Latest News

Meet Scott Birdsall and His Monster: a 1949 Ford F1, Dubbed Old Smokey F1

Scott Birdsall of Chuckles Garage and his 1949 Ford F1

Scott Birdsall of Chuckles Garage and his 1949 Ford F1, affectionately dubber Old Smokey F1

What is a monster? Is it a scary being that lives in our imagination? Or, are monsters things that actually exist to challenge our perception of control? This story isn’t going to give you a definitive answer to that question. But it will tell you about a 1,200 horsepower diesel-powered monster that wouldn’t exist in our world, if it weren’t for the vivid imagination of a man named Scott Birdsall.

About 30 years ago, an auto repair shop opened up on the site of an old ranch in Santa Rosa, California. When they needed to expand several years ago, workers started to clear off the overgrown lot behind one of their buildings. As the front loader was plowing through decades of bushes, small trees and briars, it struck what turned out to be a 1949 Ford F1 pickup. The owner of the shop didn’t even know the truck was there, and decided to just sell it online. And that’s where Scott Birdsall of Chuckles Garage comes in: “When I get bored sometimes, I’ll look on Craigslist for stuff that I can buy real cheap and flip. So that truck came up and I bought it for $225—you know, to flip it. But it started to grow on me, so I kept it.” He continued; “I wanted to make a reliable shop truck out of it. But one modification led to another, and eventually it turned into a full-on race truck.”

Old Smokey F1, a 1949 Ford F1 with twin turbo Cummins motor

Old Smokey F1 is a wolf in sheep's clothing. A true sleeper.

When Scott pulled the lost F1 from the overgrowth, the cab was full of animal nests, the bed was full of nails, and it had been painted three times with a brush. It was clear that this truck had lived a hard life. “The right headlight was the last thing that I was going to fix, but it had been missing that headlight for so long, and I kind of liked the forlorn look of it. So I left it. But there is a projection headlight in there.” He then treated the body with silicone spray and installed a 12-valve Cummins diesel from an old Dodge pickup. “The diesel part of it started because I wanted a reliable shop truck that I could drive anywhere, tow stuff with, haul stuff with. I put a diesel in the truck to be able to use it. But I’m a hot rodder, so you know; a diesel with a turbo is cool, but a bigger turbo is even cooler!”

There’s actually an LED headlight hiding on the passenger side

There’s actually an LED projector headlight hiding on the passenger side

Eventually, a newer 5.9L Cummins from a 2005 Freightliner medium duty semi truck found it’s way under the hood. This allowed Scott to tune the motor with a laptop, giving him a much broader range of performance options. He explained: “To build this truck, I worked with companies like Industrial Injection, Garrett Turbochargers, and Bell Intercoolers, which taught me a lot about the fluid dynamics and other technical stuff.” In it’s current form, the truck now known as “Old Smokey”, boasts a compound turbo setup that uses an exhaust-driven 80mm Garrett GTX5008 turbocharger to feed a second [massive] 94mm GarrettGTX 5533 turbo, which then compounds the boost and sends the 106 psi air charge through a giant Bell intercooler before it reaches the heavily modified Cummins diesel engine. The result of all this boosted wizardry is 1,463 horsepower at the crankshaft and 1,233 horsepower/2,000 lb-ft at the rear wheels. That’s right, this rusty old 1949 Ford F1 pickup has more power than any production Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Pagani. And it’s only a few ponies shy of the venerable Bugatti Veyron. But all Scott has to do is flip a switch to activate the 375-hp nitrous shot, and that fancy French car is toast.

The interior is all business on Old Smokey F1, the 1949 Ford F1

The interior is all business as this truck was built to handle just about anything thrown at it

To handle all that power, a custom race car tube chassis hides beneath the truck’s patina'd bodywork. According to Scott, “There’s not much left from the original truck, except maybe the body and the dashboard.” But that’s okay, because this hot rod was purpose-built for land speed racing, road racing, and drifting. All Mr. Birdsall has to do is change the tires and adjust the suspension to suit the surface he’ll be on. “The current speed record for a diesel truck is like 172 miles an hour, and we’re going to try an blow that out of the water.” To keep the Old Smokey Ford F1 on the ground at triple digit speeds, AIRAID helped Scott create a carbon fiber splitter, diffuser, and underbody panels. And a high-flow AIRAID performance air filter is used to feed a constant rush of clean air to those ginormous turbos.

