Off Road Xtreme has been following Georgia Southern University these last couple months as they prepared for an adventure of a lifetime. A group of select GSU students built a UTV to compete in the 2015 Baja 1000. They are the first college to build a UTV and compete in the Baja 1000.

Not only were they building a UTV, they were getting to race the most well known off-road race with many of these students never experiencing anything like this before. For Off Road Xtreme it was a chance to meet a group of students with the same passion that are from across the country in a different country.

Robert Branch (right) and Kara Dees (left) discuss the plan for continuing on through the contingency line at this years Baja 1000.

We were able to catch the team on contingency day while in line to the main stage. It was also our first chance to see the vehicle up close. The team had done a great job getting the vehicle across the country to California before towing it down to Baja. The vehicle had already travel well over 2,000 miles before the race even started.

The race did not go as planned for the team, they had a hiccup with one of their chase vehicles getting to far ahead of the UTV and not being able to make it to the vehicle. We had the chance to speak with Robert Branch, Baja 1000 Captain, after the race to find out what they thought of the experience.

Georgia Southern University’s number 1852 UTV waiting in line for the main stage during contingency.

“We were really bummed that we did not complete the entire race, but are still very fortunate enough to have had the hopefully not a once in a lifetime experience. At the end of the day, we went out there to learn and participate in our best capabilities, and when you look at that as our goal, we won’t complain,” Robert said about his team’s efforts.

Robert continued by saying, “We are looking to tell our version of the our story in a student made documentary sometime within the year. Honestly, I just feel blessed enough to have this opportunity that would not have happened had it not been for our sponsors and support. We are very much looking forward to coming back. When, I cannot say, but we hope it happens soon.”

The team could not of done any of this with out all of the help from their sponsors.

Off Road Xtreme would like to thank Georgia Southern University Eagles Baja 1000 team for allowing us the opportunity to follow them on this amazing journey. We wish the team the best and hope to see them in Baja for years to come.

Off-roading is more then just a hobby, it is a community that connects people from all over the world with the same passion. Tell us your off-road community story in the comments below!