Want to race the Baja 1000

[Oldschooljeep48]

I orginally posted this in the general and was told I may have some more luck here. If there are some previous threads that could help, please point me to them as well.

I am looking to complete the Baja 1000. I am more interested in being able to finish the race more then the competition or the exact class I would run. So that’s why I’m here, for your input and help.

I’m looking to keep it under 5k total. i was thinking of breaking it out to 1k for:
1. Truck
2. Suspension
3. Roll cage and safety stuff
4. Tires and lights
5. Extras like new hoses and wires, fluids, CB, gages, etc.

So what do you think?
How would you spend the 5k?
What is the most important area to spend money in?
What am I over looking?

Thanks!

 

[RaceRanger97]

To be honest I don't think it can be done for under 5k. You may be able to build a fun play truck but there is a lot involved in preparing for the 1000. Building a truck to SCORE spec would be awful hard with only 1k to spend on the roll cage and safety equipment. Not to mention all the spare parts you would need along with pits throughout the whole course. I love the Baja 1000 and wish to someday race it as well. But as I have seen by being a co-driver/pit crew member for different teams, you better be prepared to spend 2 or 3x what you expect.

 

[Oldschooljeep48]

To be honest I don't think it can be done for under 5k. You may be able to build a fun play truck but there is a lot involved in preparing for the 1000. Building a truck to SCORE spec would be awful hard with only 1k to spend on the roll cage and safety equipment. Not to mention all the spare parts you would need along with pits throughout the whole course. I love the Baja 1000 and wish to someday race it as well. But as I have seen by being a co-driver/pit crew member for different teams, you better be prepared to spend 2 or 3x what you expect.

So how do the stock classes make it? how can a class 11 VW make it? Am I barkign up the wrong tree, should I be looking into another class? All I want to do, is enter the race and make it across the finish line in the time allowed. Whats the easiest way to do that? I Live outside of chicago, this is all new to me, Ill admit that. im not saying to be an expert on anything here.

Thanks for the input!

 

[RaceRanger97]

Although there are "stock' classes, they still have Sophisticated roll cages, race seats, parker pumps, helmets, GPS units, harnesses, etc. Some of this can't be bought used because they have a safety date that expires. Like I said before, your going to need quite a few extra parts, tires, fuel pumps, drive-lines, and what ever else could stop you in the middle of Mexico. I am in no way trying to squash your dream here I just don't want you getting in over your head.

 

[Oldschooljeep48]

Although there are "stock' classes, they still have Sophisticated roll cages, race seats, parker pumps, helmets, GPS units, harnesses, etc. Some of this can't be bought used because they have a safety date that expires. Like I said before, your going to need quite a few extra parts, tires, fuel pumps, drive-lines, and what ever else could stop you in the middle of Mexico. I am in no way trying to squash your dream here I just don't want you getting in over your head.

Good point, I dont even know what a parker pump is! Thats whay I cam here, to find outwhat it takes. In my own little world, I'm thinking buy a ranger, throw a cage in it, runs some 33's, and buy some big shocks and a little lift. drive careful and hold on. Throw some money at just getting there and all is well. So thank you for some honest feedback.

So in your opinion, is 5k enough to cover things? What else do I need? Is ther a better way to go about things? Maybe a diferent truck?

 

[GMillion$]

I don't think Baja 1000 and <5k really go together! I bet it would cost me that much to fly down and stey there for a week, let alone compete...

I'd say build a truck for as cheap as you feel like and have some fun with it

 

[AaronC]

A Score spec cage alone will cost you at mininum $3500. Unless you have the ability to fabricate the cage yourself. You'll be in around 1000-1400 dollars in materials and consumables to build the cage. That is if you have the tools readily available. Cost of steel recently shot up 35%.. Things are getting expensive.

The only way you can hit a 5k range is to have tools on hand, a lot of knowledge and start with a different truck. F-100's are perfect for what you are going for..

Although you'll need another 4k to make it down there and start. I didn't say anything about finishing. After the truck would need a full prep.

Its a tough game. The only way to be competitive is to have a 20k+ budget on the initial build.

Being competitive in the 1000= Not DNF'ing

 

[Mac]

I was just thinking about how much a support crew would cost. If you want to give it a try, they have two big races up in Northern Wisconsin every year, closed course, at Crandon. Just watching and talking to some of the guys or visiting the pits would give you a good idea of what's all involved. You mention $1000 for lights and tires, that would get you off the starting line. Ever change one of them big tires out in the middle of nowhere? Sounds like fun though but I'd rather sit home and watch.
Dave

 

[koda6966]

I have to agree with the above. I have done quite a bit of research on the Baja 1000 since I have the same dream as you, and unfortunately I have decided I have other things to spend my money on.

Save your money and mod your truck as you go along, you might change your mind in the process or you might watch your ambition grow. You never know what's going to happen down the road *ahem* desert.

