SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/997748
THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES Around 2000, pitting services and clubs were becoming very specialized. Exclusive arrangements were common as factory teams and the front-running SCORE Trophy Trucks looked for every possible advantage. Expertise, appearance, and style began to mean something even in the middle of nowhere, much like the impact made by BFGoodrich Tires did in the late '70s, and continues today. RPM Off-Road is one of those teams that now runs its own specialized pit crews in the familiar orange shirts with RPM's logo emblazoned across it. They pit exclusively RPM Trophy Trucks and their other class entries, much like MacCachren's team at Baja Fools. "We've worked with Baja Pits and others for many years, and they've always done an excellent job for us," said RPM Off-Road president Justin Matney. "But in racing, you have to gain an advantage anywhere you can. Our pit crew members are from RPM Off-Road and Geiser Brothers, and they regularly work on the race trucks. We've also built each chase truck for each race vehicle (part wise) and they carry specific components for our vehicles. We also have specific crew chiefs that take care of these trucks in the pits. For example, TT-4 is a specific race truck with a specific crew. The trucks have become so competitive that seconds matter and it comes down to the drivers and pit crews at each stop." In the ten years since RPM Off-Road has been involved in desert racing, they've seen plenty of changes. "From electric grease guns and air jacks to night lighting systems, the pits and how they are operated have has drastically changed," said Matney. "With the advancements of tracking and satellite phones, there are improvements in a team's chances of winning." THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF THE BFGOODRICH PITS IS A WELCOME RELIEF FOR RACERS AT NIGHT. PIT CREWS : THE UNTOLD STORY SCORE JOURNAL 131