Autoblog

The Petersen celebrates 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and 1,000

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Honda, Off-Road, Racing

The year 1963 was a pretty good one for things on wheels - Lamborghini was born that year, as was the Porsche 911, and we'll give a shout out to the all-American Apollo GT even though it only lasted four years. This summer, Petersen Automotive Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and Baja 1,000 desert races with an exhibit called Braving Baja: 1,000 Miles to Glory.

Truth be told, the 50th anniversary of the peninsula race was last year - it was in 1962 that Dave Ekins and Billy Robertson, Jr. did a 950-mile timed run from Tijuana to La Paz to prove the grit of Honda's new CL72 Scrambler motorcycle. That single time trial has turned into the trophy truck, buggy, Volkswagen Beetle and motorcycle spectacle that we know today. 1962 was also the anniversary of Shelby American and the dearly departed Iso, so it still wasn't a bad year for things on wheels.

The event kicks off with a tribute dinner on May 2 featuring Elkins and Parnelli Jones - another legendary off-road racer - in attendance taking audience questions. Two days later will be a one-day off-road show in which anyone can participate who has a museum ticket and a vehicle that can handle the dirt.

The exhibit itself runs through September 2nd and will feature all manner of Baja paraphernalia including numerous bikes and buggies that have run the route, like a 1964 Myers Manx, a 1960 Bilstein VW Baja Bug driven by Doug Robinson and the 2003 Honda XR650R ridden by Mouse McCoy as seen in the Baja documentary Dust to Glory. If you're interested, there's a press release below with info on all the events.

Continue reading The Petersen celebrates 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and 1,000

The Petersen celebrates 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and 1,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota prices 2013 Tacoma TRD T/X Baja from $32,990*

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Toyota, Off-Road

Toyota's Tacoma may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but it's received a mild refresh for 2012, and a new "limited edition" package courtesy of in-house tuning arm, Toyota Racing Development. Toyota showed a preproduction TRD T/X Baja at last fall's Texas State Fair and then again at SEMA, with the real deal now poised to go on sale in May.

The Baja Series will start at $32,990, plus a delivery fee of $810. That's for a Tacoma Access Cab model with a manual transmission - the price scales up for automatic-equipped trucks and Double Cab models. The Baja Series package carries an MSRP of $5,015, but you get to subtract $650 in a "factory credit" if you order it, since the Baja's Off-Road Package is cheaper than the standard Tacoma Off-Road Package. Or to make things simpler, figure the Baja Series Tacoma is going to cost you $4,365 more than the same truck without it.

Besides the kit already included in the TRD Off-Road Package, which is required to get the Baja Series upgrades, the special Tacomas will feature BF Goodrich T/A KO tires (LT265/70R16) with bead-locking wheels, Bilstein shocks (front and rear), a TRD exhaust system, a two-inch front lift, and those snazzy Baja Series graphics.

Toyota has all the details in it's press release, which you can see if you scroll down.

Continue reading Toyota prices 2013 Tacoma TRD T/X Baja from $32,990*

Toyota prices 2013 Tacoma TRD T/X Baja from $32,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 2

John Neff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, The List

Jessi and Patrick spent the first part of this episode getting acclimated to Mexico while learning what was in store for them behind the wheel of a desert racer in the Baja 1000. In order to officially check this off The List, however, they had to actually race in this grueling and dangerous contest of endurance that shows no mercy for greenhorns. We had no idea what to expect and, frankly, just hoped they would finish without getting hurt. As it turns out, we wildly underestimated our hosts. Follow the jump to see how our two intrepid Baja competitors performed.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 2

The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 1

John Neff — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, The List

Most auto enthusiasts have the urge to race in their hearts, but few of us ever actually get to compete in the world's toughest races. For this episode of The List, we're making sure that Jessi and Patrick check that one off early. Fulfilling one of Jessi's own childhood dreams, we've hooked up our hosts with Wide Open Excursions, a company that offers the unique opportunity of buying your own wheel time in one of the world's toughest endurance races: the Baja 1000. It's no joke, as Jessi and Patrick are thrown in the deep end of off-road endurance racing and must compete with the world's best. Follow the jump to see if they survive Part 1.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about the hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 1

