Bully Dog Response Regarding Power Pup...

So after posting the information in a previous entry about Bully Dog releasing an update to its Power Pup flash reprogrammer that covers Altimas, Frontiers, Xterras and a host of other current Nissan vehicles there was quite a response.  Particularly on Club Frontier there was a heated discussion regarding initial results of the Power Pup on the Titan platform and how the Power Pup compares to other flash programmers (Superchips, etc.).  Well, best to go right to the source in most of these cases and Mike DeFord (better known as ApexKiller to most), Bully Dog's marketing director has always been one of the most vocal and visible members of the aftermarket community.  His response to my inquiry for more information was near immediate and quite friendly, despite occasions in the past where he and I have (as he says) "butted heads".

I simply told him that my posting of the Bully Dog Power Pup press release had generated a number of posts regarding the "lock up" of a number of Titans, that claims were being made that the Superchips product was the superior one and that I wanted to offer him a forum in which to respond.

Here is his response (edited for spelling but that is all):

The Nissan community is very vocal and share their experiences and this is good.  But in this case a lot of the early problems we had with the Titan were on Beta Test customer, who serve as product testers for our product before it is officially released to the public.  Some of those guys shared their experiences which is OK but what a lot of people then do not see is that each of those guys were rolling usually within 24 hours of the problem.

That is the first part of the answer, the second part is a little more complicated.  Our company is always developing new software updates, these are to enhance the product further or to work better with new OE Manufacturer codes.  Every time you take your truck to the dealer they plug it into their computer and will update your ECU.  As soon as there is an update from the manufacturer we go to work on it and if needed we release an update.

All of our downloaders tell you to update the product on our site for free before you install it.  This is to ensure that you have the newest and best software.  All of this is FREE of charge and only takes a few minutes.  The product comes with instructions and a USB cable to do the update, it is very easy.  All of the problems where the downloader will lock up is because the software version on the downloader does not work with what is on the vehicles ECU--basically people [try] to do the install without updating the product.  All of this updating is so that the customer has the BEST possible tunes on their truck and we are the only company that goes to these lengths.

The fact is that through our warehouse channels we know that our return rate is lower than our competitors.  We have a full tech. department staffed with guys that go through extensive training to ensure that customers are taken care of.  This staff is also specialized--We have guys that are Nissan [specific] experts, this is also the case in our engineering department.

And last but not least we are the only company with this type of product that is sold through the Nissan dealerships.  People will say that this was a business move that we paid to make it happen, but the fact is that Nissan approached us, they tested the product for a few months and we have not paid them anything.  They believe and stand behind the product.  If you go buy a new Nissan today they can install it for you and warranty it!

Mike DeFord

Marketing Director

Bully Dog

So there you go...Don't say I never did anything for you...I hope his response cleared up some matters out there...I just wanted to make sure that Bully Dog's side was heard loud and clear.  Thanks for your time.

Team Dessoude...

Had to change the title of yesterday's post as I had mistakenly labeled the Belgium "Team Overdrive" as being the top ranked Nissan team...They're not...Team Dessoude from France is the top ranked Nissan team, is listed as team #312 and will be the 12th truck off the line in the initial stage...I made the error as on the entry list it shows Team Dessoude's vehicle as a "Proto Dessoude 05" and not Nissan...Not sure why this is but this vehicle is definately a Nissan, likely a Frontier/Navarra that is heavily modified.  Engine is listed as a VQ40 is the reason I am betting on the Frontier/Navarra likelyhood...Just as an fyi, Andre Dessoude (for whom the team is named and who is the patriarch of the team) has been building and fielding Nissan rally teams since 1982...

Christian Lavielle is the driver of record for Dessoude's primary team and has an excellent record including wins at the Pharaons Rally (Egypt) and the Transiberico Rally (Spain and Portugal) in '08.  They as well should have a strong showing...http://www.teamdessoude.com/specific/formats/index.jsp

2nd Ranked Nissan Team For Dakar...

The Dakar (South American style) is only 8 days away...Team Overdrive, based in Belgium is the 2nd seeded (based on prior Dakar finishing order) Nissan team.  Though based in Belgium, its driver is Polish.  Their website unfortunately for me is virtually all in French with an English option but no info in English.  Sweet pics though and the team has been VERY active in '08 running numerous rallies around Europe, Africa and Russia so they should be well prepared and experienced...http://www.overdriveracing.be/common.home.php

Bully Dog Expands Nissan Power Pup Applications...

