October 15, 2011

Nearly 300 entries expected

James draws first SCORE Trophy Truck start, Bowman in M/C

For November’s 44th  Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race

Racers from 31 States, 14 countries entered in internationally-televised

Granddaddy of all desert races; 32 SCORE Trophy Trucks entered to date;

Race that starts and finishes in Ensenada, Mexico, Nov. 17-20;

Prerunning for loop race begins on Friday, Nov 4

    LOS ANGELES—Reality TV star Jesse James has received the first starting position during Saturday’s drawing for November’s 44th running of the legendary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. While James, who lives in Austin, Texas, will pilot his No. 54 Chevy Silverado SCORE Trophy Truck, starting first among the motorcycle and ATV classes will be Craig Bowman on a Honda CRF450X.

This year’s internationally televised granddaddy of all desert races, the mammoth finale of the five-race 2011 SCORE Desert Series will be a loop race starting and finishing in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, with race week festivities scheduled for Nov. 17-20.

A solid total of 202 vehicles officially entered in time for Saturday’s drawing held at SCORE International’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

The race itself starts on Friday, Nov. 18 and official entry forms are available online along with all pertinent race information and prerunning rules on the SCORE website at www.score-international.com.

With late entries accepted up until race morning, nearly 300 entries from over 30 US States and 15 countries are expected to take the green flag in the 692.82-mile course, competing in 35 Pro and seven Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs.

In addition to the 31 States represented on the entry list to date, racers have already officially entered from Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands and the US Territory of Guam.

It’s the oldest and most well known of all desert races, and it remains as the single most appealing accomplishment to a racer. Since 1967, the race has been run over the mysterious Baja California peninsula every year except 1974 when the international fuel crisis forced a cancellation.

This year’s race will start for the 37th time and finish for the 21st time in Ensenada. Completing its 38th year as the world’s foremost desert racing sanctioning body, the event is the finale of the five-race 2011 SCORE Desert Series. The race will start and finish on Boulevard Costero adjacent to the picturesque Bahia de Todos Santos in front of the iconic Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center in the heart of Ensenada.

Prerunning on the 692.82-mile loop course will officially begin on Nov. 4.

Drawing the first start among the atv CLASSES, WAS THE Class 25 team led by Richard Stanley.

The motorcycle and ATV classes will start their journey at 6:30 a.m. (Friday, Nov. 18) with the car and truck classes starting at approximately 11:45 a.m., or four hours after the last ATV leaves the line. With the course open for 32 hours in the elapsed-time race, the fastest finishers are expected to complete the course in approximately 14 hours.

Pre-race festivities on Thursday, Nov. 17, including the vastly popular tech and contingency of all vehicles and the SCORE Manufacturer’s Midway will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Boulevard Costero in front of the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. The pre-race mandatory driver/rider briefing will be held Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral Room at the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. Racer and media registration will both be held at the San Nicolas Resort Hotel in Ensenada on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and Thursday, Nov. 17.

The post-race awards celebration will be held poolside at the San Nicolas Resort Hotel at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20.

The featured SCORE Trophy Truck division for high-tech, 850-horsepower unlimited production trucks had 32 vehicles entered in time for Saturday’s start draw.

Starting second will be Mexico’s son/father team of Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola, who teamed last year to become the first Mexican national team to win the overall 4-wheel title of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Driving the No. 21 Vildosola Racing Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy Truck, the Vildosola’s, of Mexicali, were also the finished vehicle overall in the race down the Baja California peninsula to La Paz.

Starting second among the motorcycles will be last year’s overall motorcycle winners in this race, Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Quinn Cody, Buellton, Calif. on the No. 1x JCR Honda Racing Honda CRF450X.

While entries will be accepted will be accepted up to race morning, late entries will be assigned the next available number and starting position within each class.

Besides SCORE Trophy Truck with 32, the car and truck classes with the most entries to date are unlimited Class 1 (22) and Class 1/2-1600 (12).

Among the motorcycle and ATV classes, Class 22 for open motorcycles has the most entries so far with 13.

Leading the six Sportsman classes in the race is Sportsman Motorcycle over 250cc which had 17 entries in the drawing.

The 692.82-mile race course this year is a combination of much of the 2008 and the 2009 courses.  The rugged course that travels from Ensenada east through Ojos Negros, down Laguna Salada to San Felipe, down through the three legendary Baja canyon washes of Matomi, Huatomote and Chanate, joining familiar routes to the six-mile turnoff before Mike’s Sky Rancho, heading over to the Pacific Coast crossing Highway 1 near San Vicente and to Erendira, then through Santo Tomas, Uruapan and back to Ojos Negros, covering much of the northern half of the majestic Baja California peninsula to and from Ensenada.

This race also features the prestigious Sal Fish SCORE IronRider awards presented to each motorcycle or ATV rider who completes the entire course within the time limit while riding solo.

In addition to season class point championships, the racers are also competing for part of the nearly $400,000 in cash purse and contingency postings for the race. Drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also attempting to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to all Pro car and truck class drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season.  Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 26th consecutive year, a total of 27 drivers remain eligible after Round 4 of the 2011 SCORE Desert Series. Racers are also competing for the annual SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year awards, including the MasterCraft Safety SCORE Rookie of the Year award.

