Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Parnelli Jones 1971 "Big Oly" Ford Bronco tribute [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-parnelli-jones-1971-big-oly-ford-bronco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-parnelli-jones-1971-big-oly-ford-bronco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-parnelli-jones-1971-big-oly-ford-bronco/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Big Oly Tribute Bronco

We see tribute vehicles come and go. Most of the lot are slaves to every last detail of the original, offering little more than a few engine upgrades to the mix. Then there are beasts like the one above. Built as an homage to Parnelli Jones' 1971 "Big Oly" Ford Bronco Baja 1,000 bruiser, this machine uses a modern trophy truck chassis wrapped in larger-than life fiberglass first-generation Bronco body. With 723 horsepower on tap, the truck is fully capable of bashing the desert into submission. Owner Marshall Mardruga originally built the machine to tackle the Baja 1,000, but decided to turn it into a show truck instead.

Every visible component was then plated in brass or nickel and protected with a clear powder coat in preparation for SEMA 2011. If you like what you see, this machine can be yours for a heady sum. Available in San Diego, California via eBay Motors, the street-legal tribute commands a $535,000 Buy It Now price. You can see the auction here or scroll below to check out a few videos.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Parnelli Jones 1971 "Big Oly" Ford Bronco tribute [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: Parnelli Jones 1971 "Big Oly" Ford Bronco tribute [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbaja 1000big olybig oly tributebig oly trophy truckbroncofordford broncoparnelli jonessemasema 2011trophy truckMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216042/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-parnelli-jones-1971-big-oly-ford-bronco/20216042/article-detail.xml 20216042 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-big-oly-tribute-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-big-oly-tribute-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Hot Rod</i> tackles the Alaska Highway in 1968 Ford Ranchero Baja 1000 clone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/hot-rod-tackles-the-alaska-highway-in-1968-ford-ranchero/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/hot-rod-tackles-the-alaska-highway-in-1968-ford-ranchero/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/hot-rod-tackles-the-alaska-highway-in-1968-ford-ranchero/#commentsFiled under:

Roadkill, Episode 2

Last time Roadkill took a trip it inolved a $1,500 budget, a 1972 Pontiac Catalina and a trip from El Paso to Los Angeles. This time their adventures point northward to Alaska, and their chariot will be a clone of the 1968 Ford Ranchero that Hot Rod used to take a class win in the first Baja 1000. It is, naturally, called "Viva Raunchero."

Ice racing in America's largest state is the goal. But the real action ends up taking place far away from Arctic latitudes as co-pilots David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan get to enjoy hours of freezing temps when the Ranchero throws repeated tantrums in Vail, Colorado and Utah. You'll find another lesson in road tripping the Hot Rod way in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Hot Rod tackles the Alaska Highway in 1968 Ford Ranchero Baja 1000 clone

Hot Rod tackles the Alaska Highway in 1968 Ford Ranchero Baja 1000 clone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000fordhot rodhot rod magazinemotor trendrancheroroadkillvideosyoutubeSat, 17 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/17/hot-rod-tackles-the-alaska-highway-in-1968-ford-ranchero/20195350/article-detail.xml 20195350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/rancheroroadkill_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/rancheroroadkill.jpg <![CDATA[Baja 1000 1970 Grabber Olds is our personal hero]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1970 Grabber Olds 442

Racing is racing. Whether it's pounding the quarter mile into submission or kicking it sideways around a circle track, going fender to fender or against the clock is the same kind of rush no matter the flavor. As you well know, some of the biggest names in hot rodding tried their hand at what would eventually become the Baja 1000 in the '60s. Parnelli Jones, Don Prudhomme, Jim Garner and Steve McQueen all headed to the sands of Mexico to bash around in massive muscle cars between 1967 and 1972.

Needless to say, few of those racers are around today. Ron Johnson of Tacoma, Washington found what was left of Jim Garner's 1970 "Grabber Olds" 442 back in 2008 and began the laborious process of stitching the vehicle back together. Miraculously, he was able to find the original aluminum-block 410 V8 and even the vehicle's hood, which was removed before the car went bumper-over-tea-kettle in an accident that saw the car roll eight times.

