For those readers that don't understand the classes at Best in the Desert(BitD). Class 3100 which the X is built for is a "STONE STOCK" production mini or midsize SUV class. Class 3000 you see mentioned is "UNLIMITED/OPEN" short wheel base SUV class. Class 1800 which we ran in this race is "SAFARI PRERUNNER" class. Which translates to anything can run this class, but there is no prize money, trophy only. Since I am not in the points chase we opted to run this class and put those valuable miles to testing use.

Class 1800 started next to last off the line, one class behind the 3100 class. This gave us the chance to gauge the 3100 compitition since we would be able to start so close to them. In the 1800 class we had a Ford ranger with unlimited supension and V8 power start in front of us, another ranger with a V6 behind us.
Right off the line it started out rough with alot of standing muddy water. With in the first mile we were runnig with the V8 ranger, together we came up on the first two 3100 Fords, passing them with ease in tandem. I tried to put the pass on the V8 ranger, he accept the challenge and hammered down. He surely had more travel and motor as he soon was out of sight. We were already starting to pass broken cars all over the place. We even caught and passed some of the not so fast, faster class trucks. Needles to say the X was handling great!!! Somewhere back around mile marker 3 I had noticed the rearend getting loose and following the ruts, Awh! no more 4wheel drive. So I reached down flipped the lever and forgot it was ever there. Now in 2 wheel I did have start driving the X. No more lazy corners, every corner had to have braking in and power my way through. Now I wish I had ran the MT/R's instead of the Wanglers. I had decided to run the Wanglers so I would get wheel spin and not break things like the front end.

We did have the old problems fixed prior to this race, but developed a new one in the same area. This problem came on at about mile 40 and we ran until the temp was to the damage point so we stopped and researched the cause at mile marker 47. I think we ran about 4 miles in limp mode before I stopped. I hate to stop and watch everyone I've passed go by, "it sucks". Anyways we found the brand new $300 electric fan motor had burned up. Pit "B" was at mile 52 so we decided we could run easy and make it there. While we were stopped the first of the overall leaders started to catch and go by us. I think this really amazed Robert at how rough the road was and how fast they would pass us. Understand, those have 800hp and 40" wheel travel to our X at 265hp and 8" travel up front.

At pit "B" we did the repairs and the X ran strong the rest of the lap. Only to get to the finish and recieve the checker flag. Bumber we want to go around again!!! Due to the weather and track condition race promoter had called a Grand Prix style finish, which stops every car as soon as the overall leader finishes. Well he finished a couple minutes before us, we were the next car on the road. So we did our stop on the podium and said our little speech that brings the story to an end. At this point I don't know how we placed, I believe 2nd in class 1800. I will have to check the website for results and post them for you guys.

Robert I hope you enjoyed yourself and guys thanks for all your support!!