The Baja 1000 is the most dangerous off-road race
The Baja 1000 may be the most difficult and dangerous of off-road races. It is a test not only of the vehicle’s stamina but that of the racers. On Thursday, November 16 at 9 am, 4-wheeled vehicle classes will start from La Paz, Baja, Mexico, and travel over 1,300 miles to the finish line in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico.
This is a non-stop, point-to-point race that will continue day and night, through poor and challenging driving conditions that add not only to the risk but also to the excitement of Baja. Teams have 50 hours to complete the race. Although vehicles have a 50 hours, those in top contention of the most highly modified classes (think Trophy Truck) will finish in around 20-21 hours. To not time out, each vehicle must maintain an average speed of 26.22 mph.
Anyone can compete in the Baja
Anyone can compete in the Baja 1000, and there are multiple classes, ranging from motorcycles and quads (that start at 1 am!) to vintage Volkswagen Beetles, stock classes, and unlimited-style trophy trucks. Last year, there were 276 entries into the race, but less than half actually finished.
Booby traps are a known risk
Not only is the course itself challenging, but racers have to be aware of issues with spectators, not only in being on the race course but also creating potential booby traps. The safety guide for racers includes the following warning: “Be advised that spectators may engage in malicious activity by building ramps, digging ditches, and placing objects on the course. Course marking signs may be altered or removed. Use extreme caution in crowded areas or when spectators face danger by standing too close to the course.”
Broncos in Baja have a history
Ford Broncos have a legacy and a modern day place in the Baja 1000. Looking at Baja history, we see the Bronco emerge for the first time in 1968 and won again in 1969, 1970, and 1971. Famous drivers such as Rod Hall, Larry Minor, Bill Stroppe, and Parnelli Jones took modified Bronco(s) including Big Oly (Olympia Beer sponsored them), a Bronco that sold in 2021 for $1.87 million.
Pre-running and racing a Bronco Raptor
Ford Performance has two vehicles entered into the 2023 Baja 1000. Those teams have been in Baja for the last week, pre-running the course in some Bronco Raptors that may look familiar. Those Broncos recently competed in the 2023 Rebelle Rally and were driven by Shelby Hall, Team 150, and Laura Wanlass, Team 188. Ford Performance has been doing an amazing job getting the teams ready for their segments of the course, and of course, looking absolutely awesome doing it.
Ford Performance has entered two race-ready vehicles to compete in the 1,200-mile Sportsman route. This course is over a hundred miles shorter, with a portion called the “Sportsman Shortcut” that you can see outlined on this course map in blue.
Team #766 in the Stock Mid-Size Class
The first team is a 2024 Bronco Raptor, Team #766, driving in the stock mid-size class with Brad Lovell and his racing team, including Byam Lovell, Jason Hutler, Paul Blangstead, Bailey Campbell-Croft, Brian Croft, and Roger Lovell.
Last year, Brad finished the Baja 1000 in the 83rd spot overall but 1st in the stock mid-size, finishing with a total time of 26:21:39.
According to the Score International rule book, the stock mid-size class is defined as a two- or four-wheel drive SUV or truck. This is a stock production class, and the vehicles must be available to the general public. The maximum wheelbase is 130”, and the maximum track width is 67.3”. All suspension components must remain in the original stock locations, and original mounting methods maintained. Reinforcement of stock control arms and suspension points is allowed. Aftermarket shocks are allowed, but must be the original style produced by the manufacturer. Limit straps are allowed. Tires and wheels may be replaced but must be of the original size. No changes to the engine or transmission are allowed.
The 2024 Bronco Raptor uses modified FOX Live Valve shocks with custom internal valves designed for the Baja 1000 and is paired with bone stock front and rear coil springs.
When asking Brad about this Bronco, he stated that he was “so proud to be racing this beast with an amazing team of people.” One of those people just competed on the Ford Performance Rebelle team in the Mach-E Rally, Bailey Campbell-Croft. Bailey will be racing a challenging and technical portion of the course known as Fred’s Tractor Trail.
Team 8152 and Loren Healey in the Ford R
The other Ford Performance sponsored team, #8152, is running a Ford Raptor R in the stock full-size class. Loren Healey and his racing team include Eric Davis, Jason Scherer, Jason Berger, John Williams, Nate Williams, and Curt Leduc.
Loren stated, “It’s such an honor to be one of the drivers chosen to be a part of this Ford Factory race effort with Raptor R and Bronco Raptor down in Baja! Ford had such a great racing history down there; I’m so excited to be a small part of it.”
The stock full-size class has a minimum wheelbase of 130” and a maximum track width of 75”. I believe that is the only difference in the definition of that class compared to mid-size.
The 2024 F-150 Raptor R includes new FOX Dual Live Valve shocks modified with custom internal valving and race-tailored front and rear coil springs. This F-150 Raptor R is powered by a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with over 700 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed transmission.
The navigators are the critical part of the team
Although the race course is marked, at least in theory, with signage and ribbons, being successful in the Baja comes down to an effective co-driver or navigator who is prepared with knowledge of the course. Pre-running and having accurate notes in the GPS allow for those types of speeds and precision we see in Baja racing footage. Besides the navigation skills, the co-driver must be skilled in the vehicle mechanics and be able to assist in the event of a vehicle issue or break down. This is why teams come to Baja early, to be ready for course changes and for the driver and co-driver to get comfortable with the vehicle and each other.
Ways to watch the Baja
Not everyone can go to Baja to watch the 1000, but you can follow live coverage on YouTube at Score TV, and ESPN2 will be providing highlights from the race with programming on Sunday, November 19.
Will you be tuning in to watch? Let me know in the comments!
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