soaztim: 4x4

Showing posts with label 4x4. Show all posts

Nov 5, 2009

Toyota to debut 2010 4Runner at Baja 1000 - With Ivan Stewart

It sounds like this is a rare Toyota "in-house" build. It may have been built at the TAPG (Toyota Arizona Proving Grounds) near Phoenix, AZ.

TOYOTA 2010 MODEL YEAR 4RUNNER SLATED FOR THE SCORE BAJA 1000

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorsports/offroad/news/2009/11-04-09-01.html

The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the “Stock mini” Class
TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2009) – Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 miles in length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV’s capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert’s treacherous terrain. “Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we’re confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course”, said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart – 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I’m sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot”, said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race – starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the magnificent peninsula and run through Mexican villages -- luring in tens of thousands of spectators.

The Fifth Generation 4Runner

The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse-power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November. For Fifth Generation 4Runner specs visit:
Toyota.com

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorsports/offroad/news/2009/11-04-09-01.html

Oct 9, 2008

Tour de Scottsdale

Well I was riding with some friends from Bicycle Showcase on Friday. For once I was trying road riding. They were kind enough to alow me to borrow a road bike.

During the ride some of the guys talked about the Tour de Scottsdale that Sunday. It was a 70 mile road race taking place around the Scottsdale area.

Since the ride I was currently on was my 4th time ever on a road bike I figured the 5th time might as well be a race!!

The only slight problem was that I didn't own a road bike. Tim from Bicycle Showcase offered up the bike I was borrowing for the race at no charge.

I was pumped up! Lets do it!

Sunday morning came and I showed up at the race with my pedals, helmet, and camelback ready to go. (I'm sure there were not to many riders who showed up without a bike, but it was exhilerating)

I walked over to their tent and put my pedals on their bike. I paid my fee and put a number on my bike and stood in line with the other 1200 or so riders.

At about 7:30 AM off we went! I was warned that if you are even trying in the first 15 or so miles you need to slow down so I found a group of slow riders and just sat behind them drafting as we climbed the hill to Cave Creek.

Since I was a little heavy and my bike was a little heavy I FLEW down the hills. wew hew!

I started to systematically pass folks as I went. We headed out to Rio Verde. There were "aid stations" along the route. I'd never experienced them, but basically they were bathrooms/food stations along the route. Being a newbie rider I passed the first couple, but jumped at the oppurtunity to stop at the third and get a snack and hit the restroom.

After about 2 minutes I hit the road again and headed to Fountain Hills and then back towards Scottsdale. There were plenty of little hills, but until we started to head back to Scottsdale I had not had any hills that made me hate life.

As I looked up... There it was! What a pain of a hill. As I SLOWLY road up the hill with old ladies and small children passing me I was hating life. Luis from Bicycle Showcase pulled over to, at first I thought TAUNT me, help a biker in need fix her flat tire.

Once I had concurred the hill I knew that most of the rest of the ride was mild. I just had to hold in there!

As I got within the final 12 miles my mind was really messing with me. The pain was intense!!

I was going painfully slow and I knew it. Instead of passing I was just trying to avoid letting anyone pass me. I would look up and see another rider with a beer sponsor and all I could think is how badly I wanted a nice COLD beer!!!

Next thing I knew I was within a mile. As silly as it was I knew I had to use up the small amount of muscle and energy I had left. I just didn't feel right to finish with any extra energy! I stood up and peddled as fast as I could to the finish passing a few more folks. I may have been in 600th place, but I was in first place in my warped mind! haha!

Overall it was a ton of fun.

Here are a couple of pics that Danica took during the race. Seeing a friendly face while going through agonizing pain can be a big uplift!

This medal seems so valuable because of what it took to earn it!

In conclusion, road riding is a lot of fun. How anyone could think its safer or more fun than mountain biking I don't believe I will ever know!

Oct 2, 2008

Truckin

Well, I headed back to beautiful Kanab, Utah for some more work.

I figured I might as well wash the 4runner since it so rarely see's some suds.

Lookin sharp!

There seemed to be a lot of drilling going on in this AZ Strip area. I guess they must lease the land from the BLM.

I came across this pretty cool old wagon. It looked like it had been built on an old 20's or 30's truck chasey.

Hmmm.

Woohoo! Saw some Antelope.

Some pretty cool Fire Engines at the Fredonia Fire department.

Also in Fredonia. Truly an enlightened store. I had to get a t-shirt. Rock on!

Fredonia is full of cool signs. This one is on the way into town. They are not a fan of the Jake Brakes here. Damn. Damn!

Amazing views on the ride home!

Lees Ferry.

Just seeing this view made me put rafting down the GC on my "list." Its been a long time since I went rafting. I've got an itchen for some rafting.

Wow! A rarity!

A six wheel FJ in Flagstaff.

The same day we finished work in Kanab I got a call from Earthroamer. I needed to drive an LT from Chattanooga, TN to Denver, CO.

Sounds like some trucking fun!

Everything that one could need!

Air ride is fun. The XV-LT at full height.

My point of view for a couple days.

yes, this stop was neccessary,

Had to get an Elvis TCB "Taking Care of Business" patch and sticker!

This abandoned gas station looked like it was about to be in some horror flick. Creeeeepy.

Everyone should stop and check out Oakley. Okay, not really. If you ever have a chance in life to take a hand full of sleeping pills, take them before driving through Kansas and let a buddy drive. You won't miss a thing. ; )