Casey Currie Vehicle Check Out
Casey Currie is currently tied for the points lead in the TORC series and has been on podium every race weekend. Few people know he builds his own trucks. Here is a piece explaining some of the differences between the Pro-lite and Pro-2.
Produced by Mad Media Directed by the Martelli Brothers
Mastercraft UTV & Jeep Commercial
Check out the Mastercraft UTV & Jeep commercial we just wrapped up. Its a challenge making a stock UTV look cool, but I think we managed to make it look great!
Rick Huseman vehicle checkout clip
Rick Huseman is continuing his outright domination of the Pro-4 class in short course off-road racing. Here is a look at the vehicle he built himself with his brothers.
2009 Crandon edits for Monster Energy
These edits finally get to see the light of day! Check em out, we put a lot of work into them.
Produced by Mad Media. Directed by The Martelli Brothers. Director of Photography Milan Spasic.
Injured Rodrigo Ampudia fights for spectacular 2nd place finish at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series
Once again the field of racers was stacked and the freshly prepped track was ready for a exciting weekend of racing at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series rounds 5-6, held at the famous Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The stands swelled with fans to watch over twenty Pro-2’s come out and do battle on the newly built short course off-road track. Only the second race at the track, Las Vegas fans are beginning to realize they have one of the best off-road tracks in the world to complement the regional desert racing. Chances are if you grew up in Las Vegas you have participated in some sort of recreational off-roading.
Rodrigo Ampudia arrived at the track late Wednesday night not sure if his recent knee injury was going to prevent him from racing. While riding his Motocross bike, he crashed and hyper-extended his knee, pulling it out of its socket shredding his ACL, Meniscus, Lateral, Anterior, and PCL doing over 35 centimeters of nerve damage. After going through surgery Rodrigo was told he would be off his leg for 10 months and can not drive at all.
“I wasn’t sure if I could race at all, but I wanted to try. I felt like I owed it to my fans, my sponsors, and myself. We put my leg in a brace and modified my seat so I could drive with one foot. I normally use booth feet to gas and brake simultaneously and to stabilize myself. We went out to practice to see how it felt and it was ok. I was bouncing around a lot more and off every jump my leg would slam down, but it wasn’t causing to much pain,” stated the committed Rodrigo.
Rodrigo Ampudia with serious knee injury
Rodrigo not only got around the track, but managed to qualify 6th in his number 36 Papas and Beer, Lucas Oil Pro-2. Putting him on the 3rd row for the start. Rodrigo steadily moved up in the field after the start and passed three vehicles to put him in 3rd place by the mandatory caution lap. After the re-start Rodrigo managed to maintain his position despite constant challenges from the field of trucks behind him. In a spectacular finish, Rodrigo floored it out of the last corner and caught and passed Todd Leduc in the air on the very last jump, narrowly edging him out to finish in second place!
“I was so stoked with my finish. I just tried to drive smooth and saw the opportunity to catch Todd at the finish and went for it”, stated Rodrigo.
Rodrigo Ampudia finishes 2nd at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series Round 5-6
Sunday Rodrigo qualified 8th, starting him in the 4th row. Right off the start traffic had bunched up, and in turn three Jeff Ward Spun causing a traffic jam which put Rodrigo back to 11th. By the mandatory caution Rodrigo had managed to fight his way back up to 8th in the number 36 Papas and Beer, Lucas Oil Pro-2. Making a push in the last few laps Rodrigo managed to get up to 5th but made a mistake in turn one hitting Greg Adler while trying to pass on the inside. The result of the contact was a bent spindle making it almost completely impossible to steer the truck, which caused Rodrigo to fall back and finish 11th.
Rodrigo’s next race will be Lucas Oil Off-Road Round 7-8 at Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, UT June 26-27
Monster Energy LOORS Rounds 3-4 in Surprise, AZ web clip
We just finished up this piece for Monster Energy on Rounds 3-4 of the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series in Surprise, AZ. Check out the door to door racing action!
Monster Energy LOORS Las Vegas Race Highlights produced by Mad Media
We just finished up this edit for Monster Energy of the Lucas Oil off-road series round 1-2 in Las Vegas. We shot, produced and edited the entire piece. The clip features Johnny Greaves, Jeremy McGrath, Rick Huseman, and Casey Currie. Round 1-2 was a epic weekend of wild battles on the track with more vehicles in Pro-2, Pro-4 and Pro-light than ever. Literally their was a battle for every position. With all the drivers back in one series this race really set the stage for a year long fist fight for the points championship in each class. I am looking forward to this weekends race in Surprise, AZ! See you in the Dirt!
