“We had a good race in the Transfer Case Express car,” said Mike Shaffer, “We are just a little discouraged that our results don’t show it. Our goal was to get a solid finish and not lose points to our rivals in the World Championship of Desert Racing standings. Both of which we accomplished. We only had a single flat and stopped for an hour fixing our steering but otherwise it was a problem free run.”

Mike was driving the car around mile 70 when he came upon two stuck ten cars and a Trophy Truck. He saw the Trophy Truck backing up to get a run and figured if he failed to get free, the course would be blocked. “I saw an opening and went for it,” said Mike, “We cleared the silt and kept going. A mile or so down the road, the Trophy Truck caught us. We moved over to let him go but he clipped our front tire as he went past, jerking the wheel out of my hands. It might have been an accident but it seemed punitive.”

Next to get in the car was John Cantrell. After 20 miles, the steering started to act up. A bolt had broken and damaged the steering rack, no doubt from the run-in with the Trophy Truck earlier. The repairs needed took an hour to perform. The rest of John’s stint behind the wheel was trouble free. He then handed the car over to John Bowers. John is familiar with the car having spent many hours in the right seat but it would be his first time driving it during a race. John did a great job maintaining his position to the finish. The only problem he encountered was getting stuck for what seemed like only a second, (The locals sprang into action the minute his momentum was stopped) and trying to stay on course in the thick fog. Even with his Rigid Industries led lights, there are so many well-travelled roads along the coast, you can go down the wrong one without even knowing. A few years back, an experienced Trophy Truck driver did the same thing and ended up in the drink. John found his way to the finish without getting wet.

“It’s strange to complete such an epic race but still feel unfulfilled,” said Mike Shaffer, “We were hoping for a top five but the upside is, we are getting stronger as a team every race. Our next race will be the HDRA Reno 500 July 12-14. It’s closer to home for us and it’s a double points race. We are looking forward to running strong and gaining more points in the World Championship of Desert Racing. That is still our top goal for the season.”

Photography By Brian Binkert
Bink Designs / www.binkdesigns.com

Thank you to all our sponsors

For the lastest up to date information, photos and sponsorship opportunites visit:

www.shaffer-motorsports.com  |  www.facebook.com/shaffermotorsports

About Shaffer Motorsports

Mike Shaffer / Driver & Crew Chief

Mike Shaffer has been racing for 28 years, starting with BMX and then age 16 in drag racing and his first desert race was fifteen years ago. Shaffer was driver of record for the 2011 SCORE Tecate BAJA 1000, finishing 2nd in class for the team’s first participation in Class 4. Shaffer was also driver of record for 2011 BITD Championship, finishing 3rd in class for the team’s first participation in Class 10. Shaffer was also driver of record for 3 Baja 1000 wins, 3 SCORE Championships and one BITD Championship in Class 1700, along with rock crawling National Championship and ARCA Championship. Mike Shaffer is the owner of Shaffer’s Offroad that helps customers build the vehicle of their choice, from bolt on accessories to custom one off vehicles.

Shawn Twitchell / Driver & Team Manager

Shawn Twitchell started desert racing motorcycles in 1972, went to drag racing in the 1980′s, circle track in the 1990′s and is now back in the desert driving with Shaffer-Motorsports. Twitchell was a driver in the 2011 SCORE Tecate BAJA 1000, finishing 2nd in class for the team’s first participation in Class 4. Twirchell was also driver for 2011 BITD Championship, finishing 3rd in class for the team’s first participation in Class 10. He has been a member of Shaffer-motorsports team since 2008 helping win three SCORE 1700 Championships. Twitchell is the Business Unit Manager for FMC Technologies’ Technisys Group. Desert racing is in their family encompassing four generations including his son Ian, who will co-drive for Shawn. Two of seven grand-kids are already earning their stripes in the pits and at the shop.

Daniel Aeberli / Driver

Daniel Aeberli has raced with the Shaffer-motorsport team since 2010. He was a driver in the 2011 SCORE Tecate BAJA 1000, finishing 2nd in class for the team’s first participation in Class 4. Aeberli was also driver for 2011 BITD Championship finishing, 3rd in class for the team’s first participation in Class 10. He also drove the first section of the 2010 SCORE Baja 1000. Aeberli was with the team in 2010, helping them win SCORE Primm and Class championship in Class 1700. Daniel Aeberli is the CTO of MediTron S.A. a Swiss medical distribution company that he co-founded over 20 years ago in Switzerland and President of M.D. Visuals a medical consulting company in Stateline, Nevada.

About Bink Designs

Bink Designs is a premier graphic design company located in San Diego, CA. Since 2003, Bink Designs has been committed to providing cost-effective solutions for clients’ high-end graphic needs. Bink Designs will work with you to develop a strategy that matches your goals. Bink Designs offers a number of services, including: Identity, Print Design, Vinyl Graphics, Web Design, Photography & Apparel.

For more information about Bink Designs, please visit www.binkdesigns.com

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico – Toyo Tires^® captured a historic 1^st and 2^nd overall in the 45^th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 this past weekend.  Robby Gordon of Charlotte, NC, driving his #77 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires^® Chevy CK1500 trophy truck, won the 501-mile race in a time of 10:04:36.  Finishing second was BJ Baldwin of Las Vegas, NV, piloting his #1 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires Chevy Silverado trophy truck in a time of 10:13:51.  Both drivers relied on Toyo^® Open Country M/T^®-R tires for their decisive podium finish over a field of some 275 international competitors.

For the first time, pre-race qualifying was held a few days earlier on a section of the Baja 500 race course near Ojos Negros.  Robby Gordon qualified the fastest, ensuring a number one starting position.

During the race, Gordon was the first trophy truck on course and was challenged by surprise obstacles throughout the loop around the Baja California peninsula.  An early spin off-course nearly changed the outcome of his race, but a determined Gordon managed to return to the lead position.

“I can’t say enough about the Toyo tires and the race this weekend,” said Gordon. “To be able to win the race overall and have BJ finish second, and then on the other side, our other car Justin Matney of RPM Offroad.  We got the Overall, Trophy Truck, Class 1, Spec 8, Class 8… all on Toyo Tires.  It was a killer weekend.  I want to thank everyone from Toyo for taking a chance on the RPM team, and stepping up and letting them join the family.  We’re stoked to have another good winning partner on our hands with them… it was just a great weekend.”

“This year’s Baja 500 was so close to being a flawless victory.  A bolt that held the brake pedal assembly together broke forcing us to lose valuable time limping it into the pits,” said Baldwin.  “We were easily and consistently leading the race for five hours up until then. Other than that we had no issues. My Toyo’s performed perfectly. We had great traction and no tire failures during the entire Baja 500.”

Toyo Open Country M/T^® tires were also on the winning vehicles of the SPEED Energy / RPM Offroad racing team.  The Clyde Stacy-owned vehicles were prepped at Robby Gordon Off-Road and with the help of Geiser Brothers.  Justin Matney of Bristol, TN, driver of the #101 SPEED Energy / RPM Offroad truggy won decisively in Class 1 with a time of 11:16:25.  Also winning the Trophy Truck Special Class was the Toyo Tires-equipped #844 Chevy truck driven by Apdaly Lopez with a time of 13:34:40.  In Class 8, Derek Fletcher from Arlington, VA, won on Toyo tires with a time of 17:52:28 driving his #802 Chevy truck.

“We really just cruised all day, no issues and zero flats.  It is a real testament to Toyo Tires,” said Justin Matney of RPM Offroad.  “Our biggest problem today was the dust.  It was really dusty out there, but I am happy to be here, first with SPEED Energy, RPM and Toyo Tires. I can’t thank those guys enough.  I’m really looking forward to the 1000 and to see if we can’t capitalize there as well.”

“Toyo Tires made history this past weekend, scoring a first and second overall, while winning Classes 1, 8 and Trophy Truck Special in the legendary Baja 500,” said Amy Coleman, Senior Director of Marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.  “We congratulate Robby Gordon and his team for the overall win, and BJ Baldwin and his team for capturing second overall.  Congratulations also go out to Justin Matney, Apdaly Lopez and Derek Fletcher at RPM Offroad for their class wins.  Our dominance this past weekend just proves that the Toyo Open Country M/T-R is the tire for champions.”

