Jay, OK
The Championship Off-Road (COR) series concluded its 2023 season at the growing MidAmerica Outdoors venue. Unfortunately for the racers, wet weather forced officials to forgo practice and qualifying. Saturday racing was a go, and Sunday’s was forfeited, so it all came down to Round 12 as the season’s final race. However, neither racers nor officials knew if Sunday would be canceled.
Alumicraft buggy ace Mark Steinhardt busted a commanding performance and took to the front of the field after the start. He gained the lead before the competition caution and picked up two points for his efforts. He would retain the front position and went on to finish as the race victor. Mark captured six race wins, allowing him to claim the 2023 Pro Buggy Championship with a 22-point lead.
“The 2023 Champ Off-Road Pro Buggy ended on a very high note for Steinhardt Racing,” Mark reported. “After qualifying on Friday was canceled due to rain, the inversion was drawn and set according to points position. An inversion of 4 was drawn, which put me in the third starting position. With very little track time, we did not change the Alumicraft Pro Buggy, so it was uncertain what would play out. At the drop of the green flag, I was able to move into second place in turn one and the leader pushed wide in turn two. I was able to take the lead. After that, I laid down some smooth, fast laps and led at halfway, gaining some valuable points.”
Steinhardt continued, “After the restart, the Alumicraft car worked flawlessly and I was able to hold off a hard charge from second place and secure the fifth win of the season. So, the 2023 Pro Buggy Points Champion was crowned to the Steinhardt Racing Alumicraft Pro Buggy with support from Argonne Lumber, Guaranteed Rate, and Laundry Lobbie.”
Fellow Alumicraft racers Mike Kirkham and Cole Bernloehr finished the Round 12 podium in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
This final event shake-up saw points leader Billy Buth sidelined with difficulties. However, Buth’s consistent season-long effort yielded two wins, one during the World Championship race in Crandon and another eight podium finishes to finish the season in 2nd place overall.
Mike Kirkham also campaigned super consistent season, earning six podiums and finishing third overall.
Alumicraft Race Cars would like to congratulate Mark Steinhardt for his monumental year of racing to become the 2023 Pro Buggy Champion. We also recognize every Alumicraft customer who has raced successfully, for we also enjoy every victory, podium, race finish, and celebration with you. Cheers to all on a marvelous season.
It does seem strange not to have the premier mid-west short course series end the competitions on Labor Day weekend at Crandon. But, we do recognize the CHAMP series for pushing the sport into new markets. Working with a tremendous venue like MidAmerica Outdoors and its crown jewel race course and facility foreshadows another appealing feather in the cap for the sport. We see great things in the future for short-course racing and look forward to the 2024 season.
If you are ready to take on the best off-road buggy racers next year, consider starting this year with the champion’s car of choice. Connect with Alumicraft for an expert consultation on what it takes to race and win. Call 619-596-9841 or go to drivealumicraft.com to find out more about our race products and services.
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