Tecate Beer is the title sponsor of the 44th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

Official Sponsors of the SCORE Desert Series are:

-BFGoodrich Tires, Official Tire

-Volkswagen of America, Official Vehicle

-Sunoco Race Fuels, Official Race Fuel

-Slime, Official Tire Sealant

-Symons Ambulance Company, Official Ambulance

-Bilstein, Official Shock Absorber

-Instant Mexico Auto Insurance, Official Mexican Auto Insurance

Official Sponsors of the SCORE Baja 1000 are:

-Coca-Cola, Official Soft Drink

-Volaris Airlines, Official Airline

-Lightforce Performance Lighting, Official Driving Light

Additional SCORE Sponsors are – Proturismo Ensenada, Baja California Secretary of Tourism, COTUCO Mexicali/San Felipe, Las Vegas Events, Blue C Advertising, SignPros, PCI Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.

For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the 2011 SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.

44th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

Nov. 17-20, 2011—Final round of five-race 2011 SCORE Desert Series

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico – 692.82 miles

TOTAL ENTRIES: 202 (31 States, 15 Countries) (as of 10/15/11) 

PRO CARS & TRUCKS

SCORE TROPHY TRUCK (32)

54 Jesse James

21 Gus Vildosola Jr.

51 Kory Scheeler

70 Bryce Menzies

30 Robbie Pierce

98 Gary Weyhrich

84 Nick Vanderwey

78 Jesse Ashcraft

19 Tim Herbst

20 Rob MacCachren

31 Andy McMillin

71 Rick D. Johnson

45 Gary Magness

96 Bobby Baldwin

59 Craig Potts

2 Pete Sohren

22 Roberto Encinas

49 Troy Herbst

15 Armin Schwarz

77 Robby Gordon

8 Roger Norman

18 Clyde Stacy

36 Glen Greer

16 Cameron Steele

14 Rick Geiser

25 Matt Stevens

61 Chad Hall

23 Mark McMillin

97 B.J. Baldwin

27 Dave Crinklaw

66 Harry Hepler

24 Adam Householder

CLASS 1 (22)

101 Brett Lenk

102 Steven Eugenio

103 Mike Childress

104 Dan Martin

105 Damen Jefferies

106 Steve Appleton

107 Marco Valdez

108 Don Chase

109 Erik Harp

110 Conan Barker

111 Ronny Wilson

112 Jon Walker

100 Kory Halopoff

114 Brian Parkhouse

115 David Greenhill

116 Mark Hutchins

117 Chris Wyborny

118 Max Thieriot

119 Jared Hardin

120 Todd Romano

148 Mark Stevens

149 Justin Davis

CLASS 1/2-1600 (12)

1601 Arturo Velazco

1602 Brad Wilson

1603 J.J. Schnarr

1604 Kevin J. Walsh

1605 Brian Wilson

1606 Jay Reichert

1607 Michael Power

1645 Wes McKenzie

1646 Daniel Lopez

1647 Jim Goff

1600 Luke McMillin

1649 Hiram Duran

CLASS 3 (4)

301 Tim Mason

302 Andy Kouklis

300 Donald Moss

304 David Moore

CLASS 5 (4)

501 Cody Kellogg

500 Kevin Carr

518 Jim Anderson

519 Terry McClintick

CLASS 5-1600 (0)

CLASS 6 (7)

601 Gavin Skilton

602 Arunas Lekavicius

603 Marc Burnett

604 Gregg Hempel

617 Josh Quintero

600 Dave Caspino

619 Heidi Steele

CLASS 8 (2)

801 Kent Kroeker

839 Justin Matney

CLASS 10 (8)

1001 John Martensen

1002 John Langley

1003 Brian Valentine

1004 Matt Cullen

1005 Peter Hajas

1006 Shelby Reid

1000 Sergio Salgado

1008 Christian Hall

SCORE LITES (7)

1201 Steven Lisa

1202 Ryan Plowman

1203 Perry McNeil

1204 Zak Langley

1205 Rafael Navarro IV

1206 Brent Parkhouse

1249 Arnoldo Ramirez

CLASS 11 (3)

1100 Eric Solorzano

1148 Gustavo Garayzar

1149 Justin Matney

STOCK MINI (3)

701 Emily Miller

778 Justin Matney

779 Ted Moncure

PROTRUCK (4)

1334 Rob Reinertson

1331 Jessica McMillin

1350 Chelsea Magness

1360 Nils Castillo

CLASS 17 (2)

1701 Tom Richardson

1739 Clyde Stacy

CLASS 4 (2)

401 Mike Shaffer

439 Clyde Stacy

CLASS 7-2 (2)

721 Bruce Finchum

720 Reid Rutherford

PRO MOTORCYCLES

CLASS 22 (13)

2x Craig Bowman

1x Kendall Norman

14x A.J. Stewart

4x Trent Burgiss

0x Colton Udall

6x Bryce Stavron

7x Steven Moak

8x Rory Sullivan

9x Francisco Arredondo

10x Felipe Prohens

11x Shane Esposito

12x Jack Lundin

13x Thomas Barnabic

CLASS 21 (5)

101x David Gonzalez Jr.

