It’s hard to imagine that this time last year we were still wiring up the Rock Bug (see “Rock Bug Weekend Update for January 24, 2009”).  Despite all of our best efforts to have the Rock Bug ready to race 2009 King of the Hammers (KOH), its highly custom Scat V4 motor decided otherwise.  Literally one day before the race, severe lack of engine performance forced driver Tracy Jordan and the Rock Bug to bow out of the 2009 KOH competition.

It was a tough blow, especially given the amount of time and energy devoted to the Rock Bug project.  There was little time to feel bad about it though as the 2009 W.E.Rock rock crawling season was about to begin.  So we were all back at it trying to make the Scat V4 motor happy.  It took us the first two W.E.Rock competitions before we were able to get the Scat V4 motor under control.  Once we did though, the fate of the Rock Bug had permanently changed. 

With a perfectly running Scat V4 engine, Tracy Jordan and the Rock Bug seemed unstoppable, taking home 1st place spots in the final two W.E.Rock competitions.  Shortly after, the 2009 W.E.Rock season ended on the highest note we could ask for. Tracy Jordan and the Rock Bug won the 2009 W.E.Rock Grand Nationals (see  “W.E.Rock 2009 Grand Nationals – Tracy Jordan & The Rock Bug on the Shootout (Part 2 of 2)”) which is one of the highest rock crawling awards of the year.  Life was good.

With a full year of rock crawling competition (and three victories) under its belt, we’re more ready then ever for this years 2010 KOH competition. Instead of rushing to put together a brand new concept vehicle, we are now able to take our time and focus on many of the smaller items we ran out of time for last year.  We spent most of this year’s  preparation on cooling (larger transmission cooler, radiator cooling fins, oil sump scoop), modifications to comply with new rules (rear light bar, bladder style fuel cell with firewall, window net changes), and small go-fast improvements (higher performance alternator, on-board tools, fresh air system).  All in all, the Rock Bug is now looking ready to race.

The Rock Bug will be back on the road tomorrow heading over to Gerald’s place for final wiring on the new electrical goodies.  After which, Tracy and the Rock Bug will be heading out to the KOH lake bed for some final tuning.  Set your calendars for February 12th, 2010 which marks this years KOH race day.  Hope to see you out on there!