The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORS) brought short course racing to Utah’s Miller Motorsports Park, and as a result the Rockstar Energy Drink / Makita Tools Team LeDuc Racing brought home thousands of new fans from the Beehive State. Action kicked off on Friday, June 25 th with qualifying and roared into an action-packed weekend of racing under sunny blue skies. Todd LeDuc qualified 4th amongst 14 drivers for Round 7 of racing and started in the front row in the Pro 2 Unlimited class. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Todd pulled out to a comfortable lead in his Rockstar Energy Drink / Makita Tools Ford F-150 Pro 2 Unlimited.After the mandatory restart bunched up the field, Todd battled with Rodrigo Ampudia for the win in some of the most exciting racing of the season. Ampudia bicycled his truck through Turn 5 on the last lap, but was able to gather his truck and narrowly defeat Todd. “I was able to podium at the last race for new sponsor Jägermeister, and I was excited to do the same for the US Air Force here at Miller Motorsports Park,” Todd said following the race. The Air Force has signed up for a three-race sponsorship of Todd LeDuc, fitting given the amount of time his 800 horsepower Pro 2 Unlimited truck spends in the air.Todd’s brother, Kyle LeDuc, qualified 3 rd for Saturday’s racing, just a few spots ahead of his father Curt, who qualified 7th. Track conditions and traffic conspired against Kyle early on in Round 7, causing him to spin out early in the race. Never one to quit, Kyle was working his way back towards the front of the pack, but a flat tire forced him in to the hot pits, costing him valuable time. Kyle eventually finished 10th in his Rockstar Energy Drink / Makita Tools Ford F-150 Pro 4, just ahead of his father Curt. Sunday started with Kyle qualifying 3 rd and Curt qualifying 7th again, but that is where the similarities end. Kyle drove the No. 99 Rockstar / Makita Ford like a man possessed, running at the front of the pack for the entire race. He battled with Rick Huseman, the eventual winner, for the last seven laps, bringing the capacity crowd to its feet. “I actually ran the fast lap of the day,” Kyle explained. “I think that proves that I have what it takes to run with Rick (Huseman).” Curt LeDuc finished the race in 4 th place amongst 13 competitors, just three seconds short of reaching the podium.Todd LeDuc qualified 5th for Sunday’s racing action, putting him on the front row again. This time he started on the outside, but with a bit of patience he was able to take the lead and run comfortably up-front until the mandatory restart. Fuel delivery issues on the No. 8 truck caused a momentary lapse in concentration that cost Todd dearly, causing him to spin out and move back to 5 th place. Fortunately there was plenty of time left for Todd to work his magic, and his opportunity came on the same turn where Ampudia had bicycled his truck on the previous day. While the rest of the field was getting bunched up, Todd took the Rockstar Energy Drink / Makita Tools Ford F-150 high up the banked wall to move into 2nd place with one lap remaining. Pushing his Pro 2 Unlimited truck to the limit, Todd was barely trailing behind race leader, Rob MacCachren, but ran out of real estate and ultimately finished in second place for the second time in as many days.
With the season half way to completion, the “First Family” of short course racing is well poised to make a run at series championships in both the Pro 2 Unlimited and Pro 4 Unlimited classes. The next stop on the LOORS circuit for the Rockstar Energy Drink / Makita Tools Team LeDuc Racing will be at Glen Helen Raceway for the series’ only scheduled race in Southern California. Television coverage of the Lucas Oil Off Road Series racing action at Miller Motorsports Park will be broadcast on Speed and CBS networks. Check local listings for broadcast times.
Todd LeDuc Back on the Podium for Both Rounds of Racing in Utah.
July 5th, 2010
Todd LeDuc Races Blind – Finishes Third in the 2009 TORC Series Championship
October 28th, 2009
After a season full of intense driving, narrow finishes, and close calls, the Traxxas TORC Series concluded it’s 2009 Championship chase at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this past weekend.
The Pro 2WD championship chase was by far the closest, making every turn of every lap increasingly important. Many racetracks have their own devils, and LVMS is no different. It can be said that this track is by far the dustiest short course track there is, with the entire course covered in silt like dirt, the dust becomes instant and lingers.
