Toyo Wins Baja 1000 On Only Second Attempt

Toyo reached for the victory champagne recently after a convincing victory in the Baja 1000 off-road Race. NASCAR ace Robby Gordon drove the Chevy CK1500 whilst Toyo Open Country M/T tyres provided the traction. Victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that it was only Toyo’s second ever entry into the gruelling race. The victory ends a 21-year victory run by BFGoodrich in the series.

Gordon drove the first 725 miles of the race, putting himself into a commanding lead before handing over to team-mate Andy McMillan to complete the final leg of this ultimate off-road challenge. Veteran map-man Andy Grider will also partner Gordon for the forthcoming Dakar race in January.

Whilst Robbie Gordon is obviously modest of his own achievements, Toyo’s technical analysis of the post-race 37×13.50R17 Open Country tyres suggest they were operating well within their design parameters, despite triple-figure speeds, battling with enormous rocks and frequent departures from terra firma! For these reasons – as well as incredible puncture resistance, Gordon will run the same tyre spec in January. His parting shot perhaps best explains why.

“Some drivers have lucky charms, others – superstitious routines prior to a race – Me? I seem to have lucky tyres!” he laughed. “But seriously, if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it. Not having to worry about my tyres will save me a serious headache on the Dakar.”