Ben and Tiffany Protas, a couple in their early fifties, share a deep passion for off-road racing, influenced by their early exposure to motorsports. Married for 33 years with three children and two grandchildren, they run a successful communications company in San Diego, allowing them the flexibility to indulge in their racing pursuits. Tiffany's passion for racing began in childhood, evolving from ATC three-wheelers to dirt bikes and off-road trucks. Ben, sharing a similar passion, was involved in various motorsports from a young age and continued this interest into adulthood.
Their involvement in side-by-side (SXS) racing deepened when they started supporting and co-driving in professional events. Their hands-on experience in the racing community grew through active participation in pit crews and mechanical support, notably assisting paraplegic pro turbo driver Johnmark Richardson. Their commitment to the sport was solidified with their success in races like the Mint 400 and UTV World Championships, fostering a sense of belonging within the racing community.
The Protas' racing journey saw significant milestones, with a 1st place finish in the AVE PURE desert series and continuous improvement in subsequent seasons. Despite setbacks, such as a race incident in 2021 and Tiffany's injuries in 2023, they remained resilient, focusing on recovery and performance enhancement. Their racing endeavors are supported by sponsors like Terache Tires, highlighting their reputation and impact in the off-road racing scene. Each season brought new challenges and achievements, with the couple actively participating in and contributing to the off-road racing community, continuously driven by their love for the sport and dedication to each other and their team.
For the 2024 season, Ben and Tiffany Protas are thrilled to unveil their new Can-Am X3, meticulously crafted by Rob DeCarlo of 73 Fabrication and Those Side By Side Guys. This bespoke vehicle, featuring a 122.5” wheelbase, Bullite Avenger wheels, X-Travel suspension, and King Shocks, is affectionately nicknamed "the heart of Charlotte." The couple plans to compete in SNORE, DP4, and various Best In The Desert (BITD) events with this new machine. Beyond racing, they actively engage in promoting their sport and sponsors through social media and public appearances, creating a symbiotic relationship that fuels their success and visibility in the off-road racing community. Their commitment to the sport and their sponsors is evident through their enthusiastic participation in events, showcasing their vehicles, and networking within the racing and off-road community.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Sports team
(Bens profile) Husband wife pro-turbo race team.
Tiffs profile is @calculatedriskracingteam
@bullite.wheels
@thosesidebysideguys @terachetires