Baja Race in Mexico

Baja race is a popular off-road race that is held in Mexico's Baja California Peninsula during the fall. The event involves the participation of a variety of vehicle classes, such as motorcycles, buggies, stock VW, trucks and custom made-up race vehicles. This race was held officially for the first time on October 31, 1967 and was organized by the name of the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. The path-length that year was set at 849 miles and the race culminated in La Paz. For the initials years, the race was structured and held by the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA) from 1967 to 1972. Subsequently, in 1973, it was handed over to the Baja Sports Committee (BSC) to organize and put it in order. The event was renamed by the BSC to Baja Mil (Baja 1000).

Afterward, BSC found sponsoring Baja races easier said than done and parted its way from the race. This has not deterred Mexican government, who in place of giving up the race, sought aid from Short Course Off-Road Enterprises (SCORE) in organizing and sponsoring upcoming Baja races. After some negotiations, the Mexican Government decided to grant exclusive rights to SCORE to organize Baja races. Subsequently, SCORE took control of the race from 1974 and brought it back on the right track. Over the years, it faced some overhauling, but its course has continued to remain the same. Still, you will find a great numbers of races being either a point to point race from Ensenada to La Paz, or a loop race opening and concluding in Ensenada.

In Baja Race, although motorcyclists take part and frequently come with flying colors, a lot of contestants love to drive customized or stock 4-wheel vehicles such as cars, trucks, ATVs and dune buggies. Often, race teams include factory supported groups that construct customized vehicles and chase vehicles via helicopter. Conversely, for the smaller and less popular teams taking part in the race, no such facility is offered. In the race, you are likely to see Stock Volkswagen type vehicles which are also recognized as Baja Bugs. And, moreover, you will definitely come across factory-supported all-space frames.

Baja race is considered to be one of the most challenging off-road races in the world. It catches the attention of around 300,000 spectators and brings in teams from all over the world. This year, the race will be on the same day as World Diabetes Day on November 14. To mark this occasion, special events have been planned. In this race, different categories have been chalked out and the distance would remain the same for all the events. An overall team event will also take place which comprises all vehicles in the event. This overall event is very popular. From the very beginning of the race, this event has been dominated by the motorbikes who have won it on various occasions.