Baja 1000, anybody here ever participate?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Baja 1000, anybody here ever participate?

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:00:57 PM EDT

When we were 18, a friend and I made a pact that we would attempt this race. We are now 35 and want to get this done sooner, rather than later.
We have been looking online and it seems that a Class 11 car is our cheapest option. We have 3-4 friends that are interested in joining as co-drivers, so the cost would be split at least 5 ways. We are planning on buying a complete car, that has already passed tech, and have the money for that on hand. The question is, how much should we expect to spend on other expenses (registration, fuel, lodging, pepto bismol, etc.).
Also, what is the difference between the NORRA Mexican 1000 and the SCORE 1000?

Any feedback from race veterans is appreciated!

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:04:26 PM EDT

[#1]

never particpated but always wanted to.

Back in the day this place was the Arfcom of baja. It has been a long time since i have even thought about desert racing so not sure if it still is.

Race-dezert

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:06:29 PM EDT

[#2]

Some guys over on ADVRider.com have raced it

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:06:54 PM EDT

[#3]

I wish to someday

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:07:55 PM EDT

[#4]

If you buy a ready to run car when something breaks you won't know how to fix it.

That's my opinion. It's like running a marathon as for your first jog if you haven't raced before.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:09:10 PM EDT

[#5]

would be cool to compete in, but with spectator traps becoming more and more popular, i would be nervous as fuck.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:13:33 PM EDT

[#6]

IF you're just starting out a Class 11 is a great idea, and you'll get plenty of race experience doing it. NORRA is more of a veteran/old school race, while the SCORE series gets the heavy hitters, high rollers, and factory teams. NORRA is more about pure fun, and stepping back to the beginning of the Baja races. I've been a SCORE member for years now, off and on. Never raced, but have some close friends that have placed in the top three, so I've been exposed to everything from chase to pitting. It's tons of fun, but can be a serious drain on resources...just get ready for that lol.

The other thing I'd recommend is doing some of the HDRA or similiar stateside races first, getting used to the whole thing. Jumping right into the 500 or 1000 can be done, but it ain't easy. For a good forum go check out race-deZert.com, you'll find many of the serious racers hanging out there.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:15:13 PM EDT

[#7]

Never raced in the 1000 but chased it and many races in the past. My biggest recommendation would be to find some local desert races (if any) that you can enter to work the bugs out in the car once you think your ready. Racing is very expensive and to do it correctly is going to cost a mint. You need lots a of good and dependable friends and family to help make it happen.

Prepare to fail, plan to finish.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:22:36 PM EDT

[#8]

I will at some point in time in my life.

I have the means to. I just dont have the time to.

I knew Kurt caselli though.. May he ride in peace.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:23:38 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

I will at some point in time in my life.

I have the means to. I just dont have the time to.

I knew Kurt caselli though.. May he ride in peace.

View Quote

Yep. RIP Caselli....that seriously sucked.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:25:37 PM EDT

[#10]

Would love to do this but just thinking about the logistics makes my head spin. I'll get there.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:28:49 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:

would be cool to compete in, but with spectator traps becoming more and more popular, i would be nervous as fuck.

View Quote

Mexico, DONT GO THERE, EVER.

/ Thread.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:33:26 PM EDT

[#12]

Seeing as there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here on ARF... What about an ARF truck, official or not.
And it's mexico... You need friends with guns there...

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:35:21 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

When we were 18, a friend and I made a pact that we would attempt this race. We are now 35 and want to get this done sooner, rather than later.

We have been looking online and it seems that a Class 11 car is our cheapest option. We have 3-4 friends that are interested in joining as co-drivers, so the cost would be split at least 5 ways. We are planning on buying a complete car, that has already passed tech, and have the money for that on hand. The question is, how much should we expect to spend on other expenses (registration, fuel, lodging, pepto bismol, etc.).

Also, what is the difference between the NORRA Mexican 1000 and the SCORE 1000?

Any feedback from race veterans is appreciated!

View Quote

When we were 16, a friend and I decided we were going to race in he Mint 400.

We spent many many $1000's building a race truck for a couple years until he bought me out of the project and we went in different directions.

I sometimes wonder if worth trying to find if that truck still exists.

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:42:44 PM EDT

[#14]

I'd like to run it on a bike. that'd be a blast

Posted: 1/9/2014 7:51:38 PM EDT

[#15]

Check out Dust to Glory on Netflix if you have it.

Posted: 1/9/2014 8:00:51 PM EDT

[#16]

I'd be interested in helping crew/chase/pit whatever. Seems like it would be a blast.

