Brad Lovell to race 39th Baja 1000

Big Air Eric Filar

What started as a bet between friends has turned into an all out race. The Pirate 4x4 JeepSpeed Team #1715 accepted the challenge from Ron Stobaugh who is backing the Alloy USA #1790 Jeep. The bet? Last team to arrive in La Paz, a daunting 1047 miles from the start of the race, buys the beer. The Alloy USA team will consist of vehicle owner Eric Filar, his brother Ryan Filar, Alloy USA owner Ron Stobaugh, and champion rockcrawler Brad Lovell.

Lovells in BFGoodrich Tires Champions Display

While a typical Baja 1000 campaign requires months of preparation, the Alloy USA team has only days to prepare. “The logistics are daunting for a race that is 1000 miles point to point,” commented Brad, “Add on top of that the fact that it is all last minute and the challenge is easy to see.” While the battle plan is still being formed, Eric Filar will start the race with Lovell as co-driver. Brad will then take the wheel before handing the Jeep off to Ron Stobaugh.

Alloy USA - Fat City JeepSpeed

The race should prove as much an adventure as a competition. The relatively stock Jeeps must travel the entire distance within the time limit of 43 hours that includes pit stops, repairs, and driver changes. The grassroots battle between the two teams (likely the only two JeepSpeed teams in the race) will reflect the essence of racing and heritage of the Baja 1000. Brad adds, “My only regret is that Roger is unable to share in this experience. He has prior obligations that can not be altered on such short notice.”

Truck Trend Proving Grounds at SEMA

The team will start the race in Ensenada, Mexico around noon on Thursday, Nov. 16 th in a field surpassing 420 total entries and are likely to reach La Paz early Saturday morning. Be ready for the REAL news of the team’s adventure upon their return.