Bully Dog recently released a new software update for its Power Pup engine management tool.  Initially released for only the Titan, the new software update now includes engine management upgrades for the Altima, 350Z, Frontier,  Xterra, Pathfinder, Maxima and G35 engines in both the 4cyl. and 6cyl versions...As a highly reputable company with a large customer base, I have little doubt that the Power Pup is the real deal for simple, plug in engine improvement...http://www.bullydog.com/product/index/product_detail/185

The Nissan Power Pup was designed for Nissan and Infinity owners looking for more power and better fuel economy.  The Nissan Power Pup offers the user two different engine tunes above Stock to accommodate various driving conditions: Regular Tune (for use with regular fuel) and Premium Tune (use with high-octane fuel).  It also give the user the capabilities to adjust rev and speed limiters, as well as read and erase diagnostic trouble codes.  The engine tuning options below describe what tunes are available throughout the Power Pup and their recommended use.

*Stock: Choosing the Stock engine tune will result in no change to engine horsepower output.  All other downloader features can still be accessed of the Stock engine tune is chosen.

*Regular: This engine tune is recommended for use with 85 or 87 octane gasoline.  This tune can be used for everyday driving and towing.  Dynamometer testing results have shown a 10-12hp increase in rear wheel horsepower.

*Premium: This engine tune is recommended for use with 91 or 93 octane gasoline.  This tune can be used for everyday driving, towing and racing.  Dynamometer testing results have shown up to 22 horsepower and 24 ft.-lbs torque increase on the premium tune to the rear wheels.

Suzuki Equator (Nissan Frontier) Wins 4x4 of the Year...

from Petersen's 4Wheel & OffRoad magazine...How it wins 4x4 of the year and you don't mention that it is a Nissan product and that the Nissan Frontier actually starts at a slightly LOWER price than the Suzuki Equator (albeit with a shorter warranty) is beyond me...but there it is...Not separated into trucks/SUVs and just lumping them all together into one 4x4 class, the Equator came away the winner...http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/featuredvehicles/131_0902_2009_4x4_of_the_year_winner_suzuki_equator/index.html

Nissan 7S Hardbody 4Sale...

If only I had a spare $5K lying around...I'd buy this truck in a heartbeat...what a fun toy it could be for race or play...a super simple, easy to run, easy to prep vehicle with lots of cheap parts available for it...http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=5&md=second&id=1139

No Posts For a Few More Days...

Yup, am back at home but....now a pipe burst in my living room, destroying the first floor of my house....House never froze...Oil company tech overpressurized my forced hot water system to get air out of the pipes and broke a hot water pipe...so my life is a disaster at the moment...lovely...but I'll be back...can knock me down, but not out...

NO POSTS FOR A FEW DAYS...

Sorry for the lack of posts...Due to the ice storm we have had here in NH I have not had power at my home for more than 60 hours now and am now visiting my in-laws 3 hours from my home in order to take a shower and brush my teeth for the first time in three days...I will be back to posting Nissan and other related news as soon as I get power at home/work, pump the water out of my basement and saw up the numerous trees down in my yard...thanks!!

Laszlo Palik--One of Nissan's Best for the Dakar...

Meet the 46 year old Laszlo Palik. Driving a new ('08) South African built Navara, Palik has racked up a number of impressive finishes as of late and ran very well at the '08 "Central Europe Rally" outside of a roll over on the very first day. Look for a real solid performance at next months South American Dakar. Again...as I will always say in posts like this---Why can't we get Nissan teams like this out there competing in offroad races???? For more info, pics and some really sweet video--http://www.palikracingteam.com/en/

Four South African Built Navarra's Heading...

to the '09 Andean Dakar. Now why can't we in the U.S. get some racing Frontiers going?? Nissan of South Africa has consistently built some top notch offroad racing vehicles and exported them around the world. A number of the drivers mentioned have top 20 Dakar finishes under their belts and should, with these vehicles, perform quite well at this years Dakar. Also notice the American parts (King shocks) and sponsorship (Columbia Sportswear) on the trucks as well...if only an American team would use and get support from Nissan....http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=751&fSetId=381&fArticleId=4753461

Frontier Fiberglass Fenders...

