The Baja 1000 is North America's equivalent to the Dakar. It stands out as a not-to-miss fixture of the off-road competition season and 2007 marked the 40^th anniversary of what is certainly the continent's toughest, best-known and craziest event.

 

Its total distance is 2,085km and its route runs from the north to the southern tip of the Californian peninsula which separates the Gulf of California from the Pacific Ocean. In the course of the past four decades, this rocky trail – which is practically equivalent to twice the distance from the north to the south of France – has attracted thousands of modern-day adventurers drawn by the prospect of crossing of this vast deserted region non-stop.

Indeed, it is this awesome event which marked BFGoodrich's first steps in motor sport some thirty years ago. The American brand's tyres went on to take 20 consecutive wins between 1986 and 2005. After a momentary setback in 2006, they returned to their winning ways in 2007.

 

The 2007 Baja 1000 saw the 424 entries set off one at a time from Ensenada in heavy rain on November 15. Exactly 25 hours, 21 minutes and 25 seconds later, the Ford F-150 Trophy Truck crossed the finish line to take the laurels. This 800bhp monster, which was equipped with BFGoodrich Baja T/A tyres, was driven in turns by crew-members Mark Post, Rob MacCachren and Carl Renezeder who covered the 2,085km course at an average speed of 82kph, despite the slippery conditions and sometimes blinding dust. "I would like to say a big thank you to BFGoodrich; we weren't slowed by a single puncture," reported Mark Post at the finish after collecting his maiden success on the event.

 

In addition to its 21^st outright Baja 1000 victory, BFGoodrich also secured 15 class wins, including the Class 1 Unlimited category with Larry Roeseler and Troy Herbst who clinched the 2007 Score Off-Road title with their BFGoodrich-shod Smith-Ford.

 

The 2007 season also saw BFGoodrich tyres dominate the Drift championship with Samuel Hubinette, the Rock Crawling trials series with Tracy Jordan and the USA Rally Championship with freestyle superstar Travis Pastrana and his Subaru Impreza/BFGoodrich.

 

 

January 24-27: Laughlin Desert Challenge

March 14-15: Tecate Score Baja 250

May 30-June 1: Tecate Score Baja 500

July 17-19: Las Vegas Terrible’s Cup III

September 5-6: Terrible’s Primm 300

November 19-22: Tecate Score Baja 1000