Mitsubishi withdraws from Dakar Rally

TOKYO (AP)—Mitsubishi will no longer compete in the Dakar Rally for financial reasons, the company announced Wednesday.

The announcement came as Japan’s fourth-largest automaker said its group net loss will amount to $670 million for the fiscal year through March 2009.

“The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly,” Mitsubishi Motors said in a statement.

In its 26 entries in the Dakar Rally, Mitsubishi Pajeros won the rally a total of 12 times, including seven consecutive victories from 2001-2007.

The Japanese manufacturer finished seventh in the car section of the 2009 race.

The withdrawal is the latest move by a Japanese company to pull out of auto racing.

Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Suzuki pulled out of the World Rally Championship in December, Honda—Japan’s second biggest car manufacturer— withdrew from Formula One and Kawasaki has withdrawn from Moto GP.

Monster Herbst Sneak Peak

Live from the Parker 425 pits.

RELEASE: Terrible Herbst Motorsports Aligns with Monster Energy for 2009 Desert Racing Campaign!

Las Vegas, NV (February 4, 2009) — Terrible Herbst Motorsports is proud to announce an alliance that will see the Corona, California-based company, Monster Energy, team up with the organization in 2009. Owned and operated by the Herbst family, the Terrible Herbst Motorsports team is as indigenous to desert racing as the blaring sun, deep sand, cactus and teeth chattering terrain that is all so much a part of the unforgiving form of motorsport. An integral part of the Southwest American desert racing scene for over four decades, three generations of Herbst drivers have made the outfit one of the elite and most prolific teams in SCORE and Best In The Desert racing, winning numerous championships and marquee races including the Tecate 250, Baja 500, Nevada 2000 and the fabled Baja 1000.

Beginning this weekend in a town in the Sonoran Desert named Parker, Arizona, The jet black and day-glo green colors of the Monster Energy Terrible Herbst Motorsports Race Team will be flying as they drop their 2009 race program into gear, dump the clutch and roost sand, dirt and rocks as they take off to begin the Parker 425.

“Monster Energy has always been a marquee brand for us and to build a deeper association with them is very exciting”, said Terrible Herbst Inc. CEO and driver, Troy Herbst. “We are thrilled about this new relationship as we believe Monster Energy is as passionate about being the best in off-road racing as we are.”

Added Mike Vicente, Monster Energy’s 4-Wheel Motorsports Manager: “In the world of off-road racing, Terrible Herbst Motorsports is amongst the most admired and respected racing organization in the sport. Their professionalism and dedication, not to mention their results and performance, are second to none and Monster Energy is proud to be associated with such an A+ program.”

Also pegged on the Monster Energy Terrible Herbst Motorsports competition itinerary for 2009 will be the San Felipe 250, Baja 500, Baja 1000 and the Nevada 1000. It may be hot, it may be dusty, and the glare may be otherworldly, but if you’re out at a desert race in ‘09 be sure to keep a look out for the Monster Energy Terrible Herbst Motorsports desert swarm.

Come see the all-new black Monster Energy Terrible Herbst Truggy on Thursday, February 5th between 4:00-6:00PM at The Terrible’ s Chevron on the corner of US 95 & California Ave. for autographs and a hero card.

About Terrible Herbst Motorsports
With over 40 years of racing experience, the Herbst family exemplifies a true commitment to off-road racing. Terrible Herbst Motorsports is one of the most successful and popular teams in the sport today, having dominated within SCORE and Best in the Desert with numerous race wins and Championships. The passion for racing runs deep in the Herbst family stretching across three generations of drivers and enveloping the brand image of the expansive family business. Terrible Herbst Motorsports delivers a comprehensive array of opportunities that stretch far beyond traditional sponsorship programs. Sponsorship partners are able to leverage a multitude of assets including extensive distribution, promotion and branding opportunities throughout the comprehensive Herbst Family consumer enterprise that extends across the Western United States. For more information contact NXTagency’s Todd Ballard at TBallard@NXTagency.com or (760) 481-3702

About Monster Energy

Monster Energy supports the sport, no matter how radical or extreme. Be it the barren deserts of Baja, high-banked NASCAR racing program, supercross, rally, insane distance jumping, motocross, MotoGP, roadracing, supermoto, freestyle motocross, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, surf, snow, BMX – the list goes on – the athletes that participate in these unique forms of athleticism are sparked by Monster Energy. Available in Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed "M-80," the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line (supercharged with our Monster Energy blend), as well as the new Monster Energy "Hitman" energy shot, there’s something for everyone. Wherever they go, Monster Energy beverages power the Monster Army of athletes. Be sure to check out their never-ending series of adventures at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com .

SCORE San Felipe Advance

CONTACT: SCORE International, 818.225.8402



February 3, 2009





SCORE announces cost-saving measures to assist racers

Entering 23rd annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250



Real-Time Tracking Device Not Mandatory At This Event



LOS ANGELES—Continuing its previously announced commitment to help reduce racing costs

this year, SCORE International has announced additional cost-saving measures prior to next month’s 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, to be held March 13-15 in San Felipe. The measures are designed to make the popular Sea of Cortez race more affordable.

