Hi Everyone,
It’s been a week since the Baja 1000, and I’m sure many of you know how it went. We came so close. Here is a basic run down as how the race went.
Start to Nuevo Junction mile 101: Robby Bell
Started 5th and passed into the physical at mile 11. At Nuevo junction was 8 1/2 minutes over 12X (5 1/2 minutes adjusted time)
Nuevo Junction to Borrego mile 201; Destry Abbott
Increased the lead to over 11 minutes at one point. At Borrego, we changed both wheels and pulled cover off air filter. We now had a 9 min. 50 sec. lead.
Borrego to end of Matomi Wash mile 302: Ryan Penhall
At the end of Matomi we changed the rear wheel and air filter. The lead was now 1 min. 6 sec.
Matomi wash to Mikes Road mile 417: Robby Bell
Extended lead to over 7 min. Crashed at mile 414. Assessed bike damage and removed right side plate. Bike left on Mikes road with 4 min. lead.
Mikes road to El Coyote mile 465: Destry Abbott
Road with bent bars and smashed pipe. Extended lead to 6 min. Changed silencer. Left El Coyote with 5 min lead.
El Coyote to Valle De Trinadad meadow mile 505: Conner Penhall
Choose not to replace bars, Changed wheels, air filter, installed lights, installed right side panel. 12X did same. Left with 2 1/2 minute lead.
Valle De Trinadad meadow to finish mile 672: Steve Hengeveld
Had to change battery at pit 14, cost 30 seconds. At the finish, we were 1min 3 sec. ahead.
With a 3 minute start gap, this means we were 2nd by 1 min. 57 sec.
Looking back, we darn near won the race with only a 2 month effort. We have helped Honda win this race 9 times and knew how strong their effort is. But to come this close and not get the win is a tough pill to swallow. Bruce Penhall did an absolutely amazing job putting this team together and I’m gratefull to him for having us on board. We know there are a few stratagy things we can do that would have helped. Heres how I see it.
Rider split stratadies can be improved.
The prerunning light set up needs to be the same as the race bike. (sorry Steve)
Final bike set up needs to be set before going to baja
On the positive side,
The bike ran flawless
Fuel milage was better than expected
The team work was the best I have ever been around
It was the closest bike finish ever at this race
It was the first time in 12 years that Honda has not crossed the finish line first.
We are trying to get an effort going for next year. We know we have what it takes to win and will be back next year with the intent of doing just that. With nearly twice the time to prepare for San Felipe as we had for the 1000, and with an already proven bike, 2010 looks to be a great year for Green in Baja.
Bob