Tuesday, November 30, 2010
BAJA TruckZ Sales and Services 619-251-9486 BAJA 1000 2010 "Dust To Glory"
BAJA TruckZ Vildosola Racing Wins BAJA 1000!
By: Bill Center
The son-father team of Gustavo Vildosola Jr. and Sr. made off-road racing history over the weekend when they became the first Mexican national team to win the overall title of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.
Gustavo Jr., 28, and his 57-year-old father teamed in a BAJA TruckZ Ford F-150 TrophyTruck to cover the 1,061.7-mile course in 19 hours and four seconds to defeat NASCAR driver Robby Gordon by 22 minutes and 18 seconds to win both the featured overall four-wheel and TrophyTruck titles.
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The first video is of the awards ceremony from La Paz, the finish line of this years race. The next two vids, over the Thanksgiving weekend, after the race and everyone returned home, the festivities of celebration were in Mexicali, home of Vildosola Racing. Here are some of the fiestas!:
San Diego’s Roger Norman finished third overall in the four-wheel divisions, giving him a first, second and third overall in the past three years.
The Honda factory team of Kendall Norman and Cody Quinn won the overall motorcycle title with a run of 19:22:22 for an average speed of 54.87 mph. It was the fifth overall career win for Norman and his fourth straight. It was also Honda’s 14th straight motorcycle win and 21st overall in the 43rd running of off-road racing’s greatest race.
The Vildosola team averaged 55.67 mph, marking the first time since 1973 that a four-wheel vehicle posted a faster time than the motorcycles.
“This means so much to us as the only Mexican team running in the division,” said Gustavo Jr. The Vildosolas, who reside in Mexicali, finished second overall in the 2007 race.
Gustavo Jr. started the race in Ensenada and also drove the final leg into the finish at La Paz. Gustavo Sr. drove a technically demanding middle section.
“I was second off the line and we were basically going to see what Norman’s pace was going to be and what his plan was for the day and then go from there,” said Gustavo Jr. “Roger had a pretty aggressive pace off the line and we just decided to sit back and pressure him. Roger got a flat a little south of San Felipe and we were able to get around him there and really never looked back.”
Vildosola Racing also reported to Baja Racing News LIVE! that their headers broke shortly after San Felipe, but they continued in the race without repairs, because the break didn't hurt the performance of the truck.
The race had 197 finishers out of 292 starters.
Five-time overall champion Mark McMillin teamed with Escondido’s Chuck Hovey to finish 11th overall. The Santee tandem of Robbie Pierce and Mike Julson finished 12th overall and Daniel McMillin, Steve Sourapas and Gary Arnold drove a Chevy-powered open-class buggy to 14th overall.
San Diego’s Kevin Carr won the open Baja Bug title.
HONDA's Winning Storyline
""The JCR/Honda team averaged 55mph adjusted down from projections due to a 100 mile section of dense fog that slowed the pace of the race dramatically. The strategy for Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody was aggressive to say the least. Kendall Norman started the race 5th off the line and rode flawlessly to Race Mile 354 putting the bike in the lead. Quinn Cody would ride from Race Mile 354 into the evening. Quinn would eventually hand the bike off to Kendall at Race Mile 733 where he would ride to the finish at mile 1061. Both racers gave 100% with only one flat tire over the entire course resulting in a dominate lead and a great victory with a finish time of 19:20.
JCR/Honda race support also supported several class winning teams which included: Class 21, Class 30, Class 40, Class 50, Class 60 and Class 24, making a total of 7 class wins for Honda. Proving once again, JCR/Honda Pit Program's speed and dependability.
"This win makes all of our work throughout the year worthwhile. I can't say enough about our JCR/Honda pits and chase crews they were awesome!"-- Quinn Cody
"This race is the culmination of an entire years worth of work. Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody executed a flawless plan and I am very proud of them. All I can say is thanks to everyone that made it possible. The pit crews, the JCR staff, mechanics, racers and families. The durability it takes to go wide open Off-Road for over 1000 miles is incredible and I want to personally thank American Honda, Affliction clothing, Lucas Oil, Dunlop Tires, Pro Circuit and all of the team sponsors your products are amazing and we couldn't do it without you." -- Johnny Campbell
"The fog was really thick for about 100 miles - it was as bad as I've seen it. It really tested me and what I had. It took everything I could to keep the bike moving and keep my goggles clean and just keep going. I can't say enough for my teammate Quinn, he did an amazing job. It was flawless. It has been a helluva long year, waking up every day thinking of this race. We finally made it and made all my dreams come true this year." -- Kendall Norman""
JCR/Honda race support also supported several class winning teams which included: Class 21, Class 30, Class 40, Class 50, Class 60 and Class 24, making a total of 7 class wins for Honda. Proving once again, JCR/Honda Pit Program's speed and dependability.
"This win makes all of our work throughout the year worthwhile. I can't say enough about our JCR/Honda pits and chase crews they were awesome!"-- Quinn Cody
"This race is the culmination of an entire years worth of work. Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody executed a flawless plan and I am very proud of them. All I can say is thanks to everyone that made it possible. The pit crews, the JCR staff, mechanics, racers and families. The durability it takes to go wide open Off-Road for over 1000 miles is incredible and I want to personally thank American Honda, Affliction clothing, Lucas Oil, Dunlop Tires, Pro Circuit and all of the team sponsors your products are amazing and we couldn't do it without you." -- Johnny Campbell
"The fog was really thick for about 100 miles - it was as bad as I've seen it. It really tested me and what I had. It took everything I could to keep the bike moving and keep my goggles clean and just keep going. I can't say enough for my teammate Quinn, he did an amazing job. It was flawless. It has been a helluva long year, waking up every day thinking of this race. We finally made it and made all my dreams come true this year." -- Kendall Norman""
BAJA 1000 from WIPEOUT PROJECT on Vimeo.
Baja Racing News.com followed the final efforts and provided LIVE! race results.
BAJA 1000 Race Reports LOADING HERE:
BAJA 1000 2010 1061.69 Mile Race Course
OFFICIAL FINISHERS
TOTAL STARTERS: 292 / TOTAL FINISHERS: 197 (68%)
(37 States, 19 Countries)
PRO TRUCKS & CARS:
TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)--1. Gus Vildosola Jr. /Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Mexico, Ford F-150, 19:00:04 (55.87 miles per hour); 2. Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., Chevy CK1500, 19:22:22; 3. Roger Norman, Reno, Nev., Ford F-150, 19:56:27; 4. B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas/Chad Ragland, Vista, Calif., Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 19:57:20; 5. Gary Weyhrich/Mark Weyhrich, Troutdale, Ore., Ford F-150, 20:08:04; 6. Troy Herbst/Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram1500, 20.49:39; 7. Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas/Will Staats, Valencia, Calif., Ford F-150, 20:54:18; 8. Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix/Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif./Larry Vanderwey, Litchfield Park, Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 21:10;11; 9. Jason Voss/Rich Voss, Cupertino, Calif./John Swift, Santa Ynez, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 21.13:14; 10. Mark McMillin, El Cajon, Calif./Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Ford F-150, 21:15:03; 11. Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson, Santee, Calif., Ford F-150; 21:25:08; 12. Jesse Jones, Litchfield Park, Ariz./Larry Ragland, Cave Creek, Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 21:30:39; 13. Adam Householder/Terry Householder, Orange, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 22:02:06; 14. Steve Strobel, Clarks, Neb./Dale Ebberts, Wilton, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 22.02:48; 15. Rob Bruce, Sublimity, Ore./Mark Witte, Silverton, Ore., Chevy Silverado, 23:35:09; 16. Craig Potts, Scottsdale, Ariz./Billy Cartwright, Glendale, Ariz., Ford F-150, 25:11:54; 17. Dave Crinklaw, Reedley, Calif./Mike Thurlow, Kingsburg, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 25:37:48; 18. Ed Stout, Irvine, Calif./Jay Manning, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico/Jason Batulis, Tustin, Calif., Chevy 1500, 26:09:02; 19. Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Cody Stuart/Justin Smith, Capistrano Beach, Calif./Pat Dean, Las Vegas, GMC Sierra, 27:12:44; 20. Andy McMillin, San Diego/Scott McMillin, National City, Calif., Ford F-150, 27:17:15; 21. Gary Magness/Devin Housh, Desert Hot Springs, Calif./Steve Knudson, Denver, Ford F-150, 27:53:36; 22. Pete Sohren, Glendale, Ariz./Bill Hernquist, Las Mesa, Calif./Ramsey El Wardani, Carlsbad, Calif., Ford F-150, 28:45:25; 23. Scott Steinberger, Signal Hill, Calif./Dave Sykes, Del Mar, Calif., Ford F-150, 29:12:17; 24. Josh Hall/Chad Hall/Rod Hall, Reno, Nev., Chevy Silverado, 32.51:04; 25. Glen Greer, Green Valley, Ariz./Shane Pavolka, Vail, Colo., Dodge Ram1500; 44:12:42.
