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Baja 1000 2009 UPDATES!
Edited and Compiled by:
Gary Newsome, Editor Baja Racing News.com
LIVE! NOW! November 18, 2009
Field Reporters Notable New Race:
***Ashcraft Trophy Truck has withdrawn from this years Baja 1000. His father had a full knee replacement done less than 12 weeks ago. He is just not up to par. So the plug has been pulled.
***Baja Racing News.com Reporter just spoke to Destry Abbott at KM 80, he will do the Summit AND out of Mike's, he said,
"Looking forward to it"! Destry will be the linchpin, to Kawisaki's win at the BAJA 1000 2009.
Downside: "Not as many pits as Honda".
***So, these guys just came in and needed LOTS of stuff. Window nets, fire ext., "D" rings for seatbelts, etc. They had been over at Savage's shop, and he told them to come here because they would not pass tech. The window nets they had were a "Pro Net" that had been cut. You know, a tailgate net. The tell me how they are from Virginia and have always dreamed of racing the Baja 1000. The guys name is Zach, and it is his 70th birthday, so the local townfolk built him a buggy for his birthday and he is here to race the Baja 1000. They asked me if we did "Fab" work. I told them we did minor stuff, and asked what they needed. So, they took me out to the car and showed me where Savage says they need to re-do gussets and welds. Every single spot where 2 tubes meet is the most disgusting booger welds you have ever seen. None of the corner gussets are done properly. The whole thing has black "sharpie" marks and circles virtually everywhere, to point out what needs to be fixed. Basically the whole car needs to be reassembled.
I gave them some phone numbers to "real" fab shops and told them good luck and I will see them at mile 275! Too bad Dixon Bros isn't close by, I could've hooked Aaron up some business!!
***The rancher that owns a Bed and Breakfast (or will be) at La Concepcion which is on the road that splits from the race course out of Mike's at 6 miles ask that no one use his road after dark. I think his name is Mike. See his note here:
""Please no nighttime shortcuts through our ranch"
Hi Guys, The 1000 route this year seems to go relativly near our ranch (La Concepcion) going from Mikes westward (I guess through Coyote?). Our road which goes from the camino observatorio at km 67 is a shortcut to Mikes and in a roundabout way to Coyote. We are getting a lot of nighttime traffic and we'd like it to stop. Don't mind the occasional daytime bike tours (we enjoy talking to them when they stop) but the nighttime traffic is pretty irritating it is after all a private road (not a camino vecinal). Anyhow hope we can get the word out..."
***San Felipe HWY 5 ACCESS NOTES:
KM 149 RM 380 31 21.472 115 00.855, 31 13.333 114 57.037
KM 166 RANCHO MORENO
ALSO AT KM 168, 169, 170
***COLLINS Trophy Truck #12 Expected To Withdraw Prior to Race Time
***San Felipe HWY 5 ACCESS NOTES:
KM 149 RM 380 31 21.472 115 00.855, 31 13.333 114 57.037
KM 166 RANCHO MORENO
ALSO AT KM 168, 169, 170
***COLLINS Trophy Truck #12 Expected To Withdraw Prior to Race Time
"Tulare's 'Iron Man,' Mike Korenwinder, back in the Baja 1000 race 48-year-old motorcycle racer coming back from major heart surgery
His ride will include the mountain ranges near Baja. Ironic, since it was while climbing Rocky Hill in Tulare County that he noticed the chest pain that led him to the doctor. After a successful surgery, the doctor told Korenwinder that he would need physical therapy, rehab and at least 30 minutes a day of "activity" to keep his arteries flushing.
Here's guessing an intense motorcycle ride will suffice as "activity."
Next year, Korenwinder plans to return to solo riding competition for the Baja 1000. He credits friends Steve Shahan, Mike Bragg and Doug Anderson for keeping him in shape, part of a large support system that keeps him motivated. "I can't say enough about the support from the local community," he said."
Robby Gordon Baja 1000 2009 Press Release
"Following the Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, Robby Gordon and the No. 77 Monster Energy/ Toyo Tires team will return to the Baja Peninsula for the 42nd running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, November 19-22. The race marks the fifth and final competition in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series 2009 championship.
After winning two of the four 2009 events in the No. 77, Gordon enters the Baja 1000 with a comfortable lead in both the Trophy Truck division and the Overall Desert Series championship standings. However, before being awarded the trophy, Gordon will have to overcome stiff competition from 337 other competitors who are entering the Baja 1000 to represent 39 U.S. States and 14 countries. The field will include at least 35 entrants for the Trophy Truck division, in which Gordon competes.
The Baja 1000 will take place over a 672.85-mile course, with the competition both beginning and ending in Ensenada, Mexico. The trophy truck class is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. PST on Friday, November 20th. The vehicles leave the grid in 30-second increments for the timed event, which is expected to take the fastest competitors approximately 14 hours to complete. The duo of Robby Gordon and Andy Grider roll off eighth and will race their way towards the coveted Baja 1000 title in front more than 100,000 spectators.
While Robby Gordon is racing his No. 77 Trophy Truck across the Baja Peninsula, the Robby Gordon Motorsports team will be working with Matt Crafton to prepare the No. 7 MAPEI / Menards Camry for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Gordon will then arrive at 1.5-mile oval in Florida to compete in the 400-mile event at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 22.
"I'm very excited for the Baja 1000 this year," said Gordon. "I love this race, and I've made it a goal to compete in the Baja 1000 throughout my NASCAR career, even when I wasn't able to run the entire SCORE schedule. My family's background is in off-road racing, and I started my career competing in off-road events. The Robby Gordon Off-Road team has done a great job making the No. 77 Trophy Truck competitive for all the events this year, and I'm confident that we'll be able to bring home strong finish in the Baja 1000. This is a very tough and physical event. All we have to do to clench the championship is to finish the race. However, last year only 2/3 of the entrants finished the race, so it isn't as easy as it sounds. I trust that my guys built the best truck out there, and we'll be able to drive the trophy truck to championship.""
Jimmie Johnsons Baja 1000 Road To American Winner
The Road started in El Cajon California, near San Diego
With Jimmie Johnson positioned to become the first racer in history to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships, Motorsports writer Holly Cain took a trip to his hometown outside San Diego last week. This is the first of a two-part series looking at the unlikely start for a stock car great.
The neighborhood sits just beyond a miniature horse farm, up Crest Mountain in unincorporated El Cajon, where dusty pick-up trucks buzz by impatiently, dirt bikes strapped in their truck beds.
A convenience store serves as grocer and shares space with Lenardo Pizzeria -- a five-table local's favorite. A block away Nancy Jane County Park -- about half the size of a football field -- is surrounded randomly by brand new, half-million dollar homes and decades-old tiny block cottages with overgrown weeds and old cars parked in what would be a lawn, except it's all dirt.
This is a blue-collar community of four-wheelers, off-road trucks and dirt bikes only 20 minutes -- but a world away -- from the Mercedes Benz and BMWs crowding San Diego proper.
A couple houses up an incline from the park, your eyes are drawn to an impeccably manicured corner lot where next to the three pick-ups in the driveway there is a 20-foot flagpole carrying a huge American flag. Under it, an equally large flag flies the blue No. 48 and Lowe's Home Improvement store logo.
This modest community of Crest -- 30 minutes north of the Mexican border -- is where Jimmie Johnson grew up -- an unlikely launching point for someone who is one race away -- one 25th-place finish Sunday at the season finale in Homestead, Fla. away - from becoming the first person in good ol' NASCAR history to claim four consecutive Sprint Cup championships.
To fully appreciate how far Johnson has come, it helps to grasp where he started.
"The best way I'd describe this area is to say it's a place where everything has been earned and worked for,'' said Jake Gaeir, an assistant principal at Granite Hills High School, from where Johnson, a former varsity water polo player, diver and swimmer, graduated in 1993.
It's become a bit of NASCAR folklore that the humble Johnson once lived in a trailer park. And his background is modest, but the reality is Crest is more like a neighborhood of parked trailers.
For some of the approximately 1,000 people that live here, the trailers are recreational -- mobile weekend homes for the hard-working 9-to-5ers. For many, they were forced sanctuaries. Some of Johnson's former neighbors had to live in trailers while their charred homes were rebuilt.
In 2003, Nancy Jane Park was a command post during a particularly cruel Southern California wildfire season that claimed more than 200 homes in the area.
Flames came within yards of burning down Johnson's childhood home. And without fanfare he acted as any reasonable, thoughtful person with great resources would: he immediately sent help to his neighbors.
Johnson donated money and enlisted the help of his race team sponsor Lowe's. Three years ago, Johnson donated his entire winner's paycheck from a victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway to the fire relief fund. And since then, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation has partnered with Habitat for Humanity in building four completely new homes for families displaced in the fires.
The resulting disparity in the community's homes is a vivid result of those forced to build new -- and a vivid reminder of how one of their own generously and without hesitation gave back.
"Jimmie Johnson is something, you know,'' said Lenardo Pizzeria owner who goes simply by, "Sam"
"Everyone here is a friend of Jimmie Johnson's because everyone knows he has a good heart.''
It's a typical response from people everywhere you roam in El Cajon. Lunchroom diners at the city's Downtown Cafe, who admittedly might not follow NASCAR, are still quick to celebrate their hometown kid.
And yet elsewhere Johnson suffers from a uniquely NASCAR disease. Despite proving himself a winner on the track -- 47 Sprint Cup victories -- and good guy off it, many of the sport's fans are still slow to give him his due. Those that say he's too polished, too polite, too fortunate -- might find they have more in common with Johnson than they realize.
Mark Martin's father owned a large trucking company; Johnson's father drove a large truck.
Jeff Gordon's stepfather moved the family from Northern California to Indiana just so Gordon could meet an age requirement to race. Johnson's father moved his sons -- Jimmie and two younger brothers -- into the desert when he delivered and serviced tires for BF Goodrich in the Baja 1000.
If they gave Johnson a chance, even those hard-core, gotta win-me-over fans might discover someone who is simply genuine and happy and genuinely happy. Because at 34 years old and on the verge of making sports history, he has already far exceeded any of his own expectations.
And he's making sure to enjoy the ride - no matter how bumpy or atypical it was out of the gates.
"If even five years ago you stood back and said there would be a driver from San Diego who used to race off-road trucks and he's going to be one of the biggest champions in NASCAR, you would have had people laugh in your face,'' said National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racer Ron Capps, a friend of Johnson's who has lived in the area for decades.
"To come where he's come from and not from a lot a money, it's even more impressive.
"Think about it, the NASCAR world has always been the good ol' boy network and here's a guy rewriting its history, basically he's infiltrated that network without having a name like Petty or Earnhardt or Wood brothers.
"You'd think the fans ought to feel lucky they have him as a champion. He's such a great guy, so down to earth. Here's someone who has reason to have become a jerk or an ego monster and everyone that knows him will tell you he hasn't changed one bit with all the success.''
That's greatly due to the fact that Johnson wasn't raised that way. And he's earned every smile he offers, worked hard for each success in the most competitive era his sport has ever seen.
Hendrick Motorsports has created an organizational dynasty and Johnson's crew chief, Chad Knaus, is regarded as a strategical guru, but Johnson's still the guy driving the car. How can you argue with four wins in nine Chase races this year and a championship rate that will climb to 50 percent should he clinch Sunday."People don't realize how hard he worked, how much he wants it,'' his dad, Gary Johnson, said. "People think he was given things. Heck, we had one bathroom in our house in Crest. I remember at one time I had four motorcycles parked in the master bedroom with my alarm clock resting on top of one.
"We could have had a big fancy house, but we chose to spend money on things that we could do as a family."
After Johnson won his first Cup championship in 2006, Granite Hills High Principal Georgette Torres invited him to a school assembly where his car number 48 was retired from all Eagle sports teams uniforms and Johnson was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.
Torres once coordinated Johnson's independent studies while he raced as a teenager and is an "original" member of the Jimmie Johnson Fan Club from the early 1990s.
"Back then, it was really more like fund-raising,'' Torres tells with a wide smile. "We were raising money so he could go race in the desert.''
When Johnson -- voted a member of the 1993 Homecoming Court -- came back to address the almost 3,000 students gathered at the school's football stadium, he entered the track driving his famous No. 48 Chevrolet and couldn't resist finishing off the entrance with a loud, smoke-filled burnout that brought the cheering stadium crowd of teenagers to its feet.
"When he climbed out of the car, he gave me that same look I remember, that smile, and said, 'Sorry Miss Torres, but I've always wanted to do that,'' Torres recalled, obviously still amused.
"And all I could do was smile and say, 'It's okay, Jimmie.'
"He's such a positive role model and with today's athletes and superstars that's not always the case. With Jimmie, it's always the case.
"He's just genuinely a good kid. And we're proud of him here in El Cajon.''"
November 17, 2009
Jeff Kargola will NOT be racing in the BAJA 1000
First Reported November 15
"Jeff Kargola (AKA "Ox") had a serious accident in San Felipe Mexico while pre-running for the Baja 1000 this weekend. He notified us through Ryan Hagy and the emergency plan was put into motion. Through the help of the AFMXA, Jeff was medical evacuated via our medjet assist program to Scripps Mercy in San Diego where he is currently being treated. He suffered broken ribs, internal bleeding and a severe concussion. They performed exploratory surgery to assess his internal injuries.
They’ve concluded that Jeff had an cut on his intestine, some hemotomas (internal bleeding) and bruising on his stomach. The doctor said he was very lucky with the location on his intestine, as it was close to something major. He’s in recovery and will be at Scripps for the next four days, and then at home for recovery for a month or so. Christi, Jeff’s sister is with him and will let us know how things are going."
Jeff 'Ox' Kargola almost Dies in Mex. Another Metal Mulisha Desert Assassins racing victim, nearly croaks in messy Mexico. How many guys have died for this years race?Kargola was pre-running outside of San Felipe when he almost lost his life in Baja Mexico. Current reports indicate he would have died in Mexico and has undergone surgery in the US.
Fender Goes Baja Racing! Updating...
"Fender Custom Shop director Mike Eldred and the Fender Racing team are entering the perilous Baja 1000, an off-road race that takes place on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, Nov. 19-22.
The Fender Racing team will keep us all in the loop with daily blogs throughout the week, so keep checking back. P.S. Fender Racing is competing in the Baja 1000 to raise money for the Fender Center.
Arrived safely yesterday, although we almost hit a dog on the way through Tijuana – just part of our on-going training process.
We got to the hotel and quickly discovered we were the only ones at this hotel. Kevin Necessary and the Fender Racing truck were supposed to be here two days ago. We called Kevin and he said they were heading out this morning because they had some rear axle problems.
Dogs are everywhere here, and one has become fast friends with us – or he's just amazed people are actually staying at this hotel.
Last night we ended up in a planning session at a local establishment. The people of Mexico are very friendly. the Fender Racing Team on the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, the classic off-road enduro that races its way through Mexico's Baja California Pensinsula, Nov. 19-22.
This year's route starts and finishes in Ensenada, taking in 673 grueling, truck-killing miles of desert and mountainous terrain in between. The Fender Racing Team will be taking it on in a Toyota FJ Cruiser that's been race-prepped by Southern California-based off-road racers Team Necessary and entered in Class 3 (short wheelbase 4x4s).
We'll be following the team's progress on Baja Racing News.com
Among the drivers will be Baja 1000 rookie and Fender Custom Shop director Mike Eldred, who needs your backing as he gears up for a challenge that he hopes will also make a difference to the life of thousands of kids in Southern California.
To that end, he's seeking your support by asking for pledges for Team Fender. All pledges will benefit the Fender Center's Kids Rock Free program.
Kids Rock Free offers professional caliber performing arts education including piano, guitar, bass guitar, combo band, vocal performance and drums to children ages 7-17. Since the program's inception in 1998, over 10,000 Southern California children have participated and received free and low-cost musical instruction. This program allows kids throughout the city a meaningful place to get involved in making music part of their lives.
With 800 children wait-listed for its programs, the Fender Center has launched Campaign 800, a fund-raising and marketing platform designed with the support of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to expand operations in order to meet the needs of these interested musicians."
Cancer Survivor Joe Bacal to Drive Full Distance in Off-Road Racing's Ultimate Test: The Baja 1000
New Developments Position Team to Capture Off-Road's Top Prize It's said that preparation can make all the difference in challenging endeavors, and Joe Bacal and his JTGrey Racing Team have taken the idea straight to heart for the 42nd running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000--the toughest and most prestigious off-road race in the U.S.--set to start this Friday morning.
Sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Bacal began his rookie off-road racing season in June of this year with a remarkable victory in the Baja 500. He followed with a solid second-place finish at the Primm 300 in the new-to-racing Lexus LX 570 that, much like Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor Bacal, has proven durable and unrelenting. But Bacal knew there was more potential in the Stock Full-class Lexus to make it quicker and easier to drive in rough terrain, so the team spent useful time between races testing and developing various components with their eye on conquering Baja.
"The Lexus has been tough as nails but we knew it had more to give," said Bacal. "The new setup has transformed the Performance and now I can't wait to put it to the test."
Bacal also wanted an experienced Baja co-pilot at his side and so hired expert navigator Gerald (Smitty) King to guide him on the notorious race course. King is a veteran in the ultra-quick trophy trucks and is often requested by top desert racers.
Physical and mental preparation is also critical for the grueling desert contest which, like previous events, Bacal plans to drive without relief; King will do the same. "Taking control is something I know well from my cancer experience," noted Bacal. "You have to take charge and surround yourself with a great team to give yourself the best chance to win."
By virtue of his Baja 500 victory and Primm 300 podium, Bacal heads into the Baja 1000 second in points in SCORE's Stock Full class with a legitimate shot at winning the 2009 championship. Bacal has also earned a "Rookie of the Year" nomination on SCORE's "2009 Off-Roadsman of the Year" ballot.
This year's Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will start at 6:30 a.m. EST on Friday, November 20 from Ensenada. NBC Sports will cover the event, currently scheduled to air on December 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
November 16, 2009
LISTEN IN***CLICK LINK
Robby Gordon Interview from our friends at SPEED FREAKS!
Baja Racing News.com Announces LIVE! Pre-Runs ONLINE
Starting today, Baja Racing News.com is tracking teams LIVE ! ONLINE with IONEARTH. The cutting edge leader of LIVE! Race Technology, IONEARTH, has its "EYES" focused on teams pre-running the vaunted Baja 1000, through the entire race-week of November 16-19.
