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From California to Dakar: Mitch Guthrie Jr’s Dream Ride in Ford’s Raptor T1+ Takes Off

Redação by Redação
December 22, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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From California to Dakar: Mitch Guthrie Jr’s Dream Ride in Ford’s Raptor T1+ Takes Off

Mitch Guthrie Jr is seen at the finish line of the Rally Du Maroc 2024 in Mengoub, Morocco on October 11, 2024. // Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410110456 // Usage for editorial use only //

Mitch Guthrie Jr. is about to make his boldest leap yet as he gears up to tackle the legendary Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia this January, piloting the Ford Raptor T1+ in his debut appearance in the elite category. For the Californian off-road prodigy, this isn’t just another race—it’s the culmination of years of grit, determination, and a little bit of destiny.

The Road to Dakar: A Dream Realized

Rising through the ranks of the Dakar’s Challenger class (formerly the T3 Lightweight Prototype), Guthrie Jr. came heartbreakingly close to victory last year, narrowly losing to Red Bull teammate Cristina Gutiérrez. But his stellar performances caught the attention of Ford, landing him a coveted spot alongside rallying royalty—four-time Dakar champion Carlos Sainz, two-time winner Nani Roma, and the all-terrain wizard Mattias Ekström.

“For me, it’s a dream come true,” Guthrie Jr. says of his factory seat with Ford. “As an American in cross-country racing, the path is tough. To break into the top T1+ class, it takes everything falling perfectly into place.”

Racing Royalty and Family Legacy

Guthrie Jr. has off-road racing in his blood. His father, Mitch Guthrie Sr., is a six-time King of the Hammers champion and a legend in U.S. off-roading circles. While comparisons to his father might daunt some, Guthrie Jr. embraces the pressure, choosing to carve his own path—and that path now leads to one of the most grueling races in motorsport.

“It’s a big shadow to step out of, but I’m doing it my way,” he says. And his way involves racing on the world stage, a far cry from his early days tearing through American deserts without even knowing what the Dakar was.

“I had no idea what the Dakar was,” Guthrie Jr. admits. “Red Bull approached me, and I had to go home and research it. In the States, it wasn’t really on my radar. But once I started learning, I knew this was the next level.”

The Raptor T1+: A Beast in the Making

Though Guthrie Jr. has yet to officially compete in the Ford Raptor T1+, he’s been instrumental in its development, logging over 3,000 kilometers during rigorous testing in Spain, Morocco, and France. His confidence in the car is sky-high.

“We’ve done thousands of kilometers, and the car feels amazing,” Guthrie Jr. says. “We’ve worked on every detail, from setups to simulations with the road book. It’s been intense, but it’s prepared us for Dakar.”

The Raptor, though new, has already shown promise. With veterans like Sainz and Roma in the fold, Guthrie Jr. has been on a fast track to understanding the intricacies of elite rally raid racing.

Learning From Legends

For Guthrie Jr., the opportunity to share a team with motorsport giants is invaluable. “Carlos, Nani, and Mattias are legends,” he says. “To work with them, ask questions, and learn from their experience is crazy. They’ve fast-tracked my learning curve.”

But the learning isn’t one-sided. Guthrie Jr. believes he brings a fresh perspective to the team. “It’s not just me asking them questions—they come to me too. It’s a team effort.”

The Navigator’s Role: Kellon Walch

Beside Guthrie Jr. in the cockpit will be his trusted navigator, Kellon Walch, a Dakar veteran who previously worked with Robby Gordon. Walch’s experience and rapport with Guthrie Jr. are critical to their success.

“Kellon’s the best,” Guthrie Jr. says. “He knows the Dakar inside and out. We’re on the same page, whether we’re racing in the States or testing overseas. Having someone you trust completely in the passenger seat makes all the difference.”

The Final Countdown

As Guthrie Jr. prepares for his maiden T1+ campaign, he knows the Dakar will test him like nothing before. But with the support of Ford, a meticulously developed Raptor T1+, and a rock-solid partnership with Walch, he’s ready to chase glory.

“This is everything I’ve worked for,” Guthrie Jr. says. “Now it’s time to race.”

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