Good deal for 1st generation Frontiers if they are in as good condition as the seller says, only $250.

http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=7&md=second&id=1529

Makita 5007FK 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw...

Ahhhh.....my new favorite tool...I love tools...I can never have enough and though my collection of tools thus far is quite limited, I have a fondness for them that I can't quite explain.

I love tough tools. I love simple tools. I love tools that do what you want over and over and can be left on the ground, kicked and covered and in dirt and yet fire right up and keep working like they were brand new...

This Makita circular saw is just such a tool. Having recently moved into a new (to me) house with a 2 car detached garage, one of my first projects is of course to remodel the garage (pics and updates to be provided in this blog soon) to provide a good home to my Nissan Xterra and other potential projects. Well, not wanting to use an axe or a chainsaw to hack up the crummy 2+ inch thick shelving/benches that one of the prior owners had installed, I figured it was time to get a good circular saw. This type of saw will also come in handy when I need to do the walls in the garage and numerous other projects around the house in the near future.

For only $99 (at Home Depot, Amazon or damn near anywhere else) this saw can't be beat. It is powerful (using the stock blade it came with), tearing through the two inch think boardwork with the ease and precision of a lazer. As some have noted, this circular saw does not have a "brake" to stop the blade from spinning once you let go of the trigger but not having had one with a brake before I don't miss it and I feel at the moment, it makes me more concious of what I am doing with the saw at all times. The LED feature is a neat little addition to the saw but I have not used it yet and doubt that I will.

The saw adjusts its blade level up and down and at angles very easily and though not one of the new fangled "magnesium" circular saws, this one does not feel heavy in my hand and produces little to no fatigue. All in all it has been great so far and couldn't reccomend it more highly if you are in the market for either your first or 50th circular saw.

Nissan Titan engine and transmission 4Sale...

only 1500 miles on them per the post...selling them seperately or as a package...supposedly came out of a SEMA truck so they should be in good condition....http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=7&md=second&id=1370

Nissan Titan Total Chaos Arms...

Looks like someone is selling a very new set of upper arms from Total Chaos for a Titan or and Xterra or Frontier or Equator if you are doing the Titan arm swap...http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=7&md=second&id=1319

Jim Baldwin to step down...

from the CEO position in CORR, elevating Cissy Baldwin to the lead position...Press release just came out...One of many big steps/news to come in the following weeks I believe...http://www.corracing.com/blog.asp?bid=1&pid=232

At its Michigan technical design center today, Nissan showed off its upcoming commercial van in its NV2500 concept form. Though I doubt the final version will have the wood panel flooring or some of the other details seen here, I would imagine the external features should remain very similar. The oddest thing I find with this is that it will be based off of a slightly modified Titan platform (the F-Alpha frame) even though the Titan in its F-Alpha form will go away. Additionally the cargo van will have a diesel engine available to it as well. As a people mover and contractor's wet dream this should grab some decent market share and keep the Canton, MS plant humming along...http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/nissan-unveils-nv2500-light-commercial-vehicle-concept/

NISMO Xmas gifts...

Pretty sweet hoodie and long sleeve Tees available--though I would reccomend staying away from the NISMO coffee mug. I had one thrown in when my wife purchased her Altima recently and it always leaked through the inner shell and held coffee/water/soap in between the inner and outer layers and was quickly thrown out...http://www.nissanshiftgear.com/default.cfm?fuse=matrix&browse_by=productType&brand=all&product_type=NISMO

Nissan Hardbody Prerunner...

for sale in SoCal...King shocks, Deaver leafs...Looks like maybe Total Chaos arms in front...

http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=4&md=second&id=1211

Book Review: Long Way Down

Ahhh, what a great tale the back cover of this book promises--Two great friends hop on their BMW's and head off from the Northern tip of Scotland and many weeks and 15,000 miles later they end up at the end of the road in South Africa. What sites they must see!! What great anecdotes they must have!! What trials and tribulations they must undergo!! Ummm...not so much.....

