HMS Trophy Truck

[negro3030]

Anyone get pictures, specs, and or cool details of the new HMS TT, what did you think about it, I can only find one word to describe it, Funky...

[E&S Racing]

There are some pics of it on a thread about LDC Pics from Parnelli I think is his name....

[picone]

From the pictures, I was guessing a mid-eingine, big McMillin Trans (running in reverse?).

Website claims an honest 4,725#. Wonder what some of the other trucks are weighing in at?

Does this truck belong to the Herman's or customer?

[025]

I got a close look at it. It looked pretty much the same a the class 1 car with the difference in the back being a mcmillan trans axle and the engine being mid instead of off the back.

[Jerry B]

jkhjkh

[toolman]

From the pictures, I was guessing a mid-eingine, big McMillin Trans (running in reverse?).

Website claims an honest 4,725#. Wonder what some of the other trucks are weighing in at?

Does this truck belong to the Herman's or customer?

our truck #64 mcmullen/bell is one of the heavier geiser trucks @5800lbs most of them are from 5200 to 5500lbs

[Jerry B]

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7564/1003101qw8.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4595/1003105ps7.jpg

[Jerry B]

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7442/1003096yx0.jpg

[IMG]http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2623/1003094wq4.jpg[/IMG

[Jerry B]

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2623/1003094wq4.jpg

[Jerry B]

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9725/1003111tw8.jpg

[Jerry B]

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8807/1003108xu7.jpg

[baja619]

I really like the look of it and the attention to detail of everything.

I was expecting to see that thing really move, but was totally unimpressed with Damien uncharacteristic performance whick leads me to believe they must have had some kind of mechanical problem or a new gremlin that had not yet been discovered

[baja619]

Anyone know why they did not do so hot.

[dustinM]

With over half the field DNF, seems to me that they did great with a new transaxle truck.

[E&S Racing]

Someone from HMS can correct me if I am worng but I believe the truck was finished first thing saturday morning (or late friday night) and they were very happy just to make it to the race in order to do some testing. When the truck is all said and done (all bugs worked out) I am sure it will do just fine.

It is running a LS7 (Mid engine) with the M3 transmission. I believe all in all they were ok with the performance of the truck. Trust me they will get things back together and you will see this truck fly.

Not sure if the truck is Damen's or if this one was for Joe Myers. Either way I'm sure you will see some mroe these trucks out there soon enough.

By far the best looking dash amongst any other truck out there that I have seen.

[luckazz]

Why they call "Hybrid Trophy Truck"? :confused:

[swiftracing5]

That truck looks awesome. Seems like it will work good in the Baja races.

[E&S Racing]

Thats just what they came up with. Sounds better then a "Buck"

[Dezert Edge Racing]

one thing that concerned me about the truck was that it caught fire.... On saturday, he was going in front of the grandstands and was smoking... by the time he was making taht left turn into the desert, I saw a flame.. it looked like it was right behind the driver, do not get to snap a pic of it... But when they came back around, there was no more smoke...?

NICK

[E&S Racing]

In don't recall seeing an flame or even hearing about that... I will ask Damen and Casey and see what they have to say. Sure it wasn't just the Orange K&N Paint/Logo flashing bright (J/K)

[BRINGTHERUCKUS]

I personally like the work "BUCK" it rolls off the tongue easier!

[JrSyko]

Damen said they blew a tranny line and that was what smoking. They pulled in and fixed it and finished just in the nick of time.

The truck was finished late Friday night and didn't get to Laughlin until 9 am on Sat. They drove it over to Bull Head city and ran in down some graded road to make sure everything felt ok and then raced it. The fact if finished is a testament to how well engineered it is and how much potential it holds. Look for that thing to be flying soon.

[true offroad racing]

I got a close look at it. It looked pretty much the same a the class 1 car with the difference in the back being a mcmillan trans axle and the engine being mid instead of off the back.

I was at HMS on Saturday to look at the truck and have been watching the progress over the last few months. To see the truck completed with no body on it, you would quickly see that there are some major differences between it and the class 1. The size of the truck next to the class 1 car is the one of the most obvious. Also in talking to Damen, I was told that the truck was running around 60% of its potential.

[streamline]

Why they call "Hybrid Trophy Truck"? :confused:


I personally like the work "BUCK" it rolls off the tongue easier!

