP, High Angle Driveline, Longfield, G&J Aircraft

4455
Joseph Thompson (38) Grass Valley, CA,
Richard Mooneyham (33) Lake Havasu City, AZ,
Scott Ward (36) Lake Havasu City, AZ,
Les Figeuroa (44) Lake Havasu City, AZ,
Trick Toys Fab, Sims Trucking, BFG, Raceline Wheels, PSC Steering Comp, Turnkey Engine Supply, Sway-A-Way, Figspeed.com, Longfield-Super Ax, Brannik Machine

4461
Ben Napier (26) Sydney, Australia
David Camp (32) Brisbane, Australia
Randy Slawson (32) Cotton, CA,
Bomber Fab, BFG, Raceline Wheels

4464
Matthew Legg (32) Boulder, CO,
Jason Tomas Walton (30) La Porte, CO,
Camron Abernathy (31) Fort Collins, CO,
Philip Christensen (26) Wellington, CO,

4471
Jeff Knoll (39) Menifee, CA,
Dave Schneider (34) Reno, NV,
Wayne Israelsen (40) Menifee, CA,
HammerKing, Raceline Wheel, BF Goodrich, Vision X, PSC, Griffin, Bilstein, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Superior Axle & Gear, S&N Fab, The US Stimulus Package!

4488
Brandon Watson (34) Glenwood Sprongs, CO,
Stephen Watson (36) Carbondale, CO,
James Watson (58) Carbondale, CO,
Our families, Off-Road Design, PSC, Bighorn Graphics, Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts, Premier Power Welder

First UPDATE:::::

It is Sunday, and after MANY MANY hours of work on these great cars, it is TESTING day! I know of 3 cars for sure that headed up to Barstow this morning to give the cars a run...

The UNITE Team is making it happen. Here is the post to their official press release: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=811317&referrerid=130874

Jeff Knoll and the crew from car 4471 left around 10am and by 2pm called to say they have a Broke Rear Axle Housing. The car is back on the trailer and headed to the shop to rebuild the rear end.

The 4461 Ben Napier/Randy Slawson car is running great with no worries.

There was another car up there that was experiencing troubles also.

Jeff Knoll and the crew from car 4471 left around 10am and by 2pm called to say they have a Broke Rear Axle Housing. The car is back on the trailer and headed to the shop to rebuild the rear end.

Uhhh... any more info on this one?! :eek:

Only something about it breaking in half....and then he had to go...
Should know more tonight on how far they have gotten on the rebuild.
He did say that everything else with the car seemed fine!

4405 is leaving the shop in about 30 mins, we are in sacramento and don't have any "open" desert to test in, so we are going to praire city to test on the Vorra short course:)

I guess it's better it broke now and they can fix it. Good luck jefe

Jeff just called;
Reporting in for Cole #4454 -> they had a good day testing and will be staying out there and testing again tomorrow. No issues, just tuning :smokin:

Knoll #4471 has completely taken a part the rear end and has already started putting it back together...over 50% done. :D Those boys rock!!
Here is a pic from the shop:

Thanks for this... anxiously following the events! EPIC! :smokin:

Its about to get interesting. I'll see ya out there

Keep it coming!

Its about to get interesting. I'll see ya out there

haha that is an understatement! :laughing:

____

Just talked to Kurtuleas ... he is going to be the communications guy for Travis Carpenter and Dan Trout #4405. This will be a fun team to watch...they are IRON MANNING the race. Travis will be driving the entire mileage with Dan co-piloting. Um, has it been mentioned yet that Travis has no desert experience? This will be fun! Get IT! http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=808653&referrerid=130874 -> post # 30 is the press release on their team

Damn it! im 24 :D testing tomorrow as well!

Dave #4454 just reported in: Over 65mph passes through the Barstow Pits... (that area has some pretty BIG whoops!) They have shut it down until daylight and the crew is celebrating :smokin: on site in Barstow and will resume testing in AM.

Damn it! im 24 :D testing tomorrow as well!

haha just updated, happy birthday!

haha just updated, happy birthday!

:bounce2::p

Shop update from Knoll#4471
Axle shafts are going back in ... Band aids on axle for now, and hope to add an axle truss when they have the right tools. Read access to Torchmate cutting system.

At least they are still having fun!! :D

Well most of them :laughing:

Wow its been a tough three days. More fun to follow.

No brakes, broke rear end is fixed as it is gonna get, Hitting Kartek(shameless plug we need a price break) in the morning for brake parts, and we hope they have what we need. That is the last item we need.

I am just beat. And we dont start racing till Thursday.:D

Cole says his car is wickid fast. The changes we made to 4471 reports that it is faster then our last test run. More to follow, I out!

I out!


I thought Wayne was our token black guy on the team :confused:

Update from the Bilstein Trailer:

Sacalas/ Team Viking rig tested on Saturday, the rig is HUGE. Headed home for some final touches after a productive day in the desert.

Schneider/Knoll fixing rear end and hoping to meet up again in Barstow today. Rig better than before but going for more.

Napier/Camp team from AU, glad to meet you guys and help a bit, rig looks light, simple, and ready to go. V2R will be a trial by fire.

