E3 Spark Plugs News

Headed to round five of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series presented by E3 Spark Plugs this Halloween weekend? You’re in for a real treat. Traxxas, the company known as the “Fastest Name in Radio Control” will tear up the EnduroCross track with its award-winning Extreme Terrain Monster Truck. Not only will fans get to see whether the nation’s No. 1 brand R/C trucks can handle the toughest indoor motorsport terrain, they’ll get to take a virtual step into the driver’s seat. Traxxas mounts cameras in their trucks and puts them on the right out onto the tracks during race time for air on the company’s HDTV television programming.

Summit RTR truck by Traxxas, the nation's top RCR vehicle maker. See Traxxas trucks in action at the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series presented by E3 Spark Plugs Oct. 30.

That’s not all, though. Traxxas serves up more action with a high-flying stunt demonstration featuring its 65+mph E-Revo Brushless Edition, touted the fastest and most technologically advanced RC truck in the company’s extensive lineup of Ready-to-Race vehicles.

“This should be pretty cool for our fans to watch,” said Mike Karsting, VP of Events for Source Interlink Media told reporters. “It’ll be interesting to see how Traxxas’ RC trucks will handle things like the Monster Matrix and Moose Racing Boulder Mountain, and I’m curious to see if they can make it up and over the Kenda Giant Tire finish line.”

Based in Plano, TX, Traxxas creates, designs and manufactures hobby-class radio controlled cars, trucks and boats in nitro and electric categories. With a history of developing innovative, industry-changing products, Traxxas has been the No. 1 selling name in RTR nitro and electric models for the past four years. It’s no wonder – Traxxas’ staff includes a Research and Development department made up of highly experienced engineers who use advanced modeling software, computer-aided machining and a custom-built dynamometer to create and test each new product.

Round five of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series presented by E3 Spark Plugs happens Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Denver National Western Complex. It’s the last before the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Grand Championships Nov. 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Get your tickets at the EnduroCross website. And get your own ride in RTR condition with E3 performance spark plugs for your car, truck or motorcycle.

Racing the GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs is tough enough. Now, the toughest guys on wheels must face a new competitor with a strong track record and something to prove. Kerrie Swartz is the latest of just a handful of female riders with enough talent and gumption to make an EnduroCross attempt over the years, and will do just that this Saturday in the Amateur Open class at Guthrie OK’s Lazy E Arena. But the petite 33-year-old mom and ICU nurse ain’t no novelty rider. She’s also a US ISDE (International Six Days Enduro) team member set to rep the states in the 85th annual competition in Morelia, Mexico Nov. 1-6.

US ISDE and EnduroCross competitor Kerrie Swartz. Photo by Lauren Durbin Photography.

“As a female in a male dominated sport, it is even more prestigious due to the fact that we are given no special treatment and are required to ride the same course, follow the same time schedule, and perform our own maintenance just as the men,” Swartz said of her ISDE invitation in a letter to fans on her website. “Women are finally getting recognition as not only racers, but serious racers.”

The “serious” in Swartz’s racing no doubt will be in full-on mode at Saturday’s event.

“I think I’ll be alright, just try to ride clean,” Swartz told reporters. “My husband’s raced EnduroCross, so I’m familiar with it. I do a lot with log crossings and that, but that Matrix has me a bit worried. And the rocks in the corners – man, I wish I could just ‘Taddy Blazusiak’ that!”

Racing is, indeed, a family affair. Husband Allan and son Alex race as well.

“We eat, sleep and breathe dirt bikes,” says Swartz. “We’re all seriously addicted.”

“Given the rough and rugged nature of GEICO EnduroCross we don’t usually get women competitors. In fact, it’s quite rare,” adds Mike Karsting VP of Events for Source Interlink Media, which produces the GEICO AMA EnduroCross presented by E3 Spark Plugs. “However, when we do have a woman sign up she’s usually pretty darn good.”

We at E3 Spark Plugs give serious props to Swartz and all women who have what it takes to make their racing goals realities despite the gender barrier. We’re looking forward to seeing Swartz in action Saturday. For rules and race information, visit www. EnduroCross.com. For TV airing dates and times, visit www.motorsportshour.com. And to boost your own ride, make sure you get a set of E3 motorcycle spark plugs.