klaus
September 24th, 2002, 02:45
September 23, 2002
Post/Welchel lead SCORE Trophy-Truck
Las Vegas’ Troy Herbst Maintains SCORE Overall, Class 1
Point Leads in 2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series
35th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 next--Nov. 20-23--Ensenada to La Paz,
Mexico
LOS ANGELES--Despite a season-low 10th place finish, Las Vegas’ Troy
Herbst has retained the Overall and unlimited Class 1 point leads after the
recent SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300 desert race, Round 5 of the six-race 2002
Optima SCORE Desert Series.
Herbst will now lead over 200 entries competing in 23 Pro and 5
sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs across the border to
Mexico for the season-ending 35th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Nov. 20-23.
The legendary granddaddy of all desert races will start in Ensenada, Baja
California, and finish in La Paz, Baja California Sur.
The youngest of the three brothers on the Terrible Herbst Motorsports
team, Troy Herbst, 36, has forged an unparalleled SCORE desert racing record
the last five-plus seasons. Since 1997, Herbst has won the unlimited Class 1
title five consecutive years including the coveted SCORE Overall point
championship in 1997, 1998 and 2000 while finishing second the other two
years in his Ford-powered Smithbuilt open-wheel desert race car. During that
run, Troy Herbst has won his class in 12 races and his class has the most
entries at the majority of the SCORE races.
Finishing second in the season opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
in January, third in the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 in March and combined
with his overall and unlimited Class 1 win at the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in
June, his sixth-place finish at the SCORE Henderson’s Terrible 250 in July
and his 10th in this month’s SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300, Herbst has maintained
his Class 1 point and SCORE Overall point leads.
SCORE points are determined both on final finishing position and number
of vehicles which started the race within the individual class. After four
events, Herbst has earned 232 points.
“We are having a good season overall, but the last two races have been
brutal for us,” said Troy Herbst, whose older brothers Ed and Tim Herbst are
in third place in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division. “We need to sort
things out in a hurry because the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 is the roughest and
greatest desert race in the world and we could lose not only the overall
point championship, but the Class 1 point title as well if we aren’t
prepared. Running the Baja California peninsula for this race is a driver’s
dream and a crew’s nightmare, but the rewards are definitely worth all of the
effort. In our sport, there is no greater honor than to be the champion of
the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.”
In what has developed into one of tightest overall point battles in
SCORE history, just 17 points separate the top five heading intothe season
finale in Mexico.
In second and third in overall points in America’s Foremost Desert
Racing Series are class point leaders Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz. (Class
1-2/1600, Chenowth-VW--263), and Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif. (Protruck,
Ford F-150--258 points). Tied for fourth in overall points with 249 points
are Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif. (Jimco-Chevy, second in Class 1) and Stock
Full Class leader John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif. (AM General Hummer).
Another testament to the competitiveness in SCORE desert racing, a total
of just five points separate sixth through 11th place after five races in the
2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series overall point standings.
The next six in the overall point standings are also class point
leaders. Sixth overall and leading Class 8 with 242 points is Nick Vanderway,
Buckeye, Ariz., who drives a GMC Sierra.
Seventh in overall points with 239 is Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano,
Calif. (Class 7S, Jeep Comanche), while eighth with 238 points is Craig
Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif. (Class 7, Ford Ranger).
In a three-way for ninth in the overall point standings with 237 points
each are: Mark Post, Laguna Hills, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Rancho Santa
Margarita, Calif. (SCORE Trophy-Truck, Ford F-150), Rob Taylor, San Diego
(Class 5/1600, limited VW Baja Bug and George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif.
(Class 5, unlimited VW Baja Bug).
Among the other 2002 SCORE car and truck class point leaders after the
Tecate SCORE Baja 500 are: Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif. (Class 10,
Jimco-BMW); Ken Stroud, Alpine, Calif. (SCORE Lite, Raceco-VW); Donald Moss,
Sacramento, Calif. (Class 3, Ford Bronco), Bob Land, Lake Forest, Calif.
(Stock Mini, Isuzu Rodeo Sport) and Eric Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 9,
Garibay Challenger-VW).
Leading the featured motorcycle class and the overall motorcycle point
leader is the undefeated (three wins) team of Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills,
Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. (Class 22, Honda XR650R).
Las Vegas’ Jimmy Stephensen and his co-rider Mike Cafro, Carlsbad,
Calif., lead Class 25 and are the overall ATV point leaders on their Honda
250R.
One of the closest class races this season is in the featured SCORE
Trophy-Truck division where just six points separate the top three racers.
With 237 points, the Post/Welchel duo leads with Scott Steinberger, Cypress,
Calif., in second just two points back in another Ford F-150 and Las Vegas’
Ed and Tim Herbst are in third in a Ford F-150, just four more points back
(231).
