Well folks, my job here in Baja is done.

After a full day of chasing the super competitive Trophy Truck class, I captured my favored team's entire effort through stunning photography.

When the dust settled, the clear winner was the very talented Andy McMillin and his father Scott.

Coming in second place, was last year's winner Roger Norman in the number 8 Trophy Truck.

Bringing home another podium finish for Team General Tire, Rick D. Johnson in the #71 F-150 Trophy Truck, captured a 3rd place finish in the highly-competitive Trophy Truck class. It took Johnson 15:02 to complete the 672 mile course.

It was a very tough day for Rick. Despite leading the charge for several hours, a failing steering system coupled with a broken GPS unit prevented Johnson from holding the lead position.

Here are some shots I captured today alongside the course. Enjoy!

Rick thanks his generous sponsors for making his 2009 Baja 1000 effort possible:

General Tire

Lucas Oil

King Shocks

North American Off Road

Baja Designs Lighting

Light Racing

Race Safe

F&L Racing Fuels

Hostyle Racing

Slime

Motion Tire Motor Sports

Mastercraft Seats

K&N air filters

Streight Edje Custom Painting

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

Ford has announced that they will be soon offering the incredible 2011 FR Raptor XT.  They say this truck is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate Baja 1000, pictured here. 

The FR Raptor XT, considered an off-road-only pre-runner, will have a production run of just 50 units and will have a price of $99,950.  

Hey, can you put a price tag on fun?      

The truck will include a 500hp (est.) 6.2L engine; six-speed automatic transmission; 4.56:1 gears; front and rear E-Lockers; four-link RR suspension; 15 inches of front and 18 inches of rear suspension travel; bypass shocks; a chrome-moly 4130 rollcage; extensive skidplating; factory seating with five-point restraints; beadlock wheels; and tubular front and rear bmpers and integral lighting.

The FR Raptor XT joins Ford Racing's successful turnkey race Mustangs available only from Ford dealers.      

Today marks the beginning of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race.

Lucky for you, I am down in Ensanada, Mexico to cover the madness.

My plan is simple: Tag along with the chase crew of Team 71 Racing and attempt to capture the action as it unfolds.

Contingency is similar to a street fair, except that rides are race cars. Each team parades their race vehicle down main street for everyone see up close. Drivers and team members pass out all kinds of swag to enthusiastic fans, who covet everything from stickers to autographed t-shirts.

Hanging with Rick D. Johnson was fun, every few minutes somebody would come up asking for an autograph or interview. Being second off the line, Rick is one of the favored Trophy Truck drivers in the hunt for the overall win.

Eventually the parade leads to SCORE's Tech inspection area where officials ensure all the necessary safety equipment is in order on each rig.

Here are a few of the shots I captured today. Enjoy.

*Hint, hold cursor over image for a caption about the photo.

Today marks a new beginning for Four Wheeler Magazine.

Today is the day that all Source Interlink employees from our Los Angeles, Wilshire office, start work at our new office in El Segundo, California.

This is what my new Cubical looks like. On one hand I'm bummed that I no longer have a clear view of the Hollywood hills, on the other hand, the El Segundo office is much easier to get to thanks to it's close proximity to the 405 Freeway.

We also get a whole assortment of new places to go for lunch!

Almost everyones attention is fixed on the Baja 1000, which begins this Thursday.   

Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.  Thursday through Sunday.  More info: www.score-international.com.

 PTOTY 2010 is over.

It's been a successful week. We tested four amazing trucks. Killed four tires. Dinged one bumper. And bruised a couple egos. All in all a good time.

I leave you with a parting shot of our editors judging the vehicles. Exciting, no. But at least you get a glimpse inside PTOTY. 

Who won you ask? You'll have to wait until the March 2010 issue is out to find out! Ha!

PTOTY 2010 - The first EVER PTOTY filmed for your enjoyment in full 1080p High Definition. Meet HERO, the latest to join our film crew.