We at AIRAID are proud to sponsor Scott Birdsall and his Old Smokey Ford F1. And we wish him the best of luck as attempts to break the diesel pickup land speed record with his rusty monster.

You are looking at a 375-hp shot of nitrous and a 5-inch exhaust pipe

You are looking at a 375-hp shot of nitrous and a 5-inch exhaust pipe amongst a sea of bed cage

The compound turbo set up on Old Smokey F1

The compound turbo set up on Old Smokey F1 pumps out over 1,200 horsepower!

An AIRAID Performance Air Filter keeps air flowing to this 1,200-hp 1949 Ford F1

An AIRAID performance air filter keeps air flowing to this 1,200-hp 1949 Ford F1

Burnout - Scott Birdsall   |   Photos - Eric Armstrong

Burnouts are on tap with that much power and torque available with the tap of the go pedal

clear

AIRAID PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY AIRAID

JM2 Motorsports Take the Top Awards at Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Season Closer

Brock Heger taking his final turn in his AIRAID-sponsored UTV before winning the championship

Brock Heger taking his final turn in his AIRAID-sponsored UTV before winning the championship

What an exceptional year it was for the JM2 Team in 2017 finishing with the AIRAID-sponsored team at the top. Jeremy McGrath and Brock Heger were on fire this year by being fast, consistent, and sometimes lucky. Throughout the 2017 season of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, the two were consistently on the podium in all three classes.

AIRAID-sponsored Brock Heger celebrating his championship with his entire team

AIRAID-sponsored Brock Heger celebrating his championship with his entire team

Brock had an amazing year racing his Yamaha YXZ in the Production UTV class and in his Prolite. Between the two classes, he finished with the same number of podium finishes in each with six wins, two second places, and two third place finishes. The difference between the two was in his Yamaha, Brock only had three races that he was not on the podium and he had a fourth, fifth, and a sixth place finish in those races. With this consistency, Brock was able to win the championship in his Yamaha.

Brock Heger driving his Pro Lite to a second place finish in the championship points

Brock Heger driving his Pro Lite to a second place finish in the championship points

In Brock’s Prolite, it was a complete opposite to his Yamaha in his non-podium finishes. Two of the three races Brock would end up breaking the truck and was not able to finish those races. But even with the two low finishes, Brock would still be battling for the championship in his truck all the way to the end. In the end, he would finish in second place in points and only fourteen points behind the leader, enough to finish the season being the driver with the most wins.

Jeremy McGrath battled all year to be able to put the Number 1 plate on his truck

Jeremy McGrath battled all year to be able to put the Number 1 plate on his truck

Jeremy would battle just as hard in his Pro2, competing against some of the best drivers in the premiere short course class. Jeremy was fast and consistent all season long, with all top five finishes and finishing every lap all season long. Jeremy had a stretch of three consecutive weekends where he finished with a win and a third, giving him six straight podiums. He also was on the podium two other times with a win and a third, giving him a total of four wins and four thirds. With this consistency, Jeremy would win his first off-road championship with the 2017 Pro2 Championship. Jeremy said, "I have been working for almost ten years in short course to get here. This Lucas Oil Series and its competitors are like family and it means a great deal to me. I couldn’t do it without the support of my family, my dedicated hard-working crew, and sponsors that believe in me."

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath celebrating his championship with his family and friends

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath celebrating his championship with his family and friends

The awards seemed to be endless at the awards banquet for the JM2 Team. With Brock and Jeremy both taking home their championship trophies and Brock’s second-place trophy, the team would be surprised with several other awards that would be announced at the banquet. The first one that was given to the team went to Jeremy which was the Rick Huseman Award for most innovative driver. With one of the top awards going to Jeremy, Brock was just as surprised when he was announced as the Driver of the Year, which is voted on by fellow racers. Brock said, “I am completely blown away to receive this award and owe everything to my mom and dad for getting me here. I have been racing my whole life and love every second of it. Thank you to the JM2 crew and my sponsors for the continued support.” You would think after those two awards there wasn’t much more left, but the team was surprised once again. The JM2 Team would be announced as the Lucas Oil Off Road Team of the Year. Team owner Jeremy McGrath said, “It’s really an unbelievable feeling right now! Off-road racing is a ton of work and long hours, but every member of the team does their job and truly loves racing and being at the track. Thank you very much for an awesome season Lucas Oil.”

