Truck Development Continues For Brian Deegan At LOORRS Reno

Reno, NV

You don’t become a six time champion by playing it safe. Every time Brian Deegan throws his truck into a corner, there is risk involved. For someone who makes his living on the edge of control, it’s hard to imagine taking on an even greater challenge, but that’s what defending Pro-2 champion Brian Deegan has done this season. Not only has he ventured into the Pro-4 class but he has also made tweaks to his championship winning Rockstar Energy / Makita Power Tools / Ford Pro-2 in a quest for more speed. The innovations he has implemented have shown glimpses of greatness but teething problems have continued to nag him. When he landed in Reno for rounds 13 and 14 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, the transmission problem experienced in Estero Beach was back.

Unable to run the pace he is accustomed to, Deegan had to finesse both trucks to get them to live. With the new Pro-4 truck, every new track they race on is a learning experience; set-up notes are critical. Instead of getting good data, the crew had to put out fires. The bright spot was they were very fast in qualifying. When Deegan did open it up, he was quick. In round 13 he qualified second fastest.

In a plan to save the truck and get decent starting positions in round 14, they laid back during the first half of qualifying. Instead of hitting the track from the start, they waited until the track got worked in. Deegan ran only three laps of qualifying in the Pro-4, two in the Pro-2. He was second fastest again in the Pro-2. He bombed those two laps but the strain on the driveline meant the crew had to change the transmission before the race started.

Deegan and the crew have overcome plenty of challenges; their latest struggle doesn’t faze them a bit. They adjusted to the situation in Reno and put in the best finishes they could achieve. To the casual observer Deegan’s performance was middle of the pack. It’s only when you know of the mechanical issues behind the scenes that you appreciate the finesse and truck control he is capable of. Mechanical issues can become Voodoo, but as soon as the final pieces fall into place, you can expect Brian Deegan to be back out front, leading the way.

The next race will be Sep 18 – 19 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV. There are precious few rounds left in the series. A points championship is not in their grasp but the opportunity to experiment with both trucks can lead to some incredible breakthroughs. There is plenty of excitement on the horizon.

Photography By: Bink Designs

About Brian Deegan
Motocross legend, 2014 LOORRS Pro 2 Champion, 2014 Pro Lite Runner Up and 2013 DirtSport’s Driver of the Year, Brian “The General” Deegan is one of the most decorated action sport athletes to date. He is the only rider to compete in at least one event each year since the X Games’ inception, including his Gold Medal run in X Games 17 Rallycross. In 2015, Deegan continues to test the limits in numerous racing categories including Freestyle Motocross, Pro 2 and Pro 4 Short Course, Global Rallycross, and Monster Jam. The Deegan Racing Team is powered by Rockstar Energy Drink, Makita Industrial Power Tools, Ford Motor Company, Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, DVS Shoe Co., Deegan 38, ODYSSEY® Battery, Gibson Exhaust Systems, 4 Wheel Parts, Compex, Defender Skin, Flu War, KC HiLITES, PRP Seats, Smooth Industries, Alpinestars, Fathead, Feld, PPG, Brembo, Fortin, VP Racing Fuels, FOX Shocks, Impact by Mastercraft Safety, MSD Ignitions, FK Rod Ends, Eibach Springs, McKenzies,FiberwerX, JE Pistons, QTM, G2, Dailey Engineering, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, ARP, AZ Driveshafts, Aeromotive, Answer, Rockford Fosgate,  Weismann Racing Transmissions and Pro Taper.