The List #0044: Race in the Baja 1000 - Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raceworks Ford Raptor Luxury Prerunner

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Truck, Ford, Specialty, Racing

As a bone-stock machine, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is an impressive piece of engineering, but that doesn't mean that the platform can't be improved upon. The crew from Stewart's Race Works has turned its fabricating skills toward creating a luxury prerunner version of he go-anywhere pickup, and the result is nothing short of astounding. With a massive 90-inch track width and suitably epic amounts of wheel travel, this Raptor is filled with custom, one-off parts. The front suspension boasts 26-inches of travel while the rear flexes out at around 31 inches thanks in part to billet aluminum A-arms up front and a set of Fox Racing 4.0 external bypass shocks and three-inch coil springs.

A 600-horsepower Patton racing engine resides under the custom hood and is bolted to a built 4L80 automatic transmission. Though two-wheel drive, the truck features a four-link suspension in the rear for the most travel possible.

Inside, the cabin is fitted with GPS, and MP3/iPod capable audio system, six-way power adjustable seats and more electronic goodies. We want one.

Raceworks Ford Raptor Luxury Prerunner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 is an unlikely desert king [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, SUV, Toyota, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

Lexus looks to be giving the Baja 1000 its due. The luxury automaker showed off an LX 570 built by JT Grey Racing to take to the desert sands. With dual King Racing shocks, large 37-inch BF Goodrich tires and a host of safety equipment, the high-riding SUV looks ready to do battle with the best of them. Inside, Sparco was kind enough to supply a set of racing seats as well as an EVO steering wheel. A Lowrance HD7 / LMF 400 navigation ensures that the driver knows where the course is headed, and a Kenwood 110 radio and intercom system means that driver and navigator can stay in contact.

Does this mean that Lexus is heading to Baja? We doubt it, though Toyota has already made it clear that the company intends to take to the legendary endurance course with its Long Beach Racers Tacoma. We think there would be plenty of room in the ranks for this LX 570, too, but that's just us.

UPDATE: While Lexus may not have a Baja pedigree, JT Grey Racing does. The team is planning to campaign this vehicle in next year's race in an attempt to knock out a second Stock-Full Championship.

JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 is an unlikely desert king [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Long Beach Racers Tacoma is ready to tackle the Baja 1000

Zach Bowman — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Performance, Truck, Toyota, Off-Road, Racing

Toyota is headed to the Baja 1000 next year with a special Tacoma built specifically to take the worst that the Mexican desert can throw at it. The pickup has been specially-prepared by Long Beach Racers, a group of Toyota enthusiasts who have made a habit of building some of the toughest trucks to take to the off-road race. Created as a tribute to the production Tacoma TRD TX, the Long Beach Racers Tacoma boasts custom Bilstein 60mm racing shocks and 16-inch TRD wheels clad in 35-inch BF Goodrich tires. A SCORE-approved roll cage should keep everyone inside safe in the event of a shiny-side-down event.

In order to keep weight as low as possible, the team opted for carbon-fiber skid plates underneath. That's a good thing, considering that a 50-gallon fuel cell has replaced the stock tank. A TRD big brake kit is on hand to help bring all of that liquid weight down from speed, and an array of Hella HID lights means that drivers and can see the course ahead once the sun sets.

Toyota Long Beach Racers Tacoma is ready to tackle the Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BFGoodrich lets fans pick drivers for the Baja 1000 with 'Select the Seats'

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Marketing/Advertising

There are 23 drivers on Team BFGoodrich, but only six of them will get to pilot the team buggy in the SCORE Baja 1000. Two of the six will be automatically entered after being crowned champions at the SCCA National Runoffs. The other four, well, they'll be relying on you: BFG is letting fans vote for drivers to fill the other seats.

Set up almost like a Race of Champions gathering, there are plenty of drivers on the list that you'll know, many of whom aren't specialists in the trials of Baja like Samuel Hubinette and Kevin King. Then there are stalwarts like Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles veteran Emily Miller and Baja hand Rod Hall. For those not headed to Baja, there's a chance to head to Skip Barber Racing School - but that also depends on a ~~snap~~ click of your fingers.

