Gulf Times
North America’s most famous off-road race BAJA 1000 began on Saturday, just outside of Ensenada, Mexico, – a day late thanks to torrential rains that are sure to have muddied up the course.
An exciting last-minute entry from two legendary off-road racers – reigning Dakar Rally champion Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar and Australian Toby Price has added spice to the 1,287-kilometre event through Baja’s rocky roads and sandy washes.
While the Baja 1000’s all-day, all-night style of racing will be a change for the cross-country rally experts, their driving skills will make them a force to be reckoned with. Al-Attiyah will be joined by co-driver Mathieu Baumel, while Toby will partner co-driver Dustin Hellstrom.
“I am so excited to do Baja 1000 – I’ve been dreaming of doing this race for a long time! With two Dakar champions, I think it will be really a nice feeling to race together,” al-Attiyah said. “I have never driven a trophy truck, so we need to test the truck. It won’t be easy at the beginning, but I think we can do a good job, and we have a good strategy,” the Qatari ace added.
Nasser and Toby have already agreed on one strategy – Toby will open the course on roads that he already knows, then plans on handing the truck over to superstar driver al-Attiyah with plenty of life left in it for the race to the finish.
“Baja in itself is a challenge, you have to expect the unexpected. Anything can happen in this race and you really need to stay calm and let it come to you,” said Toby.
Baumel added: “This race is unique by the length and the time – the crew will have to stay focused on the track. Should be less difficult on navigation as we have some recce possibility... then Nasser and I will have to find the fastest and easiest way during the race.”
Andy McMillin (US) and Bryce Menzies (US) have always been racing against each other – but for the 2020 Baja 1000, they’re going to be on the same team – piloting the same Mason Motorsports Trophy Truck as fast as they can during this iconic off-road race – each taking a turn (or two) at the wheel as the truck races non-stop, day and night, over 1,287 kilometres. With five Baja 1000 wins to his name, Andy knows what he’s doing – and Bryce has proven himself with three Baja 500 championships, making this duo very dangerous!
“I feel very confident going into this years’ Baja 1000. Our new AWD truck performed flawlessly at its debut race at the Baja 400 in September. We have our in a lot of time and testing into this new truck and I am extremely happy with the way it is performing,” McMillin said.