I think it has more to do with HMS wanting to come up with thier own name like a Jimco "Dominator" or HMS "Avenger". Nothing wrong with the name "Hybrid" it must get good gas mileage. Just like I dont see anything wrong with the name "BUCK". I think its better than saying BUggy with a truCK body.

I hope they have better luck than we do with the M1?

[Jangaard]

I got a close look at it. It looked pretty much the same a the class 1 car with the difference in the back being a mcmillan trans axle and the engine being mid instead of off the back.

Don't quote me but
some differences:

front arms
spindles TT
brakes TT
hubs TT
new prototype King Shocks
super long trailing arms
huge gas tank
interior completely different (dash, gps, shifter)
mid engine
Automatic transmission
30 series cv's
TT wheels

I think a more realistic statement would be that except for some similarities in the front bulk head, rear main-tube box assemble, the HMS logo, and HMS craftsmanship the two are nothing alike.

Take another look at this TT.

[bcampbell04]

i wish i would have got to check it out more at laughlin. didn't realize where he was pitted until i left. looked very nice. if the truck was only at 60%, it will be crazy when running at its full potential.

[seven racer]

Damen is a great driver, but with a new truck is very hard to come out and win the 1st time. Truck looked like the back was not working at all. Looked like the rear shocks were packing bad. But size of truck/driver compo will be hard to beat out in baja. Mikes area the new pine forest sec used at the 500. Good luck Damen

[Yumaoffroad]

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2623/1003094wq4.jpg

why are the shocks mounted like if it was a straight axel rear?

[CRAIG_HALL]

Truck is considered "hybrid" as it has buggy style rear arms with conventional front,and truck body.

Rear has longer arms and uses longer travel shocks (16" & 18") for more direct control & ease of tuning.Thats why the shock mount can be seen so high on the chassis.

As stated earlier a finish as they had is good considering the amount of time on the truck. I wasn't there so I'm not sure how much test time they had but it was what ever they could get Sat. A.M. before the race. Truck left the shop late friday night without any time on it, only run time in the shop. (jack stands).

[Scrapiron]

What are Damens plans for the rest of the year? One car or Trophy Truck? When will we see it run again?

[true offroad racing]

I think it has more to do with HMS wanting to come up with thier own name like a Jimco "Dominator" or HMS "Avenger". Nothing wrong with the name "Hybrid" it must get good gas mileage. Just like I dont see anything wrong with the name "BUCK". I think its better than saying BUggy with a truCK body.

I hope they have better luck than we do with the M1?

How about "trophy trux" ? With crossing over the agility of a class 1 car and the dominance of a trophy truck they are on to something that could change things. Besides what defines a trophy truck? A linked rear end? Great comment on "hybrid" and gas milage very funny.

[picone]

It is running a LS7 (Mid engine) with the M3 transmission. I believe all in all they were ok with the performance of the truck. Trust me they will get things back together and you will see this truck fly.

What is an M3? Is it an M1 with 2 more gears so it goes in reverse?

[Jerry B]

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/233/1003099wg3.th.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1003099wg3.jpg)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/7710/1003100in1.th.jpg (http://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1003100in1.jpg)

[Goober]

Did Richard Boyle have his HMS TT there? I didn't see it.

[BANNED4LIFE]

drive train wont survive w/ real tt tires and real tt power........we shall see

[getnasty]

Wow that thing looks pretty nice. Can't wait to see it in person. DJ will have it haulin in no time.

[E&S Racing]

drive train wont survive w/ real tt tires and real tt power........we shall see

I think the Hybrid will do just fine when all is said and done and I also think it will surprise some people. And what exactly do you mean by "Real tt tires"? Are 37's not Real tt tires?

And no Richard Boyles TT was not out there. They were only able to finish the one in time. The other one is soon to follow.

[negro3030]

I think the Hybrid will do just fine when all is said and done and I also think it will surprise some people. And what exactly do you mean by "Real tt tires"? Are 37's not Real tt tires?

And no Richard Boyles TT was not out there. They were only able to finish the one in time. The other one is soon to follow.

I think what Pete is trying to say is that they are not as heavy as a Project per say, I love the look of that Pro-Comp tire, I was looking into getting it for my truck, it is the new Xtreme All Terrain...

[E&S Racing]

Just because they aren't as heavy doesn't mean it isn't a TT tire, but I understand what you both are saying.. Trust me I think you will see this TT on a Podium giving Pro Comp Tire it's first win eventually....

