Toyo-backed driver Danny Brown has won the inaugural ARB Australian Off Road Racing Series by the narrowest of margins after a thrilling battle in the Pines Enduro in South Australia.
Danny claimed series victory by just one point from Andrew McClelland and Dan Bonnor, but only after overcoming electrical engine troubles in his trophy truck.
"We actually missed qualifying when we developed a misfire and had to basically rip up the entire electrical system to chase down the fault," Danny said.
Starting from 13th, Danny struck further troubles when the trophy truck broke a tail-shaft.
"By the fourth lap we'd dropped a tail shaft, causing massive vibrations through the car at anything more than 80km/h," he said.
"We made the decision to pit to replace it and lose some time, rather than keep charging on and possibly lose it all, but we managed to claw our way back to fifth place."
No fewer than four drivers from three separate vehicle categories started the race within reach of an outright series victory.
Carl Haby's Pro Buggy eventually emerged from the pack to cross the line 10 minutes ahead of second-placed Jack Rhodes.
Glenn Owen, who held a commanding points lead going into the Pines Enduro, suffered a freak engine failure, opening the door for Danny Brown to secure the ARB series title thanks to consistent results in the Griffith, Sea Lake and Goondiwindi events.
"With Glenn out of the equation, working out championship points on the fly was hard; all we really knew was that we had to stick with Dan Bonnor for our best shot at the overall series win," Danny said.
"We had to wait for seven hours until the awards presentation to know for sure so all we could do was try to relax and have a couple of beers while the race stewards totted up the results."
Danny said Toyo's race-compound Open Country M/T tyres helped him achieve consistently strong results.
"This season, we've thrown the truck around on really varied terrain - mud, dirt, sand, rocks and grass - and it's brilliant to have tyres that handled every surface with great grip and feedback," he said.
"In terms of racing, you're only as fast as your tyres allow; we're lucky that we're on Toyos."
Toyo Australia's marketing and PR manager José Angeles congratulated Danny on his championship win and his important role in Toyo Australia's quality-assurance program.
"Danny's fantastic performance throughout the ARB Off Road Racing Series perfectly reflects Toyo's motto - driven to perform," he said.
"Danny and the rest of our Team Toyo off-road racers play a vital role in developing durable, reliable and high-performance products.
"Danny's brilliant win brings with it another ringing endorsement for the tough, competitive and reliable qualities of Toyo's off-road tyres, and of our off-road racers too!"
In its first year, the nascent racing series attracted more than 330 entrants across various disciplines, from trophy trucks and modified production four-wheel drives to small single-seat buggies.
"It's great to see the ARB Series going from strength to strength and things are definitely looking bright for the future," said Danny.