(32 Starters, 25 Finishers)
CLASS 1 (Unlimited single or two-seaters)—1. Steve Appleton/Chris Appleton, Boise, Idaho, Jimco-Chevy, 20.32:18 (51.69 mph); 2. Daniel McMillin, El Cajon, Calif./Steve Sourapas, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Gary Arnold, El Cajon, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 21:39:47; 3. Nick Johnson, Anaheim Hills, Calif./James DeGaine, Indio, Calif., BTC-Subaru, 22:21:17; 4. Juan C. Flores, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico/Victor Barreda, San Ysidro, Calif./Steve Barry, San Jose del Cabo/Luis Ramirez, Cabo San Lucas, Calif., Racer-Chevy, 23:09:39; 5. Paul Keller/John Kremp, El Cajon, Calif./Charles Rudolph, San Diego, Jimco-Chevy, 25:12:47; 6. Rudy Cortez/Carlos Cortez, Henderson, Nev., DunBuggy-Chevy, 25:42:23; 7. Armin Kremer, Germany/Andreas Aigner, Austria/Jim Mihal, Vista, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 27:08:06; 8. Cameron Thieriot, Petaluma, Calif./Kash Vessels, Bonsall, Calif./Max Thieriot, Petaluma, Calif., RPS-Chevy, 27:18:56; 9. Todd Romano, Mesa, Ariz./Jack McCormick, Tempe, Ariz., DragonFire-Chevy, 28:22:42; 10. Dale Lenk, Costa Mesa, Calif./Brent Lenk/Grant Lenk, Newport Beach, Calif./Randy Perry, Santa Ana, Calif., Penhall-Chevy, 28:34:45; 11. Kory Halopoff/Harley Letner, Orange, Calif./Ron Brant, Torrance, Calif., Alpha-Chevy, 28:46:23; 12. David Greenhill/Mike Greenhill, Crowley, Texas/Mike Boone, Garden Grove, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 30:09:30; 13. Josh Rigsby/Erik Litzenberg, Santa Fe, N.M./Tony Murray, Tustin, Calif./Scott Wisdom, Lake Forest, Calif., Penhall-Chevy, 31:49:20; 14. Ikuo Hanawa, Japan, Hanawa-Toyota, 34:13:15; 15. Dan Martin, Monrovia, Calif./Dale Dondel/Mike Dondel, San Jacinto, Calif., Penhall-Chevy, 35.43:33; 16. Conan Barker, Whittier, Calif./Scott Zeppenfeldt, Brea, Calif./Brad Fauvre, Pacific Palisades, Calif./Ken Owens, Oak Hills, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 41:26:27.
(22 Starters, 16 Finishers)
CLASS 1/2-1600 (VW-powered, single or two-seaters to 1600cc)—1. Arturo Velazco/Abel Velazco/Rogelio Pando, Banning, Calif./Esteban Cruz, Ensenada, Mexico Porter, 25:31:46 (41.58 mph); 2. Arnoldo Ramirez/Eli Yee/Misael Arambula/Alan Maupome, Ensenada, Mexico, Curry, 25:36:38; 3. Daniel Lopez, Ensenada, Mexico/Ambrosio Gutierrez, Mission, Texas, Curry, 25:41:46; 4. Luke McMillin, El Cajon, Calif./Andrew DeVercelly IV, Lakeside, Calif./Adam Pfankuch, Oceanside/Rick St. John, Encinitas, Calif., AlumiCraft, 26:12:00; 5. Danilo Cesena, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico/Roberto Romo, Mexicali, Mexico, 29:08:43; 6. Eliseo Garcia, San Ysidro, Calif./Hector Sarabia/Federico Montes, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay, 29:24:41; 7. Pancho Bio/Cisco Bio/Jorge Martinez, El Cajon, Calif./Leonardo Navarrete/Alejandro Navarrete, Mexicali, Mexico, Tubular Design, 30:41:43; 8. Kevin J. Walsh, Manchester, Mo./John Spar, Westlake Village, Calif./George Peters, Newbury Park, Calif., Penhall, 31:37:27; 9. Rick Steven, Oceanside, Calif./Charlie Steven, Las Cruces, N.M./Robert Figlioli, El Cajon, Calif., RaceCo, 34:49:44; 10. Ray Files, Carlsbad, Calif./Josh Tieman, Metal, 37:28:47; 11. Harry J. Curtin, Phoenix, Harry W. Curtin, Orchard Park, N.Y./Andy Lee, Chandler, Ariz./Lyndon Slade, 30, Phoenix, Foddrill, 37:39:26; 12. Alejandro Lozano/Gerardo Luengas/Alejandro Ibarrola/Federico Tejado, Mexico City, Mayoral, 40:33.30.
(15 Starters, 12 Finishers)
CLASS 3 (Short Wheelbase 4X4)—1. Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif./Ken Moss, Marysville, Calif./Dave Grudsman, Elk Grove, Calif., Ford Bronco, 28:37:23 (37.09 mph).
(3 Starters, 1 Finisher)
CLASS 5 (Unlimited VW Baja Bugs)—1. Kevin Carr/Noe Valdez, San Diego/Luis Barragan/Luis Barragan Jr., Mexicali, Mexico, 25:32:48 (41.55 mph); 2. Cody Kellogg, Cypress, Calif./Rick Wilcoxson, Upland, Calif./Troy Johnson, Riverside, Calif., 27:45:37; 3. Victor Cesena Jr. /Victor Cesana, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico/Jorge Dominguez, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, 29:12:48; 4. Carlos Albanez, El Centro, Calif./Hector Perez/Luivan Voelker, Mexicali, Mexico/Guillermo Artengsa, Chula Vista, Calif., 29:19:26; 5. Tom Bird, Chatsworth, Calif./Jim Borden/Scott Wagstaff, 34:02:28; 6. Drew Belk, Coachella, Calif./Dave Bonner, Norco, Calif./Jim Anderson, Reno, Nev./Mike Belk, Palm Desert, Calif., 37:38:20.
(8 Starters, 6 Finishers)
CLASS 5/1600 (1600cc VW Baja Bugs)—1. Gustavo Avina/Miguel Leon, Ensenada, Mexico, 28:15:20 (37.57 mph); 2. Erich Reisen/Ross Burden/Ted Balkie, Canada, 30:55:06; 3. Sergio Moreno/Tijuana, Mexico/Manuel Rodriguez/Juan Rodriguez, Chile/Gerardo Iribe, Santa Ana, Calif./Carlos Iribe, Rosarito, Mexico, 31:30:16; 4. Alonso Angulo/Roberto Rabago/Mario Reynoso, Ensenada/Gerardo Salazar/Angel Chavez/Horacio Morales, Tijuana, Mexico, 32.32:19; 5. Trevor Anderson/Mark Anderson, Carlsbad, Calif./Archie Negrete, San Diego/Victor Cells, Ensenada, Mexico, 32:54:20; 6. Ernesto Arambula/Miguel Rosales/Luis Guevara/Andres Barrera/Ramon Aguilar, Ensenada, Mexico, 34:57:11; 7. John Witchel, San Franciso/Jonathan Knight, San Mateo, Calif./Eric Hansen, San Francisco/Chris Stuart, Danville, Calif., 44:00:14.
(8 Starters, 7 Finishers)
CLASS 6 (Unlimited, production mini trucks)—1. David Caspino, Woodland Hills, Calif./Jason Ruane, Lancaster, Calif., Ford Ranger, 22:54:37 (46.34 mph); 2. Al Hogan, Columbus, Mont./Pat Bell, Gardena, Calif., Ford Ranger, 25:03:33; 3. Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Rene Brugger, San Diego, Ford Ranger, 27:43:10; 4. Robert Pickering, Tustin, Calif./Ben Phillips, Colusa, Calif., Ford Ranger, 38:50:04.
(8 Starters, 4 Finishers)
CLASS 7 (Open, production mini trucks)—1. Dan Chamlee/Tom Chamlee, Carpenteria, Calif., Ford Ranger, 28:10:19 (37.69 mph); 2. Jose Gonzalez, Mexicali, Mexico/Willie Valdez, Ensenada, Ford Ranger, 35:03:51; 3. Guillermo Gallardo, Chino Hills, Calif./Reynaldo Avila/Marco Drew, Loreto, Mexico, Ford Ranger, 41:29:09.
(6 Starters, 3 Finishers)
CLASS 7SX (Modified, open mini trucks)—1. Elias Hanna/Jose Castro/Abelardo Ruanoua, Ensenada, Mexico, Ford Ranger, 29.41:28 (35.75 mph); 2. Oscar Licon, San Quintin, Mexico/Juan Castenada, Camalu, Mexico, Ford Ranger, 37:35:46; 3. Norm Turley/Trevor Turley, Long Beach, Calif./Jesus Galvan, Whittier, Calif., Ford Ranger, 38:00:42; 4. Jon Anderson, San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Mike Horner, Mission Viejo, Calif./Brandt Anderson, Ladera Ranch, Calif., Toyota Tacoma, 38:23:26.