Johnson kept the vehicle as close to original as possible, with a few concessions for modern race requirements. The original rear end was scrap by the time he got his hands on the car, so a replacement 12-bolt was sourced and installed with a Moser spool and Yukon 4.11 gears. After reworking the original V8 with all new internals, the engine is good for 508 horseopwer. A TH400 was purpose-built for the application.

Rod Hall has raced the Grabber Olds in a few vintage series with mixed success. You can check out more photos over at the HotRod.com or read the full feature in the March issue of Hot Rod magazine.

Baja 1000 1970 Grabber Olds is our personal hero originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>442baja 1000baja oldsmobile 442grabber oldsmobile 442jim garneroldsmobile 442rod hallSat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/20169083/article-detail.xml 20169083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-grabber-olds-442-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-grabber-olds-442-628.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-100-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-100-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-100-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Jessi and Patrick spent the first part of this episode getting acclimated to Mexico while learning what was in store for them behind the wheel of a desert racer in the Baja 1000. In order to officially check this off The List, however, they had to actually race in this grueling and dangerous contest of endurance that shows no mercy for greenhorns. We had no idea what to expect and, frankly, just hoped they would finish without getting hurt. As it turns out, we wildly underestimated our hosts. Follow the jump to see how our two intrepid Baja competitors performed.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 2

The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajabaja 1000jessi combspatrick mcintyrethe listthe-listTue, 10 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-100-part-2/20144690/article-detail.xml 20144690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/screen-shot-2012-01-09-at-11.23-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/screen-shot-2012-01-09-at-11.23-opt.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-1000-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-1000-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-1000-part-1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Most auto enthusiasts have the urge to race in their hearts, but few of us ever actually get to compete in the world's toughest races. For this episode of The List, we're making sure that Jessi and Patrick check that one off early. Fulfilling one of Jessi's own childhood dreams, we've hooked up our hosts with Wide Open Excursions, a company that offers the unique opportunity of buying your own wheel time in one of the world's toughest endurance races: the Baja 1000. It's no joke, as Jessi and Patrick are thrown in the deep end of off-road endurance racing and must compete with the world's best. Follow the jump to see if they survive Part 1.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about the hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 1

The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajabaja 1000jessi combspatrick mcintyrethe-listvideowide open excursionsTue, 03 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138714/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/the-list-0044-race-in-the-baja-1000-part-1/20138714/article-detail.xml 20138714 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jessi-patrick-baja-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jessi-patrick-baja-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Insane spectator does what it takes to get the shot at the Baja 1000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/insane-spectator-does-what-it-takes-to-get-the-shot-at-the-baja/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/insane-spectator-does-what-it-takes-to-get-the-shot-at-the-baja/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/20/insane-spectator-does-what-it-takes-to-get-the-shot-at-the-baja/#commentsFiled under: ,

Insane Spectator at the Baja 1000

At nearly every motorsports event we attend, there are usually strict rules about where photographers can be located. Generally, those spots are taken from behind multiple layers of gravel traps, concrete walls and catch fences. That's not the case for the Baja 1000. Race fans and photographers are allowed to pretty much go wherever they want, even if that means putting themselves in a dangerous position.

That's the case for this insane spectator at this weekend's Baja 1000. He decided the ideal vantage point to take a photo was from the actual race course. Despite the crowds around urging him to do otherwise, he sticks to his guns, even as a truck flies inches over his head. Check out the incredible footage after the jump.

