I felt it was about time to actually become a "contributor" to this forum since it's been a source of reading enjoyment for me.
First of all, I'm an early Bronco owner and fan, appreciative of the pedigree and history. This is not meant to be disrespectful. The story begins;
I saw Todd Z's post a few months ago, detailing a chance to ride/drive in Marshall Madruga's Big Oly trophy truck in the NORRA 1000 in Baja, Mexico.
Thanks Todd, I think. Never really gave it all that much thought before but it sure sounded like a good idea I made a couple of calls, sent a couple of emails, sent a couple of checks and presto, I'm slotted to ride/drive in just shy of 200 miles from south of Loreto to the finish line in La Paz with the "Marshall" in the Big Oly TT. This can't be happening to me, can it? So far so good.
Next challenge, how to soft sell it to my wife. To start my race preparation, I figure I'll watch the movie/ documentary "Dust to Glory" detailing the Baja Race. Now in a momentary lapse of sanity which could only be rivalled by Al Davis presenting a $30 million dollar chack to Jamarcus Russell, I invite my wife to watch the movie with me. She doesn't say too much during or after the movie which is good, right? My observations to myself on the movie..man, those trucks are moving awfully fast... that crowd sure is close to the course...this is unbelievable...MAGIC, I'm pumped. Next morning I get up and on the kitchen counter, my absent wife has left 3 copies of an unexecuted 20 year old will, with written directions, to be signed ASAP. She obviously enjoyed the movie. My penance, the 4 day solo retreat for a glimpse into the past in the Baja has now morphed into a Los Cabos week retreat for my wife and quite possibly guest(s). Onward we march, just the cost of doing business.
I noticed on the Trophy Truck thread, a number of CB members expressing excitement at the thought of participating but also a little more apprehension than I would have liked to have seen from the Brotherhood. For the first time since I signed on for this, I had to ask myself the question, am I really qualified for this? Well....I do have a valid drivers license, hold an international drivers license ($12.00 at AAA), have driven a Stroppe stroked Bronco offroad and have put 10,000 bronco highway miles with 50% of the time fixated on the rear view mirror for fast approaching rocket vehicles. I've also been working out, but that's not working out. Now that I rethink this, I'd say yeah, I'm just about set.
Race isn't for 6 weeks, I'm packed already. just wanted to go over the items packed in the bag for raceday (May 1st -mayday) 3 pair of underwear, depends for backup, manzier, kidney belt, mouthguard, condom-6' of clear plastic hose and giant baggie, ski goggles, bathing suit as we're running near the ocean, plaid scarf and some tunes. That should about do it unless I've forgotten something.
I'll try to update everyone as race prep time permits.
Thanks
Marshall Madruga sent me this to post:
"Good news to Bronco buffs........SEAT TIME IS STILL AVAILABLE.... Some people haven't sent their $$$$. There is time (driver and passenger) in the first 2 days of the race!!! Go to www.norra.com to see the course. Don't worry about hotels, logistics, etc. I have it covered and can assist. Warm "live" bodies only need apply. My crew and I will be hanging out with Parnelli, Walker Evans,etc.... I got Walker his rooms, so he will be hanging with us anyway, along with his old school dodge. Once in a lifetime opportunity........Yes.....it actually is. These are pals of mine and they aren't getting any younger...
Marshall Madruga
www.bigoly.com
619-222-0301
First of all, I'm an early Bronco owner and fan, appreciative of the pedigree and history. This is not meant to be disrespectful. The story begins;
I saw Todd Z's post a few months ago, detailing a chance to ride/drive in Marshall Madruga's Big Oly trophy truck in the NORRA 1000 in Baja, Mexico.
Thanks Todd, I think. Never really gave it all that much thought before but it sure sounded like a good idea I made a couple of calls, sent a couple of emails, sent a couple of checks and presto, I'm slotted to ride/drive in just shy of 200 miles from south of Loreto to the finish line in La Paz with the "Marshall" in the Big Oly TT. This can't be happening to me, can it? So far so good.
Next challenge, how to soft sell it to my wife. To start my race preparation, I figure I'll watch the movie/ documentary "Dust to Glory" detailing the Baja Race. Now in a momentary lapse of sanity which could only be rivalled by Al Davis presenting a $30 million dollar chack to Jamarcus Russell, I invite my wife to watch the movie with me. She doesn't say too much during or after the movie which is good, right? My observations to myself on the movie..man, those trucks are moving awfully fast... that crowd sure is close to the course...this is unbelievable...MAGIC, I'm pumped. Next morning I get up and on the kitchen counter, my absent wife has left 3 copies of an unexecuted 20 year old will, with written directions, to be signed ASAP. She obviously enjoyed the movie. My penance, the 4 day solo retreat for a glimpse into the past in the Baja has now morphed into a Los Cabos week retreat for my wife and quite possibly guest(s). Onward we march, just the cost of doing business.
I noticed on the Trophy Truck thread, a number of CB members expressing excitement at the thought of participating but also a little more apprehension than I would have liked to have seen from the Brotherhood. For the first time since I signed on for this, I had to ask myself the question, am I really qualified for this? Well....I do have a valid drivers license, hold an international drivers license ($12.00 at AAA), have driven a Stroppe stroked Bronco offroad and have put 10,000 bronco highway miles with 50% of the time fixated on the rear view mirror for fast approaching rocket vehicles. I've also been working out, but that's not working out. Now that I rethink this, I'd say yeah, I'm just about set.
Race isn't for 6 weeks, I'm packed already. just wanted to go over the items packed in the bag for raceday (May 1st -mayday) 3 pair of underwear, depends for backup, manzier, kidney belt, mouthguard, condom-6' of clear plastic hose and giant baggie, ski goggles, bathing suit as we're running near the ocean, plaid scarf and some tunes. That should about do it unless I've forgotten something.
I'll try to update everyone as race prep time permits.
Thanks
Marshall Madruga sent me this to post:
"Good news to Bronco buffs........SEAT TIME IS STILL AVAILABLE.... Some people haven't sent their $$$$. There is time (driver and passenger) in the first 2 days of the race!!! Go to www.norra.com to see the course. Don't worry about hotels, logistics, etc. I have it covered and can assist. Warm "live" bodies only need apply. My crew and I will be hanging out with Parnelli, Walker Evans,etc.... I got Walker his rooms, so he will be hanging with us anyway, along with his old school dodge. Once in a lifetime opportunity........Yes.....it actually is. These are pals of mine and they aren't getting any younger...
Marshall Madruga
www.bigoly.com
619-222-0301
