Parker, AZ – If there was a recurring theme for Jim Riley’s Azunia Tequila Racing team at the Best In The Desert series season opener in Parker, Arizona, it would have to be “new.” The Parker 425 had a new, two-race format, The Azunia Tequila R8 race truck had a new paint scheme and graphics to showcase their new main sponsor General Tire, (General has been a sponsor for 5 years now), and their new wheel sponsor Method Race Wheels who join existing sponsors Rigid Industries LED Lighting, Lucas Oil, GQ-6, MSD, Red Kap, KREED, Magnaflow, and Rugged Radios.
Also new is the team’s race shop where they will be performing all race prep in-house this season. The team also filmed a new commercial for Pirate Cove Resort on the Colorado River before heading to the race. Pirate Cove Resort is an incredible place with amenities for boaters, RVers, vacationers and off-road enthusiasts. Located on the Colorado River outside Needles, California, it has over 3,200 Miles of BLM-approved designated trails. In fact, after shooting the commercial, the team did a quick shakedown test on the truck before heading to Parker for contingency. The team looked sharp in their new, Method Race Wheels team apparel for the huge crowd in attendance at contingency on Friday. After successfully completing technical inspection, they made final preparations for race day the following afternoon.
The new two-race format had the limited cars and trucks racing in the morning and the faster vehicles running later in the day. The later start meant Jim Riley and co-driver Blake Sinclair would be cutting a path through the darkness with their Rigid Industries LED lighting on the final lap.
“We are really happy with our results,” Riley said. “The new format allowed us to run up front with no dust for most of the day. We ran very fast for the first two laps then stopped for some fresh tires before lap three. The course had gotten really torn up by then. It was covered in square edged bumps and the rocks were everywhere. One of those rocks kicked up into our starter motor and caused the wires to short out; it shut down the electrical system. We quickly diagnosed the problem and were able to jump start the truck to get going again. These races are so competitive, you really can’t afford any problems if you want to finish on the podium. Despite the down time, we still managed to get a solid finish in the top ten in the seventh spot. We have had some bad luck in Parker in the past; it feels great to finish such a tough race here. It’s a testament to the team’s hard work and crew chief Mike Marquez who put together a solid truck for us.”
The team put some great points in the bank at Parker. Their next challenge will be in Las Vegas, Nevada March 10-13. The Mint 400 will be as tough, if not tougher, than the season opener in Parker but the team is anxious to get the truck prepped and ready for another battle. Don’t forget to stay up to date and follow the team on social media and Instagram @jimrileyracing and @jimriley68 and go to http://binkdesigns.com and signup for our newsletter for the latest information on Azunia Tequila Racing.
Photography By: Bink Designs