{"id":31762,"date":"2023-11-27T16:44:35","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T20:44:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=31762"},"modified":"2023-11-27T16:44:35","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T20:44:35","slug":"off-road-hell-ford-dominates-grueling-baja-1000-in-raptor-r-bronco-raptor-trophy-truck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/off-road-hell-ford-dominates-grueling-baja-1000-in-raptor-r-bronco-raptor-trophy-truck","title":{"rendered":"Off-road Hell: Ford dominates grueling Baja 1000 in Raptor R, Bronco, Raptor Trophy Truck"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford Motor Co. put an exclamation point on its \u201cBuilt Ford Tough\u201d truck tagline last week, winning three classes at the grueling, 56<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0running of the Baja 100 off-road race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">A factory-sponsored, Ford Performance V-8 powered F-150 Raptor R took Stock Full class honors and a factory Ford Bronco Raptor won the Stock Mid-Size division. To complete the hat trick, a heavily modified, 1,000-horsepower, private-entry Ford Raptor won overall in the Trophy Truck class on a typically tortuous course made more difficult by torrential rain conditions on Mexico\u2019s Baja Peninsula.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The SCORE Baja 1000 Presented by K&amp;N has long been a manufacturer proving-ground for off-road performance, and Ford\u2019s history runs back to 1969 when a Bronco (piloted by off-road legend Rod Hall) won overall \u2014 the only production truck to win the whole enchilada in a multi-class race that includes motorcycles and purpose-built trucks. The win helped make Bronco a legend \u2014 a feat that continues to buoy the badge today as it takes on showroom competitors like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner which also have Baja 1000 history.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667505007-ford-baja-1000-broncof-150-raptors.jpg?width=990&amp;height=660&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"603\" height=\"402\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Bronco Raptor\u2019s win this year in the mid-size class followed a factory-team Ranger Raptor pickup\u2019s class win in 2022. The race vehicles were stock builds but for safety additions like roll cages and light bars. The F-150 and Bronco Raptors are on sale in U.S. showrooms, while the Ranger Raptor is due for the 2025 model year. Bronco Raptor even outpaced big brother Raptor R, crossing the finish line an hour ahead after more than 40 hours in the desert.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cFord is a family company with not only a goal to win, but to also further develop our street Raptors for customers around the world to enjoy,\u201d said Ford Performance Motorsports chief Mark Rushbrook. \u201cThe Baja 1000 not only served as a testament to all the hard work from people on the ground and in Dearborn, but this event also emphasizes our continued global commitment to the sport and making better products for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">As part of its icons marketing strategy which features the F-150, Bronco and Mustang models, Ford is leaning hard into motorsports with its Ford Performance division and a significant commitment to win high profile races. In addition to NASCAR and NHRA drag racing, Ford has also targeted endurance race series.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">On track the Blue Oval is focused next year on winning the world\u2019s most prestigious endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in a GT-class Mustang GT3 Dark Horse.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667498007-ford-baja-1000-broncoratproaccelerate.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2023 Baja 1000: Ford Bronco Raptor\" width=\"495\" height=\"330\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667498007-ford-baja-1000-broncoratproaccelerate.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667498007-ford-baja-1000-broncoratproaccelerate.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"2023 Baja 1000: Ford Bronco Raptor\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2023 Baja 1000: Ford Bronco Raptor\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Baja is the jewel of the off-road endurance world, the crowning race in the four-race SCORE series. This year\u2019s win was significant for Ford as it has gone all-in on performance halo off-roaders across a model lineup that includes the Maverick, Ranger, and F-Series pickups as well as the Bronco SUV.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"2\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Endurance racing is an integral part of performance manufacturers\u2019 production development. Running flat out in harsh conditions not only puts drivetrains, suspensions, and tires to the ultimate test, but attracts top-drawer engineers to company programs. Ford has made endurance racing a particular focus with factory-backed teams competing in major races.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThe Baja 1000 is the ultimate test of manufacturers\u2019 machinery,\u201d said Tom Zielinski, CEO of Detroit 4Fest, Michigan\u2019s premier off-road event in Holly. \u201cIt\u2019s also a great marketing tool. \u2018Ironman\u2019 Ivan Stewart proved Toyota capability in pickups by running Baja. Trucks are the profit center for brands today and Baja is how you prove credibility.