SCORE LAUGHLIN DESERT CHALLENGE JAN 15-17, 2010

January 15-17, 2010, Laughlin, Nevada was the place to be if you were in the post holiday doldrums and in the mood for some adrenaline-pumping action racing. Sam Berri Racing and his Team Margarita started the 2010 racing season with the Laughlin Leap. Two days of extreme short course racing followed the leap. Each day consisted of eight 6.25-mile laps.
Team Margarita arrived Wednesday night, including team members, Rusty and Chelsey, Bob and Lois, Don and Ellen with the fearless leader, Sam. They all settled in for a good nights sleep at the Aquarius Hotel and Casino.
Thursday, everyone was up bright and early, acquiring a spot at the main pit and getting the car registered. We took a drive around to see part of the racecourse. Later that evening, team members attended the race opener at the Loser’s Lounge where Sam was introduced as “one of the world’s greatest racers” by George Antill.
Friday was busy with Tech and Contingency, exciting trophy truck time trials, and the Leap. After Tech and a very thorough crack exam, extra weight was taken off the car and Sam was able to make a couple practice look-see laps of the course. The Trophy Trucks time trials were thrilling to watch. Wow!
The Leap was exciting with Sam’s first try, lofting a 104-foot jump. The second try, not so good. Attempting to keep the weight down, Sam chose not to put any extra fuel in the car. Bad decision! The second jump wasn’t very far with slow speed because of the lack of gas. The winner of the Leap, Josh Daniels flew 111 feet. Friday was completed with Alex and friends arriving in Laughlin.

Saturday morning team headed over to the main pit about mid morning, put car back together and watched some of the racing that was happening. Sam’s race was at 3:00 p.m., the course was chewed up pretty good from every race ahead of his and topped off by the trophy trucks terrorizing it. Sam, in his Jimco car made the infield look smooth. He went around the course once, and deciding that after he almost endowed he was going to keep the car together by taking it easy. Sam finished 5th car physically across the line for day one.

Sunday, Day 2 started out with scattered clouds and sunshine, beautiful weather ordered up by Sal Fish supposedly. Once again Sam and Team Margarita prevailed with Sam’s steady pace, averaging 8 ½ minutes a lap, finishing the race with a 4th place overall. This was with 23 cars starting the race and only 4 cars finishing! That’s how rough the course was! The car was still in good shape even though track was brutal. Sam finished 3minutes behind 1st place car.

So it’s off to the Parker 425 with Best in the Desert, February 6th, after a quick transmission change, CV check and new steering box. Thanks to Sam taking it easy and saving the car! See you there!