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.

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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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Germany Day 1 – The Never Ending Day…..

As with any great adventure, there are usually several behind-the-scenes stories that are rarely told.  The RDC media staff (which also includes BJ Baldwin and his crew) had already endured a full day and evening of travel when our German escapades began to take shape.  After missing our connecting flight from London to Berlin we arrived in Germany a few hours behind schedule and nearly 16 hours after boarding our plane at LAX.

Surprisingly we cleared customs at lightning speed and were able to get our rental car just as fast.  Unfortunately, this would turn out to be the easiest and simpliest part of our day.  We loaded our gear and luggage into Mercedes’ answer to the minivan and headed out on another three hour trek to our hotel in the town of Bautzen.  True to form, BJ Baldwin insisted on driving.

Arriving at the hotel tired and hungry it was obvious that a shower, sleep and food were not in our immediate future.  We quickly unloaded the contents of the van into our respective rooms and decided to scout out the location of the Baja Power Days 300 event.  Normally, this would seem like a fairly simple task given our savvy at finding random Baja pit locations…but tonight it was a different story.

Awake for well over 24 hours and nearing a delirious exhaustion we set out on our mission to locate the track.  The enterprising office “ninjas” programmed the GPS units with the hotel and event addresses prior to our European departure but we quickly discovered the alleged track location was in fact a quaint little cottage on a cobblestone residential road.  What started out as quick trip to get the “lay of the land” (and to ensure the cargo container with BJ’s Trophy Truck arrived safely) actually turned into a misguided four hour adventure leading us through the eerie backwoods of the Northern German countryside and providing us a unique tour of an obscure power plant in the middle of nowhere.

Driving around in circles for several hours the boys finally (gasp!) asked for directions from any local who had the unfortunate experience of crossing our path.  “Do you speak English?” BJ would ask.  The answers varied anywhere from complete ignorance of our existence to “Sort of” followed by directions that included details such as “follow the tall trees and turn right onto the dirt road…”  By the way, there are a lot of trees and dirt roads here.  At one point we handed a crude map to one of the locals and tried to use internationally recognized hand gestures to convey our message – but our efforts reaped little success.  After three hours we had made absolutely no progress in locating the track.

In one final attempt, we decided to backtrack to the quaint little cottage and retrace our steps looking for any possible mistake in our path.  As luck would have it, there was a very helpful young man sitting outside on his porch who just happened to answer “Yes” when BJ asked for the umpteenth time “Do you speak English?”  Even more surprising, the kid knew exactly what we were looking for and had a friend “just down the way” who knew exactly how to locate the event.

In a welcoming and hospitable manner reminiscent of our amigos in Baja, this quiet young man jumped in his car and led us over to the house where his friend in-the-know resided.  After exchanging awkward greetings our newfound duo of friends hopped back in their car and led us through another series of creepy tree-lined roads in search for our hopeful promise land.  Finally, four hours after we departed our hotel on this journey (and nearly 30 hours after waking up), our new compadres were able to successfully lead us to the track.

Driving into the facility under a midnight veil of stars we could see the enormity of this project come into focus.  As the headlights lit up the massive expanse in front of our stylish van we were surprised by the complexity and the uniqueness of the track design.  Needless to say, we were duly impressed by the scope and the logistical undertaking Armin Schwartz and his staff had embraced in hopes of bringing American off-road racing to the German market.

BJ – with his ever present boyish-curiosity – was anxious to scope out the track and locate his Cracker Jack box shipping container with the Trophy Truck prize inside.  As we approached the dirt ramps leading down into the arena the temptation to take the van on a joyride around the rally-style track was impossible to resist.  Buckling up and bracing for the steep incline, we all egged on BJ as he proved to us once again why no one should ever purchase a rental vehicle as a daily driver.

After pre-running accessible portions of the course our fun came to an abrupt halt when we were chased down by six angry security guards yelling at us in German.  Exiting the track, we politely apologized for our shenanigans and of course, inquired whether or not BJ’s truck had arrived.  Accepting our humble regrets, the security staff led us over to the same maroon colored shipping container that had left the Baldwin race shop less than a week after the controversial Baja 500.

Satisfied with the accomplishments of our day(s) the group consensus was that we were all in a desperate need of food and even more noticeably – showers!  We loaded up in the van and headed back towards our hotel.  At this late hour it was obvious our search for food would probably be as futile as us trying to locate the event without the help of a local.