Coming into Friday’s race, Todd LeDuc was sitting third in the points standings, only nine points behind first place’s Rob MacCachren, and four points behind second place’s Ricky Johnson.
When the green flag dropped, the 15 truck field starting in two by two order were no more. Seven Pro 2WD trucks attempted to make the first turn at the same time, with LeDuc coming out in the fifth position. For five laps LeDuc held of Johnson as he worked to pass Jeremy McGrath, until LeDuc could hold on no longer. It was apparent to the fans and every one watching that something was wrong with LeDuc or his truck, as he continued to slow down and get passed on the track. With the intense dust and mud saturating the air, extra tear off are must. Unfortunately for Todd, on the second lap of the race, he mistakenly tore off all of his visor’s tear-offs, instead of just one, as he was battling McGrath. If there was any race to need tear-offs, this was it.
Todd LeDuc was no longer battling the field, but was now fighting for vision as his visor would not wipe clean, and was caked with six inches of mud. The visor was too heavy to stay up, so Todd held it up with one hand and steered with the other, all the while getting mud flung into his exposed eyes. ” It was painfully blinding as I tried to hold my positions, but I literally could not see a thing. I will have mud in my eyes for days” said Todd LeDuc”
By now LeDuc had fallen into a heartbreaking 14 place, and his championship hopes were diminishing. The dust conditions were so horrible and unsafe that TORC officials mandated a caution lap during the race to let dust settle. LeDuc took the opportunity to pull into the hot pits and put on a pair of goggles his team had ready for him, complete with tear-offs. With only three laps left in the race, it was a sprint to the finish for LeDuc. Coming from back of the field Todd LeDuc passed 10 trucks in just three laps. When the checkered flag flew, the #3 Rockstar / Makita truck captured an uplifting fourth place finish.
Saturday night marked the last Pro-2 race of the 2009 TORC Season, and for LeDuc it was a good start as he escaped turn one in third place behind Ricky Johnson and Bryce Menzies. On the third lap LeDuc lost his groove, and drove a bad line resulting in Scott Taylor and Rob MacCachren passing him. LeDuc passed Taylor back before the caution lap, placing him in fourth. LeDuc pushed hard on the restart and took the second place spot behind Johnson. Five laps before the finish, LeDuc over rotated in turn three, where MacCachren took the pass. With four laps to go Leduc raced to pass Dan Vanden Heuval who was in third. In his quest to pass Vanden Hueval, LeDuc clocked the overall fastest lap of the race, but it was not enough. At the checkered flag it was a fourth place finish for Todd LeDuc, and the Oakley Bomb Award.
Although Ricky Johnson won on Saturday night, it was Rob MacCachren that took home the 2009 Traxxas TORC Series Pro 2WD Championship. Todd LeDuc finished third in the points standings and will return again in 2010 for another shot at the championship.
Coverage of the mud flying and dust hazing action can be seen Sunday, November 8th on ABC. Check your local listings!
TORC Awards Banquet
Todd & Kyle Leduc and Jeremy McGrath
Top 3 winners in the Traxxas Radio Controlled Championship
Todd LeDuc Makes the 3-Way Championship Battle – and Takes Home a Podium Finish in Perris, CA
September 30th, 2009The TORC Series returned to Perris Auto Speedway this past weekend for the second time this past weekend for the second time this season. Similarly to the previous race, temperatures reached above 100 degrees, but that didn’t slow down any of the racing action as the pros competed Friday and Saturday nights under the lights.
Todd LeDuc came into Perris second in the Pro 2WD points standings after a victorious weekend in Crandon, WI. Being second in points also means that Todd started Friday’s race in Perris on the third row, as the top six drivers in points are inverted for the two by two start.
Friday’s night action began with Todd starting in the fifth position, making Scott Taylor his first pass of the night on lap 3 of the 20 lap race. As leader Jeremy McGrath held off Ricky Johnson and Rob MacCachren, early in the race, Todd battled with Dan Vanden Heuvel to reach the front. After jumping table tops neck and neck with Dan, Todd finally on lap 14 passed Dan Vanden Heuval and charged after Jeremy McGrath, who had dropped to third. Todd was on the heels on Jeremy as the checked flag was waved, with Todd LeDuc finishing in the fourth place position. Rob MacCachren won the race with Ricky Johnson in second, and Jeremy McGrath in third.
