Power Days 300 – Battle in Germany

So what exactly was the Baja Power Days 300 event you ask?  Well, to honestly answer that question, it literally was a three ring circus.  A narrow and technical rally course paralleled the Laughlin-style track of the desert race vehicles while the motorcycles intersected both four-wheeled circuits with a series of high-flying jumps.  When the green flag dropped, there were four various styles of exhibition (two different classes of bikes) that would run on three different tracks.  The vehicle classes were staged in groups of two and each participant ran their respective courses simultaneous of the other classes, providing the spectators with an X Games type of atmosphere.

A single WRC car, desert race vehicle, and bike would launch down their own ramp and onto each specifically designed course.  As soon as the dust settled, another round of participants in from every class would follow closely behind.  With two of each of the four-wheeled classes out on the course and four motorcycles jumping over the WRC and SCORE racecars, the fans were treated to non-stop action compliments of the distinctively structured mayhem playing out before their eyes.

The unique design and layout of the track was the brainchild of Armin Schwarz – the driving force behind the entire weekend’s activities.  The course concept and the organization of the event began to take shape sometime in mid-January after Armin did an aerial survey of the site to determine the possibilities.  With a relatively short timeline, Schwarz realized it would be nearly impossible to coordinate a race both logistically and financially.  Most teams had obviously not budgeted for a mid-year competition half-way across the world and the promotion of the event would be a massive undertaking.  The lack of media and hype surrounding this affair would more than likely result in low entries and disappointed fans therefore Armin chose to approach the inaugural event as more of an exhibition than an actual race.  The issue of what safety and sanctioning rules applied to the very diverse vehicles was something that would also have to be addressed before a race or a competitive series could be created.  All these factors are not impossible to overcome but working through the logistics definitely takes an immeasurable amount of time to hammer out.

While promoters often tout over-inflated numbers when quoting expected ticket sales, I would almost bet the initial estimates of 15,000 spectators was right on the money.  The viewing areas were packed and in many places the fans were standing shoulder to shoulder.  My only regret in regards to the audience is the fact that I am at a distinct disadvantage with the language barrier.  I would have liked the opportunity to interview the spectators as they left the event to get their opinion of the SCORE class race vehicles.  From what I could decipher from the crowds surrounding the desert racecars, the European motorsports enthusiasts were definitely impressed with the vehicles.

Keeping in line with their recent forward-thinking marketing efforts, General Tire stepped up to the plate by committing to a large display booth in the paddock area and sending quite a few representatives to attend and support the event.  Although General’s parent company (Continental Tire) is a German-based operation, it was a company first to have the General Tire brand displayed on German soil.  Catching up with GT representative, Tony Talbert, I asked him what his overall thoughts of the exhibition were – to which he remarked, “It was a very good first effort and I am impressed with everything that Armin and his colleagues are doing to make this happen.  It is an interesting venue and the German people are obviously motorsports fans.  This is something that is new and different and we can see the enthusiasm in the desert race vehicles grow.  Interest in this type of event and the future potential will be greatly impacted by the turnout of the spectators and the reaction of the fans.”

While one of the initial concepts of the event was to raise interest in other forms of racing that the European market has not been exposed to – leave it to the bad boys of desert racing to get a little competitive.  I am not sure who really started it, but BJ Baldwin and Jesse James decided to go bumper to bumper around the track.  The circus performance we were previously witnessing suddenly broke out into a desert race!  As the crowd cheered the two Trophy Trucks on with excitement, it was BJ who was in the lead with JJ in hot pursuit.  Coming into the back straight, Baldwin got out of shape and went high on the berm which allowed Jesse the opportunity to take over the lead.  Apparently BJ still has not learned his lesson from the Baja 500 as he decided to cut through the course taking out several trees in the process.  As he hauled ass through the infield and hopped back onto the course, BJ once again restored the lead position through his creative course selection.  Unfortunately the impromptu competition could not be completed as Jesse broke a transmission and was forced to pull of the track.

Standing in the team and official spectator area, it was comical to hear the remarks being yelled at Sal Fish as BJ Baldwin was clearly deviating from the marked course.  Even Sal’s right hand man, Oscar Ramos, joined in on the fun by approaching him and asking “So, Jesse James is asking when is the Competition Review Board?” Sal, being quick on his feet, didn’t even hesitate when he jokingly responded with “Well, I don’t know!  It’s going to take three weeks to gather all the data.” After listening to another round of Baja 500 comments, Sal just looked at the crowd and said in jest,  “And to think, I could have been a doctor.”

Once again, I am sitting in the media room of the hotel and it is 4:45am.  I have quite a few more stories to add to the reports – including quite a few quotes and thoughts on the event from the WRC guys and my experience riding in my first rally car with Gigi Galli.  I would like to do these stories justice though so for tonight I am going to turn in and return to this later…..yes, there is more to come so stay tuned!

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