Toyo Tires has won two Baja 1000 races, most recently in 2012 with BJ Baldwin, and in 2006 with Robby Gordon.  Baldwin was also crowned the 2012 SCORE-International Overall Point Champion, while Robby Gordon was the 2009 SCORE-International Point Champion.  Last year, Gordon was named 2012 Grand Champion in the Best In The Desert Series.

To learn more about championship-winning Toyo Tires products and tires that make winners out of every day drivers, log onto www.toyotires.com.

About Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.

Toyo Tires offers a complete line of premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model including high performance cars, luxury vehicles, light trucks and SUVs as well as tires for commercial trucks.  For more information log onto www.toyotires.com and connect with the community at Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Ensenada, Mexico (June 3, 2013)  –  BFGoodrich Tires, the tire that has dominated desert racing for decades, took seven of the top 10 overall finishers in the Trophy Truck category as well as five overall class wins to lead all tire manufacturers at the 45^th running of the Tecate SCORE 2013 Baja 500. The company owns 29 overall wins at the Baja 500.

Robby Gordon went off first on Saturday, overcame an early stumble and went on to claim the overall victory and the Trophy Truck division at the 501-mile race in a time of just over 10 hours. It was Gordon’s 10^th career SCORE Trophy Truck win.

Team BFGoodrich members Bryce Menzies (3^rd), Rob MacCachren (7^th) and Dan McMillin (11^th) led a contingent of more than 20 racers on the tires that have won more races in Baja than any other tire – BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR and BFGoodrich T/A KRT.

This year’s course ran over 501 miles and challenged drivers with every piece of difficult terrain Baja has to offer including some new and seldom-used areas along the loop from the start/finish line in Ensenada, Mexico.

Menzies Three Peat Bid Falls Short

Having won the last two SCORE Baja 500 races, Team BFGoodrich member Bryce Menzies was poised to make history. Going off the line third, Bryce quickly set a pace staying within striking distance of the leaders. Prior to going off the line Bryce mentioned his game plan “to get to Borrego and make sure the truck is good there and we’ll push to the finish.”

While the truck was in good shape at that point, around race mile 200, the team had slipped to fifth then later experienced mechanical issues. “We had something go wrong with power steering and came back out eighth and had to pick our way through,” added Menzies. “The course was tough – silty and rocky but we had a good day.”

While the No. 70 Red Bull Trophy Truck recovered and gained positions, they seemed destined to give the Baja 500 crown to a new driver. His finishing time was 10 hours and 22 minutes, just seven minutes behind B.J. Baldwin who placed second.

Menzies summed the day by saying, “You can’t pass someone unless someone has a problem. We got to open air and made up some time. It just wasn’t our day. We won this race two years in a row and would have been cool to get a three peat. BFG tires were just amazing. Some of the things they get through are just amazing.”

Team BFGoodrich Members Fare Well

The three members of the 2013 Team BFGoodrich crew competing in the 2013 SCORE Baja 500 accorded themselves well in the rough, silty 501-mile course in the Baja peninsula of Mexico. Bryce Menzies was looking to win his third straight Baja 500, an accomplishment not equaled since the legend Ivan Stewart did so from 1997-99. Starting third, Menzies ran into some trouble midway through the race but managed to stay into contention and finished third with an unofficial time of 10 hours and 22 minutes.

Rob MacCachren started mid pack and quickly moved to the top 10 where he stayed for most of the day. After losing a few spots due to an issue with the starter and stopping to help pull Troy Herbst and Ryan Arciero out of trouble, MacCachren, who won this race in 1996, placed seventh on overall time.

Finally, Daniel McMillin started 21^st and managed to move past competitors that experienced more problems. Fighting the darkness and difficult dust conditions late in the race, McMillin and co-driver Chuck Hovey pulled in 11^th.

