Photo: kaneophoto.com.au
With an international legacy in off-road racing, Toyo Tires continues to attack the dirt in 2015.
In partnership with the best drivers in Australian off-roading, Toyo has again committed to the 2015 off-road season.
2015 promises to be a defining year in local off-road racing history with nine races across two series.
The 40th anniversary of the infamous Finke Desert Race looms large, and with an unprecedented field and the extreme quality of race cars teams are more committed than ever to getting their formula right early. Toyo’s Open Country M/T-R continues to earn favour and preference among teams across all classes.
In addition to supporting teams, Toyo Tires has again taken the naming rights sponsorship for the Toyo Tires Riverland Enduro. The AORC round will see the fastest on dirt descend on the small town of Waikerie, South Australia, between July 24 and 26.
Interest in off-road racing has been piqued by Robby Gordon and the Toyo Tires Stadium Super Trucks at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
This weekend off-road racers will turn their wheels in anger for the first time this year, at the Griffith 400.
Brad Gallard at 2015 Clipsal 500.
Fresh from his SST debut, Team Toyo’s Brad Gallard will be putting the first race hours on the hotly anticipated NASCAR-powered Peter Kittle Motor Sport Trophy Truck. Gallard, long-time navigator Scott Modistach and the PKMS team are keen to storm tracks nationwide, starting with Griffith.
“This weekend we will shake the truck down, get some seat time and make sure everything is on point,” said Gallard.
“We are definitely racing for a class victory in Extreme 2WD. Other than that we will get as far up the ladder as we can.”
Matthew Kittle
The snarling PKMS truck will be joined by Matthew Kittle in the PKMS Pro-class buggy. The Jimco has seen some serious upgrades for 2015.
“Different turbos have given the buggy a lot more power down low and overall performance has improved dramatically, with a lot more speed. We have bigger suspension, bigger brakes, greater stopping power, and handling over whoops is well improved,” explained Kittle.
“We’re hoping to have a good crack at the championship. We got all the gremlins out and we will be making some noise this year.”
Greg Gartner at 2014 Riverland Enduro. Photo: kaneophoto.com.au
All round nice guy and trophy truck hellman Greg Gartner will be also be churning dust in the Riverina this weekend. Like many, the always humble Greg looks to Finke to define his racing season.
“There are so many good quality race cars. Everyone wants to get out and have a go and get their cars ready for the season. We will run as many events as possible but the 40th anniversary of Finke is going to be a special race,” Greg said.
“We are certainly looking at the championship. We will review where we are at after Waikerie.”
Danny Brown in 2014 ARB Off Road Racing Series.
Danny Brown and dad Andy will be heading out to Griffith in the pro-class buggy and trophy truck respectively.
“We are definitely planning on making an impact wherever we turn up!” said Danny.
Suffering some late-in-the-piece engine replacement dramas, Danny’s plan for Griffith starts with a hard charge in qualifying.
“We have no time to test before Griffith. It looks like it will be quite hot and dusty there this weekend so the plan is to qualify as best as possible and go from there,” he said.
Billy Geddes at 2014 Finke Desert Race.
Finke Ironmann Billy Geddes won’t be repeating the double at this years’ Finke, but he has upped the stakes with his truck, Hellboy, and is taking no prisoners this year.
“Robby Gordon gave me some quiet advice that will come in handy. We are building a new motor and expecting over 700 horsepower. The extra power will make a difference when we are working at ten tenths. There is a fine line, especially at Finke: the extra power is such an advantage when you are charging,” he said.
“We are planning on getting up the pointy end and taking a few more risks this year. There’s nothing to lose by having a red hot go. I told my navigator Jamie that the Finke prologue will be an unpleasant experience.”
Geddes also wished his teammates all the best for the season opener.
“Let all the Toyo guys know we are wishing them good luck at Griffith.”
Hayden Bentley and BJ Baldwin at 2015 Mint 400.
Hayden Bentley is also starting the season, fresh from a run with off-road royalty BJ Baldwin and Robby Gordon at the legendary Mint 400 in Nevada in the US. Bentley raced on the Toyo Open Country M/T-R, on the ultra-reliable 39-inch tyre.
Mark Lacey
Mark Lacey will also be campaigning his distinctive Micklefab trophy truck throughout the year on Open Country M/T-R’s.
Get ’em Team Toyo!
