The VORRA Yerington 300 proved to be quite the unique race. Two Larrys Racing’s first race of the 2011 season, we pulled into the pits at about 1am Saturday morning and rose not too long after sunrise. True to Two Larrys style, Don “Cookie” Carlson provided all of us with a robust breakfast while Larry G, C, and M prepared the Green Booger for the track pre-run. The Desert Dawgs and Two Larrys cruised the course together while the rest of the crew from each team worked together to get the Desert Dingo car, #1107, ready for the race. And by ready for the race, I mean sorting through the boxes and putting the car back together, which arrived sans pretty much everything. It was a proud moment when the car was ready for tech inspection (and passed!), especially for Two Larry member Heston, who worked hard on the car and has now realized his passion for what is Class 11. With the unfortunate turn of events for Crusty of the Desert Dingos and his injury, it was decided that Heston would substitute as a co-driver AND driver for the Dingos during the race.
After tech inspection, a large parade of race cars was led through town and back to the pits and track. It’s always an exciting moment for racers and townsfolk alike, and thank you to the town of Yerington for such a supportive and large turnout. At the pits, anticipation was high and all teams were looking forward to the race. Come race morning, we awoke early to the sounds of snow pinging on the roof of the Suburban Beast, our tow vehicle and “tent.” At that moment, we were very grateful to have remembered our Volkswagen car cover for the Green Booger, and were even more grateful that we sport a windshield. I believe the other 11 cars are reconsidering the removal of theirs after this Yerington race. After last minute additions of extra supplies, jackets, socks, and other cold weather necessities, we learned the race was pushed back a half an hour to 8:30am. The lineup was great, and with the new VORRA addition of the inflatable arch to drive through, the starts were as exciting as ever.
The race proved just as exciting. How many people can claim they race off-road, and of those how many claim they did it in the middle of a snow storm in the desert in near-June? It’s always a hurry and wait sort of experience for the pits, but when the cars roll through we have to move so fast there’s barely any time to think. Yerington was a test run for all the Class 11 vehicles, with all of them having been redesigned (such as the Booger) or plain rebuilt into a Version 2 (such as 1107) in the off season. The Green Booger sports new seats (which needed a new mounting system), a redesigned mounting for the fuel cell, a new air filter system (an UMP box), a new tool box placement, a new battery mounting, a rebuilt engine, a new beam, a new firewall design and mounting with better material, a redesigned intercom placement, and a general cleanup of the car including new black paint on the pan and inside roof and rivets instead of self-tapping screws throughout. On the pre-run, Two Larrys learned the jetting needed to be changed for the high elevation, and the car performed better on race day. Even so, Larry C still had to act as the substitute mule and tow the race car up the last ten feet of the big hill climb with our tow strap two of the laps. We lost time with this that later proved to be quite precious.
One great and very unique feature of the Class 11 teams is that we work together in the pit to get the cars back on the track; all teams pitched in for the other teams, and all of us put forth the effort to be conscientious of the BLM safety/cleanup regulations. It’s taking responsibility and precautions that makes it pleasant for everyone and allows us to return again for a great time at the track. Unfortunately the Desert Dawgs pulled out of the race after the first lap after learning their carburetor jets were not correct for the altitude and frigid weather, plus the possibility of wiring issues, and they did not want to damage the engine. However, they remained and gave full effort to getting their competitors back on the track while pitting. A particularly exciting pitting occurred on the first lap, when #1177 turned in, and shortly after #1112 did. The crews raced one another to turn out their car the quickest, and there was much rejoicing when #1112 pulled out first. Also on the first lap, #1112 gave chase to a nine car for about three miles, then decided to give them a little bump to remind them the Green Booger was there. Courteously, the nine car promptly pulled to the side and allowed the Booger to pass. That’s not something that happens every day! On the third lap, #1112’s driver’s fender finally gave it up and needed removal after flapping around for the last few miles. The car also came down on a rock during the third lap with such force that the reservoir line blew off of the shock. In the pit, it was a flurry of activity with the pit crew literally running to replace the shock, perform the usual pit activities, and get the Booger out as quickly as possible. We are proud to report this was achieved in about seven minutes. The fourth and final lap was exciting, with #1112 hot on #1177’s trail, and finally crossing the finish line around five or so minutes after #1177 (lap times aren’t released yet, but that will also be posted in our race documentation). The Desert Dingos experienced tightening issues with their steering box, ball joints, and belt, as well as a short in their GPS and intercom, while the Messers ran a nearly flawless race. The final results listed Bob Messer Motorsports in first, Two Larrys Racing in second, Desert Dingos in third, and Desert Dawgs in fourth/DNF.
Congratulations to Bob and Rob Messer on their desert win at the Yerington 300, as well as for securing the Bug Invasion trophy and PBR for the second year in a row. Thank you to Bob Messer Motorsports (1177), Team Desert Dawgs (1106), and the Desert Dingos (1107) for another great racing experience and lasting memories. In our own team, and special thank you to Mike, Mollie, Chris, Don, Marsha, Ruari, Heston, and Neil for all of their efforts and support. A monumental thank you to the VORRA team for their hard work and for providing such a great racing atmosphere that is so family friendly and a pleasure to take part in. You are what keeps racers returning.
Two Larrys Yerington Reminders:
- Even if it’s 90 degrees when you leave your home, DO NOT forget your extra pair of socks, thermals, snow jackets, coffee, beer, etc. that you need to stay at least slightly warm. This does NOT include leopard print Snuggies, though I suppose that’s infinitely better than Speedos (or Speedon’ts, rather).
- Always ALWAYS check the track well ahead of where you are pitting, and do so up until the last second before you release your car from the pit. Sam Berri will suddenly appear around a big trailer and just might mow down the little unsuspecting Class 11.
- Sierra Nevada boxes and duct tape work as door shims.
- Be sure to check your ramps on your UHaul trailer before you drive out of the pits…everyone within earshot will be laughing too hard to help you put the ramps back underneath the trailer.
- Electrical tape works as race numbers…?
- It IS possible to build a race car in ONE day!
- Awnings are not a good idea when the Weatherman predicts 90 MPH gusts.
- Speaking of Weatherman, sometimes checking the weather report every fifteen minutes around the clock is necessary.
- Apparently we will encounter bears, rollovers, steep hillsides, tight turns, 180’s, serpentines, rock-slides, caves, and Sasquatches in Yerington. Good to know! We have been warned.
- Plastic trash bags double as great undershirts in your race suit. Of course, you might get the moniker of “Plastic Man.”
- Alternate Larry C is the Smores King.
- Fresh powder snow sure beats deep silt!
- Thanks for the clicks, Blueberry (Blackberry!)
- Cover your face and run if someone asks if you smell fresh popcorn…don’t ask questions…just run.
- Apparently 2010’s yellow chicken pinatta spent one crazy night with the large purple side of the color wheel. Our desert friend is now a big dinosaur calling himself “Barney.”
- Somebody give Jenny some small or medium team T-shirts!
- Double check your water valve on the trailer after giving your dogs fresh water, if you want to flush your toilet in the morning.
- A double-rainbow….WHAT DOES IT MEAN?! Actually…it was just one this time.
YERINGTON PICTURES ARE UP!
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