2019 Raptor Assault

Didn’t get to do any jumps the last time I went. Hope to go again soon

As many of you may know, the speed limit on many Utah highways is 80. Unfortunately, when collisions occur, they are severe. There was a pickup truck that rolled over near the airport and some moron then rear ended someone about a mile back. That caused us and a few others to arrive at the reception at 6:30, well after any opportunity to meet n greet.

By that time, acquaintances had been made.

As for radio traffic, it was 99 percent from each instructor, and only the acknowledgement, when necessary, from each truck.

I’m sure having a friendly and funny codriver could be cool.

I’m also sure pairing up with a ******, as some appeared to be, would suck.

Fortunately for me, I’m comfortable in my own wrinkled skin and get along fairly well with myself. I can even crack myself up.

Oh, and then there’s the, for the uninitiated at least, slight fear factor going up and down steep trails. I’d rather my fear assuaged by my hands on wheel and left foot on brake than some of the peeps I saw there driving me.

loupuleff said:

Yeah they are pretty strict but I guess they have to be but what the heck I'd still like to go again beautiful spot there !

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one nf the lead instructors is a serious tight ass. Everyone else is pretty laid back. but the one lead was always calling people out for speed or making sure everyone knew they could DIE if they didn't do what he said.

We just laughed him off most of the time.

goblues38 said:

one nf the lead instructors is a serious tight ass. Everyone else is pretty laid back. but the one lead was always calling people out for speed or making sure everyone knew they could DIE if they didn't do what he said.

We just laughed him off most of the time.

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Lol

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I wouldn’t want to loose that sweet gig because of some *******. But I did wonder if someone messes up bad enough will ford end the program. Let’s hope not

MDJAK said:

In truth, you missed nothing. The start for the jump is at best 20 yards. They make you do it in Baja mode but 2wd. Thus, it’s very difficult to gain speed. If you mash the accelerator you will spin the rear tires. You get 2 chances. If you do it perfectly, which they claim is 35 mph, your wheels may leave the ground, in fact they will, but you will feel nothing. You cannot tell. The “landing” is so smooth because of the incline and landing ramp you are airborne for perhaps a second or two.

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This...when I tell people about Raptor Assault I always say that the jump is more for a cool picture than feeling like you're doing something awesome in the truck. You barely feel that you are jumping. But it definitely sounds good when you tell people you jumped the truck.

dilmorecg said:

This...when I tell people about Raptor Assault I always say that the jump is more for a cool picture than feeling like you're doing something awesome in the truck. You barely feel that you are jumping. But it definitely sounds good when you tell people you jumped the truck.

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For 6 days prior to Assault, I was in Moab with my Raptor. Had I reversed it I would’ve had more balls in Moab. I did not know first hand the truck’s immense capabilities.

I looked at Hell’s Revenge but did not consider doing it. I then began driving on the slick rock of Fins n Things but became concerned my approach and/or departure angle would not be sufficient and I did not want to risk serious damage so turned around like a punk.

If given another opportunity, I’d be on both as a result of Assault.

As for hard ass instructor, we had none. They were all very cool, no speed nannies at all.

I believe the instructor being spoken of is the chief instructor who was not there. Instead, he was at his business Impulse Offroad. He offered both of his trucks to my wife so she would not have to sit there for a few hours while his men installed the light bar mount he custom makes along with a Rigid E Series lightbar which is super bright. Love it.

Now closing in on Rock and Roll HOF in Cleveland tomorrow as we head back east.

peavey02 said:

Any one going September 18th and 19th?

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I'll be there those dates

Flying to salt lake in the morning for reception tomorrow night and Raptor Assault on Friday.


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I enjoyed it. I would never push my personal truck at those speeds on that terrain. The instructors were great. I did not pair with anyone until we walked out and myself and another were standing alone beside an open door truck. The instructor paired us and he ended up being a long time ford employee with a lot of information. I enjoyed being a passenger as I was able to absorb more of what was happening and how the truck responded.

Sure, you don’t feel the jump... but I wonder how a ram rebel or at4 would make the same landing feel? I don’t see those manufacturers inviting anyone to a similar program.