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

drive train wont survive w/ real tt tires and real tt power........we shall see
Pete, you are right, but these aren't real Trophy Trucks. They are Buggies with bodies. They can't run real TT tires (39") because the sprung to unsprung weight ratios are all wrong. There is a reason that live axles and heavy trucks work so well. That HMS car was kicking on every big bump at laughlin, but then so were the Class 1 buggies. Look at the lap times, the real Trophy Trucks are flat out faster in open desert situations. These lighter buggy based "Trophy Trucks" might have some advantage in Mexico at the 500 or 1000, but San Felipe is for real Trophy Trucks.

[HUBBARD]

drive train wont survive w/ real tt tires and real tt power........we shall see your most likely right but i think if the are working with the right materials and idea's to get the axls to rap up 360 deg it will be ok. but it will takse some time and $$$ to get it right.

[Jerry B]

Jimco Prototype Photo
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2254/1003153wk6.th.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1003153wk6.jpg)

[picone]

drive train wont survive w/ real tt tires and real tt power........we shall see
Are you joking or do you wanna explain what you mean?

The UMI LS7 (nice class 1 car motor) puts out ~7xxhp (equal to 90% of the Patton's and Kroyers), he's running a good T400, he weighs less and holds more gas. He's also not the first guy to run 37's on CV's (Robby@Dakar). Real TT tires? Toyo, BFG and Goodyear...Procomps can't weigh any less at the tread.

As far as a TT goes, what does drivetrain reliability mean? Who's Tranny/Motor do you run? Are you on 39's now?

[negro3030]

well Pete has ran the 39"s now for a while now, so he might know a thing or two...

[BajaFand]

Pete, you are right, but these aren't real Trophy Trucks. They are Buggies with bodies. They can't run real TT tires (39") because the sprung to unsprung weight ratios are all wrong. There is a reason that live axles and heavy trucks work so well. That HMS car was kicking on every big bump at laughlin, but then so were the Class 1 buggies. Look at the lap times, the real Trophy Trucks are flat out faster in open desert situations. These lighter buggy based "Trophy Trucks" might have some advantage in Mexico at the 500 or 1000, but San Felipe is for real Trophy Trucks.


Right on the money... The only exception was Ivan.

[E&S Racing]

Are you saying that ALL tt teams run 39's now??

[nimrod]

360 degree axle wrap??? I got lost. Do you mean the axle housing is going to spin all the way around???? I'm a little slow, help

[BajaFand]

Are you saying that ALL tt teams run 39's now??

I'm not saying anything about tire size, I just think class 1 cars should run in class 1.

[Jangaard]

I think what Pete is trying to say is that they are not as heavy as a Project per say, I love the look of that Pro-Comp tire, I was looking into getting it for my truck, it is the new Xtreme All Terrain...

Weighed the tires myself:
37” Pro-Comps, 11 lbs heavier, yes heavier than the 37” BFG’s, well there goes that theory.

I helped out with the Jeffery pit on Saturday. The TT got there in the morning, the crew went and drove the truck to make sure it was safe on Saturday, and got back just in time to unload the TT off the trailer ( mind you the TT race had already started) and got a rear start.

Like with any new model or design of a vehicle, it will take some testing time to get this TT set up. But when it does get set up I am sure it will be wicked fast. At least 1000 lbs lighter then the competition, The potential for as much HP, and at least as much if not more traction per lbs as the heavier competition running less aggressive 39”s.

The Jeffery boys have raced just about every class out here, and been competitive in all of them, TT included. There is a reason they are going about the TT the way they are and I can’t wait until this TT gets setup.

[BANNED4LIFE]

big tires+big power+tiny axles= no bueno----im sure damon has a fat wallet but theres another guy out there that owns half of some island that is having some trouble with this type of set up-- and yes except for robbie i dont remember the winner in tt not running 39's--and who wins half of the class 1 races?? a tt with no body

[BANNED4LIFE]

how could a HEAVIER tire be an advantage???? where do you get that theory from????

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

At least 1000 lbs lighter then the competition.There in lies the problem.

[negro3030]

I can't believe that the street legal DOT Pro-Comp weighs as much as a 37" BFG Project with inner-liner and beadlock...the project is way stronger and have thicker walls and more steel plies, or how did you weigh them, I don't want to start an arguement, it just seems impossible, thanks.

[negro3030]

There in lies the problem.

how so?

[tigengineer]

what are the "real" travel numbers on the car in the rear, at laughlin it looked like there was no droop in the rear at all, or was the suspension limited in the rear limited for some reason?

