BajaNomad

Ivan Stewart Back for 1000

LaTijereta - 11-6-2009 at 05:37 PM

Ivan Stewart to debut 2010 Toyota 4runner at the Baja 1000

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The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the "Stock mini" Class

TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov.4, 2009) Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 milesin length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV's capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert's treacherous terrain. "Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we're confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course", said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan "Ironman" Stewart 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off- Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. "I'm thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I'm sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot", said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the magnificent peninsula and run through Mexican villages -- luring in tens of thousands of spectators.

The Fifth Generation 4Runner
The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse- power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November. For Fifth Generation 4Runner specs visit: www.toyota.com/4runner/specs.html

David K - 11-6-2009 at 10:40 PM

Ivan's been racing for many years!

I was at the 1975 Baja 300 race in Santo Tomas that Ivan won... Here he is just after crossing the finish line (34 years ago)...

David K - 11-23-2009 at 05:21 PM

How did Ivan do...? He was one of a few to take turns driving the Toyota.

LaTijereta - 11-23-2009 at 08:10 PM

Wound up finishing 2nd in the Production Mini Class..

Curt63 - 11-23-2009 at 08:53 PM

I saw a video interview of him talking about his upcoming participation in the race.

My personal opinion is he almost seemed embarassed to be part of such a publicity/ promotional stunt. It seemed like he was admitting he was a has been and not a real racer anymore.

I have the utmost respect for his 17 Baja 500 victories. He is the real deal!

Von - 11-23-2009 at 11:38 PM

Cool!

David K - 11-24-2009 at 09:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Curt63
I saw a video interview of him talking about his upcoming participation in the race.

My personal opinion is he almost seemed embarassed to be part of such a publicity/ promotional stunt. It seemed like he was admitting he was a has been and not a real racer anymore.

I have the utmost respect for his 17 Baja 500 victories. He is the real deal!


Yah, he was pretty low key about it. Josh (my stepson) works for Ivan's son in Santee at 'Stewart's Race Works', and sees Ivan often.