The Pro Lite Unlimited class in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) offers a unique opportunity for young upstarts to race against seasoned veterans. Jimmy Stephensen was once one of those upstarts; winning Rookie of the Year honors in Pro Lite Unlimited in 2009. Since that time he has seen the class change dramatically, and the No Fear Energy / Skin Industries driver has worked diligently to stay ahead of the curve. “We built a new state-of-the-art truck in the off season to keep us at the front of the pack,” Stephensen explains. The new Pro Lite Nissan features a Stamper chassis, 300-horsepower Kroyer four cylinder engine, and Fox Racing Shox.
The Pro Lite Unlimited class in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) offers a unique opportunity for young upstarts to race against seasoned veterans. Jimmy Stephensen was once one of those upstarts; winning Rookie of the Year honors in Pro Lite Unlimited in 2009. Since that time he has seen the class change dramatically, and the No Fear Energy / Skin Industries driver has worked diligently to stay ahead of the curve. “We built a new state-of-the-art truck in the off season to keep us at the front of the pack,” Stephensen explains. The new Pro Lite Nissan features a Stamper chassis, 300-horsepower Kroyer four cylinder engine, and Fox Racing Shox.
Jimmy Stephensen has one of the most professional teams in short course racing
Pro “Lite” was originally designed for four cylinder-powered downsized trucks, but squeezing 300 horsepower out of a 2.5 liter engine is neither inexpensive nor particularly durable. As a result LOORRS allowed crate V8 engines in the Pro Lite class, with a weight penalty designed to offset the huge boost in torque. “The introduction of V8 engines has really turned the class on its head,” Stephensen confesses. Rumors of modified engines and whispers of illegal transmissions and trucks under weight have been a common occurrence in the 2012 season.
Stephensen finished seventh in Round 7 of LOORRS racing at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend and currently sits tenth in season points. With 26 drivers in the class, Pro Lite Unlimited is both the largest and most talent-rich class in all of short course racing. None of this deters Stephensen though, it just steels his resolve. “I’m confident in my abilities, I’ve been on the podium six times in the past two seasons and I work as hard for my sponsors as anyone in racing,” the Las Vegas native reveals. “We run a clean program and I hope the integrity of my race program pays off as we head to Glen Helen this weekend.”
Jimmy Stephensen is ready for battle at Glen Helen
Look for Jimmy Stephensen to be back on the podium this weekend as LOORRS travels to Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California for Rounds 9 and 10 of short course action. For the latest updates from the No Fear Energy / Skin Industries team follow Jimmy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimmy.stephensen.
