Nordic Cup Hella - Iceland
July 18. 2004
Formula Off Road is a relatively new sport that started in Iceland some 20 years ago. It's popularity has now spread to Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
The trucks are built for one purpose only and that is to go the extreme off road tracks that are specially laid for the vehicles.
VIDEO CLIP (10MB .AVI file)
This weekend a total of 21 trucks with their team's are competing.
Hardware used for these trucks are of the most durable kind. Dana 60 axles and Ford 9" are common. Engines like 350 Chevy and Ford 414 are common. The largest being a Chevy 752! The engines are often over 400 hp. and with the added nitro (NO2) boost can deliver up to 700 hp. In the Special class, the drivers can build their cars nearly anyway they want. They use wide shovel tires, to get that extra grip in the loose surface.
When we arrived the last track was on schedule. To get maximum points you have to travel the whole track without touching the yellow flags. You start at the straight leg directly in front of us, then there is the long S-curve back.
Getting ready for the start and the truck looks clean, but you can smell the gasoline and hear the engine roar with anticipation.
After the signal from the referee you get a good feel of the power. Mud and rocks fly in the air and within seconds the truck is on the far side of the swamp. If the drivers loose concentration for just a second the truck gets completely stuck in the deep mud and can only be helped by a big snowmobile.
Crossing a small river without touching the bottom is no problem for these guys.
After the muddy swamp the cockpit of the "Sandstorm" does not look very clean. As you can see the instrument panels are as simple as you can get by with and the general comfort level is pretty low!
Bringing a monkey mascot was the trick used by Petur and his "Charm troll".
Rules for driver security are strict. There must be a strong roll-cage, five point safety belt and a helmet.
Halli Pe (Haraldur Petursson) a long time champion has a brand new truck. The engine is specially ordered V6 4.3 liter aluminum 450 hp. engine with the nitro adding another 100 hp. The truck is one of the lightest of them all, only 900 kg (2.000 lbs).
Suspension is soft with long wheel travel.
4x4 Off Roads!
A little mud in the face is not a big deal for Halli Pe. He made it the whole swamp and is the champion in the special class.
The champions of the day, know how to celebrate!
The lessons you learn from the Formula Off Road can be applied to other modified 4x4's.
Light weight
Long and soft suspension
Ample horsepower
Tires with good grip
Low luxury!
Formula Off Road - Off Road motor sport at its best. Most powerful specially modified 4x4 vehicles taken to the extreme with full throttle and nitro. Hundreds upon hundreds of horses under the hood.
