My First Desert Race: Tackling the Prospector 250 in the VORRA Pro UTV Stock Mod Class
On March 22, 2025, I dove headfirst into the wild world of desert racing at the Prospector 250, part of the VORRA off-road racing series in Yerington, Nevada. Behind the wheel of my Pro UTV Stock Mod Class vehicle, with my trusty co-pilot Steve Cano by my side, I was equal parts thrilled and terrified. This was our first-ever desert race, and let me tell you—it was an unforgettable ride.
But first – Building the Beast: Transforming the Can-Am Maverick R
Before we could even think about hitting the starting line, we had to transform a stock Can-Am Maverick R into a race-ready machine that could pass the rigorous safety and technical requirements of the Pro UTV Stock Mod Class. This was no small feat—it took eight months of planning, sourcing, and wrenching to get the vehicle race-worthy.
Safety First: Meeting VORRA’s Stringent Requirements
The VORRA series has strict safety standards, and every component had to be meticulously chosen and installed. We started by upgrading the roll cage to a stronger, race-compliant design to protect us in case of a rollover. The stock doors were replaced with lightweight, reinforced versions, and we swapped out the factory seats for high-back racing seats with improved support. Five-point racing seatbelts were installed to keep us secure during high-speed runs and rough terrain.
Window netting was added to prevent debris from entering the cockpit, and we installed a kill switch for quick shutdowns in emergencies. Fire safety was critical, so we mounted two fire extinguishers within easy reach. Safety lights, reflectors, and number plates were added to meet visibility and identification requirements.
Communication was another priority. We installed a race-grade radio and intercom system for clear communication between Steve and me, even in the chaos of the race. A helmet air pumper system kept our helmets ventilated and dust-free, while fireproof racing suits and FIA-approved helmets ensured we were protected from head to toe.
For visibility anddocumentation, we mounted GoPro cameras to capture every moment and integrated a Starlink system for live-streaming our race to fans and sponsors. A custom vehicle wrap with our team colors and sponsor logos gave the Maverick R a professional look that stood out on the course.
Mechanical Upgrades: Building for Durability and Performance
While tackling the safety requirements, we were simultaneously upgrading the Maverick R’s mechanical components to handle the brutal demands of desert racing. Custom front and rear bumpers were fabricated to withstand impacts, and we upgraded the suspension with modifications to the shocks and swapped in heavy-duty springs for better handling on rough terrain. Stronger A-arms were installed to beef up the front end, and a thicker skid plate was added to protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris.
Lighting was critical for low-visibility conditions, so we added high-output LED auxiliary lights. A custom exhaust system and an ECU flash boosted the engine’s performance, giving us the power we needed to tackle the course while complying with the limitations of our class. Every upgrade was carefully chosen to balance speed, durability, and reliability.
Sourcing parts was a challenge. Many components were custom-made for the Maverick R, and tracking down the right vendors took time and persistence. From waiting on newly designed parts to coordinating with fabricators, the process was painstaking, but seeing the vehicle come together made it all worthwhile.
Passing Tech Inspection
After months of work, the moment of truth arrived: tech inspection. VORRA’s inspectors scrutinized every detail, from the roll cage welds to the placement of safety equipment. It was nerve-wracking, but our preparation paid off. The Maverick R passed with flying colors, earning us the green light to race. That moment felt like a victory in itself—a testament to the blood, sweat, and late nights we’d poured into the build.
Qualifying: A Nerve-Wracking Start
The weekend kicked off with our first qualifying lap, a high-speed test to determine our starting position for the 250-mile race. As newcomers, Steve and I were just trying to keep the UTV on the course and our nerves in check. Pushing the machine to its limits was intimidating—desert racing is fast, and the speeds we were hitting felt downright scary. We crossed the line with a time that landed us in 28th place out of 36 racers. Not exactly a podium position, but we were just happy to survive the lap and secure a spot for race day.
Race Day: 250 Miles of Grit and Consistency
The Prospector 250 was a beast of a race: six laps on a 41-mile course that was as technical as it was treacherous. Tight turns, off-camber switchbacks, and rugged terrain demanded focus and precision. Starting in 28th, I knew we weren’t gunning for the win, but Steve and I had one goal—finish the race without breaking the UTV or ourselves.
To play it safe, we decided to stop at the main pit after every lap. As first-timers, we had no idea how much fuel we were burning, and those pit stops gave us a chance to catch our breath, check the vehicle, and regroup. Each lap took us right around one hour, a consistent pace that became our anchor. We weren’t the fastest out there, but we were steady, and that consistency started to pay off.
The Course: A Technical Challenge
The Yerington course was no joke. The tight turns forced us to stay sharp, and the off-camber switchbacks tested our trust in the UTV’s grip. One wrong move could send you sliding off course or worse. Steve’s navigation was crucial, calling out corners and hazards as we barreled through the desert. Every lap felt like a mini-adventure, and completing each one without incident boosted our confidence.
The Finish: 1st in our class, 20th Place overall and Lessons Learned
After six grueling laps and 250 miles, Steve and I crossed the finish line in 20th place overall. The Maverick R performed flawlessly, a testament to our build process. Climbing eight spots from our starting position felt like a victory, and for our first race, we couldn’t have asked for more. As a bonus, we took first place in the Pro UTV Stock Mod Class—granted, there were only two of us, but a win is a win, and we’ll take it!
The Prospector 250 taught us so much. We learned the importance of pacing ourselves, the value of pit stops for both fuel and mental resets, and how to tackle a course that punishes mistakes. Most importantly, we proved to ourselves that we could compete in this intense sport and come out stronger.
Looking Ahead: Bring on Hawthorne!
Walking away from Yerington, Steve and I are already buzzing with excitement for the next race in Hawthorne. The Prospector 250 was a crash course in desert racing, and we’re eager to apply what we’ve learned. With a little more experience under our belts, we’re ready to push harder, fine-tune our strategy, and maybe even climb a few more spots in the standings.
Desert racing is as challenging as it is exhilarating, and I’m hooked. Here’s to more dust, more speed, and more unforgettable moments in the VORRA series. See you at the starting line!