When one sees that shiny silver Trophy/Trick Truck skipping through the whoops in some of the most remote parts of North America, they think of one man and one team, Damen jefferies and Herman Motorsports. jefferies has dominated every class he has driven in, beginning in class 9. Since then Damen has won the points championship in the ½-1600 class, class 10, class 1 and Trick Truck. He also won the overall points championship in 1997 with his ½-1600 and the Toyota True Grit and Milestone award, which is given to racers that finish every race mile of every event they entered that year. Damen is a force to be reckoned with in the off-road world, and now that his team sold the Trophy/Trick Truck to B.J. Baldwin, Damen will be returning to the class 1 ranks when his car is finished at Porter Race Cars. Citing rising prep costs, wanting to enter in more races per year, and wanting to take more overall victories, which is easier in a lighter, more nimble class 1 car, Herman Motorsports decided to sell the truck. Desert Rides got a chance to ask Damen a few questions regarding his past off-road days and the future ahead of him.

Exclusive Interview

Desertrides : At what age did you get involved in offroad racing?

Damen Jefferies : I got involved with off road racing at age 19, although when I was very young I went to the races with my dad. He helped pit my uncle in class 5-1600 & 1/2-1600 in the late 70's and early 80's.

Have you raced anything else besides offroad?

The only thing I have ever raced prior to off road was a bmx bike at age 13.

The way you worked your way up through the classes, starting in class 9 and going up, do you think that has helped your racing ability?

I definitely feel that moving up from class to class has made me a better racer, both mechanically and mentally. Vehicle knowledge is very important in desert racing, knowing what the car can and cannot do. Also the ability to read the terrain is extremely important when you are in a class 9 car going 60-70 mph through whoops, you have to have control. Anybody can take a long travel car through holes.

What is your favorite class to race and why?

My favorite class is either Class 1 or Trophy Truck, nothing beats the ride and handling of a Trophy Truck.

What is your favorite race to race in and why?

I don't really know why, but the Baja 1000 is my favorite. It is so difficult to win, and I have been winning it before in numerous classes, but have yet to get the job done. Something always seems to get us there. I think its elusiveness is what makes it my favorite.

Who is your favorite all time offroad racer and why?

I don't really have a favorite racer, I never followed one person in particular. I can say that some people/teams have amazed me in what they have accomplished over the years: the Herbsts, Roeseler, MacPherson, PPI/Ivan, Bob Gordon, and Ragland. It doesn't seem like you are a success until you have conquered the Baja 1000.

You won the Trick Truck (1400) class in BITD in both 2001 and 2002, what do you think contributed to your success as a driver? (driving style, pit support, truck prep, etc)

Along with winning TT in 2001 and 2002, we also wont the SCORE Class 9 points in 1994, SCORE Class 1600 & overall points in '97, SCORE Class 10 points in '98, and the BITD Class 1500 (Class 1) points in 2000. In all six championships, I contribute teamwork, dedication, preparation, as well as driving, to our winning.

Are there any rivalries in desert racing? Have you had any?

Rivalries. It seems that in pretty much every class, we seem to have a rivalry with someone. These days, the most heated rivalries we have are probably with either Julson/Lofton or with Weyhrich.

Now that Herman Motorsports sold their TT, will you miss driving in the class?

I still get to drive Trophy Trucks, for example, I am driving Sourapas' truck this weekend at MDR (09/27/03) for a tranny test. I may drive it at the Baja 1000.

You have stuck with Porter race cars to build your new class 1, what are the reasons for going with them?

Danny Porter and I work well together, we have won a lot of races with his car, and most of all, they put out a very nice product. Very well constructed, safe, comfortable, and the cars work good. I have no reason to go anywhere else.

What are the differences in driving a TT rather than a Class 1?

The difference between Class 1 and TT is mainly the fact that you have to slow down in the big holes in Class 1. There is no comparison between the two in the rough, a good working TT can go through the rough 10-15 mph faster than a Class 1. Tires are the biggest problem in TT. The BFG [Project] is incredible but I think that today's TT has finally exceeded the 37" tire. But it looks like the 39" tire is up to the task. At a place like the Baja 500, I still think you are better off in a buggy (in the tight stuff).

Where do you see your self in 10 years?

I can't see myself in two years, ten years is like 100! I hope I still race and can make a living somewhere around the sport. It is getting old going to the races and hearing people who have done nothing in this sport tell us how we are no good, or other criticism. We are just here to do our best, have a good time, and put food on the table. I don't think that's too much to ask.

Is there a future with desert racing in the U.S. now with all the permits and skyrocketing costs for the promoter?

I don't know enough about the politics to answer this question, but I certainly hope so.

Who showed you the ropes in racing and fabricating?

We have taught ourselves a lot along the way as far as racing goes. As far as fabrication, we still aren't very good at that. What I can do I would have to say I learned from watching Danny or Bill at Porter's do stuff. I would say that our field is more directed at prep work and getting the cars working well.

Who has helped you become the racer you are today?

Without a doubt, Rob Herman has given us the opportunity to put ourselves near the top of this sport. He and Tera Herman have been very supportive over the years. Along the way, all of our team members and family have always been there to help out. This is as much theirs as it is Casey's and mine.

Herman Motorsports Oak Hills, CA