"Best in the Desert", North America's leading off-road racing organization, started off 2018 at a torrid pace, seeing entries climb at the first two Parker events by 36%. At the "GMZ Winter Nationals Casey Folks Parker 250" there were a record breaking 270 entries with bikes, quads and UTVs.The "BlueWater Resort & Casino 425" had a stunning 202 entries, the first time more than 200 vehicles have started this race since 2015. The next event is "The Mint 400" on March 8-11. This event has already reached its 400 entry limit.

GMZ Winter Nationals Casey Folks Parker 250

This race, presented by Polaris, commemorates Casey Folks, the founder of Best in the Desert, and was a favorite this year with the ever-growing popularity of UTVs. GMZ and Polaris Industries kicked off the new year by hosting the first bike, quad, UTV race of the season in beautiful Parker Arizona on the edge of the Colorado River January 5-6th, 2018. Polaris gave away two vehicles to any registered race team at the drivers meeting Friday night. The UTV Winter Nationals is designed to give bike, quad and UTV enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves within the sport and provide their families and friends a first-class racing experience in Parker Arizona.

BlueWater Resort & Casino 425 Presented by Impact

To kick off a great week, Time Trials were held with a record 104 racers participating in the race presented by Impact, and the first ever Class 6100 qualifying. Andy McMillin came out on top, taking home the Team Ford Pole Award, and starting first on Saturday, a clear advantage. At the end of 425 brutal, dust-filled miles it was Andy McMillin’s #31 that brought home the win at the BlueWater Resort & Casino 425 Presented by Impact.

Best in the Desert set up a tough, grueling course that took its toll on many teams but McMillin’s new Trick Truck won. Andy McMillin and Rob MacChacren #11 were chasing each other back to back until the very end with McMillin coming out on top, mere minutes ahead of #88 Brett Sourapas. BLM and local officials estimated that over 40,000 spectators lined the course to watch the action.

Photos: RACE-DEZERT.COM Jason Zindroski

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