In the summer of 2021, the Sasquatch Off-Road Adventure Club (SORAC) was founded by three friends: Neal Slaten, President of Tipton Ford Lincoln; Ronnie Coats, Director of Fixed Operations of Tipton Ford Lincoln; and Ray Mitchum, Commercial & Government Sales Manager of Tipton Ford Lincoln.
For years, Ronnie and Ray had been members of a Jeep club but wanted to create a club that was open to all drivers. “We have a lot of friends that drive Fords or other types of vehicles, but they couldn’t participate because it was a Jeep club only,” Ray said. After much discussion, the two got together with Neal and came up with SORAC. This 501(c)3 is named after the Sasquatch package of a Ford Bronco, and its focus is to educate members on the outdoors.
As a result of the recent pandemic, there are a lot more people getting outside, and a large number of these people have never gone exploring and camping before. This is where SORAC steps in. From staying on the trail in order to preserve local flora and making sure fires are extinguished to making accommodations for personal waste, there are so many issues that SORAC gives members directives on.
The club mascot, Squatchy, sits in the front windows of the Tipton dealership. When members go on trips, they often bring back stickers from their destinations. These stickers are proudly placed on Squatchy as mementos of the many adventures they have had.
SORAC is, by design, family-friendly, “It’s not just a bunch of guys, it’s couples, families, and a lot of kids, and that’s the way we like it.” Ronnie said. The trips that are planned aren’t just for off-roading; there is something for everyone, no matter their age. You can often find the SORAC club driving through Hill Country, camping on the river and kayaking, exploring backroads and admiring the wildflowers. They always find unique and quirky places for members to eat at. It’s just who they are.
Because of the educational focus of SORAC, this past March, Ronnie and Ray were invited to speak at the Overland Expo® in Salt Lake City, Utah. They presented to government leaders and numerous off-road clubs about the great success they have found. While in Utah, Ronnie and Ray attended the Moab 4×4 Academy and earned their off-road certification, which they plan on putting to good use in the continued education of SORAC members.
Because all three founders of SORAC work at Tipton Ford Lincoln, they understand that people buy cars and the cars become a part of their life. “Sometimes, car dealerships get caught up with just selling cars, but really, we sell people transportation for their vacations, fun and family life. It’s how they bond with their family and their friends.” Neal said. As SORAC grows, members are getting to know the great people that work at Tipton Ford Lincoln, and this has led to them selling more cars, putting on lift kits, new tires and so much more.
Located just behind Tipton Ford Lincoln in Nacogdoches, TX, is the SORAC Off-Road Test Course. Neal was the driving force behind this course. It gives members the opportunity to use all aspects of their 4WD/AWD vehicles in a controlled environment, including hill climbs, off-camber crossings, culvert crawls, a rock garden and much more. The educational course helps members become comfortable with off-roading obstacles and furthers the educational goals of SORAC.
Membership in SORAC is only $35 per year. They typically have 3-4 local trips each year, and one major trip to an adventurous destination which usually lasts about 10 days.
Anyone that purchases an AWD/4WD vehicle from Tipton Ford Lincoln receives a complimentary one-year membership to SORAC.
To learn more and join SORAC, please visit www.squatchorac.com.
To learn more about Tipton Ford Lincoln, please visit www.tiptonford.net.
Meet the Team!
Neal Slaten
President
Tipton Ford Lincoln
Founding Partner
Sasquatch Off Road Adventure Club
Ronnie Coats
Director of Fixed Operations
Tipton Ford Lincoln
Vice President
Sasquatch Off Road Adventure Club
Ray Mitchum
Commercial & Government
Sales Manager
President
Sasquatch Off Road Adventure Club