[picone]

At least 1000 lbs lighter then the competition
It might be 1000# lighter than some but it's only 200# less than others. It's probably 1500# lighter than the Herbsts.

the heavier competition running less aggressive 39”s.Who is actually running these other than Herbst's? They've got a huge advantage in running the 39's (better trans with gearing options, bigger motor, bigger rear end).

[ARCRacing]

I can't believe that the street legal DOT Pro-Comp weighs as much as a 37" BFG Project with inner-liner and beadlock...the project is way stronger and have thicker walls and more steel plies, or how did you weigh them, I don't want to start an arguement, it just seems impossible, thanks.The Pro Comp Tire has a thicker side wall and a thicker bead. The steel cable that runs in the actual bead is even stronger and larger then a project. Now your point about an inner liner is well taken a 37 BFG with an inner liner may weigh more then a Pro comp without the inner liner. I have seen both tires after they have been cut in half. The difference is amazing. BFG developed the project years ago its time they look at it and update it. No big secrete flat tires for TT on BFG's is a real problem. The way I understand it the 39's are better then the 37's. I have no personal knowledge of that it is only what I have been told.

[ARCRacing]

how could a HEAVIER tire be an advantage???? where do you get that theory from????Pete heavier is never better in racing. I think the point was "real TT parts" The tire is for real.

[Jangaard]

how could a HEAVIER tire be an advantage???? where do you get that theory from????

Did not say it would be an advantage,, although people equate heavy as tough.

I was just responding to your comment:
"drive train wont survive w/ real tt tires and real tt power........we shall see"
Quote from Banned4life



So what did you mean by this,,,,, “reall tt tires” I would think you are talking about BFG’s that are 11 lbs lighter, and a fraction of the grip of the Pro-Comps. yet the HMS finished both days with a tire that had more grip and weighed 11lbs more per tire, and no broken axles.

Am I missing something?

[picone]

You have no idea what you are talking about in regards to tire structure. The Pro Comp Tire has a thicker side wall and a thicker bead. The steel cable
Thought the baja's were steel and the projects were kevlar. sure they cut the right tire in half?

[negro3030]

You have no idea what you are talking about in regards to tire structure. The Pro Comp Tire has a thicker side wall and a thicker bead. The steel cable that runs in the actual bead is even stronger and larger then a project. Now your point about an inner liner is well taken a 37 BFG with an inner liner may weigh more then a Pro comp without the inner liner. I have seen both tires after they have been cut in half. The difference is amazing. BFG developed the project years ago its time they look at it and update it. No big secrete flat tires for TT on BFG's is a real problem. The way I understand it the 39's are better then the 37's. I have no personal knowledge of that it is only what I have been told.

whoa whoa whoa, buddy calm down, I said, I could not believe it, that is because I did not know the facts, sorry to upset you buddy, but thanks for clearing it up, you could have however left out the first line, thanks anyways...

[ARCRacing]

Thought the baja's were steel and the projects were kevlar. sure they cut the right tire in half?The Kevlar tire is the Goodyear tire. The steel I am talking about is the bead bundle. That is the thicker inside ring. It is what creates the inner structure of all tires bead ring. It is not part of the plies of the outer tire structure. The outer tire structure can be made up of nylon or fabric. Along with the nylon or fabric is the steel belting (different from the bead bundle) that helps hold the shape of the tire.

[ARCRacing]

whoa whoa whoa, buddy calm down, I said, I could not believe it, that is because I did not know the facts, sorry to upset you buddy, but thanks for clearing it up, you could have however left out the first line, thanks anyways...OK sorry I edited my post.

[picone]

big tires+big power+tiny axles= no bueno
I don't know a darn thing about the islanders new truck. Maybe he's got some 1000hp motor in that thing breaking everything apart. Maybe the axles are no bueno with the 37's and 700hp. But for the most part, the hp and that drivetrain have been run before.

I don't think this is a great truck for a course like Primm but it might be a better setup for Baja 1000. I'm interested to see how it hangs with BJ, Truggy, Sheperd, RobMac, Robby, Andy...

