For real, to a large degree, that race course on Friday was the challenge. Just finishing in time is a big deal. If I were out there, I'd call that a win. If we're worried about the stock class being overtaken by sponsor- or manufacturer-driven rigs that can't be beat, create some specific oldster class like the military class (one competitor!) that constrains away from that. Then look and see how many finish.The closest competition for the Bronc is the Rock Krawler Wrangler.
Now if you all think this is just some guy in his 2 car garage, think again. This is backed by RK and I think we all know who RK is. I'm sure the budget is not an option. And TBH they still do not hold a candle to the Bronc. I have watch for years as the Bronc will tear up that Wrangler and not because it has portals. I watched Bailey Cole rip past the Heep in the desert like it was stuck in the mud. Those who follow EMC closely will note that even though the Bronco teams had the help of Ford with the programming it wasn't like Ford gave them the parts to build their Broncos. They did help by selling the pre-production Broncos to them for cheap to get them started.
I know, I watched it, but thanks for clarifying. My point is that it's still pretty hard to finish, and where do we draw the line on support? My preference would be to have a classic stock class that was competitive (like the Bug race, which is constrained by age), but I dunno, maybe Ford jumps in that too.
Yeah, I actually thought it was more than that. 10k doesn't sound that bad compared to everything else, but isn't the biggest issue how few there are? So now there's bespoke engine builders that of course have more expensive engines. If a team puts their own money into it, I would kind've think that's for them to decide. It does get expensive, but what racing isn't in comparison to other hobbies?I get 'ya. Since you watched it did you hear them say how much someone had into a 1600 cc "bug" motor???? I know that class is supposed to be a "sportsman" class but they are people/teams that sink boat loads of cash into it. Eerily similar to the "stock" class.
In case you did not hear it, they said there are some there who have 10K in the engine.
Right, and importantly with the 4600 Broncos, even though they have fancy control arms and portals and hydraulic steering, they are still running stock hardpoints on that IFS and aren't excessively wide. The SFA guys usually eye roll when you bring up ultra-4 proving IFS, because everyone talks about the 4400 rigs with narrow diffs and really long control arms (which is awesome) but 4600 proves you can get some crazy good capability on a stock platform.
I never had trouble with "serpentine backing," but parallel parking? Especially with a box trailer? Now that's a challenge!
"Everyman Portals"... when 74Weld is just too much money.I got to see those Bronco's last year when they came through Disney for the Ultra4 Series. They are much smaller looking in person, but still based off a 2-door Bronco. It looks like they're all on Portals now.
