Anyone wanna race the Mexican (Baja) 1000 desert race on a trike? Details inside.

[Billy Golightly]

http://www.mexican1000.com/


Received this email today, the sender is a member here. Hope they will reply:


This is the original sanctioning body for the baja 1000. They set up a vintage race/Rally this year april 28th. It's exactly 99 days from today. The rules state 89' bikes and older and that means we are legal to run ATC's. I have been racing quads since 05' finished 2nd in the 2007 1300 mile baja 1000. I would love the opportunity to race this rally on my 85 gen3 250r. This letter is about sponsorship/ and Pit support during the race. If you email me back at jamesrwoodford@hotmail.com I can send you a race resume. With old bikes, and rules for quads limiting them to stock suspension, I think I can win 1st overall in the race. Wouldn't that be a great spot for our beloved 3 Wheelers.

I currently live in San Diego CA. I was 3 years old riding my atc 70. At age 5 I was found riding my Dad's 85' 250r Couldn't start it but would go through the gears do a couple of donuts and come back racing through the gears. Age 9 I rode the Yamaha 125 two stroke, then moved to an 83' 250r. After that I rode quads. I played football and had to decide between the two in High school. I Choose to play ball and earned a scholarship to play at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The year I graduated in 05' I put my first race team together for SCORE and raced the San Felipe 250, 500. From then on I was hooked.

In this letter I wanted to put my personal history on the 3 wheeler because like all of you I love my 3 Wheeler and think they are fantastic machines. Like all of you I would love to prove that we have our place in RACING History as some of the best. I also wanted to put my personal nature that I would represent a race team that was professional and did nothing but make our case stronger. Besides our opportunity for a 3 wheeler community- the people who come to support this race will be amongst racing legends, and legendary race vehicles the entire time. Parnelli Jones is signed up driving his Blazer!! This event will be once in a lifetime! We have to race this!

If interested please write back, and we can go over many of the details. Sooner the better, as I would like to start race prepping the 85' as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time!!


I was also forwarded back this confirmation email from the promoter:



> From: mnoval@norra.com
> To: jamesrwoodford@hotmail.com
> Subject: Re: Contact us form: Norra 1000
> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:38:14 -0800
>
> JAMES
>
> WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU RALLY WITH US. PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL AND WE WILL DISCUSS DETAILS ON YOUR
> CLASSIFICATION.
>
> ALL THE BEST
> MICHAEL NOVAL
> 323-258-3034
>
>
> > -------Original Message-------
> > From: website@norra.com
> > To: info@norra.com
> > Subject: Contact us form: Norra 1000
> > Sent: Jan 19 '10 10:35
> >
> >
> > From James Woodford
> > Email address: jamesrwoodford@hotmail.com
> >
> > In this vintage rally, i'm verifying that it is legal to race an 85' atc 250r (3-wheeled)?
> >
> > Please answer asap, as we are making plans to race.
> >
> > Thank you in advance for your time!
> > James Woodford


I'm out, for doing this. No way to make it happen. BUT, If there are some of you westcoast guys (Richard, Doug(I know you've always wanted to and talked to SCORE before), Mike, Driscoll maybe even :naughty: I'll pimp out the race as much as possible. I'm not real familiar with the event so I'm not sure if this is a one time thing (I hope not), but it'd be ultra super uber trick cool to see a trike team there...

[muddog]

watching with interest:shiftyeyes:

[code200k]

hopefully people are down.lets people know trikes arent illegal and are still going strong..

[03 ORANGE SHEE]

i would like to do this i guess i gota call the guy and see who has the bike, or who is suppling the trike.

[charger]

i really want to run in baja on a trike but im only 15 now so i cant :( but i will soon

[dcreel]

This is absolutely awesome. I would love to pit for you guys, but i don't have the vacation at work.

[Dammit!]

This has always been a dream of mine but there's just no way in hell it's possible right now. I wish the best of luck to anybody able to pull it off though.

I'd also get confirmation on the confirmation that it will even be allowed. When I talked to Sal Fish, he was absolutely 100% dead set against it.

[85rDezRacer]

This is not through SCORE, This is through the sanctioning body- NORRA. They were actually the first Baja 1000 sanctioning body. If I can pull it off with sponsorship and support I'm going to do this race. I will keep this thread posted on any news. If you know of anyone who would sponsor a team like this please pm me with any information.

Thank You,
James

[fabiodriven]

1300 miles?!? Jumpin jehosifats!!!!!! I'd love to give it a shot, but that is a whole lot of miles.

