If you have always dreamed of racing in Baja, you can now experience it live on race day, thanks to a partnership between Volkswagen and BF Goodrich Tires to bring about a new online experience. Both Robin Stover (Pistol Pete's Trophy Truck) and myself (Josh Hall's #863 Stock Full Hummer) will be in the race, so follow our progress. I don't know what leg Robin will be in, but I am now scheduled to get in at Race Mile 147 (BFG 1) and out at Race Mile 351 (BFG 3) and can also be followed at www.rodhallracing.com. I am sure Robin will provide more info on his whereabouts.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Nov. 13, 2008 – BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America announced today the launch of a new first-of-its-kind online experience designed around bringing the captivating sights, sounds and real-time information of the 41st annual SCORE Baja 1000 to everyone.
 
Created for this year’s SCORE Baja 1000 as part of an innovative relationship between BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America and combined with partnerships through SPOT Tracker, Aura 360, and DirtNewz.com, the new online experience includes GPS tracking for all drivers in the SCORE Trophy-Truck, 1, 8, Stock Mini and 5/1600 Classes in the race plus live and streaming video. In addition, off-road fans and the media will be able to follow the event from their computers via text updates on SCORE Trophy-Truck and Class 1 competitors and a real-time leader board tracking all Classes throughout the duration of the event. The Web site will go live starting on Nov. 19, 2008 at www.2008SCOREBaja1000.com with a countdown clock. Race tracking will begin at 6 a.m. PT/ 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 21.
 
"This new SCORE Baja 1000 Live online experience is going to raise the bar for the SCORE Baja 1000," said Tom Jupena, marketing communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. "BFGoodrich Tires has enjoyed a long lineage of success at the Baja 1000 while providing unparalleled support for competitors and the media. We are proud to support SCORE International and the SCORE Baja 1000 and we hope all enjoy this new online experience because it symbolizes our passion for off-road racing and competition."
 
In addition to bringing the 41st annual SCORE Baja 1000 to the masses, BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America are proud to host an on-site media center during the event. Located at the Corona Hotel and within close proximity to the start/finish, the media center will serve as a fully functioning newsroom including computers, a multi-function copier, work areas, wireless internet, bag check storage, and – every working journalist’s favorite – complimentary snacks and beverages.   Real-time race tracking and updates provided by BFG Central will also be available at the media center. SCORE International and supporting sponsors will post press information and results for use in developing stories during the race.  
 
“The experience we have gained at Dakar, the Jetta TDI Cup and other racing events provides us the platform to meet the unique challenges of Baja," said Clark Campbell, motorsports manager for Volkswagen of America.  "Volkswagen has a long history of bringing innovation and competition to Baja since its earliest days.  This year we are proud to bring clean diesel power to the desert, marking the first time that a turbo-diesel powered vehicle will compete head-to-head with gasoline-powered SCORE Trophy-Truck rivals."  
 
“We are pleased to be able to add an innovation to race coverage with the launch of the SCORE Baja 1000 Live online experience.   Our goal is to be of service to SCORE International while providing the infrastructure and support to help each journalist get additional stories and images from the event,” said Campbell. “That brings value to the media and to the supporting sponsors who make their news at the SCORE Baja 1000.”
 
BFGoodrich Tires’ interactive agency of record, The Martin Agency, led the development of the Web site in cooperation with Volkswagen of America’s agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, under the direction of senior level marketing teams from BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America’s Motorsports Division.
 

Volkswagen is the original four-wheeled Baja off-road machine.  More than 40 years and hundreds of class and overall wins later, Volkswagen still plays a major role in SCORE International Off-Road racing and the Baja 1000.  This year Volkswagen is leading the revolution in clean diesel technology, entering the Trophy Truck class with a special-built TDI-powered Touareg.

 
Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com.

--Sean P. Holman
Tech Editor - Four Wheeler Magazine