Short course – Syndication Server

AOE cancels 2024 National Short Course Series plans

American Outdoor Events will not go ahead with the 2024 National Short Course series announced in September. The Oklahoma-based organization intended to run a seven-race national multi-class short-course series at venues located between the West …

American Outdoor Events will not go ahead with the 2024 National Short Course series announced in September.

The Oklahoma-based organization intended to run a seven-race national multi-class short-course series at venues located between the West Coast and the Midwest, including Bark River, ERX, Crandon and the newly-completed MidAmerica Outdoors. It would have filled a gap created when the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series folded in 2020.

“After serious consideration, discussion, and additional research, American Outdoor Events has decided to not move forward with the 2024 National Short Course series announced earlier this year. The original focus and purpose of AOE and MidAmerica Outdoors was a family-focused outdoors park that impacts the Northeast Oklahoma area. AOE will refocus their energy more closely to home and more in alignment with the original vision of the founders,” read a statement issued by AOE’s Jason Robinett.

“There are many details that still need to be communicated, but we wanted to allow drivers and marketing partners to know as soon as possible out of respect for their 2024 planning and budgeting processes. Short Course is a healthy and vibrant segment of American Motorsports and there are many other strong organizations that will still be carrying the mission forward.

“Additional details will be communicated over the next few weeks regarding the other racing series owned and operated by AOE as the team re-evaluates our racing programs individually in context of our primary goals and vision.

“We look forward to producing even bigger and better events at MidAmerica Outdoors in 2024 as we narrow our scope, expand our impact on the local community, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm.”

Kyle LeDuc, 1981-2023

Editor’s note: LeDuc’s wife, Amber, offered clarification that LeDuc suffered from cardiac arrest and did not, in fact, lose his battle with cancer. Off-road racing legend Kyle LeDuc has died. He was 42. LeDuc fought stage four head and neck cancer …

Editor’s note: LeDuc’s wife, Amber, offered clarification that LeDuc suffered from cardiac arrest and did not, in fact, lose his battle with cancer.

Off-road racing legend Kyle LeDuc has died. He was 42.

LeDuc fought stage four head and neck cancer since last November, making his diagnosis public at the start of June when he declared he would be sitting out of the 2023 season to focus on his recovery. He remained optimistic of recovering though, regularly posting Instagram updates from his workshop as he aimed to return to the track.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Championship Off-Road said: “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the news that seven-time Pro 4 champion Kyle LeDuc has passed away after a year-long battle with cancer.

“LeDuc remains a legend in the off-road world and one of the winningest drivers in short-course history, including the 2020 Championship Off-Road Pro 4 title. He was a passionate champion and intense competitor whose infectious energy will be missed on and off the track.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the LeDuc family and everyone at Kyle LeDuc 99 Racing.”

LeDuc, more recently an Extreme E race winner alongside Sara Price, flying high over the Chilean hills for Chip Ganassi Racing. Charly Lopez/Motorsport Images

LeDuc hailed from an off-road racing dynasty, the son of Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer and Dakar veteran Curt LeDuc and brother to multiple champion and Pro 2 and Class 8 champion Todd.

Across his career, LeDuc notched up seven Pro 4 championships – six in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series and one in the more recently-formed Championship Off-Road series, plus a pair of Pro Lite titles, three Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series challenge cups, two Pro 4 world championships and two LOORRS driver of the year titles. All-in-all, he had over 100 race victories.

In 2022 LeDuc finished runner-up to C.J. Greaves in the Championship Off-Road Pro 4 series, denying him an eighth crown in the category, while in the international arena he helped Chip Ganassi Racing to its first Extreme E round win alongside Sara Price in Sardinia.

Le Duc is survived by his wife Amber and their two children.

American Outdoor Events releases 2024 plans for expansive regional short course off-road series

American Outdoor Events (AOE) has released plans for the unification of regional racers currently competing in separate series around the country in a move designed to complement the new national Pro short course off-road series announced on …

The yet-to-be-named series will unify Sportsman category racers in a wide variety of truck, buggy and side-by-side classes current running under the Great American Shortcourse (GAS) series in the west, the Midwest Off-Road Racing (MORR) group in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota, and the MidAmerica Racing (MAO Racing) group competing in Oklahoma and Missouri.

