REEVES Racing - Jacume 2008 Race Report

Encinitas, Ca. (August 6, 2008) – REEVES Racing took their recently completed Ford Ranger to Baja for its first wide open test, but a great race result is just part of the story...

The CODE Jacume race is annual favorite in memory of its founder “FUD.” The race, rich in heritage, is run in two heats of 3 laps each over a technical 21.5 mile loop, draws large crowds and is considered the “Laughlin” of northern Baja. Race Contingency, Start / Finish, The “Jacume” Leap, and the main pits are located in the beautiful Rancho Culpable 20 miles east of Tecate. See the Photos below and more excellent photos by Hermes Angeles here.

First - a Close Call / Lesson Learned

After taking the Checkered Flag first in the competitive 1800 Sportsman Truck class, Cameron Reeves (22), builder and driver of record of the #1803, was flagged off the course at the road crossing. Mistakenly thinking that the course was closed / clear, he drove through the open staging area and crossed the course into the pit; just as Javier Robles in the #107 passed through at Mach 5. Although Javier skillfully scrubbed speed to minimize impact and avoid what could have been a very serious accident, he did assist the #1803 with an unforgettable 180° two wheel reverse pit entry! We are very grateful that there were no injuries, only minor damages, and Robles was at least able to continue his lap.

Our team went directly to Robles pit to check on his car and apologize. We also discussed the incident with CODE officials, who strive to make their races safe. Cameron is certainly his own harshest critic, and has learned from this close call.

A Great Sportsman

A post race phone conversation with Javier confirmed that not only is he a great racer and supporter of the CODE Series, but more importantly, a true gentleman. A veteran racing champion, Javier understood that the accident was unintentional, graciously accepted our apology, declined payment for minor damages to his car, and agreed to a handshake and a cold one after the next race (Javier was racing for the overall after winning his morning heat, leads the 2008 CODE Series in Class 1, won of 3 of last 4 Jacume Races in Class 10 and Javier Jr. won class 10 this year!). REEVES Racing is humbled and inspired by Javier’s sportsmanship and goodwill under these circumstances.

Additional action has been taken by REEVES Racing; that while in no way will make up for interfering with Robles Seniors’ race, demonstrates how seriously we take our responsibility in this incident and as desert racers, as well as friendships above AND below the border.

The Race

Perry McNeil Sr. took the green flag first off the line in the #1803, with Cameron riding shotgun. Perry, a 4 time Baja 1000 winner, had a real challenge on his hands. He had no seat time our unproven truck and race Favorite Jorge Rives in the #1801 and 8 other very competitive trucks charging off the line behind our Giant Motorsports long travel leaf spring Ranger. Thirty minutes later Perry came flying through the main pit first in class, on his way to winning the heat and posting the fastest heat time (1800’s) for the race, 1 Hr. 31 Min., 42.4 MPH (Jacume Results).

Prep for the afternoon heat was minimal - gas, ck. lugs / tire pressure, fluids, torque bead locks. Cameron took the green 2nd behind the #1801 “El Terrible” (inverted start). Pushing hard to run down Rivas and hit Perry’s marks, he blew the 90* lefthander ~RM6 on lap 1 and high centered the truck (15+ mi. down time). Back on the course (thanks silver F250!), Cam put the hammer down, found his rhythm, and turned in a great (net) time. After a blistering 29 Min. / 44 MPH first lap, Rivas (a great competitor, current points leader and winner of 2 of the last 3 Jacume races), suffered a race ending mechanical, and Cameron put the #1801 REEVES Racing Ford Ranger on top of the podium for good. The truck performed flawlessly race day and was the only vehicle in class to complete all 6 laps. Congratulations also to Kyle Bonamo, #1847, and Ramon Guerrero, #1849, for podium finishes.

A few thanks:



* Any CODE race is a good race, JACUME is a GREAT RACE! Thank you Joaquin, Alfonso, Irma, the “Tech Dudes,” Tom and Bill and the Entire CODE Team, and event sponsor, ORW.



* Thanks to Rancho Culpable for hosting the race, and the great Tamales and Hamburguesas!



* To Perry McNeil Sr. for helping our family get started in desert racing almost 10 years ago, and helping us take the win at Jacume!



* To all our friends in Baja for sharing your country, sport and friendship with us…, it felt GREAT to be back in Baja after missing ’07!



Look for the REEVES Racing at the MDR California 200 night race in Lucerne Valley August 16th, the Bud Light Dash New Years, and hopefully the MORE Powder Puff Race in October.





REEVES Racing, made up of family and friends, competes in the Sportsman Truck class in CODE and MDR series and thanks our major sponsors, Perry’s Fab n Fiber / McNeil Racing Inc., Giant Motorsports, Dan Hewitt Welding, Barnes Fabrication, Desert Specialties, Nology, Ron Francis Wiring, Lyons Muffler, Armor-Craft, BF Goodrich, and many others (another story!).



REEVESRacing@aol.com