Give that man a Corona! Steve Sourapas took the title in both Class 1 and the overall, amidst the finest competition in the SCORE/Duralast series. Team Corona is now packing their coolers, and heading south of the border to back up their Primm 300 victory in the already legendary "Baja 2000".

With the upcoming Baja 2000 just around the corner, the 2000 Primm race was for many, the final opportunity to "get it together". It's really pretty amazing when you think about it - considering the Primm 300 a "warm up" race for anything...... Let's face it. The course bordering the Cali-Nevada state line isn't exactly a walk in anybody's park, and considering the nearly rainless weather since last year's event, things were a lot rougher than usual.

Adding to the wonders of the most brutal Primm course in history were the triple digit temperatures. Fans and racers who'd thought they'd dodged a bullet with the temporary removal of the Barstow race received quite the shock. Cloudless skies, little to no wind, and a thermometer that stayed over the 110 mark all weekend were there to remind everyone that August in Nevada isn't a whole lot cooler than July in California's high desert.

Not that it proved to be much of a deterrent you understand, as a couple dozen more entries signed up for this event, than had the year before. Even the fans returned in force, albeit with a large amount of liquid refreshment.

As has become par for the Primm course, the BLM had a near stranglehold on the area, and rangers were out in force. This is getting really old. We can only hope that once we vote the last remnants of the Clinton misadministration out of office come November (and you WERE planning on voting WEREN'T YOU?!?!?), that we will return to some semblance of rationality over the concept of "public land", and it's use.

While the overall turnout at Primm was at an all time high, off-road racing's premiere class, Trophy Truck, had it's lowest turnout in recent memory. With all the major teams having just completed the Nevada 2000 barely a month before, many of the big boys stayed home, choosing to concentrate their efforts on the B2K, rather than risk their bucks up equipment. In the year 2000, the quest for victory at the Baja 2000 has proven to be all encompassing for many; Even at the expense of the season championship.

Unfortunately, not all of the teams were absent for competitive reasons. in a freak accident during testing in southern California just prior to the Primm race, desert veteran Jerry McDonald, co-driver of the McPherson Trophy Truck was involved in a head on, high speed collision with a buggy driven by Bill and Rich Fodor. The vehicles were traveling in opposing directions on and old course, The accident left both men dead at the scene.

In a season that has already seen the death of Class 1 racer Larry "Big Daddy" Deaton, we are left with the memories of some very good men, and a chilling reminder of just how dangerous off-road racing can be. We at Off-Road.com extend our condolences and prayers to the families of the Fodors', Jerry McDonald, and the McPherson Motorsports team.

Trophy Truck

Mark Post and Riveria Racing put their dry spell behind them with a win over the Bros.. Herbst, and Brian Collins in Trophy Truck. Look for Robbie Gordon to team up with the boys in Black, and heat up the competition on the way to Cabo.

Every entry was guaranteed a place on the finishers podium - because only 3 trucks showed up! (see above). Fortunately for the fans, the 3 competitors were among the best in the desert - Ed Herbst, Brian Collins, and Mark Post. All competitive, the best equipment going, and burning desires to win. Did they really need anyone else to race against?

At Primm, Mark Post put his mechanical problems aside, driving the ex-Gordon F truck to it's first win in quite some time. The crew from Riveria Racing certainly have the talent, and equipment to take a TT into the winners circle, but such an occurrence has eluded them until now.

Post, Collins, and Herbst went heads up throughout the day, but the blistering pace set by the group eventually combined with punishingly rough (even for a Trophy Truck) terrain to waylay BC, and put Herbst into the pits for repairs. Meanwhile, Post held it together to grab victory from the 4WD "Animal" by well over an hour, wrapping up the win for the boys in black.

In related news, we knew he couldn't stay away. Robbie Gordon will be making his return to the desert, co-driving with Post in the Baja 2000. Just when you thought the Ivan/Ragland/Herbst/Enduro/McPherson match-up was gonna be boring.... (like that'd happen....) While Robby may be back in his old truck, it has undergone significant changes. Will that "unfamiliarity" prevent the Indy/NASCAR/Desert racer from putting in a strong showing? Let's face it. love him or hate him, Robbie Gordon could probably do well behind the wheel of a golf cart - with one flat tire.

Class 1

As close as it gets. Slower traffic didn't help matters for the Terrible Herbst team, when Truggy went down to mechanical problems. The Landshark was kept out of the top 5 for the first time in a long time.

Steve Sourapas took the Corona Beer sponsored Jimco into the winners circle, in a tight race with 2nd place Jeff Quinn. The Rancho Santa Fe resident topped the list of 9 finishers in the populous 26 car field in a time of 5:04:12, clinching the class win, and the overall, against Quinn's 5:06:40.