Current plans also include the expansion of regional short course off-road racing to the eastern United States for an East region in 2025.

The regional purses for 2024 will be a combined total over $1,000,000 with a minimum $300,000 series purse per region. This $1 million is in addition to the $1.5 million race and prize package already on the table as part of the new national Pro short course series.

“Grassroots regional racing is the heart and soul of off-road motorsports. Families building cars together, coming to the track, spending time outdoors, and drivers getting seat time to develop their skills are critical to the long-term fun and success of short course racing on all levels” said Jason Robinett, Owner and CEO of American Outdoors Events.

“We are proud to continue evolving our support in the growth of Sportsman classes nationally the same way we have been growing regionally with our MAO Racing and MidAmerica Outdoors series the last four years.”

A key component to this unification will be the standardization of safety and tech rules over the coming years – a much-needed development for a wide variety of vehicles that will allow competitors to race in a multitude of AOE-produced events. AOE will also be offering racer development classes focused on media and sponsorship education to help teams grow their social media presence and increase value for sponsors.

Image courtesy of Great American Shortcourse

For 2024, each region will continue to run its existing rulebook (with seasonal updates). An updated unified rulebook for 2025 will help ensure each region is consistent and drivers can race anywhere under the same tech and safety rules. This will help reduce cost for teams and provide more choices when it comes to where to race. Each region will also have flexibility in classes run to allow for regional flavor and top-notch racing.

Each of the three regions will have a full race season with the Pro race series joining them for key events on specific race dates. When the Pro series is racing with the regional series, there will be opportunities for up-and-coming regional racers to earn entry into the Pro races that are televised. Each region will also have its full series livestreamed on AOE.tv and SpeedSport.tv for free.

Pro and Regional racers will combine for major 2024 events at legendary Crandon International Raceway for June’s 31st Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run and Labor Day weekend’s massive 54th Polaris Crandon World Championships. The groups will also come together at Minnesota’s ERX Motor Park on July 12 – 14 and at Michigan’s Bark River International Raceway on August 9 – 11.

The MidAmerica Racing series will combine with the new AOE Pro series at the MidAmerica Outdoors park in Jay, Oklahoma September 20 – 22nd and again October 11 – 13th at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.

West coast regional racers in the GAS series can also look forward to joining the AOE Pro series for one weekend of competition in early 2024 with expanded dates in 2025. The date and location for this season opener are still being finalized.

The Regional short course racing series will open a wealth of fresh and dynamic opportunities for industry-leading marketing partners nationally, regionally, and locally. As the programs gain momentum, sponsors will have the chance to align their brand with the excitement and passion that short course racing embodies wherever they are comfortable. By partnering with American Outdoors Events, businesses can connect with a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base, amplifying their reach and impact across a multitude of platforms and race series.

The series name, branding, broadcast platforms and corporate partnerships are scheduled to be unveiled Thursday, December 7 at the PRI show in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to a formal press conference and driver introductions, AOE will also be hosting series summits for race teams, tracks and corporate partners.

National pro off-road series announced by American Outdoor Events

Created to elevate the highly visceral and dynamic form of motorsports that is short-course off-road racing to a national level, Oklahoma-based American Outdoors Events has announced plans for its highly anticipated national short-course off-road racing series. Scheduled to formally launch at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show later this year, the yet-to-be-named series will focus attention back towards the sport’s best drivers and fastest unlimited vehicles.

Focusing on providing long-term stability and growth, the series will include seven events from California to the heart of the Midwest. The program will showcase some of the most renowned tracks in the sport, including the legendary Bark River, the thrilling ERX, and the historic Crandon Wisconsin Speedway.

Nestled in scenic northern Michigan, Bark River offers a picturesque backdrop for intense short course racing. Known for its challenging terrain and fast-paced action, Bark River has become a fan favorite among racing enthusiasts.

ERX, located in the heart of Minnesota, offers a unique and exhilarating experience for both racers and spectators with world-class facilities and a meticulously designed track.

