Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
Baja was all business for the talented off road racer and recent high school graduate, Christopher Polvoorde. Experiencing a break out weekend during the Lucas Oil Off Road Series’ Battle South of the Border, Christopher scored his first career Pro Lite race win on Saturday, Round 2 and backed it up with a consecutive victory in Round 3. Polvoorde is ranked second in points and a verifiable threat for top finishes in the ultra-competitive Pro Lite truck class.
A top 5 qualifying position was the only edge Christopher needed to set himself up for a great weekend. Breaking away on the first lap, the #94 STEEL-IT / TIS Wheels / General Tire would lead green flag to checkers despite multiple attempts from wheel man Brandon Arthur to overtake Polvoorde. Under constant pressure, but cool as a Margarita, Christopher used the wide sweeping Estero Beach track features to maintain position. Polvoorde would secure his first Pro Lite win, with Brandon Arthur placing 2nd, and Ryan Beat in 3rd.
“Pretty amazing day, Christopher described with surreal emotions. “I was able to get my first Pro Lite win and it was pretty awesome. Such an unreal feeling. I was also able to grab the Optima Batteries Fast Lap Award too.”
The Polvoorde Team shared their podium celebration in good Baja fashion with the local fans who have a keen appreciation for off road racing. This excitement and energy was felt all throughout the race track, Estero Beach, and Ensenada, Mexico. The pits and vendor row experienced Baja fanfare that only these locals can offer. In return there were thousands of autograph signings, selfie pics with favorite drivers and a ton of hooked up swag was up for grabs. Can you say STEEEKERS.
When the #94 STEEL-IT Pro Lite finally rolled back to the pits, it probably was not as easy as pressing the reset button and knocking the mud off, but perhaps there is a solid regiment where everyone just finds the groove and keeps it moving forward. Whatever was done, it was like “Deja Vu” for Round 3. Or Christopher Polvoorde was on point with his “A-Game” because he jumped out to an early lead leaving the rest of the field to battle it behind him. Christopher drove a perfect race and scored a consecutive race win sweeping the weekend for STEEL-IT Stainless Steel Coatings.
“I love Baja!” commented Polvoorde. “Yesterday I got my first Pro Lite win and today I got my second one. Beyond stoked on my first full sweep. Perfect weekend with two wins and two Optima Batteries Fast Lap Awards. It was pretty awesome leading every lap this weekend and I did not even have to pull one single tear off! We cannot wait to come back to Baja. The views down here in Mexico are pretty great and this is definitely the most beautiful track we race at. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible, especially my great sponsors STEEL-IT, TIS Wheels, General Tire, The Palms River Resort, King Shocks, Simpson, Optima Batteries, Magnaflow, Rugged Radios, Camburg Racing, and KC Hilites.”
Racing off road on a beach in Mexico in front of high energy fans sounds about as cool as it gets but its time for Christopher Polvoorde to hit the reset button again. Rounds 4 & 5 will be held on June 23-24 at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. This fairly new track is all the buzz in the off road short course world offering every fan in the stands the best seat in the house overlooking high speed sections low speed sections, big banks and flat corners.
Photography By: Bink Designs
About Christopher Polvoorde 17 year old Christopher Polvoorde is constantly on the move. When he is not racing short course in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS), he is training and competing cross country on a mountain bike. An academic over-achiever with a 4.5 GPA, he is a quick study on the track as well. He earned the 2014 Modified Kart rookie of the year title. In 2015, he surpassed that by winning the LOORRS Modified Kart Championship and a TORC series World Championship trophy at the birthplace of short course racing; the “Big House” in Crandon, Wisconsin. Racing his Mod Kart in 2016, he won both the Lucas Oil Challenge Cup race and a second world championship in Crandon. In 2017 he was award the Pro Lite Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year title. When he is not racing or studying, Christopher enjoys working in the race shop, snowmobiling, RC car racing, and skiing. In 2018, he will be racing towards a championship in the ultra-competitive Pro Lite class.
Written by Bink Designs