Baja Race tracking Fails! Exposed! BAJA 1000 2009 AT RISK! Baja 500 huge joke, San Felipe 250 2009 Race Management Free For All

Gary Newsome, Editor


ZERO TRUST


November 12, 2009

Baja Racing News.com EDITORIAL
Baja Racers Have No Trust in SCORE Race Tracking

"The speed limit is one thing, but, I have an issue with is, where in the rules is the course stuff, I really don't understand what SCORE and IRC is doing". Marty Fiolka, DIRT SPORTS Magazine

"The SCORE rulebook? The SCORE Rulebook? Yea, I have a use for it, I wipe my ass with it!" BFG Relay Radio Bob Hynes (RIP)

LOADING NOW>>>

"The Mexico SCARE" Marty Fiolka's terminology.

From the November 1 Public Release from SCORE, "It is important to mention that thanks to the support of the
authorities, the 2007 and 2008 SCORE International races in Mexico reported no incidents related to security issues."

SCORE, you lying sacks o'shit. How many people have to get SHOT before you qualify them as 'incidents related to security issues'? F-You!

The SCORE Tracking Scandals

Firstly, at the Baja 250 in San Felipe, SCORE almost bent over for its tire sponsor BFGoodrich Tires, when Roger Norman has a temper tantrum over his failure to finish the race and his assertion (he's a BFG sponsored team) that Robby Gordon "cheated" to win.

Then at the Baja 500, all hell broke loose when after over 37 years of Baja racing, SCORE decided to f*** everything up by penalizing racers and taking MONTHS to decide what the hell it was going to do with several classes of racers.

After months of racers letting SCORE race tracking know how they felt, SCORE's race tracking came out and bitch slapped the talking racers. The Baja racers have been threatened not to talk about SCORE's race tracking performance.

After many, many, many sanctioning body and race tracking mistakes, they expect everyone to trust them with this years Baja 1000.

The majority of racing teams have "Zero Trust", for SCORE's race tracking and most everything else it touches. In just one week, we'll see how bad the race tracking can F*** Up the Baja 1000.

The screwed up contracts, if there are any and the dysfunctional organizational chart provides ample space for more fun and games with the results.

sanctioning body/promoter

race data provider/promotional media services

race course creation services/sanctioning body sponsor/tire-teams supporters


"In Baja racing there are only losers and cheaters", Steve Myers, IRC. End




November 11, 2009

SCORE Press Release:

"Real-time race tracking, displayed on large LCD screens, will be provided through BFGoodrich Tire’s and SCORE’s partnership with 'SCORE's race tracking' throughout the race. Additional adjusted time updates provided by BFG Central from BFG pits will also be available at [Baja Racing News.com]. SCORE International and supporting sponsors will post press information and results for use in developing stories during the race.

In Ensenada, the finest off-road destination in Mexico.

SCORE, BFGoodrich Tires and the Baja California State Secretary of Tourism office know the 2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 has fans around the world that deserve the best, most up-to-date information possible about the most extreme off-road race in the world."


UPDATE November 8, 2009

SCORE Public Release

2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

Explanation of Rules Enforcement

"SCORE has had the privilege of organizing/sanctioning races on the Baja Peninsula for some 36 plus years and as in life,
nothing stays the same. What once was a wild frontier is now fast becoming a rapidly growing society. We have had to constantly adapt and make concessions to the authorities because of the rapid expansion of farmlands, and safety concerns for the growing population. We have to accept stipulations from the federal highway police that we will not speed or act irresponsibly on the highways. Furthermore, our negotiations with ejido landowners requires that we will conduct ourselves in a professional manner and respect their property in exchange for the privilege to race across their land. Without their cooperation, there would not be the Baja racing we have come to know and love. As a result, we have had to initiate "Speed Zones" and "Course Compliance.”

We have made adjustments along the way - GPS was introduced a few years back, then came Tracking Devices, then IRC Live Tracking and now computerized enforcement of Speed Zones and Course Compliance.
At the Baja 500 in June, we informed the race participants that a complete tracking review of each finisher would occur prior to release of class results. We were faced with having to enforce an overwhelming amount of rule infractions based on the tracking data. Many learned a valuable lesson that day, including SCORE. We learned the racers needed a better line of
pre-race communication, as well as a better course definition to go along with the stricter enforcement. We recognized that the racers need representation and the ability to take an active part in the process.

As a result, we have taken the following steps:

- Provided a clear and concise course description.
- Developed proprietary data file auditing software.
- Provide a system of virtual check points to indicate special areas of concern.
- Identified Multiple Legal Lines
- IRC now offers a back-up tracking device for missing data.
- Implementation of a Tracking Review Committee.
- Generate next day official results.
These changes came about from listening to racer concerns, comments and suggestions. We have also received hard work from a few volunteers. We sincerely hope that these tools and procedures will help produce fair and successful racing.

Course description:

We wish to better inform the racing community of the sensitive areas of concern with more descriptive course notes and provide many forms of electronic data such as Google Earth, GPX, USR files and a multi page PDF indicating "Either Or's" "Virtual Check Points" and “Speed Zones”.
Proprietary data file auditing software:
We have had a custom program developed to compute course compliance and automatically issue penalties for speed zone violations and course deviations. The software will compare racer's recorded data to a course template within a general tolerance. That tolerance will be tightened up in areas of concern and loosened up in areas of multiple legal lines.
System of virtual check points to indicate special areas of concern:
This new feature of Virtual Checkpoints or "VCPs" is a series of waypoints that act as unmanned checkpoints in which you must travel along the course much like a traditional manned checkpoint except you race through them without necessarily stopping. Missing a VCP carries a ten minute penalty for each VCP missed. They are strategically placed to discourage short coursing or to visually indicate sensitive areas of concern. The more sensitive areas will have more VCPs among them, thus carrying a higher degree of potential penalties. Please review the course notes. Also, there is a list of GPS waypoints for all the VCPs. It is the competitor’s responsibility to download and thoroughly study all race information that is posted on the Related Downloads section of Baja 1000 race page on the SCORE website.

Multiple Legal Lines:

This feature has been added to preserve the spirit of Baja racing and to help offset some of the constraints of the other
sensitive areas.

Backup program for Missing IRC data:

Penalties are severe for missing data and are necessary to discourage any incentive to remove or tamper with the recording device. Most racers now recognize the importance of having complete data at the finish line. Since any component on a race vehicle is vulnerable to damage during the race, SCORE has provided the ability to rent a secondary officially recognized IRC data recorder as a backup device at a discounted rate.

Tracking Review Committee:

A Tracking Review Committee (TRC) will be in place to monitor the auditing software. This Committee is comprised of a three member "jury of your peers" veteran Baja racers equipped with double redundant backup systems for track review. They will add a human component and review the files with a racers mentality whenever a questionable irregularity shows up. This system is kept pure through the anonymous coding of all track files. The TRC will not know the true identity of any file it
is reviewing until way beyond the posting of the official results.

Generate next day official results:

Through the use of the new track auditing software and the volunteer TRC, we expect to have complete official results available by the time of the awards ceremony."


UPDATE November 1, 2009

SCORE PUBLIC RELEASE:
2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000
IMPORTANT SECURITY INFORMATION

"SCORE INTERNATIONAL is proud to present the 42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, happening in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico on November 19-22, 2009.

In a continuous effort to provide the maximum security and safety to all participants, sponsors and spectators to the event, SCORE has had several meetings with Federal, State and Municipal law enforcement agencies to arrange the necessary conditions to assure a safe and incident free event.

It is important to mention that thanks to the support of the
authorities, the 2007 and 2008 SCORE International races in Mexico reported no incidents related to security issues."



UPDATE October 29, 2009

Now, Dirt Sports Magazine, PCI Race Radios (the radio services vendor for the races), Eric Morley marketing, Cameron Steele
and every racer is critical of the Baja race-results, SCORE Scandal.



October 28, 2009

* Dave Despain of SPEEDs 'Wind Tunnel' commented: "Baja racing is about passion, by hook or crook". Dave, it's mostly about crook!

