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

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.

[Source: Toyota]

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota 2010 Model Year 4Runner Slated for the SCORE Baja 1000
Baja 1000 4Runner: The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the "Stock mini" Class

TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2009) – Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 miles in length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV's capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert's treacherous terrain. "Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we're confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course", said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan "Ironman" Stewart – 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. "I'm thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I'm sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot", said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race – starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the magnificent peninsula and run through Mexican villages -- luring in tens of thousands of spectators.

The Fifth Generation 4Runner
The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse-power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November.

For Fifth Generation 4Runner specs visit: http://www.toyota.com/4runner/specs.html