This year down in Baja for the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) 1000, for the first time in a long time, they had a new class. Robby Gordon introduced the Pro Unlimited class to NORRA this year to be able to continue to honor the founders of the sport while bringing in a mix of off road racing’s top drivers and teams. The Pro Unlimited class will be an unlimited class for trucks and buggies that do not fit into one of NORRA’s existing classes.

Robby Gordon leading one of four stages.

NORRA has been previously known as the as one of the only events that you’d be able to see historic, vintage and other crazy off-road vehicles that you would not normally see in any other type of off-road racing. The first Mexican 1000 was raced in 1967, when they raced from Ensenada to La Paz. That year, they had 68 vehicles racing in four different classes. It was the first time that different vehicle types were put up to racing one another.

Issues with the event started happening and the Mexican government also got involved which forced the event to become the Baja 1000. NORRA went quiet for decades before really coming back to the race that it was these last couple years.

Robby Gordon had something to prove in this year’s race. Having brought a high-speed power class loaded with technology down to a race where some of the first vehicles still race the race over 50 years later, he had to truly show what this class could do, and what better way to do it than to win in the inaugural year for the class.

This year’s race was sponsored by General Tire and ran April 26th to the 29th. Made of four stages for cars and five for bikes, each stage took place on one day while traveling 1,334 miles total during the course of the race. This event is more of a rally compared to its cousin, the Baja 1000.

Robby Gordon wins Pro Unlimited Class, Mexican 1000

In a race that has usually been slow-paced and not catching the eyes of mainstream media, this year sure changed that. Robby Gordon came down driving the second “Gordini” truck and took a class that he created winning every stage of the race.

The Gordini is the second version of the truck that he rally in the DAKAR Rally. Gordon has speed and talent running through his blood. You can write a book on all the different types of racing Gordon has been successful in, and this one was no exception.

Some may argue that the race was ruined by bringing down a class of vehicles that has no right to be in the race, and only did it in exchange for a TV special that will air later this year on the race, but only time will tell. Some things need a change and maybe this was it. Robby Gordon is sure to be back and be a threat like any other event he shows up to.