* DIRT SPORTS Magazine went out on a limb officially to dis-respect IRC and SCORE, last night.

Marty Fiolka said, "the black boxes, timing, scoring, IRC Thing has been a big highlight on cheating".

Cheating, highlighted by SCORE and Race Tracking International. Now, IRC (International Racing Consultants, the Official race tracking and race results data vendor) through its affiliate Race Tracking International, has been hired for Public Relations and Media work. Joe Parsons confirmed, the Penhall Kawasaki Team will be highlighted in this Baja 1000.

Why Ike, What Ever Do You Mean? No limits on the vendor duties and responsibilities? You mean they can get paid for "other services"? Like, they won't have any effect on the race data the vendor is ultimately responsible for?

"The speed limit is one thing, but, I have an issue with is, where in the rules is the course stuff, I really don't understand what SCORE and IRC is doing", Marty Fiolka, DIRT SPORTS Magazine, went on to assert.


UPDATE October 23, 2009

Even PCI's Scotty Steinberger goes off the farm on this one! Though, its obvious they're not happy about missing the GPS tracking with SCORE- money boat.

"I run a secondary unit called IonEarth that tracks my vehicles and gives real time updates in each equipped chase vehicle. So I will have a redundant system in my vehicle, the question is will Score use the data from a second non official source to back up IRC if a failure occurs? In a racecar there are 100 parts that can fail robbing your chance of winning the Baja 1000; it is a shame that a rental unit that gets passed around weekend after weekend subjected to abuse could potentially hamstring you before the start! I will not worry about it, follow the rules, and race the Baja 1000, but I think maybe we racers should stand strong and together and let IRC and Score know that we will not accept racing under these conditions. I have talked to Steve from IRC in the past and he assured me they could tell if someone was playing games and that no one would be accountable for faulty equipment. This is not the case now. I flat think it is WRONG to penalize anyone for faulty equipment! I try hard to stay away from politics because I consider Score and IRC my friends, but I have the right as the owner of Trophy Truck #7 who has put my heart and soul in this sport for over 20 years to voice my opinion, sorry if my friends take offense. Yes the rules need to be followed, but penalties for fried boxes at the start line or intermittent tracker units that are above the control of the competitor need to stop! My 2 cents, Viva Baja!

Scott Steinberger Trophy Truck #7"

Steve Brown of Colorado:

"We should all purchase OnStar!!! At least it works and you pay $119 year. Plus OnStar uses American Satellites in orbit. IRC uses antiquated technology and claims they pay $3000 per box. Is that in Pesos? IRC SUCKS period. Scam that should be investigated by the Race Czar in the Obama cabinet. SCREW IRC!!!"




October 18, 2009


Some Baja 1000 Honesty!
Baja Racing News.com Racers Talk from their heart.


Steve Schwab: "40 years of checkpoint racing in Baja will not go away quietly."

Andy: "Missing data penalties at the last 500 was a sore spot for many competitors. Although it hasn't been officially announced yet, SCORE and IRC plan to offer a second data recorder option at a discounted rate. This would allow teams to run two data recorders at the same time. One as primary and the other as a back up in case of failure. This should drastically reduce the instances of bad or missing data."

Randy from El Cajon California, about the Baja 1000 2009:

"I believe i'll just stick to having the one (tracking device in his race car during the Baja 1000) ..if the thing-a-ma-jig quits working or won't turn over or whatever, and they want to penalize me for having a cheat design built into my strategy for this race in one of the fastest, toughest, most competitive and popular classes in all of score...the sportsman truck class?...I don't care. most the time we don't have all our s--t together enough to have time to think about how we're gonna get over on our sport truck compadres.

We're in it for the fun.

And we're too skeered to cheat on purpose. if we do good, i could give a s--t what the the one tracker thinks as it is.. Why do i need two? You watch. pretty soon score will REQUIRE us to rent two of these POS. Crap, I still got my old rally tracker or whatever it was before that that did'nt work. Maybe I'll just throw that baby on. Add our trusty spot tracker, Ionearth, the sentenal, and the LA Dodgers speed gun that guy uses behind home plate and i'll be too heavy to get off the start line. At least i'd know where I'm at..maybe...but for a few bucks more, a heluva special for this race only, three IRC trackers for the price of four...and on it goes...good luck everyone and have a safe race.."

Thanks for sending in your comments Racers!



UPDATE September 30, 2009

SCORE Desperate, Goes Berserk! Posts 2009 Baja 1000 Waiver of Liability and Indemity, Tells Racers to Shut The F-Up

Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE

SCORE International must be desperate, they go berserk and demand racers sign a "2009 Baja 1000 Waiver of Liability and Indemity (Indemnity)", that on its face is UNCONSTITUTIONAL!


Is this the END of SCORE?
SCORE International is now requiring all racers to sign and submit to indemnify SCORE International from any mistakes of ANY kind.

Any racer who wishes to race in a SCORE sanctioned event, will have no right to PROTEST any rulings by the sanctioning body! SCORE is demanding the racers keep their big mouths shut, under penalty of threatened litigation by SCORE against the racers in question.

Baja Racing News.com has received reports that this NEW legal document is the product of Oscar Ramos, the attorney for SCORE and was drawn up in Mexico by a non-english speaker and in a non-American legal stature. Looking at the spelling errors alone, shows this reporter, some flunky in Tijuana wrote it.

The constitutional rights of the signee would have to be waived for any agreement of this type to be valid. In Mexico it could be considered legal. There is no way this document could be legal in the United States, even if signed by the participant.

Here is the language "Godfather" Sal Fish is now demanding racers sign, before racing in this years, 2009 Baja 1000:


"I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THE 2006-2010 SCORE RULEBOOK AND THAT I UNDERSTAND AND SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL RULES CONTAINED THEREIN. I SPECIFICALLY AGREE THAT SCORES INTEREPREATION (INTERPRETATION) OF RULES, DECISIONS ENFORCING RULES, INTERPRETATION OF PENALTIES IN CONNECTION WITH ENFORCEMENT OF RULES, TIMINING (TIMING) OF EVENTS AND DECISIONS AS TO WINNERS AND PLACEMENT POSITIONS SHALL BE FINAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO PROTEST OF ANY KIND. NO DECISION OF SCORE WITH RESPECT TO RACE RESULTS MAY BE CHALLENGED BY LITIGATION OR OTHERWIESE (OTHERWISE). I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY ME OR ANYONE ACTING ON MY BEHALF WHICH CHALLEGES (CHALLENGES) THE INTEGRITY OF SCORES DECISION WITH RESPECT TO RACE RESULTS WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM TO SCORE’S BUSINESS REPUTAION (REPUTATION) AND SUBJECT ME TO DAMAGES UNDER APPLICALBE (APPLICABLE) LAW. I ALSO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ AND WILL COMPLY WITH ALL SUPPLEMENTAL OR AMENDED RULES SPECIFICALLY PUBLISHED FOR THIS EVENT IN THE RACE BULLETINS."

Here is the text of the document in its entirety:

""2009 TECATE SCORE BAJA 1000
WAIVER OF LIABILITY & INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - DO NOT SIGN
MUST BE SIGNED AT BAJA 1000 RACE REGISTRATION IN ENSENADA

I UNDERSTAND THAT IN CONSIDERATION AND EXCHANGE FOR, AND AS A CONDITION TO MY PARTICIPATION IN THE 2009 TECATE SCORE BAJA 1000 OFF-ROAD
RACE ACTIVITIES, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY RELEASE AND INDEMNIFY SCORE INTERNATIONAL ("SCORE"), TECATE BEER, RED BULL, MICHELIN TIRE COMPANY,
INSTANT MEXICO INSURANCE, SUNOCO RACE FUELS, AND ALL OTHER SCORE SPONSORS, FROM ALL RESPONSIBILITY TO ME, MY HEIRS, EXECUTORS AND
ASSIGNS FOR ANYTHING THAT OCCURS DURING THE RACE. IT IS MY INTENTION THAT THIS RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION EXTEND TO MY PARTICIPATION IN
THE RACE, USE OF ANY AND ALL EVENT RELATED FACILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MY USE OF THE RACE COURSE DURING THE EVENT AND PRERUNNING (PRE-RUNNING) OF THE RACE COURSE PRIOR TO THE EVENT.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, I AM ASSUMING RISKS, AND AGREEING TO INDEMNIFY, NOT TO SUE AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY THE
ORGANIZER OF THIS EVENT AND SCORE INTERNATIONAL ("SCORE"), TECATE BEER, RED BULL, MICHELIN TIRE COMPANY, INSTANT MEXICO INSURANCE,
SUNOCO RACE FUELS, AND ALL OTHER SCORE SPONSORS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, MEMBERS, CLUBS, SPONSORS,
PROMOTERS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “RELEASEES”), AND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL RIGHTS. THIS RELEASE IS A CONTRACT WITH
LEGAL AND BINDING CONSEQUENCES AND IT APPLIES TO ALL RACES AND ACTIVITIES ENTERED AT THE EVENT, REGARDLESS WHETHER OR NOT LISTED
ABOVE. I HAVE READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING, AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT I AM AGREEING TO BY SIGNING.

I UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OFF-ROAD RACING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND FULLY REALIZE THE DANGERS OF
PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT BY PARTCIPATING IN THE RACE AND PRE-RUNNING ACTIVITIES, I AM EXPOSING MYSELF TO THE
POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH TO MY PERSON AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO MY PROPERTY. I KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT THESE
STATED RISKS AND FULLY ASSUME THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PARTICIPATION.

I HEREBY FOR MYSELF, MY HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ASSIGNS, AS WELL AS MY SPONSORS OR ANY AFFILIATED COMPANY WITH WHOM I HAVE ANY BUSINESS
RELATIONSHIP, AGREE WITH SCORE AS FOLLOWS:

I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE TO INDEMNIFY AND NOT TO SUE THE RELEASEES THEIR OFFICERS, AGENTS,
OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES FROM ANY AND EVERY CLAIM OR RIGHT OF ACTION OF ANY KIND OR NATURE, INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE RELEASEES
OWN NEGLIGENCE, WHICH ARISES OUT OF OR RESULTS FROM MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS RACING EVENT. I ALSO AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS
SCORE AND ALL SCORE SPONSORS FROM ALL SUCH CLAIMS OR RIGHTS OF ACTION, AS WELL AS COSTS, LOSS OR EXPENSE IN ANY WAY RELATED TO OR
ARISING OUT OF THOSE CLAIMS OR RIGHTS OF ACTION, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES.
IT IS MY INTENTION THAT THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT AND THE INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS PROVISION DESCRIBED ABOVE SHALL COVER
ANY CLAIM OR DEMAND FOR INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON, OR ANY DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY PROPERTY, OR ANY CLAIM OR DEMAND OF
ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY
PROPERTY, ANY DAMAGE TO MY REPUTATION, BUSINESS, OR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF SCORE, ITS
OFFICERS, AGENTS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, EVEN IF SAID ACT OR OMISSION WOULD BE CONSIDERED NEGLIGENT UNDER APPLICABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.
BY SIGNING THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT, I DO NOT RELEASE ANYONE FROM ANY DAMAGE I SUFFER FROM INTENTIONAL ACTS DESIGNED TO HARM
EITHER ME OR MY PROPERTY. HOWEVER, I DO KNOWINGLY RELEASE SCORE AND ALL SCORE SPONSORS FROM LIABILITY THAT MIGHT BE IMPOSED ON THEM
BY LAW FOR SUCH ACTS OF THEIR OFFICERS, AGENTS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN DIRECTED, ADOPTED OR RATIFIED BY AN OFFICER
OR DIRECTOR OF SCORE.

I DECLARE THAT I HAVE READ THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT NO OFFICER, AGENT, OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE OF SCORE
IS AUTHORIZED TO VARY ANY TERM OR PROVISION OF THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT. I EXPRESSLY AGREE NOT TO RELY ON ANY SUCH VARIANCE
OR REPRESENTATION IF ANY IS MADE. I FURTHER REPRESENT THAT THE DRIVER/RIDER AND CO-DRIVERS/CO-RIDERS LISTED ON THIS ENTRY FORM POSSESS
THE STANDARD OF COMPETENCE NECESSARY AND ARE PHYSICALLY FIT TO COMPETE IN THIS OFF-ROAD EVENT. I FURTHER REPRESENT THAT THE VEHICLE
ENTERED IS ROADWORTHY AND SUITABLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT.
I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THE 2006-2010 SCORE RULEBOOK AND THAT I UNDERSTAND AND SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL RULES CONTAINED THEREIN. I
SPECIFICALLY AGREE THAT SCORES INTEREPREATION OF RULES, DECISIONS ENFORCING RULES, INTERPRETATION OF PENALTIES IN CONNECTION WITH
ENFORCEMENT OF RULES, TIMINING OF EVENTS AND DECISIONS AS TO WINNERS AND PLACEMENT POSITIONS SHALL BE FINAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO
PROTEST OF ANY KIND. NO DECISION OF SCORE WITH RESPECT TO RACE RESULTS MAY BE CHALLENGED BY LITIGATION OR OTHERWIESE. I UNDERSTAND
THAT ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY ME OR ANYONE ACTING ON MY BEHALF WHICH CHALLEGES THE INTEGRITY OF SCORES DECISION WITH RESPECT TO RACE
RESULTS WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM TO SCORE’S BUSINESS REPUTAION AND SUBJECT ME TO DAMAGES UNDER APPLICALBE LAW. I ALSO CERTIFY THAT
I HAVE READ AND WILL COMPLY WITH ALL SUPPLEMENTAL OR AMENDED RULES SPECIFICALLY PUBLISHED FOR THIS EVENT IN THE RACE BULLETINS AND ON
THE SCORE WEBSITE.

THERE IS ALWAYS THE POSSIBILITY THAT WEATHER CONDITIONS OR OTHER ACTS OF GOD COULD CAUSE SCORE TO POSTPONE OR CANCEL THE EVENT.
SCORE RETAINS THE RIGHT TO DELAY THIS EVENT FOR A PERIOD OF 24 HOURS.
ADVERTISING RELEASE: THE VEHICLE OWNER, DRIVER/RIDER OF RECORD, CO-DRIVERS/CO-RIDERS, AND ALL PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RACE TEAM
AGREE TO PERMIT SCORE INTERNATIONAL AND ITS ASSIGNS AT NO FEE WHATSOEVER, NOW OR AT ANY TIME IN THE FUTURE, TO THE USE OF THEIR NAMES
AND PICTURES OF THEMSELVES AND OF THEIR VEHICLES FOR PUBLICITY, ADVERTISING AND ENDORSEMENTS (INCLUDING PUBLICATIONS, TELEVISION AND
MOVIES) BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE EVENTS AND DO HEREBY RELINQUISH ALL RIGHTS TO ANY PICTURES AND VIDEO TAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
EVENT AND GIVE THEIR PERMISSION TO PUBLISH, SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF SAID PICTURES AND VIDEO AS SCORE SO DESIRES, WITH ALL
ADVERTISING RIGHTS RESERVED BY SCORE.""


UPDATE June 25, 2009

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL UPDATE


UPDATE April 19, 2009

The bare-assed joke of the Volkswagen/BF Goodrich/SPOT Tracking Baja 1000 2008 website

When VW-BF Goodrich-Spot Tracking announced they were going to have their tracking website of the Baja 1000 2008, we thought Baja Racing was finally going get first class live coverage.

But what transpired was the most laughable effort ever, to cover a Baja racing event. Done by those who claim they are the best in the business.

When reached for comment, a senior BF Goodrich pr rep said, "we are proud of the Baja 1000 2008 effort with SPOT tracking". During the event, no one could reach the website. When some did, all they got was the lame screen pop-up that had been viewable before the race. No race tracking and very little race results, provided by the tire company that for all measures, owns SCORE, all the way to the 50th Baja 1000, in 2017.