Just when we had resigned ourselves to dining on minibar snacks we spotted a brightly lit oasis in the middle of a quiet little town.  Entering the establishment haggard and looking like hell, we begged the barmaid to re-open the kitchen.  Once again we experienced the same hospitality and generosity Baja has become known for amongst the off-road racing community.  Within minutes of our arrival we had a round of frothy adult beverages sitting on the table and food was on its way.  However frustrating and long our first day in Germany may have been, the experience and the adventures of the day made the exhaustion completely worthwhile and we all look forward to reporting back on our continuing adventures…..stay tuned!

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Lausitz, Germany – (July 23, 2009) – Ballistic BJ Baldwin will power his # 1 SCORE Trophy Truck through the arduous 2,350-meter circuit at the first-ever BAJA 300 POWERDAYS July 24-26 in Lausitz, Germany.

Beginning with the start of the event on Saturday, July 25, race fans and followers can log onto www.twitter.com/teamgt for up-to-the-minute progress reports for Baldwin.

The Baja 300 Powerdays are the brainchild of ex-European Rally Champion Armin Schwarz, and feature a blend of off-road, rally-cross, and free-style racing in one mega-event.

“We’re proud and excited that BJ was asked to participate in this unique event that brings off-road racing to a totally new audience for General Tire,” said Dana Zamalloa, manager of PR and Communications, General Tire. “With BJ’s aggressive character and impressive driving skills, we’re certain he’ll put on a great show for the European spectators on our General Grabber Competition tires.”

General Tire is again ‘unleashing the fury’ in off-road performance for 2009, in the second year campaigning its Grabber competition tire. Designed with a tough, three-ply Duragen™-reinforced body construction to stand up to the rigors of off-road conditions, the Grabber also features a newly-developed competition-specific tread compound. In addition, the Grabber name and General Tire logo are prominently featured on the sidewall in red and white letters. The Grabber competition tires are designed in size 37×12.50R17 for class 8 and trophy truck/trick truck and 35×12.50R17 for class 1, 6, 7, 7 S, stock mini and Protruck.

General Tire also has a complete line of Grabber tires for the passenger and light truck market, including the new Grabber DOT-approved off-road tire (to be released later this year); the Grabber HTS, which delivers the perfect synergy of comfort, durability and performance; the Grabber UHP, which sets a whole new standard in performance and ride quality for SUVs, light trucks and crossover vehicles; and Grabber AT2, designed for aggressive all-terrain traction in all weather conditions.

For media information, visit www.ctnamedia.com.
For up-to-date event details log on to www.twitter.com/teamgt

General Tire is part of Continental Tire North America, Inc. (www.generaltire.com). CTNA, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. General Tire is part of Continental Tire North America, Inc. (www.generaltire.com). CTNA, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a company of Germany-based Continental AG. With sales exceeding €24 billion in 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 133,000 at nearly 190 locations in 35 countries.

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.

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

Dear friends, partners, and sponsors,

I dictate this newsletter via phone from my car, because I’m spending most my days on the road right now. And if I’m not in the car I’m sitting in meetings. And you know what? I love it! Because we are preparing a motorsports event like Europe may have never seen before. On the fourth weekend in July the first Baja 300 Powerdays Germany will feature on a specially prepared gravel circuit in a giant natural theatre. The venue is located in Germany’s Lausitz region, just 90 minutes by car south of Berlin. And we will have everything there for those who love rallying, motocross and offroad action.

Sal Fish, CEO of SCORE International and Armin Schwarz

Sal Fish, the CEO of the SCORE International Offroad Series, and six of his top drivers are keen to show the fans here in Good ol’ Germany what it means for the eye, ear and soul of a motorsport fan, when the 850 hp Trophy Trucks fire up their engine or the Class 1 Unlimited Buggys activate their humble 640+ hp power units.

But that’s not all. Top pilots from the World Rally Championship join the action and will do every (spectacular) thing to defend the honour of the more classical gravel artists against their American competition.

And to add even more spice, the motorbikes kick in: Some of the best motocross and freestyle artists bring their two-wheel power packs to Germany, supported by their factory teams.

They all go to the limit on a specially laid out gravel circuit. There is permanent on-track action with Buggys, World Rally Cars, Trophy Trucks, and motorbikes. They go sideways as if there’s no tomorrow –  pure action right close to the fans.

And this is exactly what counts for me: Motorbike, rally and offroad fans all come together, and together we experience the sport we all love. Another thing is important: There are no fences on our venue, apart from a few that keep people away from dangerous stretches of the circuit. The stars are there – and accessible – for the fans, always ready for an autograph or a good chat.

We’ll start off into the weekend on Friday 24 July, in the afternoon. Saturday is the day of mega-action on the track. And Saturday evening we should have another party, just to celebrate great motorsports and great motorsports people …

If you are curious please visit www.baja300-powerdays.com

I’m really excited about this European first, and I am looking forward to celebrating with you all.

Best wishes,

Armin