There have been four different winners in five races in SCORE
Trophy-Truck. Despite winning the first two races of the season in Laughlin,
Nev., and San Felipe, Mexico, defending series point champions Dan Smith and
David Ashley, Riverside, Calif., are in fifth place right now in another Ford
F-150. Winning the three other SCORE races this season have been the teams of
Mark Miller, Carefree, Ariz./Larry Ragland, Phoenix in a Chevy Silverado
(Tecate SCORE Baja 500), Post/Welchel (SCORE Henderson’s Terrible 250) and
the Herbst brothers (SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300).
Pre-race festivities will be held in Ensenada and will include the
colorful manufacturer’s midway and technical inspection of all the race
vehicles on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The race will start early on the morning of
Thursday, Nov. 21 and the fastest vehicles in the elapsed-time race are
expected to cover the rugged course in approximately 20 hours.
The 35th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will start in Ensenada, on the
Pacific Ocean side of the Baja California in Mexico and finish in La Paz, on
the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula. Entries are expected from over 20
states and as many as 10 countries.
Tecate Beer is the title sponsor of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Major
associate sponsors of this legendary race are: Coca Cola of Mexico, the Baja
California and Baja California Sur Departments of Tourism, Cotuco and Fondo
Mixto Turistica de Ensenada.
SCORE official sponsors for 2002 are: Optima Batteries-title sponsor of
the series and official battery, BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Southern
California Ford Dealers-official vehicle, 76 Racing Fuel-official fuel and
Rental Service Corporation-official equipment supplier. Associate sponsors
this year are: Bilstein Shocks, Insant Mexico Auto Insurance, Downey
Off-Road, Signpros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s, Rancho Suspensions and
Advanced Color Graphics.
For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters
(818) 225-8402 or visit the official website of the Optima SCORE Desert
Series at www.score-international.com.
2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series
Point Leaders (thru Round 5, SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300)
Remaining 2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series schedule: 35th Tecate SCORE Baja
1000 (Ensenada, B.C. Norte to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico-Nov. 20-23)
Pro Cars & Trucks
SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)-- 1. Mark Post, Laguna
Hills, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Ford F-150,
237; 2. Scott Steinberger, Cypress, Calif., Ford F-150, 235; 3. Ed and Tim
Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 231; 4. Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Chevy
Silverado, 191; 5. Dan Smith/David Ashley, Riverside, Calif., Ford F-150,
174; 6. Darren Skilton, Lakewood, Calif., Kia Sorrento, 172; 7. Gus
Vildosola, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150, 93; 8. Glen Greer, Green Valley,
Ariz., Dodge Ram, 74; 9. Mark Miller, Carefree Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 69;
10. Josh Baldwin, Irvine, Calif., Ford F-150, 55.
CLASS 1 (Unlimited single or two seaters)--1. Troy Herbst, Las Vegas,
Smithbuilt-Ford engine, 266; 2. Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Jimco-Chevy,
249; 3. Dale Ebberts, Canyon Lake, Calif., Jimco-Toyota, 236; 4. Andrew
Myers, Newport Beach, Calif. Jimco-Toyota, 179; 5. (tie) Dan Myers, Newport
Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, and Ron Brant, Torrance, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 150.
PROTRUCK (Limited Production Trucks)--1. Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif.,
Ford F-150, 258; 2. Alan Pflueger, Honolulu, Chevy Silverado, 171; 3. Al
Hogan, Columbus, Mont., Ford F-150, 143.
CLASS 1-2/1600 (VW-powered single or two-seaters - limited to
1600cc)--1. Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz., Lothringer, 263; 2. Jake Maness,
Redstone, Colo., Jimco, 211; 3. Brian Jeffrey, Acton, Calif., Jimco, 208.
CLASS 3 (short wheelbase 4x4)--1. Donald and Kenneth Moss, Sacramento,
Calif., Ford Bronco, 186.
CLASS 5 (Unlimited Baja Bugs)--1. George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., 237.
CLASS 5/1600 (1600cc Baja Bugs)--1. Rob Taylor, San Diego, 237;
2. Allen Gregory, Alpine, Calif., 220; 3. Ruben Guitierrez Jr., Hemet,
Calif., 164.
CLASS 7 (Open Mini Trucks)-- 1. Craig Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Ford
Ranger, 238; 2. Hector Salazar, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford Ranger, 95; 3.
Perry McNeil, Lemon Grove, Calif., Ford Ranger, 66.
CLASS 7S (Stock Mini Trucks)--1. Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.,
Chevy S-10, 239; 2. Eric and Jared Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., GMC
Sonoma, 209; 3. Doug Siewert, Oceanside, Calif./Cory Susag, Dana Point,
Calif., Chevy S-10, 152.
CLASS 8 (Full-sized two-wheel drive trucks)--1. Nick Vanderwey, Buckeye,
Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 242; 2. Joe Patelli, Romoland, Calif., Chevy Blazer,
194; 3. Benny Canela, Indio, Calif., Ford F-150, 151.
