Baja 1000 is an off road race that takes place on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula during a full moon to aid the racers. The competition was officially started in 1967 (it had previously been the site of informal dirt bike racing), and originally went from Tijuana, Baja California, to La Paz, Baja California Sur. Now it starts from Ensenada, some 70 miles to the south. It is usually held the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated in the United States.

From 1967 to 1973 the race was organized by the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA); however, in 1974, the government denied NORRA permission to hold the race, and the fuel crisis of 1974 forced the race to be removed from the off-road racing schedule.

In 1975, SCORE International, with sponsorship by Tecate beer, resumed the Baja as a loop course race with the start-finish line in Ensenada, and in 1979, SCORE was able to resume racing on the legendary 1,000 mile course to La Paz, as they have intermittently raced on the 1,000 every three to four years.

Vehicles

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Although motorcyclists participate and are almost always the overall winners, most competitors drive 4-wheel vehicles such as dune buggies. In the 1969 and 1970 races, Erik Carlsson drove a basically stock front wheel drive Saab 96 V4, finishing third and fifth. Volkswagen Type One Beetles modified for use in off road terrain known as Baja Bug have been a common sight throughout the event duration, but the factory-supported all-spaceframe Trophy Truck entries are the most visible.

Sabotage and booby-traps

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Each year there are reports of spectators sabotaging or booby-trapping the course by digging holes or burying obstacles. Racers are warned to beware of large crowds of spectators in remote parts of the course since it may indicated hidden traps.

Notable Competitors/Winners

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• Ivan Stewart
• Larry Ragland
• Robby Gordon
• Parnelli Jones
• Gunnar Nilsson
• Mickey Thompson
• Walker Evans
• Erik Carlsson
• Roger Mears
• Jesse G. James

See also

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• Baja 500 (from Ensenada, in June),
• San Felipe 250 (from San Felipe, Baja California, in February or March),
• Mini-Baja

External links

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• SCORE International, the current race organizer
• Winners & times, 1967-2001
• VW Baja owners, racers and off road enthusiasts

1967 establishments | Auto races Auto racing competitions in Mexico | Baja California

Baja 1000 | Baja 1000