Well most of them :laughing:
Wyatt supervises best from that position

4488 update

we're thrashing like crazy trying to make a test date with king tomorrow morning. Lots left to do but a lot of details are coming together. New King bypasses are mounted, amsoil being dumped in as we speak, new rear driveshaft from Tom Wood just showed up, extra fuel cell is in and plumbed new oil cooler is together PSC pump, and cooler are in with a filter change, new Nitto desert grapplers are all mounted up with new hardware on the trail readys, about 100 small brackets are welded everywhere for every dinky little part like the ballast for the lightforce 170's, on and on and on.

better run

4405 Update:

Travis and Dan are having some tranny issues after testing the rig yesterday. Rock Zombie member "Papa Smurf' aka Keith owns a transmission shop so he is on it today.

Found out that the Intermediate servo is messed up in the tranny...Jeff from MFS is working on it now.

They are on a shoe-string budget, so even though the team leaves for Vegas tonight, Travis has to WORK all day long! :shaking: (Bet hes real productive LOL)

Update from the Bilstein trailer:

Photos from Barstow testing uploaded here.

Update #4471: Knoll just checked in while I was away running some last minute errands.... They have the car practically ready. They found the brake parts that they needed at Kartec and they are done and good to go. They are loading motorhomes, chase trucks and doing their last minute errands!! Plan is to leave in the morning still...

Update #4454: Dave Cole also checked in. He said that it was too bad that I wasn't at Kirby's shop watching the synchronized swimming that was happening inside LOL They are working on a list about 30 items long, but nothing too major. Adjusting suspension, wrapping the car, adjusting the seats etc etc. Nothing that can't be handled.
Their biggest issue is they did brake their shifter cable...but they have already sourced one and was on the way to pick it up right then!
He is stoked on the car!!! :grinpimp: He is soooo ready to run it. They are ready to get there and have a great time! Nothing but good words!
I told him to send me some pics!!! He said they will once the wrap is done.

ooohhhh cell phone going off...getting pics in from Jeff...here comes #3 I'll post in a minute....

#4472 picture update:
Last minute wire clean up and loading tools and spare parts.... Chase truck is almost loaded and ready!
LOOKIN GOOD!

4405 update from Kurtuleas: Tranny MAY NOT be salvageable. If they can't get it fixed today, MFS may have another tranny drop shipped to Vegas. MFS is REALLY coming thru for them on this race.

4405 update from Kurtuleas: Tranny MAY NOT be salvageable. If they can't get it fixed today, MFS may have another tranny drop shipped to Vegas. MFS is REALLY coming thru for them on this race.

Got damnit...what tranny?? I can have mine out in an hour!!!

C4 You know Travis and his Ford Fetish :shaking:

We think we may have it fixed. Still waiting on the verdict.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/kurtuleas/utf-8BaW1hZ2VqcGVnXzIuanBn-2.jpg

Here's the new HASA graphics. I REALLY liked the old wrap with the skull pattern, but this one is still pretty cool.

HASA also shipped us a pallet of waters. I know water is water, but you know how water like Dasani kinda feels smoother when you drink it? Yeah, it's like that..

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/kurtuleas/utf-8BaW1hZ2VqcGVnXzIuanBn-1.jpg

Got damnit...what tranny?? I can have mine out in an hour!!!

Wait! What's your Ranger have in it??

Its a C4;)

It will have to use his bellhousing, and my t-case...but I can have it out in an hour.......call me

Update 4471: Car is back together, brakes are fixed, axle is as good as it is going to get, hoping to schedule last minute test and tune with Bilstien early AM Tuesday.

Here are some beauty shots...he sure picked the right co-pilot for this race! :)

Wait! What's your Ranger have in it??

Its a C4;)

It will have to use his bellhousing, and my t-case...but I can have it out in an hour.......call me

Fawk it, I called him, he says that his tranny is fixed, and his new "spare" was just drop shipped to Vegas for them to pick up when they get there....thanks God.... I didn't want to pull mine:flipoff2:

Yeah. We are good to go.

But thanks man, we REALLY appriciate that. :beer:

The team is gonna head out in a few.

(minor thread jack) BTW: Lance has article. Just got back from Mexico, so he has a few other things to do first. Hit me up if you got any news on that other tranny part.

Good to go!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/kurtuleas/utf-8BaW1hZ2VqcGVnXzIuanBn-3.jpg

So I was in the grocery store buying only the needed essentials for my trip this week (2 bottles jack, case diet pepsi and some cheese and crackers) when the boys from PSC checked in from somewhere outside Vegas. I don't think they know where they are..."closer to the start line than Vegas, and I'm lucky to have enough service to get out!" said Lance.

Update 4411: Dean Bullock and the whole crew (less one) are already there and ready to roll. They have been working on getting the case trucks prepared and pretty much kicking back. The car is handled, and running perfect. Lance said that they are ready to go a day early...and there is something really, really wrong with that :smokin:

By the time I made it home, they must have found some better cell service cuz I got these pictures :D

The last pic is of rock crawling past and present: Jeff Rector and Todd Stevenson both vital members of team 4411.

I'm so sad I am missing all of this. :( I blame Robert for coming home fron Iraq at this exact time :laughing:

I'm not sure who I am supposed to wish good luck to....Jeff or Dave, so I will wish them both the best of luck!!! :roxy:

Oh, and don't forget to continue to purchase KOH merchandise :D

The UNITE Team is currently having their "Team Meeting" I don't know what they are talking about other than kicking butts and taking names :stirthepot:

All I have are these pictures and a Quote from Dave Cole "Gas Stings Your Pee Hole" No, I will not be investigating this quote.

