MacCachren Wins 2015 BITD BlueWater Desert Challenge

Rob MacCachren takes the lead in the 2015 BITD championship hunt

Oct. 13, 2015 By Art Eugenio, Photos by GETSOMEphoto.com
Rob MacCachren

Not only did Rob MacCachren earn the win at this past weekend’s two-day BITD BlueWater Desert Challenge, but he also moved to the top of the point standings over Jason Voss. Voss, the defending Trick Truck champion, had an engine failure on the second day of racing, leaving valuable points on the table which MacCachren happily picked up.

“Off the start it was important to get by Jason and we did,” MacCachren said. “From there we controlled the race and set our pace. Jason was right there the whole time and didn’t let us rest at all. I heard over the radio that they had lost the engine at the end of lap two and that gave us some breathing room. We had a great run and I want to thank Steve Sourapas for letting me drive his truck this weekend – it is an awesome machine.”

Apdaly Lopez

The second-place finisher in Trick Truck was Apdaly Lopez, who said the course was challenging throughout the entire weekend. “It was very tough course,” Lopez said at the finish. “Very tough but great because you are working hard all the time. This truck is the old 6100 truck with a big motor and a few changes, and [it’s] very fast. My father (Juan Carlos Lopez) did great with navigation and we had fun. Now we’re looking for a win at the Baja 1000.”

Steve OIliges

Taking the third spot on the podium was Steve Olliges in the #27 Trick Truck. “I’m really happy to be up here with these guys, to even be close to them – they are phenomenal drivers,” said Olliges. “Dan Fields from Ford sent us this motor and Ray at Dougan’s Racing put it all together and this thing is an absolute screamer. This Team Ford, Fox, BFG truck was just on rails. I have to thank Mark Newhan for the amazing prep on these vehicles.”

Voss’ weekend ended in heartbreak, as he was hot on the heels of MacCachren when his engine let go with only a few miles to go. Chasing his third consecutive points championship, Voss was just two points behind points leader Rob MacCachren coming into this race. With the points layout Voss may still have a chance at defending his title, but it will be a knockdown, drag-out fight in the final round at Henderson. “I was having fun chasing Rob on day two. I knew I wasn't going to be able to pass him and put 6 minutes on him to make up for day one, but I still wanted to pass him. We were bummed when the engine let go. We have to calculate the points tonight and see what drop races do on our chances for another championship. Now we’re shifting our focus to winning the Baja 1000 with our new teammate Luke McMillin.”

Jason Voss

The deciding factor for many in the Championship hunt will be made in the final round of the BITD series when the racers return to Henderson, Nevada, in December for the Henderson 250. Be sure to check back with Off-Road.com for coverage of the final race on the 2015 BITD calendar.

MORE BITD COVERAGE
Dondel Takes the Pole at BITD Desert Challenge Qualifying

Jason Voss Earns Three-Peat in Vegas to Reno Victory

Voss Wins 2015 BITD Silver State 300


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