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\"><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Beyond factory team efforts, vehicles and parts from Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Jeep, and other brands are entered by private teams in multiple 4&#215;4 classes. In Baja history, Ford engines have produced 15 overall winners, with Chevy, 12, VW, 12; and Toyota, two. Ford also leads the way in chassis winners with 19 overall trophies followed by Chevy with 12.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667503007-ford-baja-1000-f-150-raptor.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2023 Baja 1000: Ford F-150 Raptor R (rt)\" width=\"507\" height=\"338\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667503007-ford-baja-1000-f-150-raptor.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667503007-ford-baja-1000-f-150-raptor.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"2023 Baja 1000: Ford F-150 Raptor R (rt)\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2023 Baja 1000: Ford F-150 Raptor R (rt)\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Underlining its commitment to the sport, Ford expanded to a two-truck program this year which \u2014 despite the Baja 1000 title \u2014 actually ran a 1,200-mile course from La Paz to Ensenada. Wearing BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires and off-road Fox shocks, the Raptors navigated everything from sandy Pacific coastlines to thick silt beds and rugged rock sections.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-4\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"3\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Bronco Raptor was powered by its stock, 418-horsepower, 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine, while the Raptor R was stuffed with its standard, 700-plus horsepower, 5.2-liter, supercharged V-8. The Bronco Raptor finishing with an unofficial time of 40:37:47 hours and the F-150 Raptor R 41:44:46 hours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">By comparison the overall-winning, purpose-built Red Bull Ford Raptor SCORE Trophy Truck covered the course in a staggering 22.35.33 hours at an average speed of 58 mpg. With tough frames, 25 to 36 inches of suspension travel, and 1,000 horsepower from their mighty V-8 engines they are kings of a race that saw heavy attrition from the 335-entry field from 20 countries in classes covering cars, trucks, UTVs and motorcycles.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667507007-ford-baja-1000-f-150-raptorwinners.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2023 Baja 1000: The winners! Ford F-150 Raptor R team.\" width=\"498\" height=\"332\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667507007-ford-baja-1000-f-150-raptorwinners.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/21\/PDTN\/71667507007-ford-baja-1000-f-150-raptorwinners.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"2023 Baja 1000: The winners! Ford F-150 Raptor R team.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2023 Baja 1000: The winners! Ford F-150 Raptor R team.\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Just 178 entries finished due to a rash of accidents, broken parts and mechanical failures<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cWe are so proud to be able to get these trucks across the finish line,\u201d said Brian Novak, Ford Performance off-road racing supervisor. \u201cBaja is one of the most difficult races in the world, and that is why we use it as a proving ground for our technology. The team is proud to show again this year how capable the Raptors really are.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-5\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"4\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Driver Loren Healy, one of off-road racing\u2019s top names, brought home the F-150 Raptor R to victory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cWinning the Baja 1000 in the Raptor R will go down as one of my favorite victories in my racing career,\u201d Healy said. \u201cThe amount of work that went into the race efforts for both the truck and the Bronco Raptor are absolutely mind blowing. Somewhere around 100 people came together as a family and made magic, getting both these stock production vehicles to win their classes in the second longest Baja 1000 ever. It truly is an honor to be a small part of this epic, history-making team.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne. Catch his \u201cCar Radio\u201d reports on 910 AM Superstation.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ford Motor Co. put an exclamation point on its \u201cBuilt Ford Tough\u201d truck tagline last week, winning three classes at the grueling, 56th\u00a0running of the Baja 100 off-road race. A factory-sponsored, Ford Performance V-8 powered F-150 Raptor R took Stock Full class honors and a factory Ford Bronco Raptor won the Stock Mid-Size division. To [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31762"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31762"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31762\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31763,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31762\/revisions\/31763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31762"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31762"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31762"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}