Drivers test their off-road skills

 LIMA - He couldn't see what awaited him below, but Mark VanElderen pressed the gas pedal and went for it.

 "It was amazing. I loved it," he said just moments after driving a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser onto a hill and over the top. "You couldn't see anything going down."

A popular event Friday at the 23rd annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Spring 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals was to not just test drive a Toyota Tacoma Truck or FJ Cruiser, but to drive through a simulated off-road obstacle course.

The jamboree continues today and Sunday at the Allen County Fairgrounds.

VanElderen, of Grand Rapids, Mich., said he's never had the opportunity to experience this kind of course. The rocks were challenging, he said, and a 34-degree side hill a little nerve wracking.

"It almost feels like you're going to fall over," he said. "It was sweet."

A Toyota trail team driver sits in the passenger seat offering advice to the new drivers. Brian "Woody" Swearingen said some are better than others. While slow is the key, some are a little heavy on the pedal.

"It's a race here this week, so folks like to go fast," he said.

Team driver Ron Quitevis offered advice to Derek Lewis, of Springfield, as he slowly made his way over a pile of large rocks. The key: left-foot braking. Lewis, who drives a 1996 Tacoma, jumped right in the FJ Cruiser, eager to get going.

"That was awesome," he said. "I play in the mud and the woods some, but this is the first time I've been on the rocks. I think I did pretty well."

Dan Lankhorst is used to driving through sand dunes in his home state of Michigan, but hasn't had much time on rocks. He eased into it and did fine.

"It's fun," he said. "Especially with somebody else's vehicle."

The fun wasn't just left for those getting behind the wheel. The trail team drivers also chauffer people through the course. Six-year-old Tyson Moore sat in the back seat with his mom, Megan Moore, of Ada.

"I loved it," an awe-faced Tyson said. He was adamant that he was fearless throughout, although mom says he had a "death grip" on her hand the whole time. Either way, he was waiting for a friend to arrive so he could go again.

O'Reilly Auto Parts Spring 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals

• 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today

• 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday

• Allen County Fairgrounds

• Adult: $18

• Child (3 to 12 years): $10

• Two-day passes: $30