Sparks, NV
Round 6 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing (LOORRS) just went down at the Wild West Motorsports Park not too far from Reno, Nevada. Professional short course racing is majorly popular in the area and the event drew a large crowd despite known thunder storms and rain showers blowing through. The fans stuck it out through the wet weather, and after much anticipation, hit the jack pot with exciting door-to-door action. Christopher Polvoorde took the #94 STEEL-IT / TIS Wheels / General Tire Pro Lite for a wild ride and survived with a Top 5 Finish.
One major effect from the desert storm was the cancellation of several qualifying rounds, a delay and change in scheduling. The LOORRS Officials elected the Pro Lite division to forgo qualifying and move straight into the race.
When the Pro Lite field were finally led out onto the track featuring nearly 20 racers, you knew it was going to be a great race. The anticipation was high, and rocky canyons were vibrating from the V8 motors. When the field took the green flag, it could be described as a heard of wild mustangs stampeding through the hills. Polvoorde started right on the front row outside of points leader and General Tire teammate; Ryan Beat.
The race played out like a wild west shoot out, everyone wanted a shot at the front, and many drivers were dueling back and forth passing for position and then surrendering back. It was a wild ride for anyone on the track. Even starting on the front row with clean air did not keep Polvoorde from being caught up. Luckily the #94 Pro Lite’s protective STEEL-IT Stainless Steel Coatings was able to shed off the mud and keep up front with the lead pack.
In fact, Polvoorde must have pressed the thrill button because the STEEL-IT Pro Lite was in the center of all the action and the focus of the track’s big screen jumbotron. Holding down the fourth position Christopher was able to fend off multiple attacks from Brandon Arthur. After a restart, Ronnie Anderson snuck past Polvoorde, which caught him off guard. This caused Polvoorde to falter and give up another position. Christopher charged forward with his General Tires plowing through the slop to steal back the 5th spot on Lap 8 and would hold that position for a Top 5 Finish.
“It was a busy weekend with some ups in downs,” remarked Polvoorde. “We tested the weekend before here at Reno, so we had a good baseline. I made a mistake in practice hitting a K-rail and ended up ripping the whole front right corner off the car. My team was great and was able to get the truck back together for a few laps in the last practice session which calmed the nerves down a bit. The team and I learned some new things and still managed to salvage a 5th place finish. I can’t wait to get back out on the track in Utah!”
Sometimes, racing means you play the long game and aim for the big take home pot. Every point counts in a long championship season battle. Finishing well is sometimes better than hanging it all out where risk does not always mean reward. For Polvoorde, the Top 5 Finish keeps the #94 STEEL-IT / TIS Wheels / General Tire Pro Lite within striking distance of points leader Ryan Beat and one point behind Brandon Arthur.
None of this would be possible without help and support from STEEL-IT, TIS Wheels, General Tire, The Palms River Resort, King Shocks, Simpson, Optima Batteries, Magnaflow, Rugged Radios, Camburg Racing, and KC Hilites.”
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 won the Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year title in Pro Lite. 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