Hot on the heels of the Plymouth Roadrunner that Dirt Every Day is building up into a Mad Max-like off roading freak, we come across this Ford Pinto that has been turned into a rock bouncer doing it’s thing at the Southern Rock Racing Series’ finals at the Hot Springs ORV park in Arkansas. Why a Pinto? Why not? What started life as a 1980 hatchback is now sporting the full frame and cage deal meant to keep things together, a fuel injected 460 and a four-speed that is geared down to within an inch of it’s life. The last time we wanted a crack at a Pinto this badly was when Bob Glidden was driving one in Pro Stock, and we’d be hard-pressed to pick which one would be more exciting to wheel around. Driver Shawn Cross has an “exhaust every method” style of driving that sees the Pinto moving forward, flat tires and broken tie rods be damned. When it’s the finals, you give it all you got, son!
I was there. I’m a little ashamed to admit I thought that was an Eagle body, not that there’s much skin left to go by. Most competitors on the hill just blasted up without drama.
Lots of rocks getting thrown at spectators but everyone was a good sport about it. The silt and dust were crazy. I washed my truck twice since and there are still silt streaks coming out of my trim.
Big inch Fords have a sound all their own….music…sweet music.
Rock racing is the 4 wheeled version of motorcycle trials and as such should be given international status and recognised as major championship event. I’m sure the expertise to build, run and drive these glorious monsters exists throughout the world and there’s an unlimited amount of suitable terrain for holding events.
So come on FIA – go over to the USA to witness this amazing spectacle and give it to the rest of the world!
Nice way to use a Pinto by the way…