Best in the Desert’s Vegas to Reno is the longest, most treacherous, off-road race in the United States. Starting outside of Las Vegas in the mining town of Beatty, NV, the 550-mile course winds its way across the badlands of Nevada. Racers encounter a mix of high-speed graded roads, wicked silt beds, rocky washes, mountain passes, and giant rolling hills. With more than 300 entries, this race is one of the most difficult to finish, let alone win.

The Monster Energy Off-Road Team lead by Trophy Truck Champion “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin came with guns blazing as the team managed to qualify four vehicles in the top-20 during qualifying on Wednesday. The team consisted of “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin, Troy Herbst, Tim Herbst, Larry Roesler, Jerry Zaiden, and Jerry Whelchel in Trophy Trucks. Representing Monster Energy in Class 1 was bike veteran Mikey Childress.

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

Monster Energy presents: On-Board with Monster Energy at BITD Vegas to Reno 2011. The Monster Energy off-road team attacked the Nevada desert at this years Best in The Desert Vegas to Reno. Experience what it’s like to ride on-board with “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin as he hits speeds in excess of 140mph across barren dry-lake beds, or through the crazy rally roads of the Nevada hills with Mikey Childress. Ride shotgun as race legend Larry Roessler battles brutal rocky washes and blinding silt beds that make up this insane course. Strap in and check out the insane desert racing action presented by Monster Energy.

Directed by The Martelli Brothers, Produced by Mad Media

Race-dezert.com was in full force covering this years 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 500. In addition to the live start and finish line video, IRC tracking, leaderboard updates, race bulletins and the live Weatherman race radio channel, RDC was also out on course in multiple locations catching some great race action. In addition to the race action we included a few drivers talking about the race.

Race results update: After this video was released SCORE updated the results after penalties which changed the Trophy Truck top 5 we listed in the video. See official results here

The 2011 NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally came to an end Saturday May 7th in La Paz.  Check out the gallery of finish line and awards ceremony pictures below.

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Detailed overall results for 2011 NORRA Mexican 1000

Evolution

Vintage

The 2011 NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally came to an end today in La Paz, Baja California. The results below are unofficial and the latest from NORRA as of 5-8-11.

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Detailed overall results for 2011 NORRA Mexican 1000

Evolution

Vintage

The 2011 RECORD championship series put on by Ramon Castro will be comprised of 5 dates with both summer and winter editions of the Ensenada-San Felipe 250.

The season, which is just around the corner, will be similar to the 2010 series with the same 5 races to be run on Baja soil, including desirable sights such as Ensenada, San Felipe and San Vicente.

Roger Norman & Larry Roeseler hold the record for time in the Ensenada-San Felipe 250

The El Alamo 200 race, the first race of the year, is run on four 50-mile loops.  The event is held at the Ejido Heroes of Independencia, March 25th – 27th.
All of Record’s events allow both motorcycles and car entries.  The cost for motorcycle entries are $240 for the Pro Class and $180 for the Sportsman Class, and the car entries are $420 for Pro Class and $300 for Sportsman Class, plus $80 insurance for each race.

The tradition lives on with the Ensenada-San Felipe 250

For the Record events, prerunning is allowed, there are starting position drawings and the fans are very well behaved, and have not been known to set traps that may pose a risk to the racers.

Riders like Francisco Septién have been part of the events organized by Record

Photos courtesy of Iván Gallegos and René Hernández

2011 Calendar:
El Alamo 200
March 25 to 27

Ensenada-San Felipe 250
June 24 to 26

Ojos Negros 200
August 19 to 21

San Vicente 200
October 14 to 15

Race Ready 250
December 9 to 11

To learn more about record
www.recordoffroad.com

As we get closer to the start of the Mexican 1000, our news seems to continue to get more exciting!

NORRA just announced that thirteen time Baja 1000 overall winner, Larry Roeseler, has entered the 2011 NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally with a motorcycle! NORRA’s administrative director, Michele Martineau, stated “the make and model are still under wraps, but he is going to do it on two wheels, and we are very excited!” (read more here) See Larry at last year’s finish line on our YouTube page.

