Racing through relentless heat and rugged desert terrain, Team OTSFF/Motul’s performance at the California 300 embodied resilience, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. With temperatures soaring to 108°F and an unforgiving course, the race tested every aspect of the team’s skill and preparation. Still, they emerged with a solid finish and a renewed commitment to push limits in the off-road racing world.
The California 300 Off-Road Race, held in Barstow, California, marked its third year as a major fixture in Southern California’s off-road racing scene and the final event of the 2024 UNLTD Off-Road Racing Series. Drawing hundreds of racers, tens of thousands of fans, and numerous top brands, the event showcased high-stakes racing and thrilling competition across its diverse lineup of vehicles and race classes.
The weekend brought a full lineup of high-energy racing, and the event paid homage to Barstow’s off-road heritage and the storied Fireworks 250, further solidifying the California 300’s growing reputation as a premier race on the UNLTD Off-Road Racing schedule.
For lead driver Andre, the California 300 posed one of the most intense challenges of the season. “The heat was a big concern. From Canada to California’s blazing desert was a huge adjustment!” he said, describing the intense physical and mental preparation required.
Andre wasn’t alone in feeling the heat; Adam, the team’s other driver, shared, “We had mentally and physically prepped, but even with our time from the Mint to now, the heat hit us hard. Being from Colorado and Canada, it was almost like being on a different planet.”
Despite these conditions, the team performed remarkably. Andre remarked, “The race was tough, but the highlight was our flawless pit strategy and the endless dedication from every team member. It’s that combined effort that got the truck to the finish line.”
Preparation for the California 300 was a team-wide effort, involving weeks of pre-race conditioning. Andre focused heavily on hydration and mental readiness, as he knew the course and climate would challenge them like never before. “Hydration, timing adjustments, and working with Finish Line IV were crucial,” Andre explained. He also added, “Meeting with Adam and Dalton for our race strategy was key. When we strategize together, it helps me mentally prepare for the tough terrain.”
Adam took a similar approach, but with even more technical precision. “We were given ample time to get ready, and the truck was in top condition thanks to the team’s efforts. We did some prerunning and felt confident until we hit the desert’s 108-degree heat. It was a total game-changer.”
Despite the relentless conditions, Team OTSFF/Motul’s truck and team executed beyond expectations. “The truck was flawless,” Andre noted. “Adam prepped an amazing vehicle, and with Motul oils and lubricants, the truck’s vitals stayed solid through the entire race — honestly, even better than my own,” he joked.
Adam added, “Everything went as expected. The California 300 is a race of attrition, and we knew it would be about keeping the truck and tires intact, so we approached every lap with that mindset.”
Managing the tires and withstanding the heat were top priorities for the team. The brutal California desert put every part of the truck, as well as the drivers, to the test. “The first quarter of each lap was the hardest. It was a slow, technical section where co-drivers had to help navigate around rocks, adding mental pressure right from the start,” Andre said. “It’s almost like you have to put your brain in ‘limp mode’ to stay calm because the adrenaline isn’t the same as the high-speed sections. It was exhausting but essential for finishing the race.”
Andre recalled one of his favorite stretches: “After the rocks and climbs, there’s a section where you can finally put your head down, read the terrain, and go all out. That three-to-four-foot rough terrain to the finish was my favorite – it felt exhilarating.”
Adam also shared a memorable moment, noting the intensity of driver changes. “The entire race was intense, but driver changes are always a high-stress moment, especially after lap two. Those moments get your heart rate up, but they also keep you sharp.”
The heart of Team OTSFF/Motul’s success was its pit crew. Andre emphasized their dedication, saying, “Our pit crew is incredible. They have one of the toughest jobs, sitting, waiting, and hoping everything is in order, especially for a race in the toughest desert in the U.S.” Adam agreed, adding, “The Superwinch team was incredible and have truly become part of our team. The pit crew’s precision and efficiency were unmatched.”
Their pit strategy, which originally included only one stop, shifted as the race unfolded. “We ended up stopping nearly every pit for something — water, tire adjustments, or just for a quick check-in,” Adam said. “That adaptability was crucial.”
With the California 300 complete, Team OTSFF/Motul is eagerly planning its 2025 race calendar. They’re set to start with the Unlimited Parker 400, followed by the Mint 400 and the Norra 1000. The team also plans to add a few night races and attend six major events, including desert and Ultra4 races.
“We’re ready for a big year. Adam and I have our sights set high, and we’re focused on elevating our game every race,” Andre shared. Both drivers are ready to take the team to new heights with a strategy rooted in skill, resilience, and teamwork.
The team extends heartfelt thanks to their social media followers, sponsors, and the family members who make this intense journey possible. Special appreciation goes to Superwinch and Motul for their unwavering support. Team OTSFF/Motul is excited to bring more thrilling moments to their fans in the coming year, and they’re determined to make every race an unforgettable experience.
Team OTSFF/MOTUL couldn’t do this without their wonderful sponsors: Motul, Vision Wheel, X Comp Tires, Dynamic Motorsports, Vibrant Performance, Nacho Offroad Lighting, Recaro Seats, Viscid Design, Fitza Racing Development, and Glazzkraft.
