Traxxas TORC Series names pro MXer Eric Saunders as Grand Marshall for RedBud

INDIANAPOLIS
(May 25, 2011) – Pro motocross
racer Eric Saunders
will bust out his custom Polaris RANGER
RZR and lead this weekend’s
(May 28-29) Traxxas TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL parade laps when
the nation’s premier short course competition off-road racing
series opens at Saunders’ all-time favorite MX track – RedBud in
Buchanan, Mich.

The crowd’s
expected to be big and many of the crossover MX fans in attendance
know Saunders, having followed his race career from a six year old on
mini cycles through last summer when the Lakeville, Ind., native
moved up to the pro ranks to contest the MX Lites class on the AMA
outdoor national circuit. Those that don’t recognize his name will
just think it’s some dude in a side x side, “lucky” that he
gets to pull the holeshot on the RedBud/TORC parade laps.

But quite a
few more fans at the RedBud/TORC race will have tears in their eyes
as Saunders makes his first return to RedBud - having been paralyzed
in a motocross crash on his home track this past August.

“I’m
pretty pumped. Returning to RedBud – with the greatest dirt on
earth – is going to be unreal,” said Saunders. “I’ve been
looking forward to this weekend for some time.”

Saunders’
specially-equipped RANGER RZR has
hand controls similar to his dirt bike, which will allow Saunders to
navigate the new RedBud off-road track – specifically designed for
the TORC Series off-road PRO 4 and PRO 2 trucks. And though Saunders’
eyes might get real big when he lines up the famous “LaRocco’s
Leap” jump at RedBud, he’ll have to keep ‘er in check … at
least for now.

“There’s
definitely been some talk of taking it to the next level,” said
Saunders, who was recently named the General Manager of nearby
Plymouth Speedway. “Pretty much all we need is some suspension work
and I can take this Polaris racing.”

Saunders will
have the green light to go race – and the backing – from family
friend and NASCAR great, Tony Stewart. And as he continues to rehab
and improve his strength, there’s no doubt a UTV (side x side) ride
will be in his future as they’re racing the latest new extreme
powersports vehicle all over the United States.

“USAC’s
more than just a sanctioning body – they’re there to help the
racers,” said Irish Saunders, Eric’s father, of TORC’s
sanctioning body. “And they’ve certainly helped us out.”

Eric will no
doubt be all over the pro pits and around the RedBud/TORC track all
weekend in his RANGER RZR
. If he’s not doing too fast, flag him down and buy an “I can, I
will” T-shirt off him. The funds definitely go to a great cause.

Photos
courtesy of: ericsaunders.net

About TORC

The Traxxas
TORC Series, presented by AMSOIL, is the fastest, most punishing
short course racing series on the planet! TORC events are packed with
flag-to-flag fender banging as drivers push the limits over whoops
and jump-filled natural terrain race tracks. Off-road racing fans
come from far and wide to experience the most challenging form of
high-octane competition. And once they taste TORC for the first time
they’re hooked for life!