AZUÑIA RACING PUTS THE SPIRIT IN BEST IN THE DESERT’S VEGAS TO RENO
San Clemente, CA — Hot off a top 10 finish at the M.O.R.E. Freedom 250 three weeks ago, Azuñia Racing rolled in to Sin City with a full force effort to conquer Best in the Desert’s Vegas to Reno. V2R has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the toughest endurance races in desert racing. The heavy rains that eroded the 500+ mile racecourse days prior made conditions especially brutal on race day and the #6110 piloted by Azuñia Tequila Founder, Jim Riley, was forced to surrender after a promising start to “The Longest Off-Road Race in America.”
Riley’s day couldn’t have began any better. Jim passed the lead vehicle in class by race mile 11 and for the next eighty miles, the #6110 Ford enjoyed fresh air. Just as Riley began to build a comfortable lead over the field of ten other Class 6100 racers, the trucks alternator failed in the technical section that zig zagged five miles before the high speed straight away leading in to Pit 3.
Riley and co-driver, Amin Torfi, pulled off to assess the situation and in doing so surrendered their position to the oncoming vehicles. It was now a game of catch up. Riley’s resilience was put to the test as he persistently picked off the slower vehicles that stood in his way. As day turned to night, Rigid Industries lit Riley’s pursuit of the finish line in Reno. However, in a move that no driver ever wants to make, Riley was forced to reach for the fire extinguisher when his engine caught fire near race mile 382 and was forced to retire from a long day in the desert.
“When we lost our alternator, I knew we were going to have to push the pace to get back where we needed to be. The combo of KMC Wheels outfitted with General Tire Grabbers tolerated the cruel terrain that was exposed after the rain and we had no flats all day,” commented Riley. “It was great race, just not in our favor. That doesn’t mean we weren’t pouring Azuñia Tequila in Reno.”
Azuñia Tequila has become one of off-road racings biggest supporters and promoters of social life. Azuñia recognizes the importance of giving back to the racers and organizers that make all the events possible and continues to support each event to celebrate the adventure of off-road racing. Riley and Azuñia went all in for three pre-race parties, including General Tire’s Kick-Off Party at Hussong’s Cantina inside Mandalay Bay, FOX and Team Ford’s Kickoff Fiesta at The Salted Lime inside Aliante Hotel & Casino and Viola Tavern & Gaming’s Vegas to Reno Time Trials Party. To polish it off, Azuñia supported Hussongs in Reno when the race was said and done.
Azuñia Racing will continue their 2014 race season when they battle at Best in the Desert’s Blue Water Desert Challenge in Parker, AZ on October 9th-12th.
About Intersect Beverage
Intersect Beverage, located in San Clemente, CA, imports premium tequilas. Executives, Jim Riley and Alex Baca, have more than twenty years experience in the spirits industry. Intersect Beverage is committed to delivering the highest quality brands and products to every client, employing the best management and sales team in the industry involving each individual in the success of the company and its partners. Dedicated to redefining the spirits industry, having fun while delivering only the finest quality products to the market.
Intersect Beverages’ products include:
Azuñia Tequila (ultra-premium tequila) produced from the finest quality hand-selected 100% Weber blue agave plants, grown and harvested by one of the oldest and most experienced growers in the Jalisco Region of Mexico. Azuñia’s Tequila portfolio includes: Platinum Blanco (perfect choice for a refreshing Azuñia margarita), Reposado (an authentic pleasure with a touch of smokiness) and Añejo (the most sophisticated with hints of vanilla and nuts). Azuñia Tequila is currently distributed in California, Texas, Florida, New York and 36 other states.
To learn more about Azuñia Ultra-Premium Tequilas and to download a list of Azuñia Tequila cocktails visit www.azuniatequila.com.
Photography by Bryan Harrold
About Mad Media:
Mad Media (www.madmedia.com) is San Diego based marketing and creative agency offering professional print, web, and film production. They specialize in producing culturally relevant brand messaging using professional athletes, musicians, and artists. Mad Media focuses on sports and cultures that they are passionate about, including skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross, FMX, BMX, off-road racing, rally racing, Hip-Hop, Punk Rock and Mixed Martial Arts. Mad Media has produced over twenty major commercial and viral film projects this year for clients such as Subaru of America, DC Shoes, Monster Energy Drink, and Harley-Davidson. Mad Media has been executing immersive marketing campaigns since 1996.
