San Bernardino, CA (April 19, 2010) – Ricky James and the SoCal SuperTrucks SuperLite experienced a rollercoaster weekend at Rounds 3 and 4 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series at Speedworld Motorsports Park in Surprise, AZ.

Despite turning the fastest lap times of the weekend, the team came home with an exciting 2nd place finish on Saturday, followed by a heartbreaking DNF on Sunday.

Ricky was paralyzed from the chest down in a motocross racing accident in March of 2005. SoCal SuperTrucks outfitted the Super Lite race truck with hand controls that allow him to control the throttle, brake, clutch and shifting with his left hand while leaving his right hand free to steer, pull tear-off’s and push the button necessary to communicate with race crew members. In 2009, Ricky made his rookie and race debut in the SoCal SuperTrucks SuperLite, capturing 5 out of 6 wins.

Friday’s qualifying set the tone for the weekend’s craziness as Ricky “conservatively” qualified for Saturday’s race with the 2nd fastest lap time before flipping the truck in an off-camber turn. The crew quickly went to work, getting the vehicle back in race condition for Saturday’s race.
 
Saturday morning started on a positive note as Ricky finished the morning’s practice with the fastest lap time. When the green flag waived, Ricky went to work, making his way through the field. After fighting his way into the lead, the truck began experiencing shifting problems which opened the door for Chad George to pass. Ricky was still able to miraculously hold on to finish in 2nd place for the day.

Sunday’s race was set to be one of total domination as Ricky piloted the SoCal SuperTrucks SuperLite to the fastest qualifying time by well-over a full second. After the inversion, James started the race on the outside of the 3rd row but quickly picked off the competition as he closed in on the race leader. Just before the halfway point of the race, Ricky lost full functionality of his clutch, taking him out of the race with a DNF.

“Although we didn’t come home with a win, I think we made a ton of progress as a team”, said Ricky James. “The crew worked amazingly well together and the puzzle pieces are all there. There’s still a lot of racing left this year and the goal is still to take home the overall Championship.”

The team’s next race is May 22nd and 23rd at Rounds 5 and 6 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The team would like to thank current 2010 team sponsors, which include Bully Dog Technologies, BFGoodrich, Walker Evans, Rockwell Time, K&N Filters, Alpinestars and AOKNick.org.