The 2024 Baja 1000, a legendary off-road race known for its brutal terrain and unrelenting challenges, concluded yesterday in Ensenada, Mexico. This year’s event featured an 860-mile loop course and a 36-hour time limit that tested both human and machine to their limits and beyond. Among the over 300 competitors from 40 states and 20 countries were two vehicles sponsored by Ford Performance: a Bronco DR #8050, driven by Brad Lovell and his team, and a Ranger Raptor #773, piloted by Loren Healey’s team. Both vehicles faced significant obstacles on their journey to the finish line, ultimately proving their resilience and the determination of their crews.
An Eventful Start for the Ranger Raptor
The Ranger Raptor’s race was fraught with challenges almost from the outset. Early in the course, the truck became mired in a notorious Baja silt bed, requiring assistance. The Bronco DR, which had a later starting time, caught up to them and pulled the Ranger free, a display of teamwork emblematic of the Ford Performance effort. The Raptor also had suffered a shock failure, necessitating repairs at the first pit stop.
Unfortunately, the struggles didn’t end there. A rear-end issue on the outskirts of the town of San Quintin forced the team to halt for four hours awaiting mechanical assistance and repairs. Once back on the road and later in the race, a tie rod problem further delayed their progress. Despite these setbacks, the Ranger Raptor completed the Sportsman course in 31 hours, 26 minutes, and 43 seconds. Bailey Campbell, the final driver for the Raptor, with her husband Brian as navigator, brought it across the finish line. Many of us at home enjoyed the Ford Performance live-stream on YouTube which featured an incredible view from the cockpit as she navigated the last stretch of the race.
Bronco DR’s Strong Performance
The Bronco DR also encountered its share of difficulties but managed to maintain a blistering pace throughout the race. Brad Lovell started strong, gaining positions and overtaking slower racers, including a VW Bug which was caught on Score TV. After rescuing the Raptor from the silt bed and a brief stop at the first pit, the Bronco pressed on along the Pacific Coast and into the setting sun, arriving to the second pit stop at mile 277 in full darkness.
Shortly before arriving at the BFG pit, mechanical issues struck, requiring a complete rear end swap due to a pinion seal failure before Brad handed off driving duties to Jason Hutter and Paul Blangsted from the Fire Guys Racing Team, who would be driving the overnight leg. After the repairs, the overnight segment of the race began. Driving through Baja’s unforgiving terrain in darkness is a skill few possess, and Hutter’s care and effective handling of the DR allowed the team to transition to the final driver, three-time King of the Hammer’s winner Jason Scherer. Scherer pushed through the last leg to finish, as darkness once more set in, with a total time of 30 hours, 30 minutes, and 6 seconds.
Celebration at the Finish Line
Both Ford Performance vehicles crossed the official finish in the desert before transiting the 20 plus miles back to Ensenada’s crowded streets for a celebratory podium finish. The Bronco DR waited near the pavement for the Ranger Raptor, who finished less than an hour later, and the two vehicles completed the transit together. On arrival, they were greeted by the Ford Performance Baja support team, with champagne, checkered flags and finishing medals for all the racers.
“We really fought for this one,” said Brad Lovell at the finish line. “But it’s all in a day’s work for this outstanding team.” The Baja 1000 is considered the hardest race on earth and this year was no different, as 89 vehicles failed to finish, roughly one third of the participants.
Victory and Class Wins
Both vehicles emerged victorious in their respective classes, underscoring the resilience and hard work of Ford Performance’s engineering, mechanics, race teams, and support. Beyond class wins, the teams’ successful navigation of the Baja 1000’s treacherous course was a triumph in itself.
This year’s event also highlighted the advancements in race coverage, with live trackers, onboard cameras, and live feeds bringing fans closer to the action than ever before. From the punishing silt beds to the celebratory podium, viewers were treated to an immersive experience that showcased the incredibly hard work and true spirit of off-road racing.
Ford Performance’s showing at the 2024 Baja 1000 was a testament to the grit and determination required to conquer one of the world’s toughest motorsport events. Both the Bronco DR and Ranger Raptor not only endured but excelled, solidifying their place in the annals of Baja greatness. Congratulations to both teams!
Ford Performance Racers Have Close Ties With Bronco Nation
It’s always exciting to see the Bronco DR race and realize that even though itis an extreme build of a Bronco, at its heart, it’s still a Bronco and shares much of the DNA of our own Broncos. What’s also special, is that much of the interaction I’ve had with Loren Healey and Brad Lovell started with meeting them at a Bronco Nation Basecamp. I’m guessing many of you have met these racers through a Bronco Nation event as well, maybe when they came right after their race at King of the Hammers or maybe when Loren took us all on a trail ride up Hell’s Revenge during Bronco Safari. That’s part of what makes following races even more fun, because you actually have spent time with them and know they love Broncos just like you do.
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