OPTIMA's Christopher Polvoorde wins first ever Great American Short Course - Engine Builder Magazine

OPTIMA’s Christopher Polvoorde wins first ever Great American Short Course

 OPTIMA Batteries, the leading brand of Clarios (NYSE: BBU) (TSX: BBU.UN), has announced that its sponsored driver Christopher Polvoorde has won the Great American Shortcourse (GAS) Pro Lite championship in his Ford Ranger after an incredibly competitive inaugural season.

The GAS series was created after veteran race series director Lee Perfect and race promoter Dave Cole of Hammerking Productions sought to reinvigorate the short course racing circuit, leading to the announcement of the formation of Great American Shortcourse powered by OPTIMA Batteries in February 2021. The series encompassed eight rounds of racing over four weekends between the SBC Fairgrounds in Victorville, Calif. and Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernadino, Calif.

After eight rounds of off-road races in 2021, the OPTIMA Batteries-sponsored driver wins the first-ever Great American Shortcourse series in the Pro Lite class.

Entering the final event of the series, Polvoorde was the leader in points for the championship after finishing on the podium in the first six races. Polvoorde finished first in both rounds of the final event, securing his place as the first Pro Lite Great American Shortcourse champion by a total of 25 points over the runner-up. Season rival Madix Bailey finished second and Jimmy Weitzel placed third.

“We want to support all types of motorsports,” OPTIMA Batteries Director of Marketing Cam Douglass said. “When we saw an opportunity to be part of the reinvention of short course racing, we gladly stepped up to support the series. Christopher is a great kid and we are excited for his success too.”

Following the championship finish in Great American Shortcourse, Polvoorde is headed to Baja California, Mexico to compete for the first time in the SPEC Trophy Truck class of SCORE’s Baja 1000. Accompanied by title sponsor OPTIMA Batteries, the Chris Polvoorde Racing team brings Baja racing legends Dale Ebberts and Steven Eugenio onboard with 13 chase vehicles in tail, two helicopters and one private aircraft.

“Tackling the [Baja] 1000 in my first year of racing the Spec Trophy Truck class is a tall order to fill, but we have an incredible team so I’m confident that we can lay down a great peninsula run and finish this race,” said team owner and racer Christopher Polvoorde. “For a 1,227-mile race, it’s smarter to bring in outside drivers and teams to try and put together the best possible run that we can.”

Polvoorde, Ebberts and Eugenio have been pre-running in Baja California, Mexico leading up to the race. Christopher qualified first in class at the Baja 400, nearly ten seconds faster than the next driver. The Polvoorde team is striving to put the Number 204 OPTIMA Sponsored Spec Trophy Truck on top of the box for the Baja 1000.

You May Also Like

Summit Racing Launches ‘My Garage’

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles and projects, then share them with other My Garage enthusiasts. 

TOPDON USA Donates $25,000 for Auto Techs

TOPDON USA, a provider of cutting-edge technology and advanced tools for auto repair professionals and enthusiasts, has announced the donation of $10,000 cash and $15,000 in products to TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the education, training and career development of aspiring auto technicians. To date, TOPDON has donated over $66,000 to aid organizations

Amsoil Becomes Official Lubricant of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering

AMSOIL INC. has formed a strategic partnership with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) to make AMSOIL products the official lubricants of LPE performance-engineered products. LPE is renowned for its cutting-edge engine builds and engine and chassis tuning components. They also provide component product-development services, durability testing and life-cycle improvements for manufacturers. Founded in 1973, LPE has

Liqui Moly USA Promotes Two to VP of Sales

The two VPs will help assist in shaping the future of the sales department and driving the success of Liqui Moly.

Formula Drift and Partners to Launch Student Program

The 2024 Driven Experience will be free for students and schools, and will include all eight rounds of the 2024 Formula Drift season. 

Other Posts

Motul Partners with Vance & Hines in Numerous Racing Series

Motul’s oils and lubricants will be used by Vance & Hines in King of the Baggers, Twins Cup, and NHRA.

NTK Technologies Announces Merger into Niterra North America, Inc.

NTK Technologies, Inc. has announced it will merge with Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc.). The merger aligns with the organization’s strategy to unify its global brand and aims to enhance its competitiveness and agility in responding to changing business environments. The merger will take effect on April 1, 2024, and

Thousands Oppose California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers send EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to ACC II Waiver

Howell EFI Launches New Website and Promotions

Howell EFI, a leading manufacturer of electronic fuel injection for older pre-computer vehicles of all types, has newly launched a user-friendly website, as well as introduced free ground shipping on orders over $500 to the lower 48 states, and a March Madness sale of 10% off any order. Related Articles – Cummins Announces Next Gen