 

[charlie brown]

the only way to make a million in offroad racing is to start with 2 million. HAHA

seriously, get a bike with lots of friends. you may be able to do it for that. Check out a tour type rid like “the rip to the tip”. That’s a group ride with full on support and trailers to help.

or start snooping around the race forums like on dezertrangers.com or racedezert.com baja 1K is not a good race to start with. if your set on racing in baja you would want to hook up with a team first, make friends then after you learn more, maybe start laying out your plans. baja is as you know a another country and it is by far not the safest place to be. you have to know how to travel, when to travel, places to stay at. its not the usa, there is not a search party that comes look for you if you missing. i been going there for over 25+ years and it is a bit different every time.

 

[charlie brown]

there are some racers that will sell you a right side seat for part of the race. that would be a great way to check it out. that way you get to prerun with them, ride in the truck and be part of it.

 

[Oldschooljeep48]

Iv'e just always wanted to go and finish. Then you throw in "From Dust to Glory" and it makes it look so great. I figure I could make it there and back for about a grand, I would be doing this with my buddy as well so cost would be split. And yes I realize its Mexico and I would take the necessary precautions.

I guesss I was thinking build a truck for 5k, drop another grand in spare parts, and another grand for travel. Aparently I am off, and thats ok, it just makes me want to find out more of what it really takes.

So "race prep" has been mentioned a few times here, what exactly does that included?

 

[rickf92592]

the only way to make a million in offroad racing is to start with 2 million. HAHA

seriously, get a bike with lots of friends. you may be able to do it for that. Check out a tour type rid like “the rip to the tip”. That’s a group ride with full on support and trailers to help.

or start snooping around the race forums like on dezertrangers.com or racedezert.com baja 1K is not a good race to start with. if your set on racing in baja you would want to hook up with a team first, make friends then after you learn more, maybe start laying out your plans. baja is as you know a another country and it is by far not the safest place to be. you have to know how to travel, when to travel, places to stay at. its not the usa, there is not a search party that comes look for you if you missing. i been going there for over 25+ years and it is a bit different every time.

Rip to the Tip is invitation only and, trust me, unless you are a current, top-notch desert racer Cameron won't take you for your own good. (I've ridden with Cameron and I'm about 15 years past my expiration date)

there are some racers that will sell you a right side seat for part of the race. that would be a great way to check it out. that way you get to prerun with them, ride in the truck and be part of it.

This is the best advice on here.
Your entry fees for the 1000 (entry, tracker, etc.) will be about $3000.00.
You have to have your truck teched and tagged by SCORE (Bill Savage) and I can't remember what that fee is.
You need a full driving set-up (pumper helmet, suit, gloves, shoes, underwear, etc.) about $1500.00 - $2000.00.
Pitting; unless you can talk 25 of your friends to bring 5-6 chase rigs down and all for free, you'll spend at least $2500.00 (plus fuel) on a pit service.
You'll need at least 2 spares on the truck and 12 spares scattered down the course.
Chase truck: You'll need at least one chase truck and crew loaded with spares. tools, radios and GPS.
Lights: Unless you have a sponsor, you'll need at least $2000.00 worth of lights. We are sponsored by KC and run 12 of their $1200.00 each 70W PODS on the front of the Trophy Truck.
How much do you have budgeted for the required fuel cell? $1500.00 might buy a current used one.
DON'T BELIEVE THE MOOKS THAT SAY YOU CAN DO THIS ON THE CHEAP, MOST HAVE NEVER RACED!
I'd beg a large team to let me help pitting and chasing the first year and buy a seat (Baja Challenge are great) the next year.
After that, save about $50,000.00 and you might do a competive 5-1600 effort.
Sorry to rain on your parade but each year we see a lot of broken dreams starting out this way.

Oh, and if you are a competent dirt-bike rider, consider a Baja tour. The only tour company I recommend is Tim Morton's Baja Bound.

 

[strvger]

keep reading the applicable threads.
get friendly with the Tech Library.
search and join other web sites that will be helpful.
make as many friends along the way as you can. chances are they may be your sponsors, chase team members, build buddies, etc.
most of all...
DON'T GIVE UP THE DREAM! MAKE IT HAPPEN!

just my $.02.

.

 

[Oldschooljeep48]

keep reading the applicable threads.
get friendly with the Tech Library.
search and join other web sites that will be helpful.
make as many friends along the way as you can. chances are they may be your sponsors, chase team members, build buddies, etc.
most of all...
DON'T GIVE UP THE DREAM! MAKE IT HAPPEN!

just my $.02.

.

Thats what Im shootin for but I need reality at the same time. Im just trying to find real numbers for everything to see what it would take. For instance, chase trucks and pits, wouldnt maybe three be enough? every 250mi or so... Plus all the other saftey features like fire suites and harness. I know therir not cheap but 2k... IDK, maybe thats what it takes. Ill find out soon enough if I keep digging.