102x Willy Miller

103x Brody Kunz

104x Adam Neuwirth

105x Trevor Insley

CLASS 20 (0)

CLASS 30 (4)

301x Tim Abshire

302x Mike Johnson

303x Rodrigo Basave

304x Ryan Gutile

CLASS 40 (7)

400x Jeff Kaplan

401x Rob Barnum

402x Mike Prunty

403x Graham Cruickshank

404x Lloyd Andrew

405x Oscar Fazz

449x Todd Winslow

CLASS 50 (3)

501x Ben van Zijtveld

502x Jim Dizney

500x Jim O’Neal

CLASS 60 (2)

600x Donald E. Lewis

619x Richard Jackson

PRO ATVS

CLASS 25 (5)

2a Richard Stanley

3a Roberto Ruiz

4a Rafael Torres

1a Wayne Matlock

6a Craig Christy

CLASS 24 (3)

100a Brandon Brown

101a Juan Sanchez

102a Heriberto Marquez

CLASS 26 (3)

201a Carl Vella

218a Joe Rice

200a Rob Ransford

SPORTSMAN

SPT BUGGY (4)

1401 Viry Felix

1402 Guy Ruse

1400 Peter Lang

1449 John Matney

SPT TRUCK (1)

1501 Kasra Ajir

SPT UTV (6)

1801 Bill Morris

1802 Kane Fraser

1803 Chris Koch

1800 Thomas Graves

1805 Nicola Dutta

1806 Kevin Fuller

SPT M/C 250< (10)

201x Christian Espinoza

202x Hideki Sugiyama

203x Paul Piper

204x Carlos Orenday

205x Darin Bullivant

206x Shawn McKenzie

207x Adam Acosta

208x Dennis Garcia

209x Kenneth Slater

210x Philip Kegel

SPT M/C 250> (17)

251x Jeff Palmer

252x Mike Kaplan

253x Steve Malley

254x Mike Mensinger

255x Carlos Valdez

256x Phil Whisenant

257x Mike Frick

258x Chris Parker

259x Cody Larsen

260x Nick Carapella

261x Jeb Boynton

262x Naoki Kusano

263x Ulises Fierro

264x Yoram Lavee

265x Philip Jones

298x Louie Montano

299x Yvan Perroud

SPT ATV (5)

51a John Zelenka

52a Moises Saiza

53a Paul Engen

54a Juan Dominguez

55a Jesus Sanchez

October 2^nd, 2011

Blackwell, TX

Jesse James in his #54 Geiser built Trophy Truck brought home the overall win in the first annual BRT Chupacabra 300 with a time of 8 hours and 5 minutes. Jesse spent the day competing against the likes of Roger Norman running “Wild Bill” Stuever’s #88 Trophy Truck, Zorba Racing & 9 other unlimited vehicles that started. Jesse, known for his shows such as Monster Garage and up coming Biker Build-Off duel against OCC and Paul Jr. Designs.

Friday dawned cool and clear which set the stage for unlimited vehicle qualifying where rock donkey Jason Sherer took the pole followed by Mike Walser in his class 1 unlimited and Rick Geiser in the #27 Trophy Truck of Carl Beal’s.

Saturday’s 12PM start time afforded racers some much-needed rest for the long day ahead. The course, consisting of many twists and turns meandered through hillsides and meadows of Texana Ranch. Combined with a high speed and silt sections the Chupacabra 300 made for a challenging day.

Top Qualifier Jason Sherer went down quickly on the first lap with a blown motor giving Mike Walser the lead for 3 laps until Roger Norman battled his way to the front. Norman lead for 1 lap until a fuel cell issue ended his day. Jesse James was able to gain the lead in front of Jason Shipman after a tire change. Jesse was consistent all day with zero problems and was able to work his way up front from 8^th to 1^st in 6 laps and held his lead to the finish.

Sunday’s award ceremony concluded with Michael Fletcher of Pat Sims #777 WFO Racing Team dropped­ to one knee and proposed to his fiancé Jamie Flowers. Proving once again the BRT is a family affair.

“The race was epic, the course got better after it got beat in and was a lot of fun. Some buffalo charged us by the jumps and we had to swerve to miss them, that was awesome!” stated Jesse James.

Words & Photos by Brian Binkert

TOP 5 Unlimited Car & Truck

54 Jesse James (Overall, Time 8:05:29)

1514 Jason Shipman (8:09:24)

1533 Mike Walser (9:30:40)

60 Mike Voudouris (9:34:42)

1858 Dean Van Dam (10:59:08)

Other Class Winners

4400 Unlimited – #4470 Clint Ellett (8:48:16)

7 Unlimited – #7221 Jason Helm (9:24:11)

3000 Desert Lites – #3667 Joe Dixon (11:18:12)

1600 – #1644 Peter Hardsteen (10:00:43)

5 Unlimited – #5016 Steve Tyo (10:02:36)

UTV Unlimited – #1923 Lana Richards (10:15:07)

UTV Sportsman – #1902 Tom Marek (2:10:06, Short Course)

Official Starters 39 / Finishers 19

Chris Leitner of Baja Racing of Texas commented, “Our success of the 2011 season far exceeded our expectations. The support we received from our volunteers, racers, landowners and sponsors validated our vision for off-road racing in Texas. 2012 promises to be bigger and better and we can’t wait to get started.” Make plans to join the BRT for the expanded and exciting 2012 season.

2012 BRT Schedule

Blackwell 250 (March 8^th-11^th)

Texas 500 (July 5^th-8^th)

Chupacabra 300 (October 4^th-7^th)

Meet BRT Staff Member Casper “Welcome to Texas, you ‘all come back now!”

For more information on Baja Racing of Texas visit http://www.bajaracingtexas.com

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Mad Media Wednesdays are back with a vengeance! It’s one thing to be able to drive a car on two wheels, but it’s completely another level when you can put a 6000lb trophy truck on two wheels at will and drive it around! Check out this clip we shot a couple years ago in Germany at Powerdays of off-road bad ass “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin driving his trophy truck on two wheels! Enjoy!

Race videos from the 2011 SCORE San Felipe 250.

Set your DVR’s “The Baja 300:Powerdays” begins airing on FUEL TV February 23 at 9:00pm ET/PT.

Produced By Mad Media

Directed by The Martelli Brothers

Additional Air Dates:

Race-dezert.com coverage of the 2011 BITD Parker 425. Video interviews with some of the top finishers with race footage, and highlight videos of the race.

