Edwards AFB News

Commander realizes off-road racing dream, participates in Baja 1000, Parker 425

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Dust was flying everywhere as the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Motorsports team rallied to get through the finish line recently during the Best of the Desert Racing Association's Blue Water Resort Parker 425 competition in Arizona. 

As the chaos settled down, the team placed fourth in the stock-full class with a time of 14 hours, 12 minutes and 26 seconds. 

Maj. Steven Heffington, 95th Security Forces Squadron commander and the team's co-driver, was tired and exhausted -- but he was satisfied and happy. He just realized his dream of participating in an off-road racing event. 

"I have been interested in this type of racing all my life," Major Heffington said. "When they asked me if I (could) participate, I took the opportunity." 

Unlike NASCAR races where cars of the same class race on paved roads, the Parker 425 race has various types of vehicles -- from carts to trucks -- racing at the same time on the same off-road course. 

"It is one of the roughest races out there," Major Heffington said. "The driving is more challenging than any other kind of driving in the world." 

As a co-driver, the major was responsible for navigation and giving road hazard warnings to the driver. 

"(Major Heffington) is a hard worker who is dedicated to the team and the effort," said Deputy Sheriff Loren Worthington, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and director of the racing team. "He keeps his eyes on the goal and worked aggressively until it was done." 

Sheriff Worthington said Major Heffington's performance during the race was excellent. 

"During the race, our tire popped, but he was able to get out of the truck quickly and change the tire in minimal time," the sheriff said. "He was also able to change the truck's broken control arm in 10 minutes -- the record for our team." 

Always having a positive attitude, Sheriff Worthington said Major Heffington is willing to accept any task with minimal instruction -- which is exactly what  he did prior to the Parker 425 race. 

Major Heffington was the team's chase vehicle driver in November during the Baja 1000 competition at Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. His job was to deliver spare parts, fuel, food and water to the team as they raced down the peninsula. This was also Major Heffington's first off-road racing experience with the team.

The Baja 1000 is an off-road race covering more than 1,000 miles of the peninsula. Just like the Parker 425, this event also included various types of vehicles, such as small and large bore motorcycles, buggies, and trucks. 

"The Baja 1000 has a lot of distance, and it is very difficult," Major Heffington said. "It is a straight course and you don't stop to take a rest or sleep." 

"Major Heffington was precise and accurate," Sheriff Worthington said. "Our vehicle kept running because of his discipline and effort." 

Off-road racing is for a few select people, Major Heffington said. 

"The hardest parts were the duration (of each race) and the impact (on the body people) receive for driving on a rough road," the Missoula, Mont., native said. "You have to stay focused and be mentally alert and awake." 

Somebody who is not in shape cannot just get in the race track and survive, he said. The constant punishment to the body might damage the racer's body if they are not strong enough to withstand it.  

For Major Heffington, he said he worked out and stayed healthy to prepare for the course. In addition, he trained using motorcycles off road. 

"Everybody has that something that they grew up wanting," Major Heffington said. "I have always loved off-road racing since I can remember. I was amazed that all of a sudden I am doing it and I love it."