If you are going to have a favorite race it doesn’t hurt to love the SCORE Baja 500. At the top of the list of great things about the race are the fans. You would be hard pressed to find greater fans anywhere else on earth. The Mexican people love off-road racing and for BJ Baldwin, that passion goes both ways. “I just love being in Mexico,” Says BJ Baldwin, “We are so grateful that they welcome us down to race in their country. I really look forward to contingency because it gives me a chance to hand out stickers, take photos and sign autographs for the fans. I always have a great time; the crowds are amazing.”
The fans are great and so is the course. The 500 has it all; long high speed sections with big jumps mixed with tight twisty mountain roads that leave no room for error. It’s hard not to sneak a peek at the beautiful landscape but drivers beware, a brief lapse in concentration can end your race in a heartbeat. No wonder BJ loves this race he’s spent a lot of time running out front. He captured the win driving in 2008 after a heated battle with Rob MacCachren and has stood on the podium on a regular basis. The entire team expects to continue that tradition. “The truck has never been better,” says BJ, “My new Toyo’s have really improved the overall handling of the truck. The Toyo’s go through the rocks like nothing else. Now that I have the best tires, I can drive the truck to its full potential.”
Bj will be the third Trophy Truck to leave the starting line on race day. Starting up front will be a huge advantage to BJ and a curse to his competition. No doubt he will be out front running wide open and loving every minute of it.
About “Ballistic” BJ Baldwin
BJ Baldwin is a veteran off road racer that has competed in all different types of off road racing. He holds 4 Championships in the last 6 years with several race wins including the Baja 500 and a Dakar rally class win. With 15 years experience and having competed in over 100 desert races BJ and his team are taking off road racing to the next level.
Photography By: Cody Boor & Brian Binkert