Sure, we know the Ford Raptor handles highways and sand dunes with no problem. But what about a NASCAR dirt track?
1. Ford Raptor - NASCAR Racer?
Admit it, the entire idea of hot lapping a Ford Raptor on a smooth clay oval seems silly. Heck, it goes against everything this purpose build, long travel suspension off-road truck is all about. But when retired NASCAR driver Tony Stewart got invited to flog a Raptor around Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, he obviously jumped at the chance. Stewart and a group of lucky automotive journalists (including our own Chad Kirchner) proceeded to spend a day flogging Ford's finest around the oval track, as well as test it out in its natural habitat - an off-road course.
>>Join the conversation about Hot Laps in a Raptor on the Eldora track right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
2. Hey, It's Still Dirt
In all fairness, Eldora isn't just some fancy paved circuit. In fact, it's a proper, old school dirt track. So we suppose it kind of makes sense. Plus, the Raptor sports enough power and balance to provide hours of endless hooning. And that's exactly the kind of entertainment Stewart provided. All in the name of science, of course. But would the highly decorated NASCAR vet come away impressed? "Ford Performance built the most fun truck. Ever," he concluded via Twitter.
>>Join the conversation about Hot Laps in a Raptor on the Eldora track right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
3. Acting Like You Own the Place
Such are the perks of being a famous former race car driver. Now, you might think that the owner of a track like this would be mad after watching somebody tear it up. But in this case, Stewart actually is the owner of Eldora, so it's all good. And since Stewart owns a Raptor in real life, naturally he isn't going to let its capabilities go to waste. If only we could all be so lucky.
>>Join the conversation about Hot Laps in a Raptor on the Eldora track right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
4. Use as Intended
As much fun as the Raptor is on a dirt oval, Stewart and crew also flogged a few of the trucks in the rough area around Eldora. Watching the trucks gain massive air, one after another, was truly a giggle-inducing scene. This might be a rather expensive toy, but it's clearly worth every penny. Though we doubt most Raptor owners will ever inflict this much abuse on their beloved rides. At least they know it can handle it.
>>Join the conversation about Hot Laps in a Raptor on the Eldora track right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
5. Go Anywhere, Do Anything
The day's outing put on by Ford themselves, is just another way to prove the Raptor's worth in the real world. And by the real world, we mean anywhere and everywhere. We can't think of a vehicle built in recent history that performs so well in virtually any conditions as the Ford Raptor. Now if we can just find one without a massive dealer markup, we'll be in business. And you can bet that if that happens, we'll be tweeting at Tony Stewart and biding for some more track time.
>>Join the conversation about Hot Laps in a Raptor on the Eldora track right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
For help with service of your truck, check out the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com
