Mitch Guthrie Jr – 2016 Production UTV World Champ

Going into the Short Course race after an upset in the Desert race gave me a lot more drive to get the win. I was starting up front in a car that I was much more used to racing, instead of a big bulky desert car I was a little more used to this type of driving, in a lightweight, fast and nimble 2 seater.

The land rush start is something I am very used to doing so I knew I had somewhat of an advantage with that but at the same moment I had some of the fastest UTV drivers in the world lined up next to me.

Boom the race starts and we are off the line. I got a good start and was able to holeshot my competitors and get the lead. This is where the desert race played a key role. The first lap being able to know what the track was like was huge. I was able to get a good fast pace going and gain a pretty solid lead. When I came in the first lap I was told I had around a 45 second lead so I was able to back it down a little bit and save the car.

I eventually started the 3rd lap and knew I had some fast drivers closing in on me. I also knew I had to get gas and didn’t really know what everyone else’s plan was so I really wanted to keep a good gap and have some wiggle room. As we came towards the pits at the end of the 3rd lap Branden Sims was hot on my heels and I knew I had to pick it up as he was racing his desert car and would not have to pit! I pulled in for a splash and go, Branden got by me and it was game on.

We started our 4th and final lap and it was all or nothing for me. I had to catch Branden to win that rzr and become the champ and I was going to do everything in my power to do it. The car was on rails and I was giving it everything I had. A couple minutes later I got close and was just getting on his bumper. I knew it was going to be a battle! Right at that moment I smelled a belt and he pulled off to the side he had blown a belt. At this point I knew it was my race, it was on me to keep the car together and make it to the finish line.

I was able to cruise the last lap and be easy on the car as I got close to the pits which were about a mile from the finish line. Right when I was getting close to the pits I looked at my speedometer and my heart dropped. I was about 2 miles from the finish… on the last lap… and my gas light was blinking…. We were in too big of a hurry and didn’t get enough gas in the car the first time we pitted and I was now almost out. I made an executive decision to pull in and get some gas instead of possibly running out of gas before the finish line. Quick gas and go and I was out, I went the next mile and finished, still in the lead, and now the 2016 World Champ!!!!!

Really words can’t describe the feeling, I’m still on cloud 9 after the rough day we had and am just so happy after all of the hard work leading up to this! Thank you to Joey D., Utvunderground, Mad media, and BITD for such an amazing event as well as all of the wonderful sponsors, family, and friends that are apart of what we do…. WE DID IT!!!!