You can head to BFG's Facebook page to place your vote. If your driver gets in, you might get a shoutout if you're lucky, but we wouldn't expect a share of the winnings. Follow the jump for a presser with all the details.

Continue reading BFGoodrich lets fans pick drivers for the Baja 1000 with 'Select the Seats'

BFGoodrich lets fans pick drivers for the Baja 1000 with 'Select the Seats' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Off-Road, Racing

2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to the Baja 1000, simply crossing the finish line is reason enough to bust out the champagne. Ford has announced that its 2011 F-150 Ecoboost race truck has managed to cover the entire 1,061 mile course in 38 hours and 20 minutes. According to FoMoCo, the truck put up with some of the most grueling terrain on the planet - racing through temperatures below freezing and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. More impressively, as you may recall, this particular 3.5-liter V6 engine entered the cross-country rally with the equivalent of 10 years of abuse on the clock. The very same lump went through extensive endurance testing at the Cleveland Engine Plant before being bolted into an F-150 that was used as a log skidder in Oregon.

Finally, the same engine drove around a NASCAR track at full speed while towing 11,300 pounds. Ford then unbolted the engine and plopped it into the race machine you see above - bone stock and without so much as a rebuild. With 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the EcoBoost was more than powerful enough to pull the Baja F-150 across the line. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours

Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to campaign F-150 EcoBoost in Baja 1000

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Truck, Work, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost Desert Racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Convincing pickup truck buyers they don't actually need a big 'ol honkin' V8 engine is going to be tough, regardless of how good the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the 2011 Ford F-150 may be. We already know that the mill puts out enough power to get just about anything done, but what about its durability? After all, the old-school V8 (never mind that modern Ford overhead cam V8s share almost nothing in common with their OHV predecessors) has been in use since, oh, just about the dawn of the American automobile industry.

With that in mind, Ford is eager to convince potential buyers that its twin-turbo V6 powerplant is fully capable of surviving the rigors of pickup duty. And to prove it, The Blue Oval has some pretty harsh plans for its latest EcoBoost engine, culminating with an entry into the famed Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

But before that final torture test, that same 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will be used by a lumber company in Oregon to haul logs weighing thousands of pounds up steep hills. Then, that same engine will tow a pair of Sprint Cup Ford Fusions at full throttle for 24 hours around the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway oval track in Florida. Then it's on to Baja, after which it will be torn down and shown off to the public.

Clearly, Ford believes in the durability of its EcoBoost engine, which has already gone through 1.6 million miles (both real over-the-road and simulated miles) of abusive testing. We look forward to seeing how this one particular randomly selected engine performs throughout its upcoming torture testing. Hit the jump for all the details.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 Desert Racer

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to campaign F-150 EcoBoost in Baja 1000

Ford to campaign F-150 EcoBoost in Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010

Zach Bowman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Performance, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Military, Design/Style, Diesel, Off-Road, Racing

2010 Easter Jeep Safari Mopar Concepts - Click any image to enlarge

Chrysler's engineers have been busy lately. Mark Allen, head of the Jeep design studio, has introduced a total of eight new concept vehicles at this year's Easter Jeep Safari. Each one has been worked up by the company's off-road engineering team, and while most are nothing more than pure fantasy, at least a few can be crafted out of parts available from the Mopar go-fast catalog. Even better, all have the off road guts to go anywhere you please.

That includes the Jeep Wrangler J7. Consider this the stripped-down beast we would build if Chrysler gave us the keys to the kingdom for a week. Fluffy stuff like carpet, the stereo and alloy wheels have been ditched in favor of more utilitarian goods. New all-steel bumpers, complete with helicopter hooks, join a sturdy rear gate and steel wheels wrapped in 35-inch rubber. A small 2-inch lift helps accommodate the larger rollers, and the eye-searing Mustard Plug paint sets the truck apart from the crowd. While we have no problem with the 3.8-liter V6, we would probably swap the four-speed automatic gear box for a row-your-own.

