SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1528094
THE CHANGE UP UTV Polaris Factory Racer Max Eddy Jr. Races Against The Class 1 Buggies By Larry Saavedra Photos by Get Some Photo It was a bold and unprecedented move, some said, when the SCI Motorsports Polaris Factory Racing Team decided to enter driver Max Eddy Jr. and his Polaris RZR Pro R into the highly competitive Class 1 field during the 5th SCORE Baja 400 presented by VP Racing. According to Polaris, it was the ultimate test against open-wheel unlimited vehicles. “Competing in SCORE Class 1 allowed Polaris Factory Racing a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of the RZR Pro R Factory, testing its performance and capabilities against some of the fastest vehicles and most experienced racers in the field,” said Alex Scheuerell, Director of Polaris Off-Road Motorsports. He added that the past 18 months of racing in SCORE, the RZR Pro R Factory UTV has consistently proven its dominance. With endurance and precision being paramount, Eddy Jr. navigated the course with remarkable driving and speed, finishing impressively, and securing fourth place in the class. “I didn’t think it was intimidating to go up against Class 1 competitors,” Eddy Jr. said. “There was maybe some added pressure, but I didn’t attack it any differently than any other race. I was more cautious with the push to pass than in my UTV class though.” In case you were wondering, nothing was changed in the RZR Pro R driven by Eddy Jr. says Ryan Thomas, Polaris Factory Racing and SCI Motorsports General Manager. “Other than the number plate it was the same vehicle he’s been driving in previous events.” Eddy Jr. acknowledged that his experience as an off-road motorcycle racer probably helped him navigate the course. “Yes there are some things I take away from racing my bike and put into UTV driving,” he said. “Like reading the terrain. But there are a lot of differences because, on a dirt bike, you have to memorize every single danger that will take you out. Maybe you are a little less focused on those things in a UTV.” So what did Polaris learn from racing the Pro R in Class 1? According to Eddy Jr., they are still dissecting the race info. “There are a ton of what-ifs that we got out of it. In hindsight, with some minor changes, I believe it would have been possible to land on the podium in Class 1,” he said. “I’ve learned to be a better driver and more strategic and less impatient.” SJ