The cornerstone of that schedule includes two stops at the prestigious Crandon International Raceway in Crandon, Wisconsin. Also known as the “Big House,” the iconic venue also plays host to the two largest events in off-road short-course racing — June’s Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run weekend and Labor Day weekend’s Polaris Crandon World Championship and Red Bull Cup Sunday.

The inaugural 2024 season will then take a swing to America’s heartland, with a second annual appearance at the newly complete MidAmerica Outdoors in Jay, Oklahoma — a versatile off-road destination offering a variety of terrain to test the skills of the sport’s elite — before crowning a champion at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.

The series will refocus attention on the sport’s premier drivers, teams, and vehicles, including unlimited trucks, buggies and the exploding SxS market. It will feature a lineup of Pro4, Pro2, Pro Lite, Pro Buggy, Pro Turbo SxS, and Pro N/A SxS classes, promising an unparalleled off-road racing experience for competitors and fans alike. Several additional categories are being considered to round out a full roster of race weekend competitions.

The 2024 AOE Pro series schedule will be the ultimate test for both drivers and their vehicles, with $1.5 million in total purse money up for grabs, with an additional $200,000 available for Pro category racers at next year’s 9th annual Red Bull World Cup at Crandon International Raceway. This substantial purse fund underscores AOE’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the dedication and skill of off-road racers.

A key component to the newly created AOE series management team is a Board of Directors comprised of American motorsports executives with deep resumes from a variety of racing backgrounds. In addition to AOE founders Jason and Gayla Robinett, the leadership group for AOE and the new national series includes current Crandon promoter and Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Marty Fiolka, former Penske Motorsports executive and IMSA CEO and President Scott Atherton, Off-Road Hall of Fame inductee and current CEO of NASCAR’s Legacy Motor Club team Cal Wells, and Paul Pfanner, CEO of Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. and founder of RACER magazine, RACER.com and RACER Studio.

The AOE series will also be bolstered by its expanded media partnership with SPEED SPORT, headed by industry veteran Joe Tripp. SPEED SPORT, the oldest American motorsports news and media brand, recently launched its own TV network dubbed SPEED SPORT 1. Tripp will lead the effort to develop the new series’ production and broadcast strategy for 2024, with an emphasis on live broadcast programming on a national network and digital platforms next season.

Another critical element to the AOE Pro Series off-road series is team member Brad Snyder, founder of NewScope Marketing Inc. A key vendor to Ford for event activations around the country, Snyder and NewScope will manage the build-out and logistics for an expansive armada of series executional, hospitality and marketing enhancement at all series events for 2024 and beyond.

“Today’s announcement represents a historic first in the history of off-road racing, both in terms of size and scope,” said Jason Robinett. “We have spent nearly a year assembling the very best facilities, events and management team members to establish a commitment to excellence right from the start. We are anxious to share more details of our inaugural season over the coming months.”

Furthermore, the national short-course racing series opens a wealth of fresh and dynamic opportunities for industry-leading marketing partners. By partnering with American Outdoors Events, businesses can connect with a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base, amplifying their reach and impact.

American Outdoors Events is a leading organizer of motorsport events. The AOE corporate umbrella incorporates a wide ranging and expanding portfolio of regional and national motorsports platforms, including Ultra4 USA, Great American Shortcourse, American SxS Takeover, America Pro Rock Racing, MidAmerica Outdoors and MAO SxS Racing.

SPEED SPORT 1, Outdoor America networks spotlight off-road racing with “Off-Road Week”

SPEED SPORT has announced plans for a weeklong promotion dedicated to off-road racing that will air on its new live motorsports network, SPEED SPORT 1, along with its sister network Outdoor America. Off-Road Week will feature race productions from …

SPEED SPORT has announced plans for a weeklong promotion dedicated to off-road racing that will air on its new live motorsports network, SPEED SPORT 1, along with its sister network Outdoor America.

Off-Road Week will feature race productions from this season’s Ultra4 USA and MidAmerica Truck races — broadcast in primetime Monday, August 28 — Thursday, August 31 on both networks.

