Ford built a 2017 Raptor specifically for off-road racing (pictures)

This is no ordinary 2017 Raptor...not that you'd consider a still-unreleased hardcore pickup to be ordinary.

This specific race truck is built to compete in the new factory-stock class at the Best in the Desert off-road racing series.

The truck retains its original powertrain -- a 3.5-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed transmission.

"This is the most stock truck I've ever seen in my time building Ford race trucks," said Greg Foutz, owner of the company responsible for assembling Ford's race trucks. He's also the automaker's primary race truck driver.

Modifications to the race truck include 3.0-inch-diameter, external-bypass front and rear Fox Racing shocks -- similar to the Raptor's stock units, but larger.

The front and rear springs have been modified, as well, to give the truck additional ground clearance. Increased compression rates allow the truck to handle the terrain a bit better, also.

Naturally, the Raptor race truck features a custom roll cage for safety's sake.

The truck also sports LED light bars, a racing fuel cell and a Lowrance GPS system.

Inside, there's a RacePak digital dash and data logger to make sure each bit of relevant information is displayed and stored properly.

The truck's inside also features a set of MasterCraft seats with five-point racing harnesses and window nets.

One can never be too safe when off-roading, of course.

Joining Foutz in the truck is Tim Casey, also an accomplished racer with championships under his belt.

You can also catch the Raptor race truck at the famed Mint 400 in Las Vegas, from March 10 to March 14.

The Raptor's EcoBoost engine puts out 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque.

The new Raptor -- in production guise -- will sport a new mode switch that lets drivers rejigger drivetrain settings to suit the terrain.

Naturally, one of the included modes is called Baja mode, and it's set up exclusively for "high-speed desert running."