In less then ten days, over 25 teams will take the challenge of the High Desert Trails! Headquartered in Ridgecrest, and run on stages North of Mojave, the rally is only a few hours from Los Angeles, California. Beautiful roads that stretch for miles up into the Sierras, the elevation and fast flowing sections make this a must attend event. HDT marks the start of the 2012 California Rally Series Championship Season on Saturday, May 12th 2012
Bill Holmes and Sean Gallagher are back again, this year with their Ford Raptor, looking to make it two in a row on the Trails. Will the new twisty stages be problem for the big truck? We think the event winning duo can handle it. Their 4WD competition has really picked up with Jon Burke the 2011 CRS Champion, along with Keith Jackson the 2010 Champion hitting these stages for the first time in their Open Class Subaru WRX’s. In CRS-GT, Alex Rademacher and Jeana Yi will be looking for a strong finish to kick off their 2012 Season. Newcomers in this class; Leelyn Pritchard and Logan Mineer will no doubt be up for the challenge. Paul Willemsen & Travis Bos used HDT as a shakedown for their new car last year return with their eyes on a higher placing finish (pictured).
In CRS-2, Long time HDT Alumni – Eddie Fiorelli & Tom Smith look to be quite competitive with their freshly painted VW Golf after tipping onto their side at Prescott last year. Challenging them will be Sean Lane & Christian Coulter in their Dodge Neon, and Javier Olivares & Brock Heinz in a Mitsubishi Gallant. If last year is any indication, look for the 2WD’s to have top times all day!
One of the reasons to push for a top time is the all new DirtFish Power Stage. This is as fast as it goes, flat out, race for cash – on the 10 mile long final stage of HDT. DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie, Washington knows what it takes to go fast and they’re offering $100 to the fastest 2WD and another $100 to the quickest 4WD car down the DirtFish Power Stage. DirtFish has a passion for rally driving, and offer a selection of classes that give drivers everything from “just a taste” to a three day course, where you can hone your skills in one of their Subaru all-wheel-drive rally cars. Will drivers go for championship points, take it easy and cruise to the finish, or go flat out to win the DirtFish Power Stage?
Stages are set and the cars are ready to challenge the 2012 High Desert Trails!
