Coming into Baja days before the start of the most well known off-road race, the Baja 1000, has a different feel then a weekend getaway. The toll road on the way down to Ensenada is not empty, but filled with chase and recovery vehicles for the over 200 race teams taking part in the race.

Their may be a language barrier down here for some, but horsepower and off-road are a common ground. Regardless of whether or not understanding each other is there, standing in front of a race vehicle on the eve of race day looking at the craftsmanship is a language anyone can understand.

Off Road Xtreme had the pleasure of meeting up with Chinolas Motorsports as we arrived into Baja. We were able to stop by and check out their number 1075 Class 10 buggy, and see the preparation that goes into days and hours before the race.

The team had the car at their fabrication shop one that is home to one of the most well known fabricators in all of Baja, along with a couple other teams. Some last minute modifications to the rear shock tower for added strength is what the team was working on.

Finishing up the welding the buggy was taken over to Chinolas Motorsports headquarters to get everything they would need strapped into the car before contingency first thing in the morning. Everything is laid out and the extra parts need to find a new home on the buggy.

The team reviews everything that is needed, and where it should be added to the vehicle. Placement is key, placing the parts where they will not rattle, but also placing them where incase they are needed, is easily accessible.

Not all the parts are new, and some for this year have a new mount. We were able to lend a hand and get the MaxTrax mounts installed in the rear of the vehicle over the motor.

The mood in the shop was not to serious, but more of a hangout with a group of friends doing what they love to do. Everyone on the team participates not as a full time job, but because they love the thrill of off-road.

The clock ticked into the early hours of the morning with no one batting an eye. The team was also figuring out a radio issue. Communication is key when the race course takes you to place where there is no civilization.

No matter the hour, no matter the amount of work that needed to be done, the team still found time to pop a movie from 2005 into the DVD player. Dust to Glory came on and everyone stopped what they were doing to sit back and watch, thinking about what was going to take place in a couple days.

The team is not a rookie team, members of the team have been racing for over 20 years and with success. This could be seen with the trophies dawning the walls.

The vehicle was cleaned an prepared for contingency, before it was called a night. We look forward to the rest of the time we have with the team and in Baja, but if we have learned anything so far it is that off-road is a language anyone can understand.

Stay tuned for more updates from this year’s Baja 1000 and check out the gallery of pictures from day one.