(4 Starters, 4 Finishers)
CLASS 8 (Full-sized two-wheel drive trucks)—1. Clyde Stacy, Bristol, Va./Justin Matney, Bristol, Tenn., Chevy Silverado, 23.50:23 (44.53 mph); 2. Kent Kroeker, Valley Center, Calif./Harri Pavanpera, Finland, Dodge Ram2500; 30:58:25; 3. Juan C. Lopez, Tecate, Mexico/Jose Robles, San Ysidro, Calif./Ricardo DeLas Cabos, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford F-150, 33:55:18; 4. Tom Bradley, Las Vegas/Lupito Abaroa, La Paz, Mexico/Roger Derrick, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 38:41:50; 5. Stanley Burns/Carlos Murillo, Loreto, Mexico, Ford F-150, 44:58:18.
(7 Starters, 5 Finishers)
CLASS 9 (VW-powered, Short wheelbase, single or two-seaters)—1. Clyde Stacy/Michael Powell, Bristol, Va./Jorge De La Torre, Ensenada, Mayoral, 39:53:18 (26.62 mph).
(1 Starter, 1 Finisher)
CLASS 10 (Single or two-seaters to 1650cc) – 1. Sergio Salgado/Gustavo Pinuelas/Cesar Castillo, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco-Honda, 24:22:42 (43.55 mph); 2. Jon Walker, Guam/Oscar Nuevo, Fontana, Calif./Derek Kreger, Anaheim Hills, Calif., Kreger-Honda, 26:15:20 3. Lars Ferry, Phoenix/Dan Ragland, Cave Creek, Ariz./Rob Martensen, Phoenix, Jimco-VW, 27:04:51;
(6 Starters, 3 Finishers)
SCORE LITES (VW-powered, Limited single-1776cc-or two-seaters-1835cc)—1. Justin Davis, Chino Hills, Calif./Daniel Folts, La Habra, Calif./Francisco Villagomez, San Jose del Cabo, Seagrove, 22:53:05 (46.39 mph); 2. Lee Banning, Laveen, Ariz./Lee Banning Jr., Litchfield Park, Ariz./Gary Wilhelm, Jr., Dana Point, Calif./Rick Graf, Scottsdale, Ariz./Rick Boyer, Bakersfield, Calif., Foddrill, 24:58:14; 3. Hector Garcia, Imperial Beach, Calif./Roberto Encinas/Carlos Gomez/Roberto Encinas Jr., Chula Vista, Calif., Jimco, 25:55:36; 4. Samuel Araiza/Ernesto Cervantes/Humberto Osuna, La Paz, Mexico, Curry, 30:03:16; 5. John Padgett, Canada/Brian Steele, Hesperia, Calif./Ryan Nikita, Canada/Terry Kirley, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kreger, 30:38:30; 6. Antonio Castro/Nicolas Amtoriz/Ulises Araiza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Chenowth, 30:56:43;; 7. Hector Ibarra/Juan Jiminez, La Paz, Mexico, Lundin, 34:04:05; 8. James Marquez, Bonita, Calif./Marcos Nunez/Norberto Rivera, Ensenada, Mexico, Jimco, 34:35:33; 9. Jose de Jesus Flores/Jaime Huerta/Alan Zamudio, Culiacan, Mexico/Alharo Galarza, Ensenada, Mexico, 34:37:44; 10. Jake Jones/Josh Jones/Scot Jones, San Clemente, Calif., Hank, 39.46:55; 11. Eric Palacios, Las Vegas/Daniel Gonzalez/Abel Zateco, Chenowth, 44:41:43.
(14 Starters, 11 Finishers)
CLASS 11 (Stock VW Sedans)—1. Matt Cullen, Long Beach, Calif./Mike Lombardi, Concord, Calif./Jason Liebl, Long Beach, Calif., 43:03:28 (24.65 mph).
(4 Starters, 1 Finisher)
STOCK FULL (Stock, Full-sized trucks)—1. Joe Bacal, Anthem, Ariz., Lexus LX570, 42:57:12 (24.71 mph).
(2 Starters, 1 Finisher)
STOCK MINI (Stock, Mini trucks)—1. Gavin Skilton, Anaheim, Calif. (England)/Andy Grider, Los Olivos, Calif., Honda Ridgeline, 29.23:48 (36.12 mph); 2. Ivan Stewart, El Cajon, Calif./Joe Nolan, Wittman, Ariz./Ken Ziesemer, Wittman, Ariz., Toyota 4Runner, 43:28:27.
(3 Starters, 2 Finishers)
PROTRUCK (Limited, production trucks)— 1. Rob Reinertson, Woodside, Calif./Rob Clouser, Kingman, Ariz./Bob Neth, Julian, Calif., Ford F-150, 26:25:16 (40.18 mph); 2. Nils Castillo, Westlake Village, Calif./Joe Custer, Kannapolis, N.C./Gene Haas, Oxnard, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 27:27:45; 3.
Troy Vest, Molalla, Ore./Geno Lecitra, Redmond, Ore./Alan Levinson, Blue Diamond, Nev./Doug Poole, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 31:46:28; 4. Paul Perrizo, Long Beach, Calif./Lee Patten, Bellflower, Calif./Chris Paulsen, Indianapolis, Ind., Ford F-150, 41:54:13; 5. Chelsea Magness/Matt Robinson, Desert Hot Springs, Calif./Michael McNaughton, Arvada, Colo./Wally Hrdlicka, Palm Desert, Calif./Tom Bradley Jr., Henderson, Nev., Ford F-150, 43:02:41.
(5 Starters, 5 Finishers)
CLASS 17 (Class 3, Modified Jeeps)—1. Eric Filar, Lake Elsinore, Calif./Scott Haltman, Redlands, Calif./Jeff Lessley, Delano, Calif./Ralf Kveller, Germany/Ron Stobaugh, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Jeep Wrangler, 35:42:30 (29.73 mph).
(3 Starters, 1 Finisher)
BAJA CHALLENGE (Subaru-powered, identically-equipped Baja touring cars)—1. John McInnis III, Gulf Shores, Ala./John McInnis Jr./Rick Skelton, Atlanta/Todd Clement, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., 24:26:16 (43.44 mph); 2. Bud Brutsman, Burbank, Calif./Jason Scherer, Danville, Calif./Kyle Tucker, Mooresville, N.C./Casey Currie, Anaheim, Calif./Lars Wolfe, Danville, Calif./Chad Gilsinger, Marysville, Ohio, 25:20:16; 3. Brian Valentine, Bellvue, Wash./Pete Pigott/J. Allard/Matthew Swann/Peter Descants, Seattle/Jacob Valentine, Bellevue, Wash., 25:32:54; 4. Christian Hammarskjold, Exton, Pa./Philip Hammarskjold, Atherton, Calif./Eduardo Mejia, Atlanta/Dean Walsh, Camarillo, Calif./Ira Moskowitz, 28:18:24; 5. Mike Cassling/Mike Mitten, Omaha, Neb/Davy Jones, Genoa, Nev./Marco Guerrero/Roberto Guerrero, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (Columbia)/Sebastian Saveedra, Zionsville, Ind. (Columbia), 29:30:41; 6. Dr. Steven Funk, Canada/Travis Clarke, San Diego/Richard Tuthill, Great Britain/Byram Frost, San Marcos, Calif./Eric Berkley/Pete Paitz, San Diego, 37:04:56.
(6 Starters, 6 Finishers)
CLASS 7-2 (Unlimited 2.2/2.4-Liter Truck)—1. Jim Riley, Ladera Ranch, Calif./Rick L. Johnson, Oak Hills, Calif./Matt Dowland, Apple Valley, Calif., TrophyLite-Chevy, 26:39:20 (39.82 mph); 2. Fawn Finchum/Bruce Finchum, Mesa, Ariz./Kelly Ross, Parker, Colo., TrophyLite-Chevy, 30:38:30; 3. Ron Stobaugh, Georgetown, Calif./Wes Bevly/Wes Bevly IV, Corpus Christi, Texas, BajaLite-Chevy, 38:14:47.
(4 Starters, 3 Finishers)
CLASS 2 (Limited, 2.2 Liter open-wheel car)
(1 Starter, 0 Finishers)
CLASS 4 (Unlimited, 2.2 Liter open-wheel car)—1. Jason LaFortune/Jeff Proctor, Upland, Calif., TMR-Chevy, 32:05:58 (33.07 mph); 2. John Langley/Morgan Langley, Santa Monica, Calif./Robert Harmon, Torrance, Calif./David Callaway, Menifee, Calif., Racer-Chevy, 32:36:29;.
(3 Starters, 2 Finishers)
M-TRUCK (Oshkosh Light Concept Vehicle (LCV))--
(2 Starters, 0 Finishers)
STOCK ENGINE TRUCK CLASS (Stock Engine Trucks)—1. Mike McCarthy/Robbie McCarthy, Wickenburg, AZ, Ford F-150, 38:29:58 (27.57 mph); 2. Randy Merritt/Larry Trim, Paker, AZ, Ford F-150, 44:37:34 (23.89 mph).
