LUCAS OIL OFF-ROAD RACING SERIES HAS A NEW PRO-2 DRIVER and TEAM

UTV Weekly | May 26, 2013

Joey Provenza, along with his JPM Team, made their debut at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 26th-28th. “We have tested the truck and the equipment and we are ready to go. We had a great opportunity to test out in Primm, NV for 4 straight days and we were able to get in a bunch of track time” Provenza stated. He then went on to say “This Team was put together rather quickly and we have some great people involved in all areas of racing. Everyone has worked their tails off in order for me to fulfill a dream of mine.” Joey bought two Pro-2 race trucks along with Jesse Jones’s Featherlite Race Hauler back in October. It did take some time to find the right people to put everything in order for Joey to race.

The team arrived at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday morning and got all set-up by the afternoon. By Friday morning the adrenaline was flowing. With the first practice only minutes away, everybody was pumped. This would be the first professional practice for Joey and the first time on a Lucas Track with some of the best racers in the world. Joey held his own and was only a few seconds off the leaders. Not bad for a guy who would be classified as a true rookie. The second practice went better as Joey picked up some valuable seconds on his best time. Unfortunately there were some mechanical issues and the truck needed to come back to the race shop in Las Vegas to make sure it would be perfect for Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday started early for the team and the truck was ready to qualify. Qualifying went pretty well for Joey and his team. Although Joey qualified last he knew he was in the hunt. When race time came, everybody was on top of their game. Joey went out against the best off road racers in the world and held his own. Joey finished in 12th position and was only 3.5 seconds off the best time of the day in Pro-2.

Sunday was upon Joey and his team and they hoped to build on what they accomplished on Saturday. Qualifying went okay. Joey qualified last again, but he continued to learn the track and its nuances. Race time is always filled with excitement, nervousness and adrenaline – Joey and his team is no exception.

On the start line Joey had an issue with his Lucas Radio Receiver and would be unable to get in fixed in time. Joey was without radio communication directly with Lucas. Joey did have communication with his spotter, Barry Beacham, for the entire race. Barry had his hands full trying to relay Lucas information to Joey, while at the same time trying to spot for him. After the first couple of laps Joey lost a power steering belt and had to go into the Hot Pits. The crew got it fixed and Joey was sent back out on the track. As Joey continued to get valuable race laps in, the leaders began to catch him and Joey was put into a situation to which he was unfamiliar with. As the leaders began to pass Joey, he could not hold his line in which the way he wanted and impeded on the race leaders. Lucas Oil Officials decided that Joey should exit the track at that time. Although Joey and his team were disappointed they also understood. Joey would finish the weekend earning valuable experience and some much need points.

Joey earned a 12th place finish on Sunday. Joey stated the following – “This was the most incredible experience I have ever had. To be able to go up against these guys and hold my own is something that I will never forget.” I would like to thank my team for getting me here. There have been countless hours and I want them to know that I really appreciate it. We will be at Lake Elsinore in a few weeks ready to go at it again. I am truly honored to be representing Shriners Hospital for Children. It is such a worthy cause and I believe that no matter how successful I am with racing I would never be able to pay back what they have done for me. I am forever grateful to Shriners and all the people who are making my dreams come true. ”

Words by: Cory Beacham

Photos by: JennHell Media Group