The holeshot, the first racer to reach the first corner, is celebrated in short course like it does for motocross and other related disciplines. To this extent, R&S Motorsports has even created a trophy that will be awarded to whoever in the 1600 Light Buggy class gets the holeshot whenever the category races on Saturday at Crandon.

The award is a single hatchet simply referred to as the “Holeshot Hatchet”. Being a traveling trophy, the recipient will keep it until—or unless—a different driver wins the holeshot the next time Light Buggies are at Crandon International Raceway.

The trophy will also come with a $10,000 cash prize. In the event of a tie, the money will be split.

Obviously, drivers who jump the start are automatically ineligible. Anyone who fails post-race inspection is also out of the picture.

R&S Motorsports was founded in the 1990s by SODA Class 6 driver Rick Rayford and his crew chief Bill Schulz. Rick’s nephew Chad won the Championship Off-Road Pro SPEC title in 2023, while Bill’s twin sons Connor and Colin compete in 1600 buggies. Connor Schulz currently leads the 1600 Single Buggy standings after two rounds.

Yokohama Tire offers the similar Holeshot Award to each Pro class at Crandon.

The Holeshot Hatchet will make its debut on June 20 at Crandon’s Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run weekend.

Featured image credit: R&S Motorsports