SCORE Baja 1000
The Baja 1000, which kicked off in 1967, is a long-distance off-road race held in Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. Known as one of the premier extreme desert racing events, the Baja 1000 takes place every November and covers nearly 1000 miles (about 1600 kilometers) of open desert terrain. The race features sand dunes, rocky trails, challenging off-road conditions, wild animals, and unpredictable weather. These elements not only test the performance of the vehicles but also their reliability and durability, as well as the determination of the drivers. According to the race rules, competitors must complete the entire course within a set time limit. In every Baja 1000, nearly half of the participants and vehicles typically drop out along the way.
Originally, the Baja 1000 route ran from Tijuana to La Paz, but it now starts in Ensenada. The race usually follows one of two formats: the first is a loop course, about 900 miles long, that circles the peninsula; the second is a point-to-point course that travels from north to south, covering the entire peninsula of Baja California and Baja California Sur, and stretching over 1000 miles. The terrain is mostly desert but also includes sandy and rocky roads, as well as dry riverbeds. The Baja 1000 typically takes place on the last Thursday of November each year and attracts over 200,000 spectators. For off-road enthusiasts in the U.S., the BAJA 1000 is synonymous with extreme desert racing. The race rules are straightforward—there’s just one requirement: finish the entire course within 34 hours.This puts a huge strain on the drivers, as they race at speeds over 95mph for nearly 1000 miles, all while avoiding wildlife and rowdy spectators trying to stir up trouble. This unique challenge adds to the allure of the Baja 1000. Since it's tough to do it alone, most teams will switch drivers along the way. There’s also an “Ironman” mode, where one driver has to complete the entire race solo, which can mean running for dozens of hours straight. Historically, only two people have won this mode, with BJ Baldwin being a two-time champion.
When it comes to the race vehicles, the Baja 1000 is as wild as the race itself, with crazy modifications. Most vehicles are open-air, with very few having windshields. The dust kicked up can make it feel like you're in a sandstorm, so air purifiers connected to helmets are essential gear. Don’t forget a towel to wipe down the helmet too! There are dozens of different types of vehicles that compete, including Trophy Trucks, which are defined as unrestricted trucks with all manufacturing techniques allowed.
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