Modified Tough Trucks are purpose-built four-wheel-drive race vehicles. They must maintain a stock body appearance and are allowed basic engine modifications. They have naturally aspirated engines that use gasoline or diesel for fuel. Modified Tough Trucks run qualification rounds. The top 16 qualifiers are set into a bracket, and this class runs side-by-side, with the number-one qualifier racing against the number 16 qualifier. The winners advance; the losers prepare for the next event.
NMRO is a member of the SFI Foundation, a non-profit organization established to issue and administer standards for specialty/performance automotive and racing equipment.
Contact:NMRO (National Mud Racing Organization)804 N. Delaware St.Indianapolis, IN 46204317/236-6515www.familyevents.com
ProtruckTo understand the concept behind Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's Protruck series, look no further than the formula used to propel NASCAR's Winston Cup to the highest levels of American motorsports and spectator interest. Like modern stock car racing, the Protruck idea is based on a stable set of rules, identical chassis, carefully managed competition, and strong manufacturer identity since its inception in 1997.
Ivan and Linda Stewart have taken several important steps to insure the future success of their series, now in its sixth year of organized competition. While it's safe to say that the initial flurry of Protruck sales have slowed a bit, the interest from competitors and race fans grows with each passing race.
The big news for racers and enthusiasts alike for 2003 is a national television package that focuses entirely on the Protruck series. After several years of trying, the Stewarts have managed to put together a total of 40 hours of action-packed television for Protruck, including eight, one-hour shows on Outdoor Life Network (OLN), a growing cable entity that now reaches over 53 million American homes. In addition, ESPN International will broadcast the always entertaining Guam event to a huge potential worldwide audience.
This is welcome news to Protruck teams and manufacturers alike, with both Ford and Toyota now adding to a Contingency awards program that has topped $120,000 in cash and products. Along with Goodyear as its official tire, Protruck also receives corporate support from an A-list group of suppliers including American Racing Wheels, VP fuels, MSD Ignition, Bilstein shocks, AFE filters, and Wells Cargo.
The 2003 Protruck season will include all of the SCORE and Best in the Desert events, along with an appearance at Crandon in August, Guam in April, and a possible October race in Phoenix. All of this excitement should add up to one of the best Protruck seasons ever, as competitors try their best to take over the top spot from two-time series champ Steve Barlow and his familiar Red Bull-sponsored Ford.
Just like in his days of racing Toyota's factory trucks, it looks like hard work and perseverance will once again be paying off for the guy known throughout the off-road world simply as Ironman.
Contact
Protruck Racing Organization
14402 Bond Ct.
El Cajon, CA 92021
619/390-6252
619/390-6470 (fax)
www.protruck.com