Chicane RX, No Flats in Vegas to Reno

Driving UTVs equipped with STI Chicane RX tires, Gunner Savage finished third in Pro Production and Matt Burroughs was fourth in Pro Turbo during the Vegas to Reno round of the Best in the Desert Race series. America’s longest off-road race, Vegas to Reno has long been a test of both man and machine. This year’s event was especially tough on tires. Dry conditions caused a unique blend of silt over rocks, and the final five miles featured terrain that was reminiscent of a rock crawl.

Savage ran the 30-inch STI Chicane RX on his Yamaha YXZ1000R. It marked his second Vegas to Reno race after making his BITD debut in the 2016 edition of the event, and his second podium of the season.

“We did 540 miles with no flats,” said Savage. “We finished third in the Mint 400 with Chicane RX tires and had no flats there, either. In fact, we haven’t had a flat in five races.” Savage finished just 30 seconds out of second place. A competitor in another class held him back toward the end of the race, keeping him from challenging for second.

“We had broken Trophy Truck in front of us dusting us for the last 30 miles and he was just at a speed where we couldn’t move forward,” said Savage. “We’re happy with third and we’re excited. We’re starting to figure out the pace and we’re getting closer and closer every race. It just takes a little experience. Anyone can go out there and go fast, but it’s also a matter of keeping the car together.”

Matt Burroughs, in the Monster Energy Racing Can-Am X3, ran the 32-inch Chicane RX tires, earning fourth in the Pro Turbo class.

“We’ve been running this tire for two years now,” said Burroughs. “It’s a great all-around tire. It’s really durable and it works well everywhere. It works well on the rocks, the silt, and the sand. Performance-wise the Chicanes are great.”

Burroughs and Savage will return to BITD competition as the series heads to Caliente, NV for the Silver State 150 September 22-23.