NORRA Race plus more Baja - trip report part 1

Trip report part 1 - this adventure....

Began as a plan to spectate the NORRA 1000 but evolved into 8 glorious Baja sunrises and sunsets with a little NORRA race action thrown in.






Agua Caliente Hot Springs in Borrego


Leaving Agua Caliente Hot Springs in Anza Borrego we entered at the west Mexicali crossing, proceeded to the left lane, double parked, while Barbara went inside and got our tourist cards stamped. We soon were winding our way through the crowded streets of Mexicali trying to find the host hotel for the race. That was no problem as we soon saw dozens of vintage racing vehicles bringing back nostalgic memories of our early check point days in Baja.

They were there; the legends, the semi-legends, men and equipment we had never seen, trucks torn apart in the parking lot with guys scrounging Mexicali for wheel bearings, brake parts, and even a used axle. Exciting to see some of these low budget teams scrambling to get to their own starting line in just a few hours, as the midnight oil no doubt burned until dawn.

We guessed most made it to the start line outside of Mexicali, as we awaited the first racer to arrive at Rancho Grande in Gonzaga Bay

Scott Steinberger was the leader – blasting through before 1:00 in the afternoon. Bob Gordon’s buggy close, Walker close, and the others stretched out the afternoon’s excitement. A few stopped at the Pemex for gasolina – some tried “jumping” the homemade ramp in front of the store – quite a show put on by a few racers, others ending their dream right here with a brutally hard landing. We saw evidence of the good ‘ol days of racing, with teams helping each other, encouraging the competitors, whether they went through at 20 mph or 50 mph.





Gassing up near Alfonsinas at Gonzaga Bay



Next morning we headed to Coco’s Corner – Coco being in Ensenada getting some adjustments for his hoped for prosthesis – and the caretaker said Coco is in great spirits and hopes to be home soon. The Mag 7 pit crews stationed here were beginning to pack it up for their return to the states

Then we hit the “good” road to Highway 1 and on south. The 20 peso donation at Guerrero Negro ensured our vehicle was bug free as we passed over the in-ground sprayer. Thirty miles later we stopped as the tail end of the race parade finished the leg of their dirt road challenge for the morning. Who did we see? Well you can be sure the leaders were way ahead, but we did see two of the more interesting competitors – two guys from Colorado who had bought a homebuilt Ford pick-up racer – many shades of yellow and primer – looked like near stock suspension – yet still racing their way to San Ignacio. The second vehicle was aptly named “La Mula del Diablo” – a three seat, homemade vehicle of the early days of Baja racing. Owner and driver is 75 year old LaPaz resident Jimmie Jeffries.This Olds powered conglomeration even had Jimmie wondering how much longer this unique piece of Baja racing history would continue down the road on this day as the heat was taking its toll on equipment. As things turned out, both of these longshots finished, Jimmie’s car 35th and our pals from Colorado 41st – a testament to what dedication and love of a sport can accomplish!




Baja Racer and cool guy, Jimmie Jeffries



In the Hotel Colonial parking lot, about the time tech inspection opened - will we get there in time?



Two days later - Running good on a highway section of the NORRA 1000




Soon it was on to Bahia Asuncion for a few days with Juan and Sheri at one of the nicest spots along the Pacific Coast of Baja. The drive along the south end of Scammon’s Lagoon was spectacular. Pure white salt flats bordering the road, soft sand encroaching onto the pavement, forlorn and abandoned homes dotting the countryside made this a neat drive. Then the waters of the Pacific came into view, Sheri leading us the last mile or so to their piece of paradise.

Road report – Mexico 5 is seeing some construction and dirt detours south of Rio Hardy and along the northern edge of the Laguna Salada. The widened, 4 lane section leading into San Felipe was finished and in nice shape. Pavement was fine to Puertocitos – then the new section of pavement complete for 6 or 7 miles south of Huerfantino --- leaving just 21 miles of dirt to Rancho Grande. South of this lastly opened section, there are crews are building bridges, drainage channels, and locating culverts for another 6 or 7 miles. Not much road grading has taken place but I’d guess these bridges and things are about half done. With the heat of summer coming who knows what will happen this year. The road was in pretty good shape to Coco’s, and further along it is still a bit rocky and slow going to Highway 1 near Chapala.

photos to follow soon as I learn how to post 'em!

John and Barbara



[Edited on 5-12-2011 by John M]

[Edited on 5-12-2011 by John M]

Posting photos!!!

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