Founder's Message....

Bajaholics Anonymous is not affliated with a formal 12 Step Step Recovery Program. However, we are a fellowship of men and women who have found Baja California - "intoxicating", the human challenge of competitng - "inspirational", and a sport that certainly has been a healthy addiction of mine for over forty years. 

Baja California provides sanctuary; a second home, a place to relax or play - it is a sandbox for boys and girls to let down their guard and take in the air, the sun and the atmosphere.  There are challenges, dedication and commitments; some at great risk and sacrifice to compete in NORRA or SCORE events that are unique and have become integral parts of our lives; this strip of rugged land of 1000 miles builds character, and we are "characters" calling ourselves "Bajaholics" - we never get enough!  

SEEING IS BELIEVING... 

We have no recruitment or marketing campaign.  SCORE's President (Sal Fish) is an honorary member who is testimony how living your life's passion keeps us feeling and looking young.  The vibrant promoter of the organization since 1975, Sal has been focused on organizing off-road races in Baja - now close to forty years.  

Take a look at that man and you'd ask:  "Where is the Fountain of Youth?  What is it that keeps you looking and feeling so young?"  Sal is always busy.  The journey never ends.  His "job" is a labor of love from start to finish.  

                                     "BAJAHOLICS ANONYMOUS" IS BORN...

"Bajaholics Anonymous" was formally created in 2008.  I found members of Robby Gordon's NASCAR and Dakar efforts intrigued about this "rugged" peninsula expert commentator Paul Page calls Robby's "back yard" - or perhaps Sal Fish more accurately described as Robby's "second home".  So in March of that year I began with simple stories and facts and people came to learn things, and since its inception, I've often found myself smiling while pecking away and posting photos; bringing Baja California off-road racing mystery and magic to the curious, the interested because I know this is a place many people love!

Today we "check in" with former champions Roger Norman, Andy Grider, Anna Cody, Ted Hunnicutt, Greg Zitterkopf and Mary McGee.  You will enjoy input from the superstars of the early days - one of which is former Team Husqvarna rider Mickey Quade - who won in 1973.  It is men like Mickey who can eagerly provide valuable insight and experience for the racer or interested member - feel free to contact other members, and feel free to comment...

"WHAT IS BAJA?"

Whew! Tough life!

     BAJA RACING AND THE EARLY DAYS

Off-road racing in Baja California has really - until recently - only known two major, professionally sanctioned motorsports organizations, and many know it all started off with a couple of adventurers named Ed Pearlman and Don Francisco; these two men created the  National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA), beginning in 1967.  These characters are featured in footage; their smiling, dusty and worn faces show what each of you might suspect - some dirt, sun, fun and the challenge to survive in desolate land is truly an attraction!

From a rag-tag group of Hollywood stuntmen, actors and professional drivers, N.O.R.R.A. took off and flew in to prominense up until October 1973 when the Arab Oil Embargo effectively shut things down.  The Mexican government stepped in to cover the one Baja 1000 scheduled for one month later, and through the volunteer group calling itself the Baja Sports Committee (B.S.C.), the event was a success, however there was no Baja 1000 in 1974.

THE BIRTH OF S.C.O.R.E. - THE PRESENT SANCTIONING BODY

The late Mickey Thompson stepped in to pacify off-road racing enthusiasts by creating to Short Course Off-Road Enterprises (SCORE) in 1973 when he promoted the AC/Delco Mickey Thompson R.V. Spectacular with the first short course event held at Riverside Raceway in Southern California.  It was at that time - the first SCORE event in Riverside as a 14 year old - that I competed with the "big guys" and remain grateful to Mickey for over-riding his lawyer's warnings about allowing a Minor to compete.  All went well and we finished on the podium in the 125cc Expert Class! 

Apparently Mickey wanted to compete in his own events, he had to hand the reigns over to a seasoned racer named Sal Fish; Sal greeted me a year or so later when I finished my first Baja 500 at the age of 16; he and I have worked together since that time and life has been good to him.. 

Not much later, the racing community encouraged Sal Fish to take a shot at promoting races in Baja.  The Mexican government then opened the doors for S.C.O.R.E. to step up and bring Baja back!  The rest is history....

PERHAPS YOU CAN FEEL IT ALREADY....

So perhaps in many similar respects, this modest little website, filled with true stories and rich Baja racing history, is indeed, similar to 12 Step Recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.  You see, some of you have never been to Baja; we welcome you and hope we can accomodate any planned visits, because if we are honest, we must admit that the challenges, the mystique, and the "rush" we get from Baja California and off-road racing is an addiction - an addiction - however this is something we embrace, something we refuse to eliminate from our daily lives!!!

In that regard, and in closing, this site serves many individuals of different color, demographics, gender and race.... The "spiritual answer and the program of action" absolutely imperitive to survival from the crippling affects of alcohol and drug addiction is perhaps similar to what we have here; a place to share, to give, and most importantly - a place where we "relax and take it easy"... 

So for the "curious", feel free to explore and ask questions.  This place is where one goes for relief; and a place where we have faith you will smile, relax, and find a bit of happiness.

                           My name is "Baja Bill", and I'm a grateful Bajaholic!

One of our esteemed members is Roger Norman aka "Double Down" here on the site.  Roger has not only won a Baja 1000 overall, he has been the SCORE International Points Champions. 

Here is Roger's insight observations and strategy for the 2010 SCORE Baja 1000, but most importantly - let him give you a wild ride to La Paz where he arrived third overall behind winner and Mexico's "Golden Boy" Gus Vildosola, and Robby Gordon!  After you catch your breath  - you might contrast the significant changes in the last 40 years - 1967 (Part 1 and Part 2) feature on the left column:

So you see; being "Bajaholic" is not a bad thing, is it?

2010 Baja 1000: Norman Motorsports from Norman Motorsports on Vimeo.

DON'T TRIP OUT ON THIS COPYRIGHT LANGUAGE; JUST READ IT...

Section 107 of U.S. Title Code 17 Copyright Law provides "Fair Usage" relief to those who gain or derive some benefit (aside of economical benefit or profit) of copyrighted material under the followiing circumstances:

1. character of such used is not for commercial purposes;

2. the nature of the work;

3. the amount or substantiality of the use - as a whole; and

4. the effect upon the market value of copywritten material.

Over 200 photos stored in our archives and albums were graciously given to us free of charge in 2009 by Jim Ober and the folks at Trackside Photo.  These photos and other materials have been expressly authorized for use, and permission for use is implied in light of the educational benefit, their historical reference, and open public comment - at no cost.

Bajaholics Anonymous is a free, non-profit website dedicated to preserving off-road racing history in Mexico. If you wish to purchase any or all of what you see; we have a list of the providers so you may arrange for purchase(s).

We do not want or need your money or financial support.  We exist o encourage your deep appreciation for Baja California, the sport of off-road racing, the vibrance of the Mexican people and hope for a better tomorrow.