Continue reading Insane spectator does what it takes to get the shot at the Baja 1000

Insane spectator does what it takes to get the shot at the Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000videosSun, 20 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20110595/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/20/insane-spectator-does-what-it-takes-to-get-the-shot-at-the-baja/20110595/article-detail.xml 20110595 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/baja-1000-insane-spectator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/baja-1000-insane-spectator.jpg <![CDATA[JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 is an unlikely desert king [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/jt-grey-racing-lexus-lx-570-is-an-unlikely-desert-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/jt-grey-racing-lexus-lx-570-is-an-unlikely-desert-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/jt-grey-racing-lexus-lx-570-is-an-unlikely-desert-king/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lexus LX 570 by JT Grey Racing

Lexus looks to be giving the Baja 1000 its due. The luxury automaker showed off an LX 570 built by JT Grey Racing to take to the desert sands. With dual King Racing shocks, large 37-inch BF Goodrich tires and a host of safety equipment, the high-riding SUV looks ready to do battle with the best of them. Inside, Sparco was kind enough to supply a set of racing seats as well as an EVO steering wheel. A Lowrance HD7 / LMF 400 navigation ensures that the driver knows where the course is headed, and a Kenwood 110 radio and intercom system means that driver and navigator can stay in contact.

Does this mean that Lexus is heading to Baja? We doubt it, though Toyota has already made it clear that the company intends to take to the legendary endurance course with its Long Beach Racers Tacoma. We think there would be plenty of room in the ranks for this LX 570, too, but that's just us.

UPDATE: While Lexus may not have a Baja pedigree, JT Grey Racing does. The team is planning to campaign this vehicle in next year's race in an attempt to knock out a second Stock-Full Championship.

JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 is an unlikely desert king [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajabaja 1000jt greyjt grey racinglexuslexus lxlexus lx 570lexus lx 570 by jt grey racinglxlx-570lx570racingsemasema 2011Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20096783/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/jt-grey-racing-lexus-lx-570-is-an-unlikely-desert-king/20096783/article-detail.xml 20096783 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/jt-gray-racing-lexus-lx-570_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/jt-gray-racing-lexus-lx-570.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Long Beach Racers Tacoma is ready to tackle the Baja 1000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/toyota-long-beach-racers-tacoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/toyota-long-beach-racers-tacoma/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/toyota-long-beach-racers-tacoma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota Long Beach Racers Tacoma

Toyota is headed to the Baja 1000 next year with a special Tacoma built specifically to take the worst that the Mexican desert can throw at it. The pickup has been specially-prepared by Long Beach Racers, a group of Toyota enthusiasts who have made a habit of building some of the toughest trucks to take to the off-road race. Created as a tribute to the production Tacoma TRD TX, the Long Beach Racers Tacoma boasts custom Bilstein 60mm racing shocks and 16-inch TRD wheels clad in 35-inch BF Goodrich tires. A SCORE-approved roll cage should keep everyone inside safe in the event of a shiny-side-down event.

In order to keep weight as low as possible, the team opted for carbon-fiber skid plates underneath. That's a good thing, considering that a 50-gallon fuel cell has replaced the stock tank. A TRD big brake kit is on hand to help bring all of that liquid weight down from speed, and an array of Hella HID lights means that drivers and can see the course ahead once the sun sets.

Toyota Long Beach Racers Tacoma is ready to tackle the Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajabaja 1000baja tacomabaja toyotalong beach racers tacomasemasema 2011tacoma bajatoyota bajatoyota long beach racers tacomatoyota tacomaTue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095890/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/toyota-long-beach-racers-tacoma/20095890/article-detail.xml 20095890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/toyota-long-beach-racers-tacoma_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/toyota-long-beach-racers-tacoma.jpg <![CDATA[BMW X6 trophy truck augments the already outrageous [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/bmw-x6-trophy-truck-augments-the-already-outrageous-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/bmw-x6-trophy-truck-augments-the-already-outrageous-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/bmw-x6-trophy-truck-augments-the-already-outrageous-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW X6 Trophy Truck

While the BMW X6's form-over-function aesthetics have been the source of controversy since the luxury crossover's debut in 2008, its aggressively tapered ducktail has always reminded us of many of the desert racing trucks we've seen tackle various transcontinental dustups. It appears we weren't the only ones.