(2 Starters, 2 Finishers)
PRO MOTORCYCLES:
CLASS 22 (250cc or more)—1. Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Quinn Cody, Buellton, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 19:20:52 (54.87 mph); 2. A.J. Stewart, Jamul, Calif./Bryce Stavron, Palmdale, Calif./Kevin Johnson, Boulder City, Nev./Jesse Sharpe, Escondido, Calif./Craig Smith, Brawley, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 23.16:39; 3. Steve Corrie, Brush Prairie, Wash./Dan Boespflug, Battleground, Wash./Joey Lancaster, Troutdale, Ore./Craig Bowman, Kelso, Wash., Honda CRF450X, 26.29:43; 4. Francisco Arredondo, Guatemala/James West, Great Britain/Mark Ackerman, South Africa/Sunny Irvine, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 26:39:36; 5. Colton Udall, San Clemente, Calif./Justin Imhoff, Alta Loma, Calif./Timmy Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 27.22:33; 6. Gabriel Williams, Provo, Utah, Honda CRF450X, 27:48:40; 7. Dennis Hannel, Shingle Springs, Calif./Jim Owens/Nick Owens, Scotts Valley, Calif., Brian Lerette, Arnold, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 28:20:58; 8. Junpei Saito/Kyonari Ohtsukas/Shigeru Kurai, Japan, Honda CRF450X, 38:15:49.
(11 Starters, 8 Finishers)
CLASS 21 (126cc to 250cc)—1. Sol Saltzman, Vail, Colo./Matthew Karlsen, Denver/Bill Boyer, Lomita, Calif./Ryan Kudla, Oxnard, Calif./Mike Blackman, Encinitas, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 22:45:41 (46.64 mph); 2. Adam Neuwirth, Los Angeles/Bill Gilbert, Ladera Ranch, Calif./Dennis Greene, Sky Valley, Calif./Scott Yenzer, Golden, Colo./Colie Potter, Murrieta, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 23:54:41; 3. Ernesto Inowe/Jose Ruvalcaba/Salvador Hernandez/Brandon Prieto, Ensenada, Mexico, Yamaha WR450R, 26:47:36.
(4 Starters, 3 Finishers)
CLASS 20 (125cc)—1. Jesus Rios, Calexico, Calif./Joe Leal, Mexicali, Mexico/Edgar Espinoza, El Centro, Calif./Jonan Medrano, Imperial, Calif., Honda CRF250X, 25:07:00 (42.27 mph); 2. Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif./Roger Hurd, Hesperia, Calif./Robert Laughlin, Solvang, Calif./Morgan Spradling, Montrose, Colo., Honda CRF250X, 26:36:07; 3. Jason Trubey/Jeremy Purvines/Ron Purvines/Carl Maasberg, Henderson, Nev./David Fry, Las Vegas, Honda CRF250X, 28:47:58.
(3 Starters, 3 Finishers)
CLASS 30 (Riders over 30 years old)—1. Francisco Septien, Ensenada, Mexico/Shane Esposito, Lake Elsinore, Calif./Brian Pinard, Sun City, Calif./Noe Ibarra, Banning, Calif./Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Rex Cameron, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda CRF450X, 22:37:03 (46:94 mph); 2. Steve Garnett/Charles Machester, Carson City, Nev./David Brewer, Cedar Park, Texas/Pete Cochran, Honda CRF450X, 26:23:32; 3. Javier Hernandez, Obregon, Mexico/Mike Crawford, Phoenix/Eduardo Rosas, Huatabampo, Mexico/Steve Bailor, Fullerton, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 28:52:03; 4. Ace Nilson, Reno, Nev./Dean Selph, Seattle/Ken Wortman, Canada/Aaron Beasty, Bend, Ore., Honda CRF450X, 32:33:46; 5. Donald Hatton/Nicolas Caldwell/ Paul Gallagher/Marc Ebdrup, Canada, Husaberg 570, 33:02:07; 6. Markus Saarinen/Steve Richards/Tom Phielix, Tucson, Ariz./Seppo Saarinen, Camas, Wash., Honda CRF450X; 35:33:49; 7. Talya Dodson, Truckee, Calif., KTM 530XC-W, 42.50:47.
(7 Starters, 7 Finishers)
CLASS 40 (Riders over 40 years old)—1. Louie Franco, Sherman Oaks, Calif./Ricky Johnson/Trabuco Canyon, Calif./Jeff Kaplan, Thousand Oaks, Calif./Brett Helm, Poway, Calif./Scott Myers, Menifee, Calif., Trabuco Canyon, Calif./Bob Johnson, San Diego/Troy Lee, Corona, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 22:32:17 (47.11 mph); 2. Henrik Andersen, Capistrano Beach, Calif./Ryan Armitage, Las Cruces, N.M./Brian Sharp, Platteville, Colo./Kyle Abney, Albuquerque, N.M., KTM 530EXC, 26.46:33; 3. Andrew Wilkins, Winchester, Calif./Paul Wilkins, Santa Ana, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 27:29:00; 4. Tom Vogt, Tempe, Ariz./Ken Hughes, Gilbert, Ariz./Tom Stanley, Casa Grande, Ariz./Barry Lane, Mesa, Ariz./Eric Zite, Gilbert, Ariz., Honda CRF450X, 31:15:15; 5. Mike Prunty, Temecula, Calif./Steriyn Rigsby, Temecula, Calif./Lester Lehigh, Bishop, Calif./Jeff Kelly, Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 32:10:58; 6. Boo Custer/Steven Davidson, League City, Texas/Michael Spellings, Houston/Norman Thornhill III, Friendswood, Texas, Honda CRF450X, 36:42:05; 7. Terry Peregoodoff, Canada, Yamaha WR450F, 42:54:36.
(8 Starters, 7 Finishers)
CLASS 50 (Riders over 50 years old)—1. Jim Dizney, Alpine, Calif./Doug Smith, Upland, Calif./Dave Potts, Burbank, Calif./Jimmy Sones, Banning, Calif./Charlie Marshal, Carmichael, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 24:53:57 (42.64 mph).
(2 Starters, 1 Finisher)
CLASS 60 (Riders over 60 years old)—1. Bill Nichols, Peoria, Ariz./Richard Jackson, Acton, Calif./Mark Force, Bakersfield, Calif./Al Perrett, Canada/Guy Wilson, Bakersfield, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 30:45:37 (34.51 mph); 2. Donald Lewis, Marlborough, Conn./Chuck Koistra, Menifee, Calif./Sam Dempsey, Lake Balboa, Calif./Bob Gates, Hesperia, Calif./Mike Harper, Landers, Calif./Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif./Ron Dugan, Upland, Calif./Will Rogers, Escondido, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 32:04:57.
(2 Starters, 2 Finishers)
PRO ATVs:
CLASS 25 (over 251cc)—1. Felipe Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Malio Diaz, La Paz, Mexico/Carlos Lopez, San Felipe, Mexico/Maro Gonzalez, La Paz, Mexico/Stefano Caputo, San Felipe, Mexico (Italy), Honda TRX700XX, 24:54:27 (42:63 mph); 2. Wayne Matlock/Harold Goodman, Brownstown, Mich./Josh Caster, El Cajon, Calif./Wes Miller, Fallbrook, Calif., Honda TRX700XX, 25:10:19; 3. Eric Bakx/Charles Laviolette/Sylvain Leduc/Guillaume Landriault, Canada, Suzuki LTR450, 44:53:26.
(6 Starters, 3 Finishers)
CLASS 24 (under 251cc)— 1. Brandon Brown, Umatilla, Ore./Jorie Williams, Longview, Wash./Mike Kelley III, Edgewood, Wash./Kenny Sanford, Tacoma, Wash./Nick Nelson, Tehachapi, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 24:54:08 (42.63 mph); 2. Efren Carrasco, San Diego/Adrian Valdez/Julio Covas/Mario Yorba, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 28:21:03; 3. Manny Jimenez/Samuel Garcia, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 35:04:26; 4. Craig Christy, Burbank, Calif./Jason Wade, Austin, Texas/Joe Bernal, Chula Vista, Calif./Paul Velasquez, San Diego/Aaron Ayo, Austin, Texas/Beau Nilsson, Burbank, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 37:11:12;
(8 Starters, 4 Finishers)
CLASS 26 (Limited, Utility)—1. Reid Rutherford, Montrose, Colo./Benn Vernadakis, Rico, Colo./Tony Valerio, Telluride, Colo./Austin Madvena, San Felipe, Mexico, Arctic Cat, 39:25:24 (26.93 mph); 2. Rob Ransford, Chicago/Tim Winiarski, Carson, Calif./Joe Rice, Lomita, Calif., Can-Am 4X4, 43:25:05.
(3 Starters, 2 Finishers)
SPORTSMAN:
OVERALL SPT CAR-- Peter Lang, Santa Rosa, Calif./Peter Irving, Alamo, Calif./Dan German, Petaluma, Calif./Brian Jellison, Santa Rosa, Calif., Homebuilt-Buick, 32:49:34 (32.34 mph)
(7 Starters, 2 Finishers)
OVERALL SPT TRUCK
(5 Starters, 0 Finishers)
OVERALL SPT UTV (660cc, 4-wheel utility vehicle)
(3 Starters, 0 Finishers)
OVERALL EXHIBITION VEHICLES
(2 Starters, 0 Finishers)
OVERALL SPT M/C<250cc—>250cc— Salvador Sainz, San Diego/David Gonzalez Jr. /Juan Villa Senor, Chula Vista, Calif./Ruben Miramontes/Juan Sanchotena, San Diego, KTM XC450, 25.13:02 (42.10 mph).