First video of today’s BITD Parker 425 race.

Interview with Jesse Jones, overall winner.

Race footage and interview with Chad Ragland at the BITD Parker 425.

Race footage and interview with Sam Berri at the BITD Parker 425.

Race footage and interview with Jesse James at the BITD Parker 425.

2011 BITD Parker 425 race day highlight video round 2.

Race-dezert.com coverage of the 2011 BITD Parker 425. Second round of video highlights.

Race-dezert.com coverage of the 2011 BITD Parker 425. Race footage and interview with Jesse James.

Today marked the first race of the season for BITD out in Parker, AZ. With over 250 entries, the desert was filled with race vehicles pushing the limits to what they are capable of. As we are typing this the race is still going on, with a time limit ending at 1am, but here are a few things that stood out from today.

- Sam Berri won Class 1500, even after losing 3rd and 4th gear halfway through the race.
- BJ Baldwin’s co-driver Jonny had to take over driving duties after BJ came ill.
- Andy McMillin was leading the race when he put his truck on its side, causing damage that ended his race.
- Word on the street was that there were 17 Geiser Trophy Trucks entered. Pistol was not one of them.
- Sam Berri’s new nickname is now “Qualifying Killer”.
- Robby Gordon reportedly out of race due to a hole in the radiator.
- Camburg Racing lost some time off the start after a Class 1500 car rolled in front of them and they tried to push them off the track, getting stuck

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Photos by HighRev Photography

Race-dezert.com coverage of the 2011 BITD Parker 425 Time Trials.  Part 1 and 2 videos including the top 5 qualifiers.

Parker 425 Qualifying Results

1 - Sam Berri

This groundbreaking event took place in Germany and brought the worlds of off-road and rally racing together. “Powerdays” is the brainchild of rally savant Armin Schwartz and features four classes of off-road vehicles racing on the same course, at the same time. The half-hour program showcases rally drivers Ken Block, Petter Solberg, and Gigi Galli, along with off-road racers Jesse James, “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin, Gustavo Viladolsiva, and Danny Sullivan. Powerdays, which was sanctioned by SCORE International and viewed live by more than 50,000 German race fans, includes some of the most intense off-road racing action ever captured on film. Highlights of the show include BJ Baldwin jumping over Ken Block, while a freestyle motocross team executes tricks over BJ, in the midst of a massive fireworks show! “Powerdays” begins airing on Wednesday February 23 at 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT on FUEL TV.

Produced by Mad Media

Directed by The Martelli Brothers

Deal includes coverage of 2010 General Tire Mint 400 and Baja 300: Powerdays races.

SAN DIEGO, CA – Mad Media, the San Diego-based multi-discipline creative agency, is excited to announce that it signed a multi-show deal with FUEL TV for several action-packed films, focusing on off-road and rally racing, including the 2010 General Tire Mint 400 and the Baja 300: Powerdays races. Both shows will air in February on FUEL TV, the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports and the stories that surround them.

“We believe FUEL TV is the perfect fit for off-road related content,” says Mad Media’s Creative Director Matt Martelli. “They have a perfect audience for these shows-avid motocross riders and off-road race fans. We know there’s a lot of potential for crossover, and we want to share the thrill of off-road racing with these fans.”

The first show to telecast on FUEL TV will be exclusive coverage of the “2010 General Tire Mint 400.” Held just north of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Mint is an annual off-road race that began in 1967. Called the “The Great American Desert Race” in the mid-70s, it features a legendary 400-mile course considered by many to be the toughest in North American off-road racing. The Mint draws hundreds of participants, thousands of fans, and many celebrities. It was depicted in Hunter S. Thompson’s epic novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” in 1971, which was later made into a feature film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro. The hour-long show on FUEL TV features Mad Media’s patented style of dynamic cinematography, cut to a modern soundtrack with narration by Dick Ervasti, and will begin airing on February 16, at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT.

Following the Mint, FUEL TV will air another exciting show called “Baja 300: Powerdays.” This groundbreaking event took place in Germany and brought the worlds of off-road and rally racing together. “Powerdays” is the brainchild of rally savant Armin Schwartz and features four classes of off-road vehicles racing on the same course, at the same time. The half-hour program showcases rally drivers Ken Block, Peter Solberg, and Gigi Galli, along with off-road racers Jesse James, “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin, Gustavo Viladolsiva, and Danny Sullivan. Powerdays, which was sanctioned by SCORE International and viewed live by more than 50,000 German race fans, includes some of the most intense off-road racing action ever captured on film. Highlights of the show include BJ Baldwin jumping over Ken Block, while a freestyle motocross team executes tricks over BJ, in the midst of a massive fireworks show! “Powerdays” begins airing on February 23 at 9:00pm ET/PT.

Both the “Mint” and “Powerdays” were produced by Mad Media and directed by Matt and Joshua Martelli (The Martelli Brothers), who have gained notoriety for their groundbreaking “Gymkhana” viral film series, featuring Ken Block. “Gymkhana THREE” was recently selected by YouTube as one of the ten most memorable viral films of 2010, and has already racked up an incredible 23-million views. Combined, the series has netted more than 80-million views, making it the most successful viral film series in history.

“What we’ve been able to prove with the Gymkhana series is that branded content can be an extremely effective marketing tool if produced correctly,” says Mad Media’s Director of TV/Film Production Joshua Martelli. “With the ‘Mint’ and ‘Powerdays’ shows, we’re extending our reach beyond DVD and web delivery and showing that the quality of the programming we deliver must have that same core appeal and that same recipe, if we expect TV viewers to embrace it. We’re psyched to have FUEL TV as a partner in that effort.”

