PRO SPEC Champion

The 2024 off-road racing season was a defining one for Dylan Parsons, culminating in the AMSOIL Championship Off-Road PRO SPEC Championship. The veteran Sportsman Single Buggy competitor joined the PRO SPEC ranks in 2023, hoping to continue his racing success at the highest level of short-course off-road racing. Those dreams became a reality as the Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin native stood on the top step of the podium five times throughout the season championship.

Looking back at 2024

Heading into the season, there was a strong belief that the team possessed a quick truck. Winning the season’s first race was a huge confidence booster, reinforcing the effectiveness of offseason changes, particularly in tire selection. The decision to switch to Kenda tires was pivotal in shaping the season’s success. Mikey Vanden Heuvel, who had years of experience working with Kenda and building trucks fitted with the brand, brought a wealth of knowledge that ultimately helped fine-tune the setup.

The championship was nearly clinched at Bark River, where victories on Friday and Sunday secured the points leading into Crandon. By that stage, all that was needed to claim the championship officially was to start the race. However, rather than settle for a mere start, Parsons won, sealing the season in dominant fashion. The ability to race without pressure allowed for a confident and enjoyable performance, which made the achievement all the more significant and rewarding.

This was the second season in the PRO SPEC class for Parsons, and the experience gained during that time proved invaluable. The most significant learning curve revolved around understanding the intricacies of the truck itself. Coming from the Buggy and SxS world, the team recognized that the truck required different adjustments and refinements. Success in off-road racing is often determined long before a race begins, with meticulous shop preparation playing a crucial role. Through trial and error, the team learned that not every setup change resulted in improved performance. Some adjustments cost them race victories, reinforcing the importance of precise tuning.

The Road to Success

Before competing in the PRO SPEC class, Parsons spent six years racing in the Single Buggy class, where they secured both a class and a world championship. A brief stint in SxS racing followed, with participation in the PRO AM SxS division for a full season and a few PRO STOCK SxS races. However, once the opportunity arose to transition into truck racing, Dylan quickly sold the SxS racer and was fully committed to the new path.

The backbone of Parson’s team is Matt Gerald, whose passion and dedication are unmatched. In many ways, winning the championship might have meant more to Gerald than to Parsons. Having endured a race truck-related injury several years ago, Gerald is a driving force behind the team’s success. His investment in the sport and the team’s performance is evident in every race weekend.

Another key team member is Curtis Kroening, who was originally part of Matt’s buggy racing crew before transitioning to the truck program. Turner is a tireless worker who ensures the truck is always race-ready, allowing Dylan to focus on other aspects of race preparation, such as monitoring shock setups, analyzing data, and evaluating track conditions. Turner’s work ethic and dedication have been instrumental to the team’s success.

Off-Track Ventures

Dylan Parsons has built a strong reputation off-track through their shock business, Shock Tech. This venture has grown significantly, particularly within the Sportsman and PRO AM classes, where they service many Yamaha competitors. The origins of the business can be traced back to Parsons’ father, who began working with shocks in the 1980s and 90s, experimenting with setups on light buggies and eventually expanding into other racing disciplines. The foundation of knowledge gained through years of working on snowmobiles and off-road vehicles naturally led to the development of Shock Tech into a thriving business.

During the winter months, Parsons shifts focus to Snocross, working with Elite Motorsports, a Ski-Doo team based in Wisconsin. The team consists of a pro rider, a pro lite rider, a satellite sport rider, and the owner’s son, who competes in the transition class. This involvement in Snocross enables Dylan to stay active in the racing world year-round, further refining their understanding of vehicle dynamics and suspension setups.

Team Progression

Looking ahead to the next season, the team is eager to implement changes, particularly in shock technology. The team has partnered with Bilstein to enhance performance and plans to switch to Bilstein shocks. This decision was influenced by extensive research and observation of other competitors using Bilstein products. The group is confident that this change will further push the truck’s capabilities, especially in high-speed and rough-terrain scenarios where suspension performance is critical.

In addition to shock changes, the team will continue collaborating with key partners, including Eibach, Toys for Trucks, Kenda Tire, and Liqui Moly. The latter has been an especially valuable partner, with their involvement extending beyond off-road racing into Snocross as well. Engaging with sponsors is a crucial aspect of the racing program, and Parsons actively takes part in promotional events, such as store openings and meet-and-greet opportunities, to help grow the sport and increase fan interest engagement.

The 2025 Season

Introducing new venues for the racing series, including Wheatland, Missouri, has generated enthusiasm. The team views it as a top-notch racing facility that will add a fresh dynamic to the season. Having visited the track previously for a UTV event, they are confident it will provide an exciting challenge for the competitors. However, the decision to race in California has presented logistical challenges; Dylan Parsons and his team are determined to participate for the continued success of the race program and the series.

Dylan Parsons enjoys spending time outdoors when he’s not racing or working on suspension setups. Although hunting interests him, time constraints often make it challenging to pursue hobbies beyond racing. He typically spends the offseason preparing for the next season through shop work or Snocross commitments.