Falken’s Team Real Racing Clinches Second Place at Desert Showdown

Team Real Racing, representing Team Falken, achieved an impressive second-place finish at the challenging Desert Showdown, a prestigious event in the Legacy Racing Association Series. The competition took place on a demanding 250-mile course designed to test both skill and endurance.

Michael Scafuto and Brady Kelly, behind the wheel of their Trophy Truck outfitted with 40-inch Falken Wildpeak Race Compound M/T01 tires, demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the event.

Thorough Pre-Race Preparations

Team Real Racing entered the Desert Showdown trailing the championship leader by a mere four points. Eager to close the gap, Scafuto and Kelly conducted a track reconnaissance on Thursday in a Ford Raptor equipped with Falken Wildpeak R/T tires. Their aim was to evaluate track conditions, as desert courses often shift due to weather fluctuations and prior racing activity.

Unexpected Qualifying Setbacks

Challenges emerged during the qualifying round when a faulty idler bearing led to recurring power steering issues. This mechanical failure ultimately placed the team in the 24th starting position for race day. Scafuto personally drove 83 miles to secure replacement parts while the crew addressed a bent engine mounting plate, ensuring the vehicle’s readiness for the main event.

Race Day Perseverance

Starting from 24th position, Scafuto and Kelly faced significant obstacles, including thick dust, heavy traffic, and rugged terrain. Despite these hurdles, they steadily climbed the ranks. By the third pit stop, the pair had narrowed the gap to the leading vehicle to just five minutes. Another idler bearing issue arose, but the team’s pit crew swiftly resolved the problem, keeping the duo competitive.

A Hard-Fought Finish

Concluding the 250-mile endurance race in Falekn tires and with determination, Team Real Racing crossed the finish line in second place. Their exceptional performance not only secured a podium position but also earned them a total of 721 points in the 2024 championship standings, keeping their title aspirations alive.