Casey Currie King of The Hammers 2010
Monster Energy presents exclusive coverage of Casey Currie at the 2010 King of The Hammers! This Mad Media produced clip features highlights of Casey’s battle in Shannon Campbell’s 2009 custom built KOH rig. Casey had a spectacular start, passing 15-20 vehicles over the first fifty miles. With a mere five miles to go from finishing, he entered the treacherous “Sledgehammer” section of the coarse and attacked it’s nearly impassable rock faces and giant boulders, Casey made it half way up the hill, but after getting stuck and passed by another competitor, he lost his front air shocks and the airline to both his lockers, leaving him stranded. Check out the clip below for a look into the wild world of “The King of the Hammers” race.
KEN BLOCK AND ALEX GELSOMINO IMPRESS ON THEIR WRC DEBUT AT RALLY MEXICO
When Ken Block threw his flat-brimmed hat into the World Rally Championship ring earlier this year, expectations were mixed. But three weeks ago, at Rally Mexico—Monster World Rally Teamʼs inaugural WRC race—Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino proved that they have what it takes to become a competitive force on the world stage.
“We even surprised ourselves, when, after the first few stages, we were not only not dead last, but we were keeping pace with a few veteran WRC drivers, and even ahead of F1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen,” says Ken Block.
By the end of the first leg, on Friday, Block and Gelsomino had secured a position on the leaderboard for the American flag to fly. Unfortunately, an off on the first stage of Day 2, left the Monster Energy Ford Focus RS WRC unable to continue. “It was a rookie mistake,” says Block. “We should have noted the change in surface, the section went from a grippy dirt road to very loose gravel and there was just no traction at all, especially for the speed we were trying to carry into the next turn.”
Thanks to SuperRally rules, which allow competitors to return to the stages the following day along with some heavy time penalties, Block and Gelsomino were at it again on Sunday morning. The two put on a repeat performance of Day 1, finishing stage 19, eighth fastest, with a 13.7 second gap between them and ninth place. Then, on stage 21, the Monster World Rally Team shocked naysayers once more, being second fastest on the road after the first split. But, a puncture caused by an unfortunate meeting of rim and rock later on this stage, robbed Block and Gelsomino of over a minute.
Ken Block slides a corner at Rally Mexico
“In the WRC, we had heard of Ken Block, but more for his stunts than his driving, but after his performance in Mexico, I think it is very clear to everyone that he has the potential to become a competitive WRC driver,” says M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson. “For his first WRC event, he did extremely well.”
Ken Block launches a jump at Rally Mexico
“Ken is shining a bright light on what we at Ford have always known…that Ford makes the best fun-to-drive small cars in the world,” says Ford Racing Director Jamie Allison. “Ken’s rally efforts globally with Fiesta and Focus help us to tell that story to a new generation of car enthusiasts and it’s great to see Ken, as the lone American, competing at the highest level in WRC and showcasing his great rally talent. All of which will help expand the appeal of the sport in the U.S.”
The next WRC round for MWRT will be Rally Turkey, on April 16-18. Until then, follow the team at monsterworldrallyteam.com
Rodrigo Ampudia stacks up podiums at Lucas Oil Off-Road season opener
The field of racers were stacked, the newly built track was prepped, and the stage was set for a great weekend of racing at the Lucas Oil Off-road season opener in Las Vegas. Rodrigo Ampudia and his team headed to the Las Vegas Motor speedway from their shop in Ensenada, Baja California prepared to battle for podiums in both the Pro-2 and Pro-lite class. Tension swelled as the vehicle counts began to climb to record numbers in all classes. The stage was set for an epic weekend of off-road racing at the Lucus Oil Off-road series season opener at the world famous Las Vegas Motor speedway.
Rodrigo quickly found his rhythm qualifying first in pro-lite and 3rd in Pro-2. The first race on Saturday for Rodrigo would be the racers class of Pro-lite. Rodrigo started in the 2nd row back and started gaining positions off the start. Unfortunately the race had to be restarted because of an immediate crash temporarily slowing the momentum. After the restart Rodrigo got tangled up with Metal Mulisha General Brian Deegan, which bent his front right rotor and damaged his tire. Rodrigo managed to weld the damaged truck with finesse to a 4th place finish in Pro-lite.