CLASS 9 (VW-powered Short Wheelbase, single or two-seaters)--1. Eric
Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay Challenger, 169.
CLASS 10 (Single or two-seaters to 1650cc)--1. Martin Christensen,
Escondido, Calif., Jimco-BMW, 229; 2. Mark Hutchins, Henderson, Nev.,
Jimco-Toyota, 215; 3. Eli Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jimco-Honda, 192.
SCORE LITES (VW-powered, Limited single or two-seaters) - 1835cc--1. Ken
Stroud, Alpine, Calif., Jimco, 194; 2. Jerry Penhall, Costa Mesa, Calif.,
Penhall, 154; 3. Tom Ridings, Long Beach, Calif., Mirage, 152.
CLASS 11 (Stock VW Sedans)--1. Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, 206.
STOCK FULL (Stock, Production Full-sized Trucks)--1. John Griffin, Mission
Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer, 249.
STOCK MINI (Stock, Production Mini Trucks)--1. Bob Land, Lake Forest,
Calif., Isuzu Rodeo, 143; 2. Chris Bainum, Colon, Calif., Kia Sportage, 111.
Motorcycles
CLASS 21 (126cc to 250cc)--1. Eddie Zeller, Coronado, Calif., Yamaha YZ250,
145.
CLASS 22 (250cc or more)--1. Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny
Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., Honda XR650R, 177; 2. Andy Grider, Los
Olivos, Calif./Danny Cooper, Las Vegas, Honda XR650R, 151; 3. Aaron
Tuck/Craig Smith, Brawley, Calif., Honda XR650R, 97.
CLASS 30 (Riders over 30 years old)--1. Kevin Ward, Chatsworth,
Calif., Honda XR650, 166; 2. Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650R,
160.
CLASS 40 (Riders over 40 years old)--1. Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif.,
Honda XR650R, 165.
CLASS 50 (Riders over 50 years old)--1. Richard Jackson, Acton, Calif.,
Honda XR650, 60.
ATVs
CLASS 24 (under250cc)--1. Luis Navarro, Chula Vista, Calif., Honda, 49.
CLASS 25 (251cc or more)--1. Jimmy Stephensen, Las Vegas/Mike Cafro,
Carlsbad, Calif., Honda 250R, 173; 2. John Gregory, Chula Vista, Calif.,
Honda, 154.
2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series
Race-by-Race Class Winners
8th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
Laughlin, Nevada • Jan. 26-27, 2002
Total Starters: 114 Total Finishers: 69
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Riverside,CA, Ford F-150 CLASS 1--Dale/Mike Dondel, Hemet, Calif., Nye Frank Buggy (Chevy) PROTRUCK--Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif., Ford F-150
CLASS 1-2/1600--Mitch Griffin, Newbury Park, Calif., Lothringer (VW) CLASS 3--Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., Ford Bronco CLASS 5--George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Allan Gregory, Alpine, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Craig Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Ford Ranger
CLASS 7S--Doug Siewert, Oceanside, Calif./Cory Susag, Dana Point, Calif.,
Chevy S-10
CLASS 8--Joe Patelli, Romoland, Calif., Chevy Blazer
CLASS 9--Tony Modica, Long Beach, Calif., Chenowth(VW)
CLASS 10--Dennis Kordonowy, CarsonCity,NV,FastTrack Buggy(VW) SCORE LITE--Vic Bruckmann, Lemon Grove, Calif., Jimco (VW) CLASS 11--Scott Pellerin, Romoland, Calif., VW Sedan STOCK MINI--Dr. Macrae Glass, Kingman, Ariz., Ford Ranger STOCK FULL--Dave Sykes, Del Mar, Calif., Ford F-150
16th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
San Felipe, B.C., Mexico • March 2, 2002
Total Starters: 235 Total Finishers: 147
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Riverside,CA, Ford F-150 CLASS 1--Mike Julson, El Cajon, Calif., Jimco (Chevy) PROTRUCK--Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif., Ford F-150 CLASS 1-2/1600--Brian Ickler, Poway, Calif., Jimco (VW) CLASS 3--Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., Ford Bronco CLASS 5--Dave Cua, Costa Mesa, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Allan Gregory, Alpine, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Perry McNeil, Lemon Grove, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., Jeep Comanche CLASS 8--Clive Skilton, Orange, Calif./Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif.,
Jeep Cherokee
CLASS 9--TIE:Eric Fisher, Ensenada,Mexico,GaribayChallenger(VW) AND Darren
McGuffin, Canyon Country, Calif., Mirage (VW)
CLASS 10--Eli Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jimco (Honda)
SCORE LITE--Arturo Honold, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco (VW)
CLASS 11--Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, B.C., Mexico, VW Sedan
STOCK MINI--No Finishers
STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer Motorcycles CLASS 21--Gerardo Rojas, San Quintin, Mexico, Yamaha YZ250 CLASS 22--Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente,
Calif.., Honda XR650R
CLASS 30--Kevin Ward, Chatsorth, Calif., Honda XR650
CLASS 40--Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650R
ATVs
CLASS 24--No Finishers
CLASS 25--Jimmy Stephensen, Las Vegas,, Honda 250R
34th Tecate SCORE Baja 500
Ensenada, B.C., Mexico • June 1-2, 2002
