As we enter the final race of the Best in the Desert season the hunt for points champion is still fully in play at the Henderson 250.

Today, however, was Josh Daniel’s day, as he posted a qualifying time that was more than 4 seconds faster than the next closest finisher today to earn the pole for the Henderson 250. “Super stoked to take the pole position with so many talented drivers!” Daniel said. “We had to just talk a little risk and make no mistakes! I held that sucker to the wood and she all worked out!”

Although Daniel’s pole-setting time is impressive, the big story in the Trick Truck class for this weekend’s race is the battle for the championship. Qualifying fourth today was point leader Rob MacCachren, who has had a consistent season thus far and holds a commanding lead in the Trick Truck class. Coming off his second-consecutive Baja 1000 victory, MacCachren only needs to finish in the top five to grab the championship from two-time champ Jason Voss.

The next Trick Truck behind him, and third fastest overall, was Tracy Graf from Alberta, Canada. Graf has been getting faster with each race and will surely be one to watch come race day.

Qualifying second today overall and first amongst the Class 1500 buggies was veteran racer CJ Hutchins, who aggressively ripped through the qualifying course. It has been awhile since CJ has been at the top of the box on race day, and hopefully his luck will change at this year’s Henderson 250. Then again, Lalo Laguna, who qualified fifth overall and second among Class 1500 buggies, might have something for him.

The sixth fastest qualifier today was two-time Trick Truck Champion Jason Voss, who was a contender for a third straight championship until having engine trouble that cut him just short of the finish at the Blue Water Desert Challenge. “We still have a shot mathematically,” Voss said. “But at this point we’re just going for the win and if Rob (MacCachren) breaks then it’s possible. You never know in desert racing, anything can happen.”

Be sure to stay tuned for our coverage from Saturday’s race.

2015 BITD Henderson 250 Qualifying
1. Josh Daniel (Class 1400) – 2:54.068
2. CJ Hutchins (Class 1500) – 2:58.100
3. Tracy Graf (Class 1400) – 2:59.584
4. Rob MacCachren (Class 1400) – 3:02.214
5. Eduardo Laguna (Class 1500) – 3:04.185
6. Jason Voss (Class 1400) – 3:04.472
7. Jerry Whelchel (Class 1400) – 3:04.755
8. Harley Letner (Class 1500) – 3:05.561
9. Sam Berri (Class 1500) – 3:05.838
10. Ryan Poelman (Class 1400)– 3:08.072
11. Tavo Vildosola (Class 1400)– 3:09.198
12. Scott Bailey (Class 1500) – 3:09.198
13. Steve Olliges (Class 1400) – 3:09.503
14. Justin Matney (Class 1400) – 3:09.643
15. Cody Parkhouse  (Class 1500) – 3:12.697
16. Steve Strobel  (Class 1400) – 3:13.241
17. Travis Chase  (Class 1500) – 3:13.830
18. Todd Tuls  (Class 1500) – 3:15.302
19.Taylor Mills (Class 1400)  – 3:17.041
20. Todd Romano (Class 1400)  – 3:18.389