Press Release on UNITE Team http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=811317

So.... the official page for the "Live Coverage" is up... Check it out!
http://pirate4x4.com/trailreports/vegas2reno09/index.php

4471: is on the trailer and headed to early morning test session with Bilstein.
After that we will be headed directly to Sunset Station in Henderson, NV.

I will be on that bus ride...so the updates will change a bit tomorrow....
Gotta get packin!

Quick update to a cool thread.

Crashing out in our Crew Chiefs motorhome in Kirbys backyard.

Car is just about ready. We scheduled an appointment at the dyno at 10 AM tomorrow. Should be Vegas bound late tomorrow afternoon.

The car is truly amazing. 3 foot whoops off of Outlet Center shifting to 3rd. Well, Kirby and Ridgway are. I'm low to mid range second. It's hard to explain the feeling of driving a car this fast in whoops that big. Your mind can't reconcile the difference between what it sees and feels. Your 'sight' says this is going to hurt, slow down. Reality is, you don't feel a thing.

The small things are keeping me awake now.

Belt tensioners and fuel lines.

Thanks Charlene and PBB for hosting this thread.

D

5:50am team 4471 texted in leaving the house...and headed to pick me up! Here we go! :p We are already through Victorville and trying to get through the pass before they close if for blasting this morning. Stopping somewhere near stateline for testing....
"On the road again...." dodadodado

My partner in crime for covering "live" Crowdog is leaving Nor-Cal in a couple hours and hopes to make the whole trip by tonight. If you are into UTV's aka SXS's also watch for coverage of that class on www.utvweekly.com

Just passed through Baker...seen about 6 CHPs...is that the way CA Stimulates the economy?? We are trying to behave...don't have a multi-item ticket in the budget!
<<<<Seriously, if you are driving 15 today beware...they are thick!!>>>>

Just got an email from Kurtuleas:
4405 got a late start out of Sacramento, not leaving until after 11pm. Nothing new for Travis since him and his Rock Zombie brethern often drive all night to get to the Hammers.

They are now about an hour out of Vegas.

Get this: STEPH'S MOM (Steph is Travis's girlfriend, everyone on Pirate knows her, well....knows her...uh....breasts) Steph's mom is hauling the BIG trailer during the race. Seems she used to own a trucking company and knows how to haul big trailers like that :smokin:

Update from 4411: Prepin chase trucks and some little stuff on the race car. About to head out and watch the trophy trucks qualify. Pic is of Shawn Wilson from Above All.

Stopped in Primm for a quick McD breakfast rush... Hooked up with Bilstien and headed to the desert to pull the car off the trailer.

Here are some other rigs in the parking lot ;-)

Check out Kevin with Team Viking testing his rig for BITD.

http://rubiconscat.com

Vicki

Check out Kevin with Team Viking testing his rig for BITD.

http://rubiconscat.com

Vicki

Looks like a "slashdot effect" on rubiconscat.com! The page won't load... :eek:

Update: It just loaded for me...

get it dave :D have fun and be carefull!!!

Well we are all done. ready to go, waiting for Dave to get his rig finished. Here's some photos, we're off to hustler for lunch while we wait.

big props to Bomber Fab!

Update 4471: Just jumped back on the 15.... Testing went great. Only 2 hours...Joel helped out a lot getting it to ride perfect. Got some good action shots that I will grab for tonights post... walking around out in the middle of the desert by myself in flip flops I figured that it was better than the forest...at least I eliminated bear attacks :eek:

Beauty Shots 4454: Finally got some pics of Dave's car...not the best but here is a sneak peak. I will get some better ones when they show up.
They were just starting their dyno pulls at noon. Haven't heard how it went yet....

It was good to drop in on three of the Ultra 4 teams last night at Zukizzy's shop.:) Be safe and have a great time racing!:grinpimp:

Jim

4405 has arrived in Vegas.

Uneventfull drive, but they saw the "Cowbell" Colorado going the other way around 7 this morning. Dunno what's up. :confused:

4405 has arrived in Vegas.

Uneventfull drive, but they saw the "Cowbell" Colorado going the other way around 7 this morning. Dunno what's up. :confused:



4464 Team Cowbell Racing left Yesterday from Colorado. They were supposed to tune with King this Am in Barstow. Some of the crew was flying in today so they may have been going to pick them up as well.

Good luck everybody and be safe. And thanks for your efforts and sacrifices you all have made to follow your dream and represent the sport.

All the cars are looking sick.

Come on Charlene....it's been over an hour...whats going on:laughing::flipoff2:

Come on Charlene....it's been over an hour...whats going on:laughing::flipoff2:



:flipoff2: someone bored at work today?

I am

:flipoff2: someone bored at work today?

Yes! We need action shots. atleast post up one of Wyatt pretending to drive:flipoff2: while making motor noise.

:flipoff2: someone bored at work today?

No, I have a ton of work, I'm just not getting it done:flipoff2:

No, I have a ton of work, I'm just not getting it done:flipoff2:

Maybe you could be looking for a 2001 Dodge Intrepid tranny part. :flipoff2:

Maybe you could be looking for a 2001 Dodge Intrepid tranny part. :flipoff2:

Friday, now stop highjacking:flipoff2:

4471, We were testing in Jean this am (near Primm). Jeff and "ZukIzzy" Wayne did some very well worked out and tuned passes.
McMillin had a 16 car there and the Weyrich TSCO #9 TT made some passes as well. The TT was running about 75% through the chop and with Jeff running about 80% were only 9 mph slower through the same section on the gun. Car is dialed in!!!

