2nd Place Finish at BITD Terrible’s Town 250 Keeps
Robison and LaRoza Ahead in Mini Truck Points Chase

(Pahrump, Nevada) The newly formed LaRoza Racing truck team struggled through radio communication problems and a broken transfer case to finish a hard fought and well earned second place in the 7300 Stock Production Mini Truck class at this last weekend’s Best in the Desert series Terrible’s Town 250. Austin Robison of Chandler, Arizona and team principal Steve LaRoza shared driving duties in the single loop 250 mile event that started and finished in Pahrump, Nevada. Their second place finish in this second of five rounds of the 2006 Best in the Desert series schedule allowed Robison and LaRoza to stay atop the points chase for the Mini Truck class.

Race Action
Robison started the #7313 Ford / BF Goodrich / LaRoza Construction backed Ford Ranger FX4 third off the line in the 7300 class which had a total of seven trucks for the race. Navigator Pete Miller rode right seat for Robison’s 125 mile stint of the event. Despite a race long loss of radio communication, Robison was able to turn the #7313 entry over to team owner Steve LaRoza without incident, and during his stint had deftly maneuvered his way to the front of the Mini Truck class with a comfortable eight minute lead.

LaRoza took over the Ford Ranger FX4 at the fifth of eight pit areas and drove to the finish, but began suffering problems with the transfer case almost immediately upon beginning his sting. In an attempt to conserve the vehicle for the remaining 125 miles, LaRoza wisely adopted a conservative strategy and was forced to allow the second placed truck through to the lead. LaRoza’s smart drive, who he shared with his daughter Ashley, ensured that the team secured important points for the championship.

Driver Quote - Austin Robison
Overall I think we had a pretty good race. I really wish that the radios had worked better. I couldn't tell what our gap was to second place, but we can't complain too much. Second place still lets us keep our points lead in the 7300 class, and we'll take that to the next race.

Upcoming Events
Robison will again join the LaRoza Racing squad for the TSCO Vegas to Reno race to be held August 24th through the 26th. The LaRoza Racing crew will be hard at work over the next three months preparing the #7313 entry for the traditionally grueling TSCO event. The Vegas to Reno race will take on an added dimension of difficulty as it will be increased to 600 miles for this year's event and represents an especially important championship points earning opportunity.

For more info on our next event, the TSCO Vegas to Reno Race visit http://www.bitd.com .