Without BFG, would SCORE have any race results ever? Let alone a week later. Yes, BFG handles all of SCORES 'official' race data and the race tracking services handle each of their own data, separate. So, if BFG doesn't like you (Robby Gordon at San Felipe) or the race tracking service is paid off...well, you know what happens...you can't win.

For VW, the worlds largest auto maker and BFG, the only real logistical infrastructure SCORE has, to team with aimless SPOT and fail as badly as they did, shows a lack understanding even the best in the business have for Baja racing.

So, their marketing people screwed up? More LOADING>>>

Baja Racing News.com has been LIVE! Webcasting for going on five years now.

SPOT tracking, the newbie on the block, in their contracts for service, state clearly, their services are NOT for racing events. No wonder, their refresh rates, their reporting system and their expertise as a company is best suited for tracking and recovering lost pets. You know, tracking our aimless, wandering and lost furry friends!

Really, anyone who gets rescued by SPOT, should live in a kennel! Perfect name for the company.

We should know!

One of our Editorial Board gave Sal Fish and Hal Andreoli of Instant Mexican Auto Insurance, the official insurance company of SCORE, their first working sat phones! Long time ago. Way before Globalstar started promoting to off-road racers!

One also spent ten years side by side with BFG's race radio relay team founder, Radio Bob (RIP) and the fun group that runs the SCORE races of BFG Dave, BFG Frank and BFG Wild Bill and Company. Enough time to know the system and luckily, not enough time to have the slime rub off on him.

That same board member found out how respectable team BFG is, when in swapping race course files on the CABO 500 and the southern leg of the BFG-SCORE Baja 1000, going into Cabo in 2007. BFG Dave needed the race route GPS file.

BFG said they 'needed' the file because they had 'no data' on the leg south of La Paz to Todos Santos and only the Baja 2000 data, since SCORE had only gone to Cabo once. That particular section had never been driven by SCORE or BFG and the CABO 500 had run that section for two years, in competition. No wonder BFG Jeff's team ran into a palm tree on that section in the TV show, "Chasing Baja".

BFG Dave, now SCORE Dave is a flat out flim flam. SCORE needed the CABO 500 track file and asked for it. BFG-SCORE requested the file and got it and when the same was asked back, it didn't happen. So much for professional courtesy! Would you like to personally confirm this item? Cool, just ask IRC Phil, he handled the "transfer".

These guys have been going to Mexico too long, they've picked up more than the 'revenge' from our friends down south!

Another of our board members, before Desert Storm I, was dropped into Basra, Iraq with a small band of brothers, and they took a little spin and "transferred ownership", of an Iraqi freighter from Saddam to a friend in the Persian Gulf, with the help of some authorized sat hardware, among others.

We've had some experience with this stuff. In fact, one of our board members is currently in testing with American tech that makes the commercial French equipment look like kids walkie-talkies.

Who really won?

The stories beyond the race results. From the mouth of those responsible for today's desert racing results, "everybody does not follow the rules. No one follows rules during these races". It's a tradition of off-road desert racing of the west, to "not follow the rules". From the 60's, when racing went into Mexico, the tradition began.

In the early days of west coast motorsports, sportsmanship was more important than 'winning'. Once the races went south, to Baja Mexico, open courses, open classes, open rules. "Baja racing".

Today, the holders of the race results (the best data) get paid for keeping their mouths shut. The sponsors, racers and organizers keep their mouths shut, to keep the game going. When someone questions the results, the methods or the people involved in racing off-road, the money keeps the telling lips, silent.

Most of the time. Baja Racing News.com comes across the 'insiders stories' that aren't meant for wide circulation, that we publish as often as possible. Pure entertainment. That's why we say, "Who's gonna die NEXT"! As dangerous as Baja racing is, the racers, chasers, teams and fans are far more dangerous than any 'rabid skunks'.

In a recent interview of several desert racers, talking about the watershed San Felipe 2009 race, all of them admitted short-coursing. All of them admitted planning on short-coursing during their pre-running for the race and short-coursing during the race. Except Pete Sohren, but, thats another story.

What the interviewed racers may not know, is that SCORE and its representatives, Cameron Steele has said in public, that short-coursing is kosher, its accepted by the racing organization. Just don't rough ride over ranchers lands and don't get caught.

Open desert racing in Mexico, is just that, if a team sees an open desert advantage, they should take. In fact, the racers are encouraged to race like that, in Mexico. Any shortcut is legal. Just review the past enforcement actions regarding these matters. There are none.

Because its been this way for at least two generations of racers in the west, into the third, its now the "MO", the tradition of desert, open off-road racing. To question the operation is to question the viability of the 'sport'. But, this is no sport, its pure entertainment. And marketing.

It's a cash & carry form of entertainment. The racers pay for their thrills and the sponsors pay to get their marketing, for the consumers to buy all the products we require, they must reach buyers. Step up to the organizers and pay up, the show are the thrills of the race, crazy racing, in the wilds of the hostile, open desert.

Race tracking. Who cut the course? Who finished first? Who really knows? The race all happens in the middle of nowhere. You can't trust the holders of 'the data'. Until its all opened like a childrens book, for all to see, it will remain magic.

Magic and entertainment.


Safety

Rather than look at Baja race tracking from ''Safety Network or course enforcement' perspectives, we want to converse this subject as 'fans', Baja race fanatics. We are not the racers who put themselves at risk, everytime they suit-up.

The racers themselves know what's 'safer' for them! You'll know whats what when we report on the services THEY choose and the results of those decisions. We also strongly feel, that its up to the racers to decide what the course rules should be.

After a short history of modern open desert, off-road racing in Mexico, since the 1960's, an even shorter history of 'race tracking' is known. The fans have used the available technologies to follow 'the action'. The action of the desert race, described not just by being at the race and watching or hearing the events, but by radio communications and very recently by computer displayed tracking of contestants & results.

From the distant replays of ABC's "Wide World of Sports" and the first TV images of open desert racing, electronic displays of the action were as close as some fans could get. Many living in the colder, far reaching stretches of the globe, only got the kicks of the sport on TV. Much after the fact, often with little or no actual race results, just simple replays of the camera works, emitted on the boob tube.

Today, with the miracles of micro-processing and communications, from the comfort of a fans home, they can watch the winner of distant international off-road race, cross the finish line, in all the glory and colors of the sport. At the exact moment of the action and knowing the sequence of why and how 'the win' is occurring.

Only on Baja Racing News.com, the first contingency from Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, Mexico, was webcast, live. We have pioneered following the action. The first to "twitter", before twitter was twitter. Recently, the Mexicali 500 race was LIVE! video webcast. Both firsts. The famous El Alamo contingency from Ensenada, Baja Mexico, was webcast live, for the first time. All, webcast LIVE! here.

In a simple way, a video webcast can be a crude race tracking with the race radio used as audio. A fan can follow the race developments, by listening to the race radio communications, as the race progresses and ends.

The sophisticated race tracking that fans follow today, displayed on their mobile and home computers, is what we would like to discuss forward. The systems that display the location and condition of the racers during off-road races is our real 'race tracking'. Sure its nice to know, the conditions, weather, state of the event and the festivities that racers, teams and participating fans are experiencing.

But, the bottom line during the race is "who's in first and who's following", right now. "What happened to get the race to this point", are what modern, sophisticated race tracking, explains in their own terms. Some say they will display and explain the race proceedings and fewer accomplish their huge task.

In review, the tracking is great entertainment for fanatics. But, can't be trusted for race results, until all of the data is placed on the publics table for all to see. Happy Heidi Steele face place here!

Baja Racing News is committed to bring you "the Action", LIVE!
And the stories 'they' don't want you to know, about Baja Racing.


THE ORIGINAL STORY: March 11, 2008

"The only reliable race management at this race is between the racers and the race tracking systems", "there is no fully reliable safety network nor course enforcement", said the inside source. Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE inside source.

The inside source has been a desert racer for many years and is currently the senior race safety authority working with SCORE.

The recent decision by SCORE to cut lose any 'mandated race tracking by the sanctioning body' is a move simply to allow SCORE to keep making its entry fee and to pose to the racers as the 'white hat' (the good guy), reducing overall costs to the racer. It's mostly meaningless, but to force the racer to shop for tracking services.

