Outback Challenge Discussion Thread

[Scott Brady]

Let's talk about the Outback Challenge. Trucks, driving, recovery, how cool and hospitable the Muslims were, etc.

:26_16_2:

With the Outback Challenge DVD available and the competition article in 4WDTO on the newsstand, this will be a place to put some comments and questions.

 

[Ursidae69]

Not to take anything away from your win, because you and your team kicked butt, but the competition (other teams) you faced seemed to be not of the same caliber as other events I've watched. For instance, some of the competition seemed pretty confused with the GPS navigation, real newbs with their GPS units. 2nd question. On that optional sand hill-climb that you nailed (which was sweet bro!), you mentioned weight being an issue in another thread, but it seemed like some of the other trucks were trying to climb in 4-lo, first gear, no tire speed at all. Were they geared wrong for that type of competition?

 

[Colorado Ron]

Ordered the dvd! Ill comment after I watch it!:smiley_drive:

 

[CLynn85]

Enjoyed the video, would have preferred a bit more narration and personal accounts and such though. Action from the early stages was kind of hit or miss because there were no cameras in the vehicles or out along the course.

As Ursidae mentioned it seemed as though many of the other teams were ill-prepared or ill-equipped. For instance the team who said they couldn't do the tire change because they had only one hi-lift.... have they no creativity at all? Or how about the (I think Darwin) team that repeatedly used the skinny pedal excessively and then complained about breaking stuff (for instance bashing into an underwater rock and breaking the steering because they did not have a spotter in the water)?

Definately seemed like the shorter wb trucks had an overall advantage.

 

[Scott Brady]

That was the reality of it. We had a great deal more experience in technical terrain and with recovery. Nathan learned my nav. programs quickly and I had sourced some mid 60's Morocco maps to use with Ozi.

Each of the teams had something they were experienced with, but none had the right combination. Some were rally drivers, some were great with nav (from the nav. raids), etc.

I do not think a SWB was any advantage in the event. I would actually have preferred a Tacoma length, with a supercharged gas V6 and SAS

 

[kcowyo]

You kind of beat me to my question, but I'll rephrase...

Of the all the vehicles that participated with you, and understanding you shed some lbs. beforehand so all things being equal, which one would you sellect if given the choice to do it again?

I haven't seen the video but I have read both parts in 4WDTO. Just wondering if you liked the PZJ73, but you loved the.......


:rally_guys:

 

[mountainpete]

This one is a silly question Scott - but it's been bugging me.

On page 64 of 4WDTO there is a pic of the second Alice Springs truck in the middle of a water crossing. It's funny, but it looks like there is a hand coming out of the back side of the passenger side roof vent!

Is that Nathan hanging on to one of the in-water route markers? It sure is a funny pic - the mystery helping hand

Pete

 

[Scott Brady]

Is that Nathan hanging on to one of the in-water route markers? It sure is a funny pic - the mystery helping hand

Ha! Good catch

That is the marshals hand behind the truck, holding up the gate in the water.

 

[Pskhaat]

1. What do you feel was the largest skill contribution to your winning team?
2. How were you as American team received by the competition and the people?
3. I'm suprised that there was a dude who stated that his winch wasn't good and of American build. Suprises me as we American's often look for superior foreign equipment. In the competition was it truly thought that American equipment was superior in any regards or was this just for the winch?
4. From the varying nationalities there, which was exhibited the best driving and equipment handling skills and why?
5. For those who did not win, was there any lacking overriding reason in your mind that if they had known X or done Y they would have won instead?
6. What was the most needed mechanical skill?

Trucks:

1. Which vehicle present would you have most preferred to use?
2. Which vehicle in the World would you have most preferred to use?
3. Why do you choose gasoline over diesel? Just by the nature of the higher speed and RPM race needs?
4. How did the Ford Ranger (not sure of it's foreign name) fare overall?

And last but not least:

1. How well would some of us on ExPo have done if you were to estimate?

 

[devinsixtyseven]

I do not think a SWB was any advantage in the event. I would actually have preferred a Tacoma length, with a supercharged gas V6 and SAS

That last (in bold, my emphasis) part really caught my eye. In our market, IFS is standard, and in most cases/places it's all we seem to need. I've even read on this and other forums that a live axle isn't really necessary except for the really rough stuff--usually referring to rock crawling. Desert racing trucks seem to consist of IFS long travel vehicles, and sometimes IRS conversions.

Why a solid front axle? What advantage would it have given in this competition that independent designs cannot provide?

-Sean

 

[Scott Brady]

Why a solid front axle? What advantage would it have given in this competition that independent designs cannot provide?

