The legendary Parker 400 is known for testing the limits of both machine and driver, and this year was no exception. Team OTSFF, led by driver Andre Laurin, tackled the brutal Arizona desert course with a mix of precision, resilience, and teamwork, proving that
perseverance in off-road racing is just as critical as speed.
Despite an early mechanical issue that could have ended their race just two miles in, Team OTSFF stayed calm, executed a flawless mid-race repair, and powered through 400 miles of relentless terrain to complete one of the toughest races in the Unlimited
Racing Series.
For Laurin, Parker has always been a must-run event, offering a dynamic and challenging landscape that demands total focus.
“I personally love the challenge Parker offers—sand washes, rocks, and the incredible Arizona landscape,” he said. “It’s one of those courses that really pushes both the driver and the vehicle to their limits, and I thrive on that kind of challenge.”
This year’s course did not disappoint. From the punishing deep sand washes to the brutal square-edged bumps and relentless rock gardens, every mile tested the team’s endurance. The GOAT Trail, notorious for its rough and unpredictable terrain, required a
calculated approach.
“That section is just plain rough—very rough,” Laurin recalled. “We knew the key was to stay calm, drive at 50 percent, and preserve the truck. On the other side, we had a fast pace to the finish, so patience was everything.”
With the team feeling prepared and confident, race day was off to a smooth start—until disaster struck just two miles into Lap 1. The truck’s transmission suffered a catastrophic failure, a nightmare scenario for any off-road race team.
Where many teams might have called it a day, Team OTSFF’s crew leaped into action. Laurin and co-driver Dalton immediately assessed the issue, stayed within the rules, and limped the truck back to the pits, where Adam Dalton, Travis, and Mat worked tirelessly to swap out the entire transmission in record time.
“We stayed calm, verified the rules, and drove back to the pits,” Laurin explained. “Adam, Travis, and Mat jumped into action and got us back on track. Nearly a lap down, but we weren’t done yet!”
With the truck finally back in racing form, the new challenge became regaining lost ground and making smart, calculated moves to finish strong.
Once back in the race, Team OTSFF’s truck performed flawlessly across Parker’s varied terrain. The sand washes, despite being deeply rutted and brutally fast, played to the team’s strengths.
“The washes were amazing, fast, and extremely blown out. It was definitely a seat burner!” Laurin said with a laugh.
As the sun set, Nacho Lights illuminated the path forward, ensuring clear visibility in the dust and darkness. The truck’s Motul lubricants kept all vital components running smoothly despite the earlier transmission swap, and zero tire failures over 400 miles proved the durability of the team’s setup.
“The truck handled the entire course solidly—no issues once we got back out there. Tires were amazing, not a single flat all race!” Laurin emphasized. While the Parker 400 often leads to intense battles between teams, for Team OTSFF, the real battle was the course itself.
“No big battles for us this time around,” Laurin said. “Our biggest fight was against the terrain and staying intact to the finish.”
Through every challenge, the unwavering dedication of the team played a crucial role. From the lightning-fast transmission swap to the in-race strategy adjustments, teamwork was the key to a strong finish.
“Adam led the pit crew like a general, and Dalton kept me smart and confident in the truck,” Laurin said. “That kind of trust and coordination is what got us across the finish line.”
While many teams push their equipment to the absolute limit and suffer race-ending failures, OTSFF’s approach was strategic and measured, leading to one of their most controlled races at Parker yet.
“Much better than past years—no crashes, and we kept the truck intact,” Laurin said proudly.
With another Parker 400 in the books, Team OTSFF is already setting its sights on the next big challenges. Up next is The Mint 400, where Laurin’s daughter, Renee Laurin, will take the wheel in the UTV class—marking an exciting new chapter for the team.
“Renee will be driving at The Mint 400, and we couldn’t be more excited to see her take on this legendary race,” Laurin said.
Following that, the team is gearing up for an even bigger adventure: The NORRA 1000 in Mexico, where they’ll take on the legendary Baja desert in their Spec Trophy Truck.
Stay tuned as the team continues its journey through the 2025 off-road racing season!
Team OTSFF/MOTUL couldn’t do this without their wonderful sponsors: X Comp Tires, Vision Wheel, Motul, Dynamic Motorsports, Vibrant Performance, Nacho Offroad Lighting, Recaro Seats, Viscid Design, Fitza Racing Development, and Glazzkraft.