Posted: 1/9/2014 8:02:42 PM EDT

[#17]

Sorry not a racer. I have loved the sport since I was a lad in Parker Arizona. We would ride our bikes all over town to check out the race cars at all the motels. I also have the 1000 on my bucket list. I'll tell you what I have observed about things over the years. 1st, off road racing costs money. Even class 11. Class 11 may not be the best class to start in in my opinion. I would say a class 9 would be better. Maybe more dollars to buy the car than class 11 but you would be more likely to finish. Also check a class 5 Baja bug. 2nd. logistics of the baja requires friends with money willing to help you out. 3rd. Prerunning will give you an idea if you really want to do it or not. Racing is both mental and physical. 4th. No amount of prior planning will prepare you for what happens race day 100%.

I would go to a race and try to get someone to take you for a ride in the classes you might be considering. This may not be easy to get however. Talk to guys that have cars in those classes. Offer to help crew for them. Once you've talked to lots of folks and join in a crew once or twice you'll have an idea if you can really do it.

Money and willing and able friends is what it takes. Some mechanical knowledge is a must too.
Good luck, hope you make it.

Posted: 1/9/2014 8:07:40 PM EDT

[#18]

Like any form of racing, it will get expensive. Look into some local races to test and tune your car.
If your car can be broken , Baja will break it. Build your car so it can't be broken.
Unless you have close to unlimented funds, the goal is to finish the race, if you place in your class that is a big bonus.
It will a lot of fun and hard work for the drivers and the support team , but there are not a lot of people that can say " I did the 1000"
One more thing, WTF are you thinking going to Mexico, it's scarey down there

Posted: 1/9/2014 8:12:45 PM EDT

[#19]

Does your budget include a helicopter? It needs to.

Posted: 1/9/2014 8:22:28 PM EDT

[#20]

Do not go to Mexico. Especially if you are a woman. I had an acquaintance that got gang raped by the Federal Police.

Posted: 1/9/2014 8:30:43 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
Do not go to Mexico. Especially if you are a woman. I had an acquaintance that got gang raped by the Federal Police.

View Quote

Not meaning to make lite of your friends situation, was she driving a race car?

Posted: 1/9/2014 9:29:12 PM EDT

[#22]

I chased for my buddies' 1700 (Jeepspeed) team in 2012. Trip of a lifetime, I can't air to go back!

And the best hotel in Baja

Posted: 1/9/2014 10:18:23 PM EDT

[#23]

I've been involved with desert racing in some form since ~1990 - local SoCal & SCORE. I don't own a car - I chase, co-ride & have done design work on an early Trophy Truck.

If you just want to drive in the Baja 1000 then check out Wide Open Baja - not inexpensive but a hell of a lot easier than running your own effort. Very few first time racers finish - having a crew that knows the car and can fix it is key. Logistics in Baja 1000 are a major challenge - 2014 will be a peninsula run, you do not want to do this as your first race in Baja ( on your own ). We've been running the same truck/team since 2000 and we are tweaking our support plans every year because of what learned the previous year.

We probably spend $12k-$15k between all of us for entry, BFG Pit Support,hotel/house, food, race gas, chase gas for 4 diesel P/Us, etc, etc. And we're cheap - I was talking to an owner from a Houston based TT team who said they were spending over $50G per race not including truck prep - and they were a low budget TT effort.

Mexican 1000 is a rally format with overnight stops. SCORE Baja 1000 runs until you finish or DNF.

I've never had any safety issues in Baja - heard all the stories and know it happens but I still go and have a great time .

Posted: 1/9/2014 10:23:50 PM EDT

[#24]

Start small, here in the US. Mexico used to be fun, but not anymore. Get in on a primm valley race, SNORE. And roll your own or just be as involved as you can on a build, but I wouldn't buy complete. Most if not all of the fun is in building.

Class 7 here.

Posted: 1/10/2014 8:46:48 AM EDT

[#25]

Thanks for all of the input guys. Just a quick response, with quoting everyone is tough, lol.

We are wanting to do Class 11, due to cost, nostalgia and the fact that most of my team has owned, or been around, air-cooled VWs most of their life. Maintenance and repairs are not an issue. Class 9 was discussed, but it seems that they eat transaxles. Jeepspeed was also talked about since we have several hardcore rock crawlers on our team with XJs, but that seems to be costly as well.

We already have some sponsors lined up, but are going to try to get more. I would love to have the BFL in prominant display...

I definitely would like to run a few stateside races, but living in Central Texas kinda limits us. We are doing this on a shoestring budget and the cost, plus getting everyone's vacation lined up will be tough to do.

The goal is to buy a car before the end of summer and race it in 2015. This should give us time to test and tune, give everyone a ton of wheel time and save money for the race.

Posted: 1/10/2014 8:54:34 AM EDT

[#26]

Sounds like fun but I could not be a winner because I would have to pull over to poop.

Posted: 1/10/2014 8:54:54 AM EDT

[#27]

Very cool thread. Have always loved the Baja 1000 when watching on TV. In my younger riding years I fantasized about doing it on a bike. STILL fantasize about that, as I can't imagine being able to afford a team to drive it on 4-wheels. Don't think my lower-back could ride OR drive more than the first few bumpy miles anymore though.

