San Bernardino, CA
Christopher Polvoorde, driver of the #94 STEEL-IT / TIS Wheels / General Tire Pro Lite, was happy to be back at the track for Round 1 of the 2019 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS). The General Tire So Cal Shootout brought a huge crowd to Glen Helen Raceway and the fans got rewarded with high flying action under the lights. Polvoorde, who finished 3rd in the 2018 Pro Lite Championship, came charging out of the gates for a big 2nd place podium finish.
“It is great to be back,” Christopher shared. “Coming off last season where we finished 3rd in points was a huge accomplishment. The truck was super fast by the end of the year, so we did not change much on the truck during the off-season. The largest change that we made was switching over to Brembo Brakes. The Brembo stopping power is impressive and allows me to drive the truck in deeper then I have in the past. We are also excited to debut our new STEEL-IT livery that was created by the team over at Bink Designs.”
Polvoorde continued, “In practice, we were having a few problems with the drivetrain, but after some work, the team was able to get it back to 100%. The truck is working good at the moment. I feel extremely comfortable and confident in the truck, and it is going to make for a good season.” The STEEL-IT Pro Lite was 4th fastest in Practice Session 2 and moved up in Session 3 to 2nd quickest and .781 off of the 2018 reigning Pro Lite Champion and General Tire teammate Ryan Beat's fast lap.
“Racing is my passion,” Christopher explained. “The Lucas Oil Off Road Series is always a good time. It has allowed me to hone my skills and develop as a competitor. I even got to do a KTLA news interview on Friday morning and gave the reporter a ride in our 2-seater Pro Lite. I also gave a ride-a-long to Roger from our valued partner Kicker Audio. Let's just say we went a lot faster that time and he loved it. It was a great experience that I know they both will never forget.”
For the Pro Lite main event, Polvoorde was strapped in and ready for the green flag. Starting in 2nd on the front row outside lined up next to Ryan Beat, and a field of 15 behind them, Christopher knew what he had to do. Charge it! Green light and throttle down, the V8 powered Pro Lites took off flying into Turn 1.
“I immediately got pushed wide, Brock Heger came from fourth to 2nd where I dropped down into 3rd, and there was more pressure coming from behind on my rear bumper. I put my head down and just started to focus on what the leaders were doing and stayed right behind them waiting for a mistake. That mindset kept me up with the front runners in the Top 3. About Lap 7, with me, then Heger, then Beat at the front of the field, we encountered some lap traffic. I was pouring on the pressure when Heger had a small stutter. I was able to attack and get the pass secured. After that, I set my sights in on Beat. I reeled him in and began trying moves but was just not able to get the pass done." The #94 STEEL-IT Pro Lite finished on the box with a 2nd place podium finish.
“Overall I am super happy with how everything is going, exclaimed Polvoorde. “I am excited on how this weekend turned out. A 2nd place finish is a great way to start the season off. The truck was crazy fast, and I was hunting down the leader but just ran out of time. We are looking forward to a great season ahead, and I am ready to put the #94 STEEL-IT Pro Lite on top of the box.”
Christopher Polvoorde is supported by STEEL-IT, TIS Wheels, General Tire, King Shocks, Brembo Brakes, Rigid Industries, Simpson, Rugged Radios, FK Rod Ends, Kicker Audio, Maxima Racing Oils, K&N Filters, Optima Batteries, Camburg Racing, Magnaflow, MPI Steering Wheels, VP Racing Fuels, ARP, Smart Whips and The Palms River Resort.
Next up for Christopher, is Round 2 the “Duel In The Desert” of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series on April 13 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.
Written and Photography By: Bink Designs