1. History

2. Truck design

3. See also

4. References

5. External links

Trophy trucks are vehicles used in high-speed off-road racing. This is an open production class and all components are considered legal unless specifically restricted.

Although any truck that meets the safety standards can race the trophy truck class, they, for the most part, feature long travel suspensions and high power engines. They are intended for desert racing only, and are not street legal. These vehicles are properly known as "Trophy Trucks" when raced in SCORE International sanctioned races,^[1] and "Trick Trucks" when raced in Best in the Desert sanctioned races.^[2]

Since the class was introduced in 1994, the development of the trophy truck has been rapid. Prior to that date, SCORE's Class-8 rules dictated that the entrants must use a production frame.^[3] The introduction of the trophy truck class bought with it new freedom for competitors with minimal rules in its construction. Intense development in full-tube chassis and suspension travel led to previously unseen performance and speed.

History

With no proven formula, the initial trophy truck designs were very varied, usually with no two trucks the same. Over a development process of ten years, eventually engineering firms like Geiser Brothers,^[4] Jimco,^[5] Racer Engineering^[6]& ID Designs^[7] became known for producing successful trucks.

Truck design

Trophy trucks are generally two-wheel drive, although a four-wheel drive class is in operation. Most feature a 4130 chromoly steel tube-frame chassis covered by an aerodynamically engineered composite body.

Gasoline engines are naturally aspirated, and typically Ford or Chevrolet V8 engines, generating in excess of 850-900 BHP (630-670 kW) and 900lb-foot (1200 N-m) of torque. Turbo charged diesel motors are allowed, with a minimum size of 5.0 liter to a maximum size of 6.6 liter, with two turbo chargers. Turbo engines must be fitted with an air restrictor.

Suspension travel is around {{convert|24|in|cm}} of wheel travel in the front and {{convert|36|in| cm}} of travel in the rear, although this may vary depending on chassis design. Most trophy trucks use independent A-arm suspensions up front. 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. Fox Racing Shox,^[8] Bilstein^[9] and King Shocks^[10] are popular among competitors.

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.^[11] The trucks are equipped with a steel tube roll cage.

Tires are {{convert|39|in|cm}} tall on {{convert|17|in|cm|adj=on}} lightweight alloy wheels. Trophy trucks usually carry two spare tires in case of puncture. Total wet weight is around {{convert|3500|lb|kg}} 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^[12] predates the Baja 1000 but remains popular amongst 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.

The development of lights has allowed competitors to switch from HIDs to a viable LED technology. Rigid Industries^[13] was the first LED company to win the Baja 1000 in 2012 with BJ Baldwin. LED light bars are lighter & smaller, creating less drag and better aerodynamics. The tougher housing and lack of filament make them much more robust.

See also

• Short course off road racing, a form of off-road racing using vehicles similar to trophy trucks

References

External links

• Official SCORE International website
• Official SCORE International Carbon TV channel
• Axial Racing Yeti SCORE Trophy Truck

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