STAY TUNED TO>>>BAJA RACING NEWS.com
November 15, 2009
Scaronis & Greg Foutz TROPHYLITES in the Baja 1000
"Team TROPHYLITE is in final preparation to run a factory effort at this years Baja 1000. A last minute deal was formed to have a team run one of the General Tire TROPHYLITE house trucks at the Baja 1000, lead [sp. led] by TROPHYLITE president and owner Greg Foutz. Series Sponsor KC HiLiTES stepped up to be the race title sponsor on the truck for the special Baja 1000 event. Donning the bright yellow colors of the KC HiLiTES brand, one of the newest TROPHYLITE trucks in the stable will be showcased and driven through the roughest terrain known to off-road racing. Utilizing the spec tire used by all TROPHYLITE trucks, the General Grabber AT2, the team will battle the rugged and rocky terrain of the Baja peninsula.
"We got this deal put together very late for the 1000 this year. [Class 7.2] I really don't like to do the last minute deals like this but we will pull it off. I think its very important to show how tough the TROPHYLITE trucks are. A finish at the Baja 1000 will show everyone what they can do. We will bring our best effort and support just like we did last year for the Ford Raptor project we did. Look for a great finish from our group.
Driving responsibilities will be handled by 3 driving teams. Leading the way from the start line and driving to the Borego pit at mile 205 will be Mike West from BBQ Island. Greg Foutz TROPHYLITE president will step in for the roughest section of the race and run the 200 miles from Borego down to Matomi wash and back to Borego through San Felipe. Greg will be joined by General Tire's own Tony Talbert in the right seat to test the durability of the General Grabber AT2 tires in person. For the last leg Richard Cassey will take the wheel again, after his great finish at the last TROPHYLITE race in the TORC series, and do the final section all the way back to Ensenada."
EDITORIAL COMMENT:
"to test the durability of the General Grabber AT2 tires", meaning, Foutz is planning on lots of flats. General Tires are still not the tire to trust in Baja Mexico. Just one question for SCORE, How can TROPHYLITE run the Baja 1000 and Pete Sohrens operation with TROPHYLITES can't?
Our answer, SCORE hasn't been paid enough. Just give them more money, Pete! SCORE inspections go way smoother, with gobs of cash.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE FIGHT STORY BETWEEN SOHREN - SCARONIS - FOUTZ
Jeff Kargola will NOT be racing in the BAJA 1000
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2009
Jeff Kargola had a serious accident in San Felipe Mexico while pre-running for the Baja 1000 this weekend. He notified us through Ryan Hagy and the emergency plan was put into motion. Through the help of the AFMXA, Jeff was medical evacuated via our medjet assist program to Scripps Mercy in San Diego where he is currently being treated. He suffered broken ribs, internal bleeding and a severe concussion. They performed exploratory surgery to assess his internal injuries.
They’ve concluded that Jeff had an cut on his intestine, some hemotomas (internal bleeding) and bruising on his stomach. The doctor said he was very lucky with the location on his intestine, as it was close to something major. He’s in recovery and will be at Scripps for the next four days, and then at home for recovery for a month or so. Christi, Jeff’s sister is with him and will let us know how things are going.
Jeff 'Ox' Kargola almost Dies in Mex. Another Metal Mulisha Desert Assassins racing victim, nearly croaks in messy Mexico. How many guys have died for this years race?Kargola was pre-running outside of San Felipe when he almost lost his life in Baja Mexico. Current reports indicate he would have died in Mexico and has undergone surgery in the US.
Here's a video of Jeff from LAST YEARS BAJA 1000
November 14, 2009
Monster Reports Engine Problems for Kawasaki 1x Team
Joe Parsons of Monster reports to
Baja Racing News.com that the Monster sponsored Kawasaki Team 1x, is having major engine problems. So far, without being in Baja yet, three engines have failed for the team.CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOP PICS
MORE Reports as they come in>>>
November 13, 2009
Taking on the Baja 1000, in a juiced up beetle
Steveston resident Ross Burden, a Vancouver firefighter, will be testing his mettle along with a team of three others in the treacherous and unforgiving Baja California of Mexico
Only half of the racers will finish. “It’s the grand-daddy of desert racing,” says Burden, 42, when asked to explain the appeal. “It had prestige even when we were little kids riding our dirt bikes.
NBC would run (advertising) spots and we’d get our visuals from that.” After years of being spectators, and talking about competing in the race, Burden and fellow Vancouver North Vancouver
Using the motto “you only live once” as incentive, they formed Yolo Racing, a Vancouver-based offroad racing team. Their first foray into the desert sand—in 2007—didn’t go so well, ending just 93 kilometres into the 1,000-kilometre race. They returned home, made a few alterations, and went back last year more determined than ever. It paid off in a surprising sixthplace finish.
“We went down with a goal to finish the race and got through in 27 hours,” says Burden, one of three drivers who took shifts piloting their car through the desert. “But last year we were a bit reserved and this year we want to step it up a bit more.
You have to gamble, but if your invest more in speed you risk wrecking the car. If we could get to the podium (top three) that would be fantastic.” Since there isn’t a lot of desert racing in these parts, there isn’t much chance to practice. But Burden says the guys still have to find ways to be ready. “It’s an endurance race and your physical and mental fitness has to be maintained,” he says. “Snowmobiling is one of the best ways (for the locals to practice) because it reflects the dynamic aspect of racing in terrain you’ve never seen before.”
It’s not cheap to compete. It has cost $40,000-plus to put together the Beetle. Then there’s the cost of taking it down to Mexico
As prestigious as the race is, there’s not a lot of fanfare. A pin, which Burden has on his mantle, is the lone tangible reward. This year, the team is taking on the Baja 1000 to raise money for the Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society and Firefighters Without Borders. Pledges as little as one cent per kilometer will be graciously accepted, with tax receipts issued for donations of over $100."
November 12, 2009
TOYOTA 4Runner 2010 Effort UPDATE
By, Bill Center:
"The biggest local news of the week regards an entry in the following weekend's Baja 1000 off-road race.
Ivan Stewart will be racing for the first time since 2000 as part of a three-driver Toyota team running a factory-prepared 4Runner.
“I always said I wasn't retired, just in between opportunities,” the 64-year-old desert legend and member of the Breitbard Hall of Fame said yesterday.
“Here's an opportunity.”
Stewart will be driving the final 175 miles of the race from Valle de Trinidad back to the Ensenada start/finish line.
Toyota's main reason for entering the race is to desert test the new 4Runner. The sports utility vehicle will be stock aside from the tires, wheels, shocks and required safety equipment.
The elimination of Toyota's factory involvement in off-road racing paralleled Stewart's premature “retirement.” Stewart had spent more than a decade and had scored most of his major victories with Toyota when the factory withdrew from off-road racing as it got into NASCAR and Formula One.
Toyota's limited return to desert racing comes two weeks after the Japanese factory closed its Formula One program.
“I always thought Toyota got a good return on their off-road investment,” said Stewart, who has continued to be the desert face of Toyota trucks and utility vehicles.
“I'm going to have fun. It's still a challenge, although we'll be moving a lot slower than we did with those fire-breathing dragons that Toyota built for us before.”
Since the end of Toyota's involvement in off-road racing, Stewart developed the ProTruck class of off-road racing vehicles and manufactures the one-of-a-kind, race-ready trucks in his Lakeside shop.
Stewart, incidentally, will appear in an ABC television special with Jimmie Johnson and seven-time Supercross/motocross Rick Johnson. The spot is expected to be aired before the season-ending NASCAR Sprint Cup race Nov. 22.
Stewart and Rick Johnson were Jimmie's earliest racing heroes. Jimmie later raced against Stewart in the Mickey Thompson Stadium Off-Road Series and was coached and teamed with Rick Johnson."
Marty Fiolka of Dirt Sports Magazine chimed in this subject today. He said:"Toyota's Baja 1000 2009 4Runner effort is purely an engineering exersize". Marty was not happy with the Toyota participation in this years Baja 1000. Or, maybe he's not happy that Toyota is not paying HIM enough.
He droned on and on about how much money he spent on his failed past events. Marty Fiolka's spots have not changed.
November 10, 2009
BULLETIN Baja Racing News.com
American Dies Pre-Running The Baja 1000 2009!
In the area known as "La Laguna del Diablo" a man given to the Baja 1000 together with some professionals that roamed what is the route of the famed Baja Californian tour, died when he fell on his motorbike in the rugged terrain that it is jurisdiction of the Municipality of Ensenada, so the prosecutor of that community took charge of attesting to the body of Javier Cuevas.
Cuevas, an American, was 43 years of age and his place of residence was the State of California. He was part of a group of competitors who were conducting a route reconnaissance along the route, on a stretch of territory between Ensenada and the Delegation of San Felipe, the municipality of Mexicali
Witnesses said the supervisions to be doing, Cuevas grabbed his bike and started running like competition, unfortunately did not realize there was a ditch in his path and stuck with the bike in this suffering showy fall in which the same bike to lurch with him struck him.
The companions tried to give first aid but were going as Xavier died almost immediately, so until that point had to go the services of the Office of Justice of Lower California, ordering the representative of Public Prosecutions that he move the body Ensenada's morgue for the autopsy of scrutiny and the subsequent delivery of the body to the family.
Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE
Always updating. Reports from all over Southern Cal and Baja California. Compiled and Editorialized by Gary Newsome
November 6, 2009
Baja Racing News.com Gaming Odds
Gary's Trophy Truck Picks, Tony's the rest!
| SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (30) | ENDS | ODDS | |
| 1 | Pete Sohren | Forget About It | 22 to 1 |
| 2 | 71 Rick D. Johnson / Carl Rezeneder | Partner bailed | 7 to 1 |
| 3 | 96 Bobby Baldwin / Danny Anderson | Danny will keep it close | 3 to 1 |
| 4 | 7 Scott Steinberger / Syko | Old car, heavy car | 5 to 1 |
| 5 | 12 Brian Collins / Chuck Hovey | Maybe even money | 2 to 1 |
| 6 | 84 The Vanderwey “Moo Crew” | Hope for attrition | 4 to 1 |
| 7 | 1 B.J. Baldwin | No Clowning! | 2 to 1 |
| 8 | 77 Robby Gordon | Needs points, not win | 2 to 1 |
| 9 | 19 Tim / Ed Herbst | OUR PICK TO WIN | 2 to 1 |
| 10 | 8 Roger Norman / Larry Roeseler/Larry Ragland | Defending winners | 2to 1 |
| 11 | 24 Adam Householder / | Long odds | 7 to 1 |
| 12 | 3 Mark Post / Rob MacCachren | DARK HORSE PICK | 2 to 1 |
| 13 | 9 Mark & Gary Weyhrich | Welcome back to Baja! | 7 to 1 |
| 14 | 16 Cameron Steele / Ricky Geiser | LOL, Too Funny! | 23 to 1 |
| 15 | 23 Mark McMillin / | Never count out | 3 to 1 |
| 16 | 4 Gus Vildosola, Jr. & Sr. | Dark Dark Horse | 3 to 1 |
| 17 | 59 Craig & Curt Potts | Mazio CrashMobile | 8 to 1 |
| 18 | 28 Alan Pflueger / | Hawaii 5-No | 5 to 0 |
| 19 | 31 Andy & Scott McMillin | Odds on performer | 2 to 1 |
| 20 | 74 Rob Bruce / | Needs to “Duck” penalties | 8 to 1 |
| WD | 76 Jesse Jones / | Cliff Diver | W/D |
| 21 | 78 Jesse Ashcraft / Adam ??? | Unproven | 8 to 1 |
| 22 | 51 Kory Scheeler / | Needs a “result” result | 8 to 1 |
| 23 | 13 Ed Stout | Not a chance | 10 to 1 |
| 24 | 22 Damen Jefferies / | Fallen on hard times | 10 to 1 |
| 25 | 47 James Bult / | Show-stopper? | 19 to 2 |
| 26 | 30 Robbie Pierce / Mike Julson | Stay in the shop | 8 to 1 |
| W/D | 20 Rob MacCachren | Looks for win, IF entered | W/D |
| 28 | 58 Ronny & Rick Wilson | Buggy guys … learning? | 5 to 1 |
| 29 | 35 Jason Voss | Hot or not | 4 to 1 |
| 30 | 39 Ron Whitton / | Will have fun | 6 to 1 |
| WD | 10 Greg Nunley / | Second to none | W/D |
| 31 | 79 Mike Mastro | Not the “Maestro” | 7 to 1 |
| 32 | 75 Jerry Zaiden (RS) | Advertising junket | 8 to 1 |
| CLASS 1 (23) | |||
| 101 Armin Schwarz / Martin Christensen | Seven points back | 2 to 1 | |
| Checkers | 102 Harley Letner / Kory Halopoff | Six points back | 9 (to) 11 |
| Checkers | 103 Jerry Penhall / Dan Martin | COPS a plea | 4 to 1 |
| 104 Armin Kremer / | Has the skills | 4 to 1 | |
| 105 Brian Parkhouse / Tom Ridings | DARK HORSE | 1320 to 330 | |
| 106 Randy Wilson / | Points leader | 2 to 1 | |
| 107 Robert LeMaster / | Shouldn’ta “Volunteered” | 9 to 1 | |
| Checkers | 108 Todd Welling / Phil Speet | “Dutch” Treat? NOT! | 7 to 1 |
| 109 Rudy Cortez / | Experience does count | 4 to 1 | |
| 110 Troy Herbst / | LONG $HOT 4 OA | 3 to 1 | |
| 111 Dale Lenk / | Look for good effort | 25 to 9 | |
| 112 George Thieriot | Cam shafted? | 9 to 1 | |
| 113 Josh Daniel / Chris Muzio | DanziO ready to gO | 4 to 1 | |
| Checkers | 114 Eric & Stuart Chase | New motor = new chance | 22 to 7 |
| 115 Brad Fauvre / James Barker | “Lite” not “1″ | 12 to 1 | |
| 116 Richard Boyle / | Can be hot, at times | 3 to 1 | |
| 117 Brendan Fikes / | “10″ not like “1″ | 10 to 1 | |
| 118 Brad Etter / | Gets better | 5 to 1 | |
| 119 Charles Rudolph / Paul Keller (?) | Keller COULD help | 6 to 1 | |
| 120 Jesse Hooker / | Might take a “header” | 9 to 1 | |
| 121 Josh Rigsby | Not to repeat Snowflake | 8 to 1 | |
| 148 Chuck Sacks | Might get bagged | 5 to 1 | |
| 149 Chuck Dempsey | RS a bad choice? | 4 to 1 | |
| CLASS 1-2 / 1600 (10) | |||
| 1601 Cody Robinson | Fourth in points | 3 to 1 | |
| 1602 Jose Fernandez | Along for the ride | 5 to 1 | |
| 1603 Arturo & Abel Velazco | DARK HOSSES | 4 to 1 | |
| 1604 Wes McKenzie | Not a chnce | 5 to 1 | |
| 1605 Daniel McMillin | Good for Fifth Place | 4 to 1 | |
| 1606 Gerardo Iribe | Roundhouse specialist? | 4 to 1 | |
| 1644 Eliseo Garcia | To be considered | 4 to 1 | |
| 1645 Eric & Hiram Duran | Third in points | 3 to 1 | |
| 1646 Corbin Harris | Takes a back seat | 4 to 1 | |
| 1647 Brian Wilson / Sammy Ehrenberg | Points leader | 3 to 1 | |
| 1648 Justin Smith | Two wins! | 3 to 1 | |
| 1649 Arnoldo Ramirez | Sleeper | 4 to 1 | |
| CLASS 3 (3) | |||
| 300 Donald Moss | “Heavy traffic … will inhibit … growth of moss” – Wikipedia | 2 to 1 | |
| 301 Scott Barnes | Buckin’ Bronco | 9 to 1 | |
| 302 Daniel Wright | Not up to competition | 4 to 1 | |
| 309 Darren Skilton | ATK Wrangler is Top Bet | 2 to 1 | |
| CLASS 5 (5) | |||
| 500 Kevin Carr | Hit and run? | 3 to 1 | |
| 501 Drew Belk | Will hold ‘em or fold ‘em | 3 to 1 | |
| 502 Chris Willis | Hmmmph | 5 to 1 | |
| 503 Shaun Dunbar | Might get deep fried | 7 to 1 | |
| 517 Carlos Albanez | Sabe el desierto | 3 to 1 | |
| 518 Vince Wavra | Surf’s up! | 3 to 1 | |
| 519 Che Corlett | Naw | 9 to 1 | |
| CLASS 5 / 1600 (5) | |||
| 551 Jonathon Knight | “Once a king … “ | 6 to 1 | |
| 552 Alonso Angulo | Points leader | 2 to 1 | |
| 553 Oscar Venegas | On the gas? | 3 to 1 | |
| 554 Mark Low | Aiming high? | 6 to 1 | |
| 555 Erich Reisen | No flats? | 6 to 1 | |
| 556 Tito Aramubla | Too tough to dismiss | 2 to 1 | |
| 557 Armando Garcia | Known finisher | 5 to 1 | |
| 558 Pedro Anthie | Has probable cause | 4 to 1 | |
| 550 Marcos Nunez | Shoe-in | 2 to 1 | |
| CLASS 6 (7) | BITD “TT7″ | ||
| 601 Richard Blunk | Said to be learning | 6 to 1 | |
| 602 Marc Burnett | Tranny issue | 4 to 1 | |
| Checkers | 603 Bob Pickering / Mike Childress / My Hero | Ramsey makes the diff | 2 to 1 |
| 604 Jose Acuna | No way, Jose | 7 to 1 | |
| 616 Steve Kovach | Learning | 4 to 1 | |
| 617 Heidi Steele | The JC Factor | 4 to 1 | |
| 618 John Townsend | “… likes to live dangerously” | 6 to 1 | |
| 619 Gregg Hempel | “1450″ guy? | 7 to 1 | |
| 9 to 1 | |||
| CLASS 7 (2) | |||
| 701 Scott Ulrich | Not a novice, anyway | 3 to 1 | |
| 700 Dan Chamlee | Easy as cake; a piece of Pi | 2 to 1 | |
| 703 Bill Kunz | Torched but not hot enough | 4 to 1 | |
| 704 Brandon Walsch | Fun to watch | 5 to 1 | |
| 705 Jose Gonzalez | Mexicali Blues | 5 to 1 | |
| 706 Igor Galvan | LA Bay Black Sheep | 3 to 1 | |
| CLASS 7SX (3) | |||
| 741 Norman Turley | Should finish | 3 to 1 | |
| 742 Brandt Anderson | Wishes to finish | 7 to 1 | |
| 743 Oscar Saliza | Who knows … | 5 to 1 | |
| 759 John Holmes | Easy winner | 2 to 1 | |
| CLASS 8 (2) | |||
| 801 Rodrigo Ampudia, Jr. | Papa’s beer boy | 3 to 1 | |
| 802 Juan Lopez | Wil mix it up | 3 to 1 | |
| 839 Clyde Stacy | Top dairymobile? | 4 to 1 | |
| CLASS 9 (3) | |||
| 901 Zack Burkett | In for a long … night | 70 to 1 | |
| 902 Chuck Krumm | Who the hell is this guy? | 9 to 1 | |
| 949 Ulises Morquecho | Prerun pace | 3 to 1 | |
| CLASS 10 (10) | |||
| 1001 Jesus Gonzalez | Has Dunrite before | 4 to 1 | |
| Checkers | 1000 Mike Lawrence | Child’s play! | 2 to 1 |
| 1003 Javier Robles | Can’t be discounted | 3 to 1 | |
