With the 2013 season behind them, General Tire ATX Wheels Jeepspeed racers had a chance to crown there champions, say thank you to sponsors and celebrate another successful season of racing. Entering their 13th year of racing with basically the same rules and mission statement they started with, the series has been a proven favorite of fans and racers.

Jeepspeed offers fierce competition, generous sponsor support and the satisfaction one gets from designing and building their own race vehicle. No other series has the parity that spec racing strives for with the freedom to design your own vehicle. That freedom is demonstrated in the diverse range of trucks competing in both the Jeepspeed Challenge (1700) and the Jeepspeed Cup (3700). The parity was demonstrated by a points chase that came down to the last miles of the final race of the season to be decided.

Todd Jackson’s 1712 Jeepspeed Challenge Grand Cherokee attacks the course during the 2013 season.

In addition to the racers and their families, Jeepspeed’s success is owed to many. Travis Roffler, the driving force behind General Tire Motorsports, Tony Talbert of General Tire and Chris Anderson of ATX Wheels and the companies they represent have been staunch supporters; their contribution to the Jeepspeed series has been abundant.

Everyone seeks good sponsors; Jeepspeed is fortunate to have the best. In addition to General Tire and ATX Wheels, thanks go out to Currie Enterprises, King Shocks, Howe Performance and T&J Performance, who have all been there since the beginning. Baja Designs lights, Rubicon Express Suspensions, Smittybilt Off Road products, G2 Axle & Gear and PAC Racing Springs are to be commended also for their strong support of the series.

Making it all work are Operations Manager Michelle Nelson, Jeepspeed General Manager Mike Barnett and a man who always gives the credit to others, Clive Skilton. Casey Folks and the entire BITD staff are also to be commended for the hard work they put into the Best in the Desert racing series.

The evening was filled with good times, prize give-a-ways and great food prepared by our host Moreno’s Mexican Restaurant in Orange, California. During the evening a total of $10,000 in checks were handed out in addition to the trophies and door prizes. The camaraderie that was developed all year was on display as the top finishers were applauded as they were announced. Skyler Gambrell summed it up best when he stated, “The feeling in this room is not one of competitors, but rather like a group of friends.”

In the rookie of the year title, the Coan Racing Rookie of the Year Award and Howe Performance Trophy was awarded to 1786 John Brannon who also finished fourth overall. The General Tire Jeepspeed Challenge Championship (1700 class) was an intense battle that came down to the wire. Todd Jackson took the championship followed by Eric Heiden in second and Tim Martin in third.

In the hotly contested General Tire Jeepspeed Cup the overall winner was Bob Mamer, followed by second place Brandon Berge, with Dan Simonson in third. Mamer and Berge had an incredible back and forth battle the entire season.

In 2014, the competition in the Jeepspeed Cup will intensify even more as a long list of new drivers will join the class in a diverse bunch of Jeep vehicles. In 2014 we have 45 returning and new teams registered in Class 1700 and 19 teams in Class 3700.

Also in the mix will be one of the fastest on two wheels or four, Larry Roeseler, who was behind the wheel of Bob Mamer’s turbo Comanche at the Parker 425 that ran Feb 2, 2014.

2014 looks to be even bigger and better for the Jeepspeed series. In addition to the regular payouts and prize packages special bonuses will be awarded like the “Parker Grand Lap.” The fastest class 1700 on the first lap will get $1,000 in cash.

The winner will be presented the cash at the Mint 400 driver’s meeting where a new bonus will be announced. Still more surprises in the works include a special event to get other Jeep owners involved with a taste of Jeepspeed.

The Freedom 250 July 26, 2014, in Barstow will host an exclusive race for Jeepspeed racers. The “The First Annual Jeepspeed Reunion Race” will start at 3:00 p.m. and the course will close at midnight. Everything kicked off Saturday, February 1 when BITD racing resumed in Parker, Arizona at the Bluewater Resort Parker 425.

For the latest go to www.jeepspeed.com. There you will find additional info, deals on some attractively priced race Jeeps, Jeepspeed news, rules, forums, race results, videos and much more.

Photography By: Loose Nut Photo