Mad Media

Mad Media is San Diego based multi-discipline creative agency that offers professional print, web, and film production. Mad Media specializes in creating culturally relevant brand messaging that features professional athletes, musicians, and artists for the action sports, motorsports and mixed martial arts cultures. Known for producing the viral series “Gymkhana,” one of the most successful viral films in history, Mad Media produces premium content for all mediums. For more information got to www.madmedia.com

FUEL TV

FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports and the stories that surround them. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. See why young adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 30 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

For this years SCORE Baja 1000 my assignment was to chase the McMillin Racing team.   My usual cohort was the legendary Scott Smith of Paradigm Productions, and our buddy Johnny “The Slayer” Rukkas. We headed down Wednesday morning to get down there before contingency started so that we made sure we caught them rolling through tech. Luckily for us, around 5:45am Scott got a text from Beau of McMillin Racing asking when we were headed down. Beau was already sitting in line waiting for tech to start in the #31 Trophy Truck, so we knew first thing when we got there we’d be able to catch them.

One of the first things we came across when we got there was a local security guard. He also doubles as a photographer.

Our main goal for Wednesday was to get a few shots of all four vehicles (Andy/Scott #31, Mark #23, Dan #103, and Luke #1648), and a few lifestyle shots of the team and the overall atmosphere of the day.

Here is Beau enjoying his time down in Baja. Beau is a hard working part of the McMillin team who spends countless nights at the shop prepping and fabbing.

Here is a shot of Mark, Dan and Luke’s cars going through town. I got up on the PCI Race Radios trailer to get a higher vantage point so that you can get a good feel of the crowd.

While walking through contingency admiring all the T-Shirts with my stolen photos on them, we came across a life size driver cuttout for people to take photos with. Scott wanted in on the action so he made his best Tom Selleck impression.

Johnny gave it a try but he is a little height impaired, but luckily they had a pink and yellow plastic stool for kids to use.

A lot of the drivers and team members get asked by the locals for autographs, stickers, and posters. For some reason a little boy came up to Scott to ask him for an autograph, I’m pretty sure he signed it, “Thanks for liking the mustache.”

With all our clients through tech, and after strolling through a few times we decided to head back to the Hotel Coral so Scott could get all McMillin’s incar cameras inline, and relax before a long day ahead of us.

Our game plan for race day was to follow the lead group and catch them three times before the sun went down over the mountains.  It would be a tough thing to do in the first part of the race course because it basically paralleled the highway for the majority of the first 145 miles before they turned down and headed towards Diablo Dry Lake. After we caught them a 3rd time we were going to head down to San Felipe and meet up with our friends who were pitting for some friends.

Race morning came around and the first thing we did before heading out was to get some footage of the McMillins getting ready before they headed over to staging, and then go to the start line to get some more shots before the start of the race.

Legend Larry Ragland teamed up with Jesse Jones and was good to see him out in a trophy truck again.

McMillins crew chief Greg Williams talks with Mark McMillin before heading over to staging.

Over at staging near the start line we caught up with the McMillins to get a few more shots before we had to head out to the course. Our plan was to leave about 15 minutes before the start of the race so that we could beat the leaders to the road crossing at Ojos.

Here is an overview shot of the staging area.

A racer taking a breather before the start of the race, preparing for the long journey ahead.

Team McMillin nice and relaxed about 20 minutes before the start of the race.

Here is a shot of Andy and Dan. Dan the camera is over here.

Andy is one of the more popular drivers down in Baja, a lot of the younger fans of the sport look up to him and he always takes the time to sign autographs and receive kisses on the cheek.

11:15am hit the clock so it was time for us to get on the road towards Ojos. We wanted to get to the road crossing before the leaders went by because once they do they stop traffic for a while to let racers go by. If we were to get caught there we would miss both Andy and Mark there since they started 4th and 9th respectively, and also run the risk of missing them at our next planned spot. Luckily we timed it right and didn’t hit any bad traffic and were able to catch the leaders pass by.

We knew the photos we’d get here wouldn’t be anything spectacular, our goal was to catch them hear early because they’d still be clean, and it was at a spot where we’d be able to catch them again down the road. For this spot I just wanted to show the crowd at the road crossing to get the feel for a Baja race.

Roger Norman was first off the line and first car to go through Ojos.

Andy McMillin gets on the gas after crossing the pavement at Ojos.

After the first 10 trucks went by, we hurried back to the truck and headed to our next planned spot which was where they get back on the dirt after getting on the first pavement section after KM77. Here is a Google Earth shot of where we went. We didn’t know what the spot would be like so we just walked down the graded road until we hit the right hand turn marked by the blue dot.

It turned out to be a pretty good spot as the turn was a little soft and already grooved out from prerunning.

Roger Norman

Vildosola Racing

BJ Baldwin

We could only stay there for the first 4 trucks so that we made sure we beat them down to near San Matias for our third spot on the course. At this spot we were able to catch the leaders, and stay through the Class 10 cars. We originally planned to head towards Checkpoint 2, but the only way to get back to the highway would be to back track on the course, so instead we decided to shoot near the highway before they make the turn and head towards Diablo Dry Lake.

You can see in the Google Earth shot that the course is literally next to the highway, and that there are a few washes that the course crosses making a few good bumps and whoops.

The cars and trucks were coming at us head on at a pretty good pace, and with the highway on one side, and bushes on the other it would be hard to get a side shot, so I decided to shoot this area head on. It was another shot that you could show the spectators in the shot to get a feel for Baja.

