The prototyping continues, as we CNC machine a few extra IFS bulk heads this morning. CNC machining these bulk heads, instead of using just a flat plate, is the secret behind how we’re able to package a shaft bearing over 20% larger than the competition. All right, then, back to work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6BFzIm56GA

Just a little Miller Motorsports action to get your Thursday going. Courtesy of HeavyMetalConcepts.

So, what’s an Ultra4 and a Pro Light doing at a hill climb you say? Believe it or not, competition hill climbs demand an incredible level of vehicle durability and driving skill, with each competition packaging in a delectable level of racing, carnage, and rolls beyond what one would imagine. Last weekend, Brad and Roger Lovell took out their Pro Light and Ultra4 vehicles, respectively, to battle it out at Temple Canyon, a CHCA Hill Climb competition. In the end, Brad drove his Spider 9 powered Pro Light to 3rd place while Roger drove his own Spider 9 powered Ultra4 to a all time best time for the team. Some great photos, and videos, from the weekend provided below courtesty of Lovell Racing.

Enter Lovell Racing.

Colorado Springs, CO 5/15/12  -  It has been many years since a CHCA Hill Climb has been packed with so much carnage. Rollovers, wrecks, and ejections from the racing surface filled the weekend. Navigating through the mayhem were brothers Roger (in the #232 AMSOIL Ultra 4) and Brad (in the #44 AMSOIL Pro-Light).

The Lovell team spent much of the practice day tuning the vehicles and finding the right line – getting set for the times that count on Sunday. Brad faced off in the Comp Truck class that allows a Pro-Light but also leaves it woefully underpowered in comparison to the competition. Even with the handicap, Brad was able to slide his way onto the podium in 3rd place with a time of 3:24.57 after qualifying 4th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I74W-j2ntQ

While Roger was the only Ultra 4 in attendance, that did not mean he wasn’t trying to win a race. His goal – Brad’s 2010 class winning time of 3:37.87. Roger had a unique opportunity to best his brother’s time under similar conditions in the same vehicle. Roger was able to beat the time in qualifying and pick up an additional 3 seconds on race day for a best time of 3:34.73. Roger adds, “It was good to get back behind the wheel after Pikes Peak and a confidence booster to whoop up on Brad’s time.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcza0jgI2eM

For those interested in a comparison between the two, check out the side by side run from each vehicle. The Ultra 4 was sped up by 10 seconds so the trucks start and finish at the exact same time (for comparison of segments where each vehicle is faster). The loose marbles in the last corner really cost the 2wd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPzmGMNC8wc

This race served as important test time for changes to the Pro-Light for the team’s next race – TORC action in Red Bud, MI on Memorial Day weekend. If you are unable to be in attendance, look for live coverage of the weekend’s action on TORCseries.com. You can also follow the team on their Facebook page: Lovell Racing .

We just received official details on the Ultra4 invite to Crandon’s legendary Internation Speedway. On June 16th and 17th, Ultra4 racers will get their chance to battle it out on the same course, and weekend, as Pro 2, 4, and Light drivers during TORCs Round 5 and 6 competitions. Not only is this going to be a short course race of epic proportions, the Ultra4 weekend purse is an impressive $12,500. But why stop there?

We’re going to add to the Ultra4s purse with our own contingency, exclusively for this Crandon race, of $4,200! Payout’s will be in-line with how we run our normal Ultra4 contingency program, but for Crandon it goes like this:

Payouts are for EACH day of racing, and the details for eligibility are as follows:

• A minimum of 10 participants are required in vehicle’s class (looks like 15 are already registered, so this shouldn’t be a problem).
• Vehicle must be equipped with at least one Spidertrax branded product.
• Two Spidertrax decals (18″ or 24″ long) are required to be visible on vehicle, with one decal located on vehicle’s passenger side & one decal located on vehicle’s driver side. All decals must be supplied by Spidertrax.

We plan on making the trip out, not only to enjoy the awesome short course action Ultra4s are sure to deliver, but also watch Brad Lovell continue to battle it out in the official TORC Pro Light class. Hope to see you there!

For over half a decade, we’ve pushed Ultra4 innovation to all new levels with our made in USA 1 ton unit bearings. Today, we’re proud to bring you this same time proven product at an all new price of $299. Three bolt patterns to choose from (5 lug, 6 lug, & 8 lug), in-stock and ready to ship.

Who said Mondays where bad?

Here’s a litte more IFS spy shot action for your Friday pleasure. This shot is of our prototype IFS Series 30 bells we recently made, complete with integrated caliper bracket mount. Full 4130 chromoly, machined in-house from solid billet.

Loving all the IFS feedback, thanks to everyone for sharing in the conversation on Facebook. We’ve received a number of questions regarding overall width and bearing size for our prototype IFS housing. To get that out now, our IFS axle flange to flange measures 14.63″ and the IFS stub shaft bearing OD measures 2.92″. In summary, tight package, big bearings.

We posted an IFS housing photo on Facebook shortly after posting the same photo here, and in typical Facebook fashion we had a great comments thread going. Picking up on the theme from just the other day on Reddit, we were asked what setups and machines we used in welding. And, just like the other day, there’s just no surprises here. As we described on Facebook, “Happy to answer setup and machine questions. Let’s see…there was a steel table, a welding brush, and we call the machine Eddie. ;-p”. So as to seal the deal, photo evidence provided above. Alright, that’s it for tonight. We’ll see you again here tomorrow!

Another IFS housing spy shot. This one just shipped off to Jimmy’s 4×4 for a little Ultra4 testing action. We’re still a bit out from production, but getting closer every day.

Never thought to show this off, but we were asked on Reddit yesterday for pictures of the jig we built for Brad’s uprights. Well, here you go. Simple, but certainly effective for non production.

Just wrapped up these lightweight Pro Light uprights for Brad Lovell of Lovell Racing. We’re banking that all of these little tweaks, including the stainless steel rotors we made a few weeks back, help push Brad to the front of the pack. After his recent 2nd place finish at the first short course race of the year, it would appear Brad is on his way! Next TORC short course race for Brad is May 26th, so mark your calendar.