Total Starters: 258 Total Finishers: 132
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Mark Miller, Carefree, Ariz./Larry Ragland, Phoenix, Chevy
Silverado
CLASS 1--Troy Herbst, Las Vegas, Smithbuilt (Ford) PROTRUCK--Rich Hoffman, Oceanside, Calif., Chevy C1500
CLASS 1-2/1600--Kash Vessels, Oceanside, Calif., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 3--No Finishers CLASS 5--George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Miguel Rosales, Ensenada, Mexico, VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Willie Valdez, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Doug Siewert, Oceanside, Calif./Cory Susag, Dana Point, Calif.,
Chevy S-10
CLASS 8--Nick Vanderwey, Litchfield Park, Ariz., GMC Sierra CLASS 9--Jose Arce, Ensenada, Mexico, Challenger (VW) CLASS 10--Scott Sellers, San Clemente, Calif., Chenowth (Honda) SCORE LITE--Jerry Penhall, Costa Mesa, Calif., Penhall (VW) CLASS 11--Fernando Flores, Mexicali, Mexico, VW Sedan STOCK MINI--No Finishers STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer Motorcycles CLASS 21--Martin Bejarano, Calexico, Calif., Kawasaki KX CLASS 22--Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente,
Calif., Honda XR650R
CLASS 30--Jim O’Neal, Chatwsorth, Calif., Honda XR650
CLASS 40--Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650
CLASS 50--Richard Jackson, Acton, Calif., Honda XR650R
ATVs
CLASS 24--Kirk Schreler, Phoenix, Honda 250R
CLASS 25--Jimmy Stephensen, Las Vegas/Mike Cafro, Carlsbad, Calif., Honda
250R
Inaugural
SCORE Henderson’s Terrible 250
Henderson, Nevada • July 13, 2002
Total Starters: 134 Total Finishers: 75
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Mark Post, Laguna Hills, Calif/Jerry Whelchel, Rancho Santa
Margarita, Calif., Ford F-150
CLASS 1--Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Jimco (Chevy)) PROTRUCK--Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif., Ford F-150
CLASS 1-2/1600--Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 3--No Finishers CLASS 5--Larry McCallum, Imperial, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Rob Taylor, San Diego, VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Craig Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Eric Hardin/Jared Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., GMC Sonoma CLASS 8--Jim Beaver, Parker, Ariz., Ford F-150 CLASS 9--Eric Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay Challenger (VW) CLASS 10--Chris Harrold, Chula Vista, Calif., Jimco (Honda) SCORE LITE--Tom Ridings, Long Beach, Calif., Mirage (VW) CLASS 11--Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, VW Sedan STOCK MINI--No Finishers STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer Motorcycles CLASS 21--Edde Deanes, San Diego, Yamaha CLASS 22--Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente,
Calif., Honda XR650R
CLASS 30--Kevin Ward, Chatwsorth, Calif., Honda XR650R
CLASS 40--Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650R
ATVs
CLASS 25--John Gregory, Chula Vista/Doug Eichner, El Cajon, Calif., Yamaha
7th SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300
Primm, Nevada • Sept. 14, 2002
Total Starters: 114 Total Finishers: 76
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Ed Herbst/Tim Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150
CLASS 1--Mike Julson, El Cajon, Calif./Bob Lofton, Westmorland, Calif., Jimco
(Chevy))
PROTRUCK--Alan Pflueger, Honolulu, Chevy Silverado
CLASS 1-2/1600--Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 3--Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., Ford Bronco CLASS 5--Larry McCallum, Imperial, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Jason Lakin/Todd Cunningham, El Cajon, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Jason Jernigan, Imperial, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Eric Hardin/Jared Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., GMC Sonoma CLASS 8--Nick Vanderwey, Buckeye, Ariz./Larry Vanderwey, Litchfield Park,
Ariz., GMC Sierra
CLASS 9--Eric Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay Challenger (VW) CLASS 10--Justin LaCore, San Clemente, Calif., Jimco (Honda) SCORE LITE--Kory Halopoff, Orange, Calif., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 11--Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, VW Sedan STOCK MINI--No Finishers STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer
Post/Welchel lead SCORE Trophy-Truck
Las Vegas’ Troy Herbst Maintains SCORE Overall, Class 1
Point Leads in 2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series
35th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 next--Nov. 20-23--Ensenada to La Paz,
Mexico
LOS ANGELES--Despite a season-low 10th place finish, Las Vegas’ Troy
Herbst has retained the Overall and unlimited Class 1 point leads after the
recent SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300 desert race, Round 5 of the six-race 2002
Optima SCORE Desert Series.