Voss’ Early Lead Ends In Disappointment

Shortly after starting off the line second for the Baja 500, Jason Voss took a quick lead when Robby Gordon spun his Speed Energy Trophy Truck less than 10 miles from the start while still in the Ensenada city limits.

Voss then held the lead through the first 100-plus miles before a transmission issue parked the team for the duration of the race. Voss, who won the Parker 425 Best In the Desert race to start the desert racing season had strong expectations after a solid qualifying run.

Herbst Stays Tight in World Championship Standings with Fourth Place Finish

Tim Herbst and Larry Roeseler ran a steady race and helped Tim stay in the hunt for the World Championship Standings.  Coming in with the championship lead, the team finished well above those chasing him in the top four and Herbst remains in the points lead. “We are a little upset with a fourth,” said Herbst. “We ran about third after Larry got out of the car, then we had a flat tire and Bryce got around us.”

The No. 19 Terrible Herbst Truck gained seven spots from their starting spot of 11^th and at one point in the race was tied for the lead with B.J. Baldwin at the second BFGoodrich Pit stop around Race Mile 230.

Official Results (Top 10 finishers)

Teams on BFGoodrich Tires in bold

1        Robby Gordon                                10:05:43

2        BJ Baldwin                                10:14:52

3        Bryce Menzies                                10:22:20

4        Tim Herbst/Larry Roeseler                10:31:49

5        Gary Weyhrich                                10:36:38

6        Steven Eugenio/Adam Pfankuch        10:44:22

7        Rob MacCachren                        10:49:04

8        Juan Lopez                                10:51:29

9        Justin Davis                                11:04:24

10        Troy Herbst/Ryan Arciero                11:09:21

Overall Class Wins
Class 3         Donald Moss
Class 5         Cody Kellogg
Class 7sx         Elias Hanna
Score Lites         Rafael Navarro IV
Class 11         Rene Rodriquez

About BFGoodrich

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 40 years, BFGoodrich^® Tires is involved in every type of racing, including sports car, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

Team BFGoodrich members Bryce Menzies (3^rd), Rob MacCachren (14^th) and Dan McMillin (21^st) lead a contingent of 30 racers on the tires that have won more races in Baja than any other tire – BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR and BFGoodrich T/A KRT.

Vildosola and McMillin Bring Family Affair to Baja

Two veteran desert racing families look to put their winning heritage to the test at the 45^th running of the Tecate Score Baja 500 in Mexico this weekend.

Following mixed qualifying efforts, both families spoke today about their efforts and plans to conquer the toughest terrain in desert racing on the 501 mile course.

Gus and his son Tavo Vildosola, who currently lead the SCORE Desert Series points standings with their win at the San Felipe 250, discussed their disappointing qualifying. “We had some great pre-running and no so great qualifying efforts,” said Gus.

Tavo added, “I didn’t do myself any favors by doing some victory donuts before the end of the race. It was further back than we expected, but last year we started back there last year so we’ll see. It will be a challenge with the new course.”

The Vildosola family will be one of 30 Trophy Truck teams on BFGoodrich Tires looking to bring the tire maker its 30^th Baja victory. The Vildosola’s have the honor of being the first Mexican family to win the Baja 1000 in 2010, the same year they placed second in the Baja 500.

Another family with a long successful history in the Baja peninsula is the McMillin family. Brothers Daniel and Luke McMillin will take to the sands and silt beds on Saturday dueling against each other and the terrain looking for their first Baja 500 win.  The McMillin’s captured the 2010 SCORE Baja 500, the last time someone NOT named Bryce Menzies captured the victory.

Luke, who will team with Mark Weyhrich, will start 15^th in his first ever Trophy Truck race in Baja. “This being my first run in Trophy Trucks and any trucks here it will be a learning experience. We had a good qualifying run and even surprised myself. We’ll look for a good clean run with a great car and great group of guys.”

Luke won the Class 1 category in last year’s Baja 500 as well as in 2011 and climbs a category to the Trophy Trucks this year.