| 1004 Justin Davis | Can be wicked | 3 to 1 | |
| 1005 Lars Ferry | With age, ya get a cage | 6 to 1 | |
| 1006 Scott Gailey | Watch this basic 2L | 4 to 1 | |
| 1007 Sergio Salgado | A rare Lothringer | 5 to 1 | |
| 1008 Steve Restivo | Worth following | 4 to 1 | |
| 1048 David Greenhill | Google error: “a sexy playboy” | ? To 1 | |
| 1049 Jose Lynch | Cooleymobile | 5 to 1 | |
| SCORE LITE (9) | |||
| 1201 Luis Barragan | Local fav | 3 to 1 | |
| 1202 Brent Parkhouse / | DARK HORSE | 3 to 1 | |
| 1203 Morgan Langley / | A band of brothers | 4 to 1 | |
| 1204 John Langley | Will attack at dawn | 2 to 1 | |
| Checkers | 1205 Rob Smith / Robert Harman | Bullhorn his way to top? | 3 to 1 |
| 1206 John Padgett | Should run tough | 2 to 1 | |
| 1200 Rick St. John | Unfazed by threats | 2 to 1 | |
| 1248 Greg Gustin | Serious effort | 4 to 1 | |
| 1249 Roberto Encinas | Experienced partners | 4 to 1 | |
| CLASS 11 (5) | |||
| 1101 Eric Solorzano | Same old same old | Even | |
| 1102 Michael Brown | Should drive a Tundra | 9 to 1 | |
| 1103 Dolores Casarez | Delerious? | 9 to 1 | |
| 1104 Jim Graham | Desert Dingleberry | 7 to 1 | |
| 1149 Gustavo Garayzar | Best of the rest | 2 to 1 | |
| STOCK FULL (3) | |||
| Checkers | 860 Josh Hall | Obvious choice | 2 to 1 |
| 878 Joe Bacal | Beginner’s luck just ran out | 5 to 1 | |
| 879 Justin Matney | Sadly mistaken? | 2 to 1 | |
| STOCK MINI (3) | |||
| Checkers | 761 Josh Hall | Unequalled | 2 to 1 |
| 778 Robert Ditner / Ivan Stewart | How’s the prep? | 3 to 1 | |
| 779 Gavin Skilton | Will have to prove it | 2 to 1 | |
| PROTRUCK (3) | |||
| 250 Gary Mangess | Possibly | 4 to 1 | |
| 234 Rob Reinertson | Best of the bunch | 3 to 1 | |
| 240 Rob Kittleson | Needs a break | 5 to 1 | |
| CLASS 17 (3) | JeepSpeed | ||
| 1701 Eric Filar | Track Bar from Hell | 9 to 1 | |
| 1702 Mike Shaffer | Overtemp | 9 to 1 | |
| 1749 Cliff Cook | Xfr Case | 9 to 1 | |
| BAJA CHALLENGE (4) | WOB | ||
| BC1 Christian Hammarskjold | WOB CEO | 5 to 1 | |
| BC2 Jay Culbertson | The Usual Suspect | 2 to 1 | |
| BC3 Brian Valentine | Heart has to be in it | 8 to 1 | |
| BC4 Mike Cassling | Cornhuskers get shucked | 8 to 1 | |
| CLASS 2 (1) | Ecotech “Ten” | ||
| 209 William Erickson | Among “10s” and “12s” | 5 to 1 | |
| SPORTSMAN CAR (6) | |||
| 1401 George Jackson | Needs calm crew | 5 to 1 | |
| 1400 Peter Lang | Consistent | 4 to 1 | |
| 1403 Raymond Calore | Not hot enough | 6 to 1 | |
| 1404 Gary Hewett | Bettern a Rhino | 6 to 1 | |
| 1498 Rory Ward (Solo!) | Fuel King should kill ‘em! | 3 to 1 | |
| 1499 Peter Ramseier | Not a chance | 6 to 1 | |
| SPORTSMAN TRUCK (2) | |||
| 1501 Nick Tonelli | Takes it easy and wins | 1450 to 350 | |
| 1502 Ken Fraizer | Tries to race and breaks | 1450 to 360 | |
| 1503 Tim Smith | SVT Raptor? | 1450 to 370 | |
| 1504 Randy Swink | Big ol’ comfy car? | F150 to 50 | |
November 5, 2009
TOYOTA 2010 Model Year 4Runner Slated for the SCORE Baja 1000 The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the "Stock mini" Class
SEE UPDATE: November 12, 2009
Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 milesin length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.
Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV's capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert's treacherous terrain. "Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we're confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course", said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager.
One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan "Ironman" Stewart 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off- Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. "I'm thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I'm sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot", said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires.
The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the "magnificent peninsula" and run through Mexican villages -- luring in tens of thousands of spectators.
The Fifth Generation 4Runner
The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse- power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November. For Fifth Generation 4Runner specs visit:
www.toyota.com/4runner/specs.html
** Johnny Campbell injury update
"Johnny Campbell suffered an injury while out testing the 2009 Baja 1000 bike near Bell Mountain located in the desert outside of Victorville, California. A trip to the Emergency room reveled that Johnny had suffered a mild concussion, fractured sacrum, fractured L1 and a lacerated elbow. Johnny is in good spirits currently at Mission hospital under Doctors surveillance he is expected to make a make a full & quick recovery and be riding again in no time. No surgery required, however Johnny will have to wear a back brace for a few weeks."
We will report as information becomes available.>>>
** Pitiful Pete Sohren commented tonight on the 2009 Baja 1000:
"We have a new, super-duper transmission, top-secret, can't talk about it, right now. But, ours is better than Robby Gordons $51,000 new transmission, cuz we saw him gettin' his a** beat at Primm with his 'New' transmission".
FREE TEQUILA OFFERED UP IN PRESS RELEASE:
"BAJA 1000: What do firemen, free tequila and a Whale’s Tail have in common?
If it's fall, it must be time for the earth to rock and rumble with the roar of the off-road races in Baja California (and everyone's invited!). SCORE's Baja 1000 is an annual event that includes a variety of vehicles: motorcycles, buggies, trucks and custom off-roaders. This year, the race will take place from November 19-22, leaving from Ensenada, zig-zagging its way down to La Paz in Baja Sur [FALSE INFORMATION HERE], and then looping back to Ensenada - 1000 grueling miles marked by desolate terrain, stark mountains and stunning coastline. Along the route, racers will be cheered on by excited bystanders, SCORE groupies and others…and opportunities will abound to purchase t-shirts, memorabilia and, naturally, the occasional Baja beverage.
But wait…where do the firemen, free tequila and a Whales Tail come in? Everyone is invited to come on down and find out. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, afternoon-ish, there will be a kick-off fiesta for the Baja 1000, featuring the YOLO racing team along with some of their vehicles as well as some other teams, at the Whale's Tail pub & grill at Bajamar, kilometer 77.5, on Highway 1, south of Rosarito. A) The YOLO team is comprised of fire fighters who are donating 100 percent of their proceeds to the Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society. B)There will be free Tequila Nicho Real shots, and Baja 1000 margaritas, available at C)The Whale's Tail.
The day after the kick-off party, racers will gather at Ensenada's 'Hotel San Nic' for registration, and will reconvene there for an awards ceremony on November 22. The hotel, which is also the site of the Caliente Race & Sports Book casino, has a long history with SCORE and provides a central location to all other Ensenada activities and attractions."
November 4, 2009
The happening topic of the moment, Virtual Checkpoints.
Report Reload:
Originally Reported Oct 27.More "Black Box" Fun and Games
Some insight on these "must pass through mile markers", our inside source, as many of you may know, has been working with SCORE on trying to resolve many of the technical issues with using GPS/tracking systems to score or penalize racers. Looks like these mandatory "must pass through mile markers" will be thought of as "Virtual Check Points".
There will be a new phrase added to Baja racing's vocabulary. "Virtual Check Point" or VCP for short. These will be a series of unmanned waypoints that you must race through in order to be in course compliance. These will be strategically placed to discourage course deviations in sensitive areas. Miss a VCP and you will receive a penalty. It will be important to pay attention to the maps and course notes to know where these are during pre-running. Basically connect the dots and you are good to go.
Expect the VCPs to have a 10 minute penalty value. Miss one and get penalized 10 minutes. Miss 2 = 20 min. and so on. Sensitive areas will have several VCPs in a row, like a string of pearls, to levy a more severe penalty and to visually show the degree of sensitivity. For instance, if you took the Cemetery road in Uruapan, you would miss 6 VCPs and receive a 60 min penalty. If you go through the lower field in San Vicente, you would miss 9 and that would pretty much ruin your day.
November 3, 2009
As the Baja 1000 fast approaches, Baja Racing News RADIO LIVE heard Anna Cody talk about her team and their push for the Championship at this years Baja 1000.
Anna talked about the inspirational story of her teammate Roger Hurd. For those who don't know, Anna and Roger raced together when they were part of Team Kawasaki 15+ years ago.
During the show, Anna Cody said they are currently running in second in seasonal points. She also described the racing conditions in Baja Mexico, on playas over 100 mph, slow technical sections and the towns and ranches in Mexico and their inherent troubles having the race course on their ranch roads.
She also talked about the Baja Boobytraps...
She commented how her team is very experienced and can handle any Baja terrain. She talked about the race conditions across the course, pitting situations and her personal hydration setup and riding styles.
"It's all part of racing in Baja", when she was mentioning Baja racing. She also commented about how the military beefs up security, during the time of the race. The host mentioned how Mexico is not safe right now.
She is riding a Honda Motorcycle, prepped by a Honda racing technician. She also described her sponsors and their contributions to her teams efforts for this years Baja 1000.
Anna mentioned the 31 hour time limit on the race, but, she said her team will make it in around 16 hours. End Radio Report
CLICK HERE FOR A SPECIAL PIT PASS RADIO - Honda, Johnny Campbell
November 2, 2009
According to Andy Carter and Bill Savage, they will be coming out to Rosarito Beach, Mexico on NOV 7, 2009, to certify or SCORE tag your race car. The event will take place at OFF ROAD LEGEND race shop in Rosarito at 11:00 AM Saturday morning.
All confirmed to tag their race vehicles are MARTIN LIZZARGA 12 CAR, OSCAR VENEGAS 16 CAR, DAVID ANRADE 5 OPEN, CARLOS IRIBE 7 OPEN,HECTOR ORTEGA 16 CAR, AN MANY MORE TO ADD TO THE LIST.
FOR MORE INFO CALL OSCAR VENEGAS AT HIS NEXTEL 152*148255*3 OR CARLOS IRIBE AT 122*47113*45 OR HIS HOUSE # AT 011526616121674 IN MEX . IF YOUR IN ROSARITO YOU DIAL, 61 21674. OR FOR MORE INFO CALL ERNIE NEGRETE AT 619 864-0590.
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", Fiolka went on to assert.
Race Team Announcements:
* El Centro’s Cameron Corfman won the Pumpkin Dash 100 last Saturday in the AMA’s District 38 season.
The race, presented by Over The Belt Racing of San Diego, had plenty of excitement for Corfman.
“I was doing pretty good. My little brother (Kyle) was the first to the Bomb so I was chasing him for a while … it was pretty cool,” Corfman said.
Corfman passed his little brother, only after Brawley’s Aaron Tuck had passed both. So Corfman was trailing Tuck after passing his brother.
But Tuck ran into mechanical problems in the last loop of the race, giving Corfman the win.
“In the last lap, his bike broke down about a mile after the start line,” Corfman said.
With the win, Corfman still leads the open expert class. His next focus will be the Baja 1000 in November.
In other overall results from Saturday’s race, Craig Smith finished second, Damian Bermudez finished third, Wesley Deen finished fourth, Steve Fenton finished fifth, A.J. Stewart finished sixth, Travis Wood finished seventh, Corey Freeman finished eighth, Eric Biddlecome finished ninth and David Wilson finished 10th.
* Ryan Penhall announced last night that the Penhall-Green-Kawasaki Moto effort has signed a deal with Iritrack for guaranteed results for the November Baja 1000 2009.
"Mexico IS NOT the best place to race right now", Joe Parsons of Monster explained that Ryans dad, Bruce, is making all "the deals", for the team.
Bob Bell suspension is Ryans favorite equipment sponsor, he also mentioned Oakley, Royal Purple Nurples.
Ryan went on to say, "the Baja 1000 first place position and trophy is as good as mine!"
* SPEEDMEX Baja 1000 Pre Run Pit plans/dates/RM/Location
SPEEDMEX will be running pre-run pit support for Baja Racers for two weekends (Nov 7-8 ; Nov 14-15) at Ejido Saldana (approximately race mile 160).
There will be food and drinks offerred for free.
If you need gas, they will have PEMEX for $5.
This is the only spot SPEEDMEX will be at for pre-running but they'll be there both weekends.
That location was chosen because most moto's and quads
1) 11/7-8/09 RM 160 North end of Laguna Salada off Hwy
2) 11/14-15/09 RM 160 Same location
* Missing Lenk Motorsports (car # 111) will be leaving Costa Mesa around 9:30am Monday the 16th.
* Ramsey El Wardani: kook of the year, is teaming with Robert Pickering and Mikey Childress in the #603. Leaving a week from today. Pickering with RFS Motorsports, wants to get down before the crowd and get the SF loop covered.
* Pat Dailey: "I will be down at MM310 with the BBQ in full swing waiting to see my brothers and sister running up front. Let the games begin!!"
* Brett Frederickson: "I have been in Baja at least 5 times in the last 2 months with trailers and race cars. crossed twice in Tecate both times they need all the paper work for the trucks trailers and race car/ prerunner all was in order no problem. crossed Mexicali the other times, 2 times was ok the third time took almost 30 min the registration had expired last month for my prerunner. After 3 diff people checked over the van trailer and prerunner they let me cross. We had a great time at the mexicana logistics race and petes camp poker run, it was worth the hassle. Get your paper work in order."
* Victor Celis: "there is a new process to enter Mexico, they just changed the old stop light (red/green) for new ones, also all the Customs Inspectors are "NEW""so this is their first Baja, and they come all the way from MX City so they dont have an idea of whats happening in Baja next Month..I recommend you to have all your vehicle registration, incl. trailers, motorcycles, prerunners, etc etc. if they don't like something they will turn you back...forget giving stickers to this guys to let you pass.....
Also an inventory of what you have on your trailers, DONT Cross RACE GAS, also tires must be mounted on Wheels, and a reasonably piece count of what you are bringing to Baja, if its a lot of the same they would think that you are selling the stuff and they will make you pay duty, taxes, and turn you back."
* Randy Swink, El Cajon CA: "My experience is that an 'impuesto" might be sort of required by some of those guys. in other words, just grease the f--kers (pay the customs guys off) and be on your merry way. if you're speaking about our guys stopping you before entering, then that's not going to be about registering your prerunner or racecar. it's about whether you've got lots of money or guns you're taking down. i crossed at tecate in my pre-run truck and nary a word was mentioned regarding my reg, but he did ask me if i had ten thousand dollars or guns with me. i just said "I wish" and laughed and he let me go. i don't think he was amused though."
LOADING NOW>>>
October 27, 2009
More "Black Box" Fun and GamesSome insight on these "must pass through mile markers", our inside source, as many of you may know, has been working with SCORE on trying to resolve many of the technical issues with using GPS/tracking systems to score or penalize racers. Looks like these mandatory "must pass through mile markers" will be thought of as "Virtual Check Points".
There will be a new phrase added to Baja racing's vocabulary. "Virtual Check Point" or VCP for short. These will be a series of unmanned waypoints that you must race through in order to be in course compliance. These will be strategically placed to discourage course deviations in sensitive areas. Miss a VCP and you will receive a penalty. It will be important to pay attention to the maps and course notes to know where these are during pre-running. Basically connect the dots and you are good to go.
Expect the VCPs to have a 10 minute penalty value. Miss one and get penalized 10 minutes. Miss 2 = 20 min. and so on. Sensitive areas will have several VCPs in a row, like a string of pearls, to levy a more severe penalty and to visually show the degree of sensitivity. For instance, if you took the Cemetery road in Uruapan, you would miss 6 VCPs and receive a 60 min penalty. If you go through the lower field in San Vicente, you would miss 9 and that would pretty much ruin your day.
More Baja 1000 2009 HEADLINES:
Gabriel Garcia Report:
Ensenada, B.C., El Vigia Newspaper
Montes celebrates 20 years of his dream
""It was in 1988 that Federico Montes began what today is a hundred percent dedicated to the Off-Road, but he did it with the mind set on getting rich, but to live their dream, to continue running in the lowlands.
You are 20 years of many successes, frustrations, laughter and sports for ensenadense first of its port that ran a prestigious Dakar Rally, taking place as long tablecloths their personal success and are a reality thanks to the victories of Samuel Araiza drivers, Marcos Nunez, Fabian Aros, Alejandro Guevara, and many more who have remained loyal to this company dedicated to building engines and transmissions.
