Inside A Fox Bypass Shock
Dropped by Fox Racing Shocks the other day to have a pair of bypass shocks rebuilt. Here’s a little peek into what makes Trophy Trucks gobble up whoops.
Kincaid Racing
When Scott Kincaid calls you to come visit Kincaid Racing Engines to checkout his new toy, you go. Don't hesitate, GO. His Porter PRC-4 Unlimited Class Buggy is nothing short of spectacular. 700HP of pure, right-foot-happiness.
This vehicle was features in OFF-ROAD MAGAZINE 2008
All American Muscle
This isn’t Kyle Caso’s first rodeo. Over the past few years he has owned a few race inspired prerunners including this ’92 Ford Ranger. His Ford started off as a simple leaf sprung prerunner built for weekends in the desert and spectating the race scene. As the truck sits today, it has been rebuilt twice and is now a race winning Ranger that has spent time racing in 1450 and 1400 classes and has landed on the podium in the MDR, MORE, SCORE, SNORE, Tuff Trucks Challenge and Glenn Helen Baja Cup series.
I shot Kyle's truck in Ocotillo Wells circa 2006 for Off-Road Magazine. Kyle is a great, hard-working kid building trucks in his garage. I wonder where he is at today?
Gary Hough THAT’S RIGHT
If you grew up near the deserts of Southern California, chances are you know Gary Hough. Gary has owned some of the nicest trucks you will see running around Ocotillo Wells, Anza Borrego, Glamis and the surrounding areas. Having gotten to know Gary very well over the years, I learned that unlike a number of off-road personalities, he is a really nice guy. His part-time property in Ocotillo Wells is perfect for when the race team needs a weekend away.
I've photographed several of Gary's trucks over the years for publication. This is one of his trucks from 2006. Enjoy a couple of the snaps.
Behind Baja
This was slated to be published in Off-Road Magazine 2008, until the Editor decided to jump ship and the Publisher wanted to take the magazine a 'new direction'. NONSENSE! I was really upset at the time because not only did Pflueger Racing treat me really well and allow me to be a part of their Baja 500, I also felt that some great images came from it people would enjoy. Images you don't usually see because everyone is focused on the race.
This photo series is from the 2008 SCORE International Baja 500. Unfortunately, Pflueger would suffer from the loss of four blown transmissions on the day. Through thick and thin, the team hung together and worked their butts off to keep the truck on the move. I hope these photos show you the hard work that goes into keeping a Trophy Truck together and on course during one of the most grueling races in the world.
Thank you again to everyone from Pflueger Racing for having me!
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Seattle with ARB USA
Seth from ARB asked if I wanted to come up and run some trails just outside Seattle, Washington. Without hesitation, I was on the first available flight. Seth is one of those really good guys you meet in the industry and quickly become friends with. An article in 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine came out of this day, here are some extras. I love your green Seattle!
ToyoVette
Jon has been racing the deserts of SoCal and silt beds of Baja longer than most. Spinning dirt for the first time in 1972, gives Jon a credibility and experience level not commonly found. Having owned and raced such a great number of vehicles, Jon’s answer to our question of what he has previously owned was, “You name it and I have run it!” If you happen to see a 2-door bright yellow Tacoma running around, be sure to take a glance underneath.
Jon’s wife insisted that the next prerunner Jon built had real doors, a windshield and working air conditioning. Starting the build with the cab from a ’06 Tacoma provided just what he (she) needed. The majority of this build was completed by AJ at The Baja Shop located in Corona, California. The new fiberglass hood, fenders and rear bedsides were designed by Glassworks Unlimited and painted Bright Yellow by Speed Shop Painting in Corona, California. Mounted to the front bumper are a pair of Kragen HID lights.
This vehicle was featured in Off-Road Magazine.
See something missing? That’s right, the motor isn’t where it should be. As we already mentioned, from the outside, this looks like a Tacoma, but from underneath, it’s a completely different beast. Baja Shop built a vehicle more resembling buggy characteristics and slapped a truck body on top. Center mounted 4130 chromoly control arms provide over 20-inches of wheel travel. Jon chose to go with 2.0 Fox shocks all around.
You were probably wondering where the name of this truck came from? Under the hood is a tightly tucked Chevy LS-1 pumping out more than 400 horsepower. The same 5.7-liter engine found in the Corvette. A Ron Davis radiator is also found under the bonnet as well as a UMP Air Filter System, Mike Leach custom headers and Fox reservoirs mounted high for easy access.
The rear bed space was built out of form and function. Remembering this truck is built to prerun as well as chase on occasion, an aluminum storage compartment was built to house equipment and a removable chase rack was added on top to hold larger items.
Well that’s definitely not a Tacoma! Baja Shop built the rear half using long 4130 chromoly trailing arms to provide 20-inches of wheel travel. Stuffed into the rear differential is a limited slip locker and 4.10 ratio gears.
Jon’s son, L.J. Kennedy runs a shop called The Body Guys and built the dash for the truck. The aluminum dash is powder coated black and holds all of the proper components. Auto Meter gauges, Racer X communications, Lowrance GPS, Sparco steering wheel, and a Vertex radio. Beard provided the seats using Crow belts and Dirt Bagz made custom equipment bags that are mounted throughout the cabin.
What a HOOT
Tellico OHV Park is an extraordinary place for wheeling. Lush forest, running water, big rocks, plenty of mud and anything else you could ask for. A few years back I headed out for a little run with some good ol' boys from the area. They showed me a HOOT of a time!
Moab Grand Cherokee Run
During the 2005 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, I decided to head out and run Golden Spike with a group of Grand Cherokee's. This turned out to be one of the longest days I've ever had off road. 18 hours of shenanigans, break downs and finding people lost in the desert. Good times!
