Baja 1000

Baja 1000 – Discover the Desert’s Toughest Race

The Baja 1000 is one of the most exciting off-road races in the world, and it’s a must-see for any fan of motorsport. Baja 1000, the world’s longest point-to-point race, takes place in November. If you’re planning to participate on the race or attend the race as a spectator, it’s important to make sure you have the right Baja 1000 car insurance when driving in Baja or when you transport your race car. Mexico requires Mexican auto insurance for all drivers. Your U.S. car coverage will not suffice.  Before you head down for all the excitement, make sure you meet the requirements.

Introducing the Baja 1000

The Baja 1000 has a long history, with the first timed run in 1962 by one of Honda’s American subsidiaries to promote a new motorcycle. Over the years, several people tried to break the record set by Honda and in 1967, the Mexican 1000 was born as the first organized and official race of off-road enthusiasts. The race distance was from Tijuana to La Paz and the winning time that first year was 27 hours 38 minutes.

Over the next few years, the race outlasted many challenges and ownership changes, was renamed the Baja 1000 and came under the auspices of SCORE International (Southern California Off Road Enthusiasts). Where is the Baja 1000? Some years the race is a point-to-point (beginning and ending in different locations) and some years the race is a loop race (beginning and ending in the same place). In 2023, for example, the race began in Paz, Baja California Sur and ended in Ensenada, Baja California. In 2022, the course was a loop, beginning and ending in Ensanada. The course length varies from 600 to more than 1,000 miles.

The Legendary Desert Race

The Baja 1000 entices challengers from all over the world. For example, in 2023 there were 322 teams driving a variety of vehicles, from all kinds of four-wheelers to motorcycles and quads. The Baja 1000 has been called a mashup of “Mad Max, the Dakar Rally and the Twilight Zone”, with no signs to mark the way, a trek through vast expanses of dessert with plenty of dust and other weather conditions, including snow, and paved roads containing normal traffic (busses, cows, partying pedestrians and more).

The race is a testament to those who endure, catching the imagination of filmmakers and others in the entertainment business by spurring films, documentaries and video games. If you are driving to partake or as a spectator, understand the regulations around crossing the border into Baja.

The Challenge of the Baja Course

Depending on the route, participants drive through dessert, along coastal highways and through small and large cities, towns and villages – night and day. Because of the different challenges along each stretch, including booby traps set by fans, most racers participate in teams of four or five drivers, stationed along the route to pick up where the dust-and-mud-smeared previous road warrior hands over the vehicle to a fresh driver.

Many drivers study their assigned section ahead of time, even taking the time for a practice drive or two.

Navigating the Harsh Terrain of Baja California

The route in some areas is described as a dusty desolation. Drivers can experience heavy fog, rain and even snow. Since roads in towns and cities are not closed, drivers may be dodging locals who are trying to outrace them, livestock and drunken pedestrians.  You can fall off unmarked cliffs, canyons and other hazards. For those who get lost or injured at any time, but particularly in the middle of the night, there is nobody immediately coming to your aid, so self-sufficiency is a key attribute to this race.

Why Only Half the Racers Cross the Finish Line

The Baja 1000 race is known for claiming victims. In 2016, three people were killed during the Baja 500 (a qualifying race). There are no hospitals out there in the sparsely populated area. With some of the most unforgiving terrain in the world, it’s possible to get seriously injured and have no help. For rookies with no preparation for the grueling endurance test they are about to undertake, the blinding, choking dust and unforgiving climate will quickly take the steam out of their ambition.

Those who aren’t prepared and don’t have a veteran to help may throw in the towel at the first sign of trouble. As part of preparations, participants should consider travel medical insurance.

Vehicles That Conquer the Desert

Baja 1000 has been known as a proving ground for motorcycle and off-road manufacturers and enthusiasts since its beginning. Every year, vehicles that don’t conquer the desert are left abandoned on the course with their drivers attempting to hitch a ride out. However, there are some tried and true makes and models that come back every year and not only make it to the end, but win!

• Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
• Volkswagen Beetle
• Ford Raptor R
• Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
• Hummer H3 Alpha
• Lexus LX 570
• Chevy Colorado ZR2
• Jeep Grand Cherokee

These vehicles are all modified slightly to be durable enough to make the trip, but even this brutal and somewhat-lawless race has some rules. Manufacturers are allowed to lift the vehicle no more than 3-inches, strip the inside and add safety features like a roll cage and lights.

From Four-Wheelers to Motorcycles and ATVs

Other intrepid racers like to challenge the course in a less luxurious manner, including on a motorcycle or ATV. As far as ATVs go, some experts rate the Honda TRX 450R as the best bet, with the Bombardier 650 DS coming in second and the Yamaha YFZ 450 bringing up third.

As far as motorcycles (dirt bikes, really) go, the Honda CRF450X has won an impressive number of races in the motorcycle category. Some of the most popular bikes for Baja racers include:

• Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
• BMW R1200GS Adventure
• Ural Gear Up Sahara
• Kawasaki KX500
• KTM 790 Adventure R

Make no mistake, it’s a fairly expensive investment to get your gear, team and vehicle ready to triumph in the Baja 1000. Although the grand prize is around $25,000, most estimate the total cost upwards of 5 figures.

Insurance for Traveling To See Baja 1000

When driving to Baja, you’ll need to buy Mexican car insurance. Sanborn’s has more than 75 years of paving the way for Americans traveling to Mexico.

You can get a quick quote for car insurance online or call 800-222-0158. We also have offices all along the border in California, Arizona and Texas, so regardless of where you are crossing, you can stop in and get everything you need with an agent’s help. Visit with us today!