Big Sky 200!

Change. It's not how we look at it, it's how we adapt. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome. That's what we do. KOH was the turning point for this team's drive and determination to pursue a program that brought the basics back into racing.

Finishing both Proving Grounds Racing rigs at KOH was a true testament to the limits of what we can accomplish. Podium finish with Joe in the 4500 class, and a 21st overall finish for John in the 4400 Unlimited class. These drivers trust their team, their machine, and their wits while battling it out against the elements in Ultra4 fashion. What better way to tail off of the success from KOH then to head north to the Big Sky 200 and race amongst the fastest in Montana? With growth and changes in the team, this will give Joe Gatlin his first race as driver of the 4400 unlimited Miller Motorsports Chassis while John Dicus co-dogs and PGR owner, John Grounds, takes command as crew chief.

Prerun

As the team travels from multiple states to arrive in Montana, it's no question why they call it "Big Sky 200" with over 10,000 acres of land to race amongst, the skyline can be seen from eye to eye. Yellowstone Off-Road Racing has put together this amazing series and established a course like no other. Last year the team battled with Bailey Cole for a 2nd place finish in 4400. This year prerunning would be important to learn the course, and for Joe to learn the car. The boys set off for the 41 mile course. This race will be 5 laps, over 200 miles to battle out with the best. With John Dicus learning the navigation settings on the GPS and Joe finding his place in the car, the boys found themselves in a pickle after cutting too sharp of a switchback and ending up on their side. No Miller cars were harmed in the making of this prerun, but Joe got a good taste of the limitations for this rig.

Qualifying

After hitting the qualifying course in prerun the boys knew they needed to be quick with the dust on course so they'd have clean air which makes for a much better day of racing. Every second counts in qualifying. With the 3.7 mile qualifying course the boys ripped off the line with the green flag. Our good friends Zack and Hopper from The Pit Guys were on site giving play by play on qualifying. Fast is smooth and smooth is fast. Joe and John were sinking into the groove of being the newly paired duo in the 4400 Miller Pro Chassis and their qualifying time was to show for it. Coming off the two jumps and into the Talladega turn like a bat out of hell, they landed a swift qualifier putting them into 4th off the line, but 2nd in class.

Race day

The Afternoon sun was shining over the big sky and planes of Montana. With little to no wind, today would be a battle of attrition and agility making moves in the stagnate dust and waiting for the right moments to make passes. With two Brenthal Trick Trucks off the line first, an IFS Ultra4 car, then the boys, the rest of the pack had their work cut out for them if they were going to catch the leaders. Our team was lucky enough to share pits and support from our friends at Fire River Racing, based out of Colorado. With the green flag waving, the team set off for what they do best, RACE! Picking up the speed from prerunning Joe was getting a better feel for the transitions in the turns and the feel for the mobility of the chassis. From high speed 70 mph jumps to wide open throttle across the fields of Montana.

John Dicus on the Rugged Radios was crystal clear through every mile with their new M1 digital radios. Communication is such a critical part in racing from split times to needs in the pits! As the boys rounded lap one to lap 2, they sat into the groove of the car. We knew with mileage that we would be doing a fuel stop after lap 2. With changes to the co-driver floor board, John's feet were building up too much heat. Larry in the pits was able to grab heatshield layers to circumvent the issues when they rolled into the pit. Taking 20 gallons of fuel the boys were back out into the wild keeping the competition behind them as they stuck out into first position after lap 2.

As lap 4 rounded the corner the heat of the day was beating down on the boys. With fatigue mistakes can be made easier, getting comfortable in the car can also become more likely to lose the mindset of being focused. As the laps went on in a tighter section the team checked up for a rocky section to save the tires. While losing sight of the danger the boys barreled through giving the ultimate test to our BFGoodrich 40" tires and Dirty Life Race Wheels. Like the rest of the car, they just took the beating. With a sigh of relief from Dicus, the focus was brought back as the boys stopped back in for water, and some fuel. With this quick splash of fuel, they took off like a rocket to start the last lap.

Taking on the final lap, the boys had to keep clean air, minimal mistakes, and stay focused on what's ahead. The car had performed all day long, the Fox Shocks smooth in the transitions, while the PRP Seats kept the boys comfortable all day long! With no large rock formations or boulders our Tom Wood's Drive Shafts got to take a break from the rock rash, but they were on the move with the high speeds all day long. Half way through the last lap we heard over the coms there was trouble with the fuel cutting in and out on the car. With the switch of the fuel pumps the boys were back into action but knew that was the last pump they had if they were running low on fuel or if there was an issue with fuel delivery. Steadfast strides and teamwork led the 4415 across the finish line in first place for the Big Sky 200!

The devotion from the team, drivers, friends, and partners is what makes everything come together. The magnitude in making a seamless day happen isn’t taken on by one person, it’s a team. From friends afar, to partners in the program, we drove the car as one to the finish. Without our partners and supporters weekends like this wouldn’t be possible. From Summit Racing's support on parts and equipment, to Holley Performance in helping update our ECU. Every effort is added into our success.

We have new beginnings coming. Bringing the heart back into the program so be on the lookout for a retro throwback to the beginning days on Proving Grounds Racing. Stay on pace with us as we enter in the second half of the season, with more racing, shows, and events to come!