Herbst will now lead over 200 entries competing in 23 Pro and 5
sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs across the border to
Mexico for the season-ending 35th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Nov. 20-23.
The legendary granddaddy of all desert races will start in Ensenada, Baja
California, and finish in La Paz, Baja California Sur.
The youngest of the three brothers on the Terrible Herbst Motorsports
team, Troy Herbst, 36, has forged an unparalleled SCORE desert racing record
the last five-plus seasons. Since 1997, Herbst has won the unlimited Class 1
title five consecutive years including the coveted SCORE Overall point
championship in 1997, 1998 and 2000 while finishing second the other two
years in his Ford-powered Smithbuilt open-wheel desert race car. During that
run, Troy Herbst has won his class in 12 races and his class has the most
entries at the majority of the SCORE races.
Finishing second in the season opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
in January, third in the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 in March and combined
with his overall and unlimited Class 1 win at the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in
June, his sixth-place finish at the SCORE Henderson’s Terrible 250 in July
and his 10th in this month’s SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300, Herbst has maintained
his Class 1 point and SCORE Overall point leads.
SCORE points are determined both on final finishing position and number
of vehicles which started the race within the individual class. After four
events, Herbst has earned 232 points.
“We are having a good season overall, but the last two races have been
brutal for us,” said Troy Herbst, whose older brothers Ed and Tim Herbst are
in third place in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division. “We need to sort
things out in a hurry because the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 is the roughest and
greatest desert race in the world and we could lose not only the overall
point championship, but the Class 1 point title as well if we aren’t
prepared. Running the Baja California peninsula for this race is a driver’s
dream and a crew’s nightmare, but the rewards are definitely worth all of the
effort. In our sport, there is no greater honor than to be the champion of
the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.”
In what has developed into one of tightest overall point battles in
SCORE history, just 17 points separate the top five heading intothe season
finale in Mexico.
In second and third in overall points in America’s Foremost Desert
Racing Series are class point leaders Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz. (Class
1-2/1600, Chenowth-VW--263), and Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif. (Protruck,
Ford F-150--258 points). Tied for fourth in overall points with 249 points
are Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif. (Jimco-Chevy, second in Class 1) and Stock
Full Class leader John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif. (AM General Hummer).
Another testament to the competitiveness in SCORE desert racing, a total
of just five points separate sixth through 11th place after five races in the
2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series overall point standings.
The next six in the overall point standings are also class point
leaders. Sixth overall and leading Class 8 with 242 points is Nick Vanderway,
Buckeye, Ariz., who drives a GMC Sierra.
Seventh in overall points with 239 is Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano,
Calif. (Class 7S, Jeep Comanche), while eighth with 238 points is Craig
Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif. (Class 7, Ford Ranger).
In a three-way for ninth in the overall point standings with 237 points
each are: Mark Post, Laguna Hills, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Rancho Santa
Margarita, Calif. (SCORE Trophy-Truck, Ford F-150), Rob Taylor, San Diego
(Class 5/1600, limited VW Baja Bug and George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif.
(Class 5, unlimited VW Baja Bug).
Among the other 2002 SCORE car and truck class point leaders after the
Tecate SCORE Baja 500 are: Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif. (Class 10,
Jimco-BMW); Ken Stroud, Alpine, Calif. (SCORE Lite, Raceco-VW); Donald Moss,
Sacramento, Calif. (Class 3, Ford Bronco), Bob Land, Lake Forest, Calif.
(Stock Mini, Isuzu Rodeo Sport) and Eric Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 9,
Garibay Challenger-VW).
Leading the featured motorcycle class and the overall motorcycle point
leader is the undefeated (three wins) team of Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills,
Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. (Class 22, Honda XR650R).
Las Vegas’ Jimmy Stephensen and his co-rider Mike Cafro, Carlsbad,
Calif., lead Class 25 and are the overall ATV point leaders on their Honda
250R.
One of the closest class races this season is in the featured SCORE
Trophy-Truck division where just six points separate the top three racers.
With 237 points, the Post/Welchel duo leads with Scott Steinberger, Cypress,
Calif., in second just two points back in another Ford F-150 and Las Vegas’
Ed and Tim Herbst are in third in a Ford F-150, just four more points back
(231).
There have been four different winners in five races in SCORE
Trophy-Truck. Despite winning the first two races of the season in Laughlin,
Nev., and San Felipe, Mexico, defending series point champions Dan Smith and
David Ashley, Riverside, Calif., are in fifth place right now in another Ford
F-150. Winning the three other SCORE races this season have been the teams of
Mark Miller, Carefree, Ariz./Larry Ragland, Phoenix in a Chevy Silverado
(Tecate SCORE Baja 500), Post/Welchel (SCORE Henderson’s Terrible 250) and
the Herbst brothers (SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300).