That's right! For the first time we're filming in HD! Our new GoPro Motorsports Hero HD camera came in and we are very pleased to be able to test it out on PTOTY '10. So far this amazing camera has ridden inside, outside, an on every body panel imaginable on all of the amazing vehicles to get the shots that our other cameras just can't (sorry Danger Cam). And it's doing it in crystal clear HD.

We'll have more on the camera specifically coming up very soon, and look for HD video from PTOTY '10 to be hitting the site.

Are you excited? We sure are!

Ok, one cool bit of information for now. The standard definition GoPro Hero cameras run off to two triple A batteries and last about an hour. Changing them gets real old. Well the new HD Hero runs off a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack and lasts for about 2.5 hours. The neat part is that it charges off of standard mini-USB. And since both of our Ram trucks and the Raptor have USB ports in the dash we were able to charge the HD Hero in the truck while at lunch with no adapters or crazy cables needed. Told you it was cool!

Until now we had been splitting our time evaluating the on, off, and track capabilities of our valiant PTOTY contenders, but today was different, today was all about the wheeling! 

Today was Day 4 of our testing, and while Ken calls it the 'Final' day of testing I'd say otherwise. Today was our final day of Off-Road testing, but tomorrow, Day 5, we have the all important task of final judging of the interior, exterior, undercarriage, protection, tow points, ect that we have been living with all week. Along with this we have the final highway drive (back to our World Headquarters) and a chance to make some final notes in our Judging Books. So it ain't over yet!

On to today. Well, if you really want to know check out Ken's blog directly below this one. We hit some sand dunes, jumped a Raptor, had a great lunch, drove a trail, crawled some rocks, froze a little, you know, the usual. So without further ado, onto some pictures!

Now, you may have noticed yesterday that somebody got the Mega Cab stuck in a ditch, well today that same rookie just flat ran out of talent. While on the trail he (I) inadvertently hit a rock about the size of a football and gashed the front tire on the Raptor. Oh well, it happens. Guess this just wasn't my year.

Besides that nothing 'spectacular' happened. So here's some pictures.

Well, today was the final day of PTOTY '10.  And it was incredible!  Our team of six experienced testers (pictured here on their best behavior) threw down a gauntlet for the Power Wagon, Ram 2500 HD, Raptor, and Tundra. 

We began our day in the sand dunes.  This portion of the competition is an extreme test of engine power, cooling system stamina, and a suspensions ability to endure sustained hard use.

We threw sand and the wind threw it back.

After a morning workout at the dunes, we hit the trail.  Here the vehicles were driven over everything from rocks to gulleys, all in a mostly high altitude environment where the temps were hovering around the freezing point.  Aside from a couple of sharp rock-induced flat tires, the vehicles suffered no breakage. 

So who won our PTOTY '10 test?  We can't tell you because we don't know yet.  Tomorrow is the day when each judge fills our his detailed judging book.  Stay tuned.

Today was a fascinating day at the 2010 FWOTY competition.  The more time we spend with the rigs, the more we learn.  Today we threw 'em into some nasty terrain near Randsburg, California.  

Before we hit the trail we hit the track for acceleration and brake testing.  One of the things we learned was that there's a reason why the Power Wagon's first name is Power.

One of our favorite tests is this rock- and sand-littered canyon.  There are no "go-arounds," so once a rig enters the canyon it's committed.

This canyon is really tight in spots and features sharp rocks that test the puncture resistance of tires.  The trail is also notorious for ripping off protruding or low-hanging body parts.  This year we left no body parts behind, however.

We came off the trail a hair after sunset.

At the highway we regrouped and pointed the rigs toward Ridgecrest.

Our crew of dusty, tired testers invaded the front desk of our motel to beg for room keys so we could shower and hit the sack.

Tomorrow is our last full day of testing and it's going to be a busy day.  We start at the sand dunes and then meander onto some challenging trails.  So far all the rigs are holding up well and all is good.  But, we'll see how they fare tomorrow on our biggest day yet.  Stay tuned.