For people who know Montes, know of his passion, and dedicated body and soul with his mechanical staff to leave a motor in excellent condition for a career, spanning different states of Mexico such as Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa and Mexico City, something that not everyone can boast.
This corridor and mechanical Buenos Aires showed that a Mexican can be to you for you with the Americans to prepare authentic pieces of art to try to win a Baja 1000 or 500, coupled with that has created an important school in Ensenada, since by their company have paraded hundreds of entrepreneurs who are now supporting competition teams, so big we have to celebrate the first 20 years of Forestry, engine and transmission, and missing.
"Mr. Baja" is not lost for the Baja 1000. Larry Roeseler is already well placed to live an adventure in what he calls his second home, Baja, after recovering satisfactorily from his back injury, it prevented him from running the previous date of Score International, the race Terrible's Primm 300.
Roger Norman said he was confident all the time that "Mr. Baja" would be ready to defend with it, its absolute bicampeonato and SCORE Trophy-Trucks of the 1000 miles, so fans can rest assured Roeseler, if you run the last date of Score and is thirsty for victories, for something is one of the top winners of the event.
I still do not understand Brokers such as Ramon Fernandez and Carlos Villa, among those that come to mind that I have been asked how is that a Class 11 or 9 pay at Score as much as a Trophy-Truck? To which I answer, to Sal Fish must be equal because there is no logic in that recovery and less in these economically difficult times.
That's why the State Championship headed by Fernando Montijo has been a tremendous success, not only with the 11 but with the 5-1600, by charging reasonable rates, on the same grounds used in 1000, 500 and 250 with better financial awards for the drivers and more competition, but for Sal, bank account or Post Mark Robby Gordon is the same as that of Eric Solorzano and Daniel Reyes Junior.""
Robby Gordon and the Baja 1000 2009
The Southern California construction industry remains in the doldrums (San Diego sized understatement). And violence in Mexico is still a problem (Tijuana sized understatement).
Despite that double dose of bad news, officials of SCORE are looking forward to a strong Baja 1000 off-road race Nov. 19-22 to complete the 2009 season.
Lots of Desert Off-Road Racing entries are expected for the 42nd edition of the desert classic, which will start and finish in Ensenada for the 20th time.
The star of the show will be NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Robby Gordon, who leads the overall and TrophyTruck points races going into the 673-mile season finale.
For the past decade, Gordon has run SCORE events when his NASCAR schedule permitted. This year, breaks in the NASCAR schedule enabled Gordon to run in three of the first four SCORE events. H skipped the Sept. 12 Sprint Cup race in Richmond, Va., to compete in a SCORE event at Primm, Nev.
Gordon won that race to widen his SCORE points lead going into the Baja 1000. Gordon will fly from Ensenada after finishing the 1000 to compete in the NASCAR season finale at Homestead, Fla.
Gordon's win at Primm gave him two wins, a second and a seventh in SCORE's first four races this season.
“Prior to the start of this year's SCORE series, we made a decision to run for the TrophyTruck point championship,” said Gordon, who won the title in 1996.
“We are fulfilling that goal and being the overall points leader is a big bonus. We really have our Chevy CK-1500 dialed in.”
Gordon, 40, is an owner-driver in both the SCORE and NASCAR series.
McMillins return
Gordon isn't the only name of note among the Baja 1000 entries.
The McMillins, will be returning to the Baja 1000 after missing last year's event and the past four Mexican desert races.
“We're looking forward to returning,” said Mark McMillin, a five-time overall winner of the Baja 1000.
Led by McMillin patriarch Corky and sons Mark and Scott, the McMillins have raced in 32 of the past 33 Baja 1000s. “Off-road racing is part of us,” said Mark.
The McMillins' hiatus from Mexican races wasn't a total move away from the sport.
Andy McMillin teamed with his father, Scott, to win the three-day Las Vegas-to-Reno race in the Best In The Desert off-road series. Andy is the overall points leader in the BITD series with three wins this season.
The McMillins are entering three vehicles in the Baja 1000.
Mark will team with Brian Ewalt in one TrophyTruck, with Andy and Scott McMillin in a second Trophy truck. Mark's sons, Daniel and Luke, will team in a 1600cc buggy.
Dan McMillin drove a Jimco buggy to first overall in the Superstition 250 off-road race last weekend. Luke was fifth in the 1600cc buggy class; finished first in Class 12." Bill Center
LeMaster shows off his rig in Tennessee
A little bit of brains and a lot of patience and perseverance is what Bob LeMaster said it took to turn his dream into a racing car that will compete for the first time in an international off-road race in Mexico.
"I've put every ounce of spare time into this project for the last two years," said LeMaster, an engineering professor at the University of Tennessee at
LeMaster, 56, and his design and support team held a press conference at the UT Martin campus Monday morning to talk about their project and show off the race car. The group is called West Tennessee Baja, and most of the work was done in LeMaster's garage.
Team members include Jimmy Kee, who teaches welding at the Tennessee Technology Center at McKenzie, and graduates from UT Martin and the Tennessee Technology Center.
The University of Tennessee is not involved in or sponsoring the project.
LeMaster, who has been working on the project for three years, is the owner and primary engineer.
Known as a "Baja buggy," LeMaster's car looks like a cross between a dune buggy and a jeep.
It is the first off-road racing car of its kind built in West Tennessee, LeMaster said, and is classed as Class 1, Unlimited Division.
LeMaster plans to travel to Ensenada, Mexico, to compete in the Tecate SCORE 2009 Baja 1000 on Nov. 19.
This year, the race covers about 672 miles of mountainous terrain and sandy desert lake beds in Baja California, Mexico, LeMaster said.
Up to 400 participants from more than 20 countries take part in the race every year. The race will take about 12 hours to complete, and the car will be followed by a support team.
"The Baja 1000 is one of the longest and most difficult off-road races in the world," LeMaster said. "Only about half the cars finish the race. Our goal is to finish."
Monday's demonstration included firing the 650-horsepower, custom-built Corvette engine, which emitted a loud roar. LeMaster also showed how built-in jacks can lift one side of the car at a time.The car weighs close to 4,000 pounds and has 35-inch tires with about 24 inches of suspension travel. It can travel faster than 150 miles an hour and can sustain speeds of up to 80 miles an hour in deep sand.
It runs on 110 octane fuel and only gets about 3 miles per gallon. At $8.25 a gallon, it will cost about $2,000 in fuel for the race, LeMaster said.
"The horsepower isn't so much for speed as for power," LeMaster said. "The wheels will be half buried in sand during part of the race."
The most difficult part of the project was taking the computer plans and translating them into an actual car, according to Bryan Boggs, a UT Martin engineering alum.
Boggs, 25, joined the team in May 2009 and worked on putting together much of the car.
"If it leaks, its my fault," Boggs said. "But I loved it, and you couldn't put me in a more ideal situation. It is a unique car, so we had to do a lot of trouble shooting on our own."
Boggs will be the navigator for the team during the Baja race and also will help with the support vehicle.
Matt Jackson, a Tennessee Tech graduate, has spent two years working on welding for the car. He will drive part time during the race and also work as a navigator.
Jackson, 22, has raced on dirt tracks in West Tennessee for several years and also helped build race cars in Jonesboro, Ark.
But he has never done any racing in the desert.
"I don't know what it will be like," he said. "We'll go out there and do our best."
"It will be the little things that bite you, like a loose brake line," added Kee. "But it will be fun just to be there and meet all the great racers."October 25, 2009
West Tennessee Repped at 2009 Baja 1000
"What does a University of Tennessee at Martin engineering professor, several engineering alums and the Tennessee Technology Center at McKenzie have in common? Each contributes to a 12-member team that has built a racecar to compete in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Nov. 19, in Ensenada, Mexico. The Class 1 desert racecar will be shown to the public at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 26, in the north patio area of UT Martin’s Boling University Center.
Dr. Bob LeMaster leads the team with assistance from UT Martin engineering grads Brian Boggs, Ashley Owens and Jonathon Kolwyck. Jimmy Kee, who teaches welding at the Tennessee Technology Center, and his former students Matt Jackson, Jason Young, Shay Barksdale and Kyle McConnell, have also played a major role in the car’s construction. The car was recently certified by SCORE International, the race organizer, and the car will wear number 107 during the race.
The Baja 1000 is the longest and most difficult off-road race in the Western Hemisphere and is rivaled on the world stage only by the Dakar Rally in western Africa, LeMaster said. The race attracts cars from across the United States and will feature cars from 20 countries. This year’s race will be 672 miles long and will start and end in Ensenada. Several television specials about the race will be broadcast in early December, he added.
LeMaster became interested in building the car through the university’s participation in the Baja SAE competition. He annually advises UT Martin engineering students who construct a small Baja racecar that competes against teams from other universities. Welding students from the Tennessee Technology Center at McKenzie have frequently assisted with the fabrication of these cars. His work with students sparked LaMaster’s interest in building the current Class 1 desert racecar.
The car is about 18 feet long, weighs 3,800 pounds, has a 650 horsepower custom-built engine, and 35-inch tires with 24 inches of suspension travel. The car was designed to reach speeds of 150 mph.
“The shock technology used in this form of racing is more advanced than that used in other forms of motorsports,” LeMaster said.
“Although the terrain is very rough, the ride inside the car is amazingly smooth.” During the technical inspection, SCORE Race officials told LeMaster that “you guys have a serious entry,” and that they “could not recall another unlimited-class desert racecar being entered from the state of Tennessee.”
LeMaster said that there are typically 30 cars in the class, but because of the extreme nature of the course, only half the cars in the class are likely to finish.
The car is being entered by West Tennessee Baja LLC and driven by LeMaster and Matt Jackson. Brian Boggs will navigate and serve as a back-up driver.
The car is equipped with a satellite tracking system that will allow race officials to monitor the location of the car along with its speed and orientation. Race officials positioned hundreds of miles away will know instantly if the car has been involved in an accident or is not moving.
The navigator is responsible for radio communications, monitoring the engine operating parameters and keeping the car on track using a GPS system.
The car is also equipped with an on-board fire suppression system that will automatically activate in the event of a fire. The logistics of competing in an off-road endurance race are demanding, with pit stops located approximately 150 miles apart, LeMaster said.
Fuel, tires and spare parts needed at each pit stop must be determined in advance and positioned at appropriate points one to two days before the race begins. A chase vehicle, equipped with extra fuel, spare tires and parts will follow the racecar as closely as possible.
In the event of a breakdown or accident, the chase team must locate and provide assistance as quickly as possible. Participation in the race is expensive, and sponsorship is important, LeMaster said. BF Goodrich is providing access to tires with Kevlar reinforced sidewalls and pit support.
West Tennessee sponsors include Legens Hot Rod Shop, Fuqua Family Farms, Stewart Perkins Trucking, Pablo’s Pickles and Southern Custom Metalworks.
“The team believes that they will be representing West Tennessee at the race and would like to make it a true West Tennessee effort by having most of the sponsorship coming from West Tennessee companies,” LeMaster said, adding that more sponsors are needed and that there is still time for sponsors to become involved.
Some 300,000 are expected to attend the November race, but LeMaster and the race team aren’t intimidated. “I’ve always thought that if the only reason for not doing something is fear of failure, that that’s not a good enough reason not to do it,” LeMaster said.
The team will face many challenges during the race but will have overcome the biggest one simply by making it to the starting line."
Still Crazy Racing Report
"There are birthday celebrations and there are birthday experiences. It's not unusual to choose the latter as we get older.
But Zack Burkett may be going over the top. He has chosen the experience of racing through the Mexican desert in an extremely modified Volkswagen over getting a new pair of socks. The county supervisor, who will turn 70 in January, will commemorate his birthday by competing in the Baja 1,000, the world's longest point-to-point race.
"I always wanted to run in a race, and I figured if I didn't do it, now I'd have trouble doing it later," he said. "My wife asked why I didn't do something sane like jumping out of an airplane."
The race will run for 31 hours Nov. 19-22 over a 673-mile loop course that begins and ends in Ensenada on the Baja peninsula--that long piece of land that appears to be Southern California but is really part of Mexico.
Burkett heads the Still Crazy Racing team that includes his 45-year-old son, who is the Texas amateur cross-country motorcycle-racing champion in the over-40 category. "I call him Zack Burkett the Lesser, but he kinda resents it," his father said with a laugh.
The two Zacks will share the time behind the wheel of the custom-built "Baja Bug" that the elder Burkett spent 18 months building. He put the car through a test race last weekend and had no major problems with the Class 9 short-wheelbase vehicle, which uses a VW drive train on a custom-built race car chassis.
"We rolled it during the test run," Burkett said, "but we drove it away. Since then we've been fixing and modifying it."
In an earlier test, he said, he found that he had put the switches out of his reach when he was strapped into the required five-point safety harness.
Comfort has been an issue, too. "It can get painful after a few hours of bouncing through the dirt," he said. "As a kid, I did hot-rodding, but nothing like this. I went to the Baja 1,000 last year and talked to people there to see what we would be getting into.
"About 30 miles of the race was on the road, but the rest is through the desert. We'll test the car in the desert when we get out there and see if there are things we still need to figure out."
But it's not just a lark for the birthday boy.
"When we started this, I was hoping just to finish, but now I think we have a good shot at winning our class," he said."
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!
"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!
SECURITY SERVICES REQUIRED
Be advised, simply because Baja Racing News.com is no longer reporting on the severe criminal activities ongoing in Baja Norte, doesn't mean there are NOT still on the rise.
Teams going to Mexico for pre-running and racing in the Baja 1000 in one month, be advised security services are required for your travel. Don't Be a Victim!
Dateline Tijuana-Four youths were off-roading near the toll-road at the same time an armed narco convoy of 10 vehicles was reported to be headed north through Rosarito. Bad timing. These kids thought the police were just chasing them off the lot as usual- when the Marines opened fire and shot them all. The kids even held their arms up and the Marines kept shooting. None died.
All the grisly crime reports have been confined to Spanish languange newspapers. Rather than criticize the US media- they decided to totally shut them out. None of these three events (all on major roads tourists use daily) were mentioned in the English Rosarito rag or any other promotional Baja mouthpieces. So much for the truth.
GRISLY CRIME REPORTS CONTINUE CLICK HERE
It is mind boggling that a convoy of narcos in black SUV's could vanish from the toll road from Tijuana to Ensenada with everyone having cell phones these days (even Mexicans). And how could a black SUV convoy become a single white SUV off-roading?
The real story is that well orchestrated criminal elements are operating out in the open between Puerto Nuevo and Rosarito, today. BEWARE
October 17, 2009
BAJA 1000 2009 THE RUMOR MILL
***Baja Racing News Pre-Run Map, Thanks Monster Mike!
Critical Notes: After crossing the creek at Mike's, the course turns south and starts a climb. It is 6 miles of whoops and rocks created by many previous races. Good workout after that freeway you just left going up to Mike's. After that 6 miles, the course turns right (west). If you go left, this road goes to Rancho Concepcion and the paved Observatory road. After the right turn, it is about 10 miles to Rancho El Coyote and downhill. There is a silt section in here that can be real nasty.
Once at El Coyote, the course does a great 9 miles through Baja backcountry, with varying types of terrain. Note the "Racers and Ranchers" sign, asking to close the gate - El Coyote owner Esteban Meling has installed a new cattle guard there and the gate no longer used. Coming out of the loop you will climb 2 rocky miles, then turn left down to Simpson's. If you go straight, you'll be at Mike's Sky Ranch in 3 miles.
4 very rocky and steep miles to the Simpson's creek crossing. It is actually called San Rafael and is the same creek you crossed at Mike's. The crossing is well hidden under trees and constant prerunning by 4 wheel vehicles will create two wheel ruts in the sand. To make it more fun, locals will dam the creek to force a nice deep pond to form. That 4 inches of water you crossed pre-running may be 2-3 feet deep on race day. And it will be at night.
***Baja Racing News staffers will not only attend SEMA 2009, but the Baja Racing Club will also rock Vegas at Dead Mans Hand that weekend. Check out Baja Racing Club for details HERE.
***"Toyota is secretly having a 2010 Toyota Four-runner race truck built, and the rumored driver for this years 2009 B1K, is said to be Ivan Stewart." By Paul Sullivan
***"The old Racer Offroad building in Deer Valley for sale or lease. Very nice building." By Rob Martensen
***"Seve" is keeping SCORE on the grill. Steve is sending out mass emails screwing SCORE:
Of course, for "the Baja Pussy", the United States NAVY is Bourgeois biggest Sponsor!
"From: "Bourgeois, Stephen W CIV N7, COMTHIRDFLT" <stephen.bourgeois@navy.mil>Date: October 11, 2009 1:53:12 PM EDTSubject: Score's Baja 1000 Waiver
Baja Racing News.com,
SCORE sucks! This is the jewel of the paragraph (I corrected Oscar's multiple spelling errors):
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 INTERPRETATION OF RULES, DECISIONS ENFORCING RULES, INTERPRETATION OF PENALTIES IN CONNECTION WITH ENFORCEMENT OF RULES, 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 OTHERWISE. I UNDERSTAND THAT ANY STATEMENTS MADE BY ME OR ANYONE ACTING ON MY BEHALF WHICH CHALLENGES THE INTEGRITY OF SCORES DECISION WITH RESPECT TO RACE RESULTS WILL CAUSE IRREPARABLE HARM TO SCORE'S BUSINESS REPUTATION AND SUBJECT ME TO DAMAGES UNDER 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 AND ON THE SCORE WEBSITE.
Gee, I wonder what could have possibly brought THIS on?" Steve Bourgeois"
October 15, 2009
Baja 1000 2009 Moto Insights
Q: Do the Baja 1000 "race fans" in Mexico throw rocks at the racers? A: Watch out for the young ones they are really into it. I got hit in the side of the helmet in the 2008 Baja 500.
Q: What are the conditions on site for the moto riders in this years race? A: If you can be prepared to put your lights somewhere in the San Felipe loop. The pros will get to borrego by 11:30. They will finish the San Felipe loop by 2:30ish. Good luck with the whoops.
Q: What about the coastal fog in November?: A: Have some clean rags handy for the coast section to wipe your goggles off, tuck them into your pants or have an open pocket in your jacket with only rags. The moist air will make mud with the dust on you goggles.
