2008
W.E. ROCK :: Rausch Creek, PA
The Rausch event saw the largest turnout of spectators and teams that W.E.ROCK has ever seen in that
particular location. It also brought a bunch of new winners including two teams that recorded their
first win in their respective careers. Beyond the upsets, these two teams have always been in the top
ranks and it was only a matter of time until the two broke out into their own and on to the podium in
the winners circle.
The two teams that are in mention: MAXXIS Tires Pro Modified team of Rusty Bray and Josh Wilson, and
the Unlimited Class underdogs of Jake and Vince Gochenour.
Bray and Wilson had been knocking on the door of greatness for years. Many efforts went to the wayside, as
the duo would be the king of second places. Fuel delivery issues, last minute breaks, and just plain 'ole
bad luck got in the way many times. But this event was a different story, even with transmission issues
after day 1 and working through the night to get it fixed, Bray and Wilson were able to pull a 1st with
literally zero reverse capabilities and little to no neutral. Going into The Shootout with these issues,
Bray's team figured a way to make it through the entire course with no back-ups, winning by a mere 6
points.
Brad Styles dominated the Unlimited Class all year until midway through day 1 at Rausch, leaving the door
open for Gochenour and Alan Rich. These two separate drivers have never battled for first before. Rich was
prepared for battle with a new spotter in Matt Deas and a fresh motor after blowing one up in Jellico.
Gochenour had seen Spotter issues early in the season and ran through 2-3 different spotters for the
2008 season. At Jellico, Jake ventured back to former spotter and bother Vince, where they took 3rd.
But Rausch has a way of changing things up. The terrain is unique as it features both natural terrain
and man-made terrain. The Gochenour's took advantage of this and pulled to the lead in the last seconds
of the event winning by 11 points.
The Modified Stock Class, with zero lead changes, was dominated once again by Kurt Shramovich and Chris
Walton. This Quadratech team has won 4 in a row on their way to the All-Stock Nationals presented by
Cooper Tires and Wheel. The All-Stock Nationals or ASN's are to be featured by Spike TV's Xtreme 4x4's
and will feature teams from all over the country including some of W.E.ROCK's Regional Sanctions like
RRock, CalROCS, RCROCS, Katemcy Rocks, and Carolina Crawlin'. The 5 Regional Series will send 3 teams
each in a battle of teams from all makes and sizes and all sizes of budgets.
So we close the season of regular events and go into the National Championships. Pro Modified and
Unlimited Classes will be featured at the Grand Nationals while Modified Stocks will have their own
All-Stock Nationals. The dates? GNC's will be featured September 6-7 and the ASN's will have battle on
September 27-28, both at Hannibal, MO.
Where will you be when the Action Starts in Hannibal for the Grand Nationals September 6th and 7th?
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