(40 Starters, 26 Finishers)
OVERALL SPT ATV— Brad McLean/Ken Lehmann/Jeff Sania/Darin Bullivant, Canada, Yamaha Raptor
29:50:30 (35.58 mph).
(4 Starters, 3 Finishers)
Top Overall Finishers:
Pro Trucks & Cars:
1. Gus Vildosola Jr. /Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Mexico, Ford F-150, 19:00:04 (55.87 miles per hour) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
2. Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., Chevy CK1500, 19:22:22 (54.80 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
3. Roger Norman, Reno, Nev., Ford F-150, 19:56:27 (53.24 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
4. B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas/Chad Ragland, Vista, Calif., Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 19:57:20 (53.20 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
5. Gary Weyhrich/Mark Weyhrich, Troutdale, Ore., Ford F-150, 20:08:04 (52.73 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
6. Steve Appleton/Chris Appleton, Boise, Idaho, Jimco-Chevy, 20.32:18 (51.69 mph) (Class 1)
7. Troy Herbst/Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram1500, 20.49:39 (50.97 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
8. Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas/Will Staats, Valencia, Calif., Ford F-150, 20:54:18 (50.78 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
9. Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix/Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif./Larry Vanderwey, Litchfield Park, Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 21:10:11 (50.15 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
10. Jason Voss/Rich Voss, Cupertino, Calif./John Swift, Santa Ynez, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 21.13:14 (50.03 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
11. Mark McMillin, El Cajon, Calif./Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif., Ford F-150, 21:15:03 (49.96 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
12. Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson, Santee, Calif., Ford F-150; 21:25:08 (49.56 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
13. Jesse Jones, Litchfield Park, Ariz./Larry Ragland, Cave Creek, Ariz., Chevy Silverado, 21:30:39 (49.35 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
14. Daniel McMillin, El Cajon, Calif./Steve Sourapas, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Gary Arnold, El Cajon, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 21:39:47 (49.01 mph) (Class 1)
15. Adam Householder/Terry Householder, Orange, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 22:02:06 (48.18 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
16. Steve Strobel, Clarks, Neb./Dale Ebberts, Wilton, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 2:02:48 (48.16 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
17. Nick Johnson, Anaheim Hills, Calif./James DeGaine, Indio, Calif., BTC-Subaru, 22:21:17 (47.44 mph) (Class 1)
18. Justin Davis, Chino Hills, Calif./Daniel Folts, La Habra, Calif./Francisco Villagomez, San Jose del Cabo, Seagrove, 22:53:05 (46.39 mph) (SCORE LITE)
19. David Caspino, Woodland Hills, Calif./Robert Mason, Valley Center, Calif., Ford Ranger, 22:54:37 (46.34 mph) (Class 6)
20. Juan C. Flores, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico/Victor Barreda, San Ysidro, Calif./Steve Barry, San Jose del Cabo/Luis Ramirez, Cabo San Lucas, Calif., Racer-Chevy, 23:09:39 (45.83 mph) (Class 1)
21. Rob Bruce, Sublimity, Ore./Mark Witte, Silverton, Ore., Chevy Silverado, 23:35:09 (45.01 mph) (SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK)
22. Clyde Stacy, Bristol, Va./Justin Matney, Bristol, Tenn., Chevy Silverado, 23.50.23 (44.53 mph) (Class 8)
23. Sergio Salgado/Gustavo Pinuelas/Cesar Castillo, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco-Honda, 24:22:42 (43.55 mph) (Class 10)
24. John McInnis III, Gulf Shores, Ala./John McInnis Jr./Rick Skelton, Atlanta/Todd Clement, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., 24:26:16 (43.44 mph)
25. Lee Banning, Laveen, Ariz./Lee Banning Jr., Litchfield Park, Ariz./Gary Wilhelm, Jr., Dana Point, Calif./Rick Graf, Scottsdale, Ariz./Rick Boyer, Bakersfield, Calif., Foddrill, 24:58:14 (42.52 mph)
Pro Motorcycles:
1. Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Quinn Cody, Buellton, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 19:20:52 (54.87 mph) (Class 22)
2. Louie Franco, Sherman Oaks, Calif./Ricky Johnson/Trabuco Canyon, Calif./Jeff Kaplan, Thousand Oaks, Calif./Brett Helm, Poway, Calif./Scott Myers, Menifee, Calif., Trabuco Canyon, Calif./Bob Johnson, San Diego/Troy Lee, Corona, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 22:32:17 (47:11 mph) (Class 40)
3. Francisco Septien, Ensenada, Mexico/Shane Esposito, Lake Elsinore, Calif./Brian Pinard, Sun City, Calif./Noe Ibarra, Banning, Calif./Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Rex Cameron, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda CRF450X, 22:37:03 (46.94 mph) (Class 30)
4. Sol Saltzman, Vail, Colo./Matthew Karlsen, Denver/Bill Boyer, Lomita, Calif./Ryan Kudla, Oxnard, Calif./Mike Blackman, Encinitas, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 22:45.41 (46.64 mph) (Class 21)
5. A.J. Stewart, Jamul, Calif./Bryce Stavron, Palmdale, Calif./Kevin Johnson, Boulder City, Nev./Jesse Sharpe, Escondido, Calif./Craig Smith, Brawley, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 23.16:39 (45.61 mph) (Class 22)
6. Adam Neuwirth, Los Angeles/Bill Gilbert, Ladera Ranch, Calif./Dennis Greene, Sky Valley, Calif./Scott Yenzer, Golden, Colo./Colie Potter, Murrieta, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 23:54:41 (44.40 mph) (Class 21)
7. Jim Dizney, Alpine, Calif./Doug Smith, Upland, Calif./Dave Potts, Burbank, Calif./Jimmy Sones, Banning, Calif./Charlie Marshal, Carmichael, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 24.53:57 (42.64 mph) (Class 50)
8. Jesus Rios, Calexico, Calif./Joe Leal, Mexicali, Mexico/Edgar Espinoza, El Centro, Calif./Jonan Medrano, Imperial, Calif., Honda CRF250X, 25:07:00 (42.27 mph) (Class 20)
10. Steve Garnett/Charles Machester, Carson City, Nev./David Brewer, Cedar Park, Texas/Pete Cochran, Honda CRF450X, 26:23:32 (40.23 mph)
Pro ATVs:
1. Brandon Brown, Umatilla, Ore./Jorie Williams, Longview, Wash./Mike Kelley III, Edgewood, Wash./Kenny Sanford, Tacoma, Wash./Nick Nelson, Tehachapi, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 24:54:08 (42.63 mph) (Class 24)
2. Felipe Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Malio Diaz, La Paz, Mexico/Carlos Lopez, San Felipe, Mexico/Maro Gonzalez, La Paz, Mexico/Stefano Caputo, San Felipe, Mexico (Italy), Honda TRX700XX, 24:54:27 (42.63 mph) (Class 25)
2. 3. Wayne Matlock/Harold Goodman, Brownstown, Mich./Josh Caster, El Cajon, Calif./Wes Miller, Fallbrook, Calif., Honda TRX700XX, 25:10:19 (42.18 mph) (Class 25)
4. Efren Carrasco, San Diego/Adrian Valdez/Julio Covas/Mario Yorba, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 28:21:03 (37.45 mph) (Class 24)
5. Manny Jimenez/Samuel Garcia, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 35:04:26 (30.70 mph) (Class 24)
CLASS M TEST ENTRY PRESS RELEASE
OSHKOSH, Wis. — Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) announced its Extreme Racing team has completed the 43rd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race course in Mexico. The Oshkosh Extreme Racing team ran its Light Concept Vehicles (LCV) through the rugged 1,061-mile desert course and one crossed the finish line in La Paz today.
“Off-road racing teams compete in the Baja 1000 to push the limits, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see our vehicle overcome the difficult desert terrain,” said Chris Yakes, Oshkosh Corporation vice president of Advanced Products Engineering and Oshkosh Extreme Racing team leader. “Our team’s performance on this world-renowned course speaks to both the quality of our technologies and the expertise of our drivers and technical crew. I couldn’t be more proud of our team.”The two Oshkosh Extreme Racing vehicles, numbered M1 and M2 for the race, were driven by members of California Gold Racing (CGR), led by legendary race driver Glenn Harris. M2 reached speeds of nearly 80 miles per hours and completed the course at 4:20 p.m. PST – approximately 6.5 hours over the limit for scoring purposes.
According to Harris, “There are so many unknowns going into the SCORE Baja 1000 race because of the extreme nature of this event. By finishing one of the toughest off-road races, Oshkosh is demonstrating that this new powertrain and suspension technologies are ready for almost anything.”
“Approximately 58 percent of all vehicles that start the race, are able to finish the race,” said Sal Fish, SCORE International’s President and CEO, which has sanctioned and produced the event since 1975. “I know I speak for the entire SCORE staff and race officials when I say we are impressed with how well the Oshkosh Extreme Racing team performed during their inaugural run.”
Oshkosh Extreme Racing ran two vehicles in the 1,061-mile off-road race. The Oshkosh LCV M1 was unable to meet a checkpoint time requirement, causing the vehicle to receive a “did not finish” result.