More exciting news is on the way soon!

Set your DVR’s! The 2010 General Tire Mint 400 on FUEL TV begins Airing on Wednesday February 16, at8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT.

Produced by Mad Media

Directed by the Martelli Brothers

Additional Air Dates:

RENO, NV     AUGUST 16, 2010  – After two years with Norman Motorsports, Larry Roeseler will step away from the Norman Motorsports team.  Roger Norman and Larry Roeseler have had many successes as a team including a 2008 Baja 1000 win, 2008 Primm 300 win, 2010 Mint 400 win and 2009 Baja 1000 2^nd place finish.  “There is no doubt we have had a very successful run, and I wish him the best in his new ventures,” said Norman.            Larry Roeseler was the second driver in the #8 Crystal Bay Casino Trophy Truck for half of 2008, all of 2009 and now half of 2010.Roger Norman is currently talking with several drivers for the 2011 season.  “I want to win, and so I need to have the best with me in the truck,” said Norman.  Immediately, he will have Armin Schwarz drive with him in the BITD Vegas to Reno race August 19-21, 2010. Other drivers will be announced as the event nears.

Next Race:

BITD Vegas to Reno ; August 19-22, 2010 http://www.bitd.com

Save the Date:

August 28^th Fundraiser at Norman Motorsports Facility in San Diego, CA supporting Cruz Roja Mexicana, FAST-Aid and Premier of Dezert People 8

December 4^th Fundraiser at Norman Motorsports Facility in San Diego, CA supporting Multiple Orphanages

Norman Motorsports Partners:

Crystal Bay Casino, BFGoodrich, KMC, Vision X, K&N Filters, Mastercraft, Fire ETC, NEO, CMI, Big Ass Fans, Safety Klean, Cruz Roja, Baja Fools, AutoVac, Fluidyne, Rod End Supply, Summers Brothers, High Angle Drivelines

Dezert Poeple 8 trailer:

Since the first release of Dezert People The Movie in 2001, the Dezert People Video Series has evolved into the longest running, action packed off-road series in the industry.  And this year, they are back with the new release of Dezert People 8, featuring the most intense off-road racing action to date.

Award winning producer Curtis Guise takes you to Baja, California, and Nevada featuring highlights of a full year of events that were shot in amazing HD video.

Dezert People 8 features some of the hottest drivers in off-road racing, including Roger Norman, Larry Roeseler, Andy McMillin, Steve Olliges, Wayne Lugo, Austin “Fish” Farner, Pat Dailey, Dan Vance, Mike Koenig, Matt Vaughn, and many more…

Along with action packed footage comes an action packed premiere tour schedule. What was once a small premiere at only one location has evolved into a series of premieres all across the county, including tour dates in both southern and northern California, Nevada, Arizona, Baja, and a new location that was added this year in Texas.

Dezert People 8

“One of the best things about releasing a new DVD is being able to travel and setup premiere events, meet the fans, and put on a fun show for all of our supporters.  And best of all, we all have a great time and a portion of the proceeds go to some great charities that impact our industry,” stated Guise.

Be sure to check out the current premiere tour schedule below and mark your calendar for one or more of these fun-filled off-road inspired events.

Dezert People 8 DVD sponsors – HPI Racing, VORRA, MasterCraft Safety, PCI Race Radios, Fox Racing Shox, Total Chaos Fabrication, Trophylite, HighRev Photography, Azuñia Tequila, Baja Junkies, Rock & Roll Offroad and race-dezert.com.

DP8 premiere sponsors/partners – Norman Motorsports, All German Motorsports, Vision X, Team Ford Las Vegas, Azuñia Tequila, Fast-Aid, Locos Mocos and Baja Pits.

Dezert People 8 premiere tour details:

August 26th – Atrium Hotel in Irvine, CA.

• $10 admission or buy the DP8 DVD for $25 and get in free. Visit www.dezertpeople.com to pre-order tickets.
• Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with a happy hour from 6-7 pm, which will include discounted tacos and great drink specials.
• All ages.
• This is a combined event with Fast-Aid, featuring a large raffle with tons of prizes.
• The first 15 people that buy the DVD get a free Azunia Tequila margarita.
• There will be a special rate of $89 (includes breakfast) for rooms at the Atrium Hotel. For those interested, please visit www.dezertpeople.com for the link to reserve a room online, or call The Atrium Hotel directly at 949-833-2770 and ask for the “Fast-Aid” rate. Offer ends August 20^th.

