Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 - Stage I Of The Ramsey National Off-Road Challenge Series

It's go time in Arkansas. Pennsylvania's next, then Attica, Indiana. These locations did and will serve as venues for the 2001 Ramsey National Off-Road Challenge Series, which, if you hadn't heard, is heating up the Eastern United States faster than you can eat a six-pack from White Castle.

The events are designed to showcase a different type of 'wheeling than that found to the west, where rocks, sand, and more rocks are the norm. Though each event will offer a boulder run as one of the stages, most of the obstacles involve tight woods sections, mud pits, pond runs, log courses, hillclimbs for time and points, and even a trench course where a smooth throttle and a good eye are the determining factors. Fifty drivers will earn points at each competition, which will be applied toward the overall three-event series championship.

The Cass, Arkansas, event was held at Byrd's Campground along the Mulberry River and was observed by nearly 1,700 4x4 enthusiasts. Though Friday offered clear skies, spectators (and photographers) trudged through rain and Arkansas mud on Saturday in order to watch the unending action. Organized by Bob Hazel's Sports in the Rough, the event provided 'wheeling opportunities for more than just the competitors, with guided excursions through local trails and a chance to test your vehicle on selected competitor runs. For more information about the next two events in the series, check out www.sportsintherough.com or call (800) 556-2801 or (866) EVENT-INFO (383-6846)