Pardon the delay in posting the pics, but I am just now returning from the trip that took me to the San Felipe 250, the SCORE off-road race in Baja. I read that the Ridgeline would be there to compete and searched the tech/safety inspection line for the vehicle. As you can see, I found it and got these shots. Unfortunately, the Ridgeline did not get to the pit location I was working at out on the race course (according to the SCORE website, Skilton only got through the first checkpoint and did not finish). That prevented me from getting any action photos. I did try to capture some of the details of the race prep alterations. Hope you enjoy them.

More pics :)

And more pics.

One final pic of the Ridgeline and some of the "big boys".

It was interesting to see just how much of the truck was not altered. The body panels are intact, bedliner, and much of the interior was left in. Compared to the full-on race interior of the Ford in the other picture, it is very stock. Before the replies start, I know these are two very different classes of vehicles and not a fair comparison - just put it in for fun!!

Sorry, the pics did not load.

Awesome pics -- thanks for sharing them!

Are you people satisfied? A pic is worth a thousand words! I told you Honda put their best performance package in the RED Ridgeline.

Red is easier to find in the desert. The other option is to set you silver RL on fire to be found:D

Nice pictures!!!

I wonder if the crusie control still works:D

I'll try pushing the switch next time and find out. I did like how they solved the windshield noise problem on this early production model.

Thanks for the great pics. Any word on why they only made it to the first check point?

Thanks for the great pics. Any word on why they only made it to the first check point?

I could not find out anything about the fate of the RL before I left Baja. It was a good tough course this year and the north end (where they dropped out) got some pretty unusual weather - rain and hail. Seemed to slow some of the vehicles. Honda may not have much to say, but there is one publication, Dusty Times, that does detailed reporting on the races and may shed some light on the RL.

does anyone knowthe wheelsize and tire size for this one ?? Looks great !

From speedtv.com:

"By conforming to stock class regulations, Skilton and his CaRR team utilize the stock Honda Ridgeline platform, with only limited modifications permitted to the suspension and engine, in addition to required safety-related items such as the roll cage, radios, H.I.D. auxiliary lighting and fire suppression system. The CaRR Ridgeline runs on 33-inch BFGoodrich tires specifically designed for the demands of off-road racing. The competition Ridgeline has been developed by CaRR with additional input from engineers at American Honda."

For Baja, the wheel size is fairly small in today's terms (thinking of the 20" that are all over) since the tires have a tall sidewall. For example, on the buggy, we ran 36" BFGs on 15" wheels. Here is a blow-up of the RL wheel/tire. You can see how much sidewall there is.

There is a write up in FOURWHEELER Magazine (this month) on the build up of this vehicle. First the interior was gutted, then a roll cage installed. They used King struts and anchored them to the roll cage which extended into the engine bay. The rear got 3" remoe res. shocks. The front struts were built with 3" shock bodies with 1-1/4" shafts, and dual remote reservoirs, with adjustable collars and 350 lb springs at first (2" longer than stock). I guess maybe a lift kit in the future will have this option instead of SPACERS. Brakes were stock. They first used BFG All Terrain tires (265/70r/17 on American racing ATX wheels) before switching to MUD TA' the larger 33" size. It didn't mention any gearing or engine mods except for straight exhaust, COMPLETE engine and driveline (OBD II) computer mods and an intake. Everything else was stock! They did cut 2" from the wheel wells the max diameter allowed by SCORE to fit the larger tires. They said the VTM-4 was a pleasure to drive, and that the Front wheel drive, you point it where you want to go and stay on the gas!

Yep, I just bought that. It's a very good read. Every RL owner should be encouraged by the fact that Skilten is racing with the same stock engine, transmission, and 4WD system that we all have. It is one rugged truck. They programmed the transmission to only shift gears when it hits 6300 rpms. Honda has made one great engine with this 3.5 litre V6. In one race, that engine gets more abuse than several life times of use a normal owner would subject it too.


Shifting at 6300 rpms, lets hope Skilten doesn't post his mpg in one of those gas mileage threads.:D

Dear honda,

I don't understand it. Why am I only getting 8mpg with my Ridgeline. I am very disappointed in this vehicle.

Gavin Skilten.;)

Origionally Posted By RIDGE: Honda has made one great engine with this 3.5 litre V6. In one race, that engine gets more abuse than several life times of use a normal owner would subject it too.


well Honda Owners are not NORMAL OWNERS everyone knows that.:D ;) :p

Now THAT is what my truck wants to be when it grows up! Suh-weeeeet!!!