August 28th – Norman Motorsports. El Cajon, CA.

• $30 tax deductible donation at the door.
• includes a DP8 DVD, soft drinks, beer and Azunia Tequila margaritas.
• Become a Facebook friend of Roger Norman or Curtis Guise and RSVP to attend this very special benefit event. Fans, Sponsors, and Friends are welcome, but must RSVP. Visit the Facebook event invite here http://www.facebook.com/dezertpeopleseries
• Doors open at 2:00 p.m. Movie plays at 3pm and will play again throughout the day.
• All ages.
• This event is hosted by Norman Motorsports benefiting Cruz Roja Mexicana (the Mexican Red Cross) and Emergency Services of Erendira.
• Azunia Tequila is sponsoring the margaritas, and Locos Mocos and Baja Pits will be providing tacos (with charity donations appreciated).
• Gaming in the charity gaming area benefiting Emergency Services of Erendira as well as a silent auction benefiting Cruz Roja Mexicana.  (Only Ages 21 and will be allowed in the charity gaming area.)
• More details to be announced soon.

August 28th – Dublin Square, FT. Worth Texas.

• Free event hosted by Rock and Roll Offroad.
• Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with live bands starting at 9:00 p.m.
• All ages.
• Dublin Square is a great Irish Pub with many TV’s and a huge parking area directly off of I-35 and Western Center.
• Come check out a great collection of vehicles that will be on display, over 20 confirmed so far.
• Call Chris at the Rock and Roll Offroad Shop for any questions or for directions. (817)485-2600, http://www.dublinsquarefw.com

August 29th – K1 Speed, Carlsbad, CA.

• No cover charge, hosted by JD Films and All German Motorsports.
• Companies will have booths and vehicles on display from 2pm-7pm
• DP8 will play at 7pm.
• $5 off discount coupons will be available. Check www.dezertpeople.com for details.
• Locos Mocos and Baja Pits will be setting up a taco stand and all donations will benafit Fast-Aid.
• Second annual celebrity driver go-cart race featuring Roger Norman, Chad Ragland, Harley Letner, Ryan Arciero, Check Hovey and more.
• Vendor booth space is available, contact curtis@race-dezert.com for more info.
• Display vehicles are welcome, contact kyle@allgermanmotorsports.com if you would like to bring your race vehicle or prerunner.

August 30th – Farrelli’s Cinema, Scottsdale, AZ.

• $10 admission and DVDs will be on sale.
• Multiple shows will be throughout the night starting at 7pm.
• Full bar and dinner menu.
• The first 20 DVD sales get a FREE Azunia Tequila margarita.
• Call Farrelli’s to reserve your seats. 480-905-7200.
• This event is sponsored by Vision X Off Road Lighting.

August 31th – Sierra Gold Tavern & Pole Position, Las Vegas, NV.

• Free admission.
• Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at Sierra Gold, movie at 7:00 p.m.
• Tecate and Coors Light beer tab is sponsored by Team Ford Las Vegas / Steve Olliges!
• The first 25 to buy the DVD will get a FREE Azunia Tequila margarita.
• And the first 15 to buy the DVD will get a free race at Pole Position.
• After the premiere we will be heading over the Pole Position raceway at approx. 9pm for discounted racing and a celebrity driver showdown race with BJ Baldwin, Robby Woods, Ed & Troy Herbst, Pat Dean, TJ Flores, Steve Olliges and more!

September 4th – VORRA Hawthorne race, El Capitan Casino.

• Free admission
• All ages.
• DP8 starts immediately after the drivers meeting for the VORRA race at the El Capitan Casino.

San Jose, Mexicali and Ensenada premieres will be announced soon.

DVDs or Blu-Ray can be pre-ordered on our web site.  Keep checking www.dezertpeople.com for the latest premiere details and to place your order.

