BajaNomad

Viewing the Baja 1000

Rebus Knebus - 10-31-2021 at 08:13 AM

Heading down to the seven sisters area on a surf trip and I’ll be returning around the time of the race and have a bunch of questions:

How should I pick a spot? I have the GPS track, but are there spots that are interesting/exciting but easily accessible? Maybe around El Rosario?

Is the race interesting to watch for someone who’s not a race fan? For me it’s more of a” since I’m down here” event.

Should I wait a few days after the race to head back to SoCal to avoid traffic and border waits, or does it not affect things much?

I have 4x4 and camping gear and I’m not a fan of crowds.

Thanks

amigobaja - 10-31-2021 at 08:24 AM

Myself I like to be closer to the start so you can see more cars. The further away the more breakdowns. As a camper and surfer you might want to campout near shipwreck. There's a really good high speed stretch and a couple gnarly spots that can be fun to watch. Easy Mex 1 access and generally not a lot of sepectators.Have breakfast at the dog rescue they can always use the donations.

David K - 10-31-2021 at 08:39 AM

Yes, it is a fun event. Try and anticipate the wind direction so you can be on the 'less-dust' side of the coarse.

Park well away from the course and bring your camp chairs to a watching location. Be aware that if the terrain permits, racers pass each other using 'new' routes and on curves, may roll over.

There is a four (or ?) hour gap between the motorcycles & quads, and the full-size racers. As stated above, the further you are from the start, the more things spread out or get mixed up.

Park where you can leave when you want without using the race course or at least not go backwards on the race course. The race itself is a 2-day event in the southern half of the peninsula. Racers that break down may be able to get repaired and then drive like hell to make up for lost time. Just be aware that the dirt road you use to get some where is an active race course until the next checkpoint closes.

My first race to watch was the 1973 Baja 1000 (at 16 with my dad) and the last was the 2006 1000. Several of these races, I was a pit captain or helped in some way. I was a co-driver in the 1979 1000. Fun times!

David K - 10-31-2021 at 08:51 AM

Here is the Baja 1000 course on a newer satellite image that includes a completed Highway 5: https://arcg.is/LCiuf

KasloKid - 10-31-2021 at 09:30 AM

If you do decide to spend some time watching the race, you don't want to be viewing from the outside of a corner.... these guys are accelerating out of the corners and I've seen huge rocks churned up and spit out at spectators. Inside of the corners are safest for spectators, at a respectful distance of course. David K is right... the windless side is much more enjoyable!

I actually prefer to be among the local spectators.. It's a side show not to be missed!

You never know, you might be bitten by the "off-road bug" and become a convert!!

David K - 10-31-2021 at 09:55 AM

I have a couple of trip pages at www.VivaBaja.com that include off road races:

2006 Baja 1000 (El Crucero): http://vivabaja.com/1106/
2006 Baja 500 (Ensenada & near Valle de Trinidad): http://vivabaja.com/606/
2005 San Felipe 250 (south of San Felipe): http://vivabaja.com/205/
2003 Baja 500 (near Independencia): http://www.vivabaja.com/500/

honda tom - 10-31-2021 at 10:11 AM

BFG pit at Race Mile 444 (el Crucero) lots of action here, but as stated it will be dark. 7pm first truck..... then action all night. lots of teams will be pitting here. get there in daylight, find a campsite away from the course.. note the wind... find an access road out to the hwy. (if needed). be safe!
As stated .. farther north will be daylight and shorter gaps between racers. same rules apply. Be safe.

Rebus Knebus - 10-31-2021 at 11:43 AM

Wow, lots of good info already. Thanks! Like the shipwrecks idea. Heading out of cell range for a few days and will check again later. Muchas gracias!

JZ - 10-31-2021 at 01:20 PM

Where is "shipwreck."

Good thread. I've never watched a race either.


[Edited on 10-31-2021 by JZ]

Howard - 10-31-2021 at 01:55 PM

North of San Quintin there is a turn off to the west. You pass right by the Grandpa house. Anyone going that way, how about dropping off some food for the Grandpa's? As the saying goes, "There but for the grace of G-d, there go I."

I am sure map boy will be along shortly with detailed maps. :biggrin:

Bajaboy - 10-31-2021 at 02:02 PM

Every year is different for us. We're actually going to watch at a checkpoint this year (#2). Normally, I like to look at a map and find an area with a straightaway and a tight turn. It's fun to what the vehicles going full out but also see something technical.

[Edited on 11-1-2021 by Bajaboy]

David K - 10-31-2021 at 02:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
Where is "shipwreck."

Good thread. I've never watched a race either.


[Edited on 10-31-2021 by JZ]


HERE:

Punta San Jacinto, bottom of this map.




Photos from June 2014, Trail of Missions. Less of the ship is visible now.

mtgoat666 - 10-31-2021 at 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Rebus Knebus  
Heading down to the seven sisters area on a surf trip and I’ll be returning around the time of the race and have a bunch of questions:

How should I pick a spot? I have the GPS track, but are there spots that are interesting/exciting but easily accessible? Maybe around El Rosario?

Is the race interesting to watch for someone who’s not a race fan? For me it’s more of a” since I’m down here” event.

Should I wait a few days after the race to head back to SoCal to avoid traffic and border waits, or does it not affect things much?

I have 4x4 and camping gear and I’m not a fan of crowds.

Thanks


If at 7 sisters, maybe try the boulder area just north of catavina. Probably some good places you can stay high on the boulders but be near enough to look down on the road.

The race teams drive like maniacs on highway. I generally avoid highways during race times and days either side of race because they tailgate and pass like jerks.

EGADS!! I can't believe it!

John M - 10-31-2021 at 02:45 PM

I agree with Goat - many chase teams ARE maniacal in their driving during the race and the day before.

Is the sky falling?

John M

AKgringo - 10-31-2021 at 03:32 PM

I have never been on the course during the race, but twice I happened to be on it while pre-running was going on. It can be pretty un-nerving to be passing through some moderately rough stretch of road and have a couple of quads and a trophy truck blow by you!

I watched some of the racers pass by while I was eating at the Cafe Exquisito in Chametla. The finish line was only a couple of miles further down the road, and the racers were supposed to obey traffic laws there, while mingling with the city traffic.

I don't know how much one of the racers improved his finish time by passing a line of traffic using the shoulder, and part of the parking lot approach, but he did it!

David K - 10-31-2021 at 04:00 PM

Where is Chametla?

AKgringo - 10-31-2021 at 04:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Where is Chametla?


Between Centenario, and La Paz. I was staying at Campestre Maranatha!

honda tom - 11-1-2021 at 07:41 PM

right before the finish.... it will be a speed zone this year... so no passing.

Rebus Knebus - 11-3-2021 at 10:40 AM

Wow, lots of good info already. Thanks! Like the shipwrecks idea. Heading out of cell range for a few days and will check again later. Muchas gracias!