Tips for first time Baja 1000 racers

[sierra]

I would like to hear from veteran racers, some good tips and recommendations for rookie 1000 drivers like our team (Noe Sierra class 7sx #759)

It's our first baja 1000 and we want to finish (I'm sure everyone else does :)); besides the usual: " don't roll your truck" tip, any other good tips that may slip your mind while prepparing your truck.

Something that you remember at the time you're racing and you say : " why didn't I thougth of that while prepping the truck?".

[PAB]

When we are on make sure it finishes mode we put the spares on the truck or car that will get us out of Matomi or the back of Mikes.

Water and some food is always good and the most random item can save your butt, always bring fire and we stuff a bottle of Cabo Wabo on board.

Satellite phone is a must with someone on the other end.

Driving 70% will get you to the finish and probably the win.

PAB

[OldStroppeTeam]

Chase crews enough to have one ahead and one behind the car all the time. If youve ever broken a part, take at least one spare with you. Think about what would absolutely STOP the car in the way of parts,(ie spindles, alternator, belts ,driveline) then figure out what you can (or can't ) afford to carry on the race car. Put the rest in the most reliable chase truck you have.
Plan your pits so you have eyeball conatct with racer as much as possible.. It's fiun to chase as a group, but that doesn't always get the job done.
make sure all your chasers have plenty of money 1s 5s 10s, sometime a little money will help you in certain "sticky" situations chase crews are known to encounter..... no matter how good you try to be !!!!!
make sure everyone has plenty of food and Drinking WATER.
My own personal rule, especially in Mexico,: If you are looking for trouble, IT WILL FIND YOU !! This is not just another desert, this is another COUNTRY !!!

Best of Luck,
See ya at the race !!

[ShaneR]

Shovel and a come-a-long, there are lots of place's to get stuck in limited class's and not always someone to help get you out! Fold up army shovels are great and lite, keep moving and you will see the finish!

[bajafox]

I'v seen some cars even roll up a good size piece of old carpet to try and use for traction in case you get stuck.

[Will_Higman]

If there are any first time sportsman motorcycle/ATV riders that read this post I have one piece of advice.

When the first trophy truck comes up behind you pull off the track for at least ONE HOUR letting most of the faster vehicles go by you. This way you won't have to be looking over your shoulder so much!

Be safe!

Will Higman

[prerunner1499]

Ok well Im not a "baja veteran" but common sence will outway any preperation for Baja. Some things I've learned and heard over the years.
-Someone said drive 70%, I agree with that totally. When I race I drive +/-80% most of the time unless I have clear air. We have a finish rate of +80%.
***Prerunning is the best thing you could do.***
-Go over the "SCORE COURCE NOTES" and be aware for things that are not on the notes like huge rocks that that locals roll into the course, and boobytraps. Not to scare you but this chit happens in baja, See below.
-When you see a BIG croud of mexicans in a out of the way spot, SLOW DOWN, because there may be a booby trap or large gotcha there!!!!!
-If you get in somoenes dust and cant see well, back off. and try and pass later in a section you know better or know is a good place to pass if they are rabbiting on you.
-If you are running with someone at a similar pace, stick with them, roll on but out ot their main dust cloud so you can look for their "vapor trails" it gives you a little more confidence knowing your going the right way.
-Take a fully charged hand held gps and sat phone with you, that way you can call your chase rig and tell them exactly where you are if you need help. Make sure they have a gps too, and that their phone is plugged in the a power cource and on at all times after you start.
-sat phones work best when the antenna is pointed the the EAST, NOT THE SOUTH like the people who rent them tell you. The satelites are to the east of baja and over texas and mainland mexico.
***you can RENT prepaid minutes cell phones in mexico that will work in most areas in the north baja. Cingular? has decent coverage I've heard.
***-CALL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANIES and tell them when you are going and that you will need your card Ok'd for mexico charges. If not your cards most likely wont work. This applies to everyone on the team.
-carry 2/3 water bottles for you and the co-dog. DRINK water or gator piss at every pit.
-have candy bars, power (fart) bars, or other small food with you, just in case. TAKE SOME BUTT WIPE, you never know.......
-Carry a flare or 3. and a cig lighter.
-Carry a light jacket in the rig and a set of light insulated gloves because it gets friggin cold at night and this really causes you to loose concentration.
-one of them piss tubes "external catheter" is a real bladder saver, that way you can stay hydrated and not worry about it. PCI sells them. Get some. Saves valuable time in not having to stop make whiz stops.
-sign up with BFG for pit services if you run BFG tires, Baja pits or some other pitting organition because you never know when you will need something. Cheap insurance and piece of mind!
-a little faster than prerunning speed will most likely get you to the finish line.
OHHH!!!!! DON'T DRINK THE LOCAL WATER!!!!!!!!!!!
Baja aint about winning for most,, its about finishing.