KMC Films presents the KMC team taking on the 2010 SCORE Tecate Baja 500. Follow Cameron Steele, Heidi Steele, Rodger Norman, Larry Roeseler, and Andy McMillin as they take on the toughest miles of baja.

Race-Dezert.com event coverage of the 2010 Tecate SCORE Baja 500 held in Baja California, starting and ending in Ensenada. Features such racers as Robby Gordon and Andy McMillin.

RENO, NV MAY 26, 2010 – Roger Norman and the Crystal Bay Casino team of Larry Roeseler and Eric Branstrom are focused on the win of the Baja 500 on June 5, 2010. “This is a very important race for us as a team,” states Norman, “Larry has won the Baja 500 eleven times overall and it is important that we work together to add another win to that list.” Starting 37th out of the 42 trophy trucks entered, this team will have to have their passing game in check to work their way to the front.
Recently they spent the weekend in Baja pre-running to begin making notes on the course and the passing areas. “The pre-run went excellent,” said Norman who spent his birthday on the trails of Baja. “I got to run my section three times, the first time taking over 17 hours to complete while making meticulous notes. Come race day we anticipate this section (240 miles) will take around 4 hours to complete and the overall race will take about 8 to 9 hours.” This years race will be more extreme than in recent years because of heavy rains on the coast and in the mountains.
Eric Branstrom, the co-driver for both Norman and Roeseler, has 12 years experience in the off road fab and mechanical side bringing the technical aspect to the driving team. “I know that Larry and I are going to have to work at picking off one driver at a time, and hopefully by Borego when Roger gets in we will be right in the thick of things,” comments Branstrom. “We have a lot of dust challenges so pre-running to develop quality notes will be key to our success. With the nature of racing, some will hand us the position and others we will have to fight for it.”
Norman Motorsports continues to look for winning solutions, and Norman has found an interest in learning from Rally Racing. Joining the team for the pre-run last weekend was Jen Horsey who is a rally co-driver and an in car announcer for the X-Games. “I haven’t been exposed to this sport before, so it was fun for both of us to learn a little from each other,” comments Horsey.
Larry Roeseler has eleven Baja 500 overall wins, nine on a motorcycle and two on 4 wheels, and countless more class wins which brings the team the experience that will be needed to push through the pack early in the race. “I have always been successful at this race, it’s not too long and it’s not too short, but it is always really exciting,” said Roeseler. His first official race was the Baja 500 in 1972 on a 125cc motorcycle taking the class win.
The #8 Crystal Bay Casino Norman Motorsports team will be taking on the Baja 500 June 5th with a 60 plus person team including four chase trucks, one communication bus, a video group including a helicopter and the Baja Fools will man two pits with 28 volunteers.

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Norman Motorsports Coverage for the Baja 500 can be found at http://www.justin.tv/rogernorman8 or http://www.rogernormanracing.com.

More Information on the Baja 500: http://www.score-international.com

With the Baja 1000 only two weeks away you would expect that Norman Motorsports would only be thinking about preparing to defend last years win in the Trophy Truck class at the upcoming race. But that wasn’t the case at all last Saturday night during the grand opening party at the new Norman Motorsports race shop.

Roger Norman and crew have been busy finishing their shop and also putting together one of the best events we have attended all year. $20 was collected at the door from everyone that attended which was donated to the South Bay Community Services (SBCS) for their Foster Youth Programs. They also held a silent auction with some amazing items and all proceeds were also donated to the SBCS.

There was no shortage of great food and drinks at the event. Upstairs had a full bar in the game room and the Baja Fools were there setup with a bar serving beer and margaritas downstairs in the shop. There were also appetizers being served and a full spread of Mexican food for dinner.

Since Roger and his wife Elise own the Crystal Bay Casino in North Lake Tahoe it only made sense that they would have craps, poker, black jack and roulette tables upstairs in the game room. All of the money that was used to buy in for casino chips was donated to the Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross). Everyone had a great time and the tables were always full.

We look forward to future events at Norman Motorsports and can’t wait to see how Roger Norman and Larry Roeseller do at the Baja 1000 next week.

