Ford's Ranger Raptor Takes On Australia's Most Brutal Off-Road Race
The legendary Finke Desert Race, widely considered Australia's toughest off-road endurance challenge, is set to welcome a familiar yet formidable contender—the Ford Ranger Raptor. Slated to put its rugged capabilities to the test, this purpose-built Ranger Raptor returns to the iconic race with full throttle determination. The event not only embodies the spirit of endurance but also highlights the relentless pursuit of off-road supremacy.
A Quick Look at the Past
This isn't the Ranger Raptor's maiden venture into the treacherous Outback. The father-and-son duo of Brad Lovell and Byam Lovell are back behind the wheel of the same truck that clinched first place in the Production 4WD category at the 2023 Finke Desert Race. Although they dominated their class, they fell just short of an overall victory. The Lovells aren't strangers to high-stakes racing—this exact Raptor also conquered the 2022 Baja 1000, securing its position at the summit of its class.
Engineering to Meet Extreme Demands
One might assume Ford Performance is simply recycling an old race truck, but numerous modifications testify otherwise. Given that the Finke Desert Race averages speeds about 21 miles per hour faster than the Baja 1000, Ford Performance engineers have meticulously fine-tuned the suspension system. Essential race modifications include a robust front skid plate, a snorkel intake for the extreme conditions, and auxiliary lights positioned at the windshield base for enhanced visibility.
Beyond these customizations, the interior of the truck reveals further enhancements geared towards safety and performance. A pair of front sport seats and a roll cage replace standard interior trim, stripping the vehicle to its racing essentials. There's no room for luxuries in this beast—just sheer function and durability.
Surprisingly Stock at Heart
One might be surprised to learn how much of the Ranger Raptor remains untouched. The fuel-efficient yet ferocious twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, remains stock. Even the suspension system's hardware is off-the-shelf, with only the calibration fine-tuned to meet the rigorous demands of the race. This focus on maintaining stock components makes it eligible for the Production 4WD category, where it will face off against the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and Toyota Land Cruiser 76-Series.
The Road Ahead
The 2024 Finke Desert Race is set for June 9-10, presenting a formidable challenge to all competitors. Kicking off in Alice Springs, the race takes participants to Apatula before looping back to Alice Springs—a grueling 285-mile round-trip. For those who relish comparing stats, the Ranger Raptor clocked an impressive 5 hours, 56 minutes, and 30 seconds in the previous year’s race. How will it fare this time around?
As we watch the Ranger Raptor's tires dig into the barren, unforgiving Australian Outback, we're reminded that this race isn't just a test of speed but a testament to human and mechanical endurance. With Ford Performance's tweaks and the Lovells' experienced hands at the helm, the Ranger Raptor is geared to make another memorable splash in off-road racing history.