One of many awards that Jeremy McGrath received from the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road season

One of many awards that Jeremy McGrath received from the 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road season

The 2017 season became an epic year for Jeremy McGrath, Brock Heger, and the JM2 Team with championships and almost all the top awards from the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing banquet. The 2017 season is going to be almost impossible to replicate, and there are not many more awards that can be received by a driver. Brock also was a nominee for the Impact Award in desert racing for the Off-Road Motorsports Hall Of Fame. So watch out for this team to be on top in 2018 and try to continue the amazing run they are on.

clear

AIRAID PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY AIRAID

AIRAID Team Drivers: The Road to the OUSCI Championship

Ken Thwaits AIRAID Equipped 2006 Mitsubishi EVO

Ken Thwaits' 2006 AIRAID-equipped Mitsubishi EVO front and center in Optima Alley at SEMA

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational and the 2017 OUSCI is in the books. OUSCI was created by Optima’s Product Development and Marketing Director, Cam Douglass, and veteran racer and CEO and President of FM3 Performance Marketing Jimi Day. The event has drawn the most incredible talent from around the globe and this year was no different.

Shot of Jordan Priestley's 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Bernice in Optima Alley

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport "Bernice" of Jordan Priestley's in Optima Alley at SEMA

AIRAID team drivers Jordan Priestley and Ken Thwaits have plotted, planned, built, and rebuilt all in an effort to be the “best”, to be the winner when it came to OUSCI. From attention to every detail that would wow and impress the judges for the Lingenfelter Design & Engineering portion of the event, to their decision to maintain the street worthiness of their rides making the Lucas Oil Road Rally comfortable and reliable, Jordan and Ken definitely brought their “A” Game to SEMA and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

But the Road to Optima’s 2017 OUSCI hasn’t been simple for either competitor. They’ve faced challenges, experienced up and downs, but at the heart, they are every bit competitors. In fact, both of these gentlemen credit improved diets and exercise, along with a can-do attitude to their continued success. Explaining that even though they compete in street cars, these guys, these incredible brand ambassadors are determined to showcase their sponsors' equipment, the equipment that makes their street cars so darn competitive, in the best way they know how. For them, that means a podium finish whenever and wherever they can.

Photo of Jordan Priestley on grid for the Falken Tire Hot Lap Challenge

Jordan Priestley on grid for the Falken Tire Hot Lap Challenge at OUSCI

Throughout 2017, Jordan was actively competing, he and JDP Motorsports (the family-owned business) were busy with R&D on his JDP Motorsports AIRAID-equipped C7 Corvette, “Bernice”. Improvements included an LG Motorsports carbon fiber side skirts and front splitter along with an Anderson Composites dry carbon hood. To accommodate the new hood JDP Motorsports custom fabricated a brand new duct system sure to please the OPTIMA D&E judges. Thunderstruck Hot Rod & Custom Cycles handled the fit and finish details that perfectly compliment the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette’s already amazing body lines. All the while making changes and racing Bernice in events around the country. All the while, our AIRAID team driver was running a successful business and managed to relocate the family home! To say his plate was full would be an understatement!

Headshot of Ken Thwaits

AIRAID team driver, Ken Thwaits; the man, the myth, the legend!

Over 1,600 miles away in Nashville, Tennessee, AIRAID team driver, Ken Thwaits story wasn’t all that different from Priestley’s. Ken started his year with the USCA season opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway coming away with a 1st place finish in the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge and an overall 2nd place finish for the event. He seemed to be off to a great start in his AIRAID-equipped 2006 EVO. Thwaits would go on to the next USCA event at New Orleans Motorsports Park, Louisiana, where he would finish second behind Mike DuSold in GTL Class. At the National Corvette Museum, even with gremlins challenging he and his Showtime Motorsports Team, he came away with another second-place finish. Once again the brass ring eluded him. But all was not lost. It was at NCM that he received the OUSCI Invite.

Picture of Jordan driving out of the Optima Alley heading to SEMA Ignited

Jordan Priestley heading out to SEMA Ignited

It’s important to note that Ken Thwaits is first and foremost a businessman, second a “racer”! Owner of Showtime Motorsports and Apparel, Ken has stepped further into apparel with the recent opening of Franklin Road Apparel Company, a unique upscale men’s clothing store in Franklin, Tennessee. Turns out Thwaits happens to be more than just a great driver, he’s great dresser too. He saw a need for men and took action. He’s created the ideal men’s store with great brands, incredible customer service, flat screen tv’s and access to his private 25 car collection of vintage Camaros! We wouldn’t expect anything less from him.