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After much speculation and five days of review, I do not think words can explain the absolute astonishment I felt upon hearing the official results of the 2009 Baja 500.  Finally Sal Fish, President of SCORE International, has followed through on his promise of “putting teeth back into the sport.” The official results of last week’s Baja 500 were announced this morning and there were some major changes in the finishing order and results.

It looks like the proverbial silt has hit the fan at SCORE International!  After the well-publicized review of the IRC Tracker data, sixteen of nineteen finishers in the Trophy Truck Class have been penalized for course deviations or exceeding the mandated highway speed limit of 60 MPH.   Course deviation penalties, according to the SCORE website, were located at “one or more of-San Vicente (full or half), Uruapan Cemetery, Mile 375.”

With fingers pointing at the leaders, Robby Gordon and BJ Baldwin, it is now apparent that others were in violation of the rules as well.  In all fairness, some may have been following a competitor into the “cheater” lines and were unaware of their wavering from the course.  Speeding violators really have no alibi…the IRC data does not lie.

Sal Fish president of SCORE International talking to reporters

In today’s announcement, Robby Gordon was handed down a 90 minute penalty for the video-documented “illegal pit” on the highway section near Llano Colorado and a 10 minute penalty for exceeding the 60mph highway speed limit.  After factoring in the penalties, Robby Gordon’s No. 77 Monster-sponsored ride swapped finishing positions with the No. 71 General Tire truck of Rick D. Johnson.  Officially, Rick D. Johnson is now the winner of the Baja 500 Trophy Truck class while RG now claims the seventh position.

“I think it is going to bring integrity back to the sport and it is something that needed to happen.  It is a bittersweet victory.  This isn’t exactly how I would have liked to have claimed first place but I feel confident that we will all be on a level playing field from this point forward.” remarked Rick D. Johnson (RDJ) and he further added, “I still cannot believe it.  When one of the guys told me this morning that we had won the Trophy Truck class of the Baja 500, I thought they were kidding!”

Of the nineteen finishers in the Unlimited Truck Class, six gained position, seven lost position and six remained unchanged.  Kudos to the Trophy Truck drivers of the No. 84 truck of Nick Vanderway / Curt LeDuc, the No. 24 of Adam Householder, and the No. 11 of Greg Nunley for running the entire course with no apparent violations!

Nick Vanderwey, owner of the easily identifiable No. 84 “Got Milk” Trophy Truck, traded off driving duties with brother, Larry Vanderwey and long-time desert and short course racer, Curt LeDuc.  Earning a second place podium finish, the lack of apparent rules violations is impressive considering the driving duties were shared by three separate racers.  “We are all very excited with the 2nd place finish!  Prior to the race it seemed as though SCORE was putting an emphasis on rule violations and we would all be closely watched.  Larry, Curt and I made sure to keep our truck within the limits.  I believe today’s announcement will be good for the sport and the 60mph highway speed limit is necessary for the safety of the racers and local traffic,” commented Vanderwey.

Despite a sixty minute penalty for course deviation, the driving team of Roger Norman and Larry Roeseler maintained their respectable third place finish.  Looking back at this year’s San Felipe 250, Norman was the most prominent and vocal protester of Robby Gordon’s alleged course cutting and Roger’s penalty for the same violation was quite a surprise.  A review of the IRC tracking data would be interesting to determine if it was Norman or Roeseler who deviated most from the course resulting in the penalty.

An official statement by Roger Norman reads:

Roger Norman shows his IRC Tracker Course deviation

“Wow, I’m in shock. My hats off to SCORE, Sal Fish and all those involved. I did not think for a second that they would go to this level of enforcing the current rules. At San Felipe I was one of many who came forward regarding something that has been a big issue for many decades – major course cutting that can change the results of an event in a big way.

Going into the Baja 500 there were some changes to the rules regarding speed on the highway but I do not think anybody knew that the rules were going to be so well enforced for this event. Before the start of the Baja 500, Andy Grider (Gordon’s co-driver) and I spoke to Sal about major short cuts and their locations to make sure there would be a DQ for anyone who used them.  Sal confirmed that anyone who used them would be disqualified.  I never thought to ask about lines that do not make a difference on time. At the vineyards in San Vincente I was behind BJ and I saw him on the lower road. I followed him on the second half of it because it paralleled the course. Again, even though I was penalized 60 minutes for it, I am happy to see it. Sal just needed to take us all out to the woodshed… it’s all good. One thing is for sure, I will not make that mistake ever again.

