(San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California): The final stages of the NORRA Mexican 1000 were not merely a formality. Plenty of challenging terrain was in store for competitors as they made their way down the coast from La Paz to the finish in San Jose Del Cabo. Some pulled under the NORRA banner at the finish with hardly a scratch. Others limped in, dirty, broken and barely running. Most notable in its absence was the #72 Trophy Truck of Robert Acer. Acer’s V-drive gave out during the first special stage, leaving him miles from the finish line. Rear engine trucks have the back end of the engine pointing forward. The V-drive redirects the drive shaft back to the rear axle. Without it, the truck doesn’t move. The NORRA Mexican 1000 is the happiest race on earth but it’s also an extremely challenging test of endurance.
The final day’s winner got off to a slow start at the rally but ran strong on day three and came out on top on day four. Robby Gordon is hugely popular in Baja, his win on the final day helped to kick off the party that starts at the finish line and runs straight thru to the awards ceremony later in the evening at the Grand Mayan Resort. Fans were lining up to get a photo with Robby and they showed the same exuberance for the entire field as they began filing through the NORRA arch.
Cars, trucks, the parade of vehicles really showcased the diversity of vehicles that compete in the Mexican 1000. The diversity of the vehicles pales in comparison to the competitors. They range from professional racers to adventure seekers, lovers of history and those who made history. Young and old, male and female; they all had one thing in common. They were glad to be at the finish but a little sad that the race was done. They all had that ear to ear grin you get when you just did something very special and can’t hide your sense of pride and accomplishment. The NORRA Mexican 1000 is called the happiest race on earth for a reason! Stay tuned to www.norra.com for a complete breakdown of the winners by class and era, the Bilstein Madonna Award, the Race for Cash and much more.
Be sure to check back for coverage of this year’s 2016 NORRA Mexican 1000.
MORE NORRA MEXICAN 1000
2015 Recap of the Mexican 1000