However, starting a new business isn’t all Ken had on his mind this past year. You may recall that at the 2016 OUSCI he suffered damage to the EVO’s top end that required a down and dirty, last minute, under the wire swap that afforded him just one run on the Falken Tires Hot Lap Challenge. That valiant effort unfortunately didn’t prove to be enough for him to steal the win from the three time consecutive winner, Danny Popp. Perhaps that alone was reason enough for him to work tirelessly on creating what he called a bulletproof package that would ultimately crown him victor at the 10th Anniversary running of OUSCI at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But before that could happen, he had more qualifying to do!

Glamour shot of the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, "Bernice" at Road America

"Bernice" enjoying some quiet time at famed track, Road America

He suffered some mechanical setbacks, specifically a suspension break at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Turned out the lower control arm snapped on the autocross that required he and his team of Tyler Powell, Bob McCann, plus Graham Behan to get back to the drawing board if they were going to be able to make a serious run at OUSCI come November. Working with JJ Furillo from Ultimate Performance allowed them to design a suspension system that could take the punishment of Thwaits behind the wheel. The team suffered multiple blown motors throughout the year. During Speed Stop and Autocross the EVO ran flawlessly. However, on the road course, the motor ran too lean ultimately causing failure. Behan discovered that they would need to replace the fuel system to correct the problem and the team was back in business! Before OUSCI the Showtime Team elected to tear the car down to the bucket and rebuild it piece by piece stronger, better and even added a few aesthetic fit and finish touches handled by his friends at Triworks in Nashville in an effort to score higher in D&E. Ken was leaving nothing to chance this year. He was hungry for a win. You know what they say, number two always tries harder and he was going for broke!

Photo of Jordan on the autocross course at LS Fest West in Las Vegas

Jordan on the autocross track during LS Fest West in Las Vegas Motor Speedway

OUSCI is to say the very least one of the toughest events partly because it immediately follows the SEMA Show, which is really an event all in itself! So much to see and do, from the new products unveilings, educational seminars, sponsor meetings, and so much more. It can leave the SEMA newcomer feeling wiped out! But for our team drivers, Jordan and Ken, this simply adds to the excitement.

Jordan and Bernice on course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the autocross segment 2017 OUSCI

Bernice tearing up the autocross track at the 10th Anniversary of OUSCI at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

This year OUSCI featured a new format that had the one hundred competitors racing head to head autocross in rotating run groups for the better part of Saturday, finishing the day’s activities with the Lucas Oil Road Rally with the final destination a tailgate-style dinner at the acclaimed Shelby Museum in South Las Vegas. Sunday the drivers would once again run head to head this time in the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge and have multiple run sessions in the Falken Tire Hot Lap Challenge on the road course. This updated format really levels the playing field by giving each driver similar if not the same track conditions. And let’s face it, these drivers are competitive so this format really works!

The weather was the best our drivers have seen in years out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Track conditions were ideal, making competition closer than ever. Best of all our AIRAID team drivers left everything out on the track. As predicted there were plenty of Corvettes that were top finishers, that dominated the field. Priestley finished 4th in the GTS Class with his 2017 Chevrolet Grand Sport C7, Bernice, earning him an 11th place finish overall.

Group photo for OUSCI 2017

The 10th Anniversary for OUSCI 2017 group photo

But this year it wasn’t a Corvette that took the Championship. No, it was none other than AIRAID team driver Ken Thwaits in his 2006 Mitsubishi EVO that was crowned the OUSCI Champion this year. To make things even sweeter, he also walked away with the GTL Class Title. Thwaits and the Showtime Motorsports Team worked hard and their dedication and determination yielded a very sweet victory, one they can be very proud of. You might even call this a “Cinderfella” story!

