These write ups are Super well done. It captures the experience as though I’m in the desert with them. VERY well done!
Back to Baja: The NORRA Mexican 1000 Live Update Log
- Thread starter Jamie@ScoutMotors
- Start date
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The father son duo seem to be having a blast out there.
We have a great writer Drew Perlmutter and a couple of great photographers Chris Hunt and Chris Stahl with the team getting their hands dirty. They deserve all the credit.
@Jamie@ScoutMotors what place is RaceTerra in as of now? Reading the leaderboard chart is impossible
This is pretty impressive stuff... What a surprise looking at that truck:
A 196ci four-cylinder powers the Race Terra with 86 horses. Instead of the Race Terra’s close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 version gets a wide-ratio four-speed manual. IH offered a two-speed gear drive transfer case way back when, but the Barbers run the other option, IH’s single-speed “silent drive” case that only comes with 2 High and 4 High. Drive shafts turn Dana 44 axles hung with 35-inch General Grabber tires, the modern rubber and race considerations leading to 4.56 gears instead of the ratios IH buyers could get in 1976.
Sean Barber told Hagerty, “We’re for sure the tortoise of the bunch, with about 80 rear-wheel horsepower versus the [Legends] Broncos, which have like 400 rear-wheel horsepower.” Despite that, the Barbers finished second in class in 2023 with the same basic build.
A 196ci four-cylinder powers the Race Terra with 86 horses. Instead of the Race Terra’s close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 version gets a wide-ratio four-speed manual. IH offered a two-speed gear drive transfer case way back when, but the Barbers run the other option, IH’s single-speed “silent drive” case that only comes with 2 High and 4 High. Drive shafts turn Dana 44 axles hung with 35-inch General Grabber tires, the modern rubber and race considerations leading to 4.56 gears instead of the ratios IH buyers could get in 1976.
Sean Barber told Hagerty, “We’re for sure the tortoise of the bunch, with about 80 rear-wheel horsepower versus the [Legends] Broncos, which have like 400 rear-wheel horsepower.” Despite that, the Barbers finished second in class in 2023 with the same basic build.
Low horse high torque. That engine is probably making close to 150ft-lbs
APRIL 28, 2025
STAGE 3:
BAHIA DE LOS ANGELES TO SAN IGNACIO
MILES: 212.8
Our chase trucks are packed full of nearly every spare part you could imagine. If something on the Race Terra breaks and it’s fixable, we have the parts and tools ready. Also included in our toolkit is coffee. Good coffee. Whole beans that we grind by hand every morning. We have a Jetboil and two pour-overs. We take our coffee as seriously as we take our racing. Both are methodical and calculated. Both get our adrenaline pumping. As the sun rises over our camp in Bahía de los Ángeles, the smell of coffee fills the air.
The team gathers around the fresh brew, as we do every morning. Sean chimes in with some thoughts about the previous day. “We were pushing it hard, man—faster than what I was comfortable with.” Stages close at certain times, so occasionally there’s a race against the clock. “The sun was low, the light was deceiving. We hit a big rock. Real big.” Later in the day, it’s hard to tell the difference between shadows and hazards.
The big rock did some damage. It first made contact with the driver-side U-bolt plate at the front end, left a sizable dent in the oil pan, and cracked the transmission bell housing. There’s not much they can do about any of that for now—until something else happens. Dan says to run it as is.
The first two days of racing were tough, no denying that. Our repairs from last night carry into the morning, but now we have coffee working in our favor. Still chasing a four-wheel-drive noise, we remove the metal collar beneath the rear driveshaft, suspecting a clearance issue between the two. Engaging four-wheel drive adds extra torsion and play, causing the yoke on the rear driveshaft to knock into that part.
“We’re losing some coolant too,” Sean continues, running through all the things he can think of. “Grab some coolant if you pass an auto parts store,” he says, this time directed at Dan and Larry. Then to Owen: “Make sure you keep an eye on the temperature.” The Race Terra usually runs around 180 degrees; if it gets above 200, we get concerned. Dan reminds Sean and Owen, “You have plenty of water on the truck. Just keep her cool.”
Cool. Sean and Owen Barber are cool. They’re Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. There’s a swarm of cameras around them too, which only adds to the attraction. What we’re doing here is iconic. It’s picturesque. Documenting a race crew is an adventure in itself. Think back to all the legendary imagery from desert racing decades ago—all the photos that filled old magazines, the posters that hang in our shops and inspire what we do today. Who took those? Who were the documentary crews responsible for those iconic moments?
We have Chris Hunt, Eric Reding, Ben VanHorn, and Chris Stahl. Chris Hunt sports a Leica SL3 and a 50mm Summilux. This is his third year in a row supporting the Vintage Scout Race Program on the NORRA 1000—a vital addition to the mix. His previous experiences in Baja aid with navigation and logistics. He’s the one who found the dirt road for us to make yesterday’s gas drop along the course.
