Letner Off-Road Racing

Letner Racing has an epic history stretching from the 1940’s when Bert Letner developed the Elco Twin head and set multiple land speed records, through the NASCAR and off road career of Danny Letner (1950’s to 1980’s), the many desert championships of Marty Letner (from the 1970’s), to the latest generation of Harley Letner and Kory Halopoff. This third generation of Letner drivers are members of what Dirt Sports Magazine often refers to as the “Young Guns” of off road racing; They are characterized by an aggressive and fearless driving style that inspires awe in fans, and envy in competitors. Harley Letner & Kory Halopoff 1999- 1st in class, 3rd overall, MDR WildWash 250 1999- 1st in class, 2nd overall, Lucerne 300 1999- 1st in class, 2nd overall, MDR Stoddard Wells 300 2000- 1st overall, Whiplash Parker 400 2000- 1st overall, MDR Barstow 300 2001- 2nd in class, SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge 2001- 1st in class, 10th overall, Whiplash Parker 400 2001- 1st in class, 14th overall, SCORE Primm 300 2001- 1st in class, SCORE Baja 1000 2002- 1st in class, 4th overall, Las Vegas 200 2003- 1st in class, 2nd overall, MDR Barstow 250 2003- 1st in class, 6th overall, SCORE Baja 500 2003- 1st in class, 3rd overall, MDR Lucerne 300 2004- 1st in class, SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge 2007- 1st in class, 2nd overall, BITD Parker 425 2007- 1st overall, MDR Outlaw 250 2008- 2nd in class, Baja 1000 2008- 2nd in class, SNORE Mint 400 2009- 2nd in class, SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge 2009- 1st overall Baja 500 2009- 2nd in class, BITD Henderson Classic THE LETNER LEGACY Bert Letner (1901-1953) The legacy of Letner Racing accelerates through four generations, starting with Bert, and the birth of the roadster. His “Elco Twin Roadster” won the California Roadster Association (CRA) championship in 1948 using a dual-plug head, the “Elco Twin Head”, which Bert manufactured. He also set Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Danny Letner (Team Owner) The son of Bert and current patriarch of Letner Racing, Danny Letner has an enviable racing history that includes a 1950 Jalopy Championship at Carrell Speedway, two Grand National wins in 1954 and 1955, and a Pacific Coast Title win in 1956. In 1955 Danny was the NASCAR Winston West Champion. He switched to “Flat Bottom” boat racing and won two championships in the 1960’s. Danny’s record in the dirt started in the early 1970’s with a short course championship at Saddleback Park, but soon expanded to the desert with a 2nd overall finish at the 1984 Parker 400 and the overall win at the same race in 1989. In 1989, Danny was nominated for SCORE Driver of the Year with Robby Gordon and Walker Evans Jr., and was recognized by Porsche Motorsport NA as one of the top 15 drivers in automotive racing. His career continued with numerous 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in Porsche-powered buggies and in the Trophy Truck class. In 2002 Danny’s contribution to motorsports was recognized with his induction into the West Coast Drivers Hall of Fame, along with fellow drivers Parnelli Jones, Ron Hornaday Sr. and Marvin Panch. Marty Letner As the third generation of Letner Racing, Marty has carried on the family tradition of winning. Marty took three consecutive overall wins at the Parker 400 from 1978 to 1980, won the 1980 “Challenge of Champions” at the Riverside International Raceway, the 1983 High Desert Championship, the 1983 Parker 400, early 1980’s Mickey Thompson Coliseum Championships, and countless wins at Saddleback. Marty continues to contribute his 30-years of desert racing experience, not only as a master mechanic and fabricator, but as coach to son Harley sharing his ability to interpret desert terrain at incredible speeds. Harley Letner (Driver of Record) This fourth generation Letner driver is a member of what Dirt Sports Magazine often refers to as the “Young Guns” of off road racing; a group of talented new drivers that include Andy McMillan, Tavo Vildosolo, Cam Steele, David Scaroni, and BJ Baldwin. They are characterized by an aggressive and fearless driving style that inspires awe in fans, and envy in competitors. The list of Harley’s accomplishments in the desert since 1999 include three 1st overall wins, four 2nd overall wins, three 3rd overall wins, and 16 First-in-class wins. Harley pilot’s an Alpha Performance Technologies AC.06 Class One car originally owned by Kash and Frank Vessels. Kory Halopoff (Driver of Record) Another of Danny Letner’s grandsons, Kory has shared driving duties with Harley since they both started in 1999, and has an equal share in their impressive record of performance. The 2008 season marks a break from this tradition as Kory becomes driver of record for a new Tatum Class One car, running head-to-head with Harley behind the wheel of the Alpha. In January of 2010 Kory picked up a victory at the Laughlin Desert Challenge. Henry Bergdahl (Crew Chief) A master fabricator and mechanic with over 27 years in the off-road racing industry, Henry was responsible for the racecar builds that resulted in all of Marty and Danny Letner’s overall wins and championships. He also contributed to the cars that won Jack Motley his 1980 SCORE championship, Mickey Thompson’s 1982 Baja 1000 effort, and Jim Cocores’ 1983 Baja 500 and Baja 1000 programs. Henry is a full-time Letner Racing employee who maintains, supervises, and organizes all pit crew and mechanics. He is well-respected within the off-road community for his great knowledge, leadership, and innovative ideas.