After almost a year of vacationing in the Bahamas (or my desk drawer) Danger Cam has returned to action!

This heroic little guy knows no fear. He goes where other cameras fear to get the shots that they can only dream of. Danger Cam takes a beating and keeps coming back for more. Danger Cam knows no pain. Each scar on Danger Cam tells a tale that he will gladly reminisce about over drinks, or fresh AA's. Watch for the latest Danger Cam action in the PTOTY '10 Videos. Coming Soon.

Danger Cam AWAY!!

Day 3 of PTOTY '10 testing is now complete, but the real work is just beginning.... writing to you about it! 

Well, as we told you yesterday today's events consisted of waking up bright and early, having a crummy hotel breakfast (if they say biscuits AND gravy, shouldn't there be gravy? Just sayin') and then heading off to the track for some 1/4 mile, 60-0, and burn out testing. (Yes, burn out testing is a legitimate test, just don't tell the boss) Before we could do that though we needed to get the trucks cleaned up, so a stop at our usual truck washing facility was in order.

After the trucks were all clean we headed over to the track to do, well, what do you think we did at the track? 

Once the track testing wrapped we headed back into the desert and off to the town of Randsburg (yup, same town we found Huell Howser in two years ago) for some lunch at the General Store. Yup, that didn't happen either. I guess when one person calls in sick to the only eatery in a town of 50 it's ok to just close up shop. Can't blame them I guess. Next year. 

Anyway, after a failed attempt at lunch it was back off into the desert, where some rookie proceeded to get our Ram 3500 HD Cummins stuck.(What? That was me? Oh, yea, now I remember. Oops)

We wheeled till dark and now here I am. On to Day 4.

In the mean time, since Ken can post photos of us, um, working, here's one of Ken hard at work doing what he does best. If there is a shot to be gotten, Ken's on it!

Here we capture Ken's photographic protege and our fabulous Art Director (the man that makes us all look good from month to month, round of applause please!) Greg Smith working his camera in Last Chance Canyon. 

And the rest of these have no real explanation. For details of what happened buy the March 2010 issue of FW Magazine. And for now enjoy the rest of the photos!

As Mr. Gonderman noted in his previous blog, Day 2 of PTOTY '10 is a wrap.  The rigs are tucked away for the night and so are we.  

Here's our crew of testers.  From left to right, Holman, Stover, Gonderman, Smith, and McColloch (Brubaker is behind the camera).

Today we spent a lot of time analyzing the rigs, including the interiors.  Here, Holman pilots the Ram HD through Victorville, CA traffic.

As night fell, we found ourselves trail testing high in the hills above Soggy Dry Lake near Johnson Valley.

Night wheeling gave us the opportunity to see how well each rigs headlamps work.  Not all headlamps are created equal.

Tomorrow we're back at it.  Track testing and more trail.  Stay tuned.

 Pickup Truck of the Year 2010 Day 2 is now complete.

Day 1 was spent ramp testing all of this years competitors and now on Day 2 the real fun begins.

We met at the Four Wheeler World Headquarters bright and early and headed out to our super secret testing spot out in the desert. On today's agenda was wash board road testing, hill climb testing, some flexing, a bit of lake bed fun, and a whole bunch of highway.

So far our field of four competitors are taking everything we hand to them and asking for more, so tomorrow it's off to the track then up into the hills for more wheeling. Wish us luck!

We leave you now with just a glimpse of today's activities. More to come tomorrow. Enjoy.

The 2009 SEMA show is one for the history books.

A bit subdued from previous years, but definitely not lacking in quality, the annual automotive bling-fest that many consider a barometer for gaging our industries health, and  more importantly; potential, went well-all things considered.

