Ford’s all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor race truck failed to finish its first race in the Best in the Desert racing series.The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor that competed in its first off-road race over the weekend didn’t cross the finish line.
An electrical problem stopped the Raptor after its first lap at the BlueWater Resort Parker 425, the first race of the year-long Best in the Desert racing series which kicked off this weekend in Parker, Az.
“After a strong 142-mile first lap, we ended the race on the second lap to troubleshoot a possible electrical issue,” says Mike Levine, Ford truck communications manager.
“This is why we test prototype trucks under the toughest conditions. We look forward to our next race at the Best in The Desert Mint 400.”
Ford trucks finished strong in the second race. Five of the top 10 finishers were driving the Big Blue Oval. However, these trucks were not sponsored by Ford.
Trucks in eight different classes competed against each other for several hours about 150 miles northwest of Phoenix near the Colorado River which the state shares as a border with California.
The best time recorded in the 425-mile race was completed by a Geiser Brothers truck driven by a Tennessee resident who finished in 7:10:29.
The Best in the Desert Racing Association reports on its website that Ford is the only OEM participating in the race series.
This year, Ford is presenting qualifying racers in all eight classes with its 2016 F-150 Ford EcoBoost Performance Award.
