Colorado Springs, CO 4/12/2005 - The weather was nasty, the courses were wet, and the competition unforgiving. Rain clouds filled the sky and water filled the man made rock course creating mud bogs at the base of every climb. The moisture plagued traction and disrupted electronics, humbling the most die-hard teams.

This is how the 2005 UROC Pro Series started in Salt Lake City, UT April 7-9th. Brad and Roger Lovell (#232) were right in the thick of it battling for top honors in the Modified Class. "We had a lot to prove at this event."
said Roger, "Everyone was questioning whether or not we could maintain our consistency from last year." The brothers were a bit rusty the first day knocking over several cones that could have been avoided.

"Even though we didn't do as well as we hoped on Friday, we both realized that the Ranger was holding up and we were competitive," added Brad. "I felt really confident going into the second day." That confidence paid off and the team had a remarkable second day. With Roger's coaching, Brad blasted over the infamous Matterhorn, gaining ground on the lead with a -17 score.
Brad recalls, "I heard Roger yelling and I couldn't see a thing. I finally felt the front tires lock over the top and I went crazy. I didn't care about going down because at that point I knew we would finish. It was the highlight of the event!"

The Lovell's entered the last course with a -12 point lead and TV camera's rolling. The only problem - two cones on the course that were unavoidable due to the mud and degradation of the course. That would have resulted in at least a score of +20, putting the team in second place. The only hope for a win was a nearly vertical bonus climb that had only been conquered by 2 teams. "Our plan was to take the two cones, get through quick, and get that bonus," said Roger, " We had 1:30 on the clock and got about 5 shots at it."
Regretfully the rocks won this round and rejected the attempts. Brad had several near rolls before time eventually expired.

The Lovell's were pleased with their 2nd place finish eclipsing 3rd place by nearly 60 points. Brad concluded, "We have a hot vehicle and a lot of confidence, it's going to be a great season."