AIRAID would like to congratulate all the 2017 OUSCI Class Winners:

GTV Class: Larry Woo 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

GTL Class: Ken Thwaits 2006 Mitsubishi EVO

Photo of Thwaits and his 2006 EVO on the Detroit & Engineering Autocross

Thwaits in his 2006 Mitsubishi EVO shredding the Detroit & Engineering Autocross at OUSCI

GTS Class: Austin Barnes 2010 Dodge Viper

GTC Class: Scott Budisalich 2006 Honda S200

GTE Class: Matthew Scott 2017 Hyundai Ioniq

GT Class: Bryan Johnson 2013 Chevrolet Camaro

clear

AIRAID PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY AIRAID

The AIRAID 850-600 Replacement Air Filter Fits a Wide Range of Polaris UTVs

The AIRAID 850-600 for Polaris UTVs full view

The filter media in the 850-600 is designed for both performance and protection

When RideNow Powersports recently compiled their list of the most popular UTVs on the market, an intriguing trend emerged. An amazing 6 spots on the top ten list were occupied by one manufacturer – Polaris. Clearly, the progressive American company is doing something very right.

AIRAID is ready to help you take your Polaris to the next level of performance and protection with the direct replacement AIRAID 850-600 air filter. The 850-600 fits a wide range of 570 and 900 Polaris models built between 2012 and 2017.

The performance benefit comes with the fact that the AIRAID 850-600 flows significantly more air than the restrictive stock filter with a paper element. The AIRAID filter media is composed of an oiled cotton gauze and non-woven synthetic material. The added airflow creates the potential for better throttle response and power over the full performance spectrum.

The potential performance boost that the AIRAID 850-600 air filter can provide does not require any additional engine modification. The filter is designed to perform within the specifications and limitations of your stock Polaris engine management system.

The AIRAID 850-600 for Polaris UTVs product and box

The AIRAID 850-600 comes ready to use for years of reliable service

The AIRAID 850-600 is also a highly effective in the filtration department. The same filter media that lets your Polaris breathe offers up supreme engine protection. The multiple layers of protection trap and hold dirt, dust, and other contaminants to keep them from destroying your investment.

All of this performance and protection comes in a filter that is fully washable and reusable. This puts an end to the expensive cycle of buying, using, and disposing of traditional paper filters. A simple cleaning and re-oiling is all that is needed to get your Polaris back on the trail, the job, or the track.

Every AIRAID filter is encased in a body that is made from hand-poured urethane that won't crack or shrink in the often brutal environments to which they are subjected. Additionally, AIRAID filters come with a reassuring "No Hassle" warranty.

Check the extensive application list below and take your Polaris to the next level with the AIRAID 850-600 direct replacement air filter.

The AIRAID 850-600 for Polaris UTVs side view

The hand-poured urethane filter frame won't crack or shrink

2017 POLARIS RZR 570 EPS 567 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RZR 570 567 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS 875 - All Models
2017 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RZR 570 EPS TRAIL 567 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RZR 570 567 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900-5 CREW 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS TRAIL EDITION 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS NORTHSTAR EDITION 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS HUNTER EDITION 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS HUNTER DELUXE EDITION 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS HIGH LIFTER EDITION 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS 875 - All Models
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RZR 570 EPS TRAIL 567 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RZR 570 567 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER CREW 900 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900-6 CREW EPS 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900-6 CREW 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS NORTHSTAR EDITION 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS LE 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS HUNTER EDITION 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS HUNTER DELUXE EDITION 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS DELUXE 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 CREW EPS 875 - All Models
2015 POLARIS RANGER 900 CREW 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RZR 570 EPS TRAIL LE 567 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RZR 570 EPS LE 567 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RZR 570 567 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER RZR 570 EPS TRAIL LE 567 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER RZR 570 567 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS LE 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS BROWNING LE 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP DELUXE 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 CREW EPS LE 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 CREW EPS 875 - All Models
2014 POLARIS RANGER 900 CREW 875 - All Models
2013 POLARIS RANGER RZR 570 EPS TRAIL LE 567 - All Models
2013 POLARIS RANGER RZR 570 567 - All Models
2013 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP 875 - All Models
2012 POLARIS RANGER RZR 570 567 - All Models

clear

AIRAID PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY AIRAID

AIRAID-Sponsored Jeremy McGrath Captures His Sixth Straight Podium

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath jumping through the air in his Pro 2 at Geln Helen

Jeremy McGrath getting some clean air through his AIRAID air filter while flying through the air

Standing on the podium for six straight races is what AIRAID-sponsored driver Jeremy McGrath has accomplished, which has gotten himself that much closer to winning the Pro 2 championship. Heading into Glen Helen, Jeremy has finished with a first and a third each weekend at the last two stops in Wheatland and Reno, giving him four straight podiums as well as leading the points battle ahead of Brian Deegan by a very small margin. He has been able to accomplish this by being prepared for every race. He said, “If my team has the truck ready and prepped early for the race that gives me confidence in my equipment, which gives me confidence in my driving. We do a lot of planning for truck set up, tires, race lines, and overall strategies before we arrive at the track. By the time we get unloaded and set up I'm ready to go racing. The main thing is to be patient on the track and that brings consistency.”