Ben carries a Bolex H16 with 500 feet of 16mm film, and also a Leica M6 with a 50mm Summicron. Eric packs a full Sony FX3 kit, with audio for recording onboard driver communications—even a 600mm lens to catch the Scout from miles away. They’re experienced with all things production and media at New Legend and Anything Scout, but it’s their first time down in the Baja desert. Chris Stahl runs Scout Studios, Scout Motors internal content team and is a complete sniper with motion and stills. There’s no terrain he won’t traverse to get the shot.
Between the four of them, their goal is to capture and tell the epic story of this year’s Vintage Scout Race Program on the NORRA Mexican 1000. These will be the photos that hang in your garage one day.
The morning repairs wrap up as other racers and teams walk the pits surrounding the starting line. Those who race Baja are part of an elite few. There’s an unwritten rule down here—we’re racing against each other, but we’re all in this together. Over coffee, we talk about yesterday’s course, laugh about mishaps, and share insights for the coming day. Sometimes, it’s even asking for spare parts.
11:22 a.m. The green flag drops and the Race Terra takes flight down the coast. Today is another long one—212.8 miles. We have two special stages on the course. One nearing 140 miles, the other pushing 70. The only thing that separates the two sections is less than five miles of pavement. The chase crew won’t see the Race Terra for nearly the entire day. There’s just one opportunity for us to meet.
We start in Bahía de los Ángeles, the “Bay of LA.” While the Scout barrels down the east side of the peninsula along the Sea of Cortez, the chase crew heads back west to the opposite coast. There’s only one way in and one way out of the Bay of LA—paved, that is. Though it feels like a trail of its own, dodging chunks of asphalt and deep ruts. There’s a saying in Baja: “Watch out for the potholes—you can’t miss them. Literally.” There’s no avoiding them.
The next time we see the Race Terra, it roars into Villa Alberto Andrés Alvarado Arámburo. Baja is divided into two states, north and south. Earlier in the day, we crossed into Baja California Sur to catch the truck.
“It’s running great, man. Feels so good,” Sean says proudly. He continues, “So fun—we hit top speeds, a lot of wide-open racing. Hey, check the radiator,” now directed at Dan—but he already is. “You’re seeping a little and your overflow is empty.” Owen responds that temperatures stayed cool, so the leak is manageable—for now. Dan grabs a jug of water and starts filling the radiator. Then ten gallons of race gas goes in the tank.
“Dry as a bone!” Dan yells from beneath the rear end, making sure his earplug fix in the rear diff is still holding strong.
Just as the mechanics have a routine, so does the media team. Cameras out, questions asked, repairs documented. The Race Terra is parked between a banco and a supermercado. The locals have a routine too. Kids flock around the truck and ask for stickers. Employees of nearby businesses step out to take photos and ask if we need help.
Sean and Owen are elbow-deep in beef jerky and trail mix. That—and coffee—is the fuel that powers them through the day. Soon, the roar of other race cars fills the streets. A Porsche flies by, followed by a Class 11 vintage Baja Bug just now catching up to us. Both started the day well before we did—but that’s Baja. Anything can happen. The desert doesn’t discriminate.
“So good,” says Sean, still thinking about the last section of racing. Owen chimes in, “Today we’re ripping,” mouth full of raisins and chocolate. Today’s stoke almost makes up for the previous days’ trials and tribulations. There’s nothing that says the first couple days are supposed to be easy. Helmets are back on—now off to San Ignacio.
Sean’s wish from the previous night—to push hard today and have no room for error—came true. The sun is still bright in the sky, golden hour just beginning as the boys pull into the historic town square. San Ignacio is a true oasis in the desert. Thousands and thousands of palm trees instantly appear out of the thin desert air. There’s a river that runs through—it’s the most green we’ve seen all trip. A long and winding road leads to the top of town, where the San Ignacio Mission towers over the flora. Built in 1728, the mission and surrounding architecture feel frozen in time. It’s a sleepy town that comes alive during race week.
Sean and Owen exit the truck and kids immediately surround them yelling, “Stickers! Stickers!” Right on cue, Dan and Larry bury themselves beneath the truck.
“Looks good, no leaks,” Dan reports.
Congrats to the Drivers, Chase crew & Scout media team. Another solid day. GO TEAM GO !!!!!!
@Jamie@ScoutMotors what were they penalized for? I saw on the Norra website they were penalized for 4 thing and got 2 hours add to their time.
Just rolled off the line!!!
Also tell him to keep his hands on the wheel! Lol
APRIL 29, 2025
STAGE 4:
SAN IGNACIO TO LORETO
MILES: 214
Morning doves and woodpeckers are our alarm clocks. We wake up to cold tents and visible breath. It’s about 7°C—45°F. A chilly start in the desert. Furnace by day, freezer by night. Dry air doesn’t hold heat well. San Ignacio is a true high desert oasis—spring-fed and palm tree-filled, keeping it cool and green year-round.
“Keeping it cool.” Another good mission statement for the trip. A new radiator went in last night to help with that. Over the past three days, the Race Terra has laid down over 650 miles across the peninsula. Breaking and shaking things loose is part of the game. But we’re ready for it all.
Today’s goal: 214.9 miles. The Race Terra barrels down the Pacific Coast while the chase crew hugs the eastern coast. We’re separated by the Sierra de la Giganta—the “Range of the Giant.” If something goes wrong, there’s no way for us to reach them in our support trucks.