Meanwhile, Team BFGoodrich Member Daniel will run with Chuck Hovey and start 21^st. Dan joins fellow Team BFGoodrich members Bryce Menzies and Rob MacCachren in the field for the 2013 Baja 500.

Dan placed fourth in last year’s race and commented on the team’s challenge ahead, “The course is going to be a challenge. The desert is hot and rocky. We are looking forward to it. We’ve got BFGoodrich Tires, obviously the best shoes to go fast out there.”

Roeseler Looks To Add to Record Wins

Larry Roeseler will captain the Terrible Herbst No. 19 Trophy Truck with Tim Herbst and look to add to his incredible 16 career wins in Baja Saturday at the 45^th running of the Tecate Score Baja 500.

The team of Roeseler and Herbst qualified 11^th and Roeseler discussed challenges that lay ahead. “I can’t explain to those who haven’t been out there how challenging it is. It’s the ultimate test of man and machine.”

“It’s a great course – I love it. With some old stuff and new stuff,” added Roeseler. “With more than 30 Trophy Trucks we really saw the level of talent in qualifying.” Roeseler last won in the Trophy Truck division in 2003.

The Terrible Herbst team will start other strong teams including Jesse Jones, the Weyhrich teams, Rob MacCachren and the Vildosolo team.

BFGoodrich Tires Qualifying Results

Teams on BFGoodrich Tires in bold

1        Robby Gordon

2        Jason Voss/Rich Voss

3        Bryce Menzies

4        Juan Lopez

5        BJ Baldwin

6        Cameron Steele

7        Justin Davis

8        Steven Eugenio/Adam Pfankuch

9        Armin Schwartz/Martin Christensen

10        Jimmy Knuckles

11        Tim Herbst/Larry Roeseler

12        Jesse Jones

13        Gary Weyhrich

14        Rob MacCachren

15        Mark Weyhrich/Luke McMillin

16        Verlerio Gonzalez

17        Gus Vildosola/Gus Vildosola Jr.

18        Troy Herbst/Ryan Arciero

19        Nick Vanderwey

20        Craig Potts

21        Dan McMillin/Chuck Hovey

22        Ken Losch

23        Gary Magness

24        Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson

25        Greg Nunley

26        Mark Workentine

27        Sergio Salgado

28        Jay Reichert

29        Zak Langley

30        Mike Palmer

31        Roberto Encinas

32        Ron Whitton

About BFGoodrich

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 40 years, BFGoodrich^® Tires is involved in every type of racing, including sports car, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

The Blade is a deep-lip, eight-spoke wheel that features a unique a steep-angled spoke design and simulated bead lock rim treatment. The style is new for 2013.

This wheel is available in 5 and 6 lug applications and is great for Jeep, Truck and SUV Applications.

Available Sizes:

17×8.5

18×8.5

20×9

About ATX: ATX Series wheels are designed and engineered to meet the demands of off-road and outdoor enthusiasts. ATX is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aftermarket wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks.

More information: To see the styles ATX has on offer, including more new products for 2013, visit www.atxwheels.com. For more media information, including high-resolution images, please contact pr@wheelpros.com.

“Jeep Beach is an extraordinary opportunity to spend time with Jeep owners,” said Rodrigo Alonso, Marketing Manager for BFGoodrich Light Truck Tires. “BFGoodrich has long been a tire of choice for these passionate drivers. We are excited to demonstrate the benefits of our tires on Jeeps driving on the beaches of Daytona.”

More than 1500 Jeep owners descend on Daytona Beach for this annual event, which benefits the Blue Ribbon Coalition, a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters and the Volusia/Flagler County Boys and Girls Club.

About BFGoodrich

With more than 100 years of heritage, BFGoodrich^® Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 40 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich Tires delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from ultra-high performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

About Mid Florida Beach Club

The Mid Florida Jeep Club is a family oriented Jeep club organized to bring family and friends together. The Club offers monthly trail rides and activities as well as attends other events such as poker runs and charity events throughout the state. The club occasionally participates in out-of-state trail rides and events. As a non-profit club, we have a strong emphasis on charity events providing help where needed. To raise money for charities, the club hosts the famous Jeep Beach event each year in the Daytona International Speedway, with a large Jeep only parade on world’s most famous beach on the last day.