Having heard of Ewan McGregor (of Star Wars and Trainspotting fame) and Charley Boorman's (a previous Dakar entrant and son of Deliverance director John Boorman) previous trip which was entitled "Long Way Around" and the good press its book and TV series received, I was excited to read this book. My expectations coming in were that it would contain stories of the exotic locals they were sure to travel through in Africa and mix in the difficulties and unexpected events that are sure to take place on any such long distance trip that involves large offroad/dirt road sections. I will not disparage the thinking that went into the trip's development as the trip itself raised funds for a number of worthy causes and awareness of even more.

What I will critique is the writing of the book itself. Whether it is a lack of writing experience or a lack of actual interesting events taking place during the trip, the book is quite uneventful and slow...For all the distance traveled, very little happens to the pair that wouldn't happen to nearly anyone on a trip to their local offroad park. A few spills, a few punctures and thats about it. Good for them...bad for the reader. Its hard to get excited over "We road 150 miles today from X to X and there were a few potholes and rocks. Then we stopped for coffee and set up our tents and went to bed..." Great......

Of the two writers, Boorman comes off as the far more likeable and the guy you would rather share a few beers with...Though McGregor is the better known and more wealthy, it is Boorman who has a more pragmatic outlook on the world and is less prone to silly statements like "Though I've lived in England all my life, I never imagined that people ACTUALLY lived in such poverty and poor conditions!!" (a bit of a paraphrase, but you get the point...).

I might have a different opinion if this was the video version of their trip as I'd at least get the visuals of all the places they visited (Pyramids, Greek ruins, Nile river, African wildlife, etc.) but as a book it relies solely upon its authors, who in this case cannot get their words to match the splendors they observed and thus we are left with a book whose reach far exceeds its grasp.

Todd Cuffaro Declared Rookie Of The Year...

in CORR's Pro Lite division. With the season ending 2 races short of its original schedule. Todd was in sixth place for the year in his Pro Lite Nissan. Not bad for a first year team, first year driver and little/no factory support. Please join me in congratulating Todd on his accomplishment and wish him the best in '09, whether its in CORR, WSORR or whatever...http://http://www.corracing.com/blog.asp?bid=1&pid=230

New Nissan Aftermarket Company...

Black Widow OffRoad--Looks like they are just getting started, are based out of Utah and have a cool take on slider protection. Hopefully they survive and prosper in this economic environment. Came across the mention of them on Club Titan and Club Frontier where some members have been working with them. Let me know if you've had any experience (positive or negative) with them. http://www.blackwidowoffroad.com/701.html

Lots of Nissan Racing Video Action...

From the recent inaugural Ricky Johnson Grand Prix event held at Perris Auto Speedway in California. The Pro-Lite division was ALL Nissans with Brian Deegan (Metal Mulisha member), Todd Cuffaro, Casey Currie, etc. The video is very good quality and also includes some awesome R/C truck footage from Team Associated as well. Check it out! http://www.race-dezert.com/vom/2008/2008_vom_november_qt.html

Nissan Bails on Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows...

As much a statement about where Nissan wants to focus its marketing money as it is about the state of the auto industry and shift in power away from American automakers, Nissan announced today that they will not be attending (as a manufacturer) the upcoming North American International Auto (NAIA) show and the following Chicago auto show. Nissan rightly focused their money and product introductions at the LA Auto show--more in line with their target markets and away from what is sure to be a downbeat mood in Detroit. Additionally with the new 370Z, Cube and G35X Infiniti all introduced in LA, Nissan had nothing new on the table to introduce in the near future and conserving cash is the #1 priority at any automaker these days...http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081124/AUTO01/811240443/1148

Nissan Cube Introduced...

at the LA Auto Show last week. Its got good gas mileage (30+), can haul a bunch of crap/people and doesn't look like anything else out there (could be a good or bad thing). The Cube has been a big success in Japan but that doesn't always translate to the American market. If they produce it in limited numbers and market it correctly it could be a success and bring new owners into the Nissan family--much the way Scion did for Toyota but without the overhead cost of setting up a seperate division and forcing dealerships to relegate floor space to what now looks like a "flash in the pan"...http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/la-auto-show-nissan-cube-is-a-small-party-in-a-box/

Long Travel '97 Hardbody...

for $3300...Total Chaos front end, 166K miles...Nice little West Coast truck...

http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=4&md=second&id=30897

Todd Cuffaro's Pro Lite For Sale...