Pre-race festivities will be held in Ensenada and will include the
colorful manufacturer’s midway and technical inspection of all the race
vehicles on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The race will start early on the morning of
Thursday, Nov. 21 and the fastest vehicles in the elapsed-time race are
expected to cover the rugged course in approximately 20 hours.
The 35th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will start in Ensenada, on the
Pacific Ocean side of the Baja California in Mexico and finish in La Paz, on
the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula. Entries are expected from over 20
states and as many as 10 countries.
Tecate Beer is the title sponsor of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Major
associate sponsors of this legendary race are: Coca Cola of Mexico, the Baja
California and Baja California Sur Departments of Tourism, Cotuco and Fondo
Mixto Turistica de Ensenada.
SCORE official sponsors for 2002 are: Optima Batteries-title sponsor of
the series and official battery, BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Southern
California Ford Dealers-official vehicle, 76 Racing Fuel-official fuel and
Rental Service Corporation-official equipment supplier. Associate sponsors
this year are: Bilstein Shocks, Insant Mexico Auto Insurance, Downey
Off-Road, Signpros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s, Rancho Suspensions and
Advanced Color Graphics.
For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters
(818) 225-8402 or visit the official website of the Optima SCORE Desert
Series at www.score-international.com.
2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series
Point Leaders (thru Round 5, SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300)
Remaining 2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series schedule: 35th Tecate SCORE Baja
1000 (Ensenada, B.C. Norte to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico-Nov. 20-23)
Pro Cars & Trucks
SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)-- 1. Mark Post, Laguna
Hills, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Ford F-150,
237; 2. Scott Steinberger, Cypress, Calif., Ford F-150, 235; 3. Ed and Tim
Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 231; 4. Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Chevy
Silverado, 191; 5. Dan Smith/David Ashley, Riverside, Calif., Ford F-150,
174; 6. Darren Skilton, Lakewood, Calif., Kia Sorrento, 172; 7. Gus
Vildosola, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150, 93; 8. Glen Greer, Green Valley,
Ariz., Dodge Ram, 74; 9. Mark Miller, Carefree Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 69;
10. Josh Baldwin, Irvine, Calif., Ford F-150, 55.
CLASS 1 (Unlimited single or two seaters)--1. Troy Herbst, Las Vegas,
Smithbuilt-Ford engine, 266; 2. Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Jimco-Chevy,
249; 3. Dale Ebberts, Canyon Lake, Calif., Jimco-Toyota, 236; 4. Andrew
Myers, Newport Beach, Calif. Jimco-Toyota, 179; 5. (tie) Dan Myers, Newport
Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, and Ron Brant, Torrance, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 150.
PROTRUCK (Limited Production Trucks)--1. Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif.,
Ford F-150, 258; 2. Alan Pflueger, Honolulu, Chevy Silverado, 171; 3. Al
Hogan, Columbus, Mont., Ford F-150, 143.
CLASS 1-2/1600 (VW-powered single or two-seaters - limited to
1600cc)--1. Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz., Lothringer, 263; 2. Jake Maness,
Redstone, Colo., Jimco, 211; 3. Brian Jeffrey, Acton, Calif., Jimco, 208.
CLASS 3 (short wheelbase 4x4)--1. Donald and Kenneth Moss, Sacramento,
Calif., Ford Bronco, 186.
CLASS 5 (Unlimited Baja Bugs)--1. George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., 237.
CLASS 5/1600 (1600cc Baja Bugs)--1. Rob Taylor, San Diego, 237;
2. Allen Gregory, Alpine, Calif., 220; 3. Ruben Guitierrez Jr., Hemet,
Calif., 164.
CLASS 7 (Open Mini Trucks)-- 1. Craig Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Ford
Ranger, 238; 2. Hector Salazar, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford Ranger, 95; 3.
Perry McNeil, Lemon Grove, Calif., Ford Ranger, 66.
CLASS 7S (Stock Mini Trucks)--1. Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.,
Chevy S-10, 239; 2. Eric and Jared Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., GMC
Sonoma, 209; 3. Doug Siewert, Oceanside, Calif./Cory Susag, Dana Point,
Calif., Chevy S-10, 152.
CLASS 8 (Full-sized two-wheel drive trucks)--1. Nick Vanderwey, Buckeye,
Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 242; 2. Joe Patelli, Romoland, Calif., Chevy Blazer,
194; 3. Benny Canela, Indio, Calif., Ford F-150, 151.
CLASS 9 (VW-powered Short Wheelbase, single or two-seaters)--1. Eric
Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay Challenger, 169.
CLASS 10 (Single or two-seaters to 1650cc)--1. Martin Christensen,
Escondido, Calif., Jimco-BMW, 229; 2. Mark Hutchins, Henderson, Nev.,
Jimco-Toyota, 215; 3. Eli Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jimco-Honda, 192.