Ask for the rules, they don't exist. Look for the contracts, they don't exist. The only guidance from SCORE and SCORE reps is this, past experience. And, Cameron Steele relating the private meeting after the drivers meeting at San Felipe some years ago, between Jason Baldwin, Cameron and Sal Fish. "Sal said we can do anything we want, just don't cross a ranchers private property and knock down their fences and don't get caught, thats official SCORE Sal Fish racing in the Mexican deserts rules".

The recent SCORE moves were clearly meant as a financial rescue to the sanctioning body, so that its racers don't see the racing costs as being imposed by the racing authority. Now, the tracking is a non-fixed, non-mandated cost. So the racers can perceive the races in Mexico with SCORE as more affordable. But most racers know the game, they know what Sal is up to. It's a bloodbath out there and teams are collapsing by the day.

Rather than trim costs across the board, meaning the mandated "fees", the race tracking cost is essentially cut. And the services they pay for, gone. The one clear safety item that connects all the lose patchwork of comm-nets, communication networks, that always fail at desert off-road racing events in Mexico. A cel hole here, a satellite phone without a good battery there and the Weatherman asleep and you get the picture. No verifiable course or race management.

Our inside source said to expect this condition for the 500 and 1000 as well. Did he tell the future or what?

FROM 2005

From the Website:

Welcome to the home page for International Racing Consultants
The Reason:
Over the course of the last few years, as I am quite sure you are aware, the availability of high tech electronic equipment has come into use in the sport of off-road racing. The days of stuck-stubs have long since passed. Numerous unsuccessful attempts to use the technology available in this day and age, have been made in an effort to "help" prevent speeding on the highways, short coursing, and cheating in general, but short of having a course marshal in each car this has been impossible, until now....

We feel that safety is one of the most important issues we face in the inherently dangerous sport of off-road racing, and that all available steps should be taken, to ensure the safety and security of ourselves and our fellow competitors. Our company, International Racing Consultants, has two unique and revolutionary devices for improving the safety, competitor tracking, and overall participation of our sport far beyond what has ever been imagined.
Our strategy is to:
· Increase the safety factor.
· Improve sportsmanship and competitiveness.
· Promote the sport of off road and rally racing in the United States.
· Increase family and sponsor involvement.
· Assist racers by creating an affordable avenue to world wide racing events.
Target Markets: Initial targeting to the:
· Off road racing community in the United States and Mexico. After careful review, we have formed a basic outline of how we believe that IRC, can work to bring multiple product lines to the racing organizations, race teams and their sponsors here in the US as well as abroad. This outline is intended to be the framework for our proposal with regard to implementing the plan.




For Immediate Release

Spot Satellite GPS Messenger to Provide Live Tracking for SCORE Baja 1000 Off-Road Endurance Race

Fans Can Track Racers Online Using SPOT’s GPS Web-Tracking Capability

MILPITAS, CA (November 14 2008) - SPOT LLC (www.findmespot.com), the pioneer behind the award-winning SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™, today announced that they have partnered with off-road racing sanctioning body SCORE International, to provide live web GPS tracking powered by SPOT, to SCORE Baja racers competing at the 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The Baja race, considered by many to be the world’s most challenging off-road endurance test, is to be held in the Baja Peninsula in Mexico beginning November 21st. With GPS tracking powered by SPOT, fans and sponsors can track the progress of drivers competing in five classes (SCORE Trophy Trucks, Class 1, Class 5-1600, Stock Mini and Class 8) live at www.2008SCOREbaja1000.com.

The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is the first device that can send a message to a cell phone or email address with your GPS coordinates to friends or family or alert an emergency rescue coordination center from virtually anywhere around the world, regardless of cellular coverage. With SPOT, you can stay connected no matter what your outdoor activity may be or where your adventures take you. Whether you’re just checking in, allowing others to track your progress or calling for help – SPOT can give you and your loved ones assurance that your adventure will be a safe one.

“We are pleased that SCORE has chosen SPOT’s tracking function as a key ingredient for bringing a new experience to the fans of the Baja 1000,” said Darren Bassel, Director of Marketing for SPOT LLC. “As some of the world’s finest drivers battle the harsh and remote desert environment of the Baja Peninsula, our partnership with SCORE, Aura360, BFGoodrich, and Volkswagen, will allow us to showcase the durability of the SPOT, while bringing the Baja 1000 event to life for those who want to follow the race live online.”

Adventurers and explorers from around the world, including world-class athletes like those competing in the Baja 1000, have come to depend upon SPOT GPS messaging. SCORE Trophy Truck driver Cameron Steele has partnered with SPOT and has been using a SPOT Messenger during his preparation for the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

“While racing and preparing for remote events like the Baja 1000, the SPOT Messenger is the only device that is rugged enough to handle the pounding of off-road racing while providing me with the added safety of reliable satellite messaging,” said Cameron Steele, two-time Baja 1000 class champion and Score Person of the Year 07-08. “SPOT keeps my family, crew and sponsors connected through online tracking and GPS satellite messages, even when I’m hundreds of miles away in the middle of nowhere and no other communication works.”

The Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, including in-car commentary with driver Cameron Steele, will be televised on NBC Sports December 14, 2008 and ESPN International beginning December, 2008.

About SPOT LLC.

The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world’s first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer’s location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service center. SPOT LLC., a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT), provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. Thanks to this affordable, cutting-edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how SPOT LLC. is helping users live to tell about it(SM) – from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes – visit www.findmespot.com.

To download a high resolution picture of the SPOT Satellite Messenger please visit http://sales.findmespot.com/en/content.php?cid=23

One of the pieces of gear we’ll bring to Mexico for the 2008 Baja 1000 is a SPOT Satellite Messenger. This device can alert your team and send GPS coordinates if you run into problems, but a really cool feature is something called ’spotcasting’. SPOT can acquire and send your GPS coordinates to your account every 10 minutes. This information can be ported to Google Maps so everyone with access to the Internet can keep up with your progress.

SPOT: Personal Satellite Messenger

I tried this functionality out for the first time on our Utah training run. My biggest mistake was putting the unit in a padded pocket deep inside of my Camelbak. Without a clear line of sight, this unit only works intermittently. I expected to see hundreds of waypoints, but only clocked 37 over the course of three days. Stupid is as stupid does. On our next training run, I’ll affix the unit to the outside of the backpack. I expect this will solve the problem and I’ll be able to see an accurate reflection of the course I travelled. It was cool to check out the waypoints we did capture in Google Earth. Take a gander…

Finally a user got to the point, "This thing sucks. You can’t activate it because the website keeps crashing. When you finally get to the site your previous attempts to activate cause it to say that it’s already “in use” by another user."




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2009
INTERNATIONAL RACING CONSULTANTS (IRC) TO SUPPORT
FORTHCOMING TECATE SCORE SAN FELIPE 250
Company to Provide High-Tech Tracking Services for Mexican Desert Race
Tustin, Calif., – International Racing Consultants (IRC) today announced its support of racers, chase crews and other event personnel for March’s Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race. IRC will have its fully-equipped support trailer in San Felipe from Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15, as well as additional monitoring services based out its Tustin, Calif., headquarters.
While IRC’s race tracking system -IriTrack - is not mandatory for this year’s Tecate SCORE San Felipe event, the company will still be leasing its high-tech Iri-Track units providing valuable logistics and asset protection services to teams, media, medical vehicles and key operational personnel. IRC will also be in constant contact with the famed “Weatherman” and SCORE operations during the entire event in case of emergencies or other race-related issues.
“While we certainly respect the need for SCORE International to help racers cut costs in this difficult economy, many teams are still requesting IRC’s support at San Felipe and beyond,” explained IRC founder and President Steve Myers. “It’s important for us to communicate that IRC will not be monitoring this race for course compliance nor will it be providing SCORE International course deviation information as this is now not required by SCORE. However, various other benefits our IriTrack system provides are key components to many support and safety elements of the race. IRC will be on hand in San Felipe to provide these services.”