Enter the All German Motorsports-Jimco X6 trophy truck, 4,500 pounds of twin-kidney desert pounder. Boasting 25 inches of suspension travel up front and a massive 32 inches in the rear, the V8-engined X6 and its 750 horsepower are headed into the thick of the SCORE trophy truck series this season.

Of course, to call this beast a BMW would be to judge a book by its mud-spattered cover - there's almost nothing here that Munich's finest would recognize. The X6-shaped shell is fiberglass and there's a completely custom chassis and Fox suspension system hanging beneath it. The engine is production-based, with a 4.4-liter block that's similar to the one found in the xDrive50i and X6 M but it's doesn't appear to be from BMW. Rather, the video suggests it's a GM-sourced engine (SCORE mandates a production-based engine block, but apparently it doesn't have to reflect the bodywork that shrouds it).

The X6 Trophy Truck will see its inaugural competition outing at next month's Baja 1000 with driver Armin Schwarz behind the wheel. Check out our high-res gallery above, then click past the jump to check out a pair of brief videos.

Continue reading BMW X6 trophy truck augments the already outrageous [w/video]

BMW X6 trophy truck augments the already outrageous [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all german autoall-german motorsportsarmin schwartzbaja 1000bmwjimcoscoretrophy truckvideox6x6 mx6mFri, 14 Oct 2011 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20081859/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/bmw-x6-trophy-truck-augments-the-already-outrageous-w-video/20081859/article-detail.xml 20081859 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/agm-bmw-x6-tropy-truck_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/agm-bmw-x6-tropy-truck.jpg <![CDATA[BFGoodrich lets fans pick drivers for the Baja 1000 with 'Select the Seats']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/bfgoodrich-lets-fans-pick-drivers-for-the-baja-1000-with-select/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/bfgoodrich-lets-fans-pick-drivers-for-the-baja-1000-with-select/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/bfgoodrich-lets-fans-pick-drivers-for-the-baja-1000-with-select/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BF Goodrich SCORE Baja 1000

There are 23 drivers on Team BFGoodrich, but only six of them will get to pilot the team buggy in the SCORE Baja 1000. Two of the six will be automatically entered after being crowned champions at the SCCA National Runoffs. The other four, well, they'll be relying on you: BFG is letting fans vote for drivers to fill the other seats.

Set up almost like a Race of Champions gathering, there are plenty of drivers on the list that you'll know, many of whom aren't specialists in the trials of Baja like Samuel Hubinette and Kevin King. Then there are stalwarts like Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles veteran Emily Miller and Baja hand Rod Hall. For those not headed to Baja, there's a chance to head to Skip Barber Racing School - but that also depends on a snap click of your fingers.

You can head to BFG's Facebook page to place your vote. If your driver gets in, you might get a shoutout if you're lucky, but we wouldn't expect a share of the winnings. Follow the jump for a presser with all the details.

Continue reading BFGoodrich lets fans pick drivers for the Baja 1000 with 'Select the Seats'

BFGoodrich lets fans pick drivers for the Baja 1000 with 'Select the Seats' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajabaja 1000bf goodrichbfgbfgoodrichteam bfgTue, 02 Aug 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20005397/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/02/bfgoodrich-lets-fans-pick-drivers-for-the-baja-1000-with-select/20005397/article-detail.xml 20005397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bfgoodrichstsfb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bfgoodrichstsfb.jpg <![CDATA[This is the coolest Lexus LX 570. Period.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/15/this-is-the-coolest-lexus-lx-570-period/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/15/this-is-the-coolest-lexus-lx-570-period/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/15/this-is-the-coolest-lexus-lx-570-period/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 JT Grey Lexus LX-570 SCORE Truck
2011 JTGrey Racing Lexus LX 570 SCORE truck - Click above for high-res image

Toyota is putting its full backing behind the JTGrey Racing Lexus LX 570 again this year as the team looks for a repeat in the 2011 SCORE Stock Full Championship. Last year, driver Joe Bacal piloted a very similar LX 570 to the overall championship.

