Sept. 1, 2016 (Agua Dulce, Calif.): With the 2016 NORRA Mexican 1000 in the rear view mirror, plans for the 50th anniversary race are well under way. Dates have been set and registration will open right around the corner on Sept. 15th. This year’s Mexican rally will be loaded with more days of racing with the addition of a stop on day one in the fishing village, and popular vacation destination, of San Felipe. This will shorten the race mileage on day one, give competitors more time to tune their vehicles after the first stages, and allow competitors to enjoy everything San Felipe has to offer.

(ABOVE) The 1967 Mexican 1000 Rally program cover.
"Muscle..." "...by Con Ferr" The programs back cover featuring non other than Ed Pearlman himself behind the wheel! (BELOW)

The NORRA Mexican 1000 was first run in 1967. Until NORRA came in and established a sanctioned event, adventurers would compete for the fastest time running the length of the Baja Peninsula on their own. They kept track of their runs by using the telegraph office to record their times. The Mexican 1000 created the foundation for modern off road racing; in fact, it was NORRA’s Mike Pearlman who coined the name off road racing.

(ABOVE) The 2011 Baja Legacy Induction of NORRA and the condensed story of how the "New" off-road sport came to be. Included in the homage are photos (l-r) of Ed Pearlman and Don Francisco along with the 1968 Mexican 1000 race map, and in the lower right corner the original timepiece used by NORRA.

(BELOW) Journal tracking of participants from the earliest of races and notations for those "Gone Fishin'", unable to attend. (Photo: Joe Bonello)

Today, the NORRA Mexican 1000 is a totally unique event that pays tribute to off-road racing history while also providing tough competition for motorcycles, ATV’s, UTV’s and 4 wheeled race vehicles of all types from vintage to state of the art. Classes are divided into eras of racing. Restored original race cars compete on the same course as thundering Trophy Trucks and unlimited buggies. Complete rules and detailed information is provided on the NORRA website here: www.norra.com/rules_current.

The time is now to begin planning to attend the 50th anniversary NORRA Mexican 1000. “The Happiest Race On Earth!”  gets better every year and the anniversary race is one you don’t want to miss. You will compete in a rally style event, rub elbows with icons of off-road racing, and witness the spectacular beauty of one of the few wild places left on earth. First time competitors become lifelong fans of the Mexican 1000. The rally is such a unique and rewarding experience, once you participate, you will want to return every year. Check out the itinerary below and start planning to attend.

~###~