Tonelli Racing: October 2011

The Bee-Hive Classic II - what a race this was for racers, fans and everyone involved!

We had a record number of entries for the Classic II ! So thank you to everyone who was a part of this event- whether you were participating, spectating, or just there- we appreciate everyone who is there to support local, entertaining, affordable and accessible racing for all!

The Classic II had people saying it was the most entertaining race they have seen- EVER!

Lets recap-

If racing isn't exciting enough- just watch these 1450 trucks as they QUALIFY to race! We had 5 laps to qualify the trucks for their positions to start the race. Dustyn Loppnow from Team Tonelli sheared both rear 35 spline axles and rolled 3 times during the most intense qualifying lap you have ever seen! Dustyn and Brian Loppnow walked away from the truck uninjured. We have uploaded the in-car footage of this incident so check it out on You-tube!

So qualifying was exciting but lets talk about the race. Unfortunately the damage done to the Loppnow truck prevented them from starting the race- but this is the Bee-Hive Classic, so Dustyn Loppnow walks away a winner for the most Carnage during the race!

Although Loppnow didn't actually get to race, Team Tonelli had Nick Tonelli, Breen Ford and Tyler Buquet still start the race. As soon as the green flag waved for the trucks to start the race, it was "Boys have at it" from that point on! On the second lap of the race #824 Agustin Valles lost control on the 3rd jump and as Nick Tonelli came up behind his truck and got ready to pass, the #824 backed up- slamming into the Bee-Hive Ranger! This resulted in a flat tire and broken 4-link-which meant the Bee-Hive was out of the race too soon!

Tyler Buquet and Breen Ford raced on for a few laps more finishing 19th and 14th, consecutively. Breen Ford had electricals issues and Tyler raced hard but only finished 6 laps.

In the meantime spectators had the opportunity to witness the race get even more exciting: a truck landing on the roof of another, flat tires, missing fenders, front clips flying, trucks catching on fire and more, all in a short 16 lap and approximately 15 mile race!!!!

24 out of the 28 entered trucks started the race. Only 10 of those 24 actually finished all 16 (0.8 mile) laps and 4 more trucks finished 15 laps! If you missed this one- it doesn't get any better than this!

We also have to congratulate the winner of the Bee-Hive Classic II and undefeated Ryan Desautels of the #1428 who also placed first in the very first Classic race back in June! Placing shortly behind Desautels in 2nd was #1429 Dan Vance! And of course in 3rd place- first time Bee-Hive Classic racer Marquis Pulido!