(San Juan Capistrano, Calif.,) – Adding another feature to November’s Baja Legacy celebration, event organizers today announced that all six members of the legendary McMillin racing family will be on-hand for an exclusive signing of their newly-released “Big Blue M: The History of McMillin Racing” coffee table book. Taking place on Wednesday evening, November 18th at Ensenada’s picturesque Horsepower Ranch, the 8th edition of the Baja Legacy celebration will also honor two of off-road racing’s most recognized heroes – Parnelli Jones and Rob MacCachren.
Timed to coincide with the 48th running of the SCORE Baja 1000, the Baja Legacy event was created to celebrate the colorful history of off-road competition throughout the rugged Mexican peninsula. Held just six miles east of downtown Ensenada, the 2015 Baja Legacy celebration opens at 5:00pm, with dinner beginning promptly at 6:00pm. The McMillin book signing will take place just before and after an on-stage presentation that begins at 8:00pm. Jones and MacCachren will be inducted into the Horsepower Ranch’s “Hall of Fame,” which features a distinguished list of past honorees that includes Corky McMillin (2003) and Mark McMillin (2010).
The exclusive book signing will include several McMillin Racing vehicles as well as special appearances by Mark McMillin, Scott McMillin, Andy McMillin, Dan McMillin, Luke McMillin and Jessica McMillin. Copies of “Big Blue M” will be available for purchase and signing that evening. Tickets for the Baja Legacy evening went on sale last week, as guests will also enjoy an on-stage presentation for Jones and MacCachren, a complete Mexican dinner, fireworks, live music and a commemorative event poster.
The most prolific team the annuls of desert racing, the McMillin racing dynasty began at the 1976 SCORE Baja 1000 with family patriarch Corky McMillin purchasing a friend’s old Class 9 Hi-Jumper dune buggy “just to try it once.” While he and eldest son Mark McMillin failed to finish that event, their trademark blue “M” logo has graced 40 cars and trucks that have competed in 303 total races – a heritage that has also produced 100 victories (45 of those represent overall titles).
At a whopping 536 pages, the eight-pound book is the largest printed publication in off-road racing history – taking just over 30 months to complete. Produced for Mark McMillin and the McMillin family as a joint project between the Rennsport Group and Mark Racing, the work was researched and written by “1000 Miles to Glory” author Marty Fiolka. The completed work features more than 1,200 images including many from the private McMillin family collection, as well as feature photography shot by Boyd Jaynes and historical art from the Trackside Photo archives. Off-road racing graphic artist Bill Brindle III did all of the book’s extensive graphic design and layout work.
“It took nearly three years for this book to come from an idea to being celebrated at Horsepower Ranch just before our family’s favorite race of the year,” explained five-time Baja 1000 champion Mark McMillin. “We really appreciate the offer from Marty and the guys at Horsepower Ranch to bring our family together for another great night — and allow us to offer personalized versions of “Big Blue M” to everyone interested in getting a copy.”
Advanced tickets and t-shirt reservations can be made by visiting www.hprbaja.com. Due to overwhelming response, advanced reservations are strongly suggested for all race teams, VIP and crew members. Event tickets include gate admittance, gourmet Mexican dinner and 2015 commemorative poster. Cost is just $22.00 per person prior to November 13th and $27.00 at the gate. Additional ticket/t-shirt packages are also available. ve poster. Cost is just $22.00 per person prior to November 13th and $27.00 at the gate. Additional ticket/t-shirt packages are also available.
Media reservations must be made in advance via Marty Fiolka at The Rennsport Group: marty@therennsportgroup.com.