This is one of two Nissan Pro Lite's that Todd has...both I believe are formerly Chad Hord's when he won the Pro Lite division in CORR a couple years ago. Real solid, front running truck for "only" $90K...

http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=5&md=second&id=4006

Sorry For The Lack Of Posts...

over the last few days...I was in the process of moving into a new house and was without internet access during that time (in addtion to breaking my foot...) Should now be able to return to a couples posts a day or thereabouts....

Casey Currie's Pro Lite For Sale...

Given CORR's issues and Nissan's lack of major factory support I would imagine Casey is switching manufacturer's given his talent and deep pockets.  Plus I would imagine he can market his family's company better under the Chevy or Ford banner...still a shame though...he ran well in his Nissan's over the past couple years...For only $60K this factory Nissan Pro-Lite can be yours!!  http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=5&md=second&id=3974

Good Deal on Some Frontier...

fiberglass fenders...Look like the standard Hanneman ones.  Description says they are from an '04 but should fit an '03 and up...Hanneman lists them for $200 a piece so at the $300 price he is listing (if they are in good condition) you are saving at least $100 (more if you are a good haggler...)  http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=7&md=second&id=20823

4Wheeler adds a Dana 80 to Project Mega-Titan...

When you run 46 inch tires with 400 horsepower you need some SERIOUS gearing and axles to handle the abuse...evidently 4Wheeler's prior choice of a Dana 60 was not sufficient to handle the abuse so they have now gone to a Dynatrac Dana 80 and are also adding rear-steer to their project Mega-Titan...article here: http://www.fourwheeler.com/projectbuild/129_0812_2004_nissan_titan_dynatrac_pro_rock_dana_80/index.html

Tanner Foust takes 3rd...

at the first ever Red Bull Drifting World Championship. I'll be the first to admit, I've never understood the whole drifting thing...Are you supposed to go fast?? Are you supposed to spin the car and make lots of smoke? Is one more important than the other? And throw in the fact that "judges" make the determination in scoring and who comes out the winner...I just can't get into it...Gimme a race, head to head, first to cross the finish line wins...I don't want "style" points in my motorsports....But hey, thats just me...

That aside...Tanner Foust (host of the new US version of Top Gear to be seen on NBC in the near future) did come in third place in his Nissan 350Z, there were a number of other 350Z's in the competition (including a convertible!!) and these drivers do exhibit amazing car control. Check out the results and hi-rez pics here: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/rhys-millen-victorious-at-inaugural-red-bull-drifting-world-cham/

Krider Racing Takes 1st Place at Infineon...

Taking the checkered flag on 11/8 at California's Infineon raceway was the No. 38 Jimmy Vasser Dealerships Nissan Sentra SE-R (also helped out by Napa Valley Muffler, Third Street Auto Repair, TEM Machine Shop, Jim Wolf Technologies and Napa’s Performance in Frame Tuning) as part of the NASA (National Auto Sport Association--similar to the better known SCCA) United States Touring Car Championship. More info here: http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/11/15/sports/doc491e7be29c1f7925408062.txt

Nissan 12 Valve Engine 4-Sale...

This engine just popped up on Race Dezert for sale.  Its listed at $1,800 OBO, link here: http://www.race-dezert.com/cgi-bin/trader/atl.cgi?ct=7&md=second&id=20818

Cissy Baldwin's Head on a Platter...

That's what I want...and I want it now...

For those of you who haven't heard, CORR (Championship Off Road Racing) announced the cancellation of its final '08 event which was to be held on 12/6 & 12/7 in Chula Vista, CA.  The CORR press release can be found here: www.corracing.com/blog.asp?bid=1&pid=227

That means the final two CORR races of the year were canceled, 25% of its entire '08 schedule...gone...and yet, in the press release they are talking about six and possibly eight weekends of racing in '09??  Come on, lets get real...CORR bent over every team, every sponsor, every fan in '08 and left them all holding a massive bag.  What sponsor or team in their right mind would ever put their faith in Jim and Cissy Baldwin ever again?  What sponsor would put their faith in any team choosing to run in CORR ever again?? Just to start the '09 season CORR would somehow have to pay off the massive amounts of debt they have run up so far...let alone the more difficult task of regaining the trust of racers and sponsors they so cowardly stabbed in the back this year---Its not going to happen, so why pretend that it is?

