About 2 weeks ago a Race-Dezert facebook post came across my newsfeed about an upstart spec racing series, and I can’t get it out of my head. Bro Lite, the brainchild of Ultra4 racer Scott Decker is designed as a low-cost short-course spec truck series. Even cooler? Scott is based right here in the DC area, and the inaugural race, being held this Saturday, September 6 is just a couple of hours away in Cumberland, Maryland.
Scott’s first Bro Lite Ranger tearing it up on the dirt track
Alex and I had a chance yesterday to meet Scott at his Northern Virginia shop, oogle some offroad machinery (including his Miller Motorsports Ultra4 car!) and talk Bro Lite racing.
Not *directly* related to Bro Lite, but the Miller Motorsports Ultra4 car is a sight to behold
The Bro Lite series is based on 84-97 2wd 4 cylinder Ford Rangers that remain mostly stock, with the exception of being stripped, having safety equipment installed (including a full cage), and aftermarket shocks (full rules are on the Bro Lite website). Scott was working on building his second Bro Lite when we were in the shop. Below are some pics of trucks in various stages of transformation.
So, how accessible is Bro Lite? The average mechanically inclined Joe with a welder could get into this side-by-side racing with a $500-900 running truck and a couple grand of safety gear, shocks, and tires. Ranger replacement parts are cheap and plentiful, and the trucks themselves are plentiful. Fully caged and ready to race, these trucks weight in at 2,500-2,700 pounds – nice, light, nimble, and no doubt an absolute blast to drive.
We’re looking forward Saturday’s race and plan to head to Cumberland, Maryland to check out the action. There should be 5 trucks running – there are several more currently being built to run next year in a predominantly East Coast series. Ladies and Gentlemen, come check these things out, and start keeping your eye out for a donor Ranger!
Here’s the skinny on this Saturday’s race:
The 2014 Inaugural Cumberland Cup
Date: September 6th, 2014
Location: 20100 Reckley Lane, Oldtown MD 21555
Once you turn onto Reckley Lane, follow the road all the way to the back.
Schedule of Events:
10:00am-11:00am – Open Practice
11:00am-11:30am – Track Maintenance/Truck Repairs
11:30am-12:00pm – Photo/Video Shooting
12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch/Staging/Volunteer Setup
1:00pm-1:20pm – THE RACE
1:30pm – 1:45pm – Awards Ceremony (Presentation of the Cumberland Cup. Yes, there is a trophy. Yes, you will be jealous if you don’t win it)
2:00pm-4:00pm – Spectator Rides & Drives (or as long as the trucks remaining working)
Organizer’s note: This will be a relatively low key event, so don’t be surprised that there aren’t any bleachers or PA system or flashing lights! Bring your own chair, bring your own food/beer, and come enjoy the first ever Bro Lite race. Please hang out after the race and drive the trucks. There aren’t many opportunities for this kind of offer, so please take advantage! We are positive you will love them.
Photo credits: Scott Decker and Bro Lite Racing
You must be logged in to post a comment.