To kick off 2016, 900-horsepower off-road race trucks returned to tackle the mountains of Sunday River Resort in Maine for the 2016 Red Bull Frozen Rush for its third year. Nine of the world’s best short-course off-road racers took their four-wheel-drive Pro 4s to the mountains to tackle the snowy course, and with 10,000 spectators in attendance Bryce Menzies defended his victory last year with the win against fellow Red Bull athlete Ricky Johnson. 

Although 2015’s race was extremely cold, this year’s even was threatened due in part to warmer conditions and a lack of snowfall. Fortunately a last-minute storm and extensive snow-blowing made it possible for workers to construct the track for 2016. The warmer conditions made this year’s race unique compared the last two, but BFGoodrich was on hand again to aid racers in gaining traction in th snow thanks to the BFG R&D team that fitted the trucks with specially designed Mud-Terrain tires that were featured almost 700 metal studs on each tire.

With the bracketed head-to-head racing, it all came down to Menzies and Johnson after race veterans Rob MacCachren and Carl Renezeder were knocked out in the semi-final rounds. Menzies was able to open up a small lead on Johnson, who nearly crashed at one point when snow spray obstructed his vision. Johnson was able to avoid crashing but was unable to stay in the hunt, which gave Menzies the win.

“It’s a lot of pressure being the reigning champion,” Menzies said. “Everyone kept asking if I was going to win again.  It wasn’t easy last year, and I knew it wouldn’t be easy this year.  I’m just glad I was able to pull it off.”

For more information on the race, head over to Red Bull’s website at www.redbull.com/frozenrush.

2016 Red Bull Frozen Rush Results
1. Bryce Menzies 
2. Ricky Johnson 
3. Rob MacCachren 
4. Carl Renezeder 
5. Johnny Greaves 
6. CJ Greaves 
7. Chad Hord 
8. Scott Douglas 
9. RJ Anderson