Fans of the Landshark were wondering where Troy Herbst had wandered off to. 3rd place went to Gary Weyhrich, followed by 4th place Ron Wilson. In 5th was Tim Rockenbach, with Gary wise rounding out the hour in 6th. Finally, Troy crossed the finish line in 7th - truly unfamiliar territory for the 99 SCORE champ. Rounding out the finishers were John Gaughn in 8th, and Ron Brandt in 9th.

When the unlimited buggy class finishes up with a 66% attrition rate, you know the course was rough. In one particularly evil section going into the mountains near Jean dry lake, the sounds of metal smashing rock, over and over, could be heard loud and clear over the exhaust note of the high strung engines. Shortly thereafter we came across a virtual parking lot of broken vehicles. Rough? Yea, you could say that.....

And speaking of "unlimited".....

While it hasn't been the first time the Terrible Herbst Motorsports Class 1 weapon, or other "truggy" style vehicles have seen the yellow lights of their classmates, there are still grumblings popping up from time to time about "banning" them from competition in the "unlimited" Class 1. It would seem that for these proponents, the word "unlimited" has a different meaning than the one the rest of us use.

Protruck

A total of 5 Protrucks left the finish line at Primm, and all 5 crossed the line at the end. 100% finishing rate is a hell of a sharp contrast to the carnage of Class 1, so what the heck happened? Yet another great mystery of the desert perhaps, or quite possibly some very smart driving on the part of the truck pilots.Whatever the case may be, Ivan Stewart's Protrucks have long since put their early reliability problems behind them, and continue to build on their reputation as one of the premiere classes in off-road motorsports.

Bob Shepard and Rich Hoffman split a 1 min. spread to finish 1st and 2nd in Protruck. Shepard's 5:44:15 time was impressive indeed, considering the condition of the course, and would have been good enough to land him a 5th place spot in Class 1. Think that's impressive? Try this on for size. Shep's time was 00:00:01 (that's 1/100th of a second in dog years) off Mark Post's winning Trophy Truck time.

In 3rd, Ryan Herzog posted a time of 6:34:45, somewhat off the pace set by Shepard and Huffman, but more than enough to hold Chet Huffman to a 4th place finish.

Back in 5th, Scott Steinberger fell victim to a very late start that simply could not be overcome. Steinberger has had a rough season thusfar, but remains an ever-present threat to win. Coming up at the Baja 2000, Scott will have the added benefit of experience over many of his fellow Protruck racers, and will be going into the event as the odds on favorite in the highly competitive class.

Class 8

With Billy Goerke at the wheel of the Collins Racing Class 8 Desert Weapon, it looks like the season championship is goin' home to Vegas. Goerke uncorked the big Chevy at Primm, laying waste to his competition. We're sure BC is a smilin' unit!

The Heavy Metal class was well represented at Primm, with a total of 6 entries pulling up to the line. The enthusiasm of the big trucks continues, with class entries remaining high throughout the 2000 season, with a record turnout expected for Baja come November.

Heading up this pack of wild beasts was Billy Goerke at the wheel of the Collins Motorsports Chevy. With the team's fearless leader campaigning the team's new Trophy Truck, Gorke has taken over the reins of the coilovered Class 8, and is proving to be every bit as competent behind the wheel as his boss.

Going in to the 2000, Collins Motorsports will be a force to be reckoned with, in both classes. With several proven seasons behind the 8, and Collins having a very impressive outing at the BITD Nevada 2000, there's a very real possibility of at least 2 big trophies going back to Vegas.

Following Goerke to the finish line, Dennis McCarthy posted an impressive time of his own, putting a solid lock on 2nd place in 6:52:57. Coming up 3rd, Ari Kreiss rounded out the Class 8 finishers in a time of 6:59:09.

Among the class DNF's was Ed Lazarri, whose big blue Chevy succumbed to the previously mentioned mountain pass, though held it together long enough to get the truck to a recoverable spot. Laz, and co-driver were not amused with such an outcome......

Class 10

There were some new names topping off the 10's, proving once again that competition is alive and well in these lightweight desert monsters. Mark Hucthins, Shane Brown, and Mark Hatch split the top 3 positions, with 10 min. 3 sec. separating the three.

Hutchins' 5:55 flat put him on victory lane scant moments ahead of the 1006 car, piloted by Brown. Up next came Hatch, whose 6:05:03 time was more than enough to keep Ron Brookshire out of the top slots. In the 20 car field, only 11 vehicles kept it together to finish, with the remainder scattered along various points along the way. It was a heavy toll in this otherwise high finishing class, but as one racer said, "It's just been that kind of course".

