Monster Energy's "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin Wins the 2012 SCORE Baja 1000 Overall

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Through the last 45 years of the legendary SCORE International Baja 1000, there have been many stories and accomplishments that could rival many other forms of motorsports.  Known for being one of the most rugged, unforgiving, dangerous and spectacular off-road races in the world, the 2012 Baja 1000 has proven to be another monumental moment in off-road racing history.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121205/LA24898)

Monster Energy Off-Road Team member "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin defied all odds at the 45^th running of the SCORE Baja 1000 by becoming the first person in history to drive the entire race (point to point) and win overall.  Thousands of drivers have tried in years past and some have even beaten all other competitors, but none have ever done it from the start in Ensenada, Baja California to the finish La Paz, Baja Sur California.  

Baldwin spent over 20 hours in his #97 Monster Energy Toyo Tires Trophy Truck with Co-Rider Johnny Nelson, averaging a blistering 55mph over 1,121 miles of the harshest terrain in Baja California. 

"I reached out to Walker Evans and even tried to pick the brain of Ivan Stewart (the Ironman) because I know those guys have all attempted to solo the Baja 1000 in years past.  I asked Walker what I should do and if he had any advice, and the only advice he gave me was to just man up and do it, so I did," Baldwin commented at the finish line.

"When I began off-road racing 20 years ago, winning the Baja 1000 overall was just a dream. Over the years, I have worked extremely hard to become a top competitor and winning the Baja 1000 has eluded me. It was incredibly difficult both mentally and physically to ironman the whole race. I have a great co-driver, a great team, and great sponsors who all have helped me achieve this. It takes a massive team effort to win a race of this scale.  I am honored to join the ranks of some of the greatest off-road racers in history," said a humbled Baldwin.

Monster Energy would like to congratulate "Ballistic" BJ Baldwin for his astonishing achievement in becoming the first man in off-road racing history to have ever beat all competitors in the SCORE Baja 1000 from point to point; Ensenada to La Paz.      

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SOURCE Monster Energy