This weekend’s MetalCloak Ultra4 Stampede race was close his home in Danville and the home of Sacramento based Rubicon Express, at Prairie City SVRA in Rancho Cordova, CA.  Split almost equally between the Bay Area and the historic Rubicon Trail, Prairie City was an excellent place for Scherer’s family and friends to come and watch.  “It was really neat to have all my family and friends that know I race, but have never been able to come out and watch, be able to join in on the fun,” said Scherer.  “This is also the home track for Rubicon Express and our next race will be at Glen Helen in Southern California which will be the home track for 4 Wheel Parts, another exciting race to look forward to.”

The track conditions for the qualifying heats were perfect with rain showers most of the day on Thursday, but clearing for Friday and Saturday.  “I was in a heat with Shannon Campbell, who is just plain fast; Kevin Yoder and Jesse Haines, who are both used to racing the NorCal Rock Races; and we battled! It was a very fun battle and with the attrition of cars, I took first with fair lead,” explained Jason.  “But I could hear the front differential making a lot of noise and knew that if I didn’t want it to break during the main race that I would need to take it home and fix it.”

“We were up all night.  The guys that came and helped me, including my brother Casey, were awesome.  We pulled out the diff, completely rebuilt it, put it all back together again, then loaded the car back on the trailer and just barely got back to Prairie City with a couple hours to spare before the main race,” said Jason.  “The race itself was intense.  I was in the second row next to Loren Healey.  Gary Ferravanti didn’t make it about a lap when he pulled off, and then JT Stephens fell back soon after.  Loren Healey and I had a couple of great laps of heated battle before I started to pull away.  Then it was just a matter of making the car last to the end.  With it being a timed race, I knew I just had to stay out in front and finish to Win!”

The #76 car went to Texas to the PSC Steering shop after the King of the Hammers finish.  Jason started on the pole position at the 2013 Griffin King of the Hammers presented by Nitto Tires and finished 21^st with 25 minutes to go.  Jason completed two entire laps of the race with no power steering, stating it was one of the most physically and mentally demanding races in his career.  Back at the shop, after tearing the steering system apart, it was determined that it was internal pieces in the steering rack that was the cause of the issue. “The car really wasn’t beat up after King of the Hammers, it just needed a new steering rack rebuilt.  Two years in a row we have had the same issue, and I will guarantee you after the fix we put on it this time, it won’t be an issue again!”

The army green colored race car with Air Force style panels complimenting the strong Rubicon Express, Nitto Tires and PSC Steering logos was at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari Vendor Show, and then it went straight to Northern California for the MetalCloak Stampede. Jason took first in his pre-qualifying heat race on Friday then went home and spent all night fixing a broken differential.  The Scherer team arrived back at the race track with only a couple of hours to spare, but when the green flag dropped Jason was determined to Win the 45 minute grand prix finish main on Saturday.

The next race for Jason Scherer will be the Ultra4 4 Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix May 24^th-25^th.

Video on Jason Scherer at the Nitto National Championship  Race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10ffR7ZEYnY

Special Thanks to all the Marketing Partners that Make this Success Possible: Rubicon Express, PSC Steering, Nitto Tires, Spidertrax, PAC Spring, Method Race Wheels, Powertank, FOX Shox, Reid Racing, Baja Designs, Maximum Transmissions, High Angle Drivelines, Redline Oil, Tribe Customs 4×4

More about Jason Scherer: Jason Scherer has been racing for over 15 years and has stood on the podium at many events winning one of the most prestigious events: The 2009 King of the Hammers.  He also has a third place finish in 2011 and won the 2012 Nitto National Championship Race in Blackwell Texas.  His consistency and race car set-up is also proven winning the Pro-Rock Championship in 2006, repeating in 2007.  Jason’s growing list of high profile finishes have earned him the honor of being nominated for Dirt Sports “Driver of the Year” award two years in a row.  Scherer embraces his racing career with a very supportive wife and children who join him on the trails of Northern California in their 1972 Jeep CJ-6.

