Trophy truck

History

With no proven formula, the initial trophy truck designs varied widely, usually with no two trucks the same. Over a development process of ten years, eventually engineering firms like Geiser Brothers, Jimco, Racer Engineering, and ID Designs became known for producing successful trucks. In recent years new truck builder Mason Motorsports Inc., has produced an AWD platform that many of the top racers are seeing successful finishing results in.

Truck design

Trophy trucks have been traditionally two-wheel drive (RWD) as the construction of driveline components capable of withstanding the high horsepower, torque at high speeds offroad was prohibitively expensive. Recent developments have seen more than one truck builder implementing all-wheel drive equipment. Most feature a 4130 chromoly steel tube-frame chassis covered by an aerodynamically engineered composite body. Most trophy trucks are powered by large displacement V8 engines producing over 1100 horsepower. All trucks are equipped with a steel tube roll cage. The SCORE International Rule Book defines and specifies the trophy truck requirements.

Gasoline engines are naturally aspirated, and typically Ford or Chevrolet V8 engines, generating in excess of 1100 hp and 950lb-ft of torque. Turbo charged diesel motors are allowed, with a minimum size of 5.0 liters to a maximum size of 6.6 liters, with two turbo chargers. Turbo engines must be fitted with an air restrictor.

Suspension travel is around 24 in of wheel travel in the front and 36 in of travel in the rear, although this may vary depending on chassis design. Most trophy trucks use independent A-arm front suspension designs. In the rear, most trucks feature a three or four-link setup with a solid rear axle, while some use various types of independent suspension. Suspension and damping duties are handled by one or two shock absorbers per wheel, usually consisting of one coil-over and one by-pass shock. Fox Racing Shox, Bilstein, and King Shocks are popular among competitors.

Tires are typically 39 in tall or larger on 17 in lightweight alloy wheels. Trophy trucks usually carry two spare tires in case of puncture. Total wet weight is around 3500 lb minimum, with the mass necessary to absorb the rougher terrain in desert racing.

Transmission is a choice of either three-speed automatic or six-speed sequential gearbox. The three-speed TH400 gearbox predates the Baja 1000 but remains popular among competitors due to the long gear ratios and capability of handling the torque spikes caused by off-road racing. The six-speed sequential gearbox appeals to competitors due to the ease of changing gear ratios quickly.

References

References

1. "SCORE OFF-ROAD RACING – SCORE-International.com".
2. "THR Motorsports Parker "250" presented by Polaris - Best in the Desert".
3. "SCORE International Off-Road Racing Rules and Regulations 2011-2015".
4. "Home {{!}} Geiser Bros {{!}} design & development".
5. "Jimco Racing builds championship off road race cars".
6. "racerengineering.com".
7. "ID Designs".
8. "Home {{!}} Mason Motorsports {{!}}".
9. Wright, Micah. (2023-11-14). "555 Cubic-Inch 1000 Horsepower Baja Big-Block Trophy Truck".
10. "Rule Book".
11. link. (2010-11-23)
12. "Fox Racing". Foxhead.com.
13. "BILSTEIN COM".
14. "King Off-Road Racing Shocks". www.kingshocks.com.
15. "The Novak Guide to the GM TH400 Automatic Transmission". www.novak-adapt.com.