4471, We were testing in Jean this am (near Primm). Jeff and "ZukIzzy" Wayne did some very well worked out and tuned passes.
McMillin had a 16 car there and the Weyrich TSCO #9 TT made some passes as well. The TT was running about 75% through the chop and with Jeff running about 80% were only 9 mph slower through the same section on the gun. Car is dialed in!!!

Pictures or it did not happen:flipoff2::eek:

Pictures or it did not happen:flipoff2::eek:

I saw it from inside the UNITE short bus...was posting pics...sheesh can't be two places at once!

Come on Charlene....it's been over an hour...whats going on:laughing::flipoff2:

Well, if you must know, we are in Vegas running last minute errands. Started with lunch at BJ's :smokin: then sent Wyatt and Wayne into Sam's Club and Jeff into Walmart with radios to communicate on who was to get what. Dave and I decided that their experience wouldn't be complete if there wasn't a request over the radio from the UNITE short bus office central for different feminine products. :p
We are now pulling up in front of Kragen and Jeff is washing the car.

They were still having some issues with the brakes, so they bled them in the parking lot and hoping that will work.

Pic of UNITE Central...

Update #4454: Dave Cole sent me this video from their Barstow testing ... They are calling this a mid speed pass...

YouTube - BITD Vegas to Reno Pre Run King of the Hammers Dave Cole #4454 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5FzXAseIAM)

Update #4454: Dave Cole sent me this video from their Barstow testing ... They are calling this a mid speed pass...

YouTube - BITD Vegas to Reno Pre Run King of the Hammers Dave Cole #4454 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5FzXAseIAM)
um...:splooge:

i can't wait to get a ride in that thing.

Jon Crowley just passed a Ford F150 SVT Raptor on I15...sure looks like the one that ran the Baja! check out www.utvweekly.com for the press release on it...
He said Mike from Lasher Motorsports (UTV class) is right behind him...

Headed out to the pits to get a couple of pics before the sun goes down...then I got these special invite pictures that I think I may just have to go and check out....:flipoff2:

See ya'll tomorrow afternoon.

Usnick news is epic, he blew the rear highspeed testing in the Paris's backlot on the Strip in Vegas, they have him on the loading dock at the Paris rebuilding it using the Paris forklift with their chase trucks backed in, is the news from JabNasty Matt the badass Texan.

KOH V2R teams:
I will be riding along with team #4488 shooting photos of what happens during the race. :smokin:
I'd like to do another KOH related article.
This is the KOH meets Desert Racing... The First Crusade.:D
Let's have an AWESOME time out there!

Some hovering birdies told me 4464 looks to be in disarray?? I haven't left the shop yet, anything I could bring them?

Rick.

Some hovering birdies told me 4464 looks to be in disarray?? I haven't left the shop yet, anything I could bring them?

Rick.

Sound like the Trany is toast. :shaking:
Unless you have a C4 handy......There is another on the way from Colorado tonight. They should have it in the AM. On a good note the tuning went great and the rest of the truck is ready to race.

Just heard that, sounds like they have it handled. Good luck.:)

Rick.

Headed out to the pits to get a couple of pics before the sun goes down...then I got these special invite pictures that I think I may just have to go and check out....:flipoff2:

Why does RJ look so mad??:flipoff2:

All kinds of action happening here at the Sunset Station! Went and checked out contingency and the camping area then headed into the air conditioned casino...think it got down to 97 or so around 10pm tonight. Whew! The heat is going to be an issue for sure!

Got to hang out with more of the crew from the #4471 team tonight...great group! :smokin: Crowdog from www.utvweekly.com showed up to join the fun and eventually we all headed back out to the parking lot to remember that it is still HOT in vegas even at night!

UPDATE #4454: Dave Cole checked in at 7:30 to say he was leaving in an hour...so we expect to see him "sometime" :D

MORE TESTING FOR 4411: Lance from Dean Bullocks crew checked in saying that they hadn't had enough testing or driving opportunity, so they set out to make it happen tonight.... see pics :laughing: That will get them through the desert!

GOING "LIVE" Tomorrow!

Will be hanging out in Contingency tomorrow...be sure to check it out... starting "around" 7am :eek:

GO TO:::::::: http://pirate4x4.com/trailreports/vegas2reno09/index.php

Vegas To Reno “Live” Coverage of Ultra4 King of the Hammers Qualifier

JOHNSON VALLEY, CA, August 17, 2009: Full coverage of the Best In The Desert (BITD) “Vegas to Reno the Long Way” Ultra4 Class will be featured on www.KingOfTheHammers.com starting Wednesday August 19th from contingency, Thursday-Saturday from the course, and wrapping up Sunday August 23rd at the awards ceremony.

Vegas to Reno the Long Way is the longest off-road point-to-point race in the United States. Hammerking Productions approached BITD about the addition of King of the Hammers style rock crawlers, which are now branded as the Ultra4 class. “Our type of racing is all about the harsh environment and brutal terrain, and we felt this would continue that test of man and machine,” said Hammerking Productions Dave Cole.

