Off-Road Course Construction
At the heart of downtown Austin during SXSW 2025, Gordinier Group partnered with Rivian to bring the Electric Joyride experience to life as part of the Rivian Electric Roadhouse activation. Tasked with designing, building, and maintaining a compact yet dynamic off-road course, the Gordinier team transformed an urban lot into a fully functional test track that highlighted the all-terrain capability of Rivian’s electric vehicles.
The course was constructed using recycled asphalt grindings, aligning with Rivian’s sustainability mission. These materials were not only ideal for building a versatile off-road experience, but were also repurposed after the event, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Despite the limited footprint, the track featured a mix of articulation obstacles, climbing elements, and traction challenges—offering guests a genuine taste of what Rivian vehicles can do beyond city streets.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of SXSW, the Electric Joyride drew crowds and created a buzz, proving that even in the middle of a bustling city, the thrill of electric adventure is very much alive.
At the legendary Mint 400 off-road race, the RAM 1500 RHO Thrill Ride delivered an unforgettable experience for fans, combining high-octane excitement with cutting-edge truck performance. Gordinier Group was on site to construct and maintain the dynamic course, ensuring safety and consistency for the duration of the event. Guests had the rare chance to ride shotgun with professional drivers in the powerful RAM 1500 RHO, tackling an expertly designed course made entirely from dirt—over 1,250 yards of it.
The ride kicked off with a thrilling acceleration run across rugged straightaways, instantly showcasing the RHO’s raw power. Each obstacle on the course—from the steep 30-degree banked wedges to the rolling hills that delivered moments of weightlessness—was expertly constructed by the skilled operators of Gordinier Group. Their precision work continued through a series of tight S-curves and a towering 8-foot-tall berm, all crafted from over 500 yards of dirt. The grand finale featured a meticulously shaped tabletop jump, launching passengers into an adrenaline-charged finish and demonstrating both the capabilities of the RAM 1500 RHO and the craftsmanship needed to build such an incredible course.
The RAM RHO Thrill Ride wasn’t just a ride—it was a full-throttle celebration of off-road performance, engineering, and expertly executed course design.
We recently had the privilege of collaborating with our partners at American Honda to create an impromptu off-road proving ground at their corporate campus in Torrance, CA. The course was designed to showcase the rugged capabilities of the all-new 2026 Passport TrailSport to local Honda Sales Associates and enthusiasts.
Special thanks to Jody Suzuki and her engineering team for providing invaluable vehicle insights that supported both the construction of the course and the training of our precision drivers and sales trainers.
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and leadership of Jim Lee, Head of Auto Sales & Dealer Recognition, Arin Baharian, Morris Lin, and our partners at George P. Johnson. We appreciate the collaboration, and the Gordinier Group is excited about the rest of the tour.
Although driving impressions are still under embargo, these photos highlight the rugged capabilities of Honda’s most off-road capable vehicle to date.
Our friends at RAM recently challenged us to design and build an off-road course to push the 2025 RAM 1500 RHO to its limits. Once the course was complete, automotive media from various outlets were invited to test those limits. This article from The Drive, written by Rebelle Rally competitor and automotive journalist Jill Cimino, captures the day perfectly. Great job, Jill! And, Great job, RAM!
It’s incredible what these trucks can do. https://www.thedrive.com/news/2025-ram-1500-rho-first-drive-review