Robby Gordon Returns to Pilot His Iconic Black Diamond Ford Trophy-Truck at Parker 400

Robby Gordon Returns to Pilot His Iconic Black Diamond Ford Trophy-Truck at Parker 400

By Michael Anderson

January 17, 2025 at 03:33 AM

Racing legend Robby Gordon returns to Parker 400 in his iconic "Black Diamond" Ford Trophy-Truck, marking a significant homecoming for both driver and machine. The event kicks off the 2025 Unlimited Off-Road Racing series schedule.

Black Diamond truck racing through desert

Black Diamond truck racing through desert

Gordon, alongside current owner Mark Post and Gordon's son Max, will share driving duties in the legendary black No. 3 Ford that revolutionized off-road racing in the mid-1990s.

The truck, designed by Gordon in 1993, featured groundbreaking innovations including:

  • Single internal bypass shock per corner
  • Swing set steering
  • Removable brake rotor hats
  • Simple yet effective front engine V-8 configuration

Gordon's philosophy was revolutionary: "We weren't going to slow down, we were going to perfect the truck so I could drive it wide open all day." This approach led to the truck's dominant 1996 season, securing four SCORE International race victories and the Trophy-Truck championship.

Under Post's ownership, Black Diamond continued its success, claiming numerous victories including the 40th anniversary SCORE Baja 1000 in 2007. Recent upgrades include an 1,100 horsepower Joe Gibbs Racing engine and a Masonmatic sequential gearbox.

Race Strategy for Parker 400:

  • Lap 1: Robby Gordon
  • Lap 2: Max Gordon
  • Lap 3: Mark Post

The 2025 Parker 400 features:

  • Nearly 130 total entries
  • 14 Trophy-Truck and Class 1 unlimited vehicles
  • Motorcycle Race: Friday 7:30am
  • Limited Race: Friday 1pm
  • Youth Races: Saturday 8am
  • Unlimited Race: Saturday 10am

Black Diamond's impressive legacy includes 19 overall wins across multiple racing series from 1994 to 2019, cementing its place in off-road racing history.

The 2025 season continues with races in Las Vegas (March 5-9), Reno (April 16-19), and Barstow (October 1-5).

Related Articles

Previous Articles