With each race growing closer to the close of the TORC Series season, points standings and the championship are starting to weigh heavy on the racer’s minds. The pressure of the points could easily be seen on Saturday night’s Pro 2WD race as many of the drivers altered their driving styles, with varied results.
With Todd’s fourth place finish on Friday, he moved to third in the points, enabling him to start Saturday’s race on the second row. Once again Jeremy McGrath took the hole shot at the start of Round 14, but quickly found himself falling to the fifth position by the third lap with Todd LeDuc passing him for the fourth place spot. At the competition yellow Todd once again had to fend off a defensively driving Jeremy McGrath, who swapped positions with Todd a couple times before Todd quickly pulled away. Todd LeDuc said before the race, “I am going to have to be more aggressive and more demanding of my truck than ever before in order stay in this points chase”.
It seemed the pressure was getting to Ricky Johnson as Rob MacCachren passed him for the second place position on lap 11, and Todd LeDuc passing him on lap 12 for the third place spot. However, Ricky Johnson was not about to be passed up so easily. A battle ensued between Todd and Ricky for the remaining laps as Todd pushed his #3 Rockstar truck to the limits wheeling over the rhythm section to maintain optimum speed and the position.
The Saturday night crowd cheered wildly as the checkered flag was thrown with Rob MacCachren taking the win for the second time of the weekend, Dan Vanden Heuval placing second, and Todd LeDuc capturing the third place position.
The points standing are closer than ever with only nine points separating the top three drivers. Rob MacCachren has moved to first, with Ricky Johnson in second, and Todd LeDuc in third. The final two rounds of the TORC Series will take place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 23 and 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Intense racing action is guaranteed as these drivers will be bringing their best game to win the 2009 Traxxas TORC Series Championship.
Todd LeDuc is the Pro 2WD WORLD CHAMPION
September 8th, 2009Todd LeDuc Becomes Pro-2WD World Champion at Crandon Raceway!
Pro 2 World Champion
The highly anticipated 40th Anniversary of Crandon International Raceway kicked off over Labor Day weekend to an estimated crowd of nearly 40,000 fans. The live ABC broadcast of the competition not only added to the notoriety of the event, it also brought nation-wide attention to the “small town with big time racing.” With just three more races left (including Crandon) in the Off-Road Championship (TORC) Series, Rounds 11 and 12 brought all-out competitive action in the Pro 4×4 and Pro 2WD classes. Claiming victories in both the 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive classes, the Rockstar / Makita Team LeDuc rightfully earned their spot in the history books during this legendary anniversary race at the venue dubbed “The Big House.”
Saturday’s Round 11 Pro 2WD action found Todd LeDuc claiming the “hole shot” during the land rush start and dominating the field of 19 competitors. Leading entire race from the green flag to the checkers, Todd also earned his first Oakley “Bomb Award” of the season for the fastest lap time. “It is a real honor to take home a win during the 40th Anniversary celebration of Crandon, especially with the U.S. Air Force on board with me this weekend, and I can’t thank the fans, the dedicated crew, and my generous sponsors enough for making this possible,” commented Todd LeDuc. With this win, Todd became the 2009 Pro 2WD World Champion, which includes a $10,000 cash purse and championship ring.
Todd in the Lead
Sunday’s Round 12 brought lots of excitement to the spectators and the television audience as a three-way race for fourth place broke out between Todd LeDuc, Robby Gordon, and Evan Evans just a few hundred feet from the finish. Todd, who was running in fifth, made a last minute charge for fourth and successfully passed Robby Gordon just seconds before crossing the finish line. ”I kept waiting for Rob MacCachren and Robby Gordon to get into eachother or make a mistake, and they never really did’” said Todd. Gordon and LeDuc made contact during the battle and Robby ended up backwards on the track, ultimately finishing in the sixth position. Todd currently claims the second spot on the points grid and is trailing leader, Ricky Johnson, by just two points! With two races left in the regular season and just two points separating Todd from the leader, the next race at Perris Auto Speedway is sure to be exciting in the Pro 2WD class.
