In the world of endurance races, there are few that match the prestige of the SCORE Baja 1000.
For just a year shy of half a century the race has been a highlight of the off-road racing calendar; not only for the huge race itself but also the sheer amount of star power it attracts.
When the race sets off this weekend, racers in trophy trucks, buggies, quadbikes, motorcycles and Volkswagen Beetles will set off from the seaside town of Ensenada and loop around the Baja Californian peninsula through Ojos Negros before twisting back up to Ensenada.
The 854-mile long circuit is a mix of desert tracks and highway, laced with traps set by mischievous locals. Camouflaged pits and rock stashes are among the common booby-traps, with some pranksters even robbing or extorting racers by posing as Mexican military or police.
In the past, rev-head film superstars such as Steve McQueen, James Garner and Paul Newman have braved the Mexican heat for the Baja 1000. This year, Team Toyo will be charging through the course with the following notable off-road superstars carrying the flag.
Kyle LeDuc (USA) – Kyle is one to watch. An untouchable force in short-course Pro 4 Racing, he’s gone from strength to strength and has qualified first for the Baja enduro in Mark Post’s Riviera Racing Trophy Truck. It’s a strong show of force for a driver who is relatively new to the format.
Tavo Vildosola (MEX) – Tavo first raced the Baja 1000 in 2007 and placed second, which was the highest placing for a Mexican team at the time. He returned in 2010 to better that record by taking home the first place trophy. Having already won the Baja 500 this year, the 1000 crown will prove testing but is not far out of reach for the Vildosola Racing team.
‘Ballistic’ BJ Baldwin (USA) – ‘Ballistic’ BJ has the 2012 and 2013 Baja 1000 titles under his belt already, so the 2016 title should be a welcome addition to the trophy cabinet. He’s also well known for his penchant for running the event alone; a great testament to his tough spirit and his ‘Ballistic’ moniker.
Forza Team Toyo!
Team Toyo worldwide choose a competition-only version of our robust Toyo Tires Open Country M/T called the Toyo Tires Open Country M/T-R. If you’re not running the Baja, but still want supreme soft-terrain traction, learn more about our Open Country M/T here.