Posted: 1/10/2014 9:03:09 AM EDT

[#28]

I'm a wanna-be .........................

Posted: 1/10/2014 9:14:46 AM EDT

[#29]

I worked on a pit team several years ago and it was a great time, but I don't know that I'd go back again. A few teams got carjacked and robbed on their way out, there was a drug lord in a helicopter crash and ensuing shootout in Ensenada when his henchmen stole his body from the morgue and other nutty stuff.

Lots of the smaller teams and individuals contracted with a pretty large support company for their fuel and supplies - that seems like the way to go, unless you can get with some other teams to organize your supply points. Trying to do it all would be very difficult and very expensive. We were scheduled to handle 12 or so vehicles from about 6 different teams - from bikes all the way up to trophy trucks.

Posted: 1/10/2014 9:57:36 AM EDT

[#30]

I suggest practicing at a lap race to get your support crews familiar with offroad racing. (4-6 50 mile laps, instead of going point A to point B. Easier for shakedowns, but they have their own challenges)

http://moreracing.net/

I've run with MORE and MDR (when they still existed) in MDR "1200" Unlimited Volkswagen and 13 Unlimited Sportsman. Class 1600 is also an option for you if you're big Volkswagen fans. It's a Pro class, but still a lot of fun. If you want to stay in a sportsman's class, 1300 is nice, but you'll get beaten by all the guys with A-arm buggies and V8's.

1600: Stock Volkswagen Suspension, spec 1600cc motor (no Type IV's), tube frame. I think you can even run coilovers now, which will be much nicer on your back for 1000 miles.

The MORE Lucerne and Barstow races are a lot of fun. Lucerne is fast and sandy, Barstow hillier and rockier. If you make it out here for a practice race, shoot me an IM and I'll help pit for you.

Posted: 1/10/2014 9:59:48 AM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm a wanna-be .........................

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/drfcolt/media/F-150%20Raptor/100_1904_zps45dc05bc.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk64/drfcolt/F-150%20Raptor/100_1904_zps45dc05bc.jpg</a>

View Quote

That truck neva seen the dirt

Posted: 1/10/2014 10:04:37 AM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
I suggest practicing at a lap race to get your support crews familiar with offroad racing. (4-6 50 mile laps, instead of going point A to point B. Easier for shakedowns, but they have their own challenges)

http://moreracing.net/

.

1600: Stock Volkswagen Suspension, spec 1600cc motor (no Type IV's), tube frame. I think you can even run coilovers now, which will be much nicer on your back for 1000 miles.
.

View Quote

I know you dont mean the superbeetles. Hard to imagine a stock bug could make it(i've seen pics of bugs). A moded baja bug yeah.

Posted: 1/10/2014 10:20:11 AM EDT

[#33]

I'm taking notes, keep the info coming!

Posted: 1/10/2014 10:31:44 AM EDT

[#34]

Like the others, one tick on the bucketlist is to see the 1000. If I lived out west I'd definitely be more involved in desert trucks/racing. Will have to settle for pavement for now.

Any thought of running a jeepspeed (class 3) setup instead of a bug?

Good luck!

Posted: 1/10/2014 11:43:37 AM EDT

[#35]

Jeepspeed seems like a good idea, but everyone claims that it will cost more than Class 11. We are still weighing options, so who knows...

Posted: 1/10/2014 12:17:25 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:

That truck neva seen the dirt

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I'm a wanna-be .........................

<a href="http://s277.photobucket.com/user/drfcolt/media/F-150%20Raptor/100_1904_zps45dc05bc.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk64/drfcolt/F-150%20Raptor/100_1904_zps45dc05bc.jpg</a>

That truck neva seen the dirt

Nope, just mud and snow ...................

Posted: 1/10/2014 3:22:35 PM EDT

[#37]

Try to attend a few SCORE races in Baja this year - the San Felipe 250 in March is a really fun race since it's not an overnight event.

Posted: 1/10/2014 3:26:57 PM EDT

[#38]

Yes many times and was given a personal invite by Sal Fish.

Cost?? the sky is the limit.

Posted: 1/10/2014 3:28:38 PM EDT

[#39]

if by "participate", you mean drink beer and watch.

then yes i have.

Posted: 1/10/2014 4:19:03 PM EDT

[#40]

Another wantabe......
Na, I'll stay here and play.

Posted: 1/11/2014 12:21:51 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
I chased for my buddies' 1700 (Jeepspeed) team in 2012. Trip of a lifetime, I can't air to go back!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t31/622088_472556739462299_259638006_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/703906_472921199425853_671585955_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/704919_472923936092246_1136937878_o.jpg

And the best hotel in Baja

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/665940_472556876128952_1732188150_o.jpg

View Quote

The guy in the third pic on the far left standing up with a gray shirt standing up wouldn't happen to be an army Blackhawk pilot would he? Looks like a friend from one of my old units.