[85200xrider]

if i had the money to get my z ready for it id do it....BUT thats not gunna happen lol

[eyecekold1]

I'm interested in attending/riding/pit crewing the race I have no idea on a sponsor but it sounds awesome if it happens I'm there. I'll save my tax return and sell my dirt bikes for money to make it there, very interested.

[WIkid500]

Billy that sounds like a cool idea. It sure would be a lot of work, but awesome if you could run it. I had a pipe dream of running Pikes Peak hill climb on a trike, then I started to look at the rules and it looks like they don't allow 3 wheelers. :( ... And the kicker is you need to have an invite to run the race.

[Tecate250]

Well guys. This is great. Im not one for the heat, so dune rideing would be a problem. But if any 2 guys on trikes decided to go there would only be one pit. Imean the comrodery on here is something special. This would be a huge advantage for the riders and the 3 wheeler community. And to see a guys face with a 50 000 quad loose to a "old beat up 25 year old" trike. And mabey the big 4 might take interest again.

[Tri-Z 250]

If you could make this happen I have a Timeshare in Cabo San Lucas that sleeps 5. It is for the week after Baja in most cases...I can move the time if needed. The place is called www.PlayaGrandeResort.com check it out. If I could be a part of this, I'll throw in the week for the team recoupe and possible local riding. I've been aranging my end of this dream for me for sometime...I'd like to do this before I turn 50, which leaves me 9 more yrs. I have spoken with the Resort and they welcomed the idea...completly gated armed security Privite location 5 minute walk to Harbor/Resturants/Bars shopping. Let me know if you serious...I will do this trip eventually, it's just a big undertaking.

[freaksfix]

i would like to do this i guess i gota call the guy and see if he wants my bike, Id love to sponcor this.


YOUR GONA DONATE THE MANTIS FOR THIS!!!! thats realy cool of you...lol..

[Jason Hall]

I would love to do this, come on Dammit?? Lets do It!!!

[03 ORANGE SHEE]

YOUR GONA DONATE THE MATIS FOR THIS!!!! thats realy cool of you...lol..

ha, ha, real funny!

[83ATC185S]

I hope someone can make it, ill be watching this thread

I know I dont have the funds or rider experience for such a ride! goodluck to whoever may step up

[DixiePlowboy]

It's an unbelievably cool opportunity, but a whole lot of logistics involved.

I can't help but think that the ideal machine would be a near stock 350X with a big tank and high output stator/lighting. Geared right, it would be perfect for running flat-out for long distances.

[85rDezRacer]

The logistics are crazy for a baja race. First you need a complete race prepped bike with a reinforced frame, all new parts, engine/rod to bearings in the axle. Then you need enough spares along the way to get you to the next point. Try to find a new front atc tire or axle in the middle of baja if you get a flat or break something in your front end! You need good spare parts and enough of a pit crew to leap frog in front of you making sure things are going great. You might only gas and go for 1000 miles or who knows. The format in this race is like a true rally, where you race maybe 300 miles, and then you have a biovac like a Dakar race. At these point you will stay the night and have a limited time to work on the bike, maintenance, or whatever you need. I never met Mike Coe, but Sam Coe performance used to build motors for us when I used to run our lt250r, there shop is about 15 min away. I'm going to go talk to them tomorrow to see if they would like to be apart of this! The 250r suspension can't be beat! I think that its the most competitive platform to use.

[fabiodriven]

Well it's obvious that I could never run in this race but if volunteers are needed, holler at me. I can spin a wrench at least halfway decent.

[Tecate250]

Nah I say take a tiger. Ultra rare bike and even rarer parts. No one ran a tiger for 20+ years so theres lots of life in one you would think.

[factoryX]

bah, you still see two strokes being used in the baja 1000, I think a atc250r would plenty here, huge aftermarket parts availability(the 350x has what?). If anything the tpc450 bike wouldn't be a bad choice either(problem is the motor does not do so well in endurance races). The atc250r would be sick, but a tecate would be even cooler...

[harryredtrike]

if i had the time,id enter and win.probably by a day and a half or so.

[fabiodriven]

If anything the tpc450 bike wouldn't be a bad choice either.

I think it's a vintage race. I don't think the TPC would fit the rules.

[RapidRick]

I've personally watched it many times and pre-run a couple of legs a few times and the only trike I'd even consider capable would be Jason's at this point or a Nicholson500 with Prolink swinger.

