Taking The Leap: Supercross Champ Ryan Villopoto Racing In Baja 1000

It’s not unheard of to find motorcycle racers with curious minds; having earned stripes on two wheels, the urge to try out four wheels is a strong one and see what the experience is like. Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto is getting to explore this desire right now as he arrives in Baja California for the epic SCORE International Baja 1000.

Ryan Villopoto cut his teeth in motocross, and hopes to test his skill in Baja during the Baja 1000 starting tