Three Talents Are Mixing It Up, One Scramble at a Time
Words: Connor Moore
Photos: Connor Moore & Provided by Red Bull Content Pool
UTV Sports: Okay! Why don’t we start with a little introduction. Who are you, and what are you doing today?
DJ Osborne: [I am] DJ Osborne, and I’m out here participating in the Red Bull High Desert Scramble… This is my wife Jessica Osborne.
USM: So from what we’ve have heard, you live pretty close to Little Sahara Recreational Park. Do you guys come out here often to explore and just have a great time?
DJ: It’s been a while since we have been out here, but we have definitely spent a lot of time over the years checking out this place. It’s a great place to ride!
USM: Have either of you raced any other series before, such as BITD, SCORE, and SNORE? Or do you prefer more of this short-course, wild style event which is a bit more open and very quick?
DJ: This will be my first UTV race of any kind, but I have had the privilege to race BITD, SCORE, and even a few SNORE races in various classes ranging from dirt bikes all the way to a trophy truck.
Jessica Osborne: This will be my first ever race of any kind on any machine, and I absolutely love it.
USM: Coming from the truck side of things, the accessibility of racing a UTV is a great change of pace. How was the transition from racing all sorts of vehicles in other events to piloting a UTV at the Red Bull Scramble?
DJ: I was lucky enough to be racing for other people when I ran the trucks, and it was on their dime. But for us to be able to compete in this [event] as a couple, and race our two Can-Ams without doing very much to them to be race-ready… And come out and just have some fun. For that reason alone, these UTV’s are just incredible.
USM: You two are here under the Red Bull Hospitality tent and what they provide is second to none. How has this weekend been for you guys, especially since it’s so close to home?
DJ: Red Bull absolutely knows how to throw the best parties! They have been super accommodating, and the food they provided for today has been delicious so I am super pumped to be here.
USM: It’s your first race here, and this is not an easy course. It’s just over five miles long and winds through some pretty deep technical sections while also allowing you to open up in a few areas. Which obstacle do you prefer?
JO: I love the mix…actually. Even out there on this first lap, I almost rolled but stuck it out. Unfortunately on that same lap, I suffered a broken belt. But it was fixed quickly, and I went back out there for the main.
USM: These Scramble events seem to encourage a more relaxed experience to both the racers and spectators involved. How do you like that atmosphere compared to the average race, where it’s always game-time?
DJ: It’s a lot of fun because this is definitely a lot more relaxed. You know, when we are out there, it’s a game face. But once you are off the course, and spending time with everyone catching up, it’s a lot of fun. So many people from the industry are here at the Red Bull tent kicking back. This has to be one of the more enjoyable events I have ever attended.
USM: You both raced separate heats. DJ raced the Pro rounds and Jessica in the Sportsman. Jessica, has DJ been able to give you a few tips about sections of the track, or what to expect before you head for your session?
JO: Oh yes! He also gave me tips from his Baja racing days, and how to approach certain parts of this race, which definitely helped me! Also, he gave me some intel on a few spots on the course like, “After Mile One, there are some rocks. Just a heads up!” In general, it’s been so much fun doing this with him.
Now a word with Riley Snow…
UTV Sports: Good to see you out here back at the races! It’s been a while. How’s the new car?
Riley Snow: The Pro XP feels so good. Coming from my race-ready RS1, I had a Turbo S upgraded to this Pro XP. And it feels just like my RS1 did… I love this thing!
USM: So we saw you waxed a few people in that qualifying heat. How did it feel?
RS: I saw this guy with some energy drink on the side of his machine, and I just had to get by him [grins]. All jokes aside, it really was a ton of fun out there battling with these guys like before. It was truly just a fight for who could keep their RZR cooler since it is super hot out here with very few places to cool down.
USM: Good luck to you out there! Anything else would you like to say?
RS: Red Bull High Desert Scramble did an amazing job out here with this course. It’s a ton of fun, and I couldn’t wait to get back out there to the main event!
After a wild final heat, with ever-changing terrain and fierce competition, Riley goes on to take the second step of the podium. It was a great reintroduction to the racing scene and an even better intro to his first Red Bull Scramble. Stay tuned to the next events coming up for the Red Bull Scramble Series here.
Don’t forget to follow the Osbornes – Jessica and DJ – on Instagram as they navigate a new form of off-road competition in UTVs. And see where this small victory takes Riley Snow the rest of this season.
