Three Wheels, Two Logs: UTV Keeps Racing After Suspension Failure in Mongolia

April 7, 2025

During the grueling Baja Mongolia off-road race, the GTHub team from Ulan Bataar faced a catastrophic failure: the front left suspension of their UTV snapped, leaving the wheel dangling and useless. Most drivers would call for a tow. But these racers didn't quit.

Footage shows the team rigging two logs—one wedged under the chassis, the other lashed to the side—and using the damaged front tire and the spare tire as counterweights. The result? The vehicle hobbled forward on three wheels, completing the stage.

Why this works

Off-road vehicle dynamics expert Dr. Ryan Keller (University of Nevada, Reno) explains: “By shifting mass to the damaged side, they reduce the moment arm that would otherwise lift the chassis. The logs act as crude but effective trailing arms, keeping the hub from dragging.” It’s a textbook example of field expedient physics.

The team later confirmed via social media that the repair held for over 30 miles before they reached a support truck. “We had to improvise or DNF,” a spokesperson said. “We found the logs, strapped them tight, and prayed.”

Not just a stunt

This isn’t the first time off-road racers have relied on found materials. In 2022, a Baja 1000 competitor used a 2x4 to replace a broken control arm. But the GTHub fix stands out for its use of counterweights—a technique more common in rock crawler circles.

What it means for the sport

The incident highlights the importance of modular design and emergency readiness. “Every racer should carry a few ratchet straps and a saw,” says Keller. “You never know when a tree branch becomes your suspension.”

As the Baja Mongolia series continues, the GTHub team’s resourcefulness has become a rallying point for DIY racers worldwide. Watch the video—and appreciate the engineering on the fly.