Barstow CA – The Blue Coyote GIRLZ Racing team captures 2nd place at the MORE Powder Puff race held Oct 14 2006 in Barstow CA! For this race the drivers were Alethia (wife of driver / team owner Ken) and Candice (daughter or co-driver Dan). This first ever all female off-road race was put on by MORE (Mojave Off-road Racing Enthusiasts) and co-sponsored by Damzl to benefit breast cancer research and in the process raised over $51,000 dollars for Cedar Sinai Women Breast Cancer Research. Over 120 all female race teams competed in various classes ranging from stock VW bugs to mini trucks to unlimited open wheel cars. The turnout and overall support was overwhelmingly positive – so much so that a three day event is being planned for next year.
The course was laid out on 21 miles of Barstow’s extreme terrain. While the course did not incorporate some of Barstow’s most infamous sections, it was still by no means an easy or smooth track. After all, this is desert racing and is not meant to be easy. The race was run in two separate heats with the limited class vehicles racing the morning event and the unlimited (much faster) vehicles racing the afternoon session. The race was followed up with a spectacular award ceremony, a raffle for many fabulous prizes and a large barbeque for the racers and their teams.
As this race was held only 3 weeks after the Rumble at Ridgecrest, there was minimal time to prep the truck. The damage from the Ridgecrest event was addressed – new shackle bolts, reinstall fenders, and the fluids changed. Several modifications had to be made for this event such as changing the seating position, adding pillows under seats, relocating pedals, and adding a longer shifter to accommodate the smaller female drivers. The Blue Coyote also received a new paint scheme – the girlz wanted a purple truck with pink flames to match their new purple race suits. Vinylworx created some new Girlz stickers and decals were added for new sponsor VESSCO along with Time Out Sports Lounge, Deaver, Lucas, King several others. Our Pit Boss was Cassie with her pit crew of Susan, Robin and Melani. For this race Ken would be chasing and codriver Dan overseeing the pits and communication.
Friday afternoon was spent pre-running the track, as neither of the girls had ever raced on any track. After a few laps both girls were comfortable with the truck and track and were ready to race. Race day was cool with a slight breeze and a threat of rain. Some isolated showers rolled in mid morning which helped keep the dust and temperatures down. Their first lap went well with no issues. They were running smoothly and running a lap time of about 46 minutes. Due to the length of the race, the truck would not need to be refueled and the decision was made not to stop at the pits unless necessary. Ken was chasing on a quad and maintained radio contact the entire race. Being remote allowed for five visual check points and to allow for remote repairs. There was plenty of other pit support spread out across the race track to help if needed. The second and third laps also went well, with very competitive and consistent lap times of 46 and 44 minutes. With time running tight the girls decided to step it up for the fourth and final lap. While driving the sand wash at mile 8, Alethia calls Ken on the radio – “we are in forth gear at red line, where is 5th ???!” Yes, they were on a mission. And as they were completing the last five miles of the final lap, Ken hears over the radio “..You better check the air bumps as we are getting some BIG air out here…” There last lap was their fastest at just over 43 minutes.
And once again the #797 Blue Coyote Racing Toyota piloted by the Blue Coyote GIRLZ managed another checkered flag finish – finishing 2nd out of five. The girlz managed an average lap time of 45 minutes and an average speed of just under 30mph. An excellent result for their first race. There are lots of people to thank for this finish – Driver Alethia and do-driver Candice, Pit Crew Cassie, Susan, Robin, Melanie, Macinzie, Dan, Cameron, Gary and Ken along with the entire MORE family for making this the place to race.
The truck is back at the shop to be prepped of the final MORE race of 2006 - the Toys for TotsHoliday 200 being held in Barstow CA on Dec 02. This race will be for all the marbles – as a Championship and True Grit award are on the line. This will be the best race to watch this year, and will again support an excellent cause. Please bring a new unwrapped toy to include in the Blue Coyote team donation. Big thanks to the sponsor and crew that make all this happen.
Time Out Sports Lounge VESSCO PRP Seats King Shocks UBRT
Sierra Truck Parts Vinylworx Deaver Spring PCI www.damzl.com
Gordon Buma Automotive MORE Mobile Radio SOL Engine & Machine
www.bluecoyoteracing.com bluecoyoteracing@earthlink.net www.minitruckracing.net