Specators look on as Robby Gordon makes his way down the course. Some spectators didn’t know it was him after he went by because of the new Specialized, Speed Energy paint scheme. Apparently they don’t read RDC.

Troy Herbst flies down the course with Jimmy Cook of Sinister Films hot on their tale videoing the action.

Mango Racing making a clean pass on the AGM Class 1 car.

By this time the sun was getting lower in the sky, and the next spot would be in the dark. Once Dan McMillin went by us, and after the 10 and 12 cars started to pass by we hit the road another time to try and beat Luke McMillin to the Puertocitos area south of San Felipe where we would meet up with another group of friends. This was another spot where we didn’t really know what the area would be like, but since it was at night it wasn’t as important because the background would be irrelevant.

We unfortunately missed Luke there, but I was working with two other photograph friends of mine to trade out photos so not all was lost. Both Brian from Bink Designs and Art from Art Eugenio Photography were able to catch him earlier in the race.

For my setup I used Pocketwizards to fire a Canon 550ex flash. The flash was set to manual at 1/2 power, and my camera settings were ISO 400, Shutter Speed 1/160th, and Aperture 7.1. Because the flash isn’t as powerful as a full strobe, I had to set it right next to the side of the course, but I actually prefer the look it gives lighting up only the car.

Here car #1608 has some mechanical problems, so the co-driver sits on the front passenger side to keep weight off the rear.

The benefit of firing a flash remotely instead of having it on the hot shoe is that it gives you a more realistic shot, but more importantly it gives you the freedom to walk around.

You can shoot it from the driver side.

Jesse James

Eco-Boost Ford Raptor

You could also shoot from the passenger side, giving you a little more dramatic look.

And finally you could shoot from the driver side again, but this time from behind the vehicle.

As time went on we decided to call it a night and head back to our friends house south of town. After a few fish tacos near Miramar, and trading a few stories from the day with friends we called it a night. Overall our game plan of catching the lead group three times worked out great, we didn’t have any problems, and made it home safe. Congrats to not only everyone who finished the Baja 1000, but also those who braved to attempt it.

Before our drive home Friday morning we were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise on the beaches of San Felipe. It was a great way to top off another great Baja experience.

Story and Photos by HighRev Photography

West Coast Choppers CEO Committed to Full 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Schedule

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – October 4, 2010 – Potts Racing announced today that it has signed West Coast Choppers Chief Executive Officer and noted television personality Jesse James to race for its team for the full 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series schedule.

“We are excited to have Jesse with us and we are confident that he will bring us several podium finishes in 2011,” said Potts Racing team owner Craig Potts. “Potts Racing is looking forward to having Jesse on board not only for his past racing experience but his desire to prove himself as a premiere Pro 2 driver.”

Jesse has committed to the entire 2011 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series as well as two additional races in Crandon, Wisconsin. He will be accompanied by fellow Potts Racing drivers Craig Potts, Curt Potts, Cole Potts and Mike Mastro (of nationally known Mastro’s Restaurants). Along with the Lucas Series, Potts Racing will also race their Trophy Truck in the SCORE and Best in the Desert off-road racing leagues. Potts Racing is based in Scottsdale, Arizona with offices in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to founding the world-famous West Coast Choppers, Jesse has been host of the long-running Discovery Channel series Monster Garage, as well as the recent Spike TV hit Jesse James is a Dead Man. He is also the publisher of the quarterly Garage Magazine.

“I’m at a point in life where all I want to do is race,” said Jesse James, when asked about this new chapter in his life. “I’m ready to commit to this sport 100% and prove myself as a real competitor. I am thankful Potts Racing has given me the opportunity to be part of their team.”

For media information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nick Mazzio at (480) 862-5765. Further information on Potts Racing can be viewed on its website at www.pottsracing.com.

Jesse James Geiser Trophy Truck

Photos by: Durka Durka Photo

[Show as slideshow]

Jesse James talks about the recent California 200 off-road racing accident and how you can help by making a donation to fast-aid.org

The August edition of our Video of the Month series features the Power Days 300 held in Germany earlier this year. Be part of Off-Road history when Trophy Trucks for the first time set ground in Europe. BJ Baldwin, Jesse James, Gus Vildosola, Armin Schwarz, Marten Christensen, Danny Sulivan, Ken Block, Petter Solberg, Mathias Kahle, Cyril Despres and Hermann Gassner are just some of the drivers that participated at the Power Days 300.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Learn more about this and upcoming Power Days in Germany – LINK

To get this video into your iphone/ipod – LINK

Race-Dezert.com coverage of the Baja 300 Powerdays in Lausitz Germany.

Superstars and fans celebrated an unforgettable offroad festival
A premiere to remember: The BAJA 300 POWERDAYS raced full throttle into the hearts of offroad fans.

Superstars like US hero Jesse James, rally star Petter Solberg as well as motocross ace and Dakar winner Cyril Despres rocked the Lausitz.
Berlin. Around 20,000 ardent fans celebrated a unique motorsport festival at the debut of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany, despite changeable weather conditions – with intervals of sun and rain. On the invitation of ex-European Rally Champion Armin Schwarz as initiator as well as Sal Fish, President of the SCORE International, as the world’s largest offroad race association, representatives from all categories of offroad racing met for the first time for take part in an inaugural show event in Germany’s Lausitz region, 90 minutes drive to the south-east of Berlin.

