The Dirt crew rolled into Hutto, Texas, for the Lonestar Challenge. With a fresh track layout built with that Nitro Challenge flair, racers were excited for Thursday’s practice. JConcepts / TLR drivers Ryan Maifield and Cole Ogden flew in to compete at the Thornhill Racing Circuit against some of the finest local talent in Texas. Friday’s qualifying started with Ryan Maifield taking TQ runs in 1/8th buggy and truggy with teammate Cole Ogden taking 2nd quick-time.
With weather concerns starting in the area, the race management crew decided to shorten the race to a 2-day event placing main events on Saturday evening. As qualifying rolled on, Maifield continued to dominate in qualifying with an assortment of JConcepts tires such as the Reflex and Chasers tires.
As the track conditions varied from wet and dry conditions, drivers searched for the best combination. Maifield quickly found the handle and delivered the overall TQ in both the nitro buggy and truck classes. Cole Ogden followed in the 2nd position giving a 1-2 qualifying effort for the out-of-town drivers. After a long day, drivers relaxed and performed the usual maintenance to ready for Saturday’s extended A-mains.
The 1/8th truggy A-main was the first to grid. After a warm-up and Joey Christensen “ShotGun” start, the main was underway. Ryan Maifield jumped out to a lead and took advantage of his grid position as he led the field around. Cole Ogden paced Ryan for quite awhile until Maifield began to open a gap which he held in and out of pit exchanges. As time expired, Maifield took the checkered flag, taking home a well deserved win. Teammate Cole Ogden finished 2nd in a great effort for him and his sponsors.
The spectators and fellow racers hung around to watch the Pro 1/8th buggy A-final featured as the last main of the day. A great battle surfaced in the beginning with JConcepts / TLR drivers Ryan Maifield and Cole Ogden racing hard against each other. As pit stops cycled through, it was Cole who made the first bobble and getting a little tangled in traffic allowing Maifield to open a gap. Ryan powered down on the 8ight 3.0 with JConcepts rubber and never let up on the field as he blistered the track. Ryan once again crossed the line in victorious fashion while teammate Cole Ogden finished a valiant 2nd.
A special thanks to TheDirt crew, Joey Christensen, Aaron Webb and the entire Thornhill Racing Circuit staff on a fantastic event.