Motorsports legend Robby Gordon returns to Parker 400 this weekend, reuniting with his iconic "Black Diamond" Ford Trophy-Truck - a revolutionary vehicle he designed and drove to championship glory in the mid-1990s.

The groundbreaking truck, now owned by Mark Post's Riviera Racing, will be piloted by Gordon, Post, and Gordon's son Max during the three-lap race. This homecoming is particularly special for Gordon, who maintains strong ties to Parker through his family's longtime residence in Parker Keys.

Originally designed in 1993, the "Black Diamond" revolutionized off-road racing with innovative features including:

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

Gordon's unconventional approach to testing and development led to an extraordinary 1996 season, securing four SCORE International race victories and the Trophy-Truck championship. The truck's success continued under Post's ownership, claiming numerous prestigious victories including the 40th anniversary SCORE Baja 1000 in 2007.

Recent upgrades include:

• 1,100 horsepower Joe Gibbs Racing engine
• Masonmatic sequential gearbox
• Updated suspension systems

Race Strategy for Parker 400:

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

The 2025 Parker 400 features nearly 130 entries, including 14 Trophy-Truck and Class 1 unlimited vehicles. The event schedule includes:

• Friday 7:30am: Motorcycle Race
• Friday 1:00pm: Limited Race
• Saturday 8:00am: Youth Races
• Saturday 10:00am: Unlimited Race

Black Diamond's impressive 19 overall victories span from 1994 to 2019, across multiple racing series including SCORE, BITD, and NORRA events, cementing its legacy as one of off-road racing's most successful vehicles.

The Parker 400 marks the first of four rounds in the 2025 UNLTD Off-Road Racing Series, followed by events in Las Vegas, Reno, and Barstow.

Related Articles

Previous Articles