“Welcome to Funville,” a SPEED SPORT original documentary, will premiere on Thursday night. The one-hour film explores the back story and vision of the fastest-growing off-road and outdoor recreation park in the country — MidAmerica Outdoors, located in Jay, Okla.

Friday, September 1, Off Road Week shifts to live programming on SPEED SPORT 1 from the 54th Crandon Polaris World Championships and Red Bull World Cup at Wisconsin’s Crandon International Raceway.

Coverage begins at 12:00pm ET with the 54th annual Lucas Oil Crandon Labor Day Parade and SPEED SPORT LIVE From Crandon, Presented by Toyota. The fast-paced, informative program, hosted by veteran motorsports broadcasters Ralph Sheheen and Ken Stout, will setup the biggest weekend in off-road racing with live interviews with the biggest names in off road racing, insider news and analysis, and include editorial from SPEED SPORT’s team of broadcast journalists on the scene.

Friday evening, LIVE racing coverage begins at 6pm ET from CIR, affectionately known as “The Big House,” for the Forest County Potawatomi Friday Night Thunder with Ultra4 USA short-course racing as well as first-ever Pro-Lite versus Pro Buggy Crandon Cup-style race.

The evening will be capped off by vintage Class 11 Volkswagens taking on Crandon’s famed track before iconic rock band KISS takes the Rock N ’Brew stage for the Crandon Rocks 2023 concert presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel. The stadium-style show will be the only Wisconsin appearance for KISS in their “End of the Road” tour.

“Off Road Week is the culmination of a growing partnership with MidAmerica Outdoors and Ultra4 USA”, said Joe Tripp, SPEED SPORT CEO. “Our production team has been working closely with the MidAmerica group all year, and we’re excited to share it with our Outdoor America and SPEED SPORT 1 audiences.”

On Saturday, Sept. 2, LIVE Ultra4 USA racing continues under the lights on SPEED SPORT 1 at 7pm ET for the Project X “Rage on the Rocks.” There won’t be a bad seat in the house as off-road fans enjoy the newly expanded “Crandonland” Ultra4 USA area and hospitality, and linger for live music, hospitality, and fun all hosted by Ultra4 USA.

“We are excited to grow and support the outdoor and offroad lifestyle, especially where people and families can come out together. Our partnership with SPEED SPORT is just the start of bringing such passion fueled and adrenaline inducing sports into your home.” says Jason Robinett, owner and CEO of American Outdoor Events. “It’s iconic and family friendly destinations like Crandon that really highlight the future of our programs. It’s a perfect fit that the culmination of Off-Road Week will be the 54th Crandon Polaris World Championships and Red Bull World Cup at Wisconsin’s famed Crandon International Raceway.”

Sunday, September 3 is the big day at Crandon — and SPEED SPORT 1, as well as live simulcast partners AOE.tv, RACER.com, Race-Dezert.com, Polaris and Continental Tire will provide free LIVE coverage of the Red Bull Crandon World Cup starting at 11am ET. Off-road racing’s most prestigious day offers the world’s best Pro category drivers the chance to earn a record purse and Crandon World Championship rings. Red Bull World Cup Sunday fires up with the unlimited Pro 4 Crandon World Championship race, followed by the high-performance Pro 2 category. Two Lucas Oil SxS Crandon World Championship races are next, followed by Class 11, Ultra4 USA Class 4400, Pro Buggy, Pro Spec and then the Pro Lite classes.

The day concludes with the biggest prize of all – the annual Red Bull Cup race. Featuring both the unlimited Pro 2 and Pro 4 trucks, the sport’s most recognized names battle for 10 laps and a huge payday after taking a timed, staggered start.

SPEED SPORT, the official production and media partner for MidAmerica, and Ultra4 USA, is packaging and producing the event coverage, along with Crandon International Raceway and the TRG Rennsport agency. Its LIVE From Crandon Presented by Toyota live desk, hosted by Ralph Sheheen, Ken Stout, Wade Aunger, and Arica Alread, will provide insight, analysis and interviews to supplement its live race coverage.

“For years our vision has focused on sharing the excitement of our Polaris Crandon World Championship and Red Bull World Cup Sunday via a multiple of top-level motorsports platforms, explained Crandon Promoter Marty Fiolka. “For 2023 our partners at SPEED SPORT are bringing this vision to even greater heights. Adding the SPEED SPORT Live From show throughout the weekend will real add to the viewer experience — both onsite and at home.”