This version of the LX 570 proves you can turn just about anything into a SCORE truck and instantly make it 100 percent cooler. This LX sport-ute has been permanently relieved of soccer practice and Whole Foods duty, and now sports a healthy lift and 37-inch rollers to keep the vitals off the ground.

In last year's championship, Bacal drove the 5.7-liter V8-powered LX to victory at the Las Vegas 300, the San Felipe 250, the Baja 1000 Races and nabbed second in the Baja 500. Bacal's 2011 season started this past weekend at the SCORE Mastercraft San Felipe 250, but Bacal finished outside the points. The next round of the season runs from June 3-5 at the Baja 500. Hit the jump for the official press blast.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading This is the coolest Lexus LX 570. Period.

This is the coolest Lexus LX 570. Period. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000baja 500joe bacallexuslxlx 570scoreTue, 15 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19880008/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/15/this-is-the-coolest-lexus-lx-570-period/19880008/article-detail.xml 19880008 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/2011-jtgrey-race-truck_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/2011-jtgrey-race-truck.jpg <![CDATA[Rod Hall Racing gets in the trophy truck business]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/rod-hall-racing-gets-in-the-trophy-truck-business/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/rod-hall-racing-gets-in-the-trophy-truck-business/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/02/rod-hall-racing-gets-in-the-trophy-truck-business/#commentsFiled under:



Rod Hall Racing, formerly and still synonymous with competitive Hummers, has added a trophy truck to its arsenal. The #61 truck was finished before the Baja 1,000 and cut its differential teeth in that race, with Rod Hall and Sam Cothrun crossing the line after 32 hours and 51 minutes.

The 5,300-pound jumper is built on a Samco Fabrication tube chassis, with a 6.2-liter L92 GM motor pushed to 600 horsepower providing the power. Baer six-piston stoppers handle deceleration front and rear, and when it comes time to get airborne, three-inch Fox coilovers tackle both ends with a 14-inch stroke up front and 18.25 inches in back.

The Hall Racing Hummers are still in the game, but this one will be going for overall wins from now on at races like the 2011 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Australasian Safari and Baja 1000.

[Source: Rod Hall Racing]

Rod Hall Racing gets in the trophy truck business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000rod hall racingtrophy truckThu, 02 Dec 2010 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19739714/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/02/rod-hall-racing-gets-in-the-trophy-truck-business/19739714/article-detail.xml 19739714 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/rodhalltrophytruck_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/rodhalltrophytruck.jpg <![CDATA[Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/followup-ford-f-150-ecoboost-finishes-baja-1000-in-38-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/followup-ford-f-150-ecoboost-finishes-baja-1000-in-38-hours/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/followup-ford-f-150-ecoboost-finishes-baja-1000-in-38-hours/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost race truck
2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to the Baja 1000, simply crossing the finish line is reason enough to bust out the champagne. Ford has announced that its 2011 F-150 Ecoboost race truck has managed to cover the entire 1,061 mile course in 38 hours and 20 minutes. According to FoMoCo, the truck put up with some of the most grueling terrain on the planet - racing through temperatures below freezing and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. More impressively, as you may recall, this particular 3.5-liter V6 engine entered the cross-country rally with the equivalent of 10 years of abuse on the clock. The very same lump went through extensive endurance testing at the Cleveland Engine Plant before being bolted into an F-150 that was used as a log skidder in Oregon.

Finally, the same engine drove around a NASCAR track at full speed while towing 11,300 pounds. Ford then unbolted the engine and plopped it into the race machine you see above - bone stock and without so much as a rebuild. With 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the EcoBoost was more than powerful enough to pull the Baja F-150 across the line. Click past the jump for the full press release.


Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours

Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 ford f-150 ecoboostbajabaja 1000ecoboostecoboost baja 1000F Seriesf-150f-150 ecoboostF-SeriesF150fordford f-150 ecoboostv6Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19728437/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/22/followup-ford-f-150-ecoboost-finishes-baja-1000-in-38-hours/19728437/article-detail.xml 19728437 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-f150-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-f150-630.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2010: Bill Caswell's Baja BMW E30 takes shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/sema-2010-bill-caswells-baja-bmw-e30-takes-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/sema-2010-bill-caswells-baja-bmw-e30-takes-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/sema-2010-bill-caswells-baja-bmw-e30-takes-shape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bill Caswell BMW E30 Baja Racer
Bill Caswell's Baja BMW E30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bill Caswell is furiously welding away on his BMW E30 WRC bruiser turned Baja beast. As you may recall, the man among men famously stitched together a bottom-dollar rally racer, campaigned alongside the who's who of the World Rally Championship in Mexico and managed to snag third in his class. Now he's set his sights on tackling the Baja 1000 with the same craft, albeit with a few modifications. Along with a completely new roll cage, the old E30 is getting some serious shocks courtesy of the suspension fiends at Bilstein along with a complete subframe to support beefier components down below.

Caswell is aiming to build out the majority of the project while here in Las Vegas, and we've been promised plenty of videos of the build later down the line. Stay tuned.


Gallery: SEMA 2010: Bill Caswell's BMW E30 Baja Racer


Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

SEMA 2010: Bill Caswell's Baja BMW E30 takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baja 1000Bill Caswellbmw e30bmw e30 bajasemasema 2010sema auto showsema auto show 2010sema showsema show 2010wrcThu, 04 Nov 2010 09:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19702184/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/04/sema-2010-bill-caswells-baja-bmw-e30-takes-shape/19702184/article-detail.xml 19702184 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-baja-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-baja-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mike Rowe narrating Ford F-150 EcoBoost web documentary]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/mike-rowe-narrating-ford-f-150-ecoboost-web-documentary/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/mike-rowe-narrating-ford-f-150-ecoboost-web-documentary/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/mike-rowe-narrating-ford-f-150-ecoboost-web-documentary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EcoBoost Documentary
Ford tortures its EcoBoost engine - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ford is itching to show that its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine is tough enough to take whatever F-150 buyers can throw at it. In order to do so, the company has lined up a bevy of torture tests and enlisted Mike Rowe to narrate a documentary on the whole affair. Things will kick off with Ford randomly selecting an EcoBoost engine off of the assembly line to be subjected to the equivalent of 150,000 miles on the dyno. From there, the engine will be bolted into an F-150, where it will head to Oregon to skidsteer logs for a lumber company.

Then, the same truck and engine will head to Homestead Miami Speedway where it will tow two Sprint Cup Ford Fusion race cars around the track for 24 hours at full throttle, stopping only for fuel and tires along the way.

But wait, there's more.

From there, the engine will be removed from the 2011 F-150 and bolted into a specially prepared race truck, where it will do battle in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. After all of that, Ford will tear down the engine and give the public a look at how things went inside. Sounds like a party. You can hit the jump for a look at the full press release and to check out the first video in the series.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Mike Rowe narrating Ford F-150 EcoBoost web documentary

Mike Rowe narrating Ford F-150 EcoBoost web documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford f-150 ecoboost2011FordF-150EcoboostBaja 1000Baja1000EcoboostF-150 EcoboostF-150EcoboostFordMike RoweMikeRoweSun, 26 Sep 2010 17:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19646102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/26/mike-rowe-narrating-ford-f-150-ecoboost-web-documentary/19646102/article-detail.xml 19646102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ecoboost-torture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ecoboost-torture.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to campaign F-150 EcoBoost in Baja 1000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/23/ford-to-campaign-f-150-ecoboost-in-baja-1000/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/23/ford-to-campaign-f-150-ecoboost-in-baja-1000/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/23/ford-to-campaign-f-150-ecoboost-in-baja-1000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Desert Racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Convincing pickup truck buyers they don't actually need a big 'ol honkin' V8 engine is going to be tough, regardless of how good the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the 2011 Ford F-150 may be. We already know that the mill puts out enough power to get just about anything done, but what about its durability? After all, the old-school V8 (never mind that modern Ford overhead cam V8s share almost nothing in common with their OHV predecessors) has been in use since, oh, just about the dawn of the American automobile industry.

With that in mind, Ford is eager to convince potential buyers that its twin-turbo V6 powerplant is fully capable of surviving the rigors of pickup duty. And to prove it, The Blue Oval has some pretty harsh plans for its latest EcoBoost engine, culminating with an entry into the famed Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

But before that final torture test, that same 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will be used by a lumber company in Oregon to haul logs weighing thousands of pounds up steep hills. Then, that same engine will tow a pair of Sprint Cup Ford Fusions at full throttle for 24 hours around the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway oval track in Florida. Then it's on to Baja, after which it will be torn down and shown off to the public.

Clearly, Ford believes in the durability of its EcoBoost engine, which has already gone through 1.6 million miles (both real over-the-road and simulated miles) of abusive testing. We look forward to seeing how this one particular randomly selected engine performs throughout its upcoming torture testing. Hit the jump for all the details.


Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 Desert Racer


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to campaign F-150 EcoBoost in Baja 1000

Ford to campaign F-150 EcoBoost in Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford2011 ford f-1502011 ford f-150 ecoboostbajaBaja 1000desert racerecoboostecoboost desert racerf-150 ecoboostf-150 ecoboost desert racerfordFord F-150Ford F-150 EcoBoostThu, 23 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19645957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/23/ford-to-campaign-f-150-ecoboost-in-baja-1000/19645957/article-detail.xml 19645957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ecoboost-baja_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ecoboost-baja.jpg <![CDATA[Report: EcoBoost-powered Ford SVT Raptor R coming?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-ecoboost-powered-ford-svt-raptor-r-coming/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-ecoboost-powered-ford-svt-raptor-r-coming/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/01/report-ecoboost-powered-ford-svt-raptor-r-coming/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is really proud of its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and while the automaker currently only offers this mill in the Taurus SHO, Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT, PickupTrucks.com reports that the Baja-blasting SVT Raptor will get a version of this powerplant, as well.

Ford will be offering the EcoBoost V6 as a top-range engine on the F-150 for the 2011 model year, producing something in the range of 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, but in the Raptor R, expect output numbers to be significantly higher. Currently, the Raptor R 6.2 produces roughly 500 peak horsepower out of its modified version of the automaker's latest V8, and we doubt that Ford will want to skimp on power when it comes to a no-holds-barred race truck like the Raptor R.

PickupTrucks.com reports that we could see the Raptor R EcoBoost compete in this year's Best In The Desert off-road racing series, as well as the Baja 1000 later this year. All we know is, this sounds like one seriously brutal pickup for desert storming.


Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: EcoBoost-powered Ford SVT Raptor R coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baja 1000Baja1000ecoboostf-150F-150 SVT RaptorF-150 SVT Raptor RF-150SvtRaptorF-150SvtRaptorRfordFord F-150ford f-150 raptorford f-150 svt raptorFord F-150 SVT Raptor RFord SVT Raptorford svt raptor ecoboostFord SVT Raptor RFordF-150FordF-150RaptorFordF-150SvtRaptorFordF-150SvtRaptorRFordSvtRaptorFordSvtRaptorEcoboostFordSvtRaptorRTue, 01 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19499146/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/01/report-ecoboost-powered-ford-svt-raptor-r-coming/19499146/article-detail.xml 19499146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/10f150raptrbaja02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/10f150raptrbaja02.jpg <![CDATA[The Baja 1000 - and Hummer vs. Toyota - has been decided]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/the-baja-1000-and-hummer-vs-toyota-has-been-decided/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/the-baja-1000-and-hummer-vs-toyota-has-been-decided/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/the-baja-1000-and-hummer-vs-toyota-has-been-decided/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The 672.85-mile-long Baja 1000 race is over, and 328 starters were boiled down to just a handful of winners in various classes. The premier events were taken by Andy and Scott McMillin in the trophy truck category, in a modded Chevrolet Silverado. Andy won the race three years ago as a year ago as Robby Gordon's co-driver, but this year beat the NASCAR pilot by three places. The motorcycle category went to the three-way team of Kendall Norman, Timmy Weigand, and Quinn Cody, who crossed the line about 45 minutes before the McMillin's did.