On a 2,350-metre purpose-built track, over 30 top pilots, including world and European champions, Indy and Dakar winners, freestyler and motocross aces from 14 countries, displayed offroad action at its very best with the world’s most spectacular offroad machines, rally cars and motorbikes. An elite group of rally specialists joined the action at the summit meeting, with US superstars from the SCORE Offroad Series like Jesse James, West Coast hero and husband of Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock, as well as B.J. Baldwin and Danny Sullivan with their 850 hp SCORE-Trophy Trucks und Buggys giving European fans a taste of spectacular desert racing. In their World Rally Cars, ex-World Rally Champion Petter Solberg and his WRC colleague Gigi Galli were joined by world famous stunt hero Ken Block, whose antics have been viewed on YouTube millions of times. Rally and marathon raid ace Nasser Al-Attiyah from Qatar, production world rally champion Andreas Aigner and British rally ace Kris Meeke stunned the crowd with their sheer speed on gravel.

Joining the two-wheel faction were a dozen motorbike hotshots, including Dakar winner Cyril Despres and Enduro champion Anders Eriksson. At the closing Mega-Jump competition, where three totally different vehicles took off simultaneously, the top freestylers with Nick Franklin from New Zealand claimed the right to be ‘Kings of the Airspace’.

West Coast hero Jesse James said: “I’m like a lion in a cage. I was let out here with my Trophy Truck and I hope the fans in Europe had as much fun as I did.” Rally star Petter Solberg, always surrounded by a huge fan following, grinned: “A huge show for our fans. Our sport has never been showcased like this.” Dakar winner Cyril Despres: “I’ve experienced a lot, but this is surely one of the craziest experiences. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be flying through the air with my cross bike with rally cars flying at a slightly lower level, showing names like Block, Solberg and Galli – awesome! There’s no doubt about it – I’ll be back next year.”

The media response was massive: Over 150 press representatives, including over 20 radio and TV stations, reported directly from the Lausitz. RTL, Europe’s largest private TV station, broadcasts highlights of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany in the lead up to the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, 26th July from 12.30 hours.

And to conclude with some more great news: The show goes on. In July 2010 a 300-mile race takes off for the first time on European soil, following the concept of the famous SCORE BAJA 1000 in Mexico. This was announced as part of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany by SCORE boss Sal Fish and Armin Schwarz. “All the spectacular action and the emotional moments we experienced along the way this weekend have confirmed our decision. We stand for motorsport where superstars and fans alike can indulge their passion. We’ll be back again at the SCORE BAJA 300 Germany,” said the two in unison.

All systems go: the offroad show of superstars is ready to roar in the Lausitz

We’re ready: the purpose-built track is finished, the fan mile is go, the pilots are here in Germany, all race cars are ready to roar

Gentlemen, start your engines: over 30 drivers from 13 countries compete. Welcome: the fan areas are ready for action and parties Berlin. It’s all go at last! This coming weekend the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany (24 – 26 July 2009) takes off into Europe’s largest and most extraordinary offroad action show. North of Dresden in Germany’s Lausitz region, a 2,350 metre gravel track was created during the last weeks. Here, stars from the infamous US Baja desert races display what they can do with their up to 850 hp machines. Flying in from Los Angeles with the heroes of the American fans is Sal Fish, CEO and President of the world’s most important offroad association SCORE International.

From the World Rally Championship come top pilots with their high-tech World Rally Cars and S2000 lightweight racers. Motocross and freestyler bikes with world renowned drivers guarantee breathtaking action. Over 30 drivers from 13 countries – including many world champions, Indy winners, Dakar victors and national champions – offer fans two days of spectacular feats with hair-raising engine sounds, non-stop slides, high speed sprints and above all spectacular airborne antics from the numerous launching ramps scattered around the track. Up to six vehicles at a time are at the limit on the track.

The track, camping ground and car park are nestled over a huge area, where fans – and this is the philosophy of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS – have access to all areas. In the open paddock, they can peer over the shoulders of mechanics or talk shop with stars. Everything that’s interesting for offroad fans can be seen in the fan mile. Not only can enthusiasts enjoy the offroad action in all its spectacular glory from the grandstands. With a little luck in a lottery or ‘stickability’ in the bucking bronco competition, several fortunate people can win a ride as co-driver in a race car.

And in the evenings the action continues: it’s party time! On Friday, celebrate at the Mexican Baja Night and get a taste of what it’s like in Baja California, home of the spectacular US and Mexican desert races. On Saturday it’s all on for fans and motorsport stars at the After Race Party. It’s not just about hot rhythms, but there’s also a mega-jump contest for race cars and motorbikes with leaps of up to 70 metres – goose bumps guaranteed!

More than 100 journalists will cover the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany. RTL, one of Europe’s biggest TV stations, broadcasts live on Saturday, and on Sunday, 26 July, shows highlights of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany in the lead up to the Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix from 12.30 hours.

TICKETS: Included in the ticket prices of 18 Euro (from www.eventim.de as well as all Eventim box offices) is access to the grandstands, to the drivers’ paddock, fan mile, parking area and the chance to camp, as well as the Mexican Baja Night and After Race Party. Those who purchase their tickets in advance receive access to the “Fast Lane” without traffic congestion directly to the track. From the townships of Boxberg (B156) and Rietschen (B115), visitors are directed to the event grounds of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany.
22 July 2009

Further information and copyright free photos are available on www.baja300-powerdays.com.

It’s all go – The BAJA 300 POWERDAYS pick up momentum

It’s a must see: “YouTube clip billionaire” Ken Block totally sideways at the Baja 300 Powerdays Germany.
US TV celeb and “Mr Chopper”, Jesse James, not only brings his 850 hp SCORE Trophy Truck, but will very likely be accompanied by his wife, Hollywood star Sandra Bullock.