Hammerking Productions has attached this event to its widely popular Griffin King of the Hammers series of regional qualifiers. “Our approach this year has been to force our teams out of their comfort zone and introduce them to multiple forms of off-road genres,” says Jeff Knoll of Hammerking Productions. The top ten that start day three and potentially finish will earn a starting position and a chance at being the next King of the Hammers in February 2010.

There will be a live link to coverage of the Ultra4 class (and all other classes) on www.KingOfTheHammers.com. “Our goal is to cover the entire event as live as our electronics will permit in the middle of the Nevada desert,” says Charlene Bower. Coverage will start at contingency Wednesday morning from the Sunset Station Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV talking to drivers and industry representatives. We will chase the first running of the Ultra4 class through multiple pits during the day on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with nightly updates. Coverage will wrap up on Sunday at the 11am Awards Ceremony in Reno, NV at Terrible’s Sands Regency Hotel & Casino.

Please bookmark www.kingofthehammers.com for live coverage and future King of the Hammers updates.
More information about the BITD Vegas to Reno the Long Way race is available at www.bitd.com

This is so awesome, I am glued to the damn computer. Now I just need to get some sleep so I can get up and start to follow the action in the morning.

Thanks Charlene and PBB for providing the coverage!

GOOD MORNING!!!

Jeff said that he has a visual on the tech line. There are about 15 cars in line right now. Wayne just took the car over to put it in line. Figures that they should be done by around 10-11.

Lookin out the window and see that Dave Cole made it....that car looks awesome.... People are starting to move....

The sky doens't have one cloud in the sky to keep us from frying in the Las Vegas heat today...I don't even want to look at the weather channel to see what we are in for...just sweat it out :shaking:

gettin ready to rock and roll....

Any link available to the IRC tracking site?

this thread is depressing ... stupid job

this thread is depressing ... stupid job
LOL, you and me both.


although not being in that heat is nice :laughing:

Any link available to the IRC tracking site?

http://irctracking.com/2009/Vegas-Reno/Day1/

http://irctracking.com/2009/Vegas-Reno/Day1/
Thanks! My productivity over next few days just took a huge hit!:p

Edit: Any ideas when the 4400 start? I know they are at the end of the line, but watching the "little car" at the start does get old after a while.:homer:

Thanks! My productivity over next few days just took a huge hit!:p

Edit: Any ideas when the 4400 start? I know they are at the end of the line, but watching the "little car" at the start does get old after a while.:homer:




the only thing that start's behind the ultra 4 class is the omish in the super wagon class :D

we "should" be off the line around 11ish tomorrow.

Thanks, Dave. Please let Jeff know I will not be able to watch the IRC at work (no firefox). But thankfully, Charlene and Lance are giving great coverage here!

WOW What a GREAT day on the 120 degree asphalt of the Sunset Station Hotel!! I hope that you all had a chance to check out the live coverage... there are some great audio threads interviewing all of the Ultra4 teams and some special guests including Ivan Stewart! :smokin:

Check out the live coverage, and stay tuned ... there is a lot more to come!

Thanks for all your nice comments on the threads and coverage...I know how it is to not make it to a race that you want to be at...it sucks...I will do the best I can with the internet access that I have over the next 3 days to take you with us on this awesome adventure.

WOW What a GREAT day on the 120 degree asphalt of the Sunset Station Hotel!! I hope that you all had a chance to check out the live coverage... there are some great audio threads interviewing all of the Ultra4 teams and some special guests including Ivan Stewart! :smokin:

Check out the live coverage, and stay tuned ... there is a lot more to come!

Thanks for all your nice comments on the threads and coverage...I know how it is to not make it to a race that you want to be at...it sucks...I will do the best I can with the internet access that I have over the next 3 days to take you with us on this awesome adventure.

Fantastic job today :smokin:

Attention all 4400 fans! The folks over at race-dezert are beating the guys up. Making fun of Dave's car! The horror! :D I can't post over there as I've never "introduced" myself, but I know many of you can.

Here's the link

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68576

Attention all 4400 fans! The folks over at race-dezert are beating the guys up. Making fun of Dave's car! The horror! :D I can't post over there as I've never "introduced" myself, but I know many of you can.

Here's the link

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=68576

The Pirate members are much tougher than RDC members......but Dave is on his own in regards to his panel design!:flipoff2:

Get it!! Go do all of the rock racers and rock crawlers proud, all eyes are on Ultra 4!!

The morning started out around 4:45 this morning :evil: lol

Everyone finished the final loading and we hit the road by 6:05am...only 5 minute time penalty. Not bad for 30 people, 3 race cars, 4 motorhomes, and a slew of trucks....

We are on the road now. 127 miles down 95 to Beatty.

A very loose list of names supporting the UNITE team (not in any order...)
Brandon Naves
Dave Schneider
Dave Camp
Wayne Israelsen
Jeff Knoll
Brian Kirby
Dave Cole
Ben Napier
JC Andrews
Cole Andrews
Korey Nichols
Dan Brady
Adam Woodless
Dan Barcaroft
Wyatt Pemberton
Ken Mercer
RJ Brown
Matt Sisson
Pete Denny
Ashton Hemphil
Dallas
Greg Mulkey
Bob Ridgway
Randy Slawson
Nate Creighton
Chris Pook
Ryan Foss
JR VanOrtwick
Fred Krijgsman

Text from Jeff this morning....he cracks me up!