It’s a hard fact to ignore—but there’s nothing we can do about it. Memories from last year idle quietly in the backs of our minds. Sean and Owen suit up like it’s any other day.
“Keeping it cool.” Another good mission statement for the trip. A new radiator went in last night to help with that. Over the past three days, the Race Terra has laid down over 650 miles across the peninsula. Breaking and shaking things loose is part of the game. But we’re ready for it all.
Today’s goal: 214.9 miles. The Race Terra barrels down the Pacific Coast while the chase crew hugs the eastern coast. We’re separated by the Sierra de la Giganta—the “Range of the Giant.” If something goes wrong, there’s no way for us to reach them in our support trucks.
It’s a hard fact to ignore—but there’s nothing we can do about it. Memories from last year idle quietly in the backs of our minds. Sean and Owen suit up like it’s any other day.
11:13 AM – Green flag. The Race Terra blasts through the historic town square of San Ignacio, one last time, then disappears into the desert once again.
We’re the only Scout in the race this year—and proud of it. People are surprised to see it here. Among a sea of vintage Chevys, Fords, and Jeeps, our truck stands out. For the past three years at the NORRA 1000, the Vintage Scout Race Program has had backing from Scout Motors. They’re one of the only factory manufacturers supporting a vintage race team.
For Scout Motors, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase someone who embodies the spirit and heritage of the Scout namesake. There’s no one quite like Sean Barber. He’s responsible for keeping so many old trucks on the road. Anything Scout is known for its drivability conversions. New Legend is known for its bespoke Scout builds.
Scout Motors may build new trucks—but we wouldn’t be here without people like Sean. People who’ve lived with these vehicles since the beginning. People who care deeply about the brand’s history—and what it represents.
“I used to have one of those.” It’s a phrase we hear often. And it’s more compliment than nostalgia. Sean’s work in the vintage Scout community now offers people the chance to have one again.
Today’s goal: 214.9 miles. The Race Terra barrels down the Pacific Coast while the chase crew hugs the eastern coast. We’re separated by the Sierra de la Giganta—the “Range of the Giant.” If something goes wrong, there’s no way for us to reach them in our support trucks.
It’s a hard fact to ignore—but there’s nothing we can do about it. Memories from last year idle quietly in the backs of our minds. Sean and Owen suit up like it’s any other day.
For Scout Motors, supporting the Vintage Scout Race Program just makes sense. It’s grassroots. It’s a little ragtag. And it’s inspiring. Scout vehicles have always been here—and so have the people who drive them. Or in this case, race them. We’re proud to continue that legacy.
By now, Sean and Owen have each had a coffee—while racing. There’s not much room in the truck for extras, but snacks and drinks pack easy. The chase crew tracks the Race Terra’s progress by GPS, sending out the occasional update. From the Pacific Coast, they pass through San Juanico and head toward La Purísima. They’ve seen every kind of terrain today—including silt—but they keep on trucking.
As the Race Terra nears the finish, the chase crew has just a couple of chances to intercept them for gas or repairs. Two support trucks wait roadside, gas cans ready, wrenches in hand, as the Scout enters its final section for the day. But the truck blows past us—Owen throws a thumbs-up through the safety net. They did the whole day on a single tank of gas, with about 1/8 left. Noted for tomorrow.
“Bienvenido a Loreto!” A hand-painted sign greets us as we roll into town. Loreto is one of the bigger cities we hit on the NORRA 1000. A little touristy, still picturesque, and straight out of another era. It was one of the first Spanish settlements on the Baja Peninsula—early colonial architecture still lines the streets near the oceanfront. The finish line is here too, right on the water. The Race Terra crosses the checkered flag—now surrounded by sailboats and seaside hotels.
When you run out of stickers, you start ripping patches off your race suit. At least that’s what Owen did. In true Baja form, fans crowd the drivers, asking questions, snapping photos of the Scout.
“I think the clutch slave is giving out.” Like clockwork, Sean starts his daily report. We don’t even need to ask anymore. “We navigated the silt well too.” Bad news, then good. But we’ve got a spare clutch slave—it just gets added to the cardboard list for tonight. “Maybe a new fan belt too.” He keeps naming off parts for Dan and Larry to check—but they already know, just by looking at the truck.
Tomorrow is set to be over 300 miles—our longest day yet. It’s been in the back of our minds all week.
Tomorrow, it’ll be right in front of us.
The full Scout Story article with larger photos can be found HERE.
Another solid write-up by the Scout Motors team, they're embracing the experience. We get to live bi-curious through these articles. This whole update reads like Mad Max: Baja Edition—desert chaos, last-minute fixes, and a crew that just won’t quit. Love that the Scout is out there playing underdog like it’s the Rocky Balboa of vintage trucks—old-school, tough, and drinking coffee mid-fight. May the clutch be strong and the coffee stronger!
Another solid day in the books. Thank's for the update. O-ya. GO TEAM GO.
Well... The 400 Bronco just passed the Scout. It appears they've broken down and had been there for quite some time. They waved the Bronco past. 
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