Michael SatterfieldIf you love motorsports like I do, chances are you’ve seen Baja racing or Stadium Super Trucks tearing across the desert or launching off jumps in a stadium. While I’ve always been fascinated by off-road racing, I never seriously considered trying it myself—until Turtle Wax invited me to experience the thrill of driving a TrophyLite truck at the Vegas Off Road Experience (VORE).
When an opportunity like this lands in your lap, the only logical answer is yes.
Arriving at the VORE Adrenaline Compound
My journey into the world of TrophyLite off-road racing began about 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas at the VORE Adrenaline Compound—a place that immediately sets the tone for an adrenaline-fueled day. As I pulled up, I was greeted by an impressive lineup of off-road racing trucks, military vehicles, and adventure rigs. And just next door? The Pro Gun Club, where you can literally blow up a taxi cab. Only in Vegas.
Before getting behind the wheel, we sat through a safety and instructional briefing, which covered everything from left-foot braking to the mechanics of the TrophyLite truck. Then came the sobering reality check: if we crashed the trucks, we’d be responsible for up to $3,000 in damages. No pressure, right?
Driving a TrophyLite Truck—The Ultimate Off-Road Thrill
TrophyLite trucks are purpose-built spec off-road racing trucks designed to give enthusiasts and aspiring racers a real desert racing experience without the million-dollar price tag of a full Trophy Truck.
These trucks are powered by Ford engines, equipped with manual shift automatic transmissions, and feature long-travel suspension capable of soaking up massive jumps. If you’ve ever driven a high-powered go-kart, imagine that—except on dirt, at high speeds, and with 40-foot jumps in your path.
After a few warm-up laps getting used to the handling, I started pushing harder, quickly finding my rhythm and lapping some of the other drivers. The truck responded beautifully, effortlessly gliding over rough terrain and landing jumps with shocking smoothness. It was an absolute adrenaline rush.
VORE offers multiple off-road driving experiences, including open desert Baja-style racing, where you can drive a TrophyLite truck on longer, more challenging trails—an experience I’d love to try next.
Riding Passenger in a TrophyLite Truck—A Whole Different Kind of Fear
After my first session behind the wheel, it was time to switch seats and put my life in someone else’s hands. My co-driver for this round was Gorden Lister from Clean Car Culture, and while he wasn’t quite as aggressive as I was, he quickly found his groove.
If you think driving a TrophyLite truck is an intense experience, riding shotgun is even more terrifying. Feeling the truck slide, launch, and land without direct control is a different kind of thrill—but an unforgettable one.
A Day to Remember
From the heart-pounding experience of piloting a TrophyLite racing truck to getting a taste of the Vegas Off Road Experience, this adventure was one for the books. Turtle Wax didn’t just set up an amazing day; they also showcased some of their latest detailing products, perfect for keeping off-road rigs looking fresh after a day in the dirt.
And the best part? No one in our group crashed. That alone felt like a victory.
If you’ve ever dreamed of driving a TrophyLite truck, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Whether you’re a casual off-road enthusiast or someone considering entry into off-road racing, this is as close as you can get to the real deal without building your own race truck.
Check out my video from the day below, and let me know—would you take on a TrophyLite truck?
Such an amazing experience, would love to add this to my next trip to Las Vegas.