Cissy Baldwin has now rightfully ascended the podium for "Most Despised Woman in Motorsports" taking the silver medal behind only Teresa Earnhardt.  Cissy, as the COO of CORR is the one most responsible for the day to day operations.  While Jim put up the money and vision (flawed though it was), it was Cissy's job to follow through...and she couldn't have failed more miserably...Whether it was the decision to PAY NBC for CORR's TV coverage, the idea of building up and tearing down an entire race track in Pomona three times a year (and the costs associated with it) or the oft derided high food/drink prices and poor parking situations, CORR wanted to look/sound good first and be solid operating entity second.  Additionally, Cissy has been unanswerable to anyone...Has she come out in the public and discussed CORR's problems?? No...Has she responded to teams and sponsors looking for answers on if events were going to take place?  No...Has she been forthcoming in interviews taking place on outlets such as Totally Off Road Radio?  No...  Cissy has remained hidden behind two press releases and the strange support of Jim Baldwin, with neither having made a public comment in months despite CORR's rapid collapse...CEO's at Lehman Bros. and Freddie Mac have been more answerable to their shareholders than these two have been... 

That said, Jim should not escape criticism either...it was he who shelled out the coin for CORR in the first place and then moved the whole damn thing from the Mid-West where it had a LONG term, deeply entrenched following along with a supportive title sponsor (Lucas Oil) and minimal competition, to an exclusively South Western US entity that had to compete with numerous entertainment options and a much higher operating cost than it did previously--all without a title sponsor once Nissan dropped the series at the end of '07.

While many will compare CORR's rise and fall to that of the Mickey Thompson series, there is no comparison.  MTEG (Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group) was founded in 1979, operated for nearly 20 years, survived its founders murder in 1988, was televised extensively on ESPN and TNN and drew hundreds of thousands of spectators to its events over the course of its run.  CORR lasted LESS THAN TWO YEARS--Let there be no mistake, though Jim Baldwin may have bought the CORR name and brought it West, the Mid-West WSORR (World Series of Off Road Racing who just started right up after Jim left with the CORR name is the TRUE heart and soul of short course off road racing.   With the same staff, events and sponsors (adding a few even) that they always have had, WSORR operated a full schedule in '08 and are poised to see a large influx of competitors from the West Coast, whether CORR tries to put on a show or not---Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me is the thinking now.

Where things go now is any ones guess but CORR has done more harm to the world of short course off road racing than any good that can be seen...The ill will CORR has generated amongst sponsors, teams, NBC, Speed, fans, vendors, event locations, media, etc., is not something that will just disappear with another press release.  But a good first step in repairing the ill will that has been generated would be the immediate and unconditional firing of Cissy Baldwin and a gutting of the entire CORR hierarchy.  If Jim wants to keep his name on the letterhead (once he has paid off all his outstanding debt) that's fine, but anyone new coming in to fill Cissy's COO shoes would be insane to allow anyone with their finger in the huge blame pie that is CORR now, to have any say on where it goes in the future...

Nissans, Nissans everywhere...

At least it seemed that way for one recent day. Taking advantage of a lull in the CORR (Championship Off Road Racing http://www.corracing.com/) schedule caused by the cancellation of its scheduled October race in Primm, NV and concerns in regards to the health of the series overall, former motocross superstar Ricky Johnson held what is hoped to be the first of many events at the Perris Auto Speedway in Perris, CA(http://site.offroadgp.com/Home.html). Using a more condensed format, the event was able to run races for eight different classes including the Nissan dominated GP (Pro) Lite class. Of the five entrants in this class, ALL FIVE drove Nissan powered trucks, including big time names like Casey Currie, Brian Deegan and Rhys Millen. Casey Currie took the checkered flag (not surprisingly) with Brian Deegan taking second. This bodes well for Nissan's future in GP/Pro Lite classes as though they remain without full factory support, it shows that Nissan engines can be and affordable and competitive option.

