From Jalopnik · Emme Hall · · 2m
Buddy the Off Road Miata Wins Baja Race
First Miata wins NORRA 500 with 23.55 mph average speed.
In brief
First Miata wins NORRA 500 with 23.55 mph average speed. Daniel Curiel's modified Miata earned first place in Vintage Stock Sedan at NORRA 500 with 23.55 mph average speed. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Dark Baja Night
It's dark o'clock at night somewhere in Baja, California. Three Rigid LED lightpods shine directly onto the rocky, rutted path in front of me.
Racing the NORRA 500
We've been going up and down steep hills for an eternity with no idea how much longer we have.
Buddy the Off Road Miata
The turbo spools and I let the car do the work with welded differential and 29-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires.
Man on the Edge
A man stands on the edge of the road, a cliff of who knows how many feet mere inches away from him.
First Place Finish
Buddy earned official first place in Vintage Stock Sedan with 23.55 mph average speed and 33 mph best-stage average.
NORRA 500 Rules
NORRA is a stage rally with check-in times, waypoints, and transit sections on pavement to endure.
Stage 1 Challenges
Stage 1 took us through Erendira where I have a house, but the beach was littered with smooth stones.
Fuel Pump Relay Break
The fuel pump relay broke off its tabs and bit the dust, blocking the course temporarily.
VETTS Support
John McMurrin from VETTS in Motorsports provided pit support for veterans with racing knowledge and equipment.
Tropical Storm Rachel
Day two dawned with Tropical Storm Rachel on the heels of every racer and high tide.
Final Stage Challenge
We had 21 miles to go in the rain and dark with no windshield and the car wanting to dive into traffic.
Mary McGee Trophy
I was awarded the Mary McGee trophy for displaying the most grit and determination in female drivers.
Thanks to VETTS
John McMurrin provided pit support with a heavy-duty GMC, 55-gallon drum, electric pump, and safety equipment.
Chase Crew Thanks
Rebecca Donaghe, Jim Jordan, John Adolph, VETTS, and local chase Cesar Galleta and Robelonches helped me get here.
The takeaway
Daniel Curiel's modified Miata earned first place in Vintage Stock Sedan at NORRA 500 with 23.55 mph average speed.