Baja Racing News.com BULLETIN!

BFGoodrich Tires coordinates Robby Gordon race takedown
Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE


The last word on this affair. After taking it all in on Wednesday, we took a few moments on Thursday, March 20 to see what we have learned, after all this hoopla. What did Baja Racing News.com learn?

Never, ever, under any circumstances think of, say or use the "C" word.

Regarding "C". One mans "C" is another mans science. Until the men who race in Baja AGREE on what is what, the "C" word will be avoided here at Baja Racing News.com

Why? Well, in this case, after another lowly 'blog' used the word to trumpet its version of this story, (Tim), the result of this words use is clear.

Just a reminder, we are reporting on "Baja Racing". We're not talking about, Love, War, Politics or peoples lives. Hmm, on second thought, maybe we are.

Thusly, check out this take on the situation scattered throughout the eWorld on the scewernet. Not only is it factually incorrect, but as the following blog item portrays, outsiders have no clue about "Baja Racing". This thing "Baja Racing", as Roger Norman clearly represented, is something we care about and we don't want it to go away.

We suggest the reader observe the offending words use and how this whole thing may be misunderstood by larger publics:

From another lowly blog: "Robby Gordon, accused of "c" during last weekend's San Felipe 250 off-road race in Baja California by the competitors who claimed he took a shortcut, has been cleared by the SCORE racing series.

ON SATURDAY EVENING, A PROTEST WAS HEARD BY SCORE & CRB AGAINST 2ND PLACE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK FINISHER ROBBY GORDON AND A DECISION WAS RENDERED IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON. AN APPEAL OF THIS DECISION WAS SUBMITTED BY A TROPHY TRUCK COMPETITOR ON SUNDAY MORNING AND THE APPEAL WAS ACCEPTED BY SCORE. THIS APPEAL HAS BEEN FORMALLY WITHDRAWN BY THE COMPETITOR. AS A RESULT, THE INITIAL DECISION IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON WILL STAND AND THE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK RESULTS ARE NOW OFFICIAL.

Interestingly, the report does not why the ruling was made that way."




Late Wednesday, March 18, sanity reigns:

"NOTE - ON SATURDAY EVENING, A PROTEST WAS HEARD SCORE & CRB AGAINST 2ND PLACE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK FINISHER ROBBY GORDON AND A DECISION WAS RENDERED IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON. AN APPEAL OF THIS DECISION WAS SUBMITTED BY A TROHPY (sp. TROPHY) TRUCK COMPETITOR ON SUNDAY MORNING AND THE APPEAL WAS ACCEPTED BY SCORE. THIS APPEAL HAS BEEN FORMALLY WITHDRAWN BY THE COMPETITOR. AS A RESULT, THE INITIAL DECISION IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON WILL STAND AND THE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK RESULTS ARE NOW OFFICIAL." From the race organizer website.

!Viva Sr. Sal Fish. Viva SCORE and Viva Baja Racers!

The Baja Racing News public reacts to the entire series of events at the San Felipe 250, Friday, March 20, 2009 :

"In my opinion it doesn't matter if it is Robby Gordon or the President of the United States, if they have not followed the rules of the SCORE Regulations regarding "intentional short coursing" then disqualification should be made mandatory. Also, I believe it was in their briefing material from SCORE that all drivers were to check in at ALL CHECKPOINTS, that was not the case here, supposedly.
Another point I would like to make - what good are the tracking systems if they are not used? I sat at home and watched the drivers make their way around the Baja course on my computer and witnessed one other driver short coursing this race. Nothing was ever said about that instance, all eyes were on Gordon. All drivers need to be watched!
If these races are going to be fair make sure that the rules and regulations are followed - that is what they are there for. I would hate to see the demise of this awesome sport."

Baja Racing News Reader


Another:


"To say I'm livid is an understatement. I deliberately waited until most have had their say about the matter, thinking maybe I'm out of wack or something. But no, I'm not.

Knowing Sal since 1973, I believe that if he doesn't have some controversy during and after the race, the race was not a success for him. That's has to be it. I can’t think of any other reasons why this race wound up as it did.

He's not a dummy. He's got all the tools to make things right. He’s got tons of experience and the personnel to do things for him. But he refuses because maybe that's the only thrill he gets nowadays. Everything else has perhaps become stale. That’s all I can think of.

I provided Sal with three (3) exact locations (I had several others but weren’t a crucial as these three), where I knew people would cut the course if he didn't do something about them. I gave him Google maps to show exact locations and distances, etc.
Before the racer's meeting in San Felipe, he said to me, "It's all taken care of. Thanks." So I didn't question him during the meeting, although my jaw dropped several times when he admitted that in certain areas (washes), there was nothing he could do at this late date. Two of those sections were exactly where I had told him people would cheat, and it would stir up controversy. And I gave him the maps three weeks before the race and BEFORE he started marking the course!

CUT TO THE CHASE LUCHO: 95% of the racecourse problems would have been solved had he done the following:
1. Add a Check at RM28-29
2. Add a Check at RM93-94 or even RM99
3. Add a Check at RM149

That's it! That simple! FINI! BASTA! IT’S OVER! It would have taken care of 95% of his course-cutting problems and especially the Robby Gordon dilemma.

Instead, trying to save money (I guess) by not having to pay for three extra Checkpoints (what's that worth? Maybe $500.00 each or $1500.00), he has put a bad taste in everyone's mouth (certainly mine and our team), especially those of us who will never cheat or cut the course but see others get away with it without repercussions .

PEOPLE, let me tell you that knowing Baja as I do and especially the areas where the 250 was marked, I could have cut as much as 49 miles off the racecourse, based on the fact that SCORE did not place checkpoints where I suggested they should be (see above).

All I can surmise is that Sal knows he's in his concluding years, he's tired, burnt–out and probably if he has another bad race or two (entry wise) he'll just walk away from it. I believe he does not give a "cow's excrement" anymore.

NOTICE: Sal, if you or Paul are reading this (or someone here wants to send him a copy of what I just stated), please call me and I will tell you that this was the worst I've seen you do in a long time, especially since you have/had the means not to have to go through all this. An amateur promoter could have figured it out better.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING: I race Baja because I love being in Baja and the challenges and the pre-runs, and the people I know and meet down there. I DO NOT RACE IT JUST BECAUSE IT'S PUT ON BY SCORE.

FINALLY: It’s truly disheartening because I’ve been racing for many years (longer than most who compete have been alive), and it just seems that it’s all eroding away. A terrible shame!"

Lou Peralta



Another:


"Lou, I have been around a long time, way before Sal had a single gray hair. I knew the exact out come and I have to agree with you. Legend or not, Lou is rite, Sal had the chance to do the right thing before pre running started."


David Hendrickson



Another:


"Lou I like you and don't want to cast any disrespect but I think you are way out of line and a couple of your facts are off.

FIRST mistake - The line Robby used would not have been caught by your stellar check point placement posted here. RG cut the entrance to Matomi, not the exit (others in the race did cut at the exit) but you hailing your check points would not have caught RG.

SECOND mistake - you stated that the Mini Summit was a cheating option so that is your reasoning for a check point at mile 28-29. Maybe a King of the Hammers vehicle could make that climb but I was there on my dirt bike a month ago and couldn't ride down without pushing and lifting.

I will admit that more checks or visual would have made it better and I concur with a check at mile 93, this doesn't change the fact that you are being disrespectful Lou.

You know I don't want to say what is really obvious so I won't but suffice it to say that Mexico is wide open and I'm sure they would give you permits to run your own events if you can do it so much better.

In the past it has been said that I am "Sal's Boy" (In a Dress!) well I don't know or care about that but I can tell you this SAL IS THE MAN! Mistakes or not he is the one making it happen."

Cameron Steele


The Baja Racing News.com EDITORIAL VERDICT ( Issued prior to the withdraw of the matter--Noon, March 18)!

We are talking about desert off-road racing IN MEXICO. The 'Baja Mexico' part to the discussion is the fulcrum point of the discussion. The Editorial Board of Baja Racing News.com dispenses with this here and NOW. Baja Racing is open desert off-road racing IN MEXICO.

