May 24, 2011 - SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Metal Mulisha founder and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year "The General" Brian Deegan earned podium spots in his performances in rounds Five and Six of the 2011 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series. Brian took the pole in the Pro 2 Unlimited qualifiers, recorded an exciting last-lap win in Saturday's Pro Lite Race, came from last to third in the Pro 2's on Saturday and backed up Saturday's Pro Lite win with another on Sunday.
Brian and the Metal Mulisha team dedicated the weekend's events to team member Jeff "Ox" Kargola, who recently passed away after an off-road motorcycle crash in Baja, Mexico.
In Pro 2 Unlimited qualifiers, Brian started strong with an opening lap of 46.383 and continued to hold on to the lead through the end, earning his first-ever Pro 2 Unlimited pole position. In doing so, Brian became the first driver other than Rob MacCachren to take pole position in this category this year.
Brian had a hard-fought and exciting race to third place in Saturday's Pro 2 competition. After suffering a flat, Brian pulled into the hot pits, which put him into last position. Brian battled up the field all the way up from last, racing Ampudia from the final corner to snag third place - actually crossing the finish with another rear flat, but making the podium.
In Saturday's Pro Lite Unlimited Race, Brian had another intense battle in his #38 Lucas Oil/Metal Mulisha/Rockstar Ford, starting in the third row, a four-way battle quickly developed. Jimmy Stephensen spun out to drop him down in the order moving Brian into third after passing Rodrigo Ampudia just ahead of the competition yellow flag. The field returned to green and with one lap to go Brian closed in on leader Chris Brandt. In turn two, Brian made his move to the front, with a last-lap pass on Brant for the lead, earning Brian his third win of the year. "I dedicated the whole weekend to my buddy and teammate Ox. I thought, 'I'm either gonna win or go down trying," said Brian after the race.
In Sunday's Pro Lite Unlimited Brian qualified first and started in the second row. After an intense battle throughout the first half of the race, Brian made a move on Brandt and made it stick all the way to the end. Brian won the race and narrowed the gap in points on the leader board.
In Sunday's Pro 2 Unlimited, Brian started on the pole and quickly got into a battle with Carl Renezeder. Brian's helmet pumper failed, causing his lens to fog. He battled through only to end up in contact with MacCachren. Midway through the race Brian was pushed out by MacCachren into other drivers, causing a pile up and putting Brian back into last position. With his hood folded back blocking his vision, Brian was able to stay in the game and race his truck to a hard-fought fourth place finish.
Following both Pro 2 Unlimited races Brian auction off signed fiberglass to benefit The Loma Linda Children's Foundation. All proceeds were donated to The Loma Linda Children's Hospital, which serves a population of 1.2 million children in Southern California and is a major pediatric teaching facility for Loma Linda University School of Medicine, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and other health professionals. Donations can be made at www.llu.edu/giving/DeeganforKids.
About Brian Deegan
Motocross legend, founder of Metal Mulisha and 2010 Lucas Oil Rider of the Year, "The General" Brian Deegan is one of the most decorated action sport athletes to-date. Brian holds the record for most X Games Medals and is the only rider to compete in at least one event each year since the X Games' inception. In 2011, Brian will continue to test the limits in FMX, Pro 2 and Pro Lite Short Course, Rally, Rally Cross and Stock Car racing. Brian is sponsored by Rockstar Energy Drink, Metal Mulisha, Ford, Lucas Oil, Makita Power Industrial Tools, MAXXIS Tires, Etnies, Gibson Exhaust Systems, 4 Wheel Parts, Von Zipper, MSR, Pro Taper, My Plash Prepaid Mastercard, Fathead, Brembo, K & N, PPG, VP Racing Fuels, Fox Shocks, Mastercraft Safety, MSD Ignitions, Impact Racing, Eibach Springs, McKenzies, and Fiberwerx.
About the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is the evolution of the long standing support of short course racing by Forrest Lucas and Lucas Oil Products. Steeped in the Midwest tradition of short course off road racing infused with a West Coast influence, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing brings intense four wheel door to door action to challenging, fan friendly tracks. Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series: This is Short Course. For more information please visit test3 www.LucasOilOffRoad.com.