[Rm250RF900R]

Personally i think the 250r would be the trike to run. Much more parts are available. If something breaks and you need to replace it on the way, you have a much better chance with the 250r. Just my 2 cents.

[Tri-Z 250]

I love How you think you need an entire parts truck to finish this race. Most common parts to break or fail 1. Air filter 2. tires/ rims 3. brake pads 4. chain / masterlink 5. axel / hubs 6. light system / bulbs If the motor blows your out the frame snaps...you can repair. The big thing is your in an endurance race you need to finish which means the rider has to SAVE the machine. Repair time is limited thats why you need to prepaired prior to the race. HD tires/ Rims, guseted frame, armor as in skidplates, a good motor that can run on low octane....Mexican Gas is crap so a racer on 110 octane could be a detriment to the cause. 2stroke is NOT the choice of winner....name the last winner to cross the line on a two stroke? You need to get 100miles out of a tank because if the stops are 80miles appart you need to factor, getting lost, and bad fuel at race speed. So parts availablity is NOT an issue. Sorry to stomp on you R guys dream ride...but the 350X is a better choice. Top speed is really a misconseption, overall speed with minor pit times is the key.

[Kintore]

Lets do this!

[oldskool83]

any trike would need a bigger fuel tank...hello alum fabing. what did they use back in the day...didnt the 1981 250r debut in the 1980 baja1000?

[Dammit!]

I love How you think you need an entire parts truck to finish this race. Most common parts to break or fail 1. Air filter 2. tires/ rims 3. brake pads 4. chain / masterlink 5. axel / hubs 6. light system / bulbs If the motor blows your out the frame snaps...you can repair. The big thing is your in an endurance race you need to finish which means the rider has to SAVE the machine. Repair time is limited thats why you need to prepaired prior to the race. HD tires/ Rims, guseted frame, armor as in skidplates, a good motor that can run on low octane....Mexican Gas is crap so a racer on 110 octane could be a detriment to the cause. 2stroke is NOT the choice of winner....name the last winner to cross the line on a two stroke? You need to get 100miles out of a tank because if the stops are 80miles appart you need to factor, getting lost, and bad fuel at race speed. So parts availablity is NOT an issue. Sorry to stomp on you R guys dream ride...but the 350X is a better choice. Top speed is really a misconseption, overall speed with minor pit times is the key.

I think you're forgetting there were plenty of 350X's around back in the 80's but the winners were still running 2-strokes in the desert races. You can carry up to 6 gallons of gas on a R when properly equipped (4 gallon desert tank, rear rack with a couple gallon container). The 250R dominated desert racing despite the availability of the 350x. I don't even remember those guys carrying more gas than just their 4 gallon tanks. I would guess you can get around a hundred miles out of 4 gallons. Somewhere close to that anyway.

I don't want to start an argument but it seems there's only one person in this thread that's done this before and he's saying the R is the way to go. ;)

[oldskool83]

if this can be done i think 3ww should put up an account with a paypal address so any members can sponser whoever would be riding. good way to get the site name out there and possible more support from atleast aftermarket MFG's.

[fabiodriven]

if this can be done i think 3ww should put up an account with a paypal address so any members can sponser whoever would be riding. good way to get the site name out there and possible more support from atleast aftermarket MFG's.

I like that idea.

[RapidRick]

Well if you get this up and running, I might be able to help out with another team of two wheeler racers who already have pits and chase teams put together. I could approach them to see if they would consider pooling resources.

Remember, this just isn't show up on race weekend and run. Whoever is running each leg always comes down for a couple of weeks or weekends prior to prerun their particular sections. Just thinking out loud.

[Bryan Raffa]

Come ON Jason... get that Bike Prepped and some Baja lights! :Bounce "The Dream Team":lol:

[Tecate250]

Dream team I like it.

[oscarmayer]

if I can get my racing 200x completed, I'm in! I'll run that bastage into the dirt!
here's how I figure it, an air cooled 4-stroker is to me probebly the best bet out there due to head and cliemate issues. if i get the engine settled downa nd ready, it shoudl run for hell 5k miles before it needs a rebuild. so it shoudl be fine for the race.
I may not do the prettying up thing but if can get the time to finish it, I'll run the race as well. sponsorships? eya that's be nice, but i double I'll get any so I'm going to save $ up now.

