The all-new, next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor made its debut at the 2022 Baja 1000, even before the production version of that model launched in the U.S. Developed in partnership with Kelly Racing from Australia and U.S.-based Lovell Racing, the racing version of the Ford Ranger Raptor enjoyed a successful debut as well, earning a first-place finish in the stock class at the iconic annual event. However, The Blue Oval has been working on refining its hardcore racer since then in preparation for a return to Baja, which the automaker has officially announced.
The Ford Ranger Raptor racer will once again return to the Baja 1000 in 2024, which is slated to take place November 12th-17th. The automaker hasn’t revealed any additional details about who will drive the pickup or any tweaks it has made, but it certainly has high aspirations following its previous success there. Powered by a low-carbon biofuel from Shell, the Ford Ranger Raptor that conquered Baja previously was largely stock as well, save for its mandatory safety equipment, yet managed to finish the race with no major incidents or repairs needed.
Last time around, the Ford Ranger Raptor was piloted by a host of drivers including Brad and Byam Lovell of Lovell Racing, Jason Hutter and Paul Blangstead from Fire Guys Racing, Loren Healy and Eric Davis of Fun-Haver Off-Road, and ARB’s Andy and Danny Brown. The rugged pickup has since been busy tackling other prestigious off-road events, including Australia’s Tatts Finke Desert Race – where it nabbed a class win in 2023, followed by another victory in the Production 4WD class earlier this year.
As for last year’s Baja 1000, The Blue Oval competed in two different models – a Ford F-150 Raptor R in the Stock Full class and the Ford Bronco Raptor in the Stock Mid-Size division. When the dust settled, that effort paid off in a big way for FoMoCo, as the Ford Bronco Raptor managed to bring home a first-place class finish in the iconic off-road race, which was also the case with the F-150 Raptor R.
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