U.S. Air Force Sponsored
When the final checkered flag dropped Sunday evening at Crandon International Raceway, it was Kyle LeDuc in the No. 99 Rockstar / Makita Pro 4×4 Ford who earned his first BorgWarner Cup and the 4th Oakley “Bomb Award” of the season for the fastest lap time in the race. Father, Curt LeDuc, the 1998 winner of the coveted BorgWarner Cup, also claimed a podium position in his No. 43 Rockstar / Makita Pro 4×4 Ford by crossing the finish line in third place.
As both LeDucs took to the stage to claim their trophies and the $100,000 sterling silver Cup, it was an obviously emotional and historic accomplishment for the family and crew. Becoming the first “father and son” team to earn podiums in this prestigious race, Curt commented, “It has been an unbelievable day and a great weekend for my family, our team, and our sponsors. To any father who has ever worked with his sons, keep doing it! It does pay off! I couldn’t be more proud of both Kyle and Todd.” In addition to earning the celebrated Cup title, Kyle also takes home a $40,000 cash purse compliments of Crandon International Raceway and another $3,500 cash prize from Ford as a “Racer Performance Award.”
Sunday’s hard-fought victories were in sharp contrast to Saturday’s disappointing Pro 4×4 race as Curt LeDuc suffered a dramatic crash while making a charge for the third position during his 7th lap. Kyle, who had been running in second place, was battling for the lead when he received the black flag during the fifth lap for an incident with the No. 2 truck of Steve Barlow. Forced to go to the back of the pack due to the penalty, Kyle crossed the finish in the 9th position while Curt was able to recover and claim an 8th place finish. As the final points were tallied at the conclusion of the weekend, Kyle will head into the next race in the second points position while Curt currently claims the fifth spot on the points grid.
Rockstar / Makita’s Team LeDuc Racing will return to the track for Rounds 13 and 14 of the Traxxas TORC Series racing on September 25 – 26 at Perris Auto Speedway. Coverage of The Off-Road Championship Series Crandon race can be seen Wednesday, September 9th on the ESPN2 Network at 10:30pm Pacific Standard Time.
Todd Leduc Wins at Bark River!
August 12th, 2009Todd LeDuc Earns First Win in TORC’s Pro 2WD Class, currently 2nd in Points in Pro 2WD.
Just two weeks after dominating the field in both the two wheel and four wheel drive classes at the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series (LOORRS), the Rockstar / Makita Team LeDuc headed East for Rounds 9 and 10 of TORC Series racing in Bark River, Michigan. As the stands filled up with nearly 17,000 spectators, the 1.5 mile track of Bark River International Raceway provided some spectacular and unpredictable racing as the inaugural TORC Series season inches towards a close with just three races left in the points chase.
As the largest of the Pro classes took to the track on Saturday, Todd LeDuc found himself in the middle of a three-way battle with Johnson and McGrath for the lead position in the Pro 2WD class. As the checkered flag flew on the 11th lap, Todd crossed the finish line with a 2nd place podium in his No. 3 Rockstar / Makita Pro 2WD Ford. Claiming a hard fought lead on Sunday, Todd Leduc got out front and held on strong to earn his first win in the Pro 2WD class during TORC’s debut season.
Rockstar / Makita’s Team LeDuc Racing will return to the track for Rounds 11 and 12 of Traxxas TORC Series racing on September 4 – 6 at Crandon International Raceway. Coverage of The Off-Road Championship Series Bark River race can be seen on the ESPN2 Network – check local listings for broadcast times. As part of the 40th Anniversary celebration, Crandon’s legendary Labor Day race will be broadcast LIVE on the ABC Network over the Labor Day weekend!!
Coverage of the LeDuc’s debut during Rounds 7 & 8 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series at Lake Elsinore Park can be seen on August 23rd on Speed TV. Check local listings for broadcast times.
