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!

From what I can recall, John Baker was the first off road racer to be sponsored in full by Dodge in the Class 8 Two Wheel Drive class. Baker was a well rounded driver that had decent success in his Ford Bronco before switching to the Dodge truck. He ran this truck for two years before the Dodge sponsorship was transferred to Walker Evans. At this point, John Baker moved to a Class 7 D-50 mini truck. Does anyone have more photos or information about Baker and his Class 8 dodge desert race truck? It is currently being restored and the owner would like more information.

It is with great sorrow that I announce that off road racing legend Frank “Scoop” Vessels has passed away after a plane crash in Oregon at the age of 58. Vessels is one of the pioneers of desert racing and was known to be one of the most friendly “big name” off road racers around. Stories are starting to pour in on this thread on Race Dezert about his generosity and willingness to take the time from his busy schedule on race day to talk to kids, fans and other racers.

We are looking for older Dave Shoppe photos? He raced desert races for a number of years and drove both Chevrolet and Ford Class 8 race trucks. Can you help us?

We are looking for more photos of the Miller Lite Oldsmobile Cutlass that Chris Robinson used to off road race in Class 6. Can you help us out?

Do you remember Glen Harris and the Black Gold-Team Mazda off road racing team? They raced some desert races, but mostly the Mickey Thompson MTEG stadium races. They were a force to be reckoned with!

For me, one of the best parts about Waynes World was the pimped out AMC Pacer. Did you know that there was a few AMC Pacers that were raced off road in the 70’s?