Behind them, two legends of the race practically had the Stock Mini class to themselves: 20-time winner Rod Hall, along with Emily Miller, and Mike Winkel in a Hummer H3 took on Robert Ditner, Joe Nolan, Kez Ziesemer, and three-time winner Ivan Stewart in a 2010 Toyota 4Runner. Of three starters in the class, these two vehicles were the only ones to finish, and the issue came down to the last few miles: Hall's Hummer suffered a long repair stop at mile 40 and he only passed Stewart's 4Runner for first place just thirty miles from the finish.

While Stewart settles for second - and Hall gets his record-setting 21st class win - it's a triumph for the truck and drivers to have finished the race at all. Congratulations to all involved

[Source: SCORE]

The Baja 1000 - and Hummer vs. Toyota - has been decided originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 4runner2010 toyota 4runner20104runner2010Toyota4runner4runnerbaja 1000baja 1000 4runnerBaja1000Baja10004runnerhummer h3HummerH3Ivan StewartIvanStewartRod Hallrod hall racingRodHallRodHallRacingToyota 4RunnerToyota4runnerTue, 24 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19251335/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/24/the-baja-1000-and-hummer-vs-toyota-has-been-decided/19251335/article-detail.xml 19251335 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/baja1000_09_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/baja1000_09.jpg <![CDATA[Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/trial-by-fire-toyota-to-run-nearly-stock-2010-4runner-in-score/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/trial-by-fire-toyota-to-run-nearly-stock-2010-4runner-in-score/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/trial-by-fire-toyota-to-run-nearly-stock-2010-4runner-in-score/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 4Runner for the Baja 1000 -- Click above for high-res image

Toyota is taking a nearly stock 2010 4Runner to the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in about ten days, and the immortal Ivan "Ironman" Stewart will be piloting. Toyota hasn't said what changes to the production truck will be made, but the class rules dictate that runners stay pretty close to factory specs, while allowing more serious mods to the suspension and whatever is needed inside for a safety cage.

In addition to the loss of the rear gate and the swapped-out wheels, we imagine a thorough shock overhaul and a minor engine tune. We'll look for more in-depth info on the car as the race gets closer, but for now we'd like to let Toyota know that they need to add this package -- minus the cage and spare -- to the 4Runner's showroom offerings. You can read about the truck in the presser after the jump, and click above for a high-res image or check out the stock '10 4Runner in our gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Limited


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000

Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raptor: Born in Baja -- Click above to watch video

Autoblog went to the premiere of Raptor - Born in Baja, and while the film is on the long side, it's an enjoyable flick. We wrote before that the truck "only" came in third (out of four total trucks in Class 8), but to finish the Baja 1000 at all is an achievement -- especially when the overall attrition rate is close to 50%. Throw in a truck that had been built in three months and hadn't been tested in any other race before and you've got a little adventure on your hands.

The movie provides plenty more. There's never a good time for things to break, but the Raptor R chose a couple of the most abysmal moments to get sick: it was compelling irony to watch the whole race team wearing "Built Ford Tough" t-shirts gathered around a truck that wouldn't start 90 minutes before the race began.

And if it wasn't the Raptor, it was other trucks in the road holding things up. Still, not only did they get it started, but the Raptor R got to the end with all of its panels and, as far as we could see, no dents -- and it came within minutes of taking second place.

But you'll have to watch the movie to truly glimpse the eye of the tiger... and the thrill of the fight. You can view it on Speed TV on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. EST -- and when you do, look for Pickuptrucks.com's Mike Levine, Jalopnik's Ray Wert, and our own Drew Phillips who make cameos during the SEMA coverage. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer after the jump.


Gallery: Raptor - Born in Baja

Continue reading Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks

Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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