Rockstar / Makita Team LeDuc Racing is Sponsored by:
Rockstar Energy
Makita Tools
Toyo Tires
KC HiLites
KMC Wheels
King Shocks
MSD Ignition
K&N Filters
MasterCraft Safety
Simpson
Leatt Brace
Ford Trucks
Beco Radiators
Kalgard
Photos Courtesy Dave Clark/Trakside Photo
Todd LeDuc Sweeps the Lucas Oil Off Road Series Race Weekend in Lake Elsinore
July 28th, 2009
Lake Elsinore, California (July 28, 2009) – Todd LeDuc made his unforgettable debut in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series this past weekend in Lake Elsinore, California. The Rockstar Energy / Makita driver won first place both Saturday and Sunday in the Unlimited 2 division. Although Todd is a committed TORC Series competitor, and in the TORC Series championship hunt, he competed this past weekend in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series to support his sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink, who was the event sponsor.
Todd LeDuc dominated both days of the Unlimited 2 class by defeating the large field of 18 trucks. Starting in eighth for Saturday’s race due to an engine problem during qualifying, LeDuc exercised patience and clean driving while working his way to the front. Carl Renezener gave LeDuc a run for the money as they battled for the first place position, but LeDuc took over the lead for the win after passing Renezener on the last turn of the last lap.
On Sunday, LeDuc hustled from the eighth position to second in just the first two laps. After quickly making his way to first place, a mid-race spin out landed him back in seventh place. With a mandatory caution lap and half the race left, LeDuc still had time to get to the front of the pack. LeDuc broke through to third place with ease, but passing Carl Renezener for second took some strategic setting up to do. Once passed Carl, LeDuc drove around leader Bryce Menzie on the second to last lap after Menzie took a turn too sharp. LeDuc took first place once more as the checkered flag dropped and the fireworks shot into the late evening sky.
Todd LeDuc may have taken the Lucas Oil Off Road Series’ cash, trophies, and air time, but his priority now is preparing his truck for the next TORC Series race, August 8 & 9 in Bark River, MI. “It feels great to win for Rockstar at the Rockstar sponsored race, and in SoCal, but I leave for Bark River in five days. Its time for me to clench a victory in the highly competitive TORC Series” said Todd LeDuc. Todd’s younger brother Kyle added to the weekend of success by also winning both days in the Unlimited 4 division.
Televised coverage of this past weekend’s Lucas Oil Off Road Series in Lake Elsinore can be seen on The SPEED Channel, Sunday, August 23 at 1:00 PM.
Todd LeDuc is sponsored by:
Rockstar Energy Drink
Makita Power Tools
Toyo Tires
Ford
KalGard Lubricants
K&N Filters
Todd LeDuc finishes Third at Bark River
July 21st, 2009Just three weeks after claiming six points-earning podiums at Crandon International Raceway the Rockstar / Makita Team LeDuc once again made the cross-country trip to Bark River, Michigan to compete in Rounds 7 and 8 of the Traxxas TORC Series. Taking the horsepower to the limits and challenging even the most experienced drivers, Bark River International Raceway is arguably one of the most demanding tracks in this nationwide circuit – testing the limits of both man and machine. With a crowd of 12,000 strong, Team LeDuc once again proved they are a force to be reckoned with by claiming three podiums during the TORC Series’ debut in Bark River.
With 15 Pro 2WDs staged and all looking for the win, it was anyone’s guess who would take home the coveted checkered flag in this highly competitive class. Starting in the fifth position during Round 7, Todd LeDuc drove his No. 3 Rockstar / Makita Ford Pro 2WD at a consistent pace and earned the fifth place finish. Sunday’s Round 8 competition found the No. 3 methodically working his way through the early race carnage to claim the second spot on the track during the third lap. As the fierce competition heated up, Todd entered into a three way battle for first with Jeremy McGrath and Rob MacCachren. Eventually settling into his pace, Todd crossed the finish in third and earned Team LeDuc Racing the third podium of the weekend.
Todd LeDuc Moves To Second In Points After Two Second Place Finishes In Crandon, WI
July 2nd, 2009Crandon, WI (June 24, 2009)—The Traxxas TORC Series came to Crandon International Off Road Raceway for rounds five and six of the 2009 schedule. It was the LeDuc team’s turn to make the 2,000 mile trek to Wisconsin to compete at the most prestigious track on the TORC circuit, in front of over 24,000 fans.
