Mechanical Issues and Race Contact Keep Greg Adler Off Podium in LOORRS Opener

Greg Adler racing at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, in Chandler, Arizona

Adler battled to the third position in both races in Chandler, Arizona before having truck issues

K&N-sponsored Greg Adler and Team 4 Wheel Parts began their assault on the 2017 short course off-road racing season in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun. The season got off to a hot start…literally. The temperatures at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, in Chandler, Arizona, were unseasonably hot with temperatures flirting with triple digits for the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) season kick off.

The series' marquee Pro4 division drivers took little time in demonstrating just how anxious they were to get back to racing and to put on a spectacular show for the fans in attendance. That first-race adrenaline manifested itself in an abundance of aggressive driving. The first three laps of the race were littered with caution flags and extreme contact. Doing his best to stay free of the carnage, Adler methodically worked his way through the field.

"After a few days here at the track setting up, testing, and then qualifying for the race, these guys were ready to go today," said Adler. "It took us the first three laps just to get a clean start, but when we did, it developed into a great race. There was plenty of beating and banging but that's what Pro4 racing is. This is not a sport for the timid."

Shop-work on Adler's truck Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, in Chandler, Arizona

Adler's team burned the midnight oil to get his damaged truck back in shape for race two

While trying to steer clear of some of the unreasonably aggressive driving at Wild Horse, Adler continued his pursuit of the leaders as he battled towards podium contention. With ten laps to go in the 18-lap main event, he made his move with a strong pass to capture into the third spot. Unfortunately, as Alder battled to maintain the position, there was a mechanical failure that abruptly halted his advance and ended his day.

"We were on a good run and had the speed to finish strong today. Things move quickly out there. We raced hard, made some passes, and moved through the field to put ourselves in a great spot. Then in a moment, the truck has an issue and your race is done."

After a late night, Crew Chief Mike Seat and the 4 Wheel Parts team had the 900-HP Pro4 ready for the second race of the weekend's doubleheader. A solid qualifying effort secured a second row start for Adler. When the flag dropped, a fantastic start resulted in Adler moving into the third spot. With a tightly packed field jostling for position, Adler’s #10 truck made contact with another racer. The contact damaged Adler’s front tire, which would present a serious dilemma just laps later.

Just after the mid-point in the race, Adler was solidly planted in third but was facing a difficult choice. He could opt for a tire change or he could stay on the course and risk potentially catastrophic damage to his truck. Adler elected to pull off the track and into the pits.

Even with a quick return to the track, Adler found himself a lap down to the leaders, a gap that would prove insurmountable. While he finished the event, the result was not indicative of the on-track effort and pace he maintained throughout the day.

Greg Adler racing at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, in Chandler, Arizona

Adler (left) leads fellow K&N-sponsored racer Bradley Morris

"It's disappointing," said Adler. "The guys were up late to give me a great truck and we came out battling for a podium. Today was a much different race. For the most part, everyone kept it clean and there weren't a lot of opportunities for us to get caught up with the field. What we do know is that this team has a strong chin and can take a punch. We stayed on our feet to make sure we brought it home to the finish today. Now we're going to be coming out swinging in Ensenada."

Certainly Adler and Team 4 Wheel Parts will be chomping at the bit for the return to Chandler which is scheduled as the site for the season finale. However, there is a lot of racing in various venues before that return will come to fruition.

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