Network
The first Best in the Desert truck race of the 2020 season is in the books. The Parker 425 took place this last weekend and as usual, it did not disappoint. One of the favorite races for drivers, this technical course is a battle to the end and a little mistake can mean disaster in the end.
Jason Voss taking on the rugged terrain in the Parker 425. Photo Credit: Eric Minks
A lot of big names misses this year’s Parker 425 to hold out and race the King of the Hammers T1 race at the beginning of February, which meant that it was anyone’s race. In the Trick Truck class, it was Jason Voss taking home the checkered flag after battling it out with Harley Letner and Kevin Thompson of Concrete Motorsports. Voss finished the three laps in 6:27:07.409 and 25 minutes ahead of the second-place vehicle.
This isn’t Voss’s first win at the Parker 425, he pulled off back-to-back wins in 2014 and 2015. Voss is someone that has the ability to win this race every time he pulls up to the green flag.
From qualifying to race day, Jason Voss was on point and his hard work paid off with a first-place finish. Photo Credit: Eric Minks
Second place overall and second place for Trick Trucks went to Tracy Graff in the no. 58, with a time of 6:52:21.788. Third place overall went to the first 6100 class truck to cross the finish line, Kyle Jergensen in the no. 6173 finished with a time of 7:05:38.480. Fourth place overall went to the first finisher in the 1500 class. Dave Mason Jr. in the no. 1529 finished a mear 20 seconds behind Jergensen with a time of 7:05:38.480.
Competition is tough this year and if the Parker 425 was any indication of how the year will be, it is going to be a tight one. Trick Trucks have been considered the fastest class in desert racing, but with the advancements in the other classes that may not stand for too much longer.
OTSFF Motorsports hitting the hard stuff at the 2020 Parker 425.
The 2020 Parker 425 saw both class 1500 buggies and 6100 spec engine Trick Trucks finish in the top 10 overall. The race had three Trick Trucks, two 1500s, and five 6100s in the top 10. The Spec Trick Truck class was also the most popular of the race having 40 entries, making up just about half the field for the Saturday race. Only 53 of the 84 entries in the race ended up finishing the extremely challenging course.
OTSFF Motorsports, who we will be covering in an upcoming feature, completed the race in the 6100 class. “It went really well,” Adam Fitza OTSFF Motorsports team manager, crew chief, and builder said. “We had no issues, perfect pits, and worked our way from 33rd to 12th. We wanted a top 10, but 12 out of 40 is good. There is a lot of really good competition this year!” Up next for them is the Laughlin Desert Classic and then the Mint 400.
The next Best in the Desert race is the 2020 King Shocks Laughlin Desert Classic February 20-23 in Laughlin, Nevada. For a full list of races be sure to check out the Best in the Desert website.