[rc-jay]

Ok i will help all you people out a 39 is 4 lbs less than a 37. There is no inner liner on a 39. There is at least 10 trucks that run 39s . Bj Baldwin won Laughlin on 39s

[picone]

The Kevlar tire is the Goodyear tire. The steel I am talking about is the bead bundle. That is the thicker inside ring. It is what creates the inner structure of all tires bead ring. It is not part of the plies of the outer tire structure. The outer tire structure can be made up of nylon or fabric. Along with the nylon or fabric is the steel belting (different from the bead bundle) that helps hold the shape of the tire.
What the hell am I talking about then? I thought the BFG's say KEVLAR right before, NOT FOR STREET USE.

How fun would it be to see the pictures of the cutouts! Got some?

[ARCRacing]

What the hell am I talking about then? I thought the BFG's say KEVLAR right before, NOT FOR STREET USE.

How fun would it be to see the pictures of the cutouts! Got some?I was at Pro Comp when I saw the cut out I didn't take pictures. The BFG may also be a Kevlar fabric tire. I didn't mean to imply different. In testing Kevlar didn't seem to add anything significant. That's the feelings of the engineers at Cooper.

[CRAIG_HALL]

Pretty simple to me-- Jefferies has won 2 Champinoships in a "trick Truck". They did this on Bfg's. They as well as every other truck got tons of flats. Big motor,big travel,big holes equal flats. They wouldn't switch tires if they felt it wasn't an improvment. They've been prerunning on pro-comp 37" all year in the bronco=only one flat.

[danzar]

I don't know a darn thing about the islanders new truck. Maybe he's got some 1000hp motor in that thing breaking everything apart. Maybe the axles are no bueno with the 37's and 700hp. But for the most part, the hp and that drivetrain have been run before.

I don't think this is a great truck for a course like Primm but it might be a better setup for Baja 1000. I'm interested to see how it hangs with BJ, Truggy, Sheperd, RobMac, Robby, Andy...

Not saying anything about Damen's new hybrid, but the "buggys" finished very well at Primm and San Felipe both, compared to the traditional trophy trucks. Well, all except the trophy truck with no body.

[rc-jay]

All you people need help. Maybe there is money involved? There are more things to a flat than just the tire. As far as kevlar goes, its one of the strongest materials in the world. Here is an example . Do you really think Robby Gordon,would switch to toyo tires because he thinks there better? No dont think so.If you pay him 1 million dollars he will. Dont think that cooper tires nor pro comp have been in the buisness long enuff to design tires better than bfg. Just my thoughts .

[Brice]

the sprung to unsprung weight ratios are all wrong. There is a reason that live axles and heavy trucks work so well.

ding ding ding

*monster trucks*

[HMSWebGuy]

Anyone get pictures, specs, and or cool details of the new HMS TT, what did you think about it, I can only find one word to describe it, Funky...

Here are the specs from the new Trophy Truck:
http://www.hermanmotorsports.com (the photo gallery will be updated within the next couple of weeks.)

4130 Chromoly 2" Score Legal Chassis
125” Wheelbase
90” Track width
Engine: Chevy LS7
700 HP
640 FT / LBS
12.4:1 Comp Ratio

Transmission: RDE M1 3 speed automatic OR Medeola 4 speed sequential w/torque converter
5 – Kartek Forged 17”X8” Beadlock Wheels
5 – Pro Comp or BF Goodrich 37 x 12.50 x 17 Tires
2 – RacePak Digital Dashes
Lowrance 7500 C 10.5" Color GPS
Mastercraft 3 6 Seats, Belts, Nets, Tool Bags & Limit Strap
King Shocks: Front: 3.0” 5 Tube Bypass
2.5” Coil Over
Rear: 4” 6 Tube Bypass
2.5” Coil Over
Series 30 CV's & Axles
All the best Pro Am Parts
Rear Sway Bar
Powdercoated Aluminum Panels
Painted Fiberglass Body
Light Bar with 4 Hella HID Lights
2 CO2 Bottles w/Regulators
1/2 " Electric Impact Gun
Back Up Lug Wrench
Air Jack & Hose
Basic Emergency Tools In Tool Bag
First Aid Kit
Flame Out System

[Desert Specialties]

360 degree axle wrap??? I got lost. Do you mean the axle housing is going to spin all the way around???? I'm a little slow, help


No, the splined shaft inside the housing absorbs the shock loads by twisting and thus helps save other drivetrain parts. We have a new 36 Spline Trophy Truck axle that allows more twist by tapering down the gundrilled shaft. 300M has some really good characteristics.

