Brandt Runs Hard In Surprise Takes 1st in Round 4 and Establishes Points Lead
by Jon Crowley on 28/04/10 at 10:59 am
Born and bred to be a racer, Chris Brandt’s natural ability has become well known amongst the ProLite Truck Competition. Chris has proven himself to be the most consistent and fiercely determined driver in the Light Truck division. His skills behind the wheel, and a well rounded program that fields capable equipment are the keys to the success Brandt has enjoyed in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series.
At any LOORRS Short Course event, you can be certain that the ProLite Trucks will definitely be a heavy part of the big show. Often playing out to be the most action packed racing feature of the weekend, the Lite Trucks were the highlight of both Rounds 3 & 4.
Brandt performed well during Friday’s practice session turning in the 2nd fastest lap times. However the #82 failed to participate in qualifying for Round 3 due to a blown motor. With a fresh power plant locked and loaded for Saturdays Race, the Mav TV Hart and Huntington Toyota would start all the way back in 14th position behind a stacked field of talented drivers. Brandt would play it safe for the first part of the race picking off the slower part of the field. As action packed as ever, this race featured great racing and high flying passes in between a number of cautions due to several crashes including a spectacular barrel roll thanks to a hard charging Aaron Daugherty. At the restart and now in position to capitalize and drive up through the front runners for a podium, Chris made a brilliant run and maneuvered his way up to 4th. With just several laps to go, the #92 machine of Jacob Pearson went up in flames in Turn #6. The driver pulled the flame out system and safely bailed out of the car but not before the Race Officials called for a red flag. A Green/White/Checker Finish was the result and made for a difficult scenario to pass and acquire a podium. With one competitor to go Brandt made the exchange but it was short lived and Matt Loidice battled back leaving Chris with 4th. All in all, a valiant effort was put forth and Brandt’s noble driving style would set him up for an even better finish later in the weekend.
Going into LOORRS Round 4, Chris made a great run during qualifying. 3rd fastest and a 3 position inversion placed the #82 machine on the second row in 4th. Working with the available resources, the truck setup was not exactly optimal and the track was really beat up. During staging the truck died and was a real struggle to fire up again. When the green flag dropped, Brandt came to life and challenged his under powered Toyota against Brian Deegans champion Ford and Loidice’s Master Piece In Metal JimCo. For seven laps Chris battled in the top four with Rodrigo Ampudia getting into the mix. Bumper to bumper, each driver was truly giving it their all. On lap 9 Brandt collected 2nd from Loidice and tested Deegan for first. In the last corner of the last lap, Chris realized his final opportunity. Brandt described the winning pass on the podium, “I knew Deegan was going wide. I braked early and took advantage and dove inside. Without BFGoodr ich, I would not be up here on the podium today. The Tires performed like a winner.”
Veteran racers like Chris Brandt know what it takes to win and preparation is a very important factor.
“This has been no walk in the park. We definitely earned this win (Round 4).” Chris described the struggles overcome throughout the weekend. “We neglected qualifying for Round 3 because my Hart and Huntington crew along with myself were thrashing to install a new engine on my #82. Round 3 was rough! I had to do my best to nurse the truck and keep control with some wacky steering. We finished 4th and I am pumped on that. Preparing the truck for Round 4 was a lot of work. New steering/new radiator/new tin/new body panels, we did it all. I had guys pulling apart my backup truck inside the Hart and Hunting hospitality area! Luckily we have lots of great tools from Powerbuilt and the best fabrication equipment from Baileigh. I am proud to keep it going and bring Hart and Huntington, Mav TV, and Lucas Oil another victory.”
About the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series: The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is the evolution of the long standing support of short course racing by Forrest Lucas and Lucas Oil Products.
Steeped in the Midwest tradition of short course off road racing infused with a West Coast influence, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing brings intense four wheel door to door action to challenging, fan friendly tracks. Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series: This is Short Course. For more information please visit LucasOilOffRoadRacing.com Follow us on Twitter at @hartoffroadteam for all the teams latest news and events. For more information on Premiere Motorsports Group and the Hart and Huntington Offroad Team go to www.hartandhuntingtonracing.com
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