Have FUN, I had a blast last year. We will be racing sportsman buggy,white & red chenowth from Oregon, Mclaren racing, staying at Estero Beach

[mustafa]

It's that time of the year again. Someone needs to post that letter from Bob Bower.
There's some really sound advice in it.

[mrlowfriction17]

Fast is not Fast...Smooth is fast. Don't forget that.

[OldStroppeTeam]

Mexican Insurance !!!! On every vehicle !!!!!




Sorry I yelled so loud the first time :D

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

Here is a rambling list:

Chase, don’t race in the support vehicles. Chasing is the most dangerous part of the race.
Have a well thought out fuel, pit and chase plan.
Have reliable communications and knowledgeable users in both race and chase vehicles.
Have capable chase /recovery vehicles.
In the race vehicle, have water, food, fire and shelter (space blankets).
Be sure you have all of the necessary tools onboard to make field repairs.
Two quality flashlights.
First Aid Kit (Required).
Course Map.
Carry spare oil, trany fluid, belts, electrical wire, bolts, hose clamps, bailing wire, 100 Mph Tape, etc.
Have a strong tow strap and be assertive with it! Shovels suck!
Especially in a 7SX truck carry a CO2 bottle and air chuck, if you get stuck in sand, FIRST air down, if you get stuck in silt, don’t!
And the most important thing is……
































Common sense!!!!!! ;)

[partybarge_pilot]

Don't forget the best Mexican currency, STICKERS!!!!!!!!!!

[class51600]

I would like to hear from veteran racers, some good tips and recommendations for rookie 1000 drivers like our team (Noe Sierra class 7sx #759)

?".
In a class 7 don't go to crazy, remember that it's a long race and keep and eye out for " El Polbo (The Powder)" and you should be fine.

[class51600]

I'v seen some cars even roll up a good size piece of old carpet to try and use for traction in case you get stuck.

hey I've done that in more than one ocassion

[Alex Paterson]

Mexican Insurance !!!! On every vehicle !!!!!




Sorry I yelled so loud the first time :D

If you need Mexican insurance and want to get it taken care of before you hit the boarder, email me and I can get it done for you.

Alex (Insurance Guy :))

[klaus]

How about a rdc group discount ?

[Alex Paterson]

How about a rdc group discount ?


That would be a great idea and I would if I could..but no, it is based on a per vehicle bases, something I am sure you know already :)

Alex

[Rory]

I think one of the most important things you can do is have enough people. Matt Vogler raced in sportsman truck last year, only about 5-10 minutes out of first when his pit crew rolled the support vehicle at the halfway mark. That was the end of his race, and the race truck was in GREAT shape. You need to have WELL RESTED people to pit for you at the 1000, it will be a long couple days. 30 minute to 1 hour naps will do wonders for people. Rotate drivers with FRESH people. The chase road is more dangerous than the race course. Make sure they plenty of food and water. NO BEER. Not yet. Wait till the race is over. Sorry guys, I know the last one is a killer but it is a MUST. Racing at 70% SHOULD get you to the finish line with a well prepped truck, just don't take too many chances, especially early. Get into a groove and let the faster guys go. You will usually see them on the side of the road later on, high 5 your co-rider and move on. Good Luck.

