# Buddy the Off Road Miata Wins Baja Race

> First Miata wins NORRA 500 with 23.55 mph average speed.
- Title: Buddy the Off Road Miata Wins Baja Race · Jalopnik | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: buddy, off road miata, norra 500, vintage stock sedan, 23.55 mph, baja race, dirt racing, racing, cars, culture, Road, Miata
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2293093/buddy-off-road-miata-baja-race-winner
- Author: Emme Hall
- Published: 2026-10-21T16:17:55+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: buddy, off road miata, norra 500, vintage stock sedan, 23.55 mph, baja race, dirt racing, racing, cars, culture
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Daniel Curiel's modified Miata earned first place in Vintage Stock Sedan at NORRA 500 with 23.55 mph average speed.