I guess it's about time to revive this thread and continue on with the build. The anticipated ruin of Extreme 4WD (the old class 8 ) hasn't happened.
In fact, there are quite a few front-engined cars being built now that will certainly keep this class exciting into the future.
Last year I decided to step away from the gold Brumby for 12 months and help out a mate who was getting back into the drivers seat after a 20 year absence. He had been crewing for me for the last 10 years and, if you've followed this thread's build photos, owns the engineering workshop where a lot of the work was done. The wheel arches, tyre carrier and sump guard were all built there by him and I and that beautiful metallic paint was sprayed in his paint booth.
So early in 2010 he must have decided that I couldn't have all the fun and imported a Ford Ranger from the US.
It had done a few seasons over there and was basically ready to race.
It slotted straight into our Performance 2WD class (the old class 5) so with a fresh coat of Landcruiser Pewter we were off.
Like me, Dan runs his own business, employs a bunch of people and has a young family so it's difficult to find time to get away. We ended up getting to 3 races: Round 1 of the North QLD c'ship at Charters Towers, Finke and Gundy. Charters Towers was so wet and slippery that they cancelled half of it but we still won our class. We had a great run at Finke, only replacing a uni-joint at the overnight stop and then finishing 3rd in class.
Gundy was a cruel ending to the AORC with it being rained out and cancelled for the second year in a row. A long, long journey just to turn around and drive the 2,000kms home.
Here's a few more of the Ranger.
Much to everyone's surprise I had a ball being co-driver and would do it again. It's definitely a cheaper way to race and I encourage anyone who wants to get into the sport to give it a go. It's a great way to learn the ropes.