[Chase 2]

It's that time of the year again. Someone needs to post that letter from Bob Bower.
There's some really sound advice in it.

Yes!! The Reverend Bowers “LETTER”, a very good sermon which is very appropriate. Be sure to pass it on to all of your chase and pit crew. More of the deaths that occur at the 1000 are of crew members rather than racers, and unfortunately it happens waaay too often.

[JL Gomez]

Here's Bob Bowers Baja 1000 letter

What about you??

[ZTFab]

Definently worth reading AND following........

[Dan McMillin]

carry lots of $$$MONEY$$$!!! you never know when a couple of bucks will help you get out of a tight situation. Locals will get muddy, dirty, wet, anything for a $20. :)

[5racer]

luck take a lot of luck with you

[Tipracer]

As far as your team is concerned,
as many spares as you can carry, driveshaft, alternator, axels and axel nuts if you can, check your wiring very carefully...there is nothing more frustrating than having an intermitent power outage in whoops. A well trained chase crew that sticks to your rules. Less radio chatter is always good, DONT BOTHER WEATHERMAN, unless you have a real problem the guy does a h*ll of a lot for us and the last thing he needs to be bothered with is the same guy asking for updates every fifteen minutes.(oh yeah don't let your mike get stuck.) But what are you guys worried about....You guys are Pro's!

[Tim_Price]

I took lessons on how to desert race from Rod Hall and he cautioned us: "At the start, don't get all excited about beating the other racers in your class. Stay calm. The Desert will take out most of your competition."

[TheWebWheeler]

Hey Oneill Thanks for posting the letter..

I'm going to the 1000 for the 1st time myself as a member of a Chase Crew for a Class 3 Bronco.

& am Very Excited, Yet Cautious about the whole trip ,
I have heard alot of stories about How The Chase Crews are in more danger than the racers...http://www.thewebwheeler.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif

But I wont pass up this opperunity ..
It's Gonna be great!:D

[OldStroppeTeam]

One really important thing none of us has mentioned, that I recall.

Make sure you can lock up all your stuff. ANYTHING loose in the bed of a truck is fair game ! If you can't lock it up try to leave someone with the vehicles.

Just pretend you are in LA,:D

[la2baja]

Everything I've read here will get you to the finish and home safe. A good idea for your first time would be to have a vet help you with your pit plan. Someone who knows what roads are easy access. What roads are 4wd only. Where you will be stuck for hours if you drive into it be prepared to camp out becuase you wont catch the truck again. Easy place's to fuel and the best trucks to get the fuel there. ALWAYS get your fuel to it's destination early, ALWAYS! Being out of the race because your fuel is stuck in traffic is something you'll here more than a few times during the race. Don't be that guy! You and your crew keep your heads straight and you'll keep your heads! Good luck!

[JL Gomez]

That's a good point to see Stroppe

But, at least in my experience (over 15 years watching races on the desert in Mexico), most of the people who likes offroad races are very good people and respectful about other people equipment (camping, racing, etc), of course, exists bad people looking for the opportunity to take some of your equipment, but, you know, that kind of people exists everywhere not only in Mexico. Just use common sense and you'll be fine.

[la2baja]

Jose is right most people at the race are very helpful and always cool. The big problem with theft in baja is that you are in baja! If someone snags your tools, sleeping bag, sandwiches...... You are in Mexico. You can't just run to Sears with the credit card. If you are 100 miles south of Ensenada and your tools, spares ect. get stolen, you are now a spectator. Nothing wrong with spectators but you won't be much help to your team.

[Dezertpilot]

What a quality thread keep 'em comin.....

[sierra]

Yes indeed, this is a very good thread.

I'm glad I asked,because there are things that you don't think about,
for example the mexican insurance, I had most everything else cover
except for that ! i totally forgot about it and it's very important ,

Also, I copy the letter and will give a copy to every one in our chase crew
and I'm also going to translate to spanish,This will be very helpful.

So,by all means, please keep the tips comming and we all thank you for
your time.

[Dan McMillin]

"Never Ever Quit."