A unique characteristic of the infamous Crandon Int. Raceway is the competition land rush start. The 17 Pro 2WD drivers lined up in one row, 17 wide, as oppose to the traditional two by two NASCAR style start. The Crandon racetrack is unlike other TORC Series race tracks in that each lap is over twice the distance, resulting in a 10 lap race, as oppose to 20 laps.
Saturday’s Pro 2WD action began underway as the Rockstar / Makita driver Todd LeDuc started in the number two position which proved beneficial as he grabbed the hole-shot into turn one, and took the early lead. Todd retained his first place position after the mid-race mandatory yellow flag, but a fierce battle with Rob MacCachren ensued at lap seven. Rob narrowly passed Todd in turn three as they both pulled away from the rest of the field. With only two laps two go, Todd looked for every opportunity to regain his lead. Todd admits, “Rob basically out foxxed me running that good line in the Gravel Pit”. Todd ultimately crossed the finish line only one truck length behind Rob MacCachren, clinching the second place finish. After Saturday’s round five, Todd moved from fifth in points to third behind points leaders Ricky Johnson and Rob MacCachren.
Todd LeDuc takes the holeshot on Saterday
Round six of The TORC Series on Sunday packed even more action into the Pro 2WD class. Although Todd started fourth on the starting grid, it was Ricky Johnson who pulled the hole-shot first. Todd’s engine hesitated at the start leaving him to settle for a sixth place beginning. He maintained that position until the competition yellow flag at lap number five. At the mid-race restart, Todd knew he needed to make his move to the front. Rob MacCachren was Todd’s first victim before quickly driving around Dan Vanden Heuvel for the fourth place spot.
The pass around Jeremy McGrath was considered simple compared to the battle that lay ahead with Ricky Johnson for second place. Coming into lap eight, Todd smelled blood as Ricky Johnson slowly developed a rear flat tire. Entering lap nine Todd made his move by bumping Ricky from behind and passing him on the inside. Ricky Johnson obviously did not appreciate Todd’s bump, as he returned the gesture by using his truck to remove Todd’s Rockstar paint. However, it did not work, as Todd finished in second place behind race leader Scott Taylor. After the round, Todd said, “Wow, that race felt like a desert race, it was so dusty. I took a lot of risks and they all paid off”. The risks on the track and two second place finishes catapulted Todd into second place in the TORC Series points.
Televised coverage of rounds five and six at Crandon International Raceway can be seen on ESPN2 on Sunday, June 28 at 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM EST. Todd LeDuc’s next stop on the 2009 TORC race schedule is Bark River International Raceway in Bark River, Michigan for rounds seven and eight. The action will take place over two days, July 11th and 12th.
Todd’s TORC results so far:
June 18th, 2009TORC results: 7/02 – Todd LeDuc
Round one- Ft. Worth, TX: 3rd
Round two- Ft. Worth, TX: 4th
Round three- Perris, CA: 3rd
Round four- Perris, CA: 7th
Round five - Crandon, WI: 2nd
Round six- Crandon, WI: 2nd
Round seven- Bark River, MI: 5th
Round eight- Bark River, MI: 3rd
Another Podium Finish for Todd in Perris, California
June 17th, 2009The Rockstar Makita sponsored driver Todd LeDuc once again took home another podium finish this past weekend during the second race of The Off-road Race Championship Series presented by Traxxas. The first California event of the eight race series kicked off May 29th and 30th at the celebrated Perris Auto Speedway.
Friday’s round three action found the No. 3 Rockstar / Makita Pro 2WD of Todd LeDuc battling it out with the notorious Jeremy McGrath once more. Avoiding McGrath’s mid-race spinout, Todd took the checkered flag with a hard fought third place finish.
Round four made the fans go wild with excitement in the packed stands as the crazy action unfolded before their eyes. Fortin hit the “K” rail and Adler smashed into the wall closest to the grandstands, sending fiberglass flying into the crowd. Avoiding the mayhem and carnage, Todd finished in the seventh position and kept his fifth place standing in the points chase.
The Rockstar / Makita LeDuc Team will be back for the third race of the Traxxas TORC Series at the historic Crandon Raceway in Crandon, WI on June 20 – 21st. Coverage of previous weekend’s racing can be seen on the ESPN2 Network. Check local listings for broadcast times or go to www.torcseries.com