Well after flying across the Pacific, I decided the best way to avoid jet lag was to beat it into submission with alcohol in Vegas at a desert race to catch up with some of the people I race with back in August in the Ultra 4 class.

I went to this event planning to support Dave Cole's Ultra 4 team; however he was unable to race.Oh well, flights are booked, going anyway.Got in touch with another race, DSI, to see if he needed a hand.Organised to meet at Tech inspection once I got into Vegas.

Unfortunately DSI was still struggling with a few last minute to do's so had not even left Reno when I arrived in Vegas.Oh well, catch a taxi to a nearby hotel to dump my luggage.Cab driver said it was 1 block walk to the convention center.Tired and jet lagged after 40 minutes of walking I get there.It's late by now and the place is looking very empty.Looking around for a familiar face, I spot a friend, Brad Lovell, and the Torchmate crew.Shortly after we're drinking beers and eating wings at Hooters.After dinner we head over to the driver's meeting, and once that wraps up check in with DSI and he's just left Reno and going straight to the track.

The Torchmate crew wanted to find out who was the best go kart driver, so after heaps of shit talking the challenge was on.Some close and dangerous racing was had with Nick the eventual winner.

It was then back to the Sunset Station Casino where I actually got some time to relax, drink and gamble, unlike my previous trip in August for V2R.A massive night was had, especially when we started splitting 10s.

As DSI had gone straight to Jean, I had arranged to get a lift with Chad Jock to the course early the next morning so at 3:30am it seemed like a good idea to get some sleep.Luckily I had drunk myself a matrass, so the hotel carpet wasn't too bad.3 hours later I'm sitting in Chad's truck, feeling a bit sorry for myself.We get to the course but it's too late to get to the start line so we go to a corner Chad wants to shoot at mile marker 6.This has the potential to be an awesome silt corner, but BITD have graded it and marked it with penalty cones.It still made for good viewing as several cars go disorientated in the dust and some did not handle the transition to the paved road well.

DSI came past us, battling his way up through the UTVs that he had to start behind due to his late tech.

After this we cruised around the course stopping so Chad could shoot various locations.

I tried to take a few pics, most came out like this:

The Banning cars were leading the race and racing closely:

There was also another awesome race on with some jeepspeeds, with about 6 cars within 30 seconds:

These dudes were also hauling:

We then went back to the main pit to see if we could find DSI's crew to see why he hadn't completed the first lap.They were no where to be seen, so I went and hung out with the Campbell crew as they were prepping the car.Soon after the Torchmate team showed up to set up as well.

Shannon is a rock racer, who has also raced short course.  He had the crazy idea of entering his 4WD rock racing buggy into class 1500 (class 1).  He qualified well up in the field, faster than several trophy trucks.

It was then down to the start where a jimco buggy was on pole:

Andy M's TT looked and sounded sweet:

The start was set up with dual starting lanes that lead into 3 tightish corners before roaring off into the distance.Some cars overcooked the corners a bit.

Then Shannon staged:

He was really fast out of the blocks and round the bends.Here's a video of his start and one of a trophy truck to compare:

YouTube - Shannon Campbell BITD Henderson Dec 09 Start

YouTube - Mastercraft BITD Henderson Dec 09 Start

After the first 20 they started launching drag style from both lanes.If you had the inside lane you were at a big disadvantage as it was really torn up as the Torchmate guys found out:

YouTube - Torchmate BITD Henderson Dec 09 Start

I liked the Raptor:

YouTube - Ford Raptor BITD Henderson Dec 09 Start

Riot truck looked good:

Once everyone was off I wandered back up to the pits to see if any help was needed.Shannon had to pit every lap so I pitched in helping where I could and also when Torchmate came in.It was great to see what the teams were doing and I have some good ideas to take to my KOH attempt.

I don't have many more pics, because the light dropped, but it was a great race and Shannon really took it to the class 1's, will be awesome to see what he can do next year.

Congrats also to the Torchmate crew for a strong finish

Then it was back to the Sunset Station for more partying.Highlight was a lingerie blackjack dealer asking Brad Lovell how his day went 'riding bitch'.

I played blackjack with the crew who build Jimco buggies.I hope their build quality is much better than their blackjack playing.They told me they are in the process of shipping half a dozen class ones down under.Will be interesting to see them hit the Australian scene.

Anyway,thanks to Chad for showing me round and the Torchmate guys for letting me hang and a bit of carpet to pass out on.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas..... except herpes!

Ben