Leader of the Pack: Rubio Brothers take 1st Place

Tara A. Spears

For the extreme sports fan, it’s not enough to complete a race- they need the thrill of victory to enjoy it. Local young men, Ignacio and Javier Rubio, love motorcycles, dirt bike riding, and challenges. Naturally, the twins were attracted to THE world famous off road races known as the Baja 1000. Ignacio explained, “Our uncle got us interested in watching the Baja Races when we were kids. It took time to acquire the equipment and skills needed to enter.” What is most amazing is that not only did the 21 year old twins choose the very difficult endurance Baja race as their first competitive event but they took 1st Place! Congratulations to hometown Team Rubio.

To understand why this win is such a big deal, one needs a little off road racing history. The Baja 1000 didn’t start as a “race” – it started in 1962 when two motorcyclists timed how long it took to ride from Tijuana to La Paz – 952.7 miles which they did the circuit in 39 hours, 56 minutes. Word quickly spread and by 1967 the first Baja 1000 race was held. This off road competition is one of the most prestigious off-road races in the world, having attracted competitors worldwide. Surprisingly, only one other national rider has ever won the motorcycle race in the entire 55 years.

The Mexican government took control of the 1973 Baja 1000 and quickly found out that it was more work than they bargained for. A private individual, Mickey Thompson, a Baja racer and world land speed record holder, formed Southern California Off-Road Enterprises (SCORE) to promote off-road races, and in 1974, the Mexican government granted exclusive rights to SCORE to hold Baja races, with the Baja 1000 resuming under SCORE’s control in 1975.

The course for the Baja 1000 changes every year. This year, it’s a point-to-point race, starting in Ensenada (it has also started in Tijuana and Mexicali) and ending in La Paz. “When Honda started sponsoring the race was divided into 4 legs of races of varying lengths. We entered the spring San Felipe 250 but had mechanical problems and didn’t finish. We’re pumped for the upcoming Baja 400 and the Baja 500.”

By the early 2000s, the event has evolved into various types of vehicles completing separately- dune buggies vs dune buggies, ATVs against ATVs, etc. In order to win prize money one must qualify as a ‘champion’ which means the rider places in the top 3 finish times in multiple legs.

The starting order is generally determined by a random draw, except when preferential starts are given to those who finished in top positions in the previous race/season, or when a qualifying is held. Ignacio and Javier said, “The greatest challenges are the pressure of other drivers, the weather, and extreme terrain conditions. We need to stay sharp and focused.”

The uniqueness of the off road racing is the variable and difficult surface conditions. “Our strategy is just going as fast as we can (because there’s a speed limit) and keeping our minds clear. The discipline comes to avoid thinking on how tired or sore we are.” Ignacio also shared that they work out constantly to be in top physical condition so their bodies don’t get stressed as easily during the long race.

As with any hobby, a serious participant is having to spend money to obtain the necessary equipment. Not only does Rubio Racing have 3 Yamaha 450 motorcycles, (two for practice, one for competition) but there are special helmets, neck/ knee/ elbow pads, special nylon pants and jersey, and a hydration back pack. Dirt riding requires distinctive tires. “We use Maxxi special off road tires. Instead of air inflating the tire, they use a special tire mousse. The mousse replaces the air, and expands the tire. Punctures have no effect on tire pressure. So works pretty great for the desert.”

Ignacio and Javier feel very blessed to have the support of their parents, uncle, cousins and friends. Team Rubio Racing drives straight to the race site, a 22 hour jaunt. “Their sister, Danielle, laughs, “no unnecessary stopping- they switch off drivers in motion!’ Not only does it cost a hefty entrance fee besides the pricy equipment, but all travel and motel expenses are out of pocket because at this time they do not have a big sponsor. Another win might change that for them!

Congrats to Ignacio and Javier Rubio and the 290x team for winning the Sportsman MC Class at the BFGoodrich Tires 55th SCORE Baja 500 Desert Off road Motorcycle Race June 2023.

According to Pro Moto Baja Racing, “Not only did Rubio race old school with two riders) but it’s only their second race in Baja- and they kicked the competition in the sportsman class. This young team from rural Nayarit has a great future ahead.” We wish Javier and Ignacio Rubio continued success on the next two legs of the race! www.solmexiconews.com