As previously announced at the conclusion of the 2008 championship series, SCORE will keep entry fees at the same level as last year. Furthermore, after consulting with authorities in Mexicali and San Felipe, SCORE has decided to run the same 232 mile course as last year. This will require less pre- running time and provide familiar logistics to race teams.

Also, the real-time tracking device rental normally required at a SCORE Baja race will not be mandatory at the San Felipe race this year. However, real-time tracking will continue to be required at the SCORE Baja 500 and SCORE Baja 1000 events.

“We realize full well the economics of racing and the financial challenges our world is facing right now,” said Sal Fish, SCORE CEO/President. “SCORE is diligently trying to reduce costs for racers, while still providing the memorable desert racing experiences and adventures that are signature qualities at SCORE events.”

“We are not increasing entry fees like we normally would to account for yearly increases in operating costs and we are using the same San Felipe course as last year. Furthermore, we have the liberty of eliminating mandatory real-time tracking at this race for several reasons. First, there are no pavement sections which require speed limit monitoring. And secondly, the four checkpoint locations will ensure that racers run the established course. One of the unique features of this race is that the baseline course is surrounded by many legal parallel lines in various areas. This provides the racers a certain degree of flexibility. That's just the nature of racing in San Felipe."

With over 225 entries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

The World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series will visit Mexico for the first of three races in 2009.

International Race Consultants, which provides the tracking devices and internet tracking at SCORE races, will be on-site in San Felipe and will continue to provide internet tracking for those vehicles that elect to have the IRC units at www.racetheworld.net.

Following his dominating season-opening victory at the recent 15th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon finds himself at the top of a very crowded Overall leaderboard in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings. With 54 points, Gordon, who returned to his desert racing roots, also leads the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck class for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500.

With just 14 points separating the top 21 in 2009 SCORE Overall points, SCORE racers are now preparing for the popular San Felipe race. The computerized drawing for starting positions, by class, for

Round 2 of the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series will be held at the SCORE headquarters in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race will be held on Friday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular restaurants and night clubs of San Felipe on the other.

Last year’s top overall finishers are expected back this year even if with different teams. Leading the group will be four-wheel vehicle overall winner Brian Collins, Las Vegas, in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Dodge Ram1500. Last year’s overall motorcycle champion was the JCR Honda team of Robby Bell, Murrieta, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. and the Overall ATV winners were the team of Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Marc Spaeth, Warner, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R.

Among the other class winners expected back is the unlimited Class 1 winning All German Motorsports team of Armin Schwarz of Germany and Martin Christensen, of Denmark, but who lives in Escondido, Calif. in their BMW-powered Jimco open-wheel desert race car.

In addition to season point class point championships, drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also racing to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to all drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season. Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 24th consecutive year, a total of 52 drivers remain eligible after Round 1 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series.

Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Sunoco Race Fuels -official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant and Red Bull--official energy drink. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising, Off-Road, American Suzuki, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.

For more information regarding the series, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.



Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250

All-Time Overall Champions

Cars & Trucks

Year--Driver(s), Vehicle (Class)

1982--Dan Cornwell, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)

1983--Corky McMillin/Scott McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)

1984--Scott McMillin/Corky McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)

1990--Brian Collins/Jack Johnson, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)

1991--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (Class 8)

1992--Bob Richey/Boyd Cox, Raceco-Porsche (Class 1)

1993--Scott Douglas, Ford Ranger (Class 7)

1994--Ivan Stewart, Toyota SR5 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1995--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1996--Robby Gordon, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1997--Curt LeDuc, Jeep Grand Cherokee (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1998--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Riviera-Chevy (Class 1)

1999--Ed Herbst/Tim Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2000--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2001--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2002--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2003--Gus Vildosola/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2004--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2005--Andy McMillin/Scott McMillin, Jimco-Chevy (Class 1)

2006--Garron Cadiente, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2007--Mark Post/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2008—Brian Collins, Dodge Ram1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)



Motorcycles

Year--Rider(s), Vehicle

1982--Bob Balentine, Honda XR500 (Class 22)

1983--Jack Johnson, Honda XR500 (Class 22)

1984--Dan Smith/Dan Ashcraft, Husqvarna CR500 (Class 22)

1990--Dan Smith/Danny Hamel, KTM (Class 22)

1991--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1992--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1993--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500(Class 22)

1994--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1995--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1996--Paul Krause, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1997--Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

1998--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

1999--Johnny Campbell/Cole Marshall, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

2000--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

2001--Steve Hengeveld/Jonah Street, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2002--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2003--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2004--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2005--Chris Blais/Andy Grider/Quinn Cody, KTM MXC525 (Class 22)

2006--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)

2007--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)

2008--Robby Bell/Johnny Campbell, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)



Sportsman Cars and Trucks

Year--Driver(s), Vehicle

2008—Peter Lang, Homebuilt-Chevy (SPT Car)

Sportsman Motorcycles

Year--Rider(s), Vehicle

2008—Bill Gilbert, Honda CRF450X (SPT M/C>250cc)