Check out the article in March 2005 edition of  Petersen's 4-Wheel and Off-Road

The team at the 2005 Tecate Baja 1000 as
 they go through the contingency line. (Centerline Photography)

 

 

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For immediate release
October 12, 2006
Arlington Hts., IL
 
Raffo Racing takes a shakedown run at the MDR Outlaw 250
 
In preparation for the upcoming 2006 SCORE Tecate Baja 1000, Chris Raffo took his Class 300 Chevrolet K5 Blazer for a shakedown run in the Lucerne Valley. The Class 300 vehicles at the MDR Outlaw 250 were only required to run four laps (160 miles), a perfect way to find any unforeseen problems before the “1000.”
 
 
 
The truck had received some much need updates in the drivetrain and suspension area, so this would be a great way for some of the team to get some seat time as well as test the improvements made to the truck.
 
The first lap seemed uneventful until the pitman arm broke about 25 miles into the lap. Fortunately a spare is carried on the truck. It was replaced and the team continued on.
 
After lap one, the team stopped to check the truck over, and change co-drivers. Quickly Chris cranked over the Powermaster starter, fired the Chencherick built powerplant and headed back on the course.  Lap 2 went smoothly and the team had caught the class leader.
 
After a quick stop, Chris headed out to complete the third lap. By now the Raffo Racing had taken the class lead.  The truck was running flawlessly. The new Bilstein shocks were valved perfectly. The truck sucked up the desert terrain without effort. The engine and transmission temperatures were nice and cool. Then, without warning, the left front leaf spring broke. Ending the day for Raffo Racing.
 
“ We used the race today more as a test session. Overall the truck seems to work really well. All aspects of the truck have been improved over the last 12 months. The front spring that broke was brand new.  Lucky for us it happened today, not down in Mexico. We will have to replace both front springs before Baja just to be safe. I feel very confident in a strong finish when we run the 1000.” – comments from Chris Raffo.
 
Next Race – November 15-18, 2006 – SCORE Tecate Baja 1000.
 
Chris Raffo would like to thank his supporters including:
California Tomato Commission,
Bilstein Shocks,
BFGoodrich Tires,
Powermaster,
Phil’s Inc.,
Sunoco Race Fuels.
 
Raffo Racing has marketing opportunities available for the upcoming Baja 1000.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:
Mike Reusche (847) 869-2434 – days or email mike@mt-graphics.com
 
                       
-Mike Reusche, marketing - MTG