Just pure durability and technical terrain performance. The Outback Challenge is split down the middle on technical terrain and high speed work. I think IFS is more of an issue (durability wise) in technical terrain than a solid axle is in the high speed sections.

I would want light weight, long travel and a longer wheelbase. I had that little 73 up on two wheel more times than I would like to remember.

 

[Scott Brady]

1. What do you feel was the largest skill contribution to your winning team?
   *** I would split it even on navigation and recovery. That is where we made up literally hours on the competition.
   
2. How were you as American team received by the competition and the people?
   *** At first, very cold reception, but after we stopped to help a few stuck trucks and kept a good attitude everyone lightened up. By the end they were life long friends
   
3. I'm suprised that there was a dude who stated that his winch wasn't good and of American build. Suprises me as we American's often look for superior foreign equipment. In the competition was it truly thought that American equipment was superior in any regards or was this just for the winch?
   *** I can remember a point in the DVD where Nicola complimented the winch (Warn 8274). I don't remember any negative remarks.
   
   ***They worship the Warn's, and ours was incredible, which left an even bigger impression
   
4. From the varying nationalities there, which was exhibited the best driving and equipment handling skills and why?
   
   ***The French did pretty good in the canyon sections, but didn't have the sand or rock experience. Nicola was from Luxemburg and was an ex rally driver. He did well in all of the high speed sections and we had nearly identical driving styles. Basically, run at 80% all day long and try not to break the trucks.
   
5. For those who did not win, was there any lacking overriding reason in your mind that if they had known X or done Y they would have won instead?
   
   ***They needed Ozi Explorer and restraint on the skinny pedal. It is a 6 day, nearly 3,000 km event, so you must pace the vehicles and make smart nav. decisions.
   
6. What was the most needed mechanical skill?

***I had a team of mechanics (Local Dakar guys). Other than that, just fixing little things. Only the Defender 110 and my 73 had no failures. Nicola only had a cut hose.

Trucks:

1. Which vehicle present would you have most preferred to use?
   
   ***The one I had because of the engine and tires. Big turbo and Kevlar baby
   
   The vehicle I liked the best was the 110. It was awesome, but had too aggressive of tires for the HP...
   
2. Which vehicle in the World would you have most preferred to use?
   
   ***I would build a Tacoma extended cab with a supercharger, bobbed bed and Pro Rock 60's sprung by high volume coil-overs and jounce stops. 35" Baja kevlar T/A's with Staun Beadlocks. Redundant GPS units, carputer and extra laptop.
   
   Oh, and a video camera in the cab :victory:
   
3. Why do you choose gasoline over diesel? Just by the nature of the higher speed and RPM race needs?
   
   ***Exactly. RPM's for the sand.
   
4. How did the Ford Ranger (not sure of it's foreign name) fare overall?
   
   ***Poorly. Broken A-Arm and not enough technical capabilities or HP. They were paired with the 2004 Patrol 4-Door. Great navigators (our closest competition in that area).
   

And last but not least:

1. How well would some of us on ExPo have done if you were to estimate?
   
   ***It is hard to say for sure, but many on this forum have the right skills to do well. The question would be recovery experience (since I have not seen any of you in action with that). Graham and you immediately come to mind as having excellent experience in many areas.
   
   I really think it comes down to experience and a solid truck. Recovery rigging and communication must be second nature, and driving fast, but not faster than 80% of you or the trucks limits, even if someone passes you. 6 days is a long time to drive without a big mistake.
   
   I don't see myself as world class in any one area, just solid in all the right pieces, a great navigator (Nathan) and a teammate that could follow behind us (fast) without busting his truck.
   
   Oh, and a freightliner load of luck :victory:
   

 

[Pskhaat]

Thanks for tackling each of those!

*** At first, very cold reception

That's too bad. Looks like y'all did make great pals though in the DVD. I wonder what they were expecting from the Yanks?

I don't remember any negative [winch] remarks.

I don't recall verbatim but basically he was dissapointed with his winch and stated that he didn't have a good American made winch. Just something you don't hear often, interesting that Warns are the winch of choice.

They needed Ozi Explorer...

So you were definetely impressed with that, even with the ancient maps you had to scan in?


Are the trucks privately owned or owned by the competition organizers? What are the chances we'll ever see this in N.A.?

 

[flyingwil]

I would actually have preferred a Tacoma length, with a supercharged gas V6 and SAS

:yikes: Did I really just read that!? Did Mr. SAS-is-bad say he wanted SAS?

 

[Scott Brady]

:yikes: Did I really just read that!? Did Mr. SAS-is-bad say he wanted SAS?

I never said SAS is bad... Did I?

SAS has its place and so does IFS.