This was a tough issue that needed to be dealt with and SCORE put a lot of time into it. I’m sure there will be changes coming for the rulebook regarding grey areas, contradictory rules, media helos versus non media helos and Mexico standards versus US standards. I’m sure we will all pay closer attention to Sal at the driver’s meetings and attention to the rules will give everyone an equal shot at winning.”

Included in Norman’s official statement was a Google Earth image of the alleged course cutting with Roger’s comment, “The photo I attached is of the area where I deviated from the marked course.”

Rising to an official fourth place finish was the No. 2 Trophy Truck of “Pistol” Pete Sohren.  When asked about his thoughts on the results Pete remarked, “From tenth to fourth place really means nothing to me but the fact that SCORE is enforcing the rules to even the playing field for the different size budgets is a step in the right direction.  I don’t like to wait almost a week for the results but if that is what it takes to analyze the data and keep people from cheating then I am all for it.  When I win, I won’t have to worry about the wait!”

In discussions with RDJ yesterday (prior to the official results announcement) he mentioned he had not intentionally or knowingly cut course but there was one section of the highway where he may have gone over the posted speed limit.  “When you are in race mode it is hard to keep it under 60mph on the asphalt but for the most part I think we ran a clean and honest race.  It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow.”

The official results grid reflected a minor 5 minute penalty handed down to Johnson for exceeding the highway speed limit.  The two major offenders of the highway speed limit were the No. 74 Trophy Truck of Rob Bruce with a 140 minute penalty while the No. 28 Trophy Truck piloted by Alan Pflueger was handed down a 71 minute violation for the same infraction.  Johnson’s minor penalty pales in comparison to the above named offenders.  I would almost guess RDJ’s violation truly was a mere oversight (as he claimed) while Bruce’s and Pflueger’s were apparently intentional.

Winning some and losing some seems to be the theme for General Tire as SCORE International “Unleashed the Fury” with the unexpected penalties for rules violations.  General’s newly sponsored driver, BJ Baldwin, has fallen from an unofficial second place podium to an official eighth place finish.  Tony Talbert, Light Truck Product Manager of General Tire, declined to comment on either sponsored driver or the official results, “Until the dust settles.”

BJ Baldwin's 2nd place finish was adjusted to 8th place after review of GPS tracking device

After the race and prior to the official results announcement, BJ Baldwin stated, “I took the exact same lines as I did in last year’s 500.”  In a follow-up conversation, BJ was very candid with his thoughts on the SCORE ruling.  “I am not ashamed of my performance.  I am not a cheater and nothing has changed in the way I drive and the course that I have taken in the past five years of racing the Baja 500.  I think this decision to penalize 85% of the Unlimited Classes makes us all look like fools in the sport and makes SCORE International look bad.  I have a professional team and we are professional racers and I believe SCORE has handled this issue in an unprofessional manner.  The lines I took that were off the beaten path were not necessarily shorter or provided me an advantage.  I was following Robby Gordon’s dust most of the day and took the necessary lines to try and pass him.  How does an established trail with no wrong way markings become a deviation from the course?  I also do not think that Robby Gordon should be penalized for his pitting violation.  There were numerous pitting infractions by many of the other teams and unless you are going to penalize everyone equally then it is an unfair ruling.  Regardless of the actions by SCORE, I would like to extend my congratulations to both Harley Letner for earning the overall and Rick D. Johnson for the trophy truck win!”

Robbie Pierce, driver of record for the No. 35 Trophy Truck, was handed down the largest penalty of 150 minutes for course deviation.  In sharp contrast to BJ Baldwin’s sentiments, Pierce stated, “I spoke with Sal Fish yesterday and he seemed distraught with the controversy.  I told him I whole-heartedly believed that credibility needed to be restored to the sport and if I was to be penalized for any violations, then so be it.  I support SCORE’s ruling 100% and will race how they want – whether that is checkpoint-to-checkpoint or by IRC data.”

