The 2025 NORRA Mexican 1000 is now in the books, and Ford Performance did very well, grabbing the top two spots in their class and demonstrating that a stock 4-cylinder Bronco can finish such a demanding race. The two Ford Performance Broncos came to the six-day Ensenada to Cabo rally ready to race, but there’s another story that has been slowly emerging race after race that I’d like to call some attention to, and that is the new generation of Lovell racers.
#766 Bronco Raptor – The Lovell Family Charges Forward
Celebrating 15 years of Raptor, team #766 in the Stock Showroom class Bronco Raptor, made a true showing for itself, finishing not only first in class but 31st overall. Although Brad Lovell led this team as driver of record, he spent much of his time in the navigator seat, turning over piloting duties to his son, Adam Lovell. “This is absolutely my favorite race,” Brad stated at the finish line, “we had an absolutely great run down here. The Bronco Raptor’s been awesome and Adam’s did a great job at the finish.”
Brad and Adam were not the only father/son combination to drive the Bronco Raptor, Brad’s brother and veteran racer Roger Lovell drove with his son, Parker Lovell, who joined him in the co-driver’s seat as navigator for part of the race. Watching the two sons at the finish line, sons of two brothers who’ve spent years racing together, made for an interesting twist. When I asked Brad about it, his obvious pride showed through, and he termed it a “bittersweet moment”. Although this young team is not fully ready to take over for their fathers, nor are the fathers ready to surrender their seats, you could see the evolution and the probable future for Lovell racing.
#725 Bronco Sasquatch – Stock Class, Big Ambitions
While the Raptor and Lovells were charging forward down the Baja peninsula, the #725 Bronco Sasquatch entry showed that even the stock 4-cylinder Broncos could conquer NORRA’s brutal multi-day course. Seth Goslawski, a Ford Bronco engineer and skilled wheelman, drove the 2.3L EcoBoost-powered Bronco, complete with 35-inch tires and Sasquatch Package hardware, in the same class as the Raptor, both considered Stock Showroom. This may have been the most stock vehicle in the race, keeping the stock fuel tank and even the stock tie rods. Finishing second in class and 58th overall is a powerful testament that the vehicle you buy from the dealership is not only capable but tested in grueling desert off-road racing.
But Goslawski wasn’t alone in this mission. His co-drivers and crew included Jason Hutter and Paul Blangsted from Fire Guys Racing, seasoned members of Ford Performance’s off-road team and familiar faces from previous races. “Other than safety requirements mandated by NORRA, this Bronco is stock,” stated Jason Hutter, who both drove and navigated the Bronco during the race, “We hit the speed limiter more than once, and saw speeds of over 100mph during parts of the desert course and on the dry lakebeds.”
While chatting with the team at the finish line, the air conditioning blasting out the power window was a pleasant surprise, keeping the racers comfortable in their fire suits. “The Bronco performed well all 1400 miles, and we had no down time on course for mechanical issues,” said Hutter. “The race was awesome,” said Seth, “We had tons of fun today in the Bronco.”
And really, that’s what brings us all together. Whether you’re racing, trail riding, or simply enjoying time on the pavement, the Ford Bronco is at the center of it all, and it’s just fun.
A Rally of Legacy and Learning
The 2025 NORRA Mexican 1000 became more than a proving ground for Bronco, it was a rite of passage for some. From Ensenada to Cabo, from the dunes of San Felipe to the high-speed desert tracks outside Loreto, the rally served as an invaluable experience for young up and coming racers like Adam and Parker Lovell. Their performances echoed the values of endurance, preparation, and teamwork long held by their fathers and Ford Performance as a whole.
Ford's dual-entry strategy, pairing a proven Bronco Raptor which is celebrating 15 years of Raptor racing, with a stock Sasquatch, demonstrated the full spectrum of Bronco’s off-road DNA. But it also put a spotlight on the people behind the machines. With new drivers and navigators stepping forward, the future of Bronco racing looks not only fast but deeply rooted in legacy.
Looking Ahead
As Ford Performance continues to push boundaries in off-road motorsport, it’s clear that the next generation is ready as well as the vehicles are ready. Whether it's behind the wheel or calling shots from the passenger seat, the sons of the legends are carving their own paths, one dusty mile at a time.
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