Specially-equipped Ford Ranger Raptor to compete in Baja 1000 race

KUALA LUMPUR: After upgrading the Ranger Raptor in February this year, Ford has now taken its performance truck to the next level. Yes, that’s right the American automaker has just revealed the racing version of the latest Ranger Raptor during the Melbourne Cup Day event in Australia today.

Developed by Ford Performance in association with Australia's motorsport and engineering firm Kelly Racing, the specially-equipped Raptor will be competing in the SCORE International Baja 1000 race this month, which will kick off on November 18, 2022. During the event, Lovell Racing will develop and race the performance truck. 

The Blue Oval has confirmed the rally-ready ute will run on Shell’s ⅓ mixture of biofuel that combines ethanol and bio naphtha.

“Demonstrating low-carbon fuels in performance settings like the Baja 1000 can help bring biofuels and other clean energy technologies to scale more quickly, and help to make them more available and affordable for everyone,” said Cynthia Williams, global director of Sustainability, Compliance and Homologation at Ford.

The other alterations that make the truck Baja-ready are -

• A bespoke front end incorporating a bull bar and skid plate
• A large snorkel
• A roof-mounted massive LED light bar
• New set of wheels and tyres
• A modified bed that can accommodate two spare tyres along with several tools

While commenting on entering the Baja race with this special Ranger Raptor, Ford Performance’s off-road motorsports supervisor, Brian Novak said, “By entering this event, we’re building on the hundreds of thousands of kilometers of development testing and pushing the Ranger Raptor to new extremes.” 

“The Baja 1000 is a demanding event and a well-known proving ground for off-road vehicles. We are excited to compete in this extreme event with Ranger Raptor.” 

For those who are not aware, the Baja 1000 is one of the most prestigious off-road racing events in the world. Held on the Baja California Peninsula, the event attracts competitors eager to tackle miles of desert terrains, steep drops, and tough climbs.

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