JD welcomes Marc Lawson, owner of The Jeep Lab and founder of the Florida Trail Team Challenge, for a deep dive into Florida’s most intense off-road competition. With 45 challenges packed into one weekend—from recovery drills to blindfolded driving, marksmanship, survival tasks, and GPS navigation—the event simulates real-world wheeling scenarios that test skill, endurance, and teamwork. They discuss the evolution of the Challenge, the importance of Tread Lightly! ethics, and how trail stewardship is reshaping access in Florida’s Citrus Wildlife Management Area. Plus, Marc shares that you CAN wheel in Florida, building partnerships with organizations like the Florida Off-Road Foundation, and what it takes to pull off a volunteer-driven event that’s as exhausting as it is unforgettable.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Citrus Wildlife Management Area, FL

• Croom Wildlife Management Area, FL

• Ocala National Forest, FL

• Uwharrie National Forest, NC

• Moab Rim, UT

• Poison Spider Mesa, UT

• Rubicon Trail, CA

🛠️ Gear and Tools

• Avenza Maps – used by FL forest managers

• Gaia GPS

• onX Offroad

• Pull-Pal land anchor

• High-Lift Jack

• Sacrificial socket & U-joint repair kits

• Throwing knives & axes (Forged in Fire-style marksmanship)

• GPS trackers via Stinger Offroad / M2M Tech

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Marc Lawson: The Jeep Lab

• Tampa Jeep Crew

• Florida Trail Stompers

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• Tread Lightly!

• Florida Off-Road Foundation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News and Notes

• The 2022 Jeep Gladiator has widespread engine issues—Marc is on his third motor.

• Paved roads in Citrus WMA caused controversy, but only improve access for equestrians and campers.

• QR-code signage now directs users to official trail maps—Marc’s team helped install them during last year’s event.

• The Florida Off-Road License Plate helps fund on-the-ground trail improvement.

• Jeep vs. Bronco: Marc says the 392 Wrangler wouldn’t exist if not for the Bronco Raptor.

📅 Events and Resources

• Florida Trail Team Challenge

• The Jeep Lab

• Florida Off-Road Foundation

📞 Get Involved

• Leave a voicemail: Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

• Write a review: Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram: @thetrailheadpodcast

• Visit our site: thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Trailhead Gear: Shop Merch

• Discounts: Use code TRAILHEAD15 at Tyri Lights for 15% off