By now you are probably realizing that off-road racing is more extensive than you could have imagined. Not only are there are numerous types of vehicles competitors can race, but a lot of time and money goes into getting these vehicles in proper racing form.
Because these vehicles are specially built and customized to withstand the technical conditions that come with off-road racing, they don’t look like typical cars you’ll find whizzing past you on the highway. Some of the characteristics of these off-road vehicles include having low ground pressure, higher ground clearance, flexible suspension and large wheels with deep tread for proper traction.
This means you can’t just take any old car, truck or SUV to an off-road race and expect to race it. Instead, competitors often take what they have and “re-build” it with the proper specifications to turn it into an off-road vehicle capable of handling the terrain. You’ll want to do a lot of research such as reading Off Road Extreme’s picks for the “Top 5 Buys in Off Road.”
Some choose to do this on their own if they have the expertise to complete a safe and reliable vehicle, while others without the know-how or time hire out to get the work done. Competitors can also purchase a vehicle that’s ready to race. This can be costly endeavor and according to the Texas Desert Racing Association, you can expect to pay around several thousand dollars for a vehicle at the low end and upwards of $300,000 for a tricked-out trophy truck.
As you’re considering the investment you’re putting into the purchase or fix-up of your off-road vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you are ready to pay for the other costs associated with off-road racing. These include vehicle maintenance, race entry fees, fuel for the vehicle, any training or coaching you might get, and lodging for the duration of the event.
