SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/519117
SCORE 101 Class 1 racing is a goal a driver and team should work up to. "I believe drivers should have at least two years of experience in the Class 10 ranks before moving to Class 1," said Mike Julson, President of Jimco Racing. "I think it is important to become familiar with off-road racing, in general, along with the safety aspects of the sport and get a number of quality finishes before making the transition to the unlimited ranks." Gaining driving skills and the ability to read the terrain in super fast machines can increase the risk of hurting yourself or others is a real consideration for anyone entering into a Class 1 vehicle, without practicing on a vehicle with lower speeds and less horsepower. Most Class 1 vehicle builders agree that nothing takes the confidence out of a competitor quicker than getting into a situation where they realize they are in over their head. Jerry Penhall, owner of Penhall Fabrication offers this advice to anyone contemplating a move into Class 1. "There are so many variables as to when a driver would be ready," say Penhall. "First, do they have any off-road racing or riding experience? Have they raced motorcycles in the desert or raced cars in any other classes? Some people jump in a car and just have it. Some people CLASS 1 VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WITH A LENGTH OF TUBING LAID OUT ON A FIXTURE TABLE. PHOTO COURTESY JIMCO RACING need time to develop into an experienced, confident driver. The more time behind the wheel the better your chances are for success, especially in a Class 1 vehicle. Every race under your belt is a learning experience." Penhall also realizes that in his day, these vehicles used engines with much less horsepower. But with modern engines and innovations in transaxle design, bigger more powerful engines are something a new Class 1 driver needs to be mindful of. "With an LS motor, your top speed can be upwards of 125- 130 miles an hour. You have to be confident enough to handle that speed, and be able to read the desert terrain," says Penhall. "Things come up so fast you have to be able to handle the car through the rough stuff at top speed. Class 1 has become so fast and so competitive you have to stay on it the entire time to finish up on the podium. I would suggest someone have at least four or five years experience racing in a smaller class in a competitive series, before jumping into a Class 1 car." Many young racers wanting to jump into a Class 1 vehicle have listened to the suggestions of the veterans and vehicle builders. Zack Langley, of the COPS Racing team, is one of these drivers who got a lot out of racing in slower classes and has become a better driver from it. "I started racing in Class 12 (also known as Score-Lites)," says Langley. "That class is limited to an 1835cc air-cooled motor so in a way it's the opposite of the much faster Class1. Racing in that class, I always wished I had more power. That's one of the 072 SCORE JOURNAL