The unprecedented action by SCORE International creates a barrage of unanswered questions and controversy.  Was Robby Gordon’s 90 minute “illegal pit” penalty for fueling on the highway and while on course?  Was the ruling a combination of one or two violations and what was the exact formula for these time penalties?

According to an excerpt of Rule GP3 of the SCORE rule book:

“The following schedule of penalties is a guideline used by SCORE in levying penalties to competitors.  These guidelines are a minimum only….”

(9) Intentional Short coursing.
***Disqualification.

(10) Illegal stationary pit or illegal support crew violation.
***One (1) position.

(11) Pitting in restricted area.
*** Disqualification.

Following the letter of the law of the SCORE rule book, RG’s pitting violation is grounds for disqualification.   Intentional short coursing is also grounds for disqualification according to schedule item No. 9 of GP3.  One could only imagine the repercussions of DQing 11 of the 19 competitors in the premier Trophy Truck class!  However the penalties were arrived at, one thing is for certain – SCORE International did not play favorites.

Highway speed infractions are specifically outlined on the SCORE International website.  The details of the penalty grid can be seen at:SCORE International Highway Speed Limit for Baja 500 One point, which can be argued by race competitors, is GPS units are not accurate gauges of actual ground speed.  While I do not recall the exact disclaimer on the popular Lowrance GPS unit used in many of the race vehicles, I do know the gist of the disclaimer states the information provided is “for reference only.”  Will race vehicles be forced to install accurate speedometers to gauge actual race speeds in order to abide by the rules?

What constitutes “short coursing” is not as clearly outlined in the SCORE rule book and this grey area provides room for additional controversy.  Is there an allowable deviation for obstacles blocking the official race course?  The No. 11 Unlimited Truck piloted by Greg Nunley created an early bottle-neck at race mile 17 and forced competitors to deviate from the course in order to navigate their way around the course block.  The chosen line around Nunley’s broken truck could easily be argued that it was not a “cheater line” but instead a necessary detour.

The age old question as to which is the faster of two four-wheeled Unlimited classes still remains unanswered.  Harley Letner claimed the overall win in his No. 114 Class One with a 2 minute and 34 second lead over Rick D. Johnson’s No. 71 Trophy Truck.  Letner completed the Baja 500 with an elapsed time of 9 hours, 5 minutes and 47 seconds while Johnson earned a first place finish in the Trophy Truck class and second overall finish with an elapsed time of 9 hours, 8 minutes and 21 seconds.  Eliminating the five minute speed penalty, Johnson would have also taken the overall.  In any case, Letner’s hard-fought finish and his overall title are well-deserved considering he ran an apparently clean race and successfully navigated his way through the ranks of the Trophy Trucks and early race obstacles.

As the remainder of the IRC tracking data is reviewed and the official results are posted, it will be interesting to see how the next few days play out.  Posting only the official four-wheel Unlimited Class results, the SCORE International website indicates, “More Classes Soon as Review Continues.”  Will the Honda bike teams experience the same results shake-up the Trophy Trucks and Class Ones experienced?  Anyone who has seen Dana Brown’s acclaimed documentary, “Dust to Glory” can attest to the Honda team’s creative course selection.

Further commenting on the results and the course deviation issue, BJ Baldwin remarked, “It scares me to think about tomorrow and the penalties the lower classes and motorcycles will be awarded.  The celebration at the finish line by the racers and the crew has been replaced with going back to the hotel room, showering and waiting five days for results.  How do we have awards ceremonies?  Does Robby Gordon need to ship back his trophy?  Why would enthusiasts (who cannot make it to the races) sit at home and track the dot on the screen when the results can change overnight?”

Whether you agree with the penalties or not, for many teams it is a “careful what you wish for lesson.”  It is now obvious Baja racing will never be the same.  The technology to track the alleged course cutting and speed violations is now available and apparently will be an integral part of future SCORE desert races.  One thing is certain, many teams and racers are anxiously awaiting the remaining official results….until then, I am sure the forums will be alive with speculation!