A project that began as a digital concept shared on Instagram has developed into a sanctioned desert race entry. Randy Wimenta and co-driver Will Wimenta are preparing to compete in the 2026 Mint 400 in the Gambler/Hooptie-X Modified class, campaigning a custom-built 1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S known as AWDROLA that we featured on Expedition Portal back in November 2022.
Originally conceived in 2020 as a tribute to Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and Toyota’s long-standing presence in desert competition, AWDROLA reimagines a compact late-1980s platform as a purpose-built off-road racer. The build blends period-inspired styling cues with modern fabrication and suspension systems suited for off-road use.
Preparation for the event is underway at Shift Auto & Off-Road in Santa Ana, California, where co-driver and fabricator Will Wimenta is overseeing final updates. The team is reinforcing suspension and steering components while completing modifications required for race inspection and contingency compliance.
Randy Wimenta said the original goal of the build was to pay homage to Toyota’s rally and desert racing heritage while exploring what could be achieved with a restored 1989 platform. He explained that the team now intends to demonstrate that an older compact chassis, when properly engineered, can endure the demands of desert racing.
AWDROLA’s technical specifications reflect its hybrid character. The vehicle retains the AE92 Corolla GT-S chassis architecture while incorporating the AE95 All-Trac all-wheel-drive system. A custom Barnes 4WD four-link rear suspension system has been installed, along with Eibach dual-spring setups at both ends. The front suspension features a custom Streetwise/Bilstein strut system, while the rear utilizes Bilstein 8125 coilovers with remote reservoirs. Custom Dana Spicer front CV axles support the drivetrain conversion.
Lighting is supplied by KC Hilites, including a Gravity Titan light bar, Flex Era 4 bumper lights, and Cyclone accessory lighting. Structural integrity and occupant protection are addressed through a roll cage, subframe reinforcement, and additional fabrication by Dempsey Fabrication. The car rides on 16×8 Raceline wheels fitted with BFGoodrich KO2 tires and is equipped with the safety and recovery systems required for competition use.
Prior to its Mint 400 entry, AWDROLA participated in Gambler 500 and Hooptie-X events as part of its development process. These outings served as shakedown tests, allowing the team to identify areas for refinement before tackling the more demanding desert race environment.
According to Matt Martelli, CEO of UNLTD Off-Road Racing,
“The Gambler/Hooptie-X class captures the original spirit of the Mint. It’s about creativity, determination, and teams bringing whatever they built in their garage and putting it to the test in the desert. We welcome every Gambler/Hooptie-X racer willing to line up and take their shot, including creative builds like AWDROLA. Fans can catch all the action live on the Unlimited Offroad Racing YouTube page.”
The Mint 400 remains one of North America’s longest-running off-road races, drawing both professional teams and grassroots competitors across multiple classes. Within that field, the Gambler/Hooptie-X Modified class provides an entry point for unconventional builds such as AWDROLA. The race is sanctioned by American Off-Road Racing through the UNLTD Off-Road Racing and Best In The Desert (BITD) partnership.
Image credits: Alejandra Valencia (@avathecreative.visuals)
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