Speaking of rowing your own, the Jeep Patriot Extreme is more than happy to accommodate third-pedal lovers everywhere. While Wrangler guys may be quick to rag on the baby Jeep, this Patriot is more than capable of dispatching rough terrain. A two-inch suspension lift gives the trail-rated package just a little more clearance, and custom rock rails protect the bodywork from getting too close to the trail. We're also digging those 16-inch TJ Moab wheels, extra lighting on the bumper and roof rack for... snowboards?

Chrysler says it turned out the Wrangler Trail Boss (right) just to show off all of the products available from the Jeep trail catalog. The truck's specs read like a recipe for a Wrangler wish list. Outside, the most noticeable difference between the Trail Boss and a standard Wrangler is the addition of new AEV off-road bumpers, complete with a Warn 9.5ti winch, though the half-doors and sun bonnet do much to alter the truck's attitude, too. A 3-inch lift kit allows for healthy 35-inch rubber down below, wrapped around those slick Hutchinson Rock Monster beadlock wheels. Click the jump to read about the rest of the Mopar monsters.

Gallery: 2010 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010

Chrysler shows off eight Mopar concepts at Easter Jeep Safari 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, SUV, Toyota, Off-Road

2010 4Runner for the Baja 1000 -- Click above for high-res image

Toyota is taking a nearly stock 2010 4Runner to the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in about ten days, and the immortal Ivan "Ironman" Stewart will be piloting. Toyota hasn't said what changes to the production truck will be made, but the class rules dictate that runners stay pretty close to factory specs, while allowing more serious mods to the suspension and whatever is needed inside for a safety cage.

In addition to the loss of the rear gate and the swapped-out wheels, we imagine a thorough shock overhaul and a minor engine tune. We'll look for more in-depth info on the car as the race gets closer, but for now we'd like to let Toyota know that they need to add this package -- minus the cage and spare -- to the 4Runner's showroom offerings. You can read about the truck in the presser after the jump, and click above for a high-res image or check out the stock '10 4Runner in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Limited

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000

Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru recalls 15,000+ 2005-2006 Baja models over fuel pump woes

Chris Shunk — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Subaru

The Subaru Baja never managed to win over the buying public, but those that own the little trucklet seem to downright adore Fuji Heavy's platypus, so they'll probably want to listen up, as their baby may be subject to a safety recall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has discovered that cracks may develop in the Baja's fuel hose connection on the pressure side of the pump. The condition could result in a fuel leak, which could then lead to a fire. Beginning in September, Subaru is recalling 15,633 MY 2005-2006 Bajas and affected owners can bring their vehicles to any Subaru dealer to get the fuel pump bracket - including all nipples - replaced free of charge. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA's press release.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Subaru recalls 15,000+ 2005-2006 Baja models over fuel pump woes

Subaru recalls 15,000+ 2005-2006 Baja models over fuel pump woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Etc., Videos, Ford, Lifestyle, Off-Road

Raptor: Born in Baja -- Click above to watch video

Autoblog went to the premiere of Raptor - Born in Baja, and while the film is on the long side, it's an enjoyable flick. We wrote before that the truck "only" came in third (out of four total trucks in Class 8), but to finish the Baja 1000 at all is an achievement -- especially when the overall attrition rate is close to 50%. Throw in a truck that had been built in three months and hadn't been tested in any other race before and you've got a little adventure on your hands.

The movie provides plenty more. There's never a good time for things to break, but the Raptor R chose a couple of the most abysmal moments to get sick: it was compelling irony to watch the whole race team wearing "Built Ford Tough" t-shirts gathered around a truck that wouldn't start 90 minutes before the race began.

And if it wasn't the Raptor, it was other trucks in the road holding things up. Still, not only did they get it started, but the Raptor R got to the end with all of its panels and, as far as we could see, no dents -- and it came within minutes of taking second place.

But you'll have to watch the movie to truly glimpse the eye of the tiger... and the thrill of the fight. You can view it on Speed TV on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. EST -- and when you do, look for Pickuptrucks.com's Mike Levine, Jalopnik's Ray Wert, and our own Drew Phillips who make cameos during the SEMA coverage. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer after the jump.

