Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in 2011 Dakar Rally

On January 15, 2011; Cordoba, Chile, Together with Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Sue Mead and Darren Skilton managed to pilot a largely stock version of the desert-raiding pickup through all 12 stages of this year’s Dakar rally. Mead and Skilton were the only contestants to even finish in the OP class, even with big names like Robbie Gordon gunning for the win.

This is first time that an American crew has ever managed to take a class win in the history of the Dakar Rally. The F-150 SVT Raptor that Mead and Skilton campaigned boasted the same 5.4-liter V8 that it rolled off the production line with, though a larger cooling system was fitted to handle the harsh temperatures of the course. Likewise, the pickup was equipped with a host of other race-capable bits including a new locker system for the differentials, more robust shocks, springs and tires.

The Dakar Ford Raptor team followed the endless desert stages of the past week gave way to boulders, river crossings and mud. Unfortunately, the T4 trucks led out of the gate this morning, lending for refrigerator-sized ruts in the track. This caused many competitors time as they navigated tricky sections or became mired in mud.

For starters, they began with the best consumer-available platform, the Ford SVT F-150 Raptor. Second is the experience of Darren Skilton and his mechanic crew, Troy Johnson and Dan Moore. The logistics of prepping the vehicle, managing the crew, shipping support truck and spare parts, and sorting out details once on the ground, can only be accomplished by someone with Skilton’s background as a race team manager.

The team utilizes two sources for air, the first is a Powertank, scuba-style, air tank system that is powerful enough for the team to run air tools if needed. The Second is an ARB 12-volt, under-the-hood compressor.