The LCV includes the next-generation of TAK-4® independent suspension systems. The new system expands on Oshkosh’s patented TAK-4 suspension by increasing off-road mobility, improving vehicle maneuverability and providing a smoother ride. The Oshkosh ProPulse® diesel-electric powertrain design delivers improved fuel economy and can export significant levels of electrical power.
“I’ve been off-road racing for 30 years now, and this was hands down my favorite race,” said Harris. “SCORE put on another great point-to-point run from Ensenada to La Paz. It was extremely challenging and the vehicles out-performed my expectations. This vehicle thrived where most vehicles have the toughest time in the adverse terrain. We didn’t get stuck once – and the LCV cruised over the silt beds and powered through flooded washes that got deeper and deeper with each passing vehicle.
“Participating in a competitive event like the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 was an amazing experience for our team. The race allowed us to assess the performance of our technologies under extreme conditions and we learned a lot,” Yakes said. “This development milestone was a huge success and our engineers and maintenance experts are eager to apply what we learned to ultimately improve military vehicle fleets for decades to come.”
HONDA WINS BAJA 1000 2010
It was a big win at the 2010 SCORE Baja 1000 as JCR Honda made it 14 in a row with a total of 21 overall wins for American Honda.
Boosting over 300 entries from 19 countries, live crowds of a quarter million people and an international television package headlined by NBC, the SCORE Baja 1000 is the grand daddy of all off-road races.
The course is 1061 miles of the harshest terrain on the planet, leading racers on a crisscross journey from coast to coast down the famed Baja Peninsula from Ensenada, Baja California, to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
The JCR Honda team averaged 55mph adjusted down from projections due to a 100 mile section of dense fog that slowed the pace of the race dramatically.
The strategy for Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody was aggressive to say the least. Kendall Norman started the race 5th off the line and rode flawlessly to Race Mile 354 putting the bike in the lead.
Quinn Cody would ride from Race Mile 354 into the evening. Quinn would eventually hand the bike off to Kendall at Race Mile 733 where he would ride to the finish at mile 1061.
Both racers gave 100% with only one flat tire over the entire course resulting in a dominate lead and a great victory with a finish time of 19:20.
JCR Honda race support also supported several class winning teams which included: Class 21, Class 30, Class 40, Class 50, Class 60 and Class 24, making a total of 7 class wins for Honda. Proving once again, JCR Honda Pit Program's speed and dependability.
Quinn Cody says: "This win makes all of our work throughout the year worthwhile. I can't say enough about our JCR/Honda pits and chase crews they were awesome!"
Johnny Campbell says: "This race is the culmination of an entire years worth of work. Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody executed a flawless plan and I am very proud of them. All I can say is thanks to everyone that made it possible. The pit crews, the JCR staff, mechanics, racers and families."
"The durability it takes to go wide open Off-Road for over 1000 miles is incredible and I want to personally thank American Honda, Affliction clothing, Lucas Oil, Dunlop Tires, Pro Circuit and all of the team sponsors your products are amazing and we couldn't do it without you."
Kendall Norman says: "The fog was really thick for about 100 miles - it was as bad as I've seen it. It really tested me and what I had. It took everything I could to keep the bike moving and keep my goggles clean and just keep going."
"I can't say enough for my teammate Quinn, he did an amazing job. It was flawless. It has been a helluva long year, waking up every day thinking of this race. We finally made it and made all my dreams come true this year."
HONDA TAKES MINI STOCK CLASS WIN
Honda Ridgeline Wins Again at Baja
Skilton & Grider Win Stock Mini Truck; Gilsinger Runs Second in Baja
Skilton & Grider Win Stock Mini Truck; Gilsinger Runs Second in Baja
Challenge Class
TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2010) - For the second time in the last three years, the Honda Ridgeline has emerged victorious in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, with the California Race & Rally entry of Gavin Skilton and Andy Grider claiming the win in the Stock Mini Truck category. The victory also clinches a second consecutive SCORE class championship for Honda, Skilton and his CaRR team.
Making his off-road racing debut, Team Honda Research's Chad Gilsinger followed up his recent SCCA National Championship with a second-place finish as part of a B.F. Goodrich-supported team in the competitive Baja Challenge class for identically-equipped spec "Baja Touring Cars."
After an early-race duel with the Toyota of famed Baja competition Ivan "the Ironman" Stewart, Skilton took his CaRR Honda Ridgeline into the class lead near the end of the first leg of this year's 1,062-mile event. Handing off to co-driver Grider, the duo continued to build their lead throughout the race, passing many higher-powered entries along the way.
"We knew it would be a fast race this year, well suited to the Ridgeline, and that proved to be the case," Skilton said. "The Honda ran flawlessly. We had a 15-minute [class] lead at the first stop, when I handed the Ridgeline over to Andy, and he built it up to 30-minutes during his first stint. We brought it home from there, beating all other stock-class entries and even many modified vehicles."
Long recognized as one of the toughest tests of man and machine, the Baja 1000 runs nearly the full length of the Mexican peninsula, from Ensanda to La Paz on a course ranging from paved roads to rock-strewn mountain trails, rain-damaged washouts and sections of deep talk-type silt.
To be eligible as a Stock Mini Truck, the CaRR Honda must maintain the stock Ridgeline platform, with only limited modifications provided to the suspension and drivetrain, in addition to safety-related items such as a roll cage H.I.D. auxiliary lighting and a fire suppression system. Developed by CaRR with additional input from Honda engineers, the Ridgeline ran on 33-inch B.F. Goodrich tires developed specifically for the demands of off-road racing.
"This is the second Baja win for our team, but the first for Andy in a car after many years of off-road racing Honda motorcycles," Skilton said. "We have a small but cohesive 11-man team made up mostly of volunteers. It was an efficient, flawless effort from everyone involved. It was a great race, with an excellent truck and excellent teamwork. Everything came our way and this is an even better win than '08, and a fantastic follow-up to our four [class] wins and championship season last year."
Gilsinger, an engineer with Honda Research & Development Americas in Raymond, Ohio, drove his Team Honda Research Honda S2000 to victory in the Touring 3 class at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in September. But the veteran road racer had never competed in the desert before this year's Baja event.
Part of a five-driver team that included Casey Currie, 2010 TORC Pro Lite champion, rally driver Lars Wolfe and Hollywood producer Bud Brutsman, the group finished their Baja run in just over 25 hours, 20 minutes, some 12 minutes ahead of the third-place team.
"This experience is definitely one I will never forget," Gilsinger said. "I came here not knowing what to expect. I researched the race online and watched videos but honestly it was beyond anything I could imagine. The race was pretty insane, we were driving up things in our little 'buggy' that I would never even dream you could go up. It was an incredible experience."
Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines.
In addition to its Honda Ridgeline off-road racing program, Honda is the single engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series; competes in prototype sports-car racing in the American Le Mans and European Le Mans Series under the HPD banner; and has an extensive grassroots motorsports effort that includes karting, amateur club racing and entry-level professional road racing programs.
Joe Bacal and Lexus lucky to finish Baja 1000 2010
After suffering the longest night of his young off-road racing career, Joe Bacal and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America-sponsored Lexus LX 570 stormed past the finish line at 7:54 a.m. Saturday morning in a triumphant conclusion to the 43rd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
After weeks of careful preparation and the 2010 SCORE Stock Full championship already behind them, cancer survivor Bacal and first-leg co-driver Chris Cocores departed Ensenada at 12:57 p.m. on Thursday with a comprehensive race plan and a quick LX 570, backed by a second driving team and a race-tested support crew. Their plan was to turn the rig over to Bob Ditner and Paul Williamsen early Friday morning at mile 546 but things did not quite go as planned.
“I felt great and we were making excellent time until a wheel came loose around mile 180,” said Bacal. “The loose wheel caused some damage that took quite a while to repair.”
The highly unusual breakdown sidelined the team for more than two hours, but the worst was yet to come. An engine restart issue that emerged after the Primm 300 in September and was thought to be under control, re-appeared after the wheel-related repairs were completed. At this point Bacal and Cocores were just a few miles from checkpoint #5 (race mile 382) at about 2:20 on Friday morning. But the apparent electrical anomaly proved resistant to diagnosis for hours, with hunger, fatigue and the dark, chilly desert frustrating their efforts.
“We knew we could finish on the podium if we could just get to the finish,” continued Bacal. “By now we were exhausted and hungry, and the finishing window was getting very tight. We tried everything we could think of and with just 40 minutes left to get through the next checkpoint, the LX started. At that point it seemed like a miracle.”
But the drama wasn’t over yet. Due to communication difficulties on the Baja peninsula, there was confusion among the support teams. With the long layover, a rumor started circulating that Bacal was out and they were starting to head home when an urgent call from Teresa Bacal finally broke through: “The LX is running again!”
Now the JTGrey team would have to run quick and trouble free for the rest of the race—about 680 miles—to reach the finish in the allotted time. And that they did. Bacal and Cocores handed the big LX to Ditner and Williamsen at mile 545 and the pair ran fast and clean to mile 840, averaging nearly 40 miles per hour. They also passed the previously class-leading—but now stationary—#861 Hummer along the way, further energizing the weary team.