Sky conditions for the Baja 1000 2009:
Friday, November 20
Pacific Standard Time
SUN
Begin civil twilight 5:57 a.m.
Sunrise 6:24 a.m.
Sun transit 11:34 a.m.
Sunset 4:45 p.m.
End civil twilight 5:11 p.m.
MOON
Moonset 7:09 p.m. on preceding day
Moonrise 9:54 a.m.
Moon transit 2:58 p.m.
Moonset 8:06 p.m.
Moonrise 10:32 a.m. on following day
Phase of the Moon on 20 November: waxing crescent with 15% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
Q: Will the bikes finish at night at this years Baja 1000? A: It's usually dark 4:45PM. So if you avg 50mph (like only the top 5 bikes usually do, but it might be the top 10 with the stacked field this year) 13 hrs total time - 6:30 am start = 7-7:30PM first bikes.
More Moto News...KTM racers head to Baja with Force Accessories
Next month Motorex KTM Off-Road racers Ben Grabham (Grabbo), and Brad Williscroft (Wonka), will take to Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula for the famed Baja 1000 with extra support from Force Accessories who have come on board as a major team supporter.
Taking place from November 19 to 22 the Baja 1000 will see Grabbo and Wonka 2009 Finke Desert Race first and second podium holders, ride the KTM 530 EXC over a 631 mile (1000 kilometre) loop racing, starting and finishing in Ensenada.
The duo have been trying to raise much needed funds to contribute to the entry fees and expenses required to enter Baja, which have now been eased with a welcoming donation from Force Accessories.
Force Accessories develop and distribute specialty motorcycle products to enhance protection during racing with their primary products being radiator guards, bash plates and case savers. The company has supported riders in many of Australia’s leading off-road events including the Australian Safari, Finke Desert Race, Australian Four Day Enduro, Hattah Desert Race and Condo 750.
Now setting their sights on Baja, Force Accessories, Director Brian Finn, said, “It’s a great privilege to Force Accessories to help out with the Team Australia assault on the Baja 1000. When we heard of the effort KTM was putting in to help out Grabbo and Wonka it was something we just had to be involved in, particularly when it includes two of the greatest Australian off-road riders, and we wish Grabbo and Wonka a safe and successful event.”
Motorex KTM Off-Road Racing will feature Force Accessories on their racing uniforms for the Baja 1000 and also use their products on the KTM 530 EXC race bike.
October 12, 2009
Economic Hit on Baja California, Mexico
Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, of the State of Baja California (Mexico) Chamber of Deputies was quoted in Tijuana today about the economic hit on Baja lately, "In the last 4 years the gates of Tijuana have ceased to be the most visited in the world, visitors have declined by up to 22.4%, even today (the tourism sector) has lost over 70 thousand jobs", said Vega de Lamadrid.
Todays Racers Round-up
Andrew McMillin on the Baja 1000 race course talk, about the previously very common course cutting by the teams that used to get away with the stuff, "I would have to think that staying on the course means no course cutting. So, don't cut off a major corner somewhere. If there are multiple lines and one might be better and they come out in the same place, then that should be okay. In a sand wash like Matomi, there are 3-4 lines at times and I believe those all should be part of the "marked course". Again, as long as you don't cut off any sections of the course you should be okay. But that's just my interpretation of it."
INSIDER SAYS: "SCORE will be taking off 1 hour for every mile of course deviation."
Pitiful Pete Sohren was quoted, talking about the Baja 1000 this weekend as saying, "I'm going to win this F****R! Nevermind the last time Sohren was first off the line at the San Felipe 250, an even easier race to win, he DNF'd badly, Did Not Finish.
Pete did say he has a NEW truck!
Baja 1000 contestant BJ “Ballistic” Baldwin has confirmed he will be competing in the 2010 Griffin King of the Hammers off-road race February 12th, 2009 in Johnson Valley, CA. Baldwin will be driving the #97, Ultra 4 car, co-piloted by owner and racer Dave Schneider.
Common in off-road, a high dollar, low performer like Baldwin could get even more seat time. With his General Tires contract, Baldwin has increased his flat tire in competition ratio and relegated himself to near inconsequence in the Baja 1000 in November.
He has performed well as a clown of late in the Vegas To Reno race.
October 10, 2009
Dan McMillin, McMillin Racing is bringing at least, "Two trophy trucks and a 1600", for the Baja 1000.
October 9, 2009
OFFICIAL BAJA 1000 2009 MAP CLICK HERE NOW!
Starting List Released:Trophy Trucks:
2 Pete Sohren
71 Rick D. Johnson
96 Bobby Baldwin
7 Scott Steinberger
12 Brian Collins
84 Nick Vanderwey
1 B.J. Baldwin
77 Robby Gordon
19 Tim Herbst
8 Roger Norman
24 Adam Householder
3 Mark Post
9 Mark Weyhrich
16 Cameron Steele
23 Mark McMillin
4 Gustavo Vildosola Jr
59 Craig Potts
28 Alan Pflueger
31 Andy McMillin
74 Rob Bruce
76 Jesse Jones
78 Jesse Ashcraft
51 Kory Scheeler
13 Ed Stout
22 Damen Jefferies
47 James Bult
30 Robbie Pierce
20 Rob MacCachren
58 Ronnie Wilson
35 Jason Voss
39 Ron Whitton
10 Greg Nunley
CLASS 1:
101 Armin Schwarz
102 Harley Letner
103 Jerry Penhall
104 Armin Kremer
105 Brian Parkhouse
106 Randy Wilson
107 Robert LeMaster
108 Todd Welling
109 Rudy Cortez
110 Troy Herbst
111 Dale Lenk
112 George Thieriot
113 Josh Daniel
114 Eric Chase
115 Brad Fauvre
116 Richard Boyle
117 Brendan Fikes
118 Brad Etter
119 Charles Rudolph
120 Jesse Hooker
CLASS 1/2-1600:
1601 Cody Robinson
1602 Jose A. Fernandez
1603 Arturo Velazco
1604 Wes McKenzie
1605 Daniel McMillin
1645 Eric Duran-5th RS
1646 Corbin Harris-4th RS
1647 Brian Wilson-3rd RS
1648 Justin Smith-2nd RS
1649 Arnoldo Ramirez M.-1st RS
CLASS 2:
209 William Erickson-1st RS
CLASS 3:
300 Donald Moss
301 Scott Barnes
302 Daniel Wright
CLASS 5:
500 Kevin Carr
501 Drew Belk
502 Chris Willis
518 Vince Wavra-2nd RS
519 Che Corlett-1st RS
CLASS 5-1600:
551 Jonathon Knight
552 Alonso Angulo
553 Oscar Venegas
554 Mark Low
*550 Marcos Nunez-1st RS
CLASS 6
601 Richard Blunk
602 Marc Burnett
606 Steve Kovach-4th RS
607Heidi Steele-3rd RS
608 John Townsend-2nd RS
609 Gregg Hempel-1st RS
CLASS 7:
701 Scott Ulrich
*700 Dan Chamlee
CLASS 7SX:
741 Norman Turley
742 Brandt Anderson
759 John Holmes-1st RS
CLASS 8:
801 Rodrigo Ampudia Jr.
839 Clyde Stacy-1st RS
CLASS 9:
901 Zack Burkett
949 Ulises Morquecho-1st RS
CLASS 10:
1001 Jesus J. Gonzalez A.
1000 Mikey Lawrence
1003 Javier Robles
1004 Justin Davis
1005 Lars Ferry
1006 Scott Gailey
1049 Jose Lynch-1st RS
CLASS 11:
1101 Eric Solorzano
1102 Michael Brown
1103 Dolores Casarez M.
1104 Jim Graham
1149 Gustavo Garayzar-1st RS
SCORE LITES:
1201 Luis Barragan
1202 Brent Parkhouse
1203 Morgan Langley
1204 John Langley
1205 Rob Smith
1206 John Padgett
1249 Roberto Encinas1st RS
CLASS 17:
1701 Eric Filar
1702 Mike Shaffer
1749 Justin Cook-1st RS
STOCK MINI:
778 Robert Ditner-2nd RS
779 Gavin Skilton-1st RS
STOCK FULL:
878 Joe Bacal-2nd RS
879 Justin Matney-1st RS
BAJA CHALLENGE:
BC1 Christian Hammarskjold
BC2 Jay Culbertson
BC3 Brian Valentine
BC4 Mike Cassling
SPTS. BUGGY:
1401 George Jackson
*1400 Peter Lang
1403 Raymond Calore
1445 Peter Ramseier-1st RS
SPTS. TRUCK:
1501 Nick Tonelli
1502 Ken Fraizer
SPTS. UTV:
1801 Dave Roberts
1802 Thomas Graves
1803 Reid Nordin
PRO MOTORCYCLES
CLASS 22 (18)
2x Adam Thissen
3x Jason Lulis
4x Cameron Corfman
5x James Hall-S
1x Robby Bell
7x A.J. Stewart
8x John Kaisersatt
9x Dunn Voyer
10x Mark Bradford
11x Ivan Ramirez
12x Kendall Norman
13x Chuck Neugebauer
14x Chad Black
15x Ron Wilson-S
16x Brad Williscroft
17x Aaron Lindsey
18x Colton Udall
19x Adam Neuwirth
CLASS 21 (5)
101x Dan Troy
102x Ronnie Wilson
103x Bill Boyer
104x Chris Parker
105x Jeremy Purvines
CLASS 20 (5)
151x Manuel Reyes
150x Anna Cody
153x Jesus Rios
154x Tony Gurule
155x Marco Bernaldez
CLASS 30 (8)
301x Mike Johnson
302x Sean Bradley
303x Jean-Paul Cyr
304x Alejandro Ventosa
305x Eric Alfaro
306x James Dickinson
307x Richard Boyle
308x Sol Saltzman
CLASS 40 (5)
401x Brian Campbell
402x Brad Turnidge
403x Tom Vogt
400x Scott Myers
405x Mike Prunty
CLASS 50 (4)
501x Hugh Graffunder
502x Gary Barr-S
503x Craig Wear
500x Jim O'Neal
CLASS 60 (1)
600x Donald E. Lewis
PRO ATVS
CLASS 25 (5)
2a Patrick Christensen
1a Wayne Matlock
4a Greg Row
5a Felipe Velez
6a Nick Nelson
CLASS 24 (5)
101a Brian Harris
100a Craig Christy
103a Cesar Chanate
104a Tom Wright
105a Roberto Ruiz
CLASS 26 (2)
201a Chuck Neugebauer
202a Reid Rutherford
SPORTSMAN
SPT M/C 250< (11) 201x Charles Shortt
202x Matt Ladendorf
203x Brian Garrahan
204x Joel Blockson
205x Miguel Montenegro
206x Seppo Saarinen
207x Talya Dodson
208x Fred Sobke
209x Doron Kollan
210x Zachy Moritz
249x Nathan Barlow
SPT M/C 250> (22)
251x Craig Anstine
252x Salvador Sainz
253x Jeff Leonard
254x Cliff Cook
255x Craig Campbell
256x Oscar Fazz
257x Eric Anderson-S
258x Jeb Boynton
259x Dave Bervin
260x Michael Powell
261x Mike Kaplan
262x Andrew Siegmund
263x Ricardo De La Pena
264x Gary Gonzales
265x Doug McCrady-S
266x Shohei Himeno
267x Bob Gumser
268x Ray Grupp
269x Tibi Imbuzan
270x Mike Mensinger
271x Trent Burgiss
299x John Lowe
SPT ATV (10)
51a Dennis Lemare-S
52a Howie Orona
53a Adrian Valdez
54a Edgar Saldivar
55a Daniel Wehr-S
56a Yuval Sharon
57a Daniel Montano
58a Brad McLean
59a Manuel Jimenez
99a Gustavo Ameca
S-indicates solo rider
SCORE PRESS RELEASE MAGIC
Baja 1000 2009 Enters Less Than Half of the racers than it did in 2007 and the SCORE self-controlled "Race Drawing", pulled out of Sal Fish's undershorts, announced.
Sohren draws first start SCORE Trophy-Truck, Thissen in M/C
For November's 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race
Racers from 34 States, 12 countries entered to date in nationally-televised Baja 1000 ;32 SCORE Trophy-Trucks entered; race to be held in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Nov. 19-22.
Just patiently plugging along in desert racing's marquee division, Arizona's journeyman driver Pete Sohren has received the first starting position during Saturday's computerized drawing for November's 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. While the grizzled veteran Sohren will pilot his No. 2 Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck, starting first among the motorcycle and ATV classes will be the team led by promising newcomer Adam Thissen of Reno, Nev. on a KTM 550XC-W motorcycle.
A lame total of 231 vehicles officially entered in time for Saturday's computerized "underwear" drawing held at SCORE International's headquarters in Los Angeles.
With more entries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 7 Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs, the granddaddy of all desert races will be held Nov. 19-22 in Ensenada, Mexico. Completing its 36th year as the desert racing series known for bonehead moves, the event is the finale of the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series. To date, entries have come from 34 U.S. States and 12 countries.
With massive crowds reaching nearly 25,000 anticipated [much closer to the truth than the stupid estimate of 300,000] to again be spread out along the rugged course that travels much of the northern part of Baja California, down Laguna Salada to San Felipe, down thrown legendary Matomi Wash, around Mike's Sky Ranch, down the infamous Simpson's Hill and back to the Pacific Coast through Santo Tomas covering much of the northern half of the majestic Baja California peninsula. The race will start for the 35th time and finish for the 20th time in Ensenada.
The motorcycle and ATV classes will start their journey at 6:30 a.m. (Friday, Nov. 20) with the car and truck classes starting at approximately 10:30 a.m., or three hours after the last ATV leaves the line. Vehicles will leave in 30-second intervals in the elapsed-time race and while the fastest finishers are expected to complete the course in approximately 13 hours. All vehicles will have a 31-hour time limit to become official finishers in the legendary adventure.
The race will start and finish on Boulevard Costero adjacent to the picturesque Bahia de Todos Santos in front of the historical Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center in the heart of Ensenada.
Drawing the first start in the ATV classes was the team led by Patrick Christensen, Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., who will ride a Yamaha Raptor in Class 25. A unique part of Saturday's drawing was the special drawing for the top 10 finishers from the nearest previous SCORE Baja race entered in the current race in both SCORE Trophy-Truck and the unlimited Class 1. For this race it was the top 10 finishers from this year's 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 500. Sohren finished fourth in June's race, tying his best career SCORE Trophy-Truck race finish.
NASCAR Sprint Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., whose roots are in SCORE desert racing and is this year's SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck point leader, drew the eighth starting position in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the Team Gordon No. 77 Chevy CK1500. Gordon will be pulling double duty driving also driving in the NASCAR Cup season finale in Florida on Nov. 22.
Gordon better keep his mouth shut, or SCORE will penalize Robby out of SCORE points, money and championship existence.
Drawing the second start in SCORE Trophy-Truck was Rick D. Johnson, Barstow, Calif., this year's Tecate SCORE Baja 500 winner, who drives the No. 71 Ford F-150. Last year's overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck winners in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, Roger Norman, Reno, Nev./Larry Roeseler, El Cajon, Calif., drew the 10th starting spot in the No. 8 Norman Motorsports Ford F-150.
Pre-race festivities on Thursday, Nov. 19, for the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, including the vastly popular tech and contingency of all vehicles and the SCORE Manufacturer's Midway will be held from 19 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Boulevard Costero in front of the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. The pre-race mandatory driver/rider briefing will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Room at the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. Racer and media registration will be held at the San Nicolas Resort Hotel from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19.
While entries will be accepted up to race morning (Friday, Nov. 20), late entries will be assigned the next available number and starting position within each class. The post-race Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 Survivor's Celebration will be held poolside at the San Nicolas Resort Hotel at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22.
Besides Sohren, Gordon, Johnson and Norman/Roeseler, other entries among the veterans in the talented 32-truck field in the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck division include Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas (No. 3-Ford F-150), B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas (97-Chevy Silverado), Las Vegas' Brian Collins/Chuck Hovey, Escondido, Calif. (12-Dodge Ram1500), Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson, Santee, Calif. (30-Chevy Silverado), Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Rick Geiser, Phoenix (GMC Sierra), Mexico's Gus Vildosola/Gus Vildosola Sr. (No. 4-Ford F-150), Honolulu's Alan Pflueger (28-Chevy Silverado), Andy McMillin/Scott McMillin, National City, Calif. (31-Chevy Silverado), Las Vegas' Tim Herbst/Troy Herbst (19-Ford F-150), Mark McMillin, El Cajon, Calif. (23-Ford F-150), Ron Whitton, Mesa, Ariz. (39-Ford F-150), Scott Steinberger, Cypress, Calif./Dave Sykes, San Diego (7-Ford F-150), Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix (84-Chevy Silverado), Ed Stout, Irvine, Calif. (13-Ford F-150) and Bobby Baldwin/Danny Anderson, Las Vegas (96-Chevy Silverado).
The car and truck classes with the most entries to date are SCORE Trophy-Truck (32), Class 1 (20) and Class 1-2/1600 (10).
Among the motorcycle and ATV classes, Class 22 has the most entries to date with 18.
Leading the seven Sportsman classes in the race is Sportsman Motorcycle over 250cc which had 22 entries and Sportsman Motorcycle under 250cc which had 11 entries in the drawing.
Drawing first start in Class 1 was former German World Rally Championship driver Armin Schwarz/Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif., in a Jimco-BMW, while first off in Class 1-2/1600 will be Cody Robinson, Calexico, Calif., in a Romo-VW.
Pre-running will be allowed only from Ojos Negros and back. One way pre-running from the start to Ojos Negros will be allowed only on Wednesday and Thursday of race week (Nov. 18 and 29).
It's the oldest and most well known of all desert races, and it remains as the single most appealing accomplishment to a driver. Since 1967, the Granddaddy of all desert races has been run over the mysterious Baja California peninsula.
This year's Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race will be televised on a delayed basis as a one-hour NBC Sports special, in association with SCORE and Aura360, for the sixth consecutive year, scheduled to air at 2 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Dec. 19 on the NBC Television Network. It will also air on a delayed basis outside of the U.S. on ESPN International.
