Industry News

Nothing Comes Close To The NORRA Mexican 1000

SEPT. 13, 2016 (Agua Dulce, Calif.): Just ask anyone who’s attended. No other racing event covers such a broad spectrum of experiences like the Mexican 1000. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the race. This year’s event will be even more spectacular with a first night stay in beautiful San Felipe and lots of new and exciting additions. What makes the Mexican 1000 so special? For starters, it’s a travelling car show but still a serious competition for both restored classic race cars and state of the art two, and four wheeled vehicles. Many of the drivers and riders who made those old cars and bikes famous, participate in the rally every year. They can be found lining up next to you on race day, hanging out in the pits, or sharing a meal and a few drinks at the celebrations each night.

2017 NORRA Mexican 1000

NEW! this year is the addition of the Day 1 finish and overnight in San Felipe. This cuts down the initial Day 1 time and allows everyone a chance to acclimate themselves with the rally format if they are unfamiliar, shake out the bugs if any, and soak up the remainder of the day along the malecon overlooking the beautiful Sea of Cortez.

“The Happiest Race On Earth!” is entirely about having fun and creating memories that will last a lifetime. You will experience the most stunningly beautiful Baja scenery as you make your way down the entire length of the Baja Peninsula without the incredible stress and lack of sleep associated with a typical peninsula run. After each day of racing, you will have enough free time to experience a different location in Baja with your friends and family. Each overnight stop has its own unique charm and character. There will be some race sections where the bikes and cars will run separate, but all competitors will be staying in the same towns and attending the same events every night. For the 50th anniversary there will be even more hospitality and special events each night.

2017 NORRA Mexican 1000
While there are certainly some favored drivers (like a certain Robby Gordon above) and vehicles in the rally, rest assured that every entry gets their own 5 minutes of fame somewhere along the course. (HINT: “eSteekers” and hand outs are always a crowd pleaser!)
New this year will be several benefits aimed at the racers. Additional Insurance is available, (increased medical insurance to $10,000, legal support, and bail bonds). There is a new scoring and timing system that uses the latest technology to increase safety. There will be FREE MAG-7 pit support for EVERY entry including cars this year, and the Race for Cash will have an optional daily jackpot which means 6 opportunities to win plus the overall in your category, (more information will be provided in separate press release).
After days of competition, there is a unique camaraderie that is forged between the racers. They all pitch in to make sure everyone makes it to the finish line in Cabo and the incredible awards ceremony that follows. The very first adventurers who set off to run the peninsula would throw a huge celebration afterwards to mark their accomplishment. That tradition continues to this day at the Mexican 1000. If you love to race, love to have fun, and love the food, drink and music of Baja, you must come down and experience “The Happiest Race On Earth!”, the NORRA Mexican 1000.

Ed Pearlman

ABOUT NORRA

Beginning in 2010, the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA) began promoting a rebirth of the NORRA Mexican 1000 rally. The unique off-road rally was co-created by promoter Mike Pearlman to consist of special stages (unlimited speed timed stages in the dirt) linked together by controlled speed liaison / transit sections (highway). The one-of-a-kind, once-a-year, four-day rally includes vintage off-road vehicles and motorcycles, as well as modern desert Rally Raid cars, pre-runner trucks, buggies and motorcycles.

Pearlman’s late father Ed and others established the first running of the NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road rally in November of 1967, which eventually became internationally recognized and evolved into the Baja 1000 in the mid-1970’s.

The 2016 NORRA Mexican 1000 was supported by Azunia Tequila, Walker Evans Racing, South Point Hotel Casino, Bilstein Shock Absorbers and Mastercraft/Impact Safety.


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