Moab’s famous Red Rock Raceway is the new location for what has become the legendary season opener for Xtreme Rock Racing. Over the past four years, the XRRA has ended one of the off-road industry’s favorite weeks with an over-the-top, action-packed rock racing extravaganza.

At tech/contingency row, race teams had a chance to walk the newly constructed track, and several racers noted that this was going to be a fast course. After a high-speed start that lead to a 40-ft. table top, the teams headed right into a banked turn that shot them into a double-double rhythm section that took them into a wicked rock obstacle that included an insane vertical climb across the hill top and a rear wheel stand drop off. The teams then dropped into an abyss only to come powering up and out on the other side to the roar of the crowd. Then came the deep crevice (6 feet!) that teams would soon call their demise…once you got stuck in the cracks, the only way out came by a giant excavator that would reach down and pluck out the unfortunate team to the “Ooo’s,” from the crowd. If you were able to make it past the cracks, you were half way home, after a huge sweeping turn at the west end of the track, the racers then headed back through all they had just conquered to get back to the finish line.

With racing starting early Saturday morning, the teams found that qualifying for the finals may be easier said, than done. The action was wild as the competitors took to the course. By the time the first round was complete the carnage littered the field and “survival” became the word of the day.

Among the teams competing were veteran drivers Bob Willis and Rob Bonney for Team Rancho Racing. Bob is always a big hit at the races because he drives a four-seat buggy…and everyone wishes they could go along for the ride. As for Rancho driver Rob Bonney, look out when he gets the green flag. Bonney finished the western division competition last year in third place…he’s tough to beat! After delivering four of the most consistent runs all day, Rob delivered a great top ten finish.

With an amazing day of racing behind us, there is no question why it is called XTREME Rock Racing. The racers came and gave it their all, and for some, the payoff was huge, and for others, the course bit back.

See you in Albuquerque.