In addition to season point class point championships, drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also racing to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to all drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season. Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 24th consecutive year, a total of 16 drivers remain eligible after Round 4 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series.
This race also features the prestigious and self-centered, Sal Fish SCORE IronRider awards, BBBWWWAAAAA!, presented to each motorcycle or ATV rider who completes the course within the time limit while riding solo. To date, nine individuals have declared that they will be attempting to complete the course riding solo.
Additions By: Baja Racing News.com
October 8, 2009
Baja 1000 Schedule of Events
November 18 LIVE WEBCAST on Baja Racing News.com Begins
- WEDNESDAY, NOV 18 / San Nicolas Hotel
Early Registration - 1:00PM to 6:00PM
Media Registration - 2:00PM to 6:00PM
THURSDAY, NOV 19 / San Nicolas Hotel
Express Racer Registration - 9:00AM to 11:00AM
Regular Racer Registration - 11:00AM to 4:30PM
Media Center - 9:00AM to 5:00PM
THURSDAY, NOV 19 / Costero Blvd Riviera Center
Contingency Row - 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Technical Inspection - 10:00AM to 5:00PM
THURSDAY, NOV 19 / Riviera Convention Center
Competitors Meeting - 7:00PM
FRIDAY, NOV 20 / Riviera Convention Center
Late Registration & Tech - 5:30AM
Media Center - 6:00AM
FRIDAY, NOV 20 / Costero Blvd Riviera Center
Motorcycle & ATV Start - 6:30AM
Four Wheel Start - 10:30AM
SATURDAY, NOV 21 / San Nicolas Hotel
Posting of Unofficial Results - 9:00PM
Competition Review Board - 10:00PM
SUNDAY, NOV 22 / Poolside at San Nicolas Hotel
Awards Presentation - 10:00AM
PRE-RUNNING INFORMATION
Begin Pre-run at Race Mile 43.3 Cattle Guard 3.6 Miles South of Ojos Negros HWY 3 @ KM 39 Junction
End Pre-run West of Ojos Negros at Race Mile 636.1 Exit Course Across Open Field to HWY 3 @ KM 36
Outbound Pre-run from Start Line to Ojos Negros Only on Wednesday, Nov 18 and Thursday, Nov 19 Exit Course at Race Mile 36.3 / Access HWY 3 @ KM 36
TO AVOID DANGEROUS TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, THE FOLLOWING RULES ARE MANDATORY:
ABSOLUTELY NO OUTBOUND PRE-RUNNING PAST RACE MILE 36.3 /HWY3@KM36
ABSOLUTELY NO INBOUND PRERUNNING FROM RACE MILE 636.1 WEST OF OJOS NEGROS BACK TO THE ENSENADA FINISH
Baja 1000 2009 672.85 total race-course miles.October 7, 2009
2009 Baja 1000 a throwback to Baja 1969?
The Moto part of the Baja 1000 this year (2009) is shaping up to be a legendary event. This is the hottest news in Baja racing, the Ivan Ramirez teammates for this years Baja 1000 for 1x title, for the first time that a Mexican national could be champion in C22! For sure it's gonna be good BETA VS JCR (A) VS JCR (B) VS KAWASAKI VS KTM PRIVATEER EFFORT VS KTM AUSTRALIA!
Good old fashion dog fight in the Moto 2009 Baja 1000, Man vs. man.
What? No way that Ramirez' dad would pay both what Childress and Esposito are asking. Hiring two paid gringo ringers doesn't make it a "Mexican national" team. One if not both will be left at the altar.
And the biggest question, where's the King Of Baja '08 Septien and Mexicano Casas?
Course Update: A racer was down in Colonet this past weekend and noticed the BFG pit already taped off at Llano Colorado.
October 7, 2009
A racer tells Baja Racing News.com: "There is a big group of suspected course plotters in Baja this week.....doubtful the map will be complete by this weekend (October 9-11) . With pre-running not opening for a month from today, more or less, I bet they hold it a bit longer on releasing the new (2009) Baja 1000 map. There is a chance SCORE is messing with us and map comes out this week and pre-running opens on OCT 15th!"
October 6, 2009
October 5 Baja Racing News RADIO LIVE "The SCORE SCANDAL EXPANDS" Bobcat and Monster Mike
Reports Confirmed! SCORE Demands Racers Sign New Docs! This is the information that was deleted from the Message Board that is TOO HOT TO HANDLE!
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.""
October 1, 2009
Rob Mac lays down the Mac-Law!
Rob Mac said today, he is under contract with Riviera Racing for this year and the team decided not to run the Primm race. IF Riviera decides not to run the Baja 1000 this year, he'll be driving the other Trophy Truck for Mastercraft Seats Team, as he did at Primm.
About Primm. Rob Mac is still Verry Disappointed about the final race results of SCORE at Primm. "I won the race at Primm", he said. Rob went on about the new SCORE scandal. "There's too much on the line to be wrong about the race results in the SCORE series". He continued, "The penalties are too harsh".
Reportedly, Robby Gordon is STILL very bitter about the final Baja 500 race results. SCORE stole the win away from Robby after the June classic, at the time, Gordon said he would sue SCORE and do everything possible to fight the results.
However, this week, the official spokesperson for Gordon Motorsports back east, said, "Robby is no longer willing to talk about the Baja 500".
Race fans, this could be the start of the gagging of the Baja racers running in the SCORE series. In particular, for the racers in the hunt for money or points in the series. The message SCORE is now communicating, any public comments not positive for SCORE would result in penalties, sanctions and lawsuits. CLICK HERE!
More Reports on this later>>>
September 30, 2009 UPDATE
More Insider 2009 Baja 1000 Course Info:
Most likely, the course will be around 700 miles and very similar to the 2008 Baja 1000 Course CLICK HERE
The 2009 Baja 1000 course will be marked and open for prerunning on Friday November 6.This is one week later than the "loop" course from 2008 and only allows racers 2 weeks to prerun, instead of three.
On Tonight's Show: Factor Off-Road Promotions Big Announcement, Racers Fiesta at El Green RESTAURANT & GRILL, "On Boulevard BENITO JUAREZ Y DEL RINCON DE PANCHITO PLAZA FIMBRES, FRENTE A JARDINES DEL VALLE NO HAY PIERDE" in Mexicali This Thursday, October 1 and Baja Racing Champion, Perry McNeil.
From Monday September 28 at 6 PM Pacific Time.
Robby Gordon Motorsports News:
Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., maker of Jim Beam Bourbon, announced that its marketing plans for 2010 will not include a return to the Sprint Cup Series. As a result, the company will not extend its current partnership with Robby Gordon Motorsports in 2010. The company plans to focus its marketing resources for Jim Beam into other platforms that directly impact the end consumer.
Gordon
"It was a difficult decision to transition away from being a Cup Series team sponsor," said Bill Newlands, president Beam Global Spirits & Wine U.S. "We always take a hard look at our marketing resources and how we can best interact with legal purchase age consumers. After an extensive review of our marketing strategy, we have come up with new alternatives to fuel growth for Jim Beam in 2010."
Jim Beam will continue its support of Robby Gordon Motorsports for the remainder of the 2009 Cup schedule.
"Jim Beam has been a great partner for the past five years," Gordon said. "I would like to thank them for their support through the years. They have been with me since we started the team in 2005, helping build our Cup team and aiding in its success. Great relationships have been formed, and I expect those to continue well into the future."
"We would like to thank Robby Gordon and the entire No. 7 team for partnering with us these past five years," Newlands said. "Robby is a fierce and talented competitor and a sponsor couldn't ask for a more dedicated brand ambassador. Robby Gordon, fans of the Jim Beam No. 7 car and the entire No. 7 team have been very good to us, and that's what makes this such a difficult decision." No doubt, this move, of a major Gordon Motorsports sponsor, will impact the Off-Road program.September 28, 2009
SCORE Press Release Magic
Computerized draw for start positions for 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 to be held Saturday, Oct. 10
"Enjoying his full-time return to desert racing in between his ‘day job’ as a NASCAR Cup team owner/driver, Robby Gordon has increased his point lead in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings following his second win of the year at the recent 14th SCORE Terrible’s Primm 300.
With 292 points, Gordon, 40, who returns to his desert racing roots as often as his NASCAR schedule allows (which is every race this year), is the SCORE Overall point leader and he additionally leads the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck class for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500.
While assuming a big lead in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings, Gordon, who lives in Charlotte, N.C., actually missed the NASCAR Cup race in Richmond on Sept. 12 to run in the SCORE race in Primm and has earned his eighth and ninth career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins this year along with one second and one seventh in the four races held so far this season.
After Gordon’s big lead of 24 points over second place in the SCORE Overall point standings (he also has an even larger 48-point lead in SCORE Trophy-Truck), only 16 points separate the rest of the top 10 in the 2009 SCORE Overall point standings.
SCORE racers are now preparing for the 42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, to be held in Ensenada, Mexico, Nov. 18-22. The computerized drawing for starting positions, by class, for the final round of five-race World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series will be held at the SCORE headquarters in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 10. It will be a loop race, starting and finishing in Ensenada.
After winning Class 10 in San Felipe, Ensenada and Primm in his Lothringer-VW, Mike Lawrence, Banning Calif., is leading the class he won the season championship in last year and stands second in SCORE overall points with 268.
“Prior to the start of this year’s SCORE Desert Series, we made a decision to run for the SCORE Trophy-Truck point championship and we are fulfilling our goal at this point and being the SCORE Overall Point leader is a big bonus,” said Gordon, who was the SCORE Trophy-Truck season point champion in 1996, the last season he was able to run the entire series prior to this year. “We really have our Chevy CK1500 SCORE Trophy-Truck dialed in this year. The crew has done a great job in the shop and in the desert and my co-driver Andy Grider has helped immensely in many ways in every race.”
Wilson Motorsports of Long Beach, Calif., currently leads two classes as well as being tied for third and 11th in SCORE overall points after four races.
With two Class 1 open-wheel desert race cars and two Class 1-2/1600 open-wheel cars with 1600cc VW engines, Randy Wilson, 50, the middle of three racing Wilson brothers, leads Class 1 and is 11th in overall points with 241. Ronny Wilson, 47, the youngest of the brothers, is fifth in Class 1 with 175 points while tied for the lead Class 1-2/1600 and tied for third in overall points with 265 is Brian Wilson, 24, Randy and Ronny’s nephew and son of Rick Wilson, 53, the oldest of the three Wilson brothers. In Class 1, both Wilson brothers drive Chevy-powered Jimco open-wheel desert race cars.
With a fourth place class finish in Laughlin, followed by a second place in San Felipe, a fourth in Ensenada and another fourth in Primm in a Kreger-VW, Brian Wilson is a field superintendent for the family business-Norm Wilson & Sons, a prominent Southern California general contracting company. Wilson is receiving considerable help this season from veteran co-driver Sammy Ehbrenberg, Las Vegas, who splits the driving with Brian Wilson when not mentoring him in the sport.
Brad Wilson, 20, who is Ronny’s son, also races in Class 1-2/1600 in a Penhall-VW where he is ninth after a third place class finish in Primm. Ronny Wilson has also entered a Jimco-VW and won in SCORE Lite in Primm, giving Wilson Motorsports five entries in the Southern Nevada race.
Tied with Brian Wilson for the lead in Class 1-2/1600 and tied for third with him in SCORE Overall points is Justin Smith, Capistrano Beach, Calif., who has two class wins this year in his Fraley-VW.
Eric Duran, Tecate, Calif., is driver of record for his family team and is fifth overall and third in Class 1-2/1600 in with 260 points in a Neth-VW.
SCORE points are based on starting and finishing as well as the number of starters in each class and placement position in every race. All class titles will go down to the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
Tied for sixth in overall points with 255 points are Gavin Skilton, Anaheim, Calif., undefeated in his class in all four races this year (Stock Mini, Honda Ridgeline) and Cody Robinson, El Centro, Calif., who is fourth in Class 1-2/1600 in a TL-VW.
While second through seventh in the 2009 SCORE Overall point standings are just 13 points apart, eighth through 10th place are separated by only 12 points.
Class 7 point leader Dan Chamlee, Carpenteria, Calif., who has three race wins this season in a Ford Ranger, is eighth overall with 254 points.
Two SCORE Trophy-Trucks are ninth and 10th in SCORE Overall points and second and third in class. Las Vegas’ Brian Collins, who won in San Felipe this year, is ninth and second in the No. 12 Dodge Ram1500 with 244 points and Ed Stout, Santa Ana, Calif., is third and 10th in the No. 13 Chevy Silverado with 242 points.
One of female regular racers this season, Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif., leads the Class 6 points in the Desert Assassins Ford Ranger. Heidi Steele won a SCORE season point title last year was in Class 7SX and has one Class 6 race win this year. Steele’s husband Cameron Steele is fifth in SCORE Trophy-Truck points.
Another SCORE regular female racer this season, Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif., and her all-female team, is tied for second in the motorcycle Class 20 points.
Among the car and truck classes, other point leaders include: John Holmes, Olivenhain, Calif. (Class 7SX, Ford Ranger), Clyde Stacy, Bristol, Va.. (Class 8, Chevy Silverado), Kevin Carr, San Deigo (Class 5, unlimited VW Baja Bug), Alonso Angulo, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600, 1600cc VW Baja Bug), Justin Matney, Briston, Tenn. (Stock Full, Dodge Ram1500) and Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico (Class 11, stock VW Sedan).
With motorcycles and ATVs racing in the three SCORE Baja races, the team of Cameron Corfman, El Centro, Calif./Craig Smith, Brawley, Calif./Kyle Corfman, El Centro, Calif., leads the open motorcycle Class 22 standings with 150 points after the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 on a Beta RR450.
Leading the overall motorcycle and Class 30 (motorcycle riders 30 years old and older), Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Rex Cameron, Albuquerque, N.M., with 159 points on a Honda CRF450X.
The defending Class 25 open ATV championship team led by rider of record Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif., on a Honda TRX700XX has 149 points.
Leading the overall ATV and the Class 24 point standings with 163 points is the team led by defending Class 24 season point champion Craig Christy, Burbank, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R.
Among the other motorcycle class point leaders are Bill Boyer, Lomita, Calif. (Class 21, Honda CRF450X), Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 50, Honda CRF450X), Brian Campbell, Bakersfield, Calif. (Class 40, KTM 450XCF) and Hector Castillo, Calexico, Calif. (Class 20, Yamaha WR250).
In addition to season point class point championships, drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also racing to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to all drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season. Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 24th consecutive year, a total of 16 drivers remain eligible after Round 4 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series."
Here are the SCORE Championship Points Standings for the Baja 1000 2009:
Four Wheel Vehicle ClassSCORE TROPHY TRUCK:
(Anyone below 7th place is OUT of the running)
Points Position
DRIVER OF RECORD
Laughlin Race
Baja 250
Baja 500
Primm 300
TOTAL
1
Robby Gordon
54
71
84
83
292
2
Brian Collins
18
77
85
64
244
3
Ed Stout
44
57
78
63
242
4
Roger Norman
39
25
91
73
228
5
Cameron Steele
48
23
77
65
213
6
Adam Householder
41
62
73
20
196
7
Greg Nunley
38
58
72
28
196
8
B.J. Baldwin
20
61
83
25
189
9
Robbie Pierce
12
59
80
21
172
10
Bobby Baldwin
14
20
81
27
142
11
Pete Sohren
0
24
88
26
138
12
Mark Post
37
67
30
0
134
13
Damen Jefferies
21
22
0
61
104
14
Rick D. Johnson
0
0
101
0
101
15
Gus Vildosola, Jr.
17
0
74
0
91
16
Scott Steinberger
0
0
82
0
82
17
Jason Voss
0
0
79
0
79
18
Rob MacCachren
0
0
0
77
77
19
Alan Pflueger
0
0
76
0
76
20
Rob Bruce
0
0
75
0
75
21
Rusty Stevens
10
0
0
60
70
21
Jesse Ashcraft
0
0
0
70
70
23
Mark McMillin
0
0
0
68
68
24
Kory Scheeler
0
0
0
67
67
25
Marc Ewing
0
0
0
66
66
26
Chet Huffman
0
64
0
0
64
27
Steve Sourapas
0
0
0
62
62
28
James Bult
0
26
31
0
57
29
George Pondella
0
0
0
29
29
30
Rick Thomas
0
0
0
24
24
31
Mark Weyhrich
0
0
0
23
23
32
Craig Potts
0
0
0
22
22
33
Nick Vanderwey
0
21
0
0
21
34
Travis Coyne
19
0
0
0
19
35
Bill McBeath
16
0
0
0
16
36
Jesse James
15
0
0
0
15
37
Justin Lofton
13
0
0
0
13
38
Larry Roeseler
11
0
0
0
11
End Current Points
September 24, 2009
Gabriel Garcia, sports writer of Ensenada, calls on the Federal Preventive Police to jail and impose fines on the Baja 1000 racers!
""The organizers of the races did not learn their lesson.
When many Off-Road enthusiasts thought that racers and trackers have learned their lessons of the Baja 500 as to exceed the speed limit in restricted areas and be sanctioned by Sal Fish with several posts in Primm reality was another, with confirmation that the vast majority did not observe the rules of the race.
When it happened for Robby Gordon in the San Felipe 250, where they allegedly cut and refer the case because he could not see on video, though I think most believe that if it did, many drivers who demanded to assert Score the rules and now that the results are being displayed, ***deleted*** , but what was clear to me that in all categories, even in Sportsmans not respect the rules of the race and that they were in the United States, where laws are more rigid than in Mexico.
The changes implemented by Score were necessary, many acquaintances and people passing through the road in Baja, complained of the danger when they went at full speed all-terrain vehicle, even risking piques the position without remembering that they could not do that and it there that the authorities, particularly the Federal Preventive Police will rigorously exercise the law, regardless of whether that driver is Robby Gordon or one of the Terrible Herbst, if they break the law must be punished, both in sports and in economics, thinking about the welfare of them and the spectators.
It's just trying to keep the head and intelligence, as it will now need to wait to know the winners of each event sponsored by Score International, many fans think this is ridiculous, breaking with tradition to know that the winner was which looked into the goal and hold the organizers do not reveal the day after or several weeks, but brokers exceeded by much and it was time to teach them that the rules also exist in the Off-Road.
For Sal all runners are equal.
