Ford SVT commissioned a Raptor "R" with a specific goal of completeing this year's Baja 1000 race. Not only did Ford finish, but they managed a 3rd place podium finish in Class 8. Go Ford! Check out the press release below...

FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR R CONQUERS BAJA

ENSENADA, MEXICO, Nov. 25, 2008 – The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck, based on
the production version of the upcoming 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, survived the grueling 41st
Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, finishing the 631 mile race in 25:28:10.

Considered one of the toughest off-road races in the world, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race
truck that participated in the Baja 1000 was a collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle
Team (SVT), Ford Racing, and Foutz Motorsports Inc. The pickup was entered into the race to
test the durability and performance of the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, which goes on sale in the
summer of 2009.

“We engineered the F-150 SVT Raptor to be the best high-speed off-road performance truck
available right off the showroom floor, and finishing the Baja 1000 proves this,” stated Jamal
Hameedi, SVT's Chief Nameplate Engineer. “Now we need to analyze all the engineering data
from the race and apply lessons learned to the production truck, ensuring that the truck delivered
to customers exceeds their expectations.”

Prepared for racing in long distance off-road endurance events, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R
uses stock components of F-150 SVT Raptor, including the transmission, brakes and axles. The
frame - the part of the truck that will take the most stress - is the same proven fully boxed frame
that delivers class-leading towing and hauling in the all-new 2009 Ford F-150 that went on sale
Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.
in October. The Raptor race truck is powered by a specially-calibrated version of the available
6.2-liter V-8 engine, making 500-horsepower.

Even if the typical Ford customer will not be putting their truck through the punishing paces of
the Baja 1000, the point is, they could.

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R in the Baja 1000 also served as a test bed for the development of
a lineup of race-proven, desert-tested, off-road performance parts that will be available through
the Ford Racing catalog.

“This was very exciting for all involved,” said Jamie Allison, sales and marketing manager for
Ford Racing. “Even with the extreme capability of the F-150 SVT Raptor right out of the box,
we know our customers will want to take its performance to an even higher level. This race
truck will be invaluable to Ford Racing as we examine what performance parts we'll be able to
offer customers for the production Raptor."

Ford brought some of the best stock class off-road truck drivers together to drive the F-150 SVT
Raptor R in the Baja 1000. Drivers of record were Steve Olliges, Randy Merritt, Greg Foutz,
Bud Brutsman, and SVT Vehicle Development Engineer Gene Martindale.

--Sean P. Holman
Tech Editor - Four Wheeler Magazine