TORC: Oberg Motorsports Crandon II summary

One Lap Crash - Two Laps Crash - Oberg Frustrated with Competition

Eagle River, WI (September 10, 2009) - Oberg Motorsports was looking for some good "home cooking" with its second visit to Crandon International Off- Road Raceway. The team's race shop is based just thirty five minutes up the road from the "Big House" which puts less stress on Mike and his entire crew. Unfortunately, incidents throughout the weekend put a strain on the team's performance.

The track crew worked diligently all summer insuring the spring additions to the track would hold up to the pounding from nearly three hundred laps of racing. The 40th anniversary celebration of Crandon's off-road racing heritage also brought record numbers of spectators and campers to the hallowed grounds. Thanks to the fans, the racers, and the ABC Sports coverage, the Traxxas TORC Series presented by AMSOIL /BorgWarner Shootout event became one of the Top-3 motorsports events in the country during the Labor Day Weekend.

Saturday - TORC Round 11

After the morning practice session, Mike Oberg had a offer to change tire brands. After a quick negotiation, BFGoodrich Tires were mounted on his Walker Evans Racing wheels. Now the #80 AMSOIL BFGoodrich PRO-2WD Chevy would have an ample supply of rubber to be more competitive the remainder of the TORC season.

The land rush start saw the gray and black AMSOIL BFGoodrich Chevy come through the first lap in seventh place. Then just as Mike tapped the brake entering the Argonne Loop, another competitor slammed into the back of the #80 breaking something in the driveline. After only a lap, he day was over.

"The BFGoodrich tires seemed to really give us a great launch right from the start," noted Mike Oberg. "Then someone used our truck to stop, instead of their brake pedal. I mean we were hit so hard, it pushed the rear axle forward enough to break the gears in our underdrive unit. Corey and the guys have some work ahead of themselves, but we will be ready for tomorrow."

Oberg Motorsports had replace the all the driveline components, sway bar, track bars and most of their mounts, and a couple of shocks. A very expensive lap and half.

Sunday - TORC Round 12/ABC Sports Broadcast

The start saw Mike getting a great start, but going into the track's final turn, he got spun by Kincaid, and then rolled over several times. In process several other trucks hit the #80 AMSOIL BFGoodrich Chevy. When the truck finally came to rest, the damage to the truck was so severe, emergency workers figured it was easier to pull the truck off the track while it was still upside. Mike got our of the truck, on his own, but was really sore. The paramedics checked him out and allowed him to go back to his pit area.

"I just can't catch a break," remarked Mike Oberg. "Maybe I can get a pinball manufacturer for a sponsor? Every weekend somebody takes me out. We will get it back together, but we will probably use the other truck in California. I can't say enough about the support our team gets from AMSOIL, and the incredible support from BFGoodrich tires. BFG came on board this weekend and already the input from their engineers has been awesome. I will go see my doctor as soon as possible to make sure my body is really okay."

The next race for Mike Oberg and his #80 AMSOIL BFGoodrich Tire Chevy is September 25-26 at the Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, California.

-credit: om