PROTRUCK RACING ORGANIZATION, INC. 14402 Bond Ct., El Cajon, CA 92021 Phone (619) 390-6252 Fax (619) 390-6470 Email us at: info@protruck.com Copyright © 2008	Protruck News Release 2005 BITD Parker 425 February 4-6, 2005, Parker, Arizona No one could remember when the desert and mountains around Parker, AZ had been so green and beautiful. The rains had made desert flowers and plants grow into a carpet of color. Ten Protrucks had assembled in Parker for the Best in the Desert Parker 425 off road race hosted by the Blue Water Resort and Casino. After a session of qualifying on Thursday and Technical inspection and Contingency on Friday, the Protrucks were ready to take the green flag Saturday morning in downtown Parker on California Street. The bright orange Ford of Jimmy Nuckles was first off the line as the #1288 Protruck had qualified fastest. Next off the line 30 seconds later, was Charley McDowell in the “sparkley” cobalt blue #1221 Ford. The #1262 Ford Protruck of Mike Voyles was third, fourth was J R Stanley in the yellow #1222, Steve Staats in the #1220 Ford fifth, Rick L. Johnson in the #1236 Toyota Protruck was next, sporting a new engine. Craig Smith from Brawley started seventh in the Jernigan #1282 green Ford, behind him was Montanan Al Hogan in the #1226 Ford. In his second race in the new Toyota Protruck #1204 was Gustavo Vildosola Jr. and starting at the tail of the pack was Mike Bilek in his orange #1269 Ford. So the Protruck class was off the start line in a matter of 5 minutes heading for the Arizona desert. Best in the Desert had set up an “infield” course for the racers so everyone could see them run the 2 miles of jumps and turns inside the main pit before they headed out for the 136 mile loop. It added some visual action for the spectators and crews. At the end of lap 1, it was the orange Ford of Jimmy Nuckles that stayed in front. He gave the spectators and crews a real show at the North end of the infield as he came over a jump a little too fast before a turn. Jimmy looked like one of the old precision stunt drivers as he balanced the Protruck on 2 wheels around the turn. It finally came down and he spun a 360 to get back on the course, chasing some ill-placed spectators back to the main pit area! His crew was able to check the bottom of the truck without having to get under it! Next to finish their first lap was Charley McDowell, with Steve Staats behind him, but actually leading him by a few seconds on corrected time. Mike Voyles, Craig Smith, J R Stanley, Al Hogan, and Mike Bilek all finished their first lap and took off for their second. The two Toyotas were to have some problems, which would put them back a little. Toyota Rick ran out of fuel just before getting into his fueling pit out in the desert. This cost much time, as they had to get some fuel from another racer to continue. Gustavo in the #1204 Toyota lost a transmission at mile 133 on the course, but the officials were able to pull them into the main pit so they could make the change and continue on. At the end of lap two, some position changes had happened in the Protruck class in the desert. The blue Ford of Charley McDowell came into the infield first. Next was the orange/yellow #1220 of the Staats family, then the purple/yellow Ford #1262 of Mike Voyles. Fourth in was Craig Smith and Al Hogan 30 seconds behind with exactly the same time on course. Toyota Rick in the #1236 was picking up a little lost time and came in sixth. It seems that the orange Ford of Jimmy Nuckles needed to have zigged instead of zagged and they found themselves upside down like a turtle. They were able to jack the truck back onto its wheels and continue on, though dropping them back to eighth behind J R Stanley. Mike Bilek came in just after Jimmy. At the finish line everyone was treated to a surprise as the Staats family Ford came across the line with Mike Voyles right on his bumper! Their corrected time split was actually 1:03 difference. Charley McDowell came in next after having a problem 2:24 behind the Voyles Ford. The real winner of the day was the #1226 Ford of Al Hogan who one-year prior during Contingency Day for this race was air evac’ed to Phoenix with his life in the balance. Miraculously, Al was out walking on a golf course with family and friends within the week. Thank God Al is back racing and doing what he likes to do. We all love ya Al, and are rejoicing at this Happy Anniversary! The Jernigan #1282 Ford driven by Craig Smith finished fifth with the Milgard #1236 Toyota of Rick L. Johnson only 1:35 back. J R Stanley kept moving and finished 7th, with the “orange crunch” of Jimmy Nuckles finishing 8th, minus a few body parts. Mike Bilek in his orange Custom Building Products Ford crossed the line 9th. Having changed a transmission after lap one and persevering for some finishing points, Gustavo Vildosola Jr and Walt Virack made it a perfect 10 for 10 in the Protruck class. Congratulations to all of the drivers, crews, and sponsors on a job well done at the Parker 425 race. You all are proving that the Protruck class is competitive and tough. Photo credit: Protruck Racing Organization PR Inquiries contact: Schiefer Media (714) 241-1116 Protruck Question, contact: info@protruck.com or call (619) 390-6252