-Corky McMillin

[retroblazer]

I've noticed a couple of comments about driving at some sort of pace. There were references made about "driving at 70%". For me, that is hard to measure against. I have driven my truck in short course events like Crandon, at what I called my 100% number, but to actually drive at some consistant number lower is arbitrary. My recommendaton would center around what I call "line of site driving". Being able to control you car in the immediate space ahead of you. Since there's no way most of us can prerun enough, you need to be able to have enough room ahead to stop or scrub off most of the car's speed. One last one is to stay off the bump stops. If you're consistantly hitting them, you are going too fast.

[Scott_F]

I haven't been stuck in a silt bed, yet! Does high tire pressure work better in silt? Is the idea to dig down to the bottom of the silt rather than float on it?


Especially in a 7SX truck carry a CO2 bottle and air chuck, if you get stuck in sand, FIRST air down, if you get stuck in silt, don’t

[BlueCoyote]

Some more good stuff for ya
Every race / chase vehilce should carry a spare oil filter & oil. For some reason Baja rock like oil filters.
Other good stuff to have in every rig is spare belts, radiator hoses, fuses.
LED flashlights are a must carry.
Have one person designated as the "Main Contact". That person gets all the 'oh **[IMG]http://cdn3.race-dezert.com/forum/images/mexico-flag.png[/IMG] [I]¡Ay, caramba![/I]****[IMG]http://cdn3.race-dezert.com/forum/images/mexico-flag.png[/IMG] [I]¡Ay, caramba![/I]****[IMG]http://cdn3.race-dezert.com/forum/images/mexico-flag.png[/IMG] [I]¡Ay, caramba![/I]****[IMG]http://cdn3.race-dezert.com/forum/images/mexico-flag.png[/IMG] [I]¡Ay, caramba![/I]****[IMG]http://cdn3.race-dezert.com/forum/images/mexico-flag.png[/IMG] [I]¡Ay, caramba![/I]**' calls if something goes wrong. And have a back up # for someone in the US.
Make up a race book with everyones phone / sat / cell / radio #'s. Cannot count the # of times that people called Weatherman with a big issue, and do not even know their own teams frequencies.
Include everyones emergancy contact #'s (god forbid), any medical info.
Have a check in schedule for race and chase crew - better to know where everyone is every couple of hours than a 'what happened to Mike?' call a few days later.

[Dezertpilot]

Never been through alot of deep silt just small patches but Id say get all the momentum you can and dont let off the gas and I personally would not have high air pressure because sometimes the silt can get really deep so Id probably say lower air pressure to help float.

[la2baja]

As far as the dreaded silt goes....

I can't say high tire preasure helps one way or the other in silt. Most silt I've been in seemed pretty bottomless. The best way though silt when you hit it is with your foot down. Whatever you do..... DON'T STOP!

Added to the list for chasing. If you are in a vehicle that will be chasing into the later night bring extra fuel cans (filled). At night you might find a Pemex that was open, now closed adding another 50 miles plus to your drive without a fuel stop. 5 to 10 gallons in the bed of your truck is a beautiful thing right about then........

[sierra]

La2baja... funny you mentioned the PEMEX gas station being closed

Yesterday,my Brother was preruning the first 200 miles and in the Summit, and our truck broke down (transfercase and differentials got hit by rocks), and by the time they got it out, it was very late and we made to Valle De Trinidad to put gas, and you're rigth, gas station was closed!!

So my brother and crew had to stay in the truck for the nigth till this morning :P

[Flamingo]

Noe,
the best advise I have is to follow the #740 truck around about 1 minute behind to the finish line. I'll buy your team the cerveca after we both arrive.
Stretch

Ps. don't listen to this stuff. go like hell early, save the pain of the all night driving.

[la2baja]

I feel for your Brother Sierra! I know the gas routine well. It was a Mexicali start (93?) if not for a friendly Taco stand owner @ 3am I might still be sleeping in my truck. 8ish gallons of gas and a few taco's got me back into town. Pemex's were closed all the way back up from San Flippy.