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A Test of Endurance: Brendon Thompson Overcomes Area BFE’s Punishing Terrain for Victory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 12, 2025
The 2025 FR8 Factory Area BFE Beatdown was the second round of the Ultra4 USA Western Series, and it delivered a weekend full of fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and thrilling victories. Set against the backdrop of Moab’s rugged desert landscape, this race gave drivers the perfect opportunity to showcase their skill in one of the most challenging terrains the sport has to offer.
Area BFE is known for its long, punishing rock sections that never give you a break. While the course isn’t known for high speeds, it keeps racers on their toes throughout, offering tight turns, steep inclines, and rock gardens that challenge both man and machine. The unforgiving terrain forces drivers to constantly push their limits, navigating sharp descents and technical obstacles with precision and patience. It’s a place where drivers can never relax, as the course demands constant focus and adaptability to the changing conditions.
Before the race action kicked off, racers and crews had the chance to unwind and share stories at Grandpa’s Garage in Moab on Thursday night. Known for its rich history and strong ties to the off-road community, Grandpa’s Garage is a legendary spot in the area where racers could bond over pizza, drinks, and a mutual love for the sport. The relaxed atmosphere provided a great opportunity for the racing family to connect, share tips, and fuel up for the challenges that lay ahead on the course.
UTV Classes
The UTV classes were one of the highlights of the weekend, with multiple divisions showcasing some of the best talent in off-road racing. The UTV 170 class raced separately, while the rest of the UTV classes raced together in the same race.
UTV 170 Stock Class
In the UTV 170 Stock class, Hunter Valadez took the win, with Madilyn Manders finishing in second. Both young drivers showcased incredible skill as they navigated the challenging terrain, making their way to the front of the pack.
UTV 170 Limited Class
The UTV 170 Limited class saw Jaxon Cotter and Harrison Drachman continue their strong performances. Cotter ultimately came out on top, while Drachman put up a great fight, finishing in second. Their youth and potential were clear as they tackled the demanding course.
UTV Youth 1000 Class
In the UTV Youth 1000 class, Emily Manders finished in 1st place, followed by Kayden Gamble in 2nd. Both young drivers displayed incredible skills, handling the rough terrain with determination and control, solidifying their spots at the top.
4900 GForce Suspension Technologies Modified Class
The 4900 UTV Modified class featured a strong field of talented drivers. Tommy Thompson and Scott LeSage went head-to-head for the top spot. In the end, Thompson claimed the victory, with LeSage finishing a strong second. Both drivers exhibited great skill and resilience, handling the rough, rocky course with ease.
4900 UTV Stock Class
In the 4900 UTV Stock class, Seth Carpenter took the win, with Matt Peterson finishing in second. Dylan Trent finished in 3rd place, rounding out the competitive podium. The race was fast-paced and competitive, with all three drivers pushing their limits on the treacherous terrain
4900 AllThingz UTV Open Class
Cole Clark dominated the 4900 UTV Open class with his consistency, securing the top spot in the class after battling it out with a stacked field of drivers. Clark's speed and precision on the rocky terrain were on full display, showing why he's one of the top drivers in the series.
4600 Spidertrax Stock Class
The 4600 class saw some excellent racing as well, with John Williams taking the victory in what was a thrilling contest. Albert Contreras and Brexton Glines rounded out the top three, each pushing hard and giving it their all through the tough course. The 4600 drivers showed great skill and teamwork, making the class one to watch throughout the weekend.
4500 Modified Class
The 4500 class offered another exciting chapter in the weekend’s racing saga. After four laps of intense competition, John Mathews claimed victory, holding off Todd Miller and Shawn Rants for the top spot. The 4500 class proved to be a technical challenge, with drivers demonstrating not just speed, but also a keen understanding of the course's obstacles.
4800 Branik Motorsports Legends Class
One of the most talked-about classes of the weekend was the 4800 class, which had a massive turnout. The race quickly became a battle of seconds, with penalties making a significant impact on the final podium positions. Woody Rose Jr. took the win after five intense laps of racing, with Jeremy Jones finishing in second and Amber Slawson in third. However, after a thorough review of the speeding penalties with Racing Trax, it was determined that a system glitch resulted in an error, causing Jeremy Jones’ speed penalty to be multiplied by a factor of four. This error incorrectly applied an 8-second penalty, which was then further multiplied by five, in accordance with the Ultra4 rulebook, resulting in a 40-second penalty.
Upon correction, the actual penalty should have been 2 seconds multiplied by five, for a total of a 10-second penalty, not the previously applied 40-second penalty.
As a result, Jeremy Jones retains his second-place overall finish, while Amber Slawson is moved to the third position.
The class proved to be one of the most competitive of the weekend, and the Rose brothers’ strong showing only added to the excitement. Woody Rose Jr. had his younger brother Dylan Trent riding as co-driver with him during the 4800 race. This dynamic duo showed incredible teamwork and determination throughout the event. Woody also co-drove for Dylan Trent in the 4900 Stock class, where they fought hard to earn a solid finish.
4400 Class
The 4400 class at the FR8 Factory Area BFE Beatdown was nothing short of a spectacle. The grueling 8-lap race took its toll on the top competitors, with only the most skilled drivers able to push through the tough, unforgiving terrain. Cole Clark, who had qualified in 1st place in his UTV-based machine, started the race with a commanding position. He and his UTV quickly took control, showing impressive speed and handling on the challenging course.
Brendon Thompson, starting right behind Clark, was in hot pursuit and managed to keep pace throughout the early laps. Both drivers set a strong pace, but it was the challenging terrain and the grueling laps that took their toll on the competition. Top contenders like Wayland Campbell and Paul Horschel were initially in contention for the top spots but were ultimately taken out by mechanical issues after strong performances early in the race.
As the laps progressed, Brendon Thompson capitalized on the misfortune of others, maintaining consistent speed and endurance to secure his first-ever Ultra4 win in the 4400 class. Stephen Watson and James Mahoney rounded out the podium, both putting in strong performances but ultimately unable to match Thompson's pace over the 8 laps.
We would like to take a moment to thank FR8 Factory for being the title sponsor of the 2025 FR8 Factory Area BFE Beatdown. FR8 Factory is a leading provider of logistics solutions, specializing in transporting freight and providing full-service management. Known for their commitment to quality and reliability, FR8 Factory plays an essential role in keeping the off-road racing community connected by ensuring timely and efficient delivery services. We are proud to have them as part of the Ultra4 USA family and appreciate their support in making this event a success.
The 2025 FR8 Factory Area BFE Beatdown was an event full of drama, excitement, and triumph. From the technical challenge of Area BFE to the camaraderie at Grandpa's Garage, this race weekend was a perfect blend of fierce competition and community spirit. As the second round of the Western Series, it set the stage for the rest of the Ultra4 USA season, and racers are already looking ahead to the next round. With outstanding performances across all classes and a massive turnout, this race will be remembered as one of the most exciting and challenging of the season.