SAN CLEMENTE, CA, January 8, 2012 – Azuñia Tequila’s Race Team is ready to take on the untamed Baja desert with two race cars entering into the 2013 NORRA Mexican 1000.  Azunia’s race car the Snortin Nortin dominated the vintage class for two consecutive years and the team is looking to make that win a triple and re-introduce a fan favorite from early Mint 400 and Baja racing years the “57 Chevy”.  The “57 Chevy” was formerly owned and raced by Larry Schwacofer.

“The Snortin Nortin and the 57 Chevy will be going into a head-to-head battle in the 2013 NORRA race,” said Jim Riley, driver of record of Snortin Nortin and CEO of Azuñia Tequila. “Rick “Hurricane” Johnson and I have been racing on the same team for a long time.  This will be exciting to compete in different race cars in the same class on the Azuñia Tequila Race Team.”

“The 57 Chevy is a legendary race car and I am excited to bring the car back to Mexico and add a little sizzle to it,” said Rick “Hurricane” Johnson, driver of record, 57 Chevy. “Its time I give Jim and the Snortin Nortin a little competition this year.  The 57 Chevy has a stellar win record and I am confident that “she” is ready for a battle again in 2013.”

The “57 Chevy” began its career as a 55 Chevy Bel-Air with driver of record and owner Larry Schwacofer, co-driver Jim Patelli and navigator Sid Spradling of Hemet, CA. In the mid 80’s, the Chevy Bel-Air was re-transformed into the now 57 Chevy. The popular crowd pleaser was featured in the May 1984 issue of Popular Mechanics and ran its last race in the 1995 SCORE Baja 1000.  This Baja desert racing machine was a 3 time champion in the SCORE Baja 1000 class 6 in 1983, 1984 and 1986.  Owner Larry Schwacofer was a 4 time SCORE points champion in 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987.  In 2013 the “57 Chevy” is looking to make her claim once again in Baja!

Off-road racing is a corner stone segment for the Azuñia Tequila brand. The NORRA Mexican 1000 is a unique adventure that brings the adventure of the unknown Baja desert, the exclusive brotherhood of the Baja Social Club and four days of action packed, kidney pound race car action that only a vintage race car can deliver.  Azuñia is a proud sponsor of the NORRA Mexican 1000.   Azuñia Tequila is about experiencing adventure and celebrating those experiences with family and friends.  We hope you find what inspires you to seek adventure!

For more information visit: azuniatequila.com.