Fans were disappointed when they learned the Ford Raptor T1+ and Century CR6-T would be in full rally trim for the Vegas to Reno, engine restrictors included, but that doesn’t mean they can’t roar.
Mitch Guthrie and Brian Baragwanath respectively finished first and second in Group 2 during Wednesday’s qualifying. Group 2 consisted of the two rally raid vehicles and all trucks and buggies outside of the main Unlimited Trucks, including Unlimited Truck Spec and Legends as well as Class 1 and 10 buggies.
The Raptor had undergone a week of testing in the Nevada desert with Guthrie’s W2RC teammates prior to the V2R, though it wasn’t considered a pre-run since it took place outside of the course.
Guthrie was the only Group 2 driver to set a time below four minutes, while Baragwanath was second overall for the group. Kyle Jergensen was the fastest Spec truck but 11 seconds behind Guthrie. The Ford and Century are in their own rally raid classes, which are further divided into 4WD and 2WD.
“Lot of fun out there in the T1,” said Guthrie after qualifying. “Truck’s awesome. It’s a lot of fun. I hadn’t tested it because I was home with my wife who just gave birth. Hopped in the truck, did qualfiying, I feel right at home in this thing. We did good. In the tight technical stuff, we’re obviously really good, but lose out a little bit in the top end because we’re full Dakar spec but the truck’s awesome.”
Since the cars still comply with FIA regulations, the Raptor and CR6-T weren’t able to surpass the main Unlimited Trucks. Guthrie’s time would’ve put him 21st overall, with everyone in front of him being in an Unlimited Truck. RJ Anderson led the way, beating Tracy Graf by 4.330 seconds.
Some drivers got lost. Nick Isenhouer, who qualified 17th for Unlimited Truck Spec, quipped that it’s “the last time I trust Google Maps”, while Max Gordon—who qualified fifth overall in his dad Robby’s truck—was left wondering if he had made a wrong turn somewhere.
Guthrie and Baragwanath weren’t the only rally raiders to enjoy a strong Wednesday. Honda’s W2RC Rally2 rider Preston Campbell, who’s sharing his bike with now ex-teammate Skyler Howes, led the way for the two-wheelers with a .723 advantage over Ciaran Naran.
Fastest qualifiers by class
| Class | Number | Driver of Record | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 Unlimited | 183U | Raul Gomez | 4:19.140 |
| Class 10 | 1099 | Peter Bruno | 4:39.365 |
| Open Pro Motorcycle | N3 | Preston Campbell | 4:13.027 |
| Rally Raid 2WD | RR288 | Brian Baragwanath | 4:05.336 |
| Rally Raid 4WD | RR228 | Mitch Guthrie | 3:59.399 |
| Unlimited Truck 2WD | 18 | Nic Whetstone | 3:26.258 |
| Unlimited Truck 4WD | 20 | RJ Anderson | 3:19.986 |
| Unlimited Truck Legends | L15 | David Ziegler | 4:18.391 |
| Unlimited Truck Spec | 222 | Kyle Jergensen | 4:10.549 |
| UTV Pro | T44 | Phil Blurton | 3:47.9992 |
Featured image credit: Mitch Guthrie
Leave a Reply