As you pulled through the gates at Glen Helen Raceway for Round 9 of the 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road National Championship, you just knew there was going to be fireworks. First, the Southern California fans always pack the house for any off-road motorcycle and truck event. Second, there is the fierce rivalry for the points chase in a bunch of classes, and nobody ever knows what’s going to happen under the lights at Glen Helen. Third, you have one of the most challenging short courses that changes its demeanor every lap. Finally, the raceway nestled in the basin of the San Bernardino National Forest is known for putting on spectacular fireworks displays for the fans.
Veteran off-road racer Marty Hart grabbed the early lead in the Pro Lite Unlimited Class over Sean Geiser. Geiser was of one the first of many drivers to end up on the roof and Rockstar Energy/Metal Mulisha driver Brian Deegan slipped by for second place. Deegan had set fast time in qualifying but started in Row 2 after an inverted start. The 12-time X-Games medalist wasted no time in running Hart down. The series points leader Chris Brandt, in the #82 BFGoodrich Tires/Lucas Oil Toyota, would have troubles of his own and relinquished 3rd place to Matt Loiodice when he pulled off with a couple of laps to go.
Deegan was pestering Hart by diving inside then going outside as the pair raced every corner like it was the last lap of the race. Finally, Deegan got too wide and ended up rim riding his truck around the wall in Turn Two. Hart would still have to hold off the hard charging Deegan but the veteran off roader put his Stronghold Motorsports/Lamb Energy Drink truck in the winner’s circle for the third time during the 2010 season. The win was Hart’s sixth podium and gave him a three-point lead over Brandt and Deegan. If you are looking for fireworks from your truck, insist on E3 truck spark plugs with the patented DiamondFire technology. E3 spark plugs provide you with the Energy, Efficiency and Ecology that you need.