For the fans: Superstars, offroad action, paddock open for all, fan mile, race night party, camping ground – and all for just 18 Euro plus pre-sales taxes. Fan tickets at Europe’s leading ticketing and live entertainment company CTS Eventim AG at www.eventim.de

Berlin. Fasten your seat belts and hold on tight, because here they come: Jesse James, one of the US West Coast’s most colourful personalities, joins the action at the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany (24/25 July). The founder and owner of the cult firm “West Coast Choppers” became famous through numerous TV productions which all focus on horsepower… lots of horsepower. Currently his new TV series featuring death defying stunts started in the US, entitled “Jesse James is a Dead Man”. For a most spectacular show at the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany Jesse brings his 850+hp SCORE Trophy Truck. Jesse will back-up his fearless colleagues from the SCORE International Offroad Series B.J. Baldwin, Danny Sullivan, and Gus Vildosola.

Not only motorsport fans in Europe hope that the 40-year-old will come to the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS together with his wife, Hollywood star Sandra Bullock. Which wouldn’t be too much of a surprise as the star of “Miss Congeniality” and “Crash” has her roots in Germany: Her mother is a German opera singer, her grandfather used to be a rocket scientist in Germany’s Nuremberg. And there’s another connection: Sandra Bullock’s big breakthrough as an actress came with the movie “Speed”.

Besides Jesse James another superstar of the US American motorsport and action scene has entered the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS: Ken Block, who stuns fans around the world with his incredible car stunts, will make his premiere in Germany at the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS. On “YouTube”, fans witnessed the North American Rally Champion storming ski slopes, snowboard half-pipes and airfields including the hangars in his rally car far more the 20 billion times. Or flying though the air and breaking all records with his Subaru rally car. For some spectacular video action of Ken Block, just visit the official website of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS at www.baja300-powerdays.com.

Action driver Ken Block will reinforce the rally faction around former World Champion Petter Solberg from Norway and his colleague Gigi Galli from Italy. And there is also strong back-up for the freestyle and motocross bikers. The KTM factory team with double Dakar winner Cyril Despres and motocross freestyler Petr Pilat will be joined by the works squads of BMW Enduro and Husqvarna at the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS.
The 2,350 metre long gravel circuit in a vast natural arena features parallel tracks which are specially laid out for the 800+hp SCORE offroad monsters, the high tech World Rally Cars and the motocross bikes. Spectacular action, great engine sounds and insane sideways cornering are only part of the show. The highlight of each lap will be the crossroads where the cars and bikes launch from ramps and become airborne. The circuit is located within easy reach in Germany’s Lausitz region between the cities Berlin and Dresden, close to the villages of Boxberg and Rietschen. There’s a vast camping ground right at the track.

Featuring stars of the motorsports and celeb scene, the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany are a must in the calendars of drivers, teams and fans alike. Advance sales began mid-May and are exceeding all expectations. Tickets are 18.00 Euro (+pre-sales fees) and available at www.eventim.de as well as at the Eventim-counters all over Germany. For more information about ticketing and for everything about the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany please visit www.baja300-powerdays.com.

World Champions meets Young Guns: Superstars and youngsters on four or two wheels share the spectacular POWERDAYS tracks in the Lausitz. Gus Vildosola brings his Ford F150 from Mexico

Jesse James in the #54 Trophy Truck

As the latest confirmation, SCORE front-runner Gus Vildosola has the reputation as the fastest Mexican from the top line-up in the world’s most fiercely contested offroad series. At the 40th anniversary of the BAJA 1000, Gus clinched second place, narrowly missing out of claiming the first win for a non-American at the infamous offroad classic. Accompanying Vildosola and his ca. 850 hp Ford F150 Trophy Truck to the mega event in Germany is a delegation from the Baja California peninsula Tourist Board.

Armin Schwarz Class One

As initiator of the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Armin Schwarz is also giving the young guns a chance. In front of huge crowds, top rally juniors from the ADAC trust sport, Herrmann Gassner jr (20) and Mark Wallenwein (22) can show off their sideways qualities. It’s anything but a walk in the park. For the two juniors, it’s about coming out on top in the gravel against other young players from the racing scene.

Their stage is a 2,350 metre offroad track with a special layout for each vehicle category. The crossroads are the special kick, which thanks to ramps are crossed in the air. The corners are another highlight: Banked up to three metres high, as known from US sprint races and motocross sport, they enable Trophy Trucks and “Unlimited” Buggys to roar through at breathtaking speeds. Compact gravel and tricky corners await the World Rally Cars. The motocross freestylers look forward to the jumps from which they take off and fly up to 15 metres high. All this created in a motorsport arena in the Lausitz – and is unique in Europe. The bulldozers are still running at full revs with hundreds of thousands of tons of earth
moved in the next five weeks.

One price for all: 18 Euro ticket price includes parking, camping, Race Night. Tickets available now – via CTS Eventim AG, Europe’s leading ticketing and live entertainment agency

The interest is not only huge amongst the main players. Ticket sales have just begun for the BAJA 300 POWERDAYS Germany, and are in hot demand. One ticket opens all doors: the spectator areas, the fan mile and paddock, the Racing Night Party and camping ground and of course the car park. The price: 18 Euro.

Tickets are available via the ticket link on the official homepage www.baja300-powerdays.com. Moreover, tickets can be purchased in advance from all sales box offices of CTS Eventim AG, Europe’s leading ticketing and live entertainment company, with over 2,500 agencies in Germany alone, as well as via the Eventim Ticket Hotline 01805 570000 (14 cents/minute in Germany – mobile prices may differ) or via internet directly at www.eventim.de