Raptor, Race Trucks and New Drivers: Highlights from Inaugural Raptor Rally
Nearly 300 Ford Raptor owners, guests, VIPs, Ford ambassadors, friends and media descended on Fairfield, Utah, for the inaugural Raptor Rally, a one-day exclusive off-road experience.
The day included thrilling off-road experiences, including trail rides, expert workshops, the chance to jump their own Raptor, meet-and-greets and hot lap opportunities with pro-off-road racers Vaughn Gittin Jr., Loren Healy, Chris Polvoorde and more.
Plus, there were numerous Raptor vehicle updates and the latest examples of how Ford Performance engineers and drivers learn from off-road racing and then transfer technology from racing vehicles to customer models.
Mitch Guthrie Jr. Joins Ford Performance for 2025 Dakar Rally
American off-road racing ace Mitch Guthrie Jr. will join the Ford Performance team for the 2025 Dakar Rally. Guthrie, a King of the Hammers champion, Baja 1000 class winner and UTV racing standout, will pilot the Ford Raptor T1+, the ultimate Raptor, in one of the toughest motorsport challenges on the planet.
Guthrie’s competition history includes dominating performances in desert racing, making him a perfect fit for the Ford Performance Dakar program. The 2025 Dakar Rally will mark Guthrie’s T1 class debut in the iconic event, where he will test his skills and the Raptor T1+.
“We’re excited to welcome Mitch Guthrie to the Ford Performance family,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “The difficult terrain and conditions in off-road racing demand everything from a driver and Mitch’s achievements speak for themselves. He will be a great addition to the team, and we can’t wait to see him push the limits of the Ford Raptor T1+ as we take on one of the most grueling races on the planet in Dakar.”
The Dakar Rally will take place Jan. 3-17, 2025.
Ford Fielding Five Teams at 2024 Rebelle Rally
Five Ford-sponsored teams will compete at the 2024 Rebelle Rally, with four teams trying to extend the multi-year success of Bronco and Bronco Sport, including two Bronco Raptor SUVs and a Ranger Raptor pickup.
Bailey Campbell — who at age 19 was the first female driver to ever finish in the top five at King of the Hammers — and Sedona Blinson — who has competed in every Rebelle Rally — will commandeer the Ranger Raptor.
Melissa Clark and Jessica Moore return this year and will attempt their fifth consecutive victory in the X-CROSS class with a Bronco Sport in the newly offered Sasquatch Package.
The Rebelle Rally is the first women’s off-road navigation rally raid, or open terrain race, in the U.S. It not only showcases the ability of the vehicle entries, but also challenges the navigation skills of the participants. No GPS. No cellphones. Ever.
Each team consists of a driver, navigator and vehicle, with no team support crew allowed. Participants spend their nights camping along the approximately 1,500-mile course.
The event will start at Mammoth Mountain on Oct. 9, wind its way across rugged terrain in Nevada and California, and finish on Oct. 19.
Here are the 2024 Ford-sponsored driving teams:
-Bailey Campbell will drive a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor with Sedona Blinson as navigator.
-Shelby Hall will be driving a 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor with Rori Lewis as her navigator.
-Laura Wanlass will be driving a 2024 Bronco Raptor with Penny Dale as navigator.
-Melissa Clark will be driving a 2025 Bronco Sport Sasquatch with Kathryn Reinhardt as navigator.
-Karisa Haydon will be driving a 2022 Ford Bronco Wildtrack with Trista Smith as navigator.
Ranger Raptor to Take on Baja 1000 in November
Ford will race in November’s SCORE Baja 1000 with a Ranger Raptor, which serves as the inspiration for the Ranger Raptor available in many markets today.
The 57th SCORE Baja 1000 takes place Nov. 12-17.
Performance Upgrades Available for Some F-150 and F-150 Raptor Models
Significant low-end torque and horsepower improvements are coming to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in 2022-2023 F-150 Raptor and 2021-2023 F-150 trucks thanks to a new software calibration from Ford Performance Parts.
Torque increases 54 lb.-ft at 2,500 rpm, and the new max torque is 554 lb.-ft at 3,250 rpm. Horsepower increases 26 at 3,250 rpm and up to a max 466 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.
Ford will also offer a new calibration for the base F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Torque jumps 100 lb.-ft at 2,500 rpm, and the new max torque is 510 lb.-ft at 3,500 rpm, while horsepower increases 55 at 3,500 rpm and up to a max 450 horsepower at 5,250 rpm.
These calibrations are available for purchase beginning Sept. 23 at performanceparts.ford.com. The MSRP is $825 and can also be purchased using Ford Pass Rewards points.
The calibration can be purchased online to be installed at a local dealer. These calibrations meet Ford durability standards and are covered by the vehicle’s three-year, 36,000-mile Ford Performance parts warranty.
Last month, Ford announced performance upgrades for 2024 Ranger and 2022-2024 Bronco Raptor vehicles.
Updated Exterior Paint Colors Available on 2025 Raptor Vehicles
Customers interested in 2025 Raptor vehicles — Ranger, F-150, or Bronco — will have new exterior paint color options.
Ranger Raptor adds Marsh Gray and Desert Sand. For the F-150 Raptor, Space White returns after listening to customer feedback.
Bronco Raptor adds Marsh Gray, Desert Sand, and Ruby Red to the color palette mix.
Model year 2025 Raptor vehicle timing will be available later and on ford.com.
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