Preparing for a race like the Baja 1000 is more than just waking up one morning and wanting to go on a 1,200-mile ride through the desert. The race itself takes more preparation that the average person knows of.

We had a chance to catch up with Francisco Real of Vanderwey Racing to see what they do to prepare for the Baja 1000. Sitting in the passenger seat of their Trophy Truck with a computer, just made us want to find out even more.

Francisco Real sitting in the no. 84 Vanderwey Racing Trophy Truck at the 2017 SEMA Show going over some last-minute files on the computer.

“As a co-driver, we get ready for the race in many ways,” Real explained. “We get our game plan together, our notes and files inputted, and get familiar with the vehicle.” Nick Vanderwey is the owner and driver of the no. 84 Trophy Truck. Sharing duties in the car this year with Real, would be Baja legend Curt LeDuc.

“It is a long race, it is an endurance race, and something everyone in the sport really looks forward to,” Real said. “I personally have been racing since I was sixteen, and love the adventure that Baja is. You never know when you are going to fly by a cow while you fly by ranches. The course is never the same and always produces new challenges.”

Who will win the 50th anniversary of the Baja 1000, it all starts later today? Tune in to see who will win the 2017 Baja 1000!