Photos Compliments of Bower Motorsports Media

• Dutch John Trail at the Uwharrie National Forest in Troy, North Carolina
• Kansas Rocks Recreation Park in Mapleton, Kansas
• Truckhaven in Salton Sea, California

Since its inception in 2006, The Outstanding Trails program has been dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of off-road trails. In the last eight years, Outstanding Trails has recognized more than 30 off-road trails throughout the country and has awarded over $115,000+ in grants in support of trail conservation efforts.

“The legacy of the Outstanding Trails program is a great source of pride for BFGoodrich,” said Duane Thomas, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “We’re grateful for the efforts of the many four-wheel drive clubs and their volunteers for working with us in our quest to help maintain some of North America’s most beautiful trails.”

BFGoodrich Tires 2013 Outstanding Trails

During the course of the year, BFGoodrich Tires will be at club events associated with these trails to highlight the uniqueness of each location, educate off-road enthusiasts on the responsible use of the trails and present a $4,000 grant to each club to assist in the preservation of trail access.

• Dutch John Trail at the Uwharrie National Forest is a 2.1-mile trail maintained by The Carolina Trail Blazers 4WD Club, a family oriented club formed in 1971. The Carolina Trail Blazers 4WD Club was instrumental in the development of the Uwharrie Off-Highway Vehicle trails, which it has been maintaining since they were first opened to 4WD use.

• Kansas Rocks Recreation Park is a not-for-profit park open to the public, boasting trails for beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike.  The park is maintained by The Brush Beater Jeep Club and is open to all makes of four-wheel drive vehicles.

• Truckhaven is the host of the annual Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari. The trails consist of sandy washes, rocky canyons, deep gorges with near perpendicular walls and great hill climbs. Tierra Del Sol has a history with this area going back over 50 years and is involved with constant renovations and improvements for Truckhaven to improve the quality of its off-road trails.

“The three trails and clubs recognized in 2013 are some of the best we’ve seen to date,” said Lori McCullough, executive director of Tread Lightly!. “We are excited to see the great work that these clubs will do to help improve and conserve access to these trails.”

”For the past eight years, UFWDA has been honored to be a partner in the Outstanding Trails program,” said Jim Mazzola, President of UFWDA. “The more than 30 grants provided by BFGoodrich as part of the Outstanding Trails program have made a tremendous impact helping preserve some of the most beautiful off-road trails available.”

About the Outstanding Trails Program

The BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails program was established in 2006 to raise awareness for responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while providing support in the trails’ conservation efforts. Through 2013, the Outstanding Trails program has recognized over 30 off-road trails and clubs across North America.  The program has provided more than $115,000+ in grants in support of the various trails conservation efforts.

Both Tread Lightly! and UFWDA are non-profit organizations dedicated to responsible and ethical outdoor recreation.  BFGoodrich Tires collaborated with these two groups to select the finest off-road trails and continues to work with these organizations on restoration and education initiatives.

About BFGoodrich Tires

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 40 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including sports car, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires  or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BFGoodrichTires.

About United Four Wheel Drive Associations

United Four Wheel Drive Associations is the world’s leading representative of all-brand, four wheel-drive enthusiasts. UFWDA benefits, developed and tested over the past 30 years, include four-wheel-drive safety and awareness education; such user ethics programs as adopt-a-road, conservation volunteer and volunteer trail patrol; assistance with new club formation; education seminars to aid four wheelers through complex state and federal programs affecting trail access; internet forums designed to instantly connect members globally; a legislative advocate and nationally recognized attorney who works exclusively for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to protect access and prevent road and trail closures. For more information on the UFWDA log on to www.ufwda.org, or call 1-800-44-UFWDA (800-448-3932).

About Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs. Tread Lightly!’s award-winning educational message, along with its training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them.  The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment.  Tread Lightly! offers unique programs and services to help remedy current recreation issues. Individuals and businesses can commit to Tread Lightly! and protect outdoor access by becoming a member at www.treadlightly.org.