SCORE Lites

Class 12 saw even closer racing, with fewer casualties. The former Class 10 cars saw a bare 1:13 sec. separating the top 3 positions, and Tom Riddings was their leader. Riddings squeaked past the 6 hr. barrier in a time of 5:59:50, followed by Ty Goode a mere 30 sec. later. 3rd went to Dan Worley, with a 6:01:03 finish.

Way back in 10th, the last class finisher, Jerry Penhall overcame breakage in the pass to keep his hopes for the Toyota "True Grit" Award alive. with only one (hell of a) race remaining, SCORE Lites have 4 remaining racers still eligible - Ron Dalke, Ty Godde, Steve Greinke, and of course, Jerry Penhall. The question is, how many will cross the line in Cabo?

Class 1/2-1600

With no Federalies to slow her down, Miss M backed up her BITD "Trick Truck" win with a rout of Class 1/2-1600. Somebody forgot to tell her she wasn't in the truck, as her speeds in the pink buggy were far beyond the reach of her competition.

She proved once and for all that she could handle a Trophy Truck in the Nevada 2000, but it seems someone forgot to tell Bekki Freeman that she was back in her 1600 car at Primm. The divine Miss F posted a 6:12:08 time, obliterating the competition in the most competitive class in the desert. Her closest competition came from within the family, as brother Brian turned in a very respectable 6:24:50 to capture 2nd. Just off the pace, Arden Dennington took the #1604 car in to third, in a time of 6:26:44.

With Bekki returning to the #2 (or is it now #1?) Vortec truck for the Baja 2000, the remainder of the 1600 class may be able to rest a little easier, but the Trophy Truck racers better stay on their toes. There isn't exactly a "Soccer Mom" driving that big orange and white SUV!

Class 3

Kirk Kovel fords the seas of silt above Jean dry lake in his old school Ford Bronco. Despite a valiant effort, Kovel was relegated to #2 behind the ever dominant Kia piloted by Darren Skilton. With Class 3 growing in popularity, Skilton will be feeling heat from more than the desert in 2001.

With 5 entries in Class 3, Darren Skilton say more competition than usual, but none the less, he put his fellow racers down in his usual high speed fashion. Driving his partially "remodeled" Kia, Skilton topped the list of 3 finishers with a blistering time of 5:53:09. The old school Bronco of Kirk Kovel finished 2nd, over an hour distant in 7:17:10, with Darren's father, Clive Skilton nearly an hour back in 3rd. Side note - The utter dominance of Kia over the past several seasons has left many Ford fans wondering "what's THAT all about?" Rumor has it that several Class 3 / 4000trucks are under construction to compete in both SCORE and BITD. It would seem that Ford's contingency monies are beginning to bear some serious fruit.

Class 5

Mike James went heads up with Class 5 champ George Seeley, and proved the Outlaw still has what it takes. With his nightmare foray into Protrucks long behind him, James is back in force in the Class 5 wars.

Welcome back to the winners circle Mike! Mike James "Outlaw" Class 5 is no stranger to winning, but it's been a while since the Alpine CA resident put the hurt to his main competition and Class champion, George Seeley. James' 6:07:36 topped Seeley's 7:58:42 for the win, but broken pieces on Seeley's bright yellow Bug kept their traditional dogfight to the finish under wraps for at least one more race. Class 5's only other entry, Randy Ross, suffered a DNF.

While Seeley may have lost the battle, he has once again won the war. The soft spoken "Sofa Dude" has a lock on the season championship going in to the 2K, and has successfully defended his 99 crown. That said, the question remains, "Who will win the 2000?" Both Seeley and James are skilled, seasoned professionals who know all about keeping equipment alive, and are equally capable of pulling off the win. But in 2000 miles, a lot can happen. Will there be a dark horse on the horizon?

Class 5-1600

Class champ Dave Gasper likes his title, and has few plans of giving it up. To that end, he topped a 9 car field to take home the win at Primm in a time of 7:21:44, over 2nd place Vic Orellana's 7:31:47. Back in 3rd, Allan Gregory rounded out the top 3 with a 7:39:03, and the final finisher, Ruben Gutierrez kept it under 8 hrs, posting a 7:47:05.

Class 7

Dirt Pilot Magazine's Craig Turner toped the field in Primm, but missed out on the highly anticipated match up with Jeff Lewis. Turner's growing number of hungry fans are eagerly awaiting their next serving of "Lewis souffl? ".

It's lonely at the top. Dirt Pilot Magazine publisher Craig Turner was the sole finisher in the 4 truck field, hauling it in with a 6:12:59 finishing time. With Team McPherson not in attendance (see above), Turner/Lewis fans were denied the rematch from the Nevada 2000 that they'd been so eagerly awaiting. With his LeDuc built A-arm Ranger in a very dialed state of tune, Turner will be going in to the B2K with his sights set squarely on Lewis. Unfortunately for these two competitors, the peninsula itself may have the final say.

