Friday, June 26, I found myself in the cool zone at the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Stop # 3 for rounds 5 and 6 were to take place at the freshly built track at Lake Elsinore.
Knowing our name and/or names were on the list for a ride-along-of-a-lifetime, I was approached to ask which one of us would be taking the passenger seat for a few laps around the track in a Super Lite Race Truck with a pro driver behind the wheel. Looking around, and realizing that Sean was nowhere in sight, I contorted my face into a strange expression and exclaimed in a very distinct voice, “uh.” Tonya (aka “dirt-in-your-eye”) piped in and excitedly exclaimed, “I think you should do it.” That exclamation was quickly followed by Poppy’s response, “Yeah, I think you should do it.” That settled it for me. I was the one set to take a spin around the track in the Super Lite. Now if only I could get my helmet on and buckled in before Sean reappeared, or else, I would have to convince him that I would make a better passenger than he would. He did reappear, but just in time to snap a few pics of me getting buckled into the seat of Super Lite Truck #72. With Brandon Bailey behind the wheel, I greeted my driver for the next 10 minutes. As I proceeded to squirm my way into the safety harness, I’m asked, “have you ever been in a race truck before?” Thankfully, the answer is “yes.” I figure if I can survive a ride in a Trophy Lite in Plaster City with the builder behind the wheel, I should be able to handle a few practice laps in a Super Lite at Lake Elsinore. With the straps tightened down as far as they would go and fresh air pumping it’s way into my size small helmet, I have a few minutes to think. I see the signal that the number of our practice laps has been increased from 3 to 5. I’ll take it. I’m ready. I know that girls on the track are few and far between and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting of few of them and I’m excited to be able to get a taste of what they experience each time they are out on the track. I know I’m about to have a much greater appreciation for all drivers out on the track.
The ride does not disappoint. Each jump has a personality of its own and the truck takes on a life of its own as it rounds each turn. With a few other trucks on the track at the same time, I begin to get a taste of the amount of concentration it takes to finagle your way through a pack of machines, each vying for the same position – #1. This track had it all; big, sweeping turns, blind jumps and tabletops and I am more than thrilled that I was able to experience the ride.
Given the opportunity, I would most certainly take another few laps around the track, but I just wanna know which driver roosted me. Not Brandon, just me. It all came right at me. Dirt everywhere including places it doesn’t belong. But that still can’t wipe the smile off my face.
If you’d like to be a spectator at the next Lucas Oil Off Road Series Race, you can enjoy the races July 25th and 26th at Lake Elsinore. I know…I know…I know…what you’re thinking; It’s hot! Well, you’re in luck for Rounds 7 and 8, the big boys will by flying under the lights. You can find more information here:
lucasoiloffroad
