InfraStructures - December 2010/January 2011 - Oshkosh Tackles 1000-Mile Off-Road Desert Race

Oshkosh Tackles 1000-Mile Off-Road Desert Race

Oshkosh Corporation’s Extreme Racing team has completed the 43rd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race course in Mexico. The Oshkosh Extreme Racing team ran its Light Concept Vehicles (LCV) through the rugged 1061-mile (1707 km)desert course.

“Off-road racing teams compete in the Baja 1000 to push the limits, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see our vehicle overcome the difficult desert terrain,” said Chris Yakes, Oshkosh Corporation vice president of Advanced Products Engineering and Oshkosh Extreme Racing team leader. “Our team’s performance on this world-renowned course speaks to both the quality of our technologies and the expertise of our drivers and technical crew. I couldn’t be more proud of our team.”

The two Oshkosh Extreme Racing vehicles, numbered M1 and M2 for the race, were driven by members of California Gold Racing (CGR), led by legendary race driver Glenn Harris. M2 reached speeds of nearly 130 km/h and completed the course approximately 6,5 hours over the limit for scoring purposes.

According to Glenn Harris, “There are so many unknowns going into the SCORE Baja 1000 race because of the extreme nature of this event. By finishing one of the toughest off-road races, Oshkosh is demonstrating that this new powertrain and suspension technologies are ready for almost anything.”

The Oshkosh LCV M1 was unable to meet a checkpoint time requirement, causing the vehicle to receive a “did not finish” result.

The LCV includes the next-generation of TAK-4® independent suspension systems. The new system expands on Oshkosh’s patented TAK-4 suspension by increasing off-road mobility, improving vehicle maneuverability and providing a smoother ride. The Oshkosh ProPulse® diesel-electric powertrain design delivers improved fuel economy and can export significant levels of electrical power.

Source: Oshkosh Corporation