Hundreds of teams flocked to Parker, Ariz. in search for their first win of the 2014 season, but BFGoodrich Tires claimed the overall win as Jason Voss crossed the finish line mere seconds ahead of the competition to defend his Parker 425 title from last season.
BFGoodrich Tires had a strong and successful run in numerous classes, but it would be the premier Trick Truck class that would demonstrate the toughness and performance of BFGoodrich Tires. BFGoodrich Tires would do more than dominate on the podium in the Trick Truck class, they also would bring in the out the top nine finishers in the premier class and top 10 overall finishers as Corey Keysar claimed the title in Class 1500 running 10th overall. Additionally, Christian Sourapas took the Class 6100 title on BFGoodrich Tires.
The race started before the sun made its debut and the first truck off the line would set the pace for the first 70 miles, but it wasn’t long before trucks were off the side of the course. This would benefit BFGoodrich Tires drivers, Mark Weyhrich, Tavo Vildosola Jr and Voss as they made their way to the front.
The race continued and the vehicles would power through race mile 119 on the first lap with a large gap in physical time. It wouldn’t be until lap two that Weyhrich would take over the physical lead. Being the first truck on the road was an advantage in some sorts, but with slower competitors, it did not benefit Weyhrich with clear air he sought. Vildosola and Voss were putting the pressure on Weyhrich until close to the finish, Voss made the pass and stole the show again claiming back-to-back Parker 425 wins. Voss completed the race just 10 seconds faster than Vildosola and not even a half a minute quicker than Weyhrich.
Keysar made a comeback of his own in this race, to also claim back-to-back Parker 425 victories. By the end of the first lap, Keysar was 15 minutes behind the class leader and forced to change strategy due to heavy dust. By lap three, Keysar would find clear air for a majority of the race and with his BFGoodrich Tires, he was able to get the traction that he needed in the washes and soft sand that would catapult him into the class lead. Keysar claimed theClass 1500 title by more than 20 minutes over the second place finisher.
“Parker is known for its wet dirt this time of year so the mass amount of dust in the air would throw us off our game for a lap,” added Keysar during his post-race comments. “We pushed hard in this race not knowing what the outcome would be for us and with BFGoodrich Tires on our side we were able to make it to the finish for the win.”
The next race for the Best In The Desert Series will be the Mint 400 in March. Entries will reach well into the mid hundreds and drivers will have the task of taking on 400 miles of the brutal unforgiving Nevada desert.
Best In The Desert Parker 425 Top 10 Finishers (Racers on BFGoodrich Tires in bold)
1. Jason Voss, Cupertino, Calif.
2. Gustavo Vildosolo, Jr., Mexicali, Mexico
3. Mark Weyhrich, Troutdale, Ore.
4. Chris Kemp, San Clemente, Calif.
5. Troy Herbst, Las Vegas, Nev.
6. Jonathan Swift, Santa Ynez, Calif.
7. Gary Weyrich, Troutdale, Ore.
8. TJ Flores, Las Vegas, Nev.
9. Tim Herbst, Las Vegas, Nev.
10. Corey Keysar, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Class 1500)