Thank you, 6 months of work all boils down to this. Yesterday I was a promoter, today I am all driver. Today I don't worry about anything except excellence. Today the battle begins. Our team is ready to ride into the storm of chaos. I am confident that we are prepared.

:bounce:

Live tracking seems to have a problem for 2 cars. They show WAY off the map in the upper left corner. Everyone else is either on the start line or on the road to Beatty. I hope they get it fixed!

4454 Cole
4434 Sacalas

http://irctracking.com/2009/Vegas-Reno/Day1/

4405 Carpenter had the same problem until just now. Maybe the units are powered off and TCarp just turned his on?

The morning started out around 4:45 this morning :evil: lol

Yeah, I wasn't expecting to hear from you guys until around 10. :D

Live tracking seems to have a problem for 2 cars. They show WAY off the map in the upper left corner. Everyone else is either on the start line or on the road to Beatty. I hope they get it fixed!

4454 Cole
4434 Sacalas

http://irctracking.com/2009/Vegas-Reno/Day1/

4405 Carpenter had the same problem until just now. Maybe the units are powered off and TCarp just turned his on?

My guess is those units are powered off. The Tracking International (http://www.trackinginternational.com/tracking/) page doesn't list those cars. There are 8 or 9 showing up now, but earlier, it was only 4 or 5.

you are so in, nolen!

Question: Can someone clarify the 1 hour prep thing before the race? Does that mean they can't wrench on their junk all night?

My guess is those units are powered off. The Tracking International (http://www.trackinginternational.com/tracking/) page doesn't list those cars. There are 8 or 9 showing up now, but earlier, it was only 4 or 5.

Thanks for the link to Tracking International. I like that interface/display better!

Question: Can someone clarify the 1 hour prep thing before the race? Does that mean they can't wrench on their junk all night?

They must check in to a special work area and then have 1 free hour to wrench. If they use more than 1 hour it counts against them (I think it is added to their overall time and changes their starting position the next day).

After clocking out of the work area the vehicle is moved to an impound for the night.

Question: Can someone clarify the 1 hour prep thing before the race? Does that mean they can't wrench on their junk all night?

Correct cars are impounded at night.

Correct cars are impounded at night.

Why is this? Sounds smart, but why?

Why is this? Sounds smart, but why?

How else do you enforce the time limit on working on the car?

How else do you enforce the time limit on working on the car?

Sure, I understand that, but why is there a time limit to work on your cars at all?

Sure, I understand that, but why is there a time limit to work on your cars at all?

Because it is a staged race. Most races are non-stop from start to finish and everytime you stop it costs you time. Some teams could almost completely rebuild a car overnight.

Sure, I understand that, but why is there a time limit to work on your cars at all?



you can work on it all night long if you want, but after the free 60 min, it's a time penalty for every min you're over the 60.

From BITD site:

Work Area Information
1) Work Area: One (1) hour (60 minutes) of race vehicle work time without time penalty = free time.
Any time over the one (1) hour (60 minutes) free time period, will result in a time penalty added on that days time on racecourse. If you work on vehicle one-hour twenty minutes (1:20) = twenty (20) minute time penalty. Example only:
Day 2 – Your Race Time on Course = 7:00 hours
Allowed Work Area Time = 60 minutes
Race Vehicle Time Spent in Work Area = 80 minutes
Work Area Time Penalty for Day 2 = 20 minutes
Total Time for Day 2 = 7:20 hours
2) After the finish line, on your transfer section, no work is allowed on your race vehicle.
ALL Race Vehicles must be worked on in the “Work Area” only! Anyone caught working on any race vehicle, other than in the official work area, will result in a time penalty or disqualification for that race vehicle.
3) NO limit as to the amount of people working on a race vehicle inside the work area.
4) NO limit as to what kind of work you can do to your race vehicle in the work area (except motor replacement.)
5) Work Area is a limited area. The “Work Area” is NOT for RV parking or camping. Please work on your race vehicle and then move out of the area.
6) DO NOT SPEED inside the work area with race vehicle. DRIVE or RIDE with CAUTION!!! YOU MUST OBEY “Work Area” and “Impound” Officials.
Impound Information
1) Mandatory Race Vehicle Impound Day 1, Day 2. The Impound Areas will have a security guard and no one will be allowed in after you have impounded your race vehicle. You may bring your race vehicle cover to Impound. Motorcycles, be sure and have a box or kickstand for your MC while it’s in Impound.
Technical Information
1) Motors will be marked at race vehicle technical inspection at the Sunset Station Hotel in Las Vegas. Motors may be checked each day at the start line, finish line, work area and/or the entrance to impound.
2) Four (4) hour time penalty to change a motor. Driver/Rider of Record must notify a Best In The Desert Official at work area when a motor is changed. The new motor will be remarked.

hurry get the 4400's started LOL

Gosh I hope no customers call and interrupt my keeping up with the coverage :laughing:

Is there a time limit on each day?

Is there a time limit on each day?

Yes, I think it is around 11 hours.

Damnit, I am never going to get any work done today:p

They're rolling!

Coverage here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/vegas2reno09/index.php

Tracking here: http://www.trackinginternational.com/tracking/

shows cole at 0 mph ... any word?

shows cole at 0 mph ... any word?
we think overheating

Jeff told me that he did a video interview this morning (not the one with Charlene). Anyone know where I can find it?

Jeff told me that he did a video interview this morning (not the one with Charlene). Anyone know where I can find it?
who'd he do the interview with?

