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.
Honestly though, it’s wild that this kind of thing is even available to non-pros. Way cooler than any track day or exotic car rental I’ve seen. Might have to convince my buddies to make this the next guys’ trip!
I’m 25, and while I wouldn’t call myself a ‘gearhead,’ I live for new experiences—and this TrophyLite adventure sounds absolutely insane (in the best way). The way you described launching over jumps and feeling every bit of the terrain under the truck gave me goosebumps. I’ve done some track days and a little rally school, but nothing that sounds as raw and untamed as this. Honestly, it’s kind of empowering to know that there are opportunities like this out there for regular people.
This thing sounds like a monster. Was there anything that surprised you about the truck once you were behind the wheel?
What surprised me most was how forgiving it could be—these trucks look like sledgehammers, but they’re actually precision tools. You hit a deep rut or a misjudged line, and the truck just soaks it up. But that’s also the trap. The TrophyLite gives you confidence fast, and then it dares you to push harder. It wants to dance—but it’ll slap you if you get cocky. You quickly learn the difference between being in control and thinking you’re in control.
This sounds like pure escape. Just you, the truck, and the open desert. No cell signal, no distractions—must’ve been cathartic.
This is seriously the dream. I’ve followed off-road racing for years—Baja, Mint 400, all of it—but never had the chance to actually sit in one of these trucks, let alone drive one. The way you describe the feel of the suspension and the sound of the engine… man, I could practically smell the dust through the screen. Do they offer any kind of experience days for regular folks to try this? Would love to hear more about how it compares to other extreme vehicles you’ve driven!
Appreciate the kind words! The TrophyLite experience really is one of those once-in-a-lifetime drives. You’re absolutely right—the sound, the vibration, the way the truck floats over whoops—it’s unlike anything else. And yes, TrophyLite and a few other outfits do offer driving experiences for the public, especially around races like the Mint 400 or Parker 425. It’s not cheap, but it’s a whole lot more accessible than most people think. If you ever get the chance, do it. And as for comparisons… think of it like a mix between a rally car and a jet ski made of roll cage and adrenaline.
Going to book this for my boyfriend during our next trip to vegas
If you dont try you are never going to know if you want to do it. Most people feel a little intimidated when they get behind the wheel of an off road vehicle, but once you do it is addicting.