Final WSORR Pro-Lite Standings...

Though more limited than in prior years, there was a Nissan presence to be felt within the WSORR (World Series of Off Road Racing) in '08. With the WSORR run on tracks in and around the American upper Mid-West (Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, etc.) most of the drivers hale from that general area--as is the case with the two Nissan Pro-Lite drivers, Jon Probst and Josh Hintz. Given the lack of manufacturer support, their results are encouraging as they show just how strong the Nissan engines can be when driven by talented hands. While Josh Hintz finished the year in 6th

position (out of 10) with a single trip to the podium (a 3rd at Oshkosh Rnd. #7), Jon Probst finished 4th for the year, narrowly missing 3rd place and taking four trips up the podium steps

(two second and two third place finishes). Given the issues going on in CORR right now, with the '09 season up in the air, I know of a number of Pro-Lite competitors who will be venturing East to compete in the WSORR, including some Nissan drivers and perhaps the return of a Nissan to the Pro-2 ranks as well...

350Z Powered Jimco Takes ORANZ Championship...

With a chassis made by Jimco in California and an engine made by Nissan in Japan, New Zealand's Daniel Powell took ORANZ's (Off Road Association of New Zealnd) top class championship in '08 by finishing 2nd in the last event of the year, the National Championships in Manukau, NZ. With the addition of dual Garrett turbos, Daniel Powell's Unlimited buggie fought through the insanely muddy conditions to bring home his first championship in only his first year of running this setup. Nissans are extremely common in their more common forms--Patrol, Navarra throughout Australia and New Zealand and frequently compete at the top levels of their respective off road racing classes.

NISMO Exiting Tarmac To Focus On Dirt In South Africa...

Nissan Motorsports of South Africa has announced that '08 will be the last for their on-road racing division and while that leaves a number of drivers out of the mix, it will mean a refocus and new money coming into their off-road racing division which has been EXTREMELY successful in capturing numerous titles and being the dominant off-road racing manufacturer South of the Equator in Africa. Similar to our "Frontier" here in the U.S., the South African Navarra is their main racing vehicle in the rest of the world and Nissan Motorsports South Africa often exports its racing "bakkies" as they call them around the world for Dakar and FIA teams to use. South Africa is probably Nissan Motorsports strongest region in terms of their off-road program and teams and it doesn't look like they have any intention of slowing down. Article on this announcement here:http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=3558&fArticleId=4707162

Dakar Route 2009

So the route for the '09 version of the Dakar has been released.  I'll go out on a limb and say that this route has more variety and will present more of a challenge than recent Dakar runs.

Though the cancellation of the '08 Dakar sucked for a variety of reasons, I think the change of scenery can be a very good thing for this event.  South American fans can be as insane as any fans on the planet (just look at soccer) and the exposure there to 1st class Dakar style rally racing is sure to be a hit.  It also helps the manufacturers in getting additional exposure to a more affluent customer base.

Lastly, I am not sure (at least I haven't seen it commented upon) how the extreme elevation changes to be seen in this race are going to manifest themselves.  Take a look at the map.  The race starts at sea level in Buenos Aires and passes over the Andes twice!!  The northern most portion of the race takes the course by peaks in excess of 22,000 feet, with the course itself probly topping out around 14,000 feet I would imagine...Racing for long distances at elevations equivalent to the TOP of Pikes Peak should be interesting.

In regards to Nissan...well...they don't truly have any "world class" competitors that will run in the top 1/2 dozen or so but Ivar Erik Tollefsen--Norway--Overdrive Racing (a top mountaineer with numerous Antarctic first ascents under his belt) and Laszlo Palik--Hungary--RTL Motorsport Klub are two of Nissan's top drivers and should compete for a top 20 finish and if they get a smidge of luck, perhaps a top 15.

The Good Old Days...

Remember those??  It wasn't so long ago that not only were Nissan's a common sight in CORR but they were THE dominant manufacturer...The Nissan name was everywhere...on the programs, on the podium, on the trucks and like this blast from the past, on the tshirts, positioned as the #1 vehicle in CORR events and the title sponsor...Given the current state of the economy and CORR perhaps Nissan made the right decision in bailing on the series...but it doesn't mean that we miss their logo at CORR and WSORR any less...