As we all know, the Official SCORE rulebook is void in this matter. Why, because the racing is in Mexico. The "SC" in SCORE is 'Southern California'. Just because SCORE doesn't race in Southern California, is not relative.

Under the operated races and rules for years in Mexico by SCORE, what Robby Gordon 'May Have Done' is RACING. "BAJA RACING!" Just like "rubbing is racing", tactical course advantages IN MEXICO, we think, are fair game. Not to mention the validity of the entire case presented against Robby, by the tire manufacturer, BFGoodrich.

Name one team, not rep'd by BFG, making the same claim...

Who runs these races? Tire manufacturers and their money or Sal Fish?

Robby Gordon took second place, in his class, with his performance on Saturday. If Sal changes this standing, we may be looking at the END of Baja Racing. Next time, the concerned racers should discuss amongst themselves, privately, how to handle the matter. Without a drivers association, the racers expose the results of races to the flow of dollars, going to the race organizer.

This is "BAJA RACING! The most Dangerous and Notorious Racing In The World"!

Baja Racing News.com EDITORIAL VERDICT


Reactions to the Baja Racing News.com Editorial Verdict:

Readers that Approve: 49%
Readers that Disapprove: 51%

[March 19, 2009]



CLICK HERE for the recent Baja Racing News.com story on the 'Insider' who essentially predicted this race result, prior to the race, this past weekend.

Baja Racing News.com looked over the "evidence". Mindful, that BFGoodrich representatives are coordinating this effort and most importantly, the "Baja Fools" and 'Norman Motorsports' are the sole source of the initial information about the 'claims'. Robby Gordon runs Toyo Tires (he was a BFG sponsored team, for many years) in Gordon Motorsports. They are also paid representatives of an opposing team of Gordon Motorsports.

The people in the video are not independent eye-witnesses. They ARE NOT race officials. They are people with time on their hands after Norman Motorsports crashed out of the race.

Norman Motorsports defends its attack today, on Americas beloved Robby Gordon:

"I was very sad to discover that Robby Gordon was responsible for this racing infraction. This is not about Robby Gordon. It's about breaking the rules, cutting the course, cheating or whatever you want to call it. All of the teams who race for the point championship (the overall season win) want the race to be as fair as possible. It is clearly unfair to #19 Herbst to have been passed by Gordon with a premeditated illegal maneuver. Herbst witnessed Gordon coming down the hill (that is in the video) and wrote a statement to Sal Fish regarding it. What is at stake is the integrity of the sport. I believe that all competitors need to have the opportunity to race in a fair environment. Just because it is Robby Gordon doesn't mean that we should all turn our backs and sweep it under the rug.

We were not out to prosecute Robby Gordon, nor were there any initial intentions for this dispute to be made public. We were waiting for our vehicle (Trophy Truck #8) at race mile #134 when the controversy started. The Baja Fools pit crew was tracking every vehicle that passed and the BF Goodrich relay was also reporting vehicle times. When it was discovered that Gordon had finished the race, conversation erupted about how he could have proceeded from checkpoint two to checkpoint three without entering the now infamous Matomi Wash. The speculation continued for about 45 minutes before I decided to try and solve how he had bypassed the entry to the wash without anyone seeing him from the high bluff at the race mile 134. We were completely shocked to find out that he had cut the course by that much, approximately four miles. Gordon was the only four-wheel vehicle to make it to the finish line without completing the entire course, or at least passing by race mile 134. When we returned to the Baja Fools pit, I spoke to the gentleman at BFG Relay and showed him the photos and then went over and showed the Baja Fools. They filled out a formal complaint intended for delivery to Sal Fish.

My truck (#8) never made it to the Baja Fools pit, instead we took the pre-runner to the finish line to meet with Sal and discuss what had happened. Sal said that if it is true, then it is not right. Sal then instructed me to go meet with Paul Fish next to the finish line. I provided Paul with the information and shortly after Robby arrived and admitted to cutting the course, but not where the evidence shows. What Gordon claimed was that he cut the course very close to the corner, which is in plain view of the Baja Fools pit and the BF Goodrich relay. The ONLY four-wheel tire track cutting the course was the one that was about 1.5 miles back from race mile 134.

Gordon proceeded to make several statements to me that I knew were incorrect. He told me that Ed Herbst had seen him come down the hill from the shortcut, which was true. However, Ed verified that the actual was not where Gordon had claimed and that the photographs were consistent with Gordons correct entry into the wash. Gordon told me that if I filed a protest I would not be able to purchase any more parts for my shocks or body panels from him. I told him that the integrity of the sport was more important than parts.
Ed also expressed dismay about such a premeditated shortcut and had a few words with Sal the next morning before the awards banquet. Ed Herbst was not the only team leader to speak with Sal Fish on Sunday morning. The group protesting Gordon includes: Rob MacCachren, Mark Post, Larry Roeseler, and Jim Blackmore. There was much discussion about the matter and how to avoid similar controversy in the future.

SCORE Rule Book

Page 10. General Regulations G3 / The Race Director or his designated representative shall have the authority to penalize, fine, disqualify, and/or suspend any entrant for the violation of these rules including but not limited to to the special ruling and supplementary regulations described in G6 and G7. Possible penalties are slated in GP3 in this rulebook.

Page 16, General Regulations GL15 / A marked course is that official route disignated by and marked with SCORE markings. The marked course must be followed by by all vehicle entries during the event. No vehicle entry may deviate from the marked course on either side more than 50 feet (50') from the centerline of the marked course on either side to pass. The fifty foot limit may change from event to event, or from one area to the next in the same event as stated by SCORE. Passing on a marked course is permitted when the diviation is made safely and within the set limit. No short coursing is allowed. (Short coursing is defined as deviating from the marked course for other than passing.)
Sensitive areas are those that are disignated by SCORE or government regulatory agencies. No deviation off the course whatsoever is permitted in designated sensitive areas. Special markings may be used by SCORE in sensitive areas.
Open running areas are those designated by SCORE where one or more routes may be used during the event. Open running will be permitted only withing the parameters of the area designated by SCORE. One or more course routes may or may not be marked by SCORE. SCORE will preanounce any controls which may be located within an open running area.
SCORE in not responsible for markings, which are damaged or moved. No persons other than SCORE officials are permitted to place, remove or relocate course markings.
All vehicles must drive only in the correct direction of the course route or trail. Failure to abide by these regulations is grounds for disqualification, fine, suspension, and/or a penalty determined at the discretion of the Race Director.

Page 19, Genearal Regulations GP3/ The following schedule of penalties is a guidline used by SCORE in levying penalties to competitors. These guidelines are a minimum only.
#9. Intentional short coursing. ***Disqualification.

The one subject that all of the other teams agreed upon after the meeting is that there will probably be no action taken by race officials and that any pursuit for a fair racing environment will go unnoticed because of who is involved. There are going to be those who believe that any means necessary is just that, or that our motivations involved stem from petty disputes. This is not the case. This is a problem that has existed for many years and needs to find resolution. If the course path means nothing then we all need to be on the same page. If checkpoint-to-checkpoint is by any means necessary then lets all agree on it. This is our sport that we love dearly and its our duty to protect it and keep it fair for everyone. Robbie Gordon has called my team manager several times to let him know we would not be getting anymore parts from him and also asked what we plan to do. It is unknown at this time if we will be able to compete at the Baja 500 or Baja 1000 without the shock parts we need from Robbie Gordon. If we are unable to make it to those races, I still believe it was the right thing to do."

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"By Alton Parker-Norman Motorsports

SAN FELIPE, Mexico (March 15th 2009) — How far are you willing to go to win? is a question frequently asked in off-road racing. In a difficult and dangerous sport, it takes heroic amounts of dedication and commitment to compete at a professional level. The SCORE racing series in Baja, Mexico is considered one of the most difficult off-road racing series in the world - its roster of competitors boast such racing heroes as Ivan Stewart, Parnelli Jones, and more recently NASCAR legend Robby Gordon.

