1974-1981 Baja 1000 Photos – Mel Tyree

Jim Ober of Trackside Photo sent in these photos after the recent passing of off road racer Mel Tyree.  They are some great vintage photos of Mel racing in class 9 from 1974 to 1981.

Mel Tyree, 85, passed away in his home in Beaumont in late September of cancer. He was the owner of Unique Supply in Redlands, Calif. and had 6 employees. His friend and fellow racer Dave Simpson posted on Race-dezert “Mel was one of the early pioneers in our sport. He ran a class 12 car back in the day and won everything in sight. Mel and his shop Unique Supply in Redlands was very instrumental in my early Off Road Racing carrier. He was a friend, a mentor and an all-round great guy.”
Mel’s racing career was mainly driving for Don Rountree’s Sandwinder team in the 1970’s and although details are sketchy, he seemed to have won more races than he lost in Class 9 (1200 cc VE engined buggies).  He was a veteran and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery.

1977 Baja International:

Mel Tyree 1977 Baja International
 
1975 Baja 1000:
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1974 Baja International:
mel-tyree-trackside-photo-2030607
mel-tyree-trackside-photo-2030609
 
1977 Baja 1000:
mel-tyree-trackside-photo-2033788
 
1981 Baja 1000:
mel-tyree-trackside-photo-825
 
Vintage photos are available from Trackside Photo and whole collections of a particular driver or team. Visit Trackside Photo for details.
3 comments… add one
  • Jim Bohner Dec 26, 2019 @ 16:52

    Was just reminiscing and looked at this site! Mel and I shared driving for quite a few races, just read also of Don Rountrees passing. Remember well all the guys, Bud Feldkamp, Malcolm Smith and many others from our area. Would visit Mel everytime I was in the area, still have lots of pictures, went to high school both of Mels daughters

  • Jack Mount Jul 24, 2022 @ 14:05

    Jim,
    I lived in Beaumont had lots of dealings with Mel, Don all the Sandwinder people.
    I drove a clas 5 baja 1972 through 1975 Baja International, Palm Springs Westward Ho 200.
    Big River 500. So many memories

    • Mike Fiebiger Jun 9, 2023 @ 17:00

      Jim I am Bill Reams neighbor in baja, looking for photos of him,he and his son Scott Reams won the 500 numerous times as well as the 1000 in the early 80s! Putting together a collage for his birthday!! Ivan Stewart, Lynn Chenowth are helping me as well! TIA!

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