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath sliding into the corner in his Pro 2 at Glen Helen

AIRAID-sponsored driver Jeremy McGrath pushing his truck to the limits during practice

With Glen Helen being a home track for most of the drivers in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, it was going to be that much harder to be on the podium with everyone wanting to win in front of friends and family. But Jeremy had the same pressure with it being close to home. He said, “Glen Helen is one of my favorite tracks and its always a lot of fun, but also pressure being a home race. My results have not been that good here in the past, so I focused on racing the track and not worrying too much about who was around me or the points. I knew we needed to come away from this race with podiums in order to make the last race less stressful.”

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath driving to his 6th straight podium of the 2017 season

Driving so fast everything else is a blur to Jeremy McGrath

Starting off the weekend, Jeremy would take his Maxxis Tires, AIRAID Filters Pro 2 to his qualifying session for Friday night’s race. Jeremy would make some very fast laps just missing first and finishing in second, and with the inversion, Jeremy would start on the second row. Friday night’s race was in front of full grandstands with Jeremy battling in third place the majority of the race. With a few cautions, it kept the top three very close together, and the front two trucks were battling hard with each other. Jeremy played it smart by staying right on their bumpers but not too close to get into any trouble with the other trucks and wait for a mistake by them to make his move. About three-fourths of the way through the race, his patience paid off with the leader over rotating and second place getting into the side and tangling them two together.

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath leading the competition at Glen Helen

Jeremy McGrath staying out front of the competition during the Glen Helen races

With this happening Jeremy was able to make his move for the lead and easily overtake the two trucks. Jeremy would not look behind him and focus only what was ahead of him. He drove clean and fast not giving anyone a chance to catch him all the way to the checkered flag and winning the race. Jeremy said, “It's a good feeling to win races, it’s a great feeling to do it at your home track with a big crowd. What I would really like to see is more races in California. It has such a massive fan base and so many true off-road enthusiasts I hope we have the chance to win more events in So Cal next year.”

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath racing his Pro 2 at Glen Helen

Sliding in hot is what AIRAID-sponsored driver Jeremy McGrath did during the races in Glen Helen

Trying to repeat his win from the night prior, Jeremy went out to qualifying trying to be the fastest. But with some cautions during the session he got caught up in some traffic, not allowing him to get a clean lap in and putting him in sixth place. With the race being full of great battles and also several cautions, Jeremy was able to battle his way up to third place and make a strong finish right on the bumper of second place. With this finish, Jeremy has kept his consistency with his first and third, just like the last two weekends, giving him six straight podium finishes.

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath out front for one of the race at Glen Helen

Flying through turn one with everyone behind him, while Jeremy McGrath raced all the way for the win

This also helped with the championship points putting Jeremy in the lead with a thirty-seven point difference between himself and Brian Deegan, and getting as close as you possibly can get without clinching the championship before the last round. He said “It feels great to be getting podium results, not only for me but my team and teammate Brock Heger. We all work together to achieve the success we have had this season. We have been lucky to partner with all the right people to give us the best equipment on the market.

AIRAID-sponsored Jeremy McGrath jumping through the air on his way to another win at Glen Helen

Clean air while Jeremy McGrath was out front and flying over the jumps

"The AIRAID team loves off-road just as much as we do, and go to all the events that we compete in. It’s very rewarding when you are on the podium and you look out and see your sponsors in the crowd celebrating the win with me. We look forward to finishing out this season strong with AIRAID and going straight in 2018 with momentum to win races again.” With only one round of racing left, get prepared to start celebrating with a new champion. This will be Jeremy’s first championship won on four wheels, as he has several on two wheels. So watch for him to be upfront but driving smart in Arizona, making sure he finishes the race to win the championship.

clear

AIRAID PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY AIRAID