[Jason Hall]

I have a 86 R that has the suspension for the job, and the frame has been gussoted. All It needs Is a fresh piston, and a BIG gas tank!!! Count me IN. I'm sure If we all wanted to make It happen we could do It. If everybody from 3ww & 3WO could send part's to Rapid Rick we could rebuild the bike at each stop LOL. I have a couple extra engine's that could be used for Backup. How many people can run the same machine??? We could just keep rotating In fresh Riders and win the damn thing :D

[RapidRick]

Well, I think the bikes usually run 4 rider teams and switch off (remember they have a lot more suspension).

I'm ok with receiving parts and such, also have access to a shop to store goodies at which is close (15 mi) from Mexicali. The race usually starts in Ensenada though. Logistics wouldn't be that much of a problem.

IF, there were a couple of entries they could use the same pits. Probably would take a minimum of 2- 3 pit crews leap frogging down the peninsula and at least one chase vehicle per entry. Last I heard race fuel can't be taken into Mex but the race fuel vendors have a deal worked out that you buy it directly from them down there.

To get a feel for the terrane watch some of the youtube vids, practice riding in lots of dust, boulders, sand, endless whoops, booby trap ditches, logs, tires,wildlife, cows, steers, burrows, horses, cowboys, locals, locals racing their own vehicles, stuck or broken entrants, stuck or broken locals, rocks, bushes and trees leaping out at you while you pass probably many of these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y89h_c3xJSA&feature=related all while trying not to get run over by faster, larger, and wider vehicles, while simutaneously avoiding all the previously mentioned in addition to what I've forgot, all the while being sore, tired, thirsty, some what disoriented and staying on the course.

AND for the lucky few they get to do it at night for a couple of hours at a time (just driving down Mex 1 on pavement at night is spooky) while experiencing all or more in the above paragraph.

Remember #1 that your are trying to go as fast as your body will let you and still keep the ride all together or the same hoping you'll make to the next pit where everything will get fixed AND maybe trade off to another rider. All the while hearing every sound imaginable that could fortell the trike falling apart at any moment, and if it does you could be stranded for either minutes or literally hours either alone or in the dark and alone till your chase crew can get to you and either get you back together again or haul you dejected, sore, bruised, sorry ass out back to some sense of reality which will probably be out in the middle of no where miles from anything but it will be near pavement.

Remember #2 this isn't over in a short moto, this will put every rider to a test. The desert racers among us who have run D38 and D39 have a good idea of what to expect.

If it is a loop race the logistics will be far easier as far as chase and pits. IF it is a race to Cabo/La Paz it's not only more difficult it is a longer ride back to the U.S.



It's not for the faint of heart, BUT IT IS SURE IS KICKASS FUN !!!!!!!!!! so let's "git er done" :beer::w00t::twisted:

[3Razors]

Just to be able to finish one of these races is a feat in itself. Everything needs to be just right with the machine, certain things like flats and such will be inevitable and at very least need reinforced rings on the wheels and aftermarket axle. And don't forget the booby traps the locals set for their enjoyment and your misery. I have a XR650R that is supposed to be honda's flagship baja bike that I thought would be fun to ride just for the experience but never got more than just thinking about it. Doesn't Honda race the 700XX atv in baja now?

[03 ORANGE SHEE]

yes they do, wayne mattlock, wes miller and harold goodman have the #1a plate this year again on a 700

[boosted96cobra]

I'm interested in attending/riding/pit crewing the race I have no idea on a sponsor but it sounds awesome if it happens I'm there. I'll save my tax return and sell my dirt bikes for money to make it there, very interested.

Dude I have told you about the desert races here in utah. They allow trikes plus you might want to maybe start small.

[Dirtcrasher]

I don't have much $$ but if you guys need $$ to put this together you have 10$ from me..... Multiply that times 100 or so members??!! :D

Be nice to see it happen and the publicity!!

[Brockey]

I don't have much $$ but if you guys need $$ to put this together you have 10$ from me..... Multiply that times 100 or so members??!! :D

Be nice to see it happen and the publicity!!

I am with ya there DC, I'll sponsor $10 aswell.

[Kintore]

I would be able to take time off work if this is serious.


I may not be too used to desert, but Ill step up to the plate...
I can provide my services as a rider???

[Tecate250]

Yeah. This might happen. Hehehehe A canadian racing in the desert. Thats would be great.

[1BFC]

This sounds like good fun and hard work at the same time. No way I can contribute anything this year as the notice is too short for my jam packed daily life.

I hope the race goes down and perhaps next year something is put together to do it again.... I might be able to make that run.

IF it's more than a week though....going to be rough to coordinate work time. Seems like a circuit race would be ideal for ease of getting invovled in the event.

[Side Wayz]

I suppose you need a passport to cross the border?