Rodrigo Ampudia flies over jump at Lucas Oil Off-Road series opener
Saturday also brought a heated battle for podiums in the Pro-2 division. With 28 trucks and many of them long time race veterans, Rodrigo would have his work cut out for him as traffic would be a major factor. Due to the inversion Rodrigo started on the outside of pole next to Ricky Johnson, which should have kept him out of the carnage, but McGrath tangled up with him and several cars got around him. Rodrigo got right back into the action and fought his way back up to 5th by the midway caution. From there Rodrigo battled back in forth with Bryce Menzies and Jeff Kincaid ultimately finishing third right behind off-road legends Rob MacCachren and Ricky Johnson.
Sunday would also prove to be challenging as practice and qualifying were canceled due to rain. In the Pro-lite class Rodrigo started in the 2nd row. The race quickly turned into a battle as off-road veteran Marty Hart took the lead and set a blistering pace. Rodrigo managed to stay in the front group of trucks avoiding much of the carnage in the back. By the Mandatory caution Rodrigo had fought his way to the front, and maintained the lead until the checkered flag finishing first in Pro-lite class.
In the Pro-2 class, after the inversion Rodrigo would start on the pole next to Robby Woods. At the drop of the flag Rodrigo went after the first spot until Woods rolled violently in turn one. The race was restarted with Rodrigo on the pole, he maintained the lead for the first few laps until Rob “Fig” Naughton got around him. Once behind Naughton, Rodrigo fell back to 4th, but fought his way around Naughton, ultimately finishing third in the Pro-2 class. In addition Rodrigo was also able to run the fastest lap of the day. Rodrigo Ampudia is off to an Impressive start, capturing three podiums, more than any other driver in the series.
Rodrigo Ampudia leads for another first place at Lucas Oil Off-Road Series
“It’s great to be racing against the best drivers in the world and get on podium. It’s validation for all the hard work me, my team, and my family have put into off-road racing. We love this sport! Thanks to all my sponsors Lucas Oil, Papas & Beer, Tecate, BFGoodrich, and the fans. This is going to be a great year of racing!” Rodrigo commented about the great weekend of racing.
Rodrigo’s next race will be Lucas Oil Off-Road Round 2-3 in Surprise, AZ on April 17th and 18th.
Come by the Papas & Bear pit area to check out Rodrigo’s Pro-lite and Pro-2 truck and pick up some free posters.
Check out Rodrigo’s website for race results, photos and video at: www.papasracing.com
Rodrigo Ampudia is sponsored by:
Papas & Beer, Lucas Oil, Tecate, BFGoodrich, Mastercraft Safety, Fox Shox, and Simpson
About Papas & Beer:
Papas & Beer is the original Mexican nightclub, bar, & restaurant established in Ensenada, Baja California in1983. Currently Papas & Beer has three locations in Rosarito, Ensenada, and La Paz but is undergoing an expansion with more locations set to open in the United States and Mexico.
Management & Media by:
Mad Media
Matt Martelli
(760) 721-3600 or matt@madmedia.com
For additional news and updates check out:
For Rodrigo Ampudia images, please visit: www.papasracing.com
High-resolution photos are also available upon request
Casey Currie battles for top five finish at Lucas Oil Off-Road season opener
The Season opener for Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series started in spectacular fashion with a stacked field of racers and magnificently constructed, technical track. The facility located at Las Vegas Motor speedway offered exciting racing and great spectating a like. After being notified two days before the race that he was to be there, Casey Currie scrambled and rented a Pro-lite from Garrit Wallace. The truck had been sitting in a trailer for 18 months with no prep or maintenance. Casey, his family, and his crew thrashed for 24 hours non-stop to get the truck ready.
Even though Casey had no time to test or set up the truck, he managed to qualify 9th, which set him up for a 4th row start. Near the beginning of the race the number #92 truck actually flipped into the hood of Casey’s #2 Monster Energy Pro-lite stopping him and send him to the last position. Casey turned on the heat and fought his way back up to 5th place pushing the rented truck to its limit. Casey crossed the finish line in a respectable 5th place.
Casey Currie flies during Lucas Oil Off-Road race season opener
After having some time in the truck, Casey made a lot of changes to improve the performance of the truck. Sunday’s qualifying was canceled due to rain and the divers were only given one lap to shake down their vehicles, making the slippery wet conditions even more of an obstacle. On Sunday Casey started on the poll and led the first few laps until Rodrigo Ampudia got around him. Casey stayed in the 2nd position until the restart. Two laps after the restart Casy’s truck began to lose power eventually stopping due to a mechanical failure with the carburetor.
