2025 NORRA Mexican 1000

[toddz69]

Reading @Jeff10's posts this morning in the Stroppe thread reminded me that I needed to post a few photos from our adventure last weekend in Mexico. Although our longtime team owner has retired from racing and the Kaysinger Racing Bronco (aka "Torch") is now resting comfortably in a garage far from Baja, it's tough to not experience Baja just a bit every year at the kickoff of the NORRA Mexican 1000 - the race we raced for 10 years.

@enesset and @BajaBronco flew down to my house Phoenix last week and together we did our annual trek to Ensenada in Baja. We got to experience the two days of tech and contingency this year - checking out cool race cars, catching up with old friends, making new ones, and enjoying fish tacos and perhaps a cerveza or two.

By my count, there were 4 EBs racing this year: Boyd Jaynes in his Caballo del Diablo Bronco, Randy Ludwig (@bukin67) and the Buckin'eer Bronco, Eric Olson in his '73 Bronco and Don Hatch in his "Unicorn" 66 Bronco. We were blessed to meet up with Bryan Schaffer (@4WHLFUN) and his buddy Kurt who traveled from NC to experience the race festivities as well. Dinner at Bronco's Steakhouse (with my favorite menu!) is always a treat.

Boyd won his race again - the winningest NORRA racer ever. Randy broke his crankshaft early on the first day. Eric was out early as well with unknown issues and Don was also a DNF.

Always a good time in Baja!

Todd Z.

 

[MarsChariot]

Awesome. The Bronco's Steak House must have a story.

 

[Jeff10]

Todd,

Great pictures! Thanks for posting them.

Sorry to hear about all the carnage. I know Randy must have been really disappointed. Was the rest of his loyal crew there with him this year. He always makes the best out of every situation.

Boyd still rockin' the sombrero? That must be quite the good luck symbol for their team.

You, Andrew and Nesset looked great. Nice and relaxed.

Thanks again for sharing. Brings back a lot of memories. (I didn't realize that Sue was out of racing. That's sad. Meeting up with you guys before the '17 race, getting a closer look at Torch and some of its LP Gas hardware, and then finding out that Sue and my sister's family were friends was a pretty cool way to start of the week.)

Take Care,

Jeff

 

[Comemonday71]

Todd, no Chris Greenwood this year?

 

[toddz69]

Todd, no Chris Greenwood this year?

He was there for a day and drove in Boyd's rig to San Felipe and then flew home. Work commitments, I believe. He wasn't a separate entry this year. He said he's racing 2 races stateside this year instead.

Todd Z.

 

[toddz69]

Todd,

Great pictures! Thanks for posting them.

Sorry to hear about all the carnage. I know Randy must have been really disappointed. Was the rest of his loyal crew there with him this year. He always makes the best out of every situation.

I forget his loyal co-dog's name that's there every year....glasses, mustache....he was there!

Boyd still rockin' the sombrero? That must be quite the good luck symbol for their team.

I think Boyd still dons it from time to time.

You, Andrew and Nesset looked great. Nice and relaxed.

Thanks again for sharing. Brings back a lot of memories. (I didn't realize that Sue was out of racing. That's sad. Meeting up with you guys before the '17 race, getting a closer look at Torch and some of its LP Gas hardware, and then finding out that Sue and my sister's family were friends was a pretty cool way to start of the week.)

Take Care,

Jeff

There is some relaxation and lack of stress when you're not racing. But it still would be fun to be blasting down the peninsula!

Todd Z.

 

[Comemonday71]

He was there for a day and drove in Boyd's rig to San Felipe and then flew home. Work commitments, I believe. He wasn't a separate entry this year. He said he's racing 2 races stateside this year instead.

Todd Z.

Thanks Todd!

 

[4WHLFUN]

Todd, great to see you and Andrew in Baja! My first trip did not disapoint. Got to meet many of the drivers and talk with crew members and check out all the vintage racers. Hopefully I'll be back to race.....some day! Adding Shelby Hall's Bronco DR and Raptor.

 

[landshark99]

Todd, no Chris Greenwood this year?

Wasn't able to swing NORRA this year due to work commitments - as Todd mentioned, I did get to race Boyds Bronco for a section on the first day - was fun!
We did race a 160 mile race in Grand Junction Colorado in April put on by Bonneville off-road Racing Org - finished 3rd over all had a great time but missed racing Baja.. so...

I just registered for the Legacy Nevada 1000 which is a new point to point non-stop race at the end of June. Going to be a hot, long race with lots of chase and a few drivers...

Baja Nevada

Visit the post for more.

legacyracing.net

Bronco is ready -

End of NORRA day 1 in San Felipe -

 

[Comemonday71]

Thanks for the update, Chris. Got to say Baja 1000 is better with a little more Greenwood (not cowbell)! Good luck in that Legacy Nevada 1000!!

 

[Bukin 67]

Update on the Bukin'eer...
I'm currently in the process of building a new motor. Going with a forged crank this time tucked into a Dart block. It will be a 363 stroker.
I really wanted to go 408, but I just spent a but load of $ and time before this year's race on all the fitment items for a 302 block that won't work with the 351, and I have always done well in Baja with the 347, so I'm sure I'll be happy with a little extra torque with the 363.
I'm hoping to be testing by December at the latest. Unfortunately, the race prep is still all good since I only went about 45-50 miles before the crank gave.