The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

Throttle pinned, stay on top of the whoops set up for the big wide open corner and then hit the massive table top. Fly through the air 150 feet and then with barely enough time to set up for the next turn you’re looking at the next set of doubles. This is the view from the inside of an 850HP Unlimited 2 Wheel Drive high octane beast as seen from the driver’s seat of the newest crossover moto athlete to try his hand with four wheels in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Hart&Huntington Racing’s Carey Hart.

Hart is one of a handful of superstar athletes including Supercross Champ Jeff Ward and the Metal Mulisha’s Brian Deegan who will be taking the green flag in their respective classes at the inaugural weekend of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) April 4th and 5th in Primm Nevada. Following the trail blazed by Supercross legends Ricky Johnson and Jeremy McGrath, Hart represents a new generation of crossover moto stars taking on the challenge in a very competitive Unlimited 2 Class. Catching up with him at a recent test session, Hart was asked what drove him to the class and the Lucas Off Road Racing Series.  “The cage,” was his first reply with a bit of a snicker. Understandable, considering Hart has broken something like 68 bones during his career on a bike. “There is something that happens when you put on the suit and the helmet, climb into the truck, pull your belts tight and step on that throttle. The horsepower, the adrenaline, the jumps, the whoops; this (stuff) is amazing. I have immense respect for guys like RJ (Johnson) and MC (McGrath) who have gotten into these trucks and have really competed with guys that have been doing this for years. Seeing those guys come in here, put in their laps and figure out how to win has really driven me. I’m not just doing this for fun. We will get on the box! ” 

Hart, who’s had several hundred laps testing in the truck under his belt is looking to be a contender as a rookie in what is arguably the most competitive class in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. Joining him will be multi-time Supercross and Supermoto Champion Jeff Ward. Ward, also an IRL open wheel racing veteran who’s taken a second and a third at the Indy 500, is expected to be a quick study in his Speed Technogies Unlimited 2. In the Unlimited Lite (Lite Truck) Class, Brian Deegan will be shedding his rookie yellow tape and with the experience gained last year we can be sure he’s increased his expectations.

Carey Hart, Jeff Ward and Brian Deegan will be in Primm Nevada for the Lucas Off Road Racing Series Season opener at the Primm Valley Motorsports Complex, April 4th &5th.  For Tickets, Schedule and information please visit lucasoiloffroad.com.