SPEED SPORT, in conjunction with its streaming platform Riivet, its new motorsports network SPEED SPORT 1 and its sister network Outdoor America, is taking an innovative approach to maximizing audience and engagement, leveraging multiple free live OTT platforms, strategic simulcast partners AOE.tv, RACER.com and Race-Dezert.com, and a carefully crafted social media strategy. Collectively the networks reach more than 200 million households — and every broadcast will be free to watch on every platform.

SPEED SPORT 1 is available free on iOS, Apple TV and Amazon Fire, and at its website SPEEDSPORT1.com. To get SS1, visit https://www.speedsport1.com/how-to-get-ss1/.

Outdoor America is available on every major FAST and OTT television platform, including Samsung TV Plus, YouTube TV, and more. Visit https://outdooramerica.com for more information.

Stream the 54th Polaris Crandon World Championships

RACER.com will be live streaming the 54th Polaris Crandon World Championships this Friday, Sept. 1, from 11:00am-12:00pm CT, and Sunday, Sept. 3, 10:00am-7:30pm CT. For 54 years, Crandon International Raceway’s nickname of the “Big House” was built …

RACER.com will be live streaming the 54th Polaris Crandon World Championships this Friday, Sept. 1, from 11:00am-12:00pm CT, and Sunday, Sept. 3, 10:00am-7:30pm CT.

For 54 years, Crandon International Raceway’s nickname of the “Big House” was built on hosting and producing the world’s biggest and best off-road races. That reputation has only grown since the track’s epic 50th anniversary in 2019 thanks to constantly expanding participation by race teams and record attendance. Yet nothing in Crandon’s storied history has eclipsed the upcoming Polaris Crandon World Championships and Red Bull World Cup weekend.

From a Friday night stadium-level Crandon Rocks KISS concert presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotels to four-action packed days and nights of 51 racing events, the 2023 Polaris Crandon World Championships and Red Bull World Cup reflect a highly cooperative convergence of three race series, engaged corporate partners and more than 425 competitors expected from America, Mexico and Canada.

With 2,100 fan and racer sites in Camp Crandon (sold out a record six months in advance) and the addition of an estimated 15,000-plus fans for the KISS “End of the Road” tour concert, track officials are preparing for a combined weekend crowd of more than 80,000 guests to the 400-acre facility — easily the largest ever at Crandon.

Featuring the Pro and Sportsman classes of the AMSOIL Championship Off-Road Series, the rock-pounding Ultra4 USA Series and the new crowd favorite of the Class 11 category for classic Volkswagen Beetles, the weekend offers fans the highest quality of competition the sport has to offer. Crandon is the largest, oldest and most prestigious short-course off-road race in the world, and gathers the best drivers going all-out to win coveted Crandon World Championship titles and rings for all class winners (Saturday for Sportsman and Sunday for Pro categories).

Crandon’s 2023 World Championship schedule includes several new additions designed to keep fans entertained all weekend long. Thursday will feature full all-day practice and qualifying before the spotlight shines on the sport’s youngest racers as part of first annual Crandon Youth Cup. Six categories of drivers ranging from age seven to 18 will compete for cash, prizes, and the weekend’s first checkered flags.

Friday’s 54th Lucas Oil Labor Day Parade will kick-off a big day in fine style, with all the race teams welcome to bring their vehicles to downtown Crandon before an old-fashioned parade celebrates a favorite American holiday. Then it’s back to the track for an afternoon and early schedule of AMSOIL Championship Off Road and Ultra4 USA racing, including the first ever Crandon Cup-style race featuring a duel between Pro Lite and Pro Buggy racers separated by a timed staggered start.

That full slate of races are a preliminary warm-up act for the KISS concert, which takes place on the facilities concert grounds beginning at 9:00pm. Produced in association with the Potawatomi Casino Hotel and Rock N’ Brews Restaurants, tickets for the Crandon Rocks KISS concert are available at www.crandonrocks.com.