Heard Cole was out for today...in fact most of the Ultra 4's are out. :(

However, they can race tomorrow as you're allowed to not finish ONE stage...or something like that.

Knoll is currently leading...even beating the JeepSpeeds as far as I can tell. Still, they have a LONG way to go to finish the stage. The trophy trucks are at mile 227...Jeff is at 107. Today's stage is 331 miles long.

If you hear that I overheated. Shoot me:flipoff2:


we think overheating

Lock and load!

If it truly is the case that sucks!

Lock and load!

If it truly is the case that sucks!
overheating earlier in the day and then some fuel issues that put him out for the day.

who'd he do the interview with?

I want to say it was with the tracking company, but I'm not sure. He did two interviews, one, just audio, with Charlene, and this other one with video.

overheating earlier in the day and then some fuel issues that put him out for the day.

Bummer! hope they can race day 2 and the car isn't hurt too bad...

Can we get some pictures posted up of each car?

Way to go DSI/Knoll and Team Viking for being the only 2 teams in Ultra 4 to finish Day 1!!!

Funny, I was looking back into the live coverage chat and Larry Gibson came in asking what everyone thought of him :shaking::shaking::shaking::shaking:

Can't wait to see how many teams line up tomorrow and hear what took out all the rest of the teams....sounds like HEAT was the killer on everything.

Made it through the day yesterday alive! It was pretty amazing!
As for the 4400 class there were two that crossed the finish line...
The 4471 team of Jeff Knoll was the first to cross and the Kevin Sacalas 4435 team crossed with only about 15 minutes left on the clock.

Lots more racing coverage again today! Check it! :smokin:

So how did the guys feel physically when they finished last night? Did they get beat up in the cars?

So how did the guys feel physically when they finished last night? Did they get beat up in the cars?



i can't speak for Kevin Salacas, but Pook and Myself were fine. Bilstein dialed the car in so well that it really felt like we were on a flying couch. My car is a bit cramped for leg room, so my knee's were a bit sore at the end.

4405 will be lining up. We lost both fuel pumps yesterday, but I drove to Bishop and a new one. Its a new day and its already hot.

4405 will be lining up. We lost both fuel pumps yesterday, but I drove to Bishop and a new one. Its a new day and its already hot.

Any idea why? There must have been something pretty wrong to cause 2 pumps to burn up in the first 4 miles.

i can't speak for Kevin Salacas, but Pook and Myself were fine. Bilstein dialed the car in so well that it really felt like we were on a flying couch. My car is a bit cramped for leg room, so my knee's were a bit sore at the end.

Are you driving the 2nd leg of each day?

Is there a web site showing the end-of-day results?

Thanks

Ride on
Brewster

Team Viking is in the lead. They are the only team to finish both days. That gives them a HUGE lead if they just FINISH on Day 3. If they finish, the battle is for SECOND PLACE.

4461 (Aussies and Randy) of Team Unite, 4411 Dean Bullock, and 4488 Brandon Watson finished day 2 and are able to start for points on day 3. No one in this group finished on day 1 so they HAD to finish Friday and they did.

Also starting today for points will be 4471 (Jeff, DSI, ZukIzzy), they won on Day 1 but did not finish on day 2.

I heard that a couple of other DNF teams are going to run as well, Tcarp is in, I am sure Easy Ricky Bobby will run. He was in it until late in the game.

These guys brought their A-game and kicked some butt yesterday and Thursday.

It has been 2 epic days of racing for the Ultra 4's. Today should be even better! Coverage begins at 8AM Pacific. http://pirate4x4.com/trailreports/ve...no09/index.php

These Teams are still in the hunt to complete V2R 2009 - CONGRATS!!!

4435
Kevin Sacalas (26) Riverside, CA,
Douglas Williams (32) Redlands, CA,
Jon Jonsson (51) Ferndale, WA,
Sam Wiseman (44) Riverside, CA,
Viking Off-Road, Winchline, Bilstein, Griffin Thermal Products, RCV
Performance, Trail Gear, BFG, Twisted Stitch, Livorsi Marine, JE Reel Driveline

4411
Dean Bulloch (51) Cedar City, UT,
Tom Allen (49) Weatherford, TX,
PSC, MasterCraft, BFG, Stak, CTM, Currie, Mast Motorsports, Heavenly Bodies, Winchline, Tom Woods Driveshafts, MS Inc, Seymour Martin, Warn, TrailGear, D&P Perf


4461
Ben Napier (26) Sydney, Australia
David Camp (32) Brisbane, Australia
Randy Slawson (32) Cotton, CA,
Bomber Fab, BFG, Raceline Wheels

4471
Jeff Knoll (39) Menifee, CA,
Dave Schneider (34) Reno, NV,
Wayne Israelsen (40) Menifee, CA,
HammerKing, Raceline Wheel, BF Goodrich, Vision X, PSC, Griffin, Bilstein, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Superior Axle & Gear, S&N Fab, The US Stimulus Package!

4488
Brandon Watson (34) Glenwood Sprongs, CO,
Stephen Watson (36) Carbondale, CO,
James Watson (58) Carbondale, CO,
Our families, Off-Road Design, PSC, Bighorn Graphics, Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts, Premier Power Welder
__________________

Here are some shots I snapped on day 2.
Enjoy:smokin:

TEAM VIKING WINS!!!!