I spent two days wandering the show (Thursday & Friday) and left feeling that I may have seen 60 percent of it. I was impressed with quite a few things I noticed during my two-day 7.4 mile SEMA trek. Here they are:

All the Usuals

Industry mainstays  like GM and Toyota ensured that shrinking show footprints were subtle if not completely un-noticeable by most who attended the convention. This year, event organizers moved the new products section to the fast-shrinking 4x4 section located on the upper floor of south hall. The rear section of the 4x4 floor space, again featured the "Making Green Cool" section. It was smaller in every way, but I felt confident that I had accomplished a lot more during the two days than I did in past years cruising the show for the whole week. 

A Few of My Favorites

GMs booth featured Robby Gordon's Dakar H3 Hummer as well as Rod Hall's awesome Baja Stock Full H3 SUV. Each of these vehicles represent GMs commitment to off-road motorsports.

Chrysler's Mopar booth was as awesome as it always is, featuring the epic 4x4, Lower 40 JK as the crown jewel.

Last year's Baja 1000 champion, Roger Norman, showed off his stunningly beautiful F-150 Mega-Runner prerunner. This machine blurs the lines between a luxury touring sedan and a race-ready Trophy Truck. Wickedly fast, super comfortable and without question, the most beautiful prerunner at the show, Norman's truck reeled-in Baja junkies like moths to a porch light.

Miller Electronics came up with another home-run product. This is the modular ArcStation for home shops and hobbiests. I want one!

Designed to solve a whole assortment of fabrication-related problems, this fabrication table sets new standards for those of us who like to build things with our hands.

The Best of the Best

Of all the things I saw at SEMA 2009, the single most impressive thing was the TAC-V JAMMA V-22, a project compleated by Light Racing for  TAC-V LLC. Essentially, this all-terrain modular mobility asset ushers in the next generation of the Military equipment specifically designed to replace the aging AM General-built HMMWV (H1 Hummer). Light Racing's V.P., Bryan Kudela, and his engineering team orchestrated the design and build of this amazing vehicle. The estimated cost to build this one-off prototype was somewhere in the three-million-dollar range. Designed exclusively to fit inside the Military V-22 Osprey aircraft, this vehicle is very different than anything we've ever seen before. The entire chassis is manufactured from high modulus chromoly sheet metal structures that are extremely rigid and weight-optimized for flight. The exterior body panels are mostly hydro formed and virtually all exterior panels can be up-armored quickly for combat scenarios. Because the chassis is modular, it can be adapted to fit an assortment of requirements for many different tasks. For instance, the JAMMA V-22 could serve as an ambulance for one mission, or a radio communications station for another. It's powered by a 3.2L I-6 turbo diesel that puts out 180 HP @ 3,800 RPM and 398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800 RPM. The whole vehicle tips the scales at  just 4,000-pounds and is capable of carrying a payload of 3,500-pounds. At only 60-inches wide, this narrow rig performs like a UTV with a long-travel kit installed-a really high-end UTV, that is. Take a look at some of the photos I took of this cool vehicle.

Another very cool car I got to check out at the 2009 SEMA show was the Rally Fighter by Local Motors. If you haven't read my blog about this new vehicle check it out, this is the future of motor vehicles as far as I'm concerned. Here is a link to a video of Local Motors CEO John Rogers showing off his latest car.

Rize Industries demonstrated that tall drop-bracket lift kits and leveling spacers aren't the only thing they are capable of constructing. This crew cab Raptor look-alike suggests that Rize has finally decided to target the go-fast crowd. With 16-inched of travel up front and over 20-inches in the rear, this 450-HP monster had us drooling.

The 2010 Four Wheeler Pickup Truck of the Year competition has begun!   

This year, we have an incredible lineup of trucks.  The quartet consists of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Dodge Ram 2500 HD Cummins, Toyota Tundra 4.6L, and Dodge Power Wagon.

Today was spent photographing the interior and engine of each rig.  We also put each rig on the RTI Ramp to see how they flex.

Tomorrow we hit the trail.  We have a nasty off-highway loop near Johnson Valley, California, as well as washboard road testing and lots more.  We'll have exclusive updates each day so stayed tuned.