[FABRICATOR]

Truck looks nice, with much attention to detail. And I'd bet it's well under a million dollars. ;)

[Chris_Wilson]

No, the splined shaft inside the housing absorbs the shock loads by twisting and thus helps save other drivetrain parts. We have a new 36 Spline Trophy Truck axle that allows more twist by tapering down the gundrilled shaft. 300M has some really good characteristics.

Have you measured how many degrees of twist an axle shaft sees? How did you do this? 360 degrees of twist without failure seems like a lot. Or are you talking about how much twist it should be able to handle without failure - in theory? I understand an axle shaft is essentially a very stiff torsion spring. How much does it really twist?

[partybarge_pilot]

Jayson over at Tube Wrks also has necked down axles for more twist. How many broken sway away axles do you see versus broken ring gears in TT's?

[mflo]

I've got a lot of respect for the level of craftsmanship over there at HMS. It's definitely some of the cleanest fab, and the work is very aesthetically pleasing.

That being said, the HMS Trophy Truck looks like an oversized Trophy Kart... and it was about as fast. I hope they get it worked out. But it won't be leading the pack any time soon.

[dsrtdck]

I've got a lot of respect for the level of craftsmanship over there at HMS. It's definitely some of the cleanest fab, and the work is very aesthetically pleasing.

That being said, the HMS Trophy Truck looks like an oversized Trophy Kart... and it was about as fast. I hope they get it worked out. But it won't be leading the pack any time soon.


i agree mike, there is no way that the HMS (HYBRID) will ever compare to a solid rear axle trophy truck, or be a fast!!!

[E&S Racing]

There IS a difference between the Hybrid and the "Normal TT" however I wouldn't say it will "never compare" to it or be as fast.....

[dsrtdck]

through the rough a front engine trophy truck will be faster!! i think maybe the hybrid will do well in the long races, but not in the rough races!

[Brice]

Fast is relative. fast in what terrain? a heavy, live axel tt will be able to hammer down through the rough stuff because it has more sprung weight to counteract the unsprung weight. on the other hand, as ramsey mentioned earlier, lighter cars (class ones, hybrids) running the same tire/wheel setup dont not have enough sprung weight to counteract the forces of all that unsprung weight as the car hits a big bump. On the tight, twisty stuff and the fire roads on the pacific side an IFS car should (theoretically) tear a live axel truck up

the hms hybrid should do great in the long distance races.

that being said i'll take two please :) bitchen looking truck!

[E&S Racing]

What is an M3? Is it an M1 with 2 more gears so it goes in reverse?

I apologize, I was typing fast, M1 tranny. I know you knew what I meant but I had to make it straight because it was bugging me...

Yes you will see this Truck run again, I'm sure

[picone]

I apologize, I was typing fast, M1 tranny. I know you knew what I meant but I had to make it straight because it was bugging me...

Figured it had a new name.

[dsrtdck]

now that damen has had time in the new truck, we will see how he does in parker!!!

[Hemp]

did anyone notice the gps said max speed of 115...just thought i would point that out

i like the truck and everthing that comes out of hms

[djchaser]

The 115 mph on the gps was not from the race; that was during the first drive Damen had in the truck while testing all of the drivetrain and braking.

[Jerry B]

The K&N truck arrived in Laughlin untested and only driven in to the trailer at there shop. They took it over to Bullhead side of the river and drove it for the first time for about 30 minutes, The GPS shows 37 miles total and 20 miles is the drive over on the trailer from Laughlin on Saturday, race day. I do not think you could call it testing, more like just seeing if it runs and stops. They had no time for testing the suspension set up or even changing anything on the truck. In time we will all see if it lives up to expectations, I am personally impressed that they got it to Laughlin to begin with let alone racing it out of the box (literally). The workmanship on the vehicle is very impressive; lots of detail, nice junctions, and the welds are stacked better than most of the girls implants. We just happened to be over there testing our car when they unwrapped it out of the box for the first time so I took some photos. That truck is going to be very vindictive to the competition. That would be a good name for it Vindictive or Vengeance 1.

[JrSyko]

Food for thought for all the critics out there....when Jimco unveiled their truck last year it was met with much applause and fan fare, however failed to finish one race in 2006. Damen's truck has been met with nothing but skepticism and criticism but finished LAUGHLIN less than 15 hours after being completed.

Lets just give him a chance to really show us what its capable of.

[gwm]

the welds are stacked better than most of the girls implants.

Nice line.

[creynolds]

I completely agree about the workmanship. Definately top notch fabrication and beautiful welds.