Hoek Takes Skyjacker to the Podium Twice in Bark River
Holland, MI (July 16, 2008) - Ross Hoek Motorsports came to upper Michigan's World Center of Dirt with a complete arsenal of race trucks to continue their quest for the championship. Ross competed in both the PRO-2WD and Super Truck divisions in the World Series of Off-Road Racing. This past weekend was the first time RHM would race separate trucks built specifically for each division. The Skyjacker Suspension Herculiner Raybestos Brakes Goodyear Tires F-150 trucks would not disappoint as the team put both of them on the podium.
Round V
Super Truck
Ross Hoek and his #210 Skyjacker Suspension Herculiner Raybestos Brakes Goodyear Tire F-150 started out strong, but after the first few laps, the engine warning light came on as his engine lost oil pressure. The concern over the engine's low oil pressure increased, so Ross decided to back off and cruise the final six laps, hoping not to damage his engine. Officially, Ross crossed the finish in fourth place.
PRO-2WD
The #21 Skyjacker Suspension Herculiner Raybestos Brakes Goodyear Tire F-150 came out of the first turn in third place in the PRO-2WD division, but by the time Ross raced by the spectator hill he knew this wasn't going to be his race. The brakes were failing on the truck! Hoping it was only air in a brake line; Ross began pumping the brake pedal, while accelerating down through the back loop of the track. Unfortunately, this didn't improve his situation. Nevertheless, Ross soldiered on using the engine and transmission for braking assistance the rest of the race. Ross was able to cross the finish line on the lead lap in fifth place.
Round VI
Super Truck
The land rush start had Ross in fifth place, running door to door with #229 Steele, as the two Super Trucks raced past the spectator hill. As the laps wound down, Ross was in second place looking to make up ground on the leader when the PRO-4x4 trucks caught him. Ross slowed and took the inside line leaving plenty of room for them to pass on the outside. Daugherty missed Ross's "turn signal" and caught the back of truck, spinning him in front of Brascho. Then Brascho, with no where to go, drove right over the back of the Skyjacker Ford, shredding the body and one tire. With only a lap and a half to the finish, Ross refused to let up and came home on the podium, in second place.
This was the fourth Super Truck second place finish of the year. After six rounds of racing, Ross Hoek is in fourth place in the Super Truck Championship standings. The race for the championship is very close, as only three points separate second through fourth place.
"We are halfway through the season," commented Ross Hoek. "We are definitely in the battle for the Super Truck championship. In years past, the battle has gone down to the last round of racing. The second half of the season will really be exciting. I really like the Challenge race concept. It really makes for great racing and it brings a bigger purse for the racers."
PRO-2WD
The start saw the #21 Skyjacker Suspensions Herculiner Raybestos Brakes Goodyear Tire F-150 take the lead with #77 Vanden Heuvel right on his bumper. Then on lap three #5 Evans made a clean outside pass for the lead, as the two were heading down the hill toward the starting area. The next four laps Heuvel really applied the pressure on Ross, but the Skyjacker Herculiner Ford never faltered. After Vanden Heuvel headed to the hot pit for a tire change, the #21 Ford F-150 charged to the finish in second place.
The second place finish was his best finish of the year in PRO-2 and put him in fourth place in the championship standings.
"What a battle today," noted Ross Hoek. "Getting the holeshot, running side by side with Evan and Dan, was the best race I've had in Pro-2wd. This was a real confidence builder for the entire team. Thanks to Skyjacker for having the faith in us to work together again, and the continued support from Herculiner. Oshkosh can't get here soon enough."
The next race for Ross Hoek Motorsports is at the Oshkosh Speed Zone, July 25-26, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
For more information please visit: http://www.rosshoek.com/ or http://www.skyjacker.com/
-Mike Reusche, Marketing, MTG -