California, Nevada, Arkansas and Arizona all have four-wheel drive-related events going on this weekend.  So whether you're into racing, rocks or R/C crawlers, there's something on the menu. 

Beginning Off-Road 4x4 Skills Clinic, Gorman, California.  Saturday only.  More info: www.4x4training.com.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Primm, Nevada.  Saturday and Sunday.  More info: www.lucasoiloffroad.com.

RCCrawler Shootout In The Hills, Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Saturday only.  More info: www.orvpark.com.  

14th Annual Desert Splash, Parker, Arizona.  Friday through Sunday.  More info: www.parker4wheelers.net. 

Toyota has announced that they will be entering this 2010 model year 4Runner in this year's SCORE Baja 1000. 

We also hear that this 4Runner they will be racing is one of the vehicles we took over the Rubicon Trail a few months ago.  On a related note, a few people that were with us on that Rubicon run will be co-driving the 4Runner for the Baja 1000. 

Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager, says, "Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we're confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course."

The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the single-loop course.  

The folks over at Radflo Suspension Technology have unveiled a new jack that they say promises faster, easier tire changes without breaking your back.  

The Hydra-Jac is a technically advanced, lightweight racing jack designed specifically for those who travel off-highway.  It provides the long-travel range you need without the size and weight of conventional designs.  It has an adjustable jacking platform and generous 18 inches of lift range.  The fold-away handle makes operation easy and efficient.  Radflo says that in most cases, no more than four pumps are required to raise your vehicle a full inch.  A bleed screw is released to lower the vehicle and you can even control the rate of descent.

The Hydra-Jac only weighs 13 pounds and is only 37 inches long, but is constructed with a massive 7/8-inch ram to safely hoist loads up to 2,200 pounds.  Like Radflo's shocks, the Hydra-Jac is completely servicable and rebuildable.

More info: www.radflo.com.

A couple of weeks ago we installed a new #2 cylinder coil pack on our new (to us) Navigator, and the 300hp, three-valve, 5.4L V-8 smoothed out like nobody's business.  But this had a downside. 

The problem was that we could then clearly hear (and feel) a persistent and extremely annoying thump in the rear suspension any time the vehicle was moving.  The Navigator uses an air-spring system in the rear with shocks and upper and lower control arms.  With the high mileage this rig has we knew that it was a toss up as to what parts were worn, though we were hoping it was something easy like shock absorber bushings (the shocks are the original OE units!).

We navigated to Attitude Performance in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where owner Matt Dinelli found that the two lower shock mount bolts had simply worn over the 10-year life of the vehicle, thus the shocks could freely move on the mounting bolts.  Surprisingly, the shock bushings and sleeves were fine.  Dinelli had replacement bolts in his Magic Parts Collection and was able to fix the problem on the spot.  Now the Nav is as quiet as a vault rolling down the road.  If only all problems were that easy to fix.

Last weekend was a tad quiet leading up to the big SEMA show, but this weekend is serving up some awesome four-wheel drive events. 

Hump N Bump, Overton, Nevada.  Friday and Saturday.  More info: www.vv4w.org.

Bronco Daze 2009, Borrego Springs, California.  Friday through Sunday.  More info: www.earlybronco.com.

Stoddard 250, Barstow, California.  Saturday only.  More info: www.mdrracing.com.

The auto industry needs change.

In fact, it's far overdue.

Finally, the change is here.

Say hello to the Rally Fighter  from Local Motors, an automaker with a whole new business model.

Think of it as the by-product of a focus group that started from scratch, with a mission to change the game.

Expect to hear more about this unique concept in the coming week in Four Wheeler's Editor Blogs.

Tomorrow, the Rally Fighter, a car quite unlike any you've ever seen before, debuts at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here are a few things to check out first.

Video

The Rally Fighter is an off-road racer,
custom designed and built for the
deserts of the American Southwest.

