In the unforgiving deserts of Baja California, Ford Performance achieved a remarkable double victory at the 2024 Baja 1000. The Bronco DR and Ford Ranger Raptor emerged as champions in one of the world’s most grueling off-road races, conquering hundreds of miles of harsh terrain to prove their endurance and engineering prowess.
The Bronco DR, a purpose-built desert racer, upheld the Bronco’s storied Baja legacy with a win in the Heavy Metal Limited class. Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger Raptor, based on the production model sold globally, showcased its rugged capability with a triumph in the Stock Mid-Size class.
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“The Baja 1000 is brutal,” said Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Motorsports’ Global Director. “It tests every component of a truck and every ounce of effort from the team. This isn’t just about finishing—it’s about proving our vehicles can conquer challenges as tough as Baja.”
Bronco DR: Built for the Desert
The Bronco DR’s victory marked its third race win of 2024. With drivers Brad and Roger Lovell leading the charge, followed by Jason Hutter, Paul Blangsted, and a final push by Jason Scherer and Jason Berger, the team navigated 864 punishing miles. “Baja is relentless, but the Bronco DR was designed for this,” said Brad Lovell. “It embodies the spirit and legacy of Bronco in Baja.”
Ranger Raptor: Racing Meets Real-World Performance
The Ford Ranger Raptor’s win demonstrated that racing success and everyday capability can go hand-in-hand. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost engine and equipped with advanced FOX suspension, the truck utilized the same technology found in its production counterpart. The Baja-ready #773 Ranger Raptor, built to meet SCORE Stock Mid-Size Class regulations, also featured enhancements for durability and safety, including a MoTeC data acquisition system to refine future production models.
The race effort was a team endeavor, with drivers Loren Healy, Eric Davis, John Williams III, Nate Williams, Bailey Campbell, and Bryan Crofts each tackling sections of the 736-mile course. “Baja threw everything at us,” said Healy. “But the determination of the Ford Performance team carried us through.”
The Ultimate Test of Endurance
The Baja 1000’s 2024 course delivered relentless challenges, from treacherous silt beds and jagged rocks to rain, snow, and the infamous Baja darkness. Each mile pushed competitors to their limits. “Baja doesn’t give victories—you earn them by enduring the worst it has to offer,” said Brad Lovell.
Ford Performance’s success underscores its commitment to innovation, durability, and customer-driven design. Insights from the Baja 1000 will inform future vehicle development, ensuring that Ford’s production models remain as tough and capable as their racing counterparts.
For more about Ford’s groundbreaking vehicles and initiatives, visit corporate.ford.com.
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