Raptor Race Report: Baja 500

By Justin Banner - June 20, 2014

It’s one of the legendary races in off-road racing known for being tenacious and destructive. This year was no different! While 232 racers had started, only 126 would end up crossing the finish of the Baja 500. Here’s how the top Ford Raptor trucks faired in the toughest Baja 500 to date! Not even the winner could escape some sort of trouble.

It was a great result for Ford at the Baja 500. The top five featured 4 Ford Trophy Trucks with the Top three all in Blue Ovals! Off Road legend, Rob MacCachren just managed to finish the Baja 500. The transmission of his Rockstar Energy Trophy Truck was leaking and eventually caught fire at the finish line. To add to his troubles a brake line came loose at Erendira and he could no longer keep up with the leaders.

Kyle Jergenson, who finished the Baja 500 in fourth place, had issues with clogged filters in the Jergensen Racing Trophy Truck thanks to the silt of the Baja desert. This was his first ever Baja 500 and turned in a great result despite driver errors and getting lost trying to get back in town. Jesse Jones and his Fox Shocks trophy truck were able to wrestle a third place finish despite throwing engine belts the entire race. He was in the lead for much of the race until the gremlins showed up to ruin his day. 2013 BITD Trick Truck champion, Jason Voss and his Voss Motorsports Trophy Truck started ahead of the eventual race winner but a suffered a flat early. However, he was able to bring in a second place finish at the end of the day.

The winner of the 2014 Baja 500 would be Bryce Menzies! His Red Bull/KMC truck had a flat early and began to lose brakes later into the race but was able to keep the truck together and drive straight to an overall win! Congratulations to Bryce Menzies!