Jeff Stambaugh Race Report from the WORCS Lake Havasu UTV Race

| April 3, 2010 | 0 Comments

Jeff Stambaugh in his Yamaha Rhino

Jeff Stambaugh had another great weekend in Lake Havasu, Arizona. He had some good battles but made it out front again to claim 1st in his class & 2nd overall in the UTV race. Congratulations to Mark Holz that won his class and took 1st overall in the UTV race.

The track was slightly different than past years and it sported a new motocross track. A spectator favorite returned this year for the Pro race, the “lagoon jump,” however, the UTVs would not be allowed to take that line. “I was looking forward to the motocross track – it’s the best it’s ever been down there and I knew it was going to be really fun,” Stambaugh said.

After some small tribulations Friday, Stambaugh was ready to go Saturday afternoon when he approached the line. There were 18 total UTVS, the most being in Class 2. Jeff discussed his thoughts on the track and explained, “Havasu is fairly small and tends to get really rough – where I have an advantage. The motocross was the best it’s ever been, but it was also challenging because they made a few technical spots where one mistake would put you in the back of the pack. I had faith in my Rhino to get me through it, and all my sponsors’ support has really helped carry me to the podium this year. It’s good to be doing so well and to promote them in that respect. I’m really happy with my finish and I couldn’t do it without them!”

As Class 3 took off, the #1 UTV pulled out front and took the Holeshot. “My Weller motor is unbeatable off the line! They really have their Rhino motors dialed!” exclaimed Jeff. Stambaugh’s competitors were right behind him, hoping and praying for him to make an error to pass, but he caught up to Class 2 and began picking them off one by one. Going past the lagoon jump, there was a tight section wide enough for about one and half UTVs and 3 racers were headed in bar to bar. Fortunately, Stambaugh squeaked by in front. One Class 3 UTV was not so lucky, and ended up in the lagoon. Stambaugh didn’t make it far as there was a UTV blocking the scoring chute. The UTVs got stopped and line formed while the roadblock was unstuck!

About 2/3rds into the race the temp light kept coming on, and soon oil and coolant were streaming their way through the plastic. “I started to worry a little, and I had to back off a bit,” Jeff further explained, “I wanted to win, but at what cost? Rebuilding motors or flat buying new one isn’t cheap, so I backed off a little and paid attention more to the Rhino’s response.” Luckily for him the motor held together and he managed to pass the 2^nd place RZR on a double at the back of the motocross track.

He managed 8 laps in just under 40 minutes and was only bested by Class 1 UTV driver Mark Holz. That’s a 1st in class hat-trick & a 2nd overall for 18 UTVs.

Jeff would like to thank the following: Lonestar Racing, Elka Suspension, Fullbore Innovations, Blitz Vision, SixSixOne, Weller Racing, S&S Motorsports, Patriot Racing, Kelley Blocks, & his girlfriend