The 2025 NORRA Mexican 1000 will once again bring the spirit of vintage desert racing roaring back to life across the rugged beauty of the Baja Peninsula. Among the almost 200 entries this year are a delightful pack of classic Ford Broncos, representing decades of off-road heritage and gunning to prove their mettle against Baja’s unforgiving terrain in what is considered, “the happiest race on earth”. From the nostalgic Pioneer Class to the adrenaline-fueled Pre-run Truck division, these Broncos are ones to keep your eyes on as the race is set to kick off on Saturday April 26th.
Just to set the baseline for those of you who have never covered the race, the Mexican 1000 takes place on the Baja peninsula, running from Ensenada towards the north, all the way to San Jose del Cabo at the southern tip. Compared to races like the Baja 1000, which gives a total time limit to finish, the Mexican 1000 takes place over 6 days or stages, allowing racers time to sleep and repair their rigs, with time to attend a few parties along the way. There are multiple classes and an opportunity for every rig from motorcycles all the way through trophy trucks to compete. But we want to follow the Broncos, so let’s learn a bit more about all the early Gen teams who’ll be out there, starting with the Pioneer class.
Pioneer 4x4 Class: Legends Reborn
#26 – 1968 Bronco | Boyd Jaynes and Team
Boyd Jaynes is returning in his iconic 1968 Bronco, a staple of vintage desert racing with deep roots in NORRA competition. Alongside his seasoned team—Ryan Blaire, William Post, and Chris Greenwood—Jaynes brings his classic rig back to the Pioneer 4x4 class. This Bronco is no stranger to the silt beds and mountain passes of Baja, having seen multiple NORRA entries under Jaynes' command over the past decade. Known for its balanced blend of period-correct aesthetics and modern reliability upgrades, #26 continues to be a fan favorite and a formidable force.
#407 – 1973 Bronco | Eric Olson and Team
Also representing the Pioneer class is the #407 1973 Bronco driven by Eric Olson. Backed by a strong team including Robert Harris, Ed Cannon, and Kevin McDaniels, this Bronco is ready to tackle the Mexican 1000 with determination and grit.
Not sure what is different between Pioneer or Vintage? See this helpful chart.
Vintage Open Truck 4x4: Full-Throttle Time Machines
#303 – 1966 Bronco | Dave Sykes and Team
Dave Sykes leads team #303 in a beautifully prepped 1966 Bronco, flanked by teammates Dan Candler, Gordon Dicarlo, and Joe Haight. Their entry in the Vintage Open Truck 4x4 division is a tribute to the original spirit of Baja racing, with the '66 Bronco.
#30 – 2000 Bronco Pre-Runner | Rick “Hurricane” Johnson and Team
While not as old as its vintage peers, the #30 Bronco Pre-Runner still draws plenty of attention. Driven by Rick "Hurricane" Johnson, a name synonymous with off-road excellence, this 2000-era Bronco was supported by Andrea Tomba, Jesse Newton, Mark Lopresti, and Matt Dowland. Their modern-vintage hybrid rig brings updated tech with a nod to the old-school pre-runner vibe—making it a standout in its class.
#802 – 1989 Bronco | Roland Sarmiento and Team
Team #802, piloted by Roland Sarmiento, comes into the competition with a 1989 Bronco that walks the line between brute power and rugged dependability. With a capable crew behind him, Sarmiento is ready to showcase this late-‘80s Bronco.
#166 – 1966 Everson Bronco | Don Hatch and Team
Don Hatch brings out a special piece of history with the #166 1966 Everson Bronco. This lesser-known build carries its own slice of vintage off-road legacy, with a team dedicated to keeping the wheels turning and the history alive.
Vintage Short Wheelbase Division: Classic Control
#49 – 1967 Bronco | Randy Ludwig and Karl Armbrust
The #49 1967 Bronco will be driven by Randy Ludwig with co-driver Karl Armbrust, competing in the Vintage Short Wheelbase division. Built for agility and endurance, this nimble beast can navigate the tight turns and varied terrain with the grace only a short-wheelbase rig can provide.
Prerun Truck Class: Big Broncos Still Kickin’
#835 – 1979 Bronco | Brandon Hearn and Team
Brandon Hearn’s 1979 full-size Bronco, #835, brings classic V8 grunt and towering suspension to bear against Baja.
#79 – 1993 Bronco | James Sejd and Team
The #79 1993 Bronco, piloted by James Sejd, represents the tail end of the classic Bronco lineage. Built tough and tuned for speed, Sejd’s team will showcase those fans who love the late-model boxy Bronco era.
#400 – 1994 Bronco | Art Eugenio
Rounding out the Prerun Truck class is Art Eugenio in the #400 1994 Bronco. Eugenio, well known in the off-road media world, is sure to put the classic OBS Bronco through its paces in true NORRA fashion—fast, loud, and full of style.
About the NORRA Mexican 1000
The 2025 NORRA Mexican 1000 will run from April 24 to May 2, spanning over 1,200 miles from Ensenada to San José del Cabo. Known for its unique rally-style format, the Mexican 1000 blends historic vehicles, modern rally cars, and motorcycles in a multi-day race that focuses on adventure, camaraderie, and the Baja experience—not just the checkered flag.
The race follows a “transit + special” format, where competitors race timed sections (specials) and then drive transit sections at more relaxed speeds between stops, echoing the original 1967 Baja 1000 format.
How to Follow the NORRA 1000
Fans at home can follow the race in real-time or get great recaps and highlights through:
- YouTube Channel
- Facebook NORRA Racing
- Instagram norraracing_official
- X @norrarally
Once again, the Broncos are proving out their racing history. From 1966 to 2000, these Broncos prove that legends never die—they just get dustier, louder, and even more awesome with age. Whether you're a lifelong Bronco fan or just discovering the magic of NORRA, the 2025 Mexican 1000 will demonstrate that old iron still runs strong.
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