TORC Series Rounds 7 and 8: Jenkins Brothers Racing
Brings High-Flying Action To Bark River

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Bark River, MI (July 11, 12)—THE Traxxas Off-Road Championship made its first appearance at Michigan's Bark River International Speedway for Rounds 7 and 8 of the premier short-course racing series, and Jenkins Brothers Racing was there to fly the Traxxas colors in the Pro 2WD and Pro 4X4 classes. Over 12,000 enthusiastic off-road racing fans came out to see the racing action and enjoyed some of the closest and most thrilling battles yet. After a rough start on Saturday, Sunday's Round 8 action saw strong performances from both Jenkins brothers as they continue the drive for the podium.

 

Mike Jenkins: Pro 4X4

 

In what seemed to be a pattern for Traxxas racers during Rounds 7 and 8, Mike Jenkins had to sit out Saturday’s action due to mechanical problems, and pulled his number 47 Pro 4X4 truck off the course during the first lap. Back on the track in Round 8, Mike and his machine looked dialed as he skillfully piloted the #47 from eighth to fifth in the first 2 laps, briefly dueling with Pro 4X4 points leader Rick Huseman. Mike maintained his fifth place position and was steadily gaining on the lead pack. A testament to Mike's intense speed, #47 flew to the 200-foot mark over Bark River's spectacular big-air jump on lap 4. Unfortunately, a hard landing on the right front wheel broke a heim joint on the suspension and ended Round 8 early for Mike. After the race, Mike said, "Breakage is always disappointing, but I was pleased with the speed of the truck and the pace I was maintaining just before that last jump that tore the suspension apart."

 

 

Mark Jenkins: Pro 2WD

 

Sunday's Round 8 action saw a strong performance from Traxxas Pro 2WD racer Mark Jenkins, brother to Pro 4X4 racer Mike Jenkins. Mark started from twelfth position, but quickly hustled his Traxxas truck into eighth place even before the first lap was in the record books. Mark gained an additional position as a driver pulled off the track during the mandatory mid-race yellow, putting him in seventh. As the green flag flew over another land rush start to unleash the trucks in their final five-lap sprint to the finish, Mark skillfully maneuvered the #25 to stay out of trouble and cut down his lap times as he looked for opportunity. Mike Oberg spun out at the start-finish line allowing Mark the pass into sixth position. Mark then narrowed his sites on fifth-place driver Ricky Johnson, the current Pro 2WD points leader. Mark ran out of laps before he could close the gap on Ricky. After the race, Mark was pleased that he was able to move from twelve to sixth in the race as he continues to gain skill and experience in his quest for the podium.

 

 

 

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