No Name Column
Off-Road Adventures magazine was very proud to have played a significant role in producing a joint project between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. and some very special aftermarket manufacturers in building a customized 2005 Toyota Tacoma and Yamaha Rhino 660 that were presented to the Vanderbilt University Archeology Department at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this past November.
The customized Tacoma and Rhino 660 will enable archaeologists from the prestigious university in Nashville, Tenn., to travel deep into the jungles of Guatemala as they explore Maya ruins dating back as far as 500 BC.
Dr. Estrada-Belli (left) receives the key to the Maya Hunter from Toyota’s Mark Amstock with your’s truly looking on.
“Having the specially built Maya Hunter Toyota Tacoma and the Yamaha Rhino will boost our ability to discover the most remote sites, and in case of an emergency, may well save our lives,” said Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli, assistant professor in Vanderbilt’s Anthropology Department.
The Vanderbilt archaeologists have already added new chapters to the studies of the Mayan civilization, making news worldwide. This vehicle will help further those endeavors as the group heads back to the Central American jungles in the spring of 2005.
“We’re privileged to play a role in this important project, which has more historical significance than anything we’ve ever been involved with,” said Mark Amstock, TMS national truck and SUV marketing manager. “It’s another chapter in the continuing story of Toyota’s commitment to science education in America.”
Starting on page 14 in this issue, and continuing for at least five issues, ORA will be covering the Tacoma’s modification buildup along with reports of its progress on the maiden voyage into the jungles of Guatemala.
We also want to acknowledge the following companies who generously donated their products to help make this unique philanthropic gift a reality:
Toyota Motor Sales, USA; Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.; Sears/Craftsman; ARB, USA; Skyjacker Suspensions; Warn Industries; Pro Comp Tires; American Racing; Interco Tires; PIAA; Rock Crawler Wheels; Precision Gear; Painless Wiring; Energy Suspension; Hi-Lift; Optima Batteries; Borla Exhausts; Powermaster; Eureka Camping; Midland; Motorola; Garmin; All-Pro Off-Road; Optronics; GoLight; Wrangler Northwest; Rhino Linings; Spears Auto Body; Molly Designs; Black Rhino Performance; Forrest River Trailers; and Industrial Tire Products.
— Denis Snow
More info on this project can be accessed at:
Prior to heading to the jungles of Guatemala this spring, the Maya Hunter will be displayed at the following shows:
- Kansas City Sport Show 1/4-1/9
- Omaha Auto Show 1/20-1/23
- St. Louis Auto Show 2/2-2/6
- Kansas City Auto Show 3/3-3/6