Gallery: Raptor - Born in Baja

Continue reading Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks

Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completes inaugural run of Baja 1000

Drew Phillips — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Ford

When Ford developed the F-150 SVT Raptor R, the Blue Oval wanted to make sure that it could offer the ultimate in off-road performance. We were pretty much sold after experiencing the truck in the Nevada desert, but Ford wanted to prove the Raptor's capabilities to the world. So Ford entered a modified version of the truck into the Baja 1000, confident that the race-ready Raptor could hold its own in the 631-mile competition. The SVT team entered with realistic expectations, hoping to simply finish a race that has a knack for providing unexpected challenges at every turn. Mission: accomplished. The SVT Raptor not only crossed the finish line, but it did so with flying colors by finishing third in the Class 8 division. This is especially impressive considering the Raptor is built for the lower-level Stock Full class in which it couldn't compete because the production version is not yet for sale. For more details you can check out PickupTrucks.com's live blog of the race, and we've also posted a short video of the SVT Raptor in action, along with the press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completes inaugural run of Baja 1000

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R completes inaugural run of Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog does the Baja 500: Round 1, the pre-running

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Click above for a hi-res gallery from the first day of the Baja 500

Autoblog was invited to join HUMMER for last weekend's Baja 500 and, along with Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com, we'd be riding shotgun - or in Mike's case, backseat driving - with Chad and Josh Hall, sons of general off-road racing guru and Baja Hall of Famer Rod Hall. Having no idea what it takes to pilot a massive lump of essentially stock machinery at high speeds over rocks, jumps, ravines and cliffside single-track, the lessons - and the dust, heat, and bouncing - would be constant. Check out the gallery of hi-res images below, and follow the jump to find out about day one: pre-running. And that white helmet in the pic above? Yes, that's us, not The Stig. We eat Stigs.

Gallery: The Baja 500: Pre-running with HUMMER Racing

Continue reading Autoblog does the Baja 500: Round 1, the pre-running

Autoblog does the Baja 500: Round 1, the pre-running originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McRae Enduro: Dakar doesn't stand a chance

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

It's obvious that the fast-paced risks Colin McRae endured during his time behind the wheel have set the tone of his retirement. The term "retirement" is a total misnomer however, as McRae has kept himself busy consulting, marketing and developing his own line of rally machines. The R4 is so close to completion that McRae has taken on another project dubbed the Enduro.

Much like the R4, its purpose is to offer privateers an entry-level means of competing in cross-country rallies, approved by the FIA's T1 regulations that cover everything from Dakar to other Baja-style campaigns.

The machine was developed in conjunction with MDV Specialist Engineering and is made up of a space-frame chassis in which a Land Rover-sourced, turbocharged diesel 2.7-liter V6, tuned by Roush, produces 240 HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the all four wheels via a six-speed ZF transmission equipped with a non-variable LSD in both the rear and center.

As with the R4, McRae envisions the Enduro competing in a one-make series, named the Pirelli McRae Enduro Trofeo, which will include three FIA World Cup events and three Baja series campaigns. Pricing is expected to be around 150,000 euros when it's finally offered up next year.

[Source: EVO]

McRae Enduro: Dakar doesn't stand a chance originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Micron to use Baja 1000 to prove chip reliability

Eric Bryant — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., I.C.E., Technology

Testing new semiconductor products doesn't always have to be boring - or at least not when a chipmaker is run by an ex-motocrosser. Micron CEO Steve Appleton will be driving a Porsche-powered Baja Tour Car buggy in the upcoming SCORE Baja 1000, and his company's Lexar flash memory and image sensing products will record the entire journey. This is said to be the first complete video recording ever assembled of the race, which underscores the nastiness of this environment.

The point of competing in this treacherous point-to-point race across the desert is simple - Micron wishes to compete in the automotive market, and this represents a high-visibility means to prove that its products are up to the task (the automobile being somewhat more intense than your average PC or digital camera). And, well, we're guessing that it's a lot more fun than babysitting some parts in a test lab.

The Baja 1000 will be run on Nov. 15-18, and Micron will be posting updates at http://baja.micron.com/ (right now, that link just kicks you to their automotive products website).

[Sources: CNN, Micron]

Micron to use Baja 1000 to prove chip reliability originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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