Chevrolet is giving the not so subtle hint that the rumored Silverado ZRX model is about to become reality. Today, the brand announced that a “Silverado Race Truck” would compete in this weekend’s Laughlin Desert Classic alongside the Hall Racing Colorado ZR2. Interestingly, the Silverado will compete in the Desert’s 1200 Stock Class, which limits changes to suspension, under body, and race-safety equipment. What does that mean? This truck is not only ready to race, it’s close to production too.

“Off-road racing is just brutal on vehicles,” said Mark Dickens, chief engineer, Government Programs, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports, “and a single race puts more wear and tear on trucks than most vehicles will experience in years. That makes off-road racing a valuable test bed to evaluate new components. What we learn while racing informs everything from future performance parts and accessories to GM Defense projects and production vehicle changes.”

The “Silverado Race Truck” is outfitted with a number of aftermarket goodies that look like they were ripped right off a Colorado ZR2. Starting as an LT Trail Boss with the 6.2L V8, the Silverado Race Truck is outfitted with a long travel suspension, front and rear jounce shocks and Multimatic DSSV dampers. In short… the modifications that Chevy applies to the Colorado for the ZR2 model.

Why didn’t Chevy just come out and call this the ZRX Race Truck? We’re not sure, but there’s no doubt this is a low flying announcement made to pave the way towards an eventual Silverado model that emulates the ZR2’s success in a larger package. Whether that’s enough to take on the Ford Raptor is too early to determine. Stay tuned for updates on the “Silverado Race Truck” and future Silverado ZRX.