(Agua Dulce, Calif.): When was the last time you rode in Baja with two motorcycle racing legends? Ricky Johnson and Steve Hengeveld will be racing the NORRA Mexican 1000 in 2016. Johnson has multiple motocross titles, championships in the TORC series, Pro-4 class, Baja 1000 wins in 1997 and 2003, and a long list of accolades including being inducted into the AMA motorcycle hall of fame in 1999.
Hengeveld’s name is synonymous with Baja racing. Hengeveld and his Honda teammates, won the Baja 2000 in the year 2000, a race that traversed 1,748 miles of the Baja Peninsula to commemorate the new century. That win was a precursor to his Baja 1000 winning streak that spanned 6 years from 2002 to 2007 and another win in 2014 riding for Kawasaki. Hengeveld also won the Baja 500 in 2000, repeated the feat in 2001 through 2004 straight, as well as other Baja 500 victories in 2007 and 2012. In 2014, Hengeveld won the Mexican 1000 overall riding under the assumed name of Mark Winkelman. Hengeveld and Winkelman thought it would be funny to enter a “ringer” in the rally.
“The Mexican 1000 is a good time,” said Hengeveld, “You get to enjoy riding Baja’s finest terrain during the day without all the pressure, and then hang out by the pool and have a few beers with your friends every night. We spend some time looking over the bike each night and then have a great meal before getting ready for the next day.”
The Mexican 1000 follows an epic route that begins on Saturday April 23rd in Ensenada with technical inspection before heading to El Rosario for the night. Sunday’s stage runs from El Rosario to Bay of LA. Monday is Bay of LA to Loreto, then Loreto to La Paz on Tuesday and La Paz to the finish in San Jose Del Cabo on Wednesday.
Ricky Johnson is just as anxious as Hengeveld to participate in the rally. “I am so excited about riding the 2016 NORRA Mexican 1000 this year,” said Johnson, “To run the Baja Peninsula on a motorcycle in a multiple day stage race is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to racing with a bunch of great people and catching up with some old friends.”
Motorcycle entrants will benefit from the same pit crew Johnson and Hengeveld will be using, Mag7. Back for their third straight year at the Mexican 1000, Mag7 has been pitting since 1969 when the original Magnificent 7 provided services at the Baja 1000. All entrants receive “bike” level pit support, (a $600 value) which includes fuel at all pitting locations strategically placed over this year’s five-day, 1,300-mile trans-Baja Mexican 1000 rally. If you want to replicate the original rally, Mag7 will carry your pit box or tote (one per team) along the route. This gives the hardcore adventure rider a true test at the rally having only him/her and basic pit support to rely on. The totes can hold various items such as: parts, tools, a tent, a sleeping bag and will be waiting for the rider each evening.
Don’t be left out of this incredible adventure. Go to www.norra.com today, and get started on registration; the rally is quickly approaching. You don’t need a race team or an exotic bike to compete. Just go to the website where you will find all the information you need to join Steve Hengeveld, Ricky Johnson, and others on the 2016 NORRA Mexican 1000 rally.