SCORE LITES (VW-powered, Limited single or two-seaters) - 1835cc--1. Ken
Stroud, Alpine, Calif., Jimco, 194; 2. Jerry Penhall, Costa Mesa, Calif.,
Penhall, 154; 3. Tom Ridings, Long Beach, Calif., Mirage, 152.
CLASS 11 (Stock VW Sedans)--1. Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, 206.
STOCK FULL (Stock, Production Full-sized Trucks)--1. John Griffin, Mission
Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer, 249.
STOCK MINI (Stock, Production Mini Trucks)--1. Bob Land, Lake Forest,
Calif., Isuzu Rodeo, 143; 2. Chris Bainum, Colon, Calif., Kia Sportage, 111.
Motorcycles
CLASS 21 (126cc to 250cc)--1. Eddie Zeller, Coronado, Calif., Yamaha YZ250,
145.
CLASS 22 (250cc or more)--1. Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny
Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., Honda XR650R, 177; 2. Andy Grider, Los
Olivos, Calif./Danny Cooper, Las Vegas, Honda XR650R, 151; 3. Aaron
Tuck/Craig Smith, Brawley, Calif., Honda XR650R, 97.
CLASS 30 (Riders over 30 years old)--1. Kevin Ward, Chatsworth,
Calif., Honda XR650, 166; 2. Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650R,
160.
CLASS 40 (Riders over 40 years old)--1. Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif.,
Honda XR650R, 165.
CLASS 50 (Riders over 50 years old)--1. Richard Jackson, Acton, Calif.,
Honda XR650, 60.
ATVs
CLASS 24 (under250cc)--1. Luis Navarro, Chula Vista, Calif., Honda, 49.
CLASS 25 (251cc or more)--1. Jimmy Stephensen, Las Vegas/Mike Cafro,
Carlsbad, Calif., Honda 250R, 173; 2. John Gregory, Chula Vista, Calif.,
Honda, 154.
2002 Optima SCORE Desert Series
Race-by-Race Class Winners
8th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge
Laughlin, Nevada • Jan. 26-27, 2002
Total Starters: 114 Total Finishers: 69
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Riverside,CA, Ford F-150 CLASS 1--Dale/Mike Dondel, Hemet, Calif., Nye Frank Buggy (Chevy) PROTRUCK--Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif., Ford F-150
CLASS 1-2/1600--Mitch Griffin, Newbury Park, Calif., Lothringer (VW) CLASS 3--Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., Ford Bronco CLASS 5--George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Allan Gregory, Alpine, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Craig Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Ford Ranger
CLASS 7S--Doug Siewert, Oceanside, Calif./Cory Susag, Dana Point, Calif.,
Chevy S-10
CLASS 8--Joe Patelli, Romoland, Calif., Chevy Blazer
CLASS 9--Tony Modica, Long Beach, Calif., Chenowth(VW)
CLASS 10--Dennis Kordonowy, CarsonCity,NV,FastTrack Buggy(VW) SCORE LITE--Vic Bruckmann, Lemon Grove, Calif., Jimco (VW) CLASS 11--Scott Pellerin, Romoland, Calif., VW Sedan STOCK MINI--Dr. Macrae Glass, Kingman, Ariz., Ford Ranger STOCK FULL--Dave Sykes, Del Mar, Calif., Ford F-150
16th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
San Felipe, B.C., Mexico • March 2, 2002
Total Starters: 235 Total Finishers: 147
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Riverside,CA, Ford F-150 CLASS 1--Mike Julson, El Cajon, Calif., Jimco (Chevy) PROTRUCK--Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif., Ford F-150 CLASS 1-2/1600--Brian Ickler, Poway, Calif., Jimco (VW) CLASS 3--Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., Ford Bronco CLASS 5--Dave Cua, Costa Mesa, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Allan Gregory, Alpine, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Perry McNeil, Lemon Grove, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Dan Fresh, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., Jeep Comanche CLASS 8--Clive Skilton, Orange, Calif./Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif.,
Jeep Cherokee
CLASS 9--TIE:Eric Fisher, Ensenada,Mexico,GaribayChallenger(VW) AND Darren
McGuffin, Canyon Country, Calif., Mirage (VW)
CLASS 10--Eli Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jimco (Honda)
SCORE LITE--Arturo Honold, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco (VW)
CLASS 11--Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, B.C., Mexico, VW Sedan
STOCK MINI--No Finishers
STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer Motorcycles CLASS 21--Gerardo Rojas, San Quintin, Mexico, Yamaha YZ250 CLASS 22--Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente,
Calif.., Honda XR650R
CLASS 30--Kevin Ward, Chatsorth, Calif., Honda XR650
CLASS 40--Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650R
ATVs