At the driver change around midnight Friday, Ditner moved to the passenger seat and Bacal retook the wheel for the final run to the finish. With only a few hours of precious sleep over the last 40+, the adrenaline-fueled Bacal pushed surprisingly hard over the final 222 miles.
“This one was a nail-biter—a real test for everyone,” said Bacal. “But my team stayed with it and we got ourselves back in the race. With the problems behind us we just flew to the finish line.”
Bacal and Lexus’ first foray into off-road racing yielded immediate victory in 2009 with a brand-new team and an equally new LX 570 at the brutal Baja 500. Since then, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America-sponsored squad has compiled a perfect finishing record that remains unbroken.
“It’s a testament to the durability of Lexus and the contributions of a great team, including the outstanding Long Beach Racers,” noted Bacal. “We also have an amazing group of sponsors such as BF Goodrich and King Shocks that provide bullet-proof go-fast parts. Plus, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America has my back.”
Bacal and Lexus dominated their class in 2010 with four wins and one second-place finish to run away with the SCORE Stock Full championship. Not content to slow down, the team is already planning their assault on the 2011 season.
FORD ECOBOOST PRESS RELEASE
- F-150 EcoBoost™ race truck, with an engine that has the equivalent of 10 years of rugged use, finished the grueling Baja1000 in just over 38 hours, traveling 1,061 miles
- The same stock EcoBoost engine endured the equivalent of 150,000 harsh user miles on the dynamometer, then was installed into a new 2011 Ford F-150 to work as a log skidder in Oregon, towed a 11,300-pound trailer at a high-speed NASCAR track and beat the competition in a steep-grade towing contest at Davis Dam
The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost race truck with the torture-tested "hero" engine finished one of the most grueling desert endurance races in the world – the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – in 38 hours and 20 minutes after 1,061 miles.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine used to power the race truck performed spectacularly in the harsh terrain and extreme temperature swings of the Baja California Peninsula. The truck endured hard accelerations – often at full throttle – and stiff decelerations across the mountains at temperatures that swung between freezing and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though the EcoBoost engine entered the race with the equivalent of 10 years worth of rugged use, its inherent performance advantages – twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection – helped it complete the race.
"I've never seen anything like it in a stock engine – especially one that's been through what this one has," said driver Mike McCarthy. "This EcoBoost engine didn't miss a beat. It took a beating and kept right on going. This is one tough engine."
Earlier this fall, the engine was randomly selected off the line from the Cleveland Engine Plant to be put through a series of rugged exercises to test its long-term durability. It was installed in a 2011 F-150 at the Kansas City Assembly Plant then traveled to Oregon where it worked as a log skidder. Next, the truck towed 11,300 pounds at high speeds around a NASCAR track in Florida before towing up steep grades in Arizona against competitive trucks.
Last week, the engine was removed from the F-150 and installed in a race truck to take on the extreme conditions and terrain of the Baja 1000 in Mexico. In last year's race, fewer than half of the competitors – many with modified engines – finished this race.
The Baja 1000 represented the culmination of the F-150 EcoBoost torture test program, demonstrating the durability and capability of the class-leading 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine.
"While racing is action-packed and exciting, it serves a very real purpose for our engineers to learn about vehicle and engine performance that directly benefits our customers," said Cliff Irey, Ford Truck Motorsports manager. "Baja race is no different. In the last 30 hours we learned a tremendous amount about the durability of this new F-150 engine, the EcoBoost. And we're delighted to report that the EcoBoost engine showed it was up to this test."
The engine that powered the race truck goes next to Ford's powertrain laboratory for a teardown and inspection.
The EcoBoost truck engine produces a best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm and 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Up to 90 percent of its peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm, which helps drivers stay in the power.
"The Baja 1000 is always a tough race, and many of our customers and enthusiasts saw this event as the ultimate challenge," said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 Ford F-150. "It was an outstanding opportunity to showcase the 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine's durability. We took an engine that's stock and essentially 10 years old, and raced on the same course with highly modified competition with up to 800 horsepower."
TERRIBLE HERBST TEAM REPORT BAJA 1000
The Monster Energy/BF Goodrich/Terrible Herbst Motorsports Trophy Truck team rebounded from the early exit of one of its two entries to post a solid sixth-place finish in class and seventh overall in the 43rd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race in Baja California, Mexico, November 16-20. Team members Brian Collins and Troy Herbst came from the middle of the field and drove spectacularly in challenging conditions, and their determination paid off as they completed the 1061.69-mile race distance down the Baja peninsula in 20 hours, 49 minutes and 39 seconds, averaging 50.94 mph over the most treacherous terrain in all of motor racing.
“We were very comfortable and confident going into the race,” Troy Herbst said. “With two fantastic Trophy Trucks prepared by the best crew in off-road racing, and along with my brother Tim, Larry Roeseler and Brian Collins, we couldn’t have had a more talented, hard-core group of guys to get the job done.”With a rich legacy in off-road racing that includes back-to-back Baja 1000 wins in 2004 and 2005, Herbst Motorsports was fully prepared to add another win in the legendary race. The team was under the gun right from the start, however, as unfavorable starting positions meant that the drivers of both entries would have their work cut out for them. The number 49 Monster Energy/BF Goodrich/Terrible Herbst Motorsports Trophy Truck driven by Collins and Troy Herbst started 23rd in the field of 292 entries, while the number 19 driven by Tim Herbst and Larry Roeseler started 25th, one minute behind the 49 truck. Despite setting a fast pace early, the 19 truck was forced to end its quest for victory at Race Mile 150 due to an engine failure, according to team crew chief Mike Smith.
Indeed, they did. Collins, who had to contend with blinding dust brought on by an unusually dry and still climate on the Baja peninsula this year, passed some of the sport’s elite Trophy Truck teams before handing the number 49 truck to Troy Herbst, who never let off the gas as he battled through fog and methodically picked his way toward the front of the field in the Baja darkness, finishing
“It was the most technical course we’ve raced,” Herbst said. “Fog, silt … you name it. Brian (Collins) drove to San Ignacio (approximately Race Mile 559) and then we got in. The fog was horrific, but it is a beautiful night to be over at the beach. We did blow a turn, and we had to sit and wait for a farmer to show up, and then we had to negotiate a little after getting stuck in the silt. We were following Jesse (Jones) and (Andy) McMillin, two or three feet off each other’s bumper, running without lights and letting the lead guy go, and Jesse blew a turn, so we all blew a turn together.”
Herbst and Collins drove a masterful race, running flat out all the way to the finish, aided by a fast truck flawless pit stops and sheer reliability from perhaps the most important component on any off-road racing vehicle, their BF Goodrich tires. Over 1061.69 miles, Collins and Herbst didn’t suffer a single flat tire, a testament to BF Goodrich’s legacy of building tires that can go the distance in the world’s toughest race.
After such a grueling event, it would be understandable if Herbst Motorsports took a break from planning and preparation for their next event, but the team is already hard at work with plans to renew its two-pronged Trophy Truck assault at the 2011 Best In The Desert Parker 425 in February.
The 1979 BFGoodrich Ford Bronco fielded by the Moss Brothers not only completed the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off road race, they drove to an incredible 33rd SCORE Class 3 win and their seventh SCORE Class 3 Baja 1000 victory. The brothers also solidified an 8th Class 3 SCORE Championship. With nearly 300 racers starting in Ensenada , only 197 or 67% made it to the finish line, 1061 miles later, in La Paz
Starting in Ensenada mid afternoon on Thursday, the 18 member strong Black Bronco Crew got their BFGoodrich Ford Bronco to the finish line in La Paz in just over 28 hours. “ It was a tough trip.Everything was going pretty well until just after Bahia of L.A. and the front drive shaft came apart and knocked a corner off the transmission case so we had a big hole in it blowing oil out. We ended up gluing a peso over the hole and it’s not leaking now. We didn't have four-wheel drive after that but the transmission was okay,” Don Moss reported. Unable to get to a BFG pit for repairs, the team utilized a closer Mag 7 pit to fix their Bronco. One of the biggest challenges was getting enough transmission fluid to enable the Bronco to continue the race. Meanwhile, as this drama was unfolding in the wee hours of Friday morning, the other entries in class 3, which had been wheel to wheel up until this point, continued on course... logging the race miles ahead of Don and Ken Moss. Undaunted, the Moss brothers overcame the deficit to finish the race and take the win.
The Black Bronco Crew are appreciative of the opportunity to race in Baja
The Moss brothers have ten years in SCORE off road competition, all of it on BFGoodrich Tires. The team salutes and joins with BFGoodrich in celebration of their 35 anniversary in SCORE Off road racing. BFGoodrich Tires' commitment to the growth of SCORE International and off-road racing does not end with its sponsorship extension or product support for numerous competitors in several classes. For the 2010 event, BFGoodrich Tires dedicated seven full service tractor-trailers and nearly 180 volunteer and active personnel at pit areas located along the racecourse to support more than 60 percent of the field who competed on BFGoodrich Tires. From the start of the race until finish line, BFGoodrich Tires sets the standard for onsite pit and event support with the most extensive network available, including pit areas staffed with volunteers consisting of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), race mechanics, welders, fabricators and communications specialists, services which have been provided since 1981.