Stats in breif:
• Unique, welded steel tubular space
frame including lightweight thermoplastic
and carbon fiber body panels

• BMW M57 I6 3.0L sequential
turbo, clean diesel engine
• Desert racing drivetrain setup:
RWD, 6-speed ZF automatic,
estimated 55 F/45 R weight
distribution

• 36mpg on the highway, or
30mpg in an off-road setting
• 425 lb-ft of torque, 265 horsepower,
and approximately 3,200 lbs
• 18” of suspension travel

• Manually adjustable dual ride-height
modes
• Seats for 4 adults, or 2 adults & 3 children

Here's where it gets interesting...

Buying a car from Local Motors includes the total experience that used to be a luxury of the super wealthy automotive emthusiast.

Local Motors offers a unique “Build Experience” with every
vehicle purchase. Customers are
invited to join experts in the regional Micro-Factory
to build their own car. The program is customized
for both the novice and the pro, and crafted
specifically for car lovers.
• 2 weekend (6 Day) build process
• Designated Builder Trainer for Each Customer
Micro-Factories are a center of pride for your community,
as each car built will support local jobs. (Timing and set-up of
build experience subject to change.)
Learn, build, race & hangout at your Local Micro-Factory.
This is the beginning of a whole new
lifestyle and family of friends.

For just $99.00 you can start the process of buying a Rally Fighter for yourself. Click here to learn more.

A special thanks to Dan Spalinger and Race-Dezert for bringing us this news.

The folks over at BDS are rolling out yet another new suspension!  This time it's a 6-inch high clearance system for 2002-05 Dodge 1/2-ton pickups.

The kit features BDS exclusive No-Torsion Bar Drop System integrated with BDS High Clearance crossmember geometry that BDS says offers the most ground clearance of any system on the market today.  The two main high clearance crossmembers are locked together with a substantial differential skidplate and a passenger-side support creating a subframe built for abuse.  The kit has CNC-machined steering knuckles, a bumpstop relocation system, full rear leaf pack options, and gas shock upgrade options. 

As a bonus, the kit, like all BDS Suspension products, is covered by the exclusive No Fine Print Warranty.

More info: www.bds-suspension.com. 

The folks over at BDS Suspension have announced their 2010 Outback Off Road Adventure schedule!

For 2010 there will be four events total.  Three are weekend trail rides with rural camping available at the park and the fourth event is a one-day trailride.  All events are held at the Outback Off Road Adventure Park near Eau Claire, Pennsylvania.  This park has a great variety of terrain including mud ravines, scenic trails, rocky trails, hill climbs, scenic fields and rock gardens.  In other words, something for everyone. 

Here's the schedule:

June 12-13

July 17-18

September 18-19

October 17- Autumn Leaf Spectacular

More info on the park can be found at www.outbackoffroadadventure.com.

Info on BDS Suspension can be found at www.bds-suspension.com. 

Got a 1/2-ton truck?  Do you live in the Snowbelt?  Are you sick and tired of paying someone to plow your driveway or are you fed up with shoveling it yourself?  Well, now you can put your truck to work with the new 1/2-ton-friendly HT Series snowplow from Fisher Engineering.

Here at the Four Wheeler Midwest Bureau in northern Illinois we're infatuated with quick, efficient ways to move snow, so this product really caught our eye. 

Fisher says this plow is built with the same features as larger Fisher snowplows,  but it's designed to accommodate the weight requirements of today's 1/2-ton trucks.  It has all-steel construction, a 75-degree attack angle for improved scraping and dragging, 15 1/2-inch curl radius for improved snow rolling action, and Fisher's original trip-edge, which allows the bottom edge of the blade to trip back if an obstacle is struck, which protects the snowplow and truck from jarring impacts.  It also has an exclusive scrape lock feature that hydraulically locks the blade down for clean scraping and back dragging. 

The folks at Fisher say the plow offers a fast, easy mounting system and control options include the hand-held Fish-Stik or a compact joystick control.

More info: www.fisherplows.com.