CLASS 24--No Finishers
CLASS 25--Jimmy Stephensen, Las Vegas,, Honda 250R
34th Tecate SCORE Baja 500
Ensenada, B.C., Mexico • June 1-2, 2002
Total Starters: 258 Total Finishers: 132
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Mark Miller, Carefree, Ariz./Larry Ragland, Phoenix, Chevy
Silverado
CLASS 1--Troy Herbst, Las Vegas, Smithbuilt (Ford) PROTRUCK--Rich Hoffman, Oceanside, Calif., Chevy C1500
CLASS 1-2/1600--Kash Vessels, Oceanside, Calif., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 3--No Finishers CLASS 5--George Seeley Jr., Glendale, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Miguel Rosales, Ensenada, Mexico, VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Willie Valdez, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Doug Siewert, Oceanside, Calif./Cory Susag, Dana Point, Calif.,
Chevy S-10
CLASS 8--Nick Vanderwey, Litchfield Park, Ariz., GMC Sierra CLASS 9--Jose Arce, Ensenada, Mexico, Challenger (VW) CLASS 10--Scott Sellers, San Clemente, Calif., Chenowth (Honda) SCORE LITE--Jerry Penhall, Costa Mesa, Calif., Penhall (VW) CLASS 11--Fernando Flores, Mexicali, Mexico, VW Sedan STOCK MINI--No Finishers STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer Motorcycles CLASS 21--Martin Bejarano, Calexico, Calif., Kawasaki KX CLASS 22--Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente,
Calif., Honda XR650R
CLASS 30--Jim O’Neal, Chatwsorth, Calif., Honda XR650
CLASS 40--Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650
CLASS 50--Richard Jackson, Acton, Calif., Honda XR650R
ATVs
CLASS 24--Kirk Schreler, Phoenix, Honda 250R
CLASS 25--Jimmy Stephensen, Las Vegas/Mike Cafro, Carlsbad, Calif., Honda
250R
Inaugural
SCORE Henderson’s Terrible 250
Henderson, Nevada • July 13, 2002
Total Starters: 134 Total Finishers: 75
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Mark Post, Laguna Hills, Calif/Jerry Whelchel, Rancho Santa
Margarita, Calif., Ford F-150
CLASS 1--Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Jimco (Chevy)) PROTRUCK--Steve Barlow, Temecula, Calif., Ford F-150
CLASS 1-2/1600--Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 3--No Finishers CLASS 5--Larry McCallum, Imperial, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Rob Taylor, San Diego, VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Craig Turner, Yorba Linda, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Eric Hardin/Jared Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., GMC Sonoma CLASS 8--Jim Beaver, Parker, Ariz., Ford F-150 CLASS 9--Eric Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay Challenger (VW) CLASS 10--Chris Harrold, Chula Vista, Calif., Jimco (Honda) SCORE LITE--Tom Ridings, Long Beach, Calif., Mirage (VW) CLASS 11--Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, VW Sedan STOCK MINI--No Finishers STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer Motorcycles CLASS 21--Edde Deanes, San Diego, Yamaha CLASS 22--Steve Hengeveld, Oak Hills, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente,
Calif., Honda XR650R
CLASS 30--Kevin Ward, Chatwsorth, Calif., Honda XR650R
CLASS 40--Jim O’Neal, Chatsworth, Calif., Honda XR650R
ATVs
CLASS 25--John Gregory, Chula Vista/Doug Eichner, El Cajon, Calif., Yamaha
7th SCORE Las Vegas Primm 300
Primm, Nevada • Sept. 14, 2002
Total Starters: 114 Total Finishers: 76
Cars & Trucks
TROPHY-TRUCK--Ed Herbst/Tim Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150
CLASS 1--Mike Julson, El Cajon, Calif./Bob Lofton, Westmorland, Calif., Jimco
(Chevy))
PROTRUCK--Alan Pflueger, Honolulu, Chevy Silverado
CLASS 1-2/1600--Kash Vessels, Tucson, Ariz., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 3--Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., Ford Bronco CLASS 5--Larry McCallum, Imperial, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 5/1600--Jason Lakin/Todd Cunningham, El Cajon, Calif., VW Baja Bug CLASS 7--Jason Jernigan, Imperial, Calif., Ford Ranger CLASS 7S--Eric Hardin/Jared Hardin, Anaheim, Calif., GMC Sonoma CLASS 8--Nick Vanderwey, Buckeye, Ariz./Larry Vanderwey, Litchfield Park,
Ariz., GMC Sierra
CLASS 9--Eric Fisher, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay Challenger (VW) CLASS 10--Justin LaCore, San Clemente, Calif., Jimco (Honda) SCORE LITE--Kory Halopoff, Orange, Calif., Chenowth (VW) CLASS 11--Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, VW Sedan STOCK MINI--No Finishers STOCK FULL--John Griffin, Mission Viejo, Calif., AM General Hummer