HEADLINES TO THE FINAL RESULTS
FACT SHEET On The BAJA 1000 2010 Webcast
Racers try to tackle Baja 1000 2010
Robert Anthony Black dies in Prerunning Baja 1000
Racers try to tackle Baja 1000 2010
Robert Anthony Black dies in Prerunning Baja 1000
YouTube ONLINE LIST OF 2010 BAJA 1000 VIDEOS
CLICK HERE FOR MUCHO PICS OF CONTINGENCY FROM 11/17
CLICK HERE FOR THE CONTINGENCY PICS FIRST POSTED
CLICK HERE FOR MUCHO PICS OF CONTINGENCY FROM 11/17
CLICK HERE FOR THE CONTINGENCY PICS FIRST POSTED
The Big Baja 1000 Story
BAJA CHAMPIONS STOP THEIR RACES TO HELP DOWNED WARRIOR JUSTIN IMHOFF
November 19, 2010 by Gary Newsome
Baja Racing News.com
-Brian Pinard and Ricky Johnson Come to the Aid of 17 year old Baja 1000 Rookie
After an all day battle with the 1x bike of Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody through the grueling terrain of the 2010 BAJA 1000, 17 year old BAJA rookie Justin Inhofe on the 8x bike of Colton Udall had a horrific crash just outside the mission of San Javier in southern Baja. After lying unconscious for an estimated 30-40 minutes in night darkness, the first racer on the scene was multi-time BAJA Moto champion Brian Pinard aboard the 404x bike of Louie Franco.
“It was really bad”, explained Pinard, “All his stuff was spread out all over the place. I knew he had been lying there for a good 30-40 minutes because that’s the gap he had on us when I got on the bike.” Incidentally, Pinard is a co-rider for season points leader Francisco Septien and was riding to an overall class 30 championship at the time he encountered a sprawled out Imhoff
Pinard, being a well seasoned BAJA vet, knew that he had stay with the victim until he could make sure that Imhoff was being taken care of. He spoke to Imhoff and tried to wake him by talking to him. Then Pinard located Imhoff’s radio which also separated from his person. He just turned the dial one notch and said “Anyone copy me”. Amazingly, HONDA relay replied back immediately.
After performing a basic check of Imhoff’s breathing and general condition, he decided to not move the victim even though he was lying in the path of oncoming race traffic. So Pinard turned his bike around to flicker his headlight to alert the next racer to slow down.
Fortunately, the next racer to arrive was AMA Hall of Famer Ricky Johnson, also a well seasoned BAJA vet and all around “good guy”. When Johnson arrived, Pinard had been with Imhoff for an estimated 10 minutes and spent much of that time talking with HONDA relay, briefing them on his condition and location. Johnson pulled some glow-sticks from his bag and used them to mark the scene.
This is the first time Pinard had ever come across an unconscious racer but he knew what to do and more importantly, what not to do. Johnson and Pinard, who were each riding for SCORE series championships in their respective classes (class 30 and 40) discussed the situation calmly and decided that Pinard would stay with a still unconscious Imhoff while Johnson rode down course to the mission town of San Javier, only a few miles away. Johnson summoned a police officer in town and led a group of municipal workers in their truck to the scene where Pinard was still waiting and relaying information to HONDA.
It was decided that Johnson would continue on the 306x bike while Pinard stayed back with Imhoff until he was very comfortable that Justin was in good hands. During this time he cautioned the local crew to not touch of move Imhoff.
By this time news of Justin’s bad crash had spread throughout the BAJA peninsula and beyond, triggering some false reports and causing stress for the HONDA team’s families. Once Pinard was convinced that Justin was in good hands, he was able to continue on into the night to help Francisco Septien clinch his third class 30 title in 4 years.
Johnson also went on to help team mates Jeff Kaplan and Louie Franco seal another class 40 championship for team mates, Brett Helm, Scott Myers and Bob Johnson.
Ironically, Kaplan (class 40) and Pinard (class 30) brought their bikes in 2nd and 3rd overall well behind Imhoff’s team mates Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody. (Septien actually finished the race for Pinard who battled, like Kaplan, over 150 miles of pea soup fog along the coast of Magdalena Bay and beyond.
This story has many ironic twists that will not be forgotten anytime soon. It goes to show you that many years of Baja racing makes these warriors more than just champions, but first class citizens.
November 19, 2010 by Gary Newsome
Baja Racing News.com
-Brian Pinard and Ricky Johnson Come to the Aid of 17 year old Baja 1000 Rookie
After an all day battle with the 1x bike of Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody through the grueling terrain of the 2010 BAJA 1000, 17 year old BAJA rookie Justin Inhofe on the 8x bike of Colton Udall had a horrific crash just outside the mission of San Javier in southern Baja. After lying unconscious for an estimated 30-40 minutes in night darkness, the first racer on the scene was multi-time BAJA Moto champion Brian Pinard aboard the 404x bike of Louie Franco.
“It was really bad”, explained Pinard, “All his stuff was spread out all over the place. I knew he had been lying there for a good 30-40 minutes because that’s the gap he had on us when I got on the bike.” Incidentally, Pinard is a co-rider for season points leader Francisco Septien and was riding to an overall class 30 championship at the time he encountered a sprawled out Imhoff
Pinard, being a well seasoned BAJA vet, knew that he had stay with the victim until he could make sure that Imhoff was being taken care of. He spoke to Imhoff and tried to wake him by talking to him. Then Pinard located Imhoff’s radio which also separated from his person. He just turned the dial one notch and said “Anyone copy me”. Amazingly, HONDA relay replied back immediately.
After performing a basic check of Imhoff’s breathing and general condition, he decided to not move the victim even though he was lying in the path of oncoming race traffic. So Pinard turned his bike around to flicker his headlight to alert the next racer to slow down.
Fortunately, the next racer to arrive was AMA Hall of Famer Ricky Johnson, also a well seasoned BAJA vet and all around “good guy”. When Johnson arrived, Pinard had been with Imhoff for an estimated 10 minutes and spent much of that time talking with HONDA relay, briefing them on his condition and location. Johnson pulled some glow-sticks from his bag and used them to mark the scene.
This is the first time Pinard had ever come across an unconscious racer but he knew what to do and more importantly, what not to do. Johnson and Pinard, who were each riding for SCORE series championships in their respective classes (class 30 and 40) discussed the situation calmly and decided that Pinard would stay with a still unconscious Imhoff while Johnson rode down course to the mission town of San Javier, only a few miles away. Johnson summoned a police officer in town and led a group of municipal workers in their truck to the scene where Pinard was still waiting and relaying information to HONDA.
It was decided that Johnson would continue on the 306x bike while Pinard stayed back with Imhoff until he was very comfortable that Justin was in good hands. During this time he cautioned the local crew to not touch of move Imhoff.
By this time news of Justin’s bad crash had spread throughout the BAJA peninsula and beyond, triggering some false reports and causing stress for the HONDA team’s families. Once Pinard was convinced that Justin was in good hands, he was able to continue on into the night to help Francisco Septien clinch his third class 30 title in 4 years.
Johnson also went on to help team mates Jeff Kaplan and Louie Franco seal another class 40 championship for team mates, Brett Helm, Scott Myers and Bob Johnson.
Ironically, Kaplan (class 40) and Pinard (class 30) brought their bikes in 2nd and 3rd overall well behind Imhoff’s team mates Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody. (Septien actually finished the race for Pinard who battled, like Kaplan, over 150 miles of pea soup fog along the coast of Magdalena Bay and beyond.
This story has many ironic twists that will not be forgotten anytime soon. It goes to show you that many years of Baja racing makes these warriors more than just champions, but first class citizens.
Strories Before The Green Flag Dropped:
Bill Caswell Makes It To The PartyReportedly, Bill Caswell's foray into the wilds of Baja Mexico racing have begun. Stay tuned to Baja Racing News.com and we'll report everything.
His pit support with BFGoodrich Tires should keep him in the hunt. To Finish!
More BAJA 1000 Stories LOADING NOW
CONTINGENCY PARTY IN ENSENADA, MEXICO LIVE
CONTINGENCY PARTY IN ENSENADA, MEXICO LIVE
Contingency is almost over, but the party continues into the wee hours, here in downtown Ensenada. The race will start in mere hours.
Teams are prepping their race rigs and the party in the heart of this mexican city, Ensenada, is ramping up to fever pitch. LIVE! video streams will be presented Baja Racing News.com as the race begins, Thursday at 6 AM local time, PT.
BULLETIN! By Gary Newsome
An American died late yesterday, prerunning for the Baja 1000. Reportedly, Robert Black a 40x Class Motorcycle racer was struck and killed by a Baja tractor-trailer that had went into Blacks travel lane.
The exact circumstances of the death are being investigated by the Mexican Federal Highway Patrol and authorities here in Ensenada, Baja California.
We will report as the details come into Baja Racing News. Our prayers to the family.
Baja Racing News.com NOTE: "On the way down to Loreto and La Paz, we saw maybe 5 BAD accidents - several looked like trucks had clipped each other on a curve. (We) respect the hell out of Highway 1."
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE ! RACE TRACKING
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE ! RACE TRACKING
