The Baja Social Club is a documentary based on the founding of the first National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) Mexican 1000 in 1967 with recently found clips from the 1967 NORRA Baja 1,000. Still considered one of the most brutal races of its kind, the Baja 1,000 is more than just a race – it’s a gauntlet.
This was a time when real men drove into history without big sponsors, corporate oversight and massive prizes. These guys drove for the adventure and for glory. I’ve been to Baja (as a young spectator) and I can say this: you need to get your ass to Baja and experience a race.
“Baja Social Club is the authentic human story of a band of pioneering and passionate risk-takers that four decades ago created the original extreme sport while unveiling a very special land for the rest of the world to enjoy. They are the last of their breed, but still young at heart. Today’s General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 vintage off-road rally serves a backdrop for the inspirational tale of how these men come together, perhaps for the last time, to rediscover themselves on a 1,200-mile journey to their collective soul.
This primitive, hostile and beautiful strip of dreams that was once their most daunting adversary has now become their spiritual home. The pioneers are joined by a group of youthful new adventurers seeking to follow their footprints including racers Jim Riley, Rick Johnson and Boyd Jaynes.
Almost three years in the making and supported by General Tire, Oakley and the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA), Baja Social Club stars motorcycle legend Malcolm Smith, off-road legend Walker Evans, dune buggy inventor Bruce Meyers and inaugural NORRA Mexican 1000 winner Vic Wilson. The 60-minute documentary film is being directed by James Masters and was created by Executive Producer Marty Fiolka.” – – BSC/Rennsport Group/ArmedBandit
Names like: Walker Evans, Mickey Thompson, Parnelli Jones, Vic Wilson, James Garner, Bob Bondurant, Scooter Patrick, Dave Despain, Andy DeVercelly Jr, Robby Gordon, Rod Hall, Johnny Johnson, Larry Minor, Larry Bergquist, Lynn Chenowth, Bruce Meyers and Malcolm Smith (and more) are featured in the Baja Social Club.
The film was recently previewed at the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo and at the Monterey Film and Arts Festival; word is: it’s phenomenal. Look for release dates in small theaters and (hopefully) DVDs soon.
Check out this fun off road video with the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500!