On Saturday, March 14th at the 2009 Baja 250, several top racing teams filed a formal complaint against Robby Gordon for illegally shortcutting the course approximately 4 miles in order to pass Trophy Truck competitor Ed Herbst who has signed an appeal having witnessed the action.

Its common for off-road racers to use the shortest paths through difficult terrain, but it is another thing entirely to deliberately leave the course and re-enter at another location. The sport can be said to effectively operate on an honor system and it is often difficult to track the vehicles and enforce rules between the established checkpoints.

In the most remote part of the course at race mile marker 132.5 Gordon veered off course and drove down a cliff to bypass a difficult section and pass Herbst. He was discovered by a pit crew known as the Baja Fools who had set up a pit stop in that section of the course. They had thought that Gordon was broken down on an earlier section until the radio confirmed that Gordon had finished in second place. On investigation, two sets of Toyo tire tracks were found re-entering the course at ~ mile 136. Gordon had clearly premeditated the deviation and had practiced the maneuver once before.

Appeals were filed with the SCORE International race officials and they are currently investigating. Gordon may be facing possible probation."


Monday Morning Release from SCORE: "SCORE OFFICIALS HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT AN APPEAL OF A PROTEST DECISION AGAINST 2ND PLACE ROBBY GORDON HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. AS A RESULT, OTHER THAN 1ST PLACE BRIAN COLLINS, THE BALANCE OF THE FINISHING RESULTS FROM SCORE TROPHY TRUCK ARE UNDER APPEAL. SCORE EXPECTS A DECISION ON THE APPEAL TO BE REACHED BY THE END OF THIS WEEK."



The Original Baja Racing News.com BULLETIN:
BFG Tires, Baja Fools (one Mr. Norman), Frank DiAngelo & Wild Bill

On the warpath to screw Robby Gordon out of the second place finish today at San Felipe 250. Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE! Mexican Radio LIVE! Race Radio WEBCAST caught the planning BFG Tires LISTEN HERE [ Seek 3:51:11 into the recording; play until you hear the conversation between, Wild Bill (a paid BFG rep, Frank Di Angelo, Paid rep for BFG) and Roger Norman, Baja Racer] Frank Di Angelo to take down Americas favorite off-road racer. Robby Gordon, after todays second place finish.

The claim is, a "cheaters track" was caught by the Baja Fools. Jeff Cummings from BFG, tonight on the LIVE feed said, "Sal will be expecting to see the stuff from Roger Norman". Roger Norman, unknowingly LIVE over the screwernet, "I'll be in town in 20 minutes, thanks Wild Bill".

Folks, this is raw, unadulterated, Tire sponsorship payback, nothing more. These teams, all suck the tete of the French owned Michelin, BFGoodrich Corporation. It's all about the money. Even for the Big Boys. Baja Racing News.com will break out the cannons and bring you the story.

We don't think the backroom F-A-Thon was ever intended to be exposed like it was this afternoon.

Late Saturday night, a meeting of the CRB (Competition Review Board) took place. We have a report about that meeting. But, since they are considered confidential we will at this time retain the contents of the meeting. Today, on Monday, March 16, a statement was released by SCORE, saying they are reviewing the matter, with results at the end of the week.





Spot sponsors robby http://bajasafari.blogspot.com/2009/03/spot-sponsors-robby-gordon-baja-racing.html

2009 TECATE SCORE BAJA 1000
WAIVER OF LIABILITY & INDEMNITY CONTRACT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - DO NOT SIGN
MUST BE SIGNED AT BAJA 1000 RACE REGISTRATION IN ENSENADA
I UNDERSTAND THAT IN CONSIDERATION AND EXCHANGE FOR, AND AS A CONDITION TO MY PARTICIPATION IN THE 2009 TECATE SCORE BAJA 1000 OFFROAD
RACE ACTIVITIES, I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY RELEASE AND INDEMNIFY SCORE INTERNATIONAL ("SCORE"), TECATE BEER, RED BULL, MICHELIN TIRE
COMPANY, INSTANT MEXICO INSURANCE, SUNOCO RACE FUELS, AND ALL OTHER SCORE SPONSORS, FROM ALL RESPONSIBILITY TO ME, MY HEIRS,
EXECUTORS AND ASSIGNS FOR ANYTHING THAT OCCURS DURING THE RACE. IT IS MY INTENTION THAT THIS RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION EXTEND TO MY
PARTICIPATION IN THE RACE, USE OF ANY AND ALL EVENT RELATED FACILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MY USE OF THE RACE COURSE DURING
THE EVENT AND PRE-RUNNING OF THE RACE COURSE PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY SIGNING THIS WAIVER OF LIABILITY & INDEMNITY CONTRACT, I AM ASSUMING RISKS, AND AGREEING TO INDEMNIFY, NOT TO SUE
AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY SCORE, AS THE ORGANIZER OF THIS EVENT, AND ALL SCORE SPONSORS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES,
VOLUNTEERS, MEMBERS, CLUBS, SPONSORS, PROMOTERS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “RELEASEES”), AND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL LEGAL
RIGHTS. THIS RELEASE IS A CONTRACT WITH LEGAL AND BINDING CONSEQUENCES AND IT APPLIES TO THE RACE AND ALL ACTIVITIES ENTERED AT THE
EVENT, REGARDLESS WHETHER OR NOT LISTED ABOVE. I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING, AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS
AND WHAT I AM AGREEING TO BY SIGNING.
I UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OFF-ROAD RACING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND FULLY REALIZE THE DANGERS OF
PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT BY PARTCIPATING IN THE RACE AND PRE-RUNNING ACTIVITIES, I AM EXPOSING MYSELF TO THE
POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH TO MY PERSON AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO MY PROPERTY. I KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT THESE
STATED RISKS AND FULLY ASSUME THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PARTICIPATION.
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HOLD HARMLESS SCORE AND ALL SCORE SPONSORS FROM ALL SUCH CLAIMS OR RIGHTS OF ACTION, AS WELL AS COSTS, LOSS OR EXPENSE IN ANY WAY
RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THOSE CLAIMS OR RIGHTS OF ACTION, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES.
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PERSON, OR ANY DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY PROPERTY, OR ANY CLAIM OR DEMAND OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY PROPERTY, ANY DAMAGE TO MY REPUTATION, BUSINESS,
OR BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF SCORE, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, EVEN IF
SAID ACT OR OMISSION WOULD BE CONSIDERED NEGLIGENT UNDER APPLICABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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DESIGNED TO HARM EITHER ME OR MY PROPERTY. HOWEVER, I DO KNOWINGLY RELEASE SCORE AND ALL SCORE SPONSORS FROM LIABILITY THAT MIGHT
BE IMPOSED ON THEM BY LAW FOR SUCH ACTS OF THEIR OFFICERS, AGENTS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN DIRECTED, ADOPTED OR
RATIFIED BY AN OFFICER OR DIRECTOR OF SCORE.
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EMPLOYEE OF SCORE IS AUTHORIZED TO VARY ANY TERM OR PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT. I EXPRESSLY AGREE NOT TO RELY ON ANY SUCH VARIANCE
OR REPRESENTATION IF ANY IS MADE. I FURTHER REPRESENT THAT THE DRIVER/RIDER AND CO-DRIVERS/CO-RIDERS LISTED ON THIS ENTRY FORM POSSESS
THE STANDARD OF COMPETENCE NECESSARY AND ARE PHYSICALLY FIT TO COMPETE IN THIS OFF-ROAD EVENT. I FURTHER REPRESENT THAT THE VEHICLE
ENTERED IS ROADWORTHY AND SUITABLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT.
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RACE RESULTS WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM TO SCORE’S BUSINESS REPUTATION AND SUBJECT ME TO DAMAGES UNDER APPLICABLE LAW.
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MUST BE

2009 TECATE SCORE BAJA 1000
WAIVER OF LIABILITY & INDEMNITY CONTRACT

http://bajasafari.blogspot.com/2009/09/score-desperate-goes-berserk-posts-2009.html


Gary Newsome, Editor
Baja Racing News.com