“For me, it’s the dream [to race with Ford], as a result of if you find yourself racing at a younger age, particularly as an American in cross-country, it’s not straightforward, it’s a troublesome path,” Guthrie Jr tells DirtFish.
“To get into the T1+ class, which is the highest class, is even more durable. So, to do effectively within the States, get seen and get the chance to do some racing abroad and do effectively there to the purpose the place I received seen by Ford, it’s simply all of those items being put collectively.
“And to be with Ford, the primary season with this new crew and the brand new automobile, it’s like a dream come true to me.”
If you already know your UTV and King of the Hammers historical past, you’ll want no reminder of Guthrie Jr’s racing heritage. His father, Mitch Guthrie Sr, is a six-time winner of the King of the Hammers and a legend in US off-roading circles.
It’s a fairly large shadow to step out of, however Guthrie Jr isn’t involved by being in comparison with his dad. As an alternative, he’s doing issues his personal method, and going a step additional by competing on the world stage.
Not that the Dakar bore any resonance with the Californian when he was touring the American deserts as a baby.
“I began doing desert racing and getting sponsors, and I didn’t know something in regards to the Dakar,” explains Guthrie Jr. “After which, ultimately I received approached by Pink Bull, and so they sponsored me within the States, however on the similar time they requested me if I used to be considering doing the Dakar.
