Good Times at PDG and TORC Event at Oakley,
Big Turnout For Short-Course Racing!
Foothill Ranch, CA (March 26, 2009)-The PDG and TORC kicked-off the up-coming inaugural season of the Traxxas TORC Series last evening with a star studed event held at Oakley's breathtaking headquarters in Foothill Ranch, CA,. The crowd of drivers, sponsors and fans showed up early and stayed late with the excitement of the upcoming season dominating the topic conversation during the cocktail party. Oakley, Monster Energy, and Red Bull provided food and drinks for an electrified crowd of short-course enthusiasts and PDG drivers and their race trucks were on hand along with sponsors and members of the press.
"This crowd really exceeded my expectations and I am really stoked about the success of the event," stated Ricky Johnson, owner of The Traxxas TORC Series. "The enthusiasm and support from this crowd really means a lot to my partner Mitch and me. It was really rewarding to finally meet a lot of the drivers, press, sponsors and fans that came out tonight."
The evening kicked-off with cocktails and appetizers and then moved into the Oakley theatre for a preview of Steve Naughton’s new film, entitled "Crandon". "The film brings back a lot of emotion for me, I love this sport and the heritage of short-course off-road racing," stated PDG board member Scott Douglas. "It really set the tone for the things to come this season. This was a special event for all of us that have worked really hard over the last few months."
After the film, TORC owners Ricky Johnson and Mitch Covington made a presentation and answered questions about the upcoming TORC season, as well as recognizing sponsors, members from the PDG, and TORC staff. Mike Jenkins, CEO of Traxxas, a professional driver and team owner, gave a short speech.
"The way the drivers, sponsors and series owners have pulled together is unprecedented. Traxxas is absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of this series and support the efforts of the PDG and TORC. We are committed to making The Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL a sustainable top-level series for years to come."
After Johnson and Covington presented an update, the PDG took to take the stage. PDG executive board members Johnny Greaves, Scott Douglas, Curt LeDuc, Evan Evans, Steve Barlow and Rick Huseman, all took turns discussing the goals and unity of professional short-course drivers. "We are united together for the future of the sport we all have worked so hard for," stated Cut LeDuc, veteran PRO 4X4 driver and team owner. "The PDG has been amazingly united and together we can influence the future of the sport for generations of new racers coming on. The PDG is not just about the top three classes but the sportsman classes as well-we want the future of the sport to be brighter than ever and we think RJ, Mitch and the PDG have captured that vision with TORC."
The party continued out in the lobby well after Oakley personnel turned up the house lights and a wonderful evening was had by all.
The Traxxas TORC Series- The Off Road Championship, presented by AMSOIL is the world’s premier off road series, bringing together the best of Midwest short course off-road racing with exciting new Western State venues. TORC drivers push the limits with action-packed fender pounding on challenging natural terrain racetracks. The season kicks off May 15, 2009 at Texas Motor Speedway.
