While the Ford V8 powered Ranger completed the 2014 Dakar Rally and landed in 22nd place and fought through some troubles along the way, we’d call the effort somewhat of a success. First off, the truck actually survived until the end of the race, and secondly it finished ahead of a TON of other stuff. Did the podium? Not by a long shot? Will they be back next year with a revised version of the truck and improvements where the machine needs them? You betcha.
This video was taken during a very high speed stage at the race. You’ll fist see some exterior footage of the truck and then you’ll ride on the door, on the roof, and on the rear quarter panel facing the back of the Ranger. All the while, the V8 powering the little truck is making some seriously awesome noise and the suspension is working very hard to soak up bumps, jumps, and to give the driver enough control to keep the truck between the extremely tall grass/reeds that it is flying through.
We know that the drivers cannot take the time to appreciate the scenery and surroundings when they are fully locked into (a) not crashing (b) traveling at insane speeds over ground that many stock trucks would be wiped out on in just a few minutes. This is truly hardcore stuff and you’ll hear the driver on and off the gas several times heading over whoops and other jumps in the course. This is the type of stuff we’d kill to have the shot at driving over, the full on desert stuff with the dust, choking heat, and potential for death by being run over by a Russian Kamaz support truck, someone else can have. I just want the hammer down sections!
PRESS PLAY BELOW TO SEE SOME FANTASTIC VIDEO FROM THE 2014 DAKAR RALLY AND FORD’S AWESOME V8 RANGER OWNING THE TERRAIN!
Driving that fast down those narrow roads is NUTS! I’d be afraid an ostrich (rhea) would step out or some misinformed local or maybe Bozo the Clown (I hate clowns) GOTTCHA!
What a rush love that maxed out pissed off motor sound. SO is this what the Dakar is now racin around somebodies fields? or is this just a short stage?
I watched all of the TV coverage of Dakar. Brutal beyond imagination. Literally makes very tough guys cry. Like 14 BAJA 1000’s back to back day after day. Gotta love Robby Gordon’s Hummer even though it definitely was not to be his year. He does have the potential to win.
Some stages are more than 250 miles as well as 250+ miles of transport in one day. Up to 13000 ft. ele. It is peak of summer hot down there.
Good info about auto transport.