Race News

MasterCraft #20 Uni-Lite Driver Matt Loiodice Heads to "Hometown Track"

Well not exactly but this the closest we will get to San Diego, no Chula Vista race this year. So why not celebrate our new short coarse endeavor. We are going to have a race party Saturday Night after the racing ends. The “Cookies” are back and will be grilling up some great food and cold drinks will be on hand. The U-Lite race is @ 5:00 followed by the U2 – U4 Shootout. So head on over to the semi after the shoot out and join us for the celebration (and hopefully a win). Lucas Oil has put together a jam packed very entertaining weekend of both great racing and music for the fans. I have attached the weekend schedule for you and summarized below the times we are on the track. If you would like to join us please give me a heads up with head count by Monday the 22nd so we can prepare enough food.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
UNLIMITED TRUCK CLASS MOVE IN
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
UNLIMITED LITE TECH INSPECTION

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2009
10:00AM – 11:00AM
UNLIMITED LITE PRACTICE
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
UNLIMITED LITE PRACTICE
2:30 PM – 4:00PM
UNLIMITED LITE QUALIFY

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009
8:00 AM
GATES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
UNLIMITED LITE PRACTICE

5:00 PM
UNLIMITED LITE
5:30 PM
UNLIMITED 2/4
Around 6 - 6:30
#20 Jimco Party

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2009
8:00 AM
GATES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
10:00 AM – 11:00
UNLIMITED LITE PRACTICE/QUALIFY
5:00 PM
UNLIMITED LITE

MasterCraft Kicks off the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series with Matt Loiodice in MasterCraft #20 Uni-Lite

After years of desert racing and earning a Best in the Desert Class 1000 championship, Matt Loiodice was ready to try his hand at short course racing in his #20 MasterCraft Unlimited Lite at the season opener of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series held April 4-5, 2009 at the Primm Valley Motorsports Complex.

The highly anticipated inaugural race of the 2009 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series kicked off to a nearly sold-out crowd, despite extreme weather and strong winds that forced the cancellation of the second half of Friday's practice.

Debuting in the #20 Unlimited Lite built by famed chassis builder, Jimco Racing, Matt Loiodice remarked, "This is my first short course race and it is much different than desert racing! In a six hour desert race you can make a few mistakes and still overcome them for a win. In short course racing, you only have a half hour and 15 laps. One mistake can take you from the lead to last real quick."

Taking the green flag in the 18th position during round one on Saturday, Loiodice charged through the field and earned a 9th place finish, despite a spin-out in turn two. After the race, Matt commented, "I would have liked to have a little more seat time on a short course track. We tested last weekend for a few hours in Surprise, but nothing can really prepare you for the first race. All in all, I am happy with the finish."

Qualifying in the 9th position for Sunday's round two, Loiodice was running strong until the transmission locked up causing the #20 to go two laps down. Finishing the race in second gear, Matt was able to pull off a 13th place finish despite the transmission failure.

Look for Matt Loiodice in the #20 Jimco-built Unlimited Lite at the second race of the 2009 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing series held May 2 - 3, 2009 at Speedworld Off Road Park in Surprise, AZ.

#20 Matt Loiodice Unlimited Lite Sponsors:

MasterCraft Seats • Jimco Racing • BF Goodrich
VP Race Fuels • Fox Racing Shox • Howe Performance
Pro-Am Racing Products • WireFab • Rusty's
Gay Smith Racing • Zoom Factor

Mike Julson will team up to drive the 2nd half of the 2009 SCORE Tecate Baja 500 on June 6th with Robbie Pierce in the Mastercraft #35 Trophy Truck. The duo will start 8th in class and will be looking to put there Jimco Trophy Truck in the winner circle.