RJ’s Ram/Mopar TORC PRO 4×4 spots the top PRO 2WD trucks 12.5 seconds @ start – then smokes ‘em royally!
CRANDON, Wis. (Sept. 2, 2012) – The prestigious $40K AMSOIL Cup! Add another cool trophy to Ricky Johnson’s (Red Bull/Ram/Mopar/KMC Wheels) mega trophy case, one that includes not only MX and SX championships both here and overseas, but also Traxxas TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL, PRO 2WD and PRO 4×4 championships.
Sunday was a huge exclamation point at Crandon for Johnson who earlier in the day won the PRO 4 main event prior to getting his truck back on the track and winning the ten-lap AMSOIL Cup race, pitting the top PRO 2 drivers in a 12.5 second handicap race against the TORC Series’ top PRO 4 drivers. Winner-takes-all, including a check for $40,000 from AMSOIL, along with several thousand dollars in extras like a MasterCraft Safety race suit and a top-of-the-line welder courtesy of Miller Welding.
But aside from the generous cash and cool gifts, it was the wreath around Johnson’s neck on the podium that fired him up the most. “Walker Evans … Jack Flannery … Curt LeDuc – I’ve seen the pictures of all the greats that have worn this wreath at Crandon over the years and I’ve always, always wanted to wear it,” said Johnson. “This one’s for Menzies Motorsports. You guys rock! You worked your asses off to get this truck ready and here we are with the win. Party at the Menzies trailer tonight!”
Added AMSOIL representative Jeremy Meyer: “Congratulations to Red Bull, they’ve got to be happy, and also to Ricky for keeping it in the AMSOIL family. Crandon on Labor Day Weekend is the absolute pinnacle of short-course racing in the U.S, and AMSOIL is proud to be a big part of the festivities with the AMSOIL Cup race. Here’s your check for $40K, RJ.”
Though the AMSOIL Cup podium was more or less a formality in relation to RJ’s big win, TORC PRO 2 racers Bryce Menzies (Red Bull/Ram/Mopar/KMC Wheels) and NASCAR’s Robby Gordon (Menard’s) helped put on an awesome show in the final TORC event of the season at Crandon, finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
“All I heard from my spotter was ‘Eight seconds’ … ‘Six seconds’ … ‘Two seconds,’” explained Gordon on how fast Johnson was catching he and Menzies. “I looked at the lap card and there was three to go. I thought ‘Ugh oh.’ But congrats to Ricky. He did a great job and it was an awesome weekend for the Red Bull guys.”
Menzies, who led the entire race until Johnson caught him with two laps to go, was pumped for his teammate, as well as for the battle Gordon gave him through much of the contest. “We got a great start, jumped out front, then Robby gave us the best battle I had this weekend,” said Menzies, adding that he really wanted to “punt Ricky out of the way, but couldn’t do it because I (Menzies) “couldn’t get close enough to him.”
Crandon President Cliff Flannery then wrapped up the World Championships weekend: “I think this is one of the best races we’ve ever had here. Ricky, you’re not new to the podium, but that’s the first time I’ve seen you with that big boy (pointing to the impressive AMSOIL Cup). AMSOIL’s generosity to the sport of short course off-road racing is well-known throughout the industry and Crandon is pleased to have partnered with AMSOIL over the years. Thanks again to AMSOIL for sponsoring this incredible event in short course off-road racing.”
For more on the AMSOIL Cup race at Crandon, link to: http://www.crandonoffroad.com
2012 AMSOIL Cup results
1st – Ricky Johnson (Red Bull/Ram/Mopar/KMC Wheels)
2 nd– Bryce Menzies (Red Bull/Ram/Mopar/KMC Wheels)
3rd– Robby Gordon (Menard’s)
About 40 years of AMSOIL Synthetics
The initial breakthrough 40 years ago was just the start. AMSOIL has gone on to formulate a wide selection of synthetic lubricating oils for all types of engine and gear applications, including those for specialized vehicles and severe operating conditions. In addition, AMSOIL has developed sophisticated fuel additives, filtration systems and other companion products that supplement and extend lubricant performance.
The history of AMSOIL product introductions defines an entire industry. AMSOIL synthetic motor oil, gear lube, automatic transmission fluid, two-cycle oil and other products helped introduce a new age in equipment and engine design. Engineers today recognize synthetic lubricants as critical to increasing the power, longevity and energy efficiency of vehicles and equipment, providing concrete testimony to AMSOIL innovation.
Photo by Pat Schutte.
About TORC
The Traxxas TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL, is the fastest, most punishing short course racing series on the planet! TORC events are packed with flag-to-flag fender banging as drivers push the limits over whoops and jump-filled natural terrain race tracks. Off-road racing fans come from far and wide to experience the most challenging form of high-octane competition. And once they taste TORC for the first time they’re hooked for life!
