Mickey Thompson was a true pioneer and icon of desert racing. His vehicles were always years ahead of their time and his flat out driving style always wowed the crowds. Check out the videos below to see what I am talking about. Mickey was the man!

Our good friend Doug Sutton posted some awesome vintage desert race photos on his facebook page. In the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s, Doug travelled all the way from Ontario, Canada to race in events all over the states and Mexico. Today, we have a look at his photos from the 1971 Mint 400. Enjoy! Do you have any vintage off road racing photos that you would like to share?

Lately, we have featured some posts with lots of vintage off road desert race Jeep photos. There has been lots of discussion about Ray Russell in this article, this one and this article, along with some photos that Kevin Vaughan sent of the desert race Jeep CJ-5 that his uncle used to race in the 70’s. Ed Bray from Tacoma, Wa lvoed the vintage desert racing photos and sent us some photos of the Jeeps that he used to race. The Willys is at Riverside and the Mint 400 in 1978, which the CJ-7 was at the 1982 Baja 1000. We love the photos Ed! Do you have old off road racing photos that you would like contribute? Contact us!

Last Jauary, we posted some photos that Kevin Vaughan sent us of the 1972 Jeep CJ-5 that his uncle used to desert race in the 70’s. After seeing the interest and discussion that the Jeep off road racer Ray Russell photos and article created here and here, he decided to send me some of the photos of Ray that his uncle had in his photo album. Two of the photos are from the 1976 SNORE 250 while the other two are from the 1976 WRA 300. Note that the WRA 300 photos must be of Ray and his co-driver prerunning as they are not wearing helmets. Also note that these photos are from before Goodyear sponsored Ray Russell. He is running Cooper tires. Do you have any more photos of Ray Russell or off road desert racers from the 70’s?

>#75Race has posted some more photos of off road race buggies and a Baja Bug that his dad was involved with or drove during the 70’s. The old school photos thread on Race Dezert has become epic in so many ways. Do you have any vintage desert racing photos that you would like to contribute?

Bill Sanders and Pete Springers from Four Wheeler magazine followed raced this Stroppe built Jeep CJ-7 in a number of desert races in the late 70’s. Their articles followed the buildup right through to the racing and repairs.

Rory Ward and Jeff Furrier recently purchased Mark Stahl’s vintage 1977 Chenowth 1000 desert racing buggy with plans on racing it in the NORRA 1000 vintage off road rally next spring. The buggy has a well decorated past, having won Class 1 in the infamous Baja 1000 three times, including twice overall. Stahl also received the Ironman award for driving the Baja 1000 solo. He first raced the Chenowth buggy in the 1977 Baja 500 and his last race was the 1981 Baja 1000. The car was sold to Jim Travis, followed by a few other owners until Ward and Furrier picked it up. Follow along on Race Dezert as the rebuild this vintage off road race car from the frame up.

25 September, 2010: The National Off Road Racing Association announced today that the 2011 Mexican 1000 Rally will take place from May 4th through May 8th 2011. While the afterglow of the 2010 rally still continues with magazine articles, YouTube videos, and a great buzz that resonates throughout the off road community, those that are looking ahead have already begun preparations for 2011.

According to Alex Plewniak, NORRA’s director of operations, “the organization receives daily e­mails inquiring about the upcoming 2011 rally and many are awaiting the opening of registration. Participants will receive their starting positions according to their registration date.

The 2010 Mexican 1000 has marked a new era for the off road world. NORRA’s pledge to “honor the past and forge the future” has dropped the green flag for the roots of off road to re-emerge and sparked great interest in the introduction of alternative fuels to the Baja peninsula.

While the 2010 Mexican 1000 rally hosted some of the most renowned off road racers of all time, the dynamic course with its logistically pleasing rally format, full support pits, reasonable costs, and a unique sense of camaraderie, opened the door for any newcomer of the sport to participate with ease. The spring weather provides favorable driving conditions and the multi-day format allows participants a rare opportunity to get acquainted with their peers and build friendships that can last a lifetime.

Off Road enthusiasts throughout the world are cleaning out their garages and scouring Craigslist and Ebay in search of the perfect ride for next May. Returning participants are tuning up their iron and making plans. The rally is open to pre 1989 vintage automobiles and motorcycles. There is also an alternative fuels category which is open to any year vehicle that runs on non-traditional fuels such as diesel, propane, ethanol, E-85, electricity, etc.

Gentlemen, start your wrenches!

Jeep trucks have always been one of my favourites, especially the desert racing Jeep Honcho’s! I remember reading the off road magazines when I was a kid and daydreaming about Roger Mears red Budweiser sponsored Jeep race truck. Thanks to the members of Race Dezert for posting these photos up!