Watson Brother finish first day 2 and 3, but DNF on Day 1 gives overall win to Sac at Team Viking!!

Randy and Napsta are 2 miles out for 3rd overall and Dean Bulloch is 20 miles out for a 4th place finish!!

Nolan, what car # is the Viking team??

TEAM VIKING WINS!!!!

Watson Brother finish first day 2 and 3, but DNF on Day 1 gives overall win to Sac at Team Viking!!


Absolutely amazing Job!:smokin:



Rick.

Absolutely amazing Job!:smokin:



Rick.

Hey fuck-o, how's your back? I tried to keep up with the race via my proxy Jerry, but working the last three days I couldn't really tell what was going on, other than what I could get from the tracking.

I'm off tomorrow, you need anything?

Doc

Hey fuck-o, how's your back? I tried to keep up with the race via my proxy Jerry, but working the last three days I couldn't really tell what was going on, other than what I could get from the tracking.

I'm off tomorrow, you need anything?

Doc

Dnf'd both days, second was not repairable by us, out there. Just got done with dinner at home. ;)

Thanx though,
Rick.

Dnf'd both days, second was not repairable by us, out there. Just got done with dinner at home. ;)

Thanx though,
Rick.

I heard you tried to pass a TT and launched across a 100' ditch?? WTF?

I heard you tried to pass a TT and launched across a 100' ditch?? WTF?

Wow! Is that what happened?:laughing::laughing:

Wow! Is that what happened?:laughing::laughing:

Yeah...I know, communication with you guys was a bitch. Ready to tell it yourself??

Dnf'd both days, second was not repairable by us, out there. Just got done with dinner at home. ;)

Thanx though,
Rick.




Rick, good to hear your back home relaxin'

Your coverage and tracking was a little spotty, all the Ultra 4's have huge brass balls. IMO. :D

FYI it was not me "larry gipson" asking about anything other then What was going on in the V2R.. Sorry to disappoint

What an epic adventure!
Left Tuesday am at 5ish and got home this morning at 1:30am ~ 6 days of memories, pictures and laughs...

And there is still more to come! Now that I am back to my office, I have high speed for the computer (although I'm not very high speed yet lol) I have more good stuff to send over to Lance to post up!

The coverage pages will be polished up and added to...
We also just drove 12 hours to get back home from Reno...never a dull moment...the completion of our adventure!

Of course I will let you know when it is all ready...:smokin:...

I want to go back and read through it too...what you may or may not know is I couldn't see what you guys were talking about the majority of the time...When my helmet head popped up then I could actually see what you were asking, otherwise I was just rollin and tweeting from my phone! All of us on the trip know that today will be blown just checking out the coverage and probably learning more about the teams than we knew then thanks to all of you participating with the info! Pretty dang cool!

Awesome job of coverage Charlene. From my perspective, you were all over the place.... always running to get the best coverage possible. You helped set the bar pretty high for event coverage here on Pirate and elsewhere. I was proud to be a small part of the team supporting the Ultra4 and team Unite effort in this epic race. Sitting in the airport on my way home with many great memories of an incredible week of racing in the Nevada desert.

...doc

Charlene is awesome. Great pictures in the gallery too. I have been enjoying them all morning!

Charlene, AWESOME job of live coverage. After being at only 2 desert races (and KOH), I can absolutely understand how hectic it is just to try to hit all the pits--let alone broadcast and update from them, seek stories, take photos, etc. Amazing work--you really did a great job for Lance and Camo--I hope they've got you on retainer for the next event. :beer:

Lance and Camo, thanks for pulling all the information together and keeping PBB rolling--and for putting Charlene on the front lines. :beer: Notice how throughout all 3 days there were fans of other classes popping into the PBB for updates on their teams? That's gotta tell you you were posting some good information.

Charlene, I stood in amazement watching you Thursday morning, photographing, and texting between cars and class starts in Beatty. Not knowing who you were, I'm the one who asked if you were shooting for a magazine. Wow, what you were doing was much more important than a magazine shoot, keeping all who couldn't be there informed. I am truly impressed, you've done a great service to the PBB, with great admiration, I say thank you, job well done. Hope to meet you at KOH '10.


Gene

Cool video I found searching Youtube from the race. Sorry no Ultra4s in it.
YouTube - 2009 BITD Vegas to Reno Highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU6a77e-Ms0&feature=popt02us11)

Heres the link to my Photojournal of the event over in Gen4x4

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=814669

Wanted to make sure you had a heads up on this one....

This is the Lucas Oil TOTALLY OFF ROAD RADIO Show for Wed August 26th 2009!
Co Hosts: Austin "Fish" Farner

Other Guests include:
Andy McMillin
Ryan "Bonzen" Lewis
Dan Vance
ESB Mike
Jeff Knoll
Dave Cole
Kevin Sacalas

And More
Plus "Breaking Newz" with Shaun Ochsner and all the lastest Dirt!

We'll be talking 1450, King of the Hammers & Vegas to Reno!!

It's going to be another great show and as always,
We want to hear from you 'The Fans" with any questions or comments that you have!
The station call in number is 760-720-5236, You can also Email questions to
desk@torrshow.com or text questions to 760 805-6994

The show is LIVE from 6-8PM on AM 1000 & can be heard at www.torrshow.com

Time to go to www.torrshow.com!! On now!!

Cole and Knoll up first, and then Sacalas will talk about being the only Ultra4 to finish all 3 days!