Class 7s

8 men entered, 3 men left. When the fat lady sang (why do they always do that?) Bruce Landfield took the Mickey Thompson Ranger to the class win in a time of 5:45:45 - very impressive considering the "limited" nature of the class. Back in 2nd, Eric kept his wheels (mostly) on the ground to post a 6:06:35, while Kevin Davis rounded out the class finishers for a 3rd.

Class 9

David Caspino held off the 900 car of Eric Fisher to take the win with a 5:49:12. In 3rd, Hector Sarabia bested Bill Rodriguez by a narrow margin, resulting in a 50/50 finish rate for the short travel buggies.Considering the nature of the course, it's an even more impressive accomplishment still.

Class 11

Greg Horr took the win over class Champ Eric Solorzano with a 6:45:00. the 2 drivers were the sole entries in the stock Bug class, and you gotta' really appreciate the sheer will piloting these cars around Primm must have taken.

Stock Full

It was still showing the scars of the Nevada 2000, but Jeremy Spirkoff's Spirit Racing F-350 was more than up to the task of beating the brutal Primm Course into submission. You gotta' admit that "da rookie got da skillz" behind the wheel.

The words "Jeremy Spirkoff" and "Winning", have popped up in the same sentence quite a few times this year. See? They did it again! That said, After his win at Primm, there's little doubt in our minds that that "rookie" name won't last too much longer. Likely the last time you'll hear it is after accepting the "Rookie of the Year" award from SCORE. Can you think of anyone more deserving? Behind the Spirit Racing F-350 came John Griffin about 1:20:00+ back, with Marc Stein's Expedition rounding out 3rd. 100% finishing rate for the stockers? Not too shabby!

Stock Mini

William Snitchler was another "lonely guy" in Primm. He'll just have to console himself with the class win, the big trophy, and the check from SCORE. The 32 truck off the line, Will finished up in a time of 8:16:55, leaving class Champ Rob Rinerton, Bob Land, and Dr. Macree Glass somewhere "out there."

To say that 2000 has been a memorable season thusfar would be an understatement. It seems like anything that could happen, did. We've seen record setting speeds, underdogs rise up to dethrone the mighty, and resurgence of factory involvement in the sport we all love. As impressive as it's all been, the Baja 2000 looms large just around the corner. From racers coming out of retirement, to the legends and heroes of today, the peninsula calls to them like a siren of the sea. "Come on big guy, let's see what'cha got!"

Well, they're coming. By the hundreds. Based on it's distance alone, the B2K will earn a well deserved place in the history books, but that week long event just south of the border will earn an even more special place in the hearts and minds of those who dare meet it's challenge.

Look to Off-road.com, as we once again team up with Globalstar Communications to bring you up to the minuet results of this history making event, and updates from the field you just won't find anywhere else.

Cabo, Here We come!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TOYOTA TRUE GRIT AND MILESTONE AWARD CONTENDERS SURVIVE THE PRIMM 300 AND FACE THE BAJA 2000 TORRANCE, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2000) - After completing the Las Vegas Primm 300, 19 drivers from nine classes remain eligible for the 2000 Toyota Milestone Award, an honor given to off-road racers who complete every mile of every race in the 2000 SCORE Duralast Desert Series. After four of five events, only the grueling Tecate Baja 2000 remains as the last hurdle in winning the Milestone Award. Among the 19 survivors, 11 racers in the four non-factory endorsed classes remain eligible for the 2000 Toyota True Grit Award. This award is presented annually to the driver with the highest-cumulative-point total for all five races in Class 1/2-1600, Class 5, Class 10 and SCORE Lite. A $12,000-prize fund will be split between the four potential Toyota True Grit class winners. "Toyota has been pleased to present the Toyota Milestone and True Grit awards for the last 15 years," said Les Unger, national Motorsports manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "It is a prodigious accomplishment to finish every mile in the SCORE desert series, and it will be even more amazing this year with the Baja 2000." In order to remain eligible for the Toyota Milestone Award, the following drivers must finish the Tecate SCORE Baja 2000 (Nov. 10-17): [TG denotes classes eligible for Toyota True Grit Awards] Trophy-Truck: Tim Herbst Class 1: Ron Brant Gary Weyhrich Randy Wilson Class 1/2-1600 (TG): Sammy Ehrenberg Bekki Freeman Joe Jeffery Class 5(TG): Michael James George Seeley Jr. Class 5-1600: Dave Gasper Victor Orellana Class 7s: Doug Stewert Class 8: Billy Goerke Class 10(TG): Whit Courtenay Mark Hutchins SCORE Lites (TG): Ron Dalke Ty Godde Steve Greinke Jerry Penhall CONTACT: Greg Thome, Toyota Motorsports - (310) 468-5017 greg_thome@toyota.com