In the world of off-road racing, where dust flies and engines roar across endless deserts, big changes are happening. The new American Off-Road Racing Championship, or AORC, is bringing together two major players in the game—Unlimited Off-Road Racing (UNLTD) and Best in the Desert (BITD)—to create a unified five-race points series. This move is set to make desert racing more professional and exciting than ever. And stepping up as a key supporting sponsor is PCI Race Radios, a company that's been part of this rugged sport for over half a century.
The AORC isn't just another racing setup; it's a game-changer that combines the strengths of UNLTD and BITD into one championship. Racers now have a clear path to chase points across five big events, drawing in more competitors and fans. It's all about growing the sport, making it safer, and improving the overall experience for everyone involved. With this partnership, PCI Race Radios is right in the mix, showing their commitment to the off-road community.
Matt Martelli, the CEO of the American Off-Road Racing Championship, summed it up well when he said, “We’re excited to welcome PCI Race Radios as a partner for the 2026 season.” He went on to note how PCI has been a staple in off-road racing for decades, emphasizing that “Their dedication to communication, safety, and racer support aligns perfectly with the vision we have for this unified championship.” It's clear that this alliance is built on shared values, especially when it comes to keeping racers connected and safe in tough conditions.
PCI Race Radios has a story that goes back more than 50 years, starting in 1972. Founded by Bob “Weatherman” Steinberger, the company changed the face of off-road racing with his early radio relay work at iconic events like the Mint 400. Bob understood that in the desert, where things can go wrong fast, reliable communication isn't just nice to have—it's a must. Today, under the leadership of Scott Steinberger, who's no stranger to the driver's seat himself, having raced everything from Mini-Mag to Trophy Truck, PCI keeps that tradition alive. The team is made up of off-road fans who live and breathe this stuff, offering hands-on service and products that help racers cross the finish line.
What sets PCI apart is their focus on building gear that's tough enough for the harshest environments. They design and make everything from intercoms and radios to headsets, wiring, and full communication setups. Whether you're in a UTV blasting through dunes, a desert truck pushing limits, or just out adventuring, PCI's equipment ensures clear, dependable talk when it matters most. Grassroots guys and top championship teams alike trust PCI because reliability in racing isn't optional—it's what keeps you going.
Ryder Steinberger, CEO of PCI Race Radios, captured the company's passion perfectly: “Off-road racing is at the core of everything we do.” He added, “Being on site and supporting racers has always been the most important pillar of our business. This new unified championship represents a major step forward for the sport, and we’re proud to support a series focused on improving the racer experience while growing off-road racing as a whole.” It's that kind of dedication that has made PCI a go-to name in the industry.
One of the standout parts of PCI's lineup is their Starlink race packages, which bring satellite internet into the mix for staying connected even in the middle of nowhere. These aren't just basic kits; they're built for high-speed, remote action. Take the PCI Starlink Mini Race Package—it's a complete setup for racing or chasing, keeping teams linked up no matter how rough the terrain gets. Then there's the Starlink Mini Go Package, perfect for anyone on the move, whether racing or just exploring off-grid spots. It turns the Starlink Mini into a rugged, all-in-one solution that handles challenges without breaking a sweat.
Other options include the Starlink On-The-Go, the Starlink Racing Kit, the 4935 Mini Carbon Package 2, and the Starlink Mini Race Package 2. For those needing something more robust, PCI offers the PCI / UC Starlink Gen3 Packages, which provide portable connectivity that's ideal for race support or adventuring. These packages come with mounting and accessory solutions designed specifically for off-road use, ensuring everything stays secure even at top speeds. If you're the type who loves hitting remote trails or following races through isolated areas, these setups mean you never lose touch with the world—or your team.
PCI doesn't just sell this stuff; they're out there in the thick of it. At every AORC event, you'll find PCI on-site, ready to help racers with tech support and showing off their full range of products. It's a chance for competitors to get hands-on advice and see why PCI is the standard in off-road comms. Fans can swing by too, checking out gear that might inspire their own adventures. This level of involvement shows PCI's real commitment— they're not just sponsors; they're part of the action.
For anyone looking to get involved, the American Off-Road Racing Championship has all the details up on their site, americanoffroadracingchampionship.com. You can find info on registering as a racer, sponsorship opportunities, vending for exhibitors, tickets for spectators, and even camping and parking passes. It's all set up to make jumping into the 2026 season straightforward, whether you're racing or just watching.
At its heart, PCI Race Radios stands for quality, service, and support—values that have kept them leading the pack since day one. Built by racers for racers, they know there's no room for compromise in this sport. From Bob Steinberger's groundbreaking work to the current team's innovations, PCI has helped countless drivers enjoy the thrill of the desert while staying safe. As the AORC kicks off, this partnership promises to take off-road racing to new heights, drawing in more folks who love the rush of wide-open spaces and powerful machines.
For middle-aged guys who've maybe dreamed of hitting the trails or remember the glory days of classic races, this is the kind of evolution that keeps the spirit alive. It's about reliable tools that let you push boundaries, strong connections that build community, and a sport that's growing stronger. With PCI on board, the future of desert racing looks brighter—and more connected—than ever.