Casey had this to say about the race: “We really had to scramble to make it here. On Tuesday I had no idea what I was going to drive! My team pulled together with support form our sponsors and we made is out to the race. On Saturday I had a hard time adaption to the rented truck, but by Sunday I felt it was working much better. I would have liked to finish on the podium, but making it to the race was a victory in itself. I had a great time battling some of the top racers in the Pro-lite class.”
Come by the pit area to check out Casey’s Pro-lite truck and pick up some free posters.
Check out Casey’s website for race results, photos and video at: http://www.caseycurrie.com/
Casey Curry is sponsored by:
Monster Energy, BFGoodrich Tires, Currie Enterprises, Magnaflow Exhaust, American Wire Harness, GoPro Cameras, Goodridge, Howe Performance, K&N Filters, Kawasaki, Kicker Audio, King Shocks, Leatt Brace, Light Force Lights, MasterCraft Safety, Motive Gear, Oakley, PWR Radiators, Race Line Wheels, Ringers Gloves, Sign Pros, Simple Green, Torco Oil
Management & Media by:
Mad Media
Matt Martelli
(760) 721-3600 or matt@madmedia.com
For additional news and updates check out: http://www.caseycurrie.com/
For Casey Currie images, please visit:http://www.caseycurrie.com/
High-resolution photos are also available upon request
Ken Block gets cover of WRC guide. – No Pressure Ken!
IKen Block gets cover of WRC guide
I am pretty sure this is the first time an american has got the cover of a WRC guide. No pressure Ken!
Method Wheels promo poster
Check out the new Method Wheels promo poster we just finished, its of “Ballistic BJ Baldwin boosting some serious air! No we did not photoshop him higher! They are free, just swing by the Method booth during contingency at any race and say hi to Colbey . Shot by our own Brendon Klein. Oh yeah, buy lots of Method wheels and keep us employed.
BJ Baldwin Method Wheels Poster
“Ballistic” BJ Baldwin wins the Parker 425!
BJ Baldwin wins Parker 425!
The Best in the Desert Parker 425 started in 1972, known then as the Norra Dam “500”, by 1974 the race had evolved to the Parker “400”, and continued to develop into one of the premier off-road races on American soil. Taking place along the banks of the Colorado River, the race features time trials pitting racers against the clock in a short dash for start position. The 140-mile loop features some of the most challenging terrain in America including sandy whoops, rocky washes, high speed graded roads, silt beds, and the crowd pleasing ” Parker Python” a spectator friendly winding infield section of the course.
On Thursday despite being 77th car to start qualifying BJ had a solid qualifying run finishing 4th setting him up for a dust free first lap. The weather also worked in the favor of racers with frequent light rains dust would be much less of a factor than previous years. The race started at daybreak on Saturday February 6th as the vehicles rocketed out of downtown Parker off-into the treacherous Arizona desert. BJ was off to a good start keeping a constant pace, pressuring the top race field. On lap one BJ had a quick-release mechanism fail causing the spare tire to fall off the rear of the truck. Shortly their after BJ received his one and only flat while in the dust passing a fellow competitor. The tire held up until the truck was at 126 mph on fence line road. By lap 2 BJ had gained position on time but kept steadily moving up. By lap 3 BJ had the lead both physically and on corrected time.
“Ballistic” BJ Baldwin won the grueling race in domination fashion finishing 19 minutes ahead of the nearest vehicle and 39 minutes ahead of the next trophy truck. Shaking off a rough 2009 season BJ had this to say about the victory; “It feels great to be back on top of the podium. We had a great race with very little problems. The truck ran great and we came prepared. We had some radio issues after we knocked our antenna off, but other than that we ran pretty much problem free. I was just trying to be steady and let the race come to me. It was hard to not push hard the whole time. There was a lot of good competition, but I just tried to run my race and not worry too much about any body else. I have to thank my crew, my sponsors, and all the fans who came out to see the best racers in off-road do battle. The champ is back!”
BJ Baldwin’s next race will be the Mastercraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 March 12th – 14th
BJ Baldwin is sponsored by:
General Tire, Mastercraft Safety, Method Race Wheels, Vision-X lights, King Shocks and K&N Filters