(Agua Dulce, Calif.):  For one of the first times in its colorful history, Ensenada’s beautiful but private Horsepower Ranch will open its doors to all Mexican 1000 and Cortez Rally participants on Friday, April 24th beginning at 4:00pm.  Located just a few miles east of downtown Ensenada, the 140-acre facility will host the official finish and award’s party for the inaugural Cortez Rally, along with a gathering of newly restored and historically significant  NORRA Vintage class vehicles. Additionally, NORRA officials will provide early team/driver/crew registration for the 6th annual General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000.

Since taking over the ranch in 2003, Horsepower Ranch and founding partner Todd Clement have hosted some of the largest and most significant celebrations in off-road racing history. These include the highly popular “Baja Legacy” events that included inducting most of the sport’s biggest stars in the ranch’s Carrera Cantina “Walls of Fame.”

Admission to the ranch is only available on Friday, April 24th but there is no charge to come and enjoy all of the festivities. Specially prepared Mexican food, cold cerveza, margaritas, cocktails and commemorative Horsepower Ranch merchandise will all be available for purchase throughout the afternoon and evening.

While still being finalized, a special gathering of newly completed Vintage category restorations will also be a highlight of the Horsepower Ranch celebration. This year’s Mexican 1000 entry list features an impressive gathering of historic buggies, trucks, and motorcycles, many of which are making their debuts after years of hard work have returned them to their former glory.

NORRA will also make early pre-rally registration available for all NORRA Evolution, Vintage and Motorcycle/ATV classes at Horsepower Ranch. NORRA personnel will be on hand from 4:00pm until 8:00pm to finalize vehicle registration, driver information and all event wristbands.

“We are very honored to be working with NORRA and the Cortez Rally to open the ranch up to everyone involved with these events,” stated Clement. “Over the past 13 years this place has become a cultural icon for the sport and its history. We invite all of the teams and crews to get to Horsepower Ranch for a perfect kick-off to this year’s rally.”

For more information, visit NORRA.com.