Oshkosh Corporation Puts Concept Vehicle to the Test in SCORE Baja 1000

Josh Burns / November 18, 2010

Just a few days prior to the start of the 43rd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, the Oshkosh Corporation announced it was entering two of its Light Concept Vehicles (LCV) into the race.

Both vehicles, which are pretty massive in size compared to the traditional Trophy Truck, are running in their own M Class.

The Oshkosh engineers said they have designed the LCV to incorporate the company’s latest advancements in off-road suspension and diesel-electric powertrain performance. The Oshkosh Extreme Racing team is fielding two vehicles in the 1000, each featured its next-generation of TAK-4 independent suspension systems, which Oshkosh says expands on the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4 suspension by increasing off-road mobility, improving vehicle maneuverability and providing a smoother ride. The vehicles also are equipped with the Oshkosh ProPulse diesel-electric powertrain, which the company says is designed to deliver improved fuel economy and can export significant levels of electrical power.

Oshkosk LCV Pre-Run — The Oshkosh LCV pre-running at the 2010 Baja 1000.

“Oshkosh engineers are dedicated to producing the most advanced vehicle technologies for a variety of highly-specialized industries,” said Chris Yakes, Oshkosh Corporation vice president of Advanced Products Engineering and Oshkosh Extreme Racing team member in a recent press release. “In pursuit of next-generation technologies for future fleets, we’ve been testing our concept vehicles in remote locations in the United States, and we are now competing in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – our most intense challenge to date. We are excited about this opportunity.”

The two Oshkosh Extreme Racing vehicles, numbered M1 and M2, will be driven by members of California Gold Racing (CGR) that will be led by Glenn Harris.

Sal Fish with Oshkosh LCV Team — Sal Fish with the Oshkosh LCV Team prior to the 2010 SCORE Baja 1000. Photo: Art Eugenio

“Oshkosh got its start as a developer of severe-duty four-wheel drive trucks, so it is only fitting that it competes its latest concept vehicle in the most extreme off-road race – the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000,” said Sal Fish, SCORE International’s president and CEO. “We’ve created a new class for the Oshkosh Extreme Racing Team based on their vehicle’s unique capabilities, weight and dimensions, and look forward to seeing it perform.”