Crawlin Column 4WD 167

Words by Rich Walker

First up on the list is an update for the Ultra4 Nitto Tires National Championship (held in Reno, NV on October 17th and 18th). If you have a few minutes, head over to the Ultra4 web page and look at some of the set-up pictures of the track. There are some shots of the track and the new rock sections they made just for this race. Judging by the pictures, this is a fast track and the elevation changes will make for some quick laps. This will truly be an “East meets West” battle with all the big names showing up to take home the title. Also, as the last Ultra4 race of the year, you know these guys are going to let it all hang out before they rebuild over the slow season. I have been in touch with the Canadians about this race and as of right now, it’s not looking good for them. The past few races have taken their toll on the Canadian cars. We have one car missing a tire (it was spectacular), and two needing some motor issues addressed. That being said, we are not out yet, just unsure of our attendance. Whether the racecars go or not, I will be there. Kelly and I are going to pack up the minivan (yes, I own a minivan now, ouch) and venture down to Reno to take the twins to their first Ultra4 race.

Also coming up pretty quick and needing an update is the infamous Island Cup. The talk is that this will be the competition of the year (in Canada), or so says all the hype on the local forums. The topic on Crawlin’BC is close to 12 pages of banter as the top drivers in BC, Alberta and the States discuss where the trophy will find its home. I am looking forward to this event in a big way. Not only am I stoked for the return of the Island Cup, but I am also very excited to wheel and compete on the island once again. The terrain there is unreal and the guys at Westshore Spring and 4x4 know how to make some fun and technical rock racing courses. With 30-plus teams signed up, I don’t think I have to talk up how insane the racing will be. I will be sure to bring you a full feature on the event in an upcoming issue. If you are interested in competing or signing up as a volunteer (the best way to get close to the action), get a hold of Corey at Westshore Spring and 4x4 and let him know you are interested. His contact info can be found at www.westshorespring.com.

I am sad to announce that unfortunately I will not be able to make the trek down to Cedar City, Utah for the WERock Grand Nationals. It’s just not in the cards for Team Crawlin’BC as life is just too busy and the car will need some lovin’ to compete at that level.

Other than that, it looks like things might finally be slowing down. As the season changes (yes, summer is over), pretty much everyone’s cars are in need of some garage time after a busy and brutal race season. I know it’s hard to believe, but after the Ultra4 Nationals in October, it’s just over three months until King of the Hammers in February of 2015. Three months is not a lot of time to tear down and re-build a racecar, but we have done it before and we will do it again. Count on seeing at least a few of us on the Lakebed in 2015.

I think that should about do for now. I look forward to reporting on the above-mentioned races. So, until then, stay safe, and see you on the trails.