Previously criticized both Sal Fish Score International and have different treatment into the corridors, an example, if you are Robby Gordon and Johnny Campbell, have certain privileges and make them more appropriate if they complain, as opposed to being a pilot class or girl Mexican.
The goal of the Primm 300, Fish approached me and we had a short chat about this, where I indicated that the housekeeper and the Mexican Baja, so I point it was completely false, I still think the same as before, the treatment is not the same for everyone and many drivers will not let me lie, there is still much favoritism at Off-Road and that is something that is not worth, at the end, who pay much of their wages to Salt and brokers and company are in this season, the Mexican Navy has taken afloat in these areas.
I should also make clear that I do not want the Baja races get out of mexico, and Score International, only the brokers and traders treatment to be more fair, as well as prices for competing in this serial and prizes, but the truth, are of laugh and sometimes you can make more money in Record or CODE with them.""
September 23, 2009
Confirmed today, the McMillins will be back to the Baja 1000. One Trophy Truck and one 1600. After Andy McMillins brush with a Mexican pointing a rifle at his family in downtown Ensenada, Baja Norte, the thought and sight of all that Baja racing glory, and hardware from the awards ceremony was too hard to resist.
Also, with a very thin field of competitors, almost anybody can win in the unlimited classes in this years Baja 1000. Not really. You'll need several hundreds of thousands of dollars and some undrunk team members, then you can win.
The "McMillions", as they are known in our desert racing circles (jealous haters!) have been missing in action for several years while the crime situation in Baja Mexico has blown out of control.
Just yesterday, the San Ysidro Port of Entry was the criminal site of a major shooting, as smugglers tried to push their way into the Unitied States. Anywho, the McMillins are back in Baja for the Mil (Baja 1000) and all Baja racing fans are rejoicing. More later...
September 21, 2009
The Baja 1000 2009 drawing will be held on Saturday, October 10.
2009 Baja 1000November 19-22, 2009
Drawing For Starting Positions - Saturday, October 10th
Entries MUST Be Received by Noon on October 7th
FOUR WHEEL VEHICLE RACE FEES:
Entry Fee - $1400.00
Insurance - $550.00
Land Use - $75.00
Points Fund - $50.00
Addition Fee - $35.00(For each co-driver addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $75.00 (If applicable)
MOTORCYCLE & ATV RACE FEES:
Entry Fee - $950.00
Insurance - $550.00
Land Use - $75.00
Points Fund - $50.00
Addition Fee - $35.00 (For each co-rider addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $50.00 (If applicable)
SPORTSMAN TRUCK, BUGGY & UTV:
Entry Fee - $1300.00
Addition Fee - $35.00 (For each co-driver addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $75.0 (If applicable)
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE & ATV:
Entry Fee - $950.00
Addition Fee - $35.00(For each co-rider addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $50.00 (If applicable)
LATE FEE - $200.00 / Effective on 11/11/09
PLEASE NOTE: There is a $35.00 fee for ANY Co-Driver/Rider change or addition done at Race Registration in Ensenada.
Entry Fee - $1400.00
Insurance - $550.00
Land Use - $75.00
Points Fund - $50.00
Addition Fee - $35.00(For each co-driver addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $75.00 (If applicable)
MOTORCYCLE & ATV RACE FEES:
Entry Fee - $950.00
Insurance - $550.00
Land Use - $75.00
Points Fund - $50.00
Addition Fee - $35.00 (For each co-rider addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $50.00 (If applicable)
SPORTSMAN TRUCK, BUGGY & UTV:
Entry Fee - $1300.00
Addition Fee - $35.00 (For each co-driver addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $75.0 (If applicable)
SPORTSMAN MOTORCYCLE & ATV:
Entry Fee - $950.00
Addition Fee - $35.00(For each co-rider addition after a total of four)
SCORE Membership - $50.00 (If applicable)
LATE FEE - $200.00 / Effective on 11/11/09
PLEASE NOTE: There is a $35.00 fee for ANY Co-Driver/Rider change or addition done at Race Registration in Ensenada.
September 16, 2009
Robby Gordon sez, the desert racing championship is in the cross hairs.
Gordon said today, "we are shooting for the championship and I think we'll do it, this season. We'll be running 70-75% so my neck won't get worked to hard. My neck is hurting, I've got soft tissue damage, not attached to my neck bones".
Robby continued, "our team is fully prepared to win the Baja 1000 this year".
2009 Course Rumors:
UPDATED!
The Pine Forest is out also, too much crime there, like Mexicans shooting at pre-runners and racers! Drug shootings, not HUNTERS!
Ensenada-Valle de guad- ojos negros- loop around pine forest- el mano pass(cordillera de molina)-laguna salada going northbound towards 08' B1K Course-Borrego-San Felipe Loop-San Matias Pass-Mikes-Coyote-San Telmo-Simpson-Valle T-Goat trail- Km77-Tres Hermanos-Ojos-Ensenada. BRUTAL!
No La Rumorosa run like last year. BUMMER!
No run uphill at Matomi Arroya from what I have been told after asking for years. People getting stuck going "up river" in the narrows probably the reason. The bikes hate the whoops, especially those that ride like they pee, my Trophy Truck skims the tops of the whoops at 90mph, it does not make them, the limited cars make the whoops, starts out as a ripple of cavitation when they accelerate out of slow downs and grows from there.
No Pacific Run in 2005.
So far..More Loading>>>
Baja 1000 Racers Round-up
Chad Ragland and Pat Dailey got together this week to talk about the desert racing season for this 2009 final set of races.
They said that Larry Roeseler is out at Roger Normans Baja 1000 effort. What Happened?
Larry was injured recently at the San Diego east county moto event called the "Oaktown Gran Prix". On August 30 at Live Oak Springs, "Mr. Baja", as he recently has called himself, was racing when the injury occurred.
One witness at the east county San Diego racing event said, "Larry tweeked his back". Thanks Seve.
He reportedly has a compression fracture in his back, Larry hurt himself during one of the heats and everyone at the event noticed the seriousness of the injury. Larry Roeseler, Craig Smith, Ron Wilson, Joe Hauler, and a huge crowd of District 38 regulars, raced. Chad Ragland underlined that his T Force Motorsports has its doors closed for the 2009 Baja 1000. Ragland continued he was looking to put a deal together for the upcoming desert season classic and that all the rest of the former T Force team members are doing the same. His other team members have no deals and no plans for the rest of the season.
Ragland and Dailey pointed out that the reason why Pete Sohren doesn't finish well at the Baja desert racing events, was, "maybe he doesn't have a good prep plan". Not mentioning that Pete is always chiming in, that he doesn't prep well because, "I don't have enough money to prep".
The dynamic duo went further and commented on this seasons hapless BJ Baldwin. They said, "he (BJ) has some demons with his mechanicals". Not doing well this year at the Mint, the Baja 500 and the recent Vegas To Reno, BJ's results speak for themselves.
Numerous flat General Tires during his races this year and losing transmissions in the middle of 1,000 mile races, have proven to hurt the Las Vegas based, Baldwin Motorsports launch efforts with the tire company.
More Baja 1000 News
Mark Post and the Riviera Team will not be running in the Baja 1000. Timeshare sales are down after the collapse in the 'spare money travel market', earlier this year.
Mark McMillin will be running in the Primm warm-up. A clue, that Andy and his dad Scott, may be running in this years Baja 1000. Sizzlin' steak must be eaten! With the fewest racers in the Baja 1000 in 20 years, it'll be a turkey shoot in this years Baja Mil.
Rob Mac announced he is driving in the Robbie Pierce stable in the #20 Trophy Truck for the 2009 Baja 1000. Robbie switched numbers to the #30 Trophy Truck for the annual classic.
Entries are way down for the Primm race, the warm up to the old bitch of Baja racing, the Baja 1000. Lots of changes are on tap for the November race. Mexico is taking it in the shorts, with Mexican airline skyjackings, carjackings and the rest.
Pete Sohren commented his new engine is awesome, "it never missed a beat and ran 125.8 Miles per hour, at the fastest and Pete will have a new aero package for the Baja 1000 to get a bit more on the top".
Mark McMillin Launches #23 Trophy Truck. Is The Baja 1000 Far behind?
Mark McMillin unleashed the new 2009 edition of the Geiser Brothers unlimited trophy truck at Best in the Desert's Vegas to Reno 3-day stage race last week. The 3-day race event featured a total of 997-miles raced over three full days of desert racing. Mark qualified the #23 FORD race truck in 20th position of the 42 trophy truck and Class 1 racers who attempted qualifying.
Mark has had limited test time behind the wheel of the new trophy truck. However, that did not stop him from running at full speed in Thursday's stage one of the race. Mark charged from the start line in Beatty, Nevada as Cameron Parrish handled navigator duties. The newest McMillin trophy truck features FOX Racing Shox and BFGoodrich Tires. After the first 333-miles, Mark was rewarded with a top ten finish after a solid performance on the course in the new truck.
Racing the McMillin 1600 car were Mark's sons, Daniel and Luke. Taking the green flag was the youngest McMillin racer, Luke, who was fast early before the unthinkable occurred. The alternator pulley failed and although the driver and co-driver worked nonstop at repairs for hours on end, the 1600 racers were forced to take a DNF penalty in stage 1.
While waiting for the 1600 in the main pits, the McMillin Racing crew determined Mark McMillin's truck needed to change out the rear end. This put them over the allotted one-hour of work time on the truck and penalty times were assessed for the start of stage 2.
The second stage of racing started in Tonopah and ended in Hawthorne, Nevada. Mark McMillin charged the #23 trophy truck hard all day long before handing it over to Brian Ewalt for the final 125-miles to the finish line. When the race truck crossed the finish line, they were in the 8th position overall and immediately readied for the start of stage 3 on Saturday morning.
Daniel McMillin started the second stage in the 1600 car and drove the entire 372-mile stage. Daniel found his way into a ditch with two flats, resulting in two hours of downtime while working towards extraction.
Mark McMillin commented, "We have to thank the JIMCO Strobel team for stopping and pulling the McMillin 1600 car from their buried predicament. It's nice to have good friends show up in the middle of a race and help out."
As darkness descended over the Nevada desert, the race was on as Daniel McMillin chased checkpoint closing times throughout the night, staying ahead of them by just a few minutes. Daniel finished stage 2 in 12 hours, 55 minutes and 15 seconds.
And although the night ended up in another late work party, the race support crew prepared 12 rib eye steaks for the hungry and worn out race team sometime around midnight.
The sun rose early as the final day of the 3-day race began with Brian Ewalt setting a quick pace in the #23 trophy truck. He made his way to Pit 5 in Gabbs, Nevada, but not before he endured a long flat tire stop that eventually ended up with them getting stuck. Mark McMillin stood by at Pit 5 waiting to get in his truck and prepared for the final push to the checkered flags in Dayton, Nevada.
The final 298-miles saw Daniel McMillin complete the entire stage from behind the wheel of the pounding 1600 car. Daniel was the third fastest among the 1600 cars, finishing with a time of 6 hours, 21 minutes and 54 seconds.
Mark McMillin ran a near flawless race in stage 3, finishing in 5 hours, 51 minutes and 38 seconds finishing 8th overall among 146 cars and trucks entered in the race. The #23 was 6th in the elite class of 20 trophy trucks.
Mark smiled and said, "It was a fun and great race with the new Geiser-built trophy truck. Daniel and Luke finished 12th in the 1600 class after not finishing at all in the first stage of the race, so overall they rallied and ran solid. Our good friends, Ryan and Ross Mattox finished in 10th position and Luke drove their car in the second half of stage 2. Thanks to every single one of the 50 people who helped us get to the race, qualify, push the cars thru 115 degree heat in contingency, and get to the starting line everyday with full bellies. You were there at all the pits and at the finish line with shade and drinks. You all worked well and fast in the work area and were impressive. You were there to feed us at night and sometimes very late at night. You moved our trailers and motor homes everyday and kept smiling. We were all having fun. All the chase vehicles and pit support planning worked well. Fueling was impressive. Spirits were high and it's off to our next race."
Summer 2009 has not been kindRacing the McMillin 1600 car were Mark's sons, Daniel and Luke. Taking the green flag was the youngest McMillin racer, Luke, who was fast early before the unthinkable occurred. The alternator pulley failed and although the driver and co-driver worked nonstop at repairs for hours on end, the 1600 racers were forced to take a DNF penalty in stage 1.
While waiting for the 1600 in the main pits, the McMillin Racing crew determined Mark McMillin's truck needed to change out the rear end. This put them over the allotted one-hour of work time on the truck and penalty times were assessed for the start of stage 2.
The second stage of racing started in Tonopah and ended in Hawthorne, Nevada. Mark McMillin charged the #23 trophy truck hard all day long before handing it over to Brian Ewalt for the final 125-miles to the finish line. When the race truck crossed the finish line, they were in the 8th position overall and immediately readied for the start of stage 3 on Saturday morning.
Daniel McMillin started the second stage in the 1600 car and drove the entire 372-mile stage. Daniel found his way into a ditch with two flats, resulting in two hours of downtime while working towards extraction.
Mark McMillin commented, "We have to thank the JIMCO Strobel team for stopping and pulling the McMillin 1600 car from their buried predicament. It's nice to have good friends show up in the middle of a race and help out."
As darkness descended over the Nevada desert, the race was on as Daniel McMillin chased checkpoint closing times throughout the night, staying ahead of them by just a few minutes. Daniel finished stage 2 in 12 hours, 55 minutes and 15 seconds.
And although the night ended up in another late work party, the race support crew prepared 12 rib eye steaks for the hungry and worn out race team sometime around midnight.
The sun rose early as the final day of the 3-day race began with Brian Ewalt setting a quick pace in the #23 trophy truck. He made his way to Pit 5 in Gabbs, Nevada, but not before he endured a long flat tire stop that eventually ended up with them getting stuck. Mark McMillin stood by at Pit 5 waiting to get in his truck and prepared for the final push to the checkered flags in Dayton, Nevada.
The final 298-miles saw Daniel McMillin complete the entire stage from behind the wheel of the pounding 1600 car. Daniel was the third fastest among the 1600 cars, finishing with a time of 6 hours, 21 minutes and 54 seconds.
Mark McMillin ran a near flawless race in stage 3, finishing in 5 hours, 51 minutes and 38 seconds finishing 8th overall among 146 cars and trucks entered in the race. The #23 was 6th in the elite class of 20 trophy trucks.
Mark smiled and said, "It was a fun and great race with the new Geiser-built trophy truck. Daniel and Luke finished 12th in the 1600 class after not finishing at all in the first stage of the race, so overall they rallied and ran solid. Our good friends, Ryan and Ross Mattox finished in 10th position and Luke drove their car in the second half of stage 2. Thanks to every single one of the 50 people who helped us get to the race, qualify, push the cars thru 115 degree heat in contingency, and get to the starting line everyday with full bellies. You were there at all the pits and at the finish line with shade and drinks. You all worked well and fast in the work area and were impressive. You were there to feed us at night and sometimes very late at night. You moved our trailers and motor homes everyday and kept smiling. We were all having fun. All the chase vehicles and pit support planning worked well. Fueling was impressive. Spirits were high and it's off to our next race."
Several sources tell Baja Racing News.com that Robby Gordon was not seriously hurt testing the H3 recently. The same can't be said of the H3. Totalled. What happened to RGs Hummer and if he was really testing in Parker? Sounds like it was a "Monster" wreck.One of the guys announcing the race at Crandon, stated that Robby Gordon, "while testing his Hummer in Arizona had a Blowover".
We were told Robby was testing the H3 this week. Several sources saw the Trophy Truck being towed through Victorville towards Barstow on the I-15 on Tuesday morning. They were out for testing. Here's a pic with Robby having a wicked black eye, from the H3 crash.
Second photo is of Gordon at Crandon, performing just another, off-road wheelie!
Gordon is really F'd up right now. His neck is jacked and the pinched nerves leaves him with no feeling in his right arm. He was doing 115 when the Hummer blew over. He was backwards when he was cutting a turn and hit the inside berm. It landed on the Passenger rear and then tumbled 6 times.
He has a slow week now and he plans to rest... But this last week was murder... Crandon, Cup, Prelude and Primm. Now to prep for the Baja 1000.
Belly Laugh of the Weekend: In the Primm pits this last weekend, Robby was quoted by Baja Racing News Insider "The Fly", as calling everyone at DRC (Desert Racings Crackheads), a crack head!
Going into the Baja 1000 here are the top three to watch, Robby Gordon with 284 points, Ed Stout with 241 points and Roger Norman with 219 points. The Baja 1000 is in November, we'll keep you updated, here on Baja Racing News.com
Robby Bell moves to Kawasaki and Baja 1000 effort
Robby Bell, 3 time Tecate SCORE Baja International Champion, the current holder of the 1x plate and a Top WORCS rider, officially announced today major changes are coming for 2009. Bell will be leaving Johnny Campbell Racing and has come to terms with Team Green Kawasaki
"I have had a great run with Honda and last year with JCR. It was truly a rewarding experience to have ridden for some of the legends of this sport. For that opportunity I will be forever grateful", said Bell. "2009 is the next chapter of my career and I am really excited about it. The new KX450F is awesome and I feel right at home on it. We've just begun working with my personal set up and I am getting more and more comfortable with each change. I think it's going to be a good year." The Baja 1000 secret plans are next!
September 10, 2009 UPDATE
Bruce Penhall announces Team Green Baja 1000 efforts
Baja Racing News.com got it from multiple sources that the Penhalls have hooked a support deal with KAWISAKI which includes at least 4 bikes.
We expect that Penhall Motorsports will run two bikes in Class 22
Destry Abbott and Robbie Bell are reported to be under the Penhall Motorsports racing team.
Two time world speedway champ and AMA Hall of Famer Bruce Penhall has been etching a solid mark in Baja’s SCORE series, and over the course of his racing partnership with Joe Black, has earned championships and a bunch of podiums in Mexico. Older son Ryan Penhall has paid some heavy dues along the way, including a head on collision under a race truck in 2008.
Penhall has been going for it against JCR in class 22 for 2 years and are going into the 2009 BAJA 1000 with loaded cannon. Today, Bruce Penhall said he signed a one-race deal with KAWASAKI to race their KX450 with the 1x plate of Robby Bell in the upcoming B1000. Joining the former champ and the Penhall brothers , Ryan and Connor, will be Steve Hengeveld and most likely Destroy Abbott. Bob Bell from Precision Concepts will be building the bike. It all makes sense now.
We talked to Bruce not long after the Ryan pulled up to the house with the 1x race bike in the back of the truck. “We just picked up the bike today, the deal just happened yesterday”, says Penhall, who just announced his team lineup for this November. “I’ve been working on this for a while and my boys used to be on contract with Team Green.” Penhall was particularly pleased with arrangements.
“Kawi dug deep. They didn’t hem haw a bit. My deal is what I consider to be a very good one in this economy. Four years ago it wouldn’t have looked like the best deal out there, but what they’ve offered us is fantastic considering the circumstances”
The bikes are coming directly from the manufacturer with works components from Team Green and final blueprint from Precision Concepts.“Bob is building the bike and PC is really stepping up with all the testing. Reid and Jason from Team Green have been a big part of this and they‘ve even got the PR dept. behind the thing.” The team is as fierce a challenge to Johnny Campbell Racing as they’ve yet to face despite the fact that neither of the Penhalls are in contention for the series points. Robby Bell and the more experienced Steve Hengeveld both raced with and against each other while on contract under Bruce Ogilvie’s American Honda Racing. Ryan Penhall won a championship in class 20.
If Destry Abbott comes on board (which is all but done at press time), you have a real threat to Norman, Weigand and Udall. "I’m going into this with a solid team. I think I run a real tight ship and a professional team. I don’t have any shortcuts and I want the riders to be comfortable.” Penhall explained that of these riders have their own preferences as to everything from handlebars, to tires to energy drinks and described the way they’re coming together as a team.
“I’m not into pre-madonnas. I want to make everyone happy, but I expect the same in return.”
Some of these riders have contracts coming up and this huge effort by Penhall to create a winning team gives each rider the same opportunity to leverage a success when they sit down to work out deals for 2010. Penhall is doing everything he needs to gear up against the Hondas of JCR and he’s getting the support of the manufacturer. Penhall was also happy about SCORE’s impulsive move to start enforcing deviation and speeding violations.
“It’s awesome. It couldn’t be better, should’ve happened years ago. First, from a father’s standpoint, when you’re pre-running, you drop the kids off in Ojos and wait for em in Valley T. You know exactly how long it takes to pre-run. But you can add 3-4 hours onto that when the guys are looking for the best lines. As a father, you can’t help but wonder where they are.”
Penhall was firm about the new requirements to stay on course. “But this time you’re gonna run the arrows. Everyone stick to the arrow. It’s a great thing. We go down there to win. We need to win the right way. This gives more of an even playing field.”
Penhall further explained another benefit of the strict rules enforcement. “Some other teams have been down there with machetes and we’ve have to go out and find those lines.” Obviously that’s a time consuming and disadvantageous position to be in. Whether or not Destry Abbott gets added to the roster is just a technicality. And while Abbott doesn’t have a name in SCORE yet, he did win the Tecate Hare Scrambles in 2006.
“It’s not a money thing for Des, who is a real Gem of a guy. It’s whether or not our deal had KAWASAKI’s blessing.”And things are starting to look that way. Standby for more coverage as we follow this team along with class 22 contenders JCR, Ramirez and Corfman into the next old hag of them all, the BAJA 1000 2009.
Announced Team Members:
Robbie Bell
Ryan Penhall
Connor Penhall
Steve Hengeveld
Destry Abbot
Baja Racing News.com
As Team 71 Racing prepares for the final few competitions of 2009, Myrl Akerman, team owner and manager, is excited to announce their plans for the remainder of the race season. "With the full backing of General Tire and the generous support of our sponsors, Team 71 Racing will join forces with Lucas Oil/General Tire sponsored short-course superstar, Carl Renezeder,
for this year's SCORE Baja 1000. This match-up will undoubtedly pair two off-road racing professionals from completely diverse competition backgrounds into one dynamic driving team. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to this year's legendary Baja 1000," remarked Akerman.
Beta Motorcycle Plans On Baja 1000 Effort
When the dust settled on the 41st annual SCORE International Baja 500, a Beta Motorcycles dealer-sponsored team won the series’ premier Open Pro Motorcycle class on a Beta 450 RR.
In Baja’s extreme terrain and weather conditions, where the temperature reached more than 100 degrees, Threat Racing’s near-stock 450 RR ran flawlessly. In 432 grueling miles, the bike needed just an air filter and a rear tire throughout nine hours and 33 minutes of punishment.
With this victory, the ultra-versatile Beta 450 RR has now gained international acclaim from the Baja Peninsula to the woods of Finland, where Mirko Gritti recently rode to a podium finish in the FIM World Enduro Championship series.
The Threat Racing team consisted of Baja veteran Craig Smith, 35, and teenage brothers Cameron, 18, and Kyle Corfman, who is just 16 years old. Kyle was flabbergasted with the trio’s results. “At first,” he said, “I didn’t believe that we won. Then, a billion text messages came in and my phone started ringing.”
Smith, who started racing long before either of his teammates was born, also won the Baja 500 in 1995. His latest south-of-the-border adventure went according to plan. “Other than staring down a cow in the middle of a fireroad at 50 mph, things went real smooth,” said the alfalfa farmer from Brawley, Calif.
American Beta’s 2008 Dealer of the Year, Threat Racing is a family-owned shop doing business for more than a decade in the desert community of El Centro, Calif., just 10 miles from the Mexican border. Shop owner Chip Corfman took on Beta last year as the dealership’s first motorcycle franchise. His rationale was simple: “We used to compete on other bikes, but I didn’t like it when we’d race on Sunday, do well and prospective customers would go buy a bike somewhere else on Monday.”
Tim Pilg, American Beta’s founder, stressed that it was Beta dealers’ personalized, old-school service that sets the company apart from other brands: “My experience in motorcycle dealerships taught me that American distributors focused on how many units they could sell instead of ways to improve customer service. While we also concentrate on sales, we are ultimately focused on giving our customers the personalized attention that keeps them coming back.
“We’re proud of Threat Racing’s Baja 500 performance and look forward to more success in competition and on the showroom floor.” We are looking forward to the 2009 Baja 1000 in November!
In Baja’s extreme terrain and weather conditions, where the temperature reached more than 100 degrees, Threat Racing’s near-stock 450 RR ran flawlessly. In 432 grueling miles, the bike needed just an air filter and a rear tire throughout nine hours and 33 minutes of punishment.
With this victory, the ultra-versatile Beta 450 RR has now gained international acclaim from the Baja Peninsula to the woods of Finland, where Mirko Gritti recently rode to a podium finish in the FIM World Enduro Championship series.
The Threat Racing team consisted of Baja veteran Craig Smith, 35, and teenage brothers Cameron, 18, and Kyle Corfman, who is just 16 years old. Kyle was flabbergasted with the trio’s results. “At first,” he said, “I didn’t believe that we won. Then, a billion text messages came in and my phone started ringing.”
Smith, who started racing long before either of his teammates was born, also won the Baja 500 in 1995. His latest south-of-the-border adventure went according to plan. “Other than staring down a cow in the middle of a fireroad at 50 mph, things went real smooth,” said the alfalfa farmer from Brawley, Calif.
American Beta’s 2008 Dealer of the Year, Threat Racing is a family-owned shop doing business for more than a decade in the desert community of El Centro, Calif., just 10 miles from the Mexican border. Shop owner Chip Corfman took on Beta last year as the dealership’s first motorcycle franchise. His rationale was simple: “We used to compete on other bikes, but I didn’t like it when we’d race on Sunday, do well and prospective customers would go buy a bike somewhere else on Monday.”
Tim Pilg, American Beta’s founder, stressed that it was Beta dealers’ personalized, old-school service that sets the company apart from other brands: “My experience in motorcycle dealerships taught me that American distributors focused on how many units they could sell instead of ways to improve customer service. While we also concentrate on sales, we are ultimately focused on giving our customers the personalized attention that keeps them coming back.
“We’re proud of Threat Racing’s Baja 500 performance and look forward to more success in competition and on the showroom floor.” We are looking forward to the 2009 Baja 1000 in November!
Baja Racing Series Milestone Money Up For Grabs
Following the first three of five races in the 2009 Desert Series, 22 of toughest drivers remain in the hunt to earn 2009 SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards. Now that Volkswagen has no skin in the Baja racing game, TOYOTA money are the only dollars in the event.
Leading the way are four racers in the featured Trophy-Truck division along with seven in Class 1-2/1600 for 1600cc VW-powered open-wheelers.
Female driver Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif., is the only female racer still eligible, driving a Ford Ranger in Class 6.
The four Trophy-Truck drivers who have completed every race mile so far this season are: Robby Gordon (No. 77 Chevy CK1500), Ed Stout (No. 13 Chevy Silverado), Adam Householder (No. 24 Chevy Silverado) and Greg Nunley (No. 11 Chevy Silverado.
Toyota is presenting these prestigious awards to the world’s toughest desert racers for the 24th consecutive year. The Toyota Milestone awards will go to those pro car and truck drivers who finish every required mile in the five-race 2009 Desert Series, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series.
“Toyota is proud to honor the world’s best desert racing drivers,” said Les Unger, national motorsports manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “For over two decades, we have had the privilege of presenting the Toyota Milestone Awards to the toughest racers on the planet.”
2009 Toyota Milestone Awards
(Through Round 3, 22 Racers have completed every required mile in the 2009 Desert Series)
Trophy-Truck
Robby Gordon
Ed Stout
Adam Householder
Greg Nunley
Class 1
Randy Wilson
Class 1-2/1600
Brian Wilson
Justin Smith
Cody Robinson
Dave Caspino
Mario Gastelum
Eric Duran
Samuel Araiza
Class 5
Kevin Carr
Class 5/1600
Alonso Angulo
Class 6
Heidi Steele
Class 7
Dan Chamlee
Class 7SX
John Holmes
Class 8
Clyde Stacy
Class 10
Mike Lawrence
Scott Gailey
SCORE Lite
Brent Parkhouse
Stock Mini
Gavin Skilton
Rsenal Racing goes for Baja 100 2009
Chuck Shortt fired up "Dust to Glory" on DVD and ended up watching it five times in the course of one night. Within a week he was putting together a team to compete in the Baja 1000, the subject of the movie. This is how obsession is born.
The Baja 1000 is reportedly the longest non-stop point-to-point race in the world. It is held each autumn in Mexico, on the Baja Peninsula, and features around 1,000 teams racing motorcycles, trucks, old-style Volkswagens, custom-built open-class vehicles, and more. All race on the same course at the same time. Locals and regular traffic also share the roads. This is no closed-course event.
The race always starts at Ensenada and for two years the course will run down to La Paz, in the south of the Baja. Then, the next two years, the course will be a loop that ends back in Ensenada. The race in 2009, set for Nov. 19-22, is the second year for the loop. The course will head east from Ensenada to the east coast of the Baja, back to the west coast, and then return to Ensenada, crossing two mountain ranges in the process. Some of the roads are no more than goat trails.
Chuck Shortt will be riding that loop this year.
Chuck's team, Rsenal Racing, will consist of himself and two other riders, Jim Kuykendall and Dale Branson. Nine other team members will provide support in the endeavor.
Chuck's experience as a racer goes back to when he was 19, when he started doing motocross. In the 1980s he road-raced on a Kawasaki Ninja 600 but then he was badly injured in a crash in 1999. After a couple years healing, he bought another bike and dove right back in.
Jim has also been racing for about 30 years, and has relevant experience that includes placing third in the 1995 Rally of the Desert, which is a 1,000-mile race across the Atacama Desert in Chile.
Dale's racing career began in the 1970s and he has run many motocross and enduro races with numerous podium finishes.
The three riders will trade off riding a 2008 Yamaha YZ450WR outfitted with a larger, 4-gallon gas tank, a rebuilt exhaust, and cartridge-kitted front forks, all painstakingly tested and tuned for the riders. Conveniently, all three riders weigh within 5 pounds of each other. A high-intensity discharge (HID) headlight will be attached during the race for the night-time portion of the run.
There is no qualifying for the Baja 1000. Anyone who wants to enter can do so. For most, the challenge is simply to finish.
"Are you fit and capable of going 1,000 miles? That's your biggest qualifying factor," says Chuck.
"Winning is finishing," he adds. "Anything over that is a bonus."
That said, the Rsenal Racing team is shooting to finish in the top 10 percent in their class. In future articles we'll be following the team as they prepare and ultimately put their months of work and planning to the test in the Baja.
Stay tuned.
Yuma Team Dreams of Baja Racing Baja 1000 in November
Baja 1000 sucks in more off-road dreamersFor Yuma native Oscar Fazz, the dream of racing in the Baja 1000 has haunted him since he was a teenager.
Now in his early 40s, he is finally living that dream.
Along with his wife, Jule, Fazz founded the SHOC Racing Team, a new off-road motorcycle racing group made up of friends and family.
"Desert riding and racing has always been a passion for us, especially located on the border here in Yuma," said Fazz, who is also the team captain.
SHOC Racing is named after Sergio's House of Carpets, which is owned by Oscar's father, Sergio Fazz.
The team will compete this November in the 2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in Mexico.
"The 2009 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will be our third race as a team. Our team will be racing a 2009 Kawasaki KX450F in the Sportsman Moto Over Class," Fazz said. "Several chase trucks will be providing assistance. Our team has been very fortunate to receive support from numerous friends, local businesses and sponsors."
Fazz said he and his wife started the team seven months ago after being longtime fans of the sport.
"The adrenaline is what keeps us racing. I've been watching the races in Mexico since high school, when I used to sneak across the border. Once I saw it for the first time, I was hooked. There is a lot of freedom out there. There is no track comparable in the United States."
Fazz said entering such an extreme sport is not because of a midlife crisis.
"You can either watch life pass you by or you can hop on board and watch from the driver's seat. Life is short and I have taken advantage of those experiences I have been fortunate and blessed with.
"The emotional and spiritual experience of sharing the Baja with fellow racers, friends and family is one that is indescribable and somewhat unexplainable. The Baja has brought success, knowledge and fulfillment beyond all expectations."
Fazz said his team is made up of riders, pit crews, mechanics and technicians. Team members include Jule and Oscar Fazz, Chad Albright, Randy Harmon, Eric Wright, Sergio Castro, Tom Dahin, Chris Michaelski, Michelle Harmon, Jeff Kammann, Mike McCulley, David Lindemeyer, and Herman Fazz.
Fazz said this will be the team's third race.
"During the first race, we made it 88 miles and destroyed the bike, but we learned so much from the experience. It was such an immense amount of information. After that, we took a different approach. We found slower is actually faster."
Fazz said the team is following a strict regimen in preparation for the Baja 1000.
"We are currently working on a new training program designed to give the full effect of what to expect on SCORE series races. Our team will utilize strategic desert training using chase crews, riders and all support groups. Yuma's local conditions and geographical location will allow our team to continually experience the harsh conditions that the deserts of Mexico have to offer."
Fazz said it was his wife who pushed him to start the team after he expressed interest in racing.
"I said why not?" said Jule. "There is never going to be enough time or money, and we aren't getting any younger. We decided to make it happen because if we didn't, life was just going to pass us by.
Mastercraft Has Two Trophy Trucks Now
When asked why he purchased a second Trophy Truck, Robbie Pierce, owner of MasterCraft said, "I don't really know why, but it seemed like a good idea at the time! I once offered to buy a lady a house and she said she wanted a Trophy Truck instead. I guess I took her serious!" While no one, including Robbie, can agree how it all started - it would seem as though it began after a great day of pre-running this year's Baja 500 course and while sharing a few margaritas with some old friends while staying at Mike's Sky Ranch. Ordering the final few rounds of drinks before the generator shut off for the night, Mike Julson of Jimco and Robbie began discussing the purchase of a custom-built pre-runner. After some less than conventional negotiations, a crisp hundred dollar bill was handed to Julson for the commencement of the new desert toy, and so the story begins.....
Returning from the Baja 500, numerous subsequent discussions took place regarding the build of the pre-runner and from there things just kind of snowballed. "If I am going to have an expensive pre-runner, why don't I have an expensive Trophy Truck as a back-up instead?! Afterall, Trophy Trucks are like beautiful women, they are fun.....but expensive!" was the best excuse Pierce could come up with. Plans were coming together for the new Jimco when a change of circumstances for the Lofton No. 20 Trophy Truck team would provide Pierce with the opportunity to purchase their truck.
Bob Lofton, owner of the No. 20 Trophy Truck, realized he had a bitter-sweet decision to make when his son, Justin Lofton, was selected as the driver for the second car added to the CJM Racing Team in the ARCA Re/Max Series earlier in July. The incredible opportunity Justin was presented with provided a platform for a truly successful racing career and was just too good to pass up. While both Bob and Justin Lofton are avid desert racing enthusiasts, it was clear they would need to sell the No. 20 Jimco Trophy Truck so they could focus their time and efforts on Justin's potentially high-profile NASCAR career.
With just four races under its belt and the fact it was a matching Jimco chassis to the No. 35, the Lofton truck was an obvious choice to add to the MasterCraft line-up. Purchasing the original Jimco Trophy Truck chassis and currently campaigning it under the No. 35 in the SCORE International Series, Robbie Pierce said, "I have almost driven all the Jimco trucks and now I guess I own the first two! I have also been honored with sharing the driving duties for the Vegas to Reno race with Wil Staats in the No. 42 Trophy Truck, which also happens to be the third Jimco truck produced."
Future plans for the two truck MasterCraft team have not been finalized for the 2010 race season, however, the immediate plan is for Mike Julson to debut the No. 20 at the SCORE International Primm 300 and finish out the year with the legendary Baja 1000. "I am very excited to be a part of the MasterCraft two truck team and finish what we started at this year's Baja 500. Unfortunately, I lost out on a truck sale but I think Robbie will still want that pre-runner so I am not returning his hundred dollar bill!" commented Mike Julson.
Rob Mac recently won the Primm race, in one of the new Trophy Trucks, driving for Masercraft.
Robbie Pierce flipped his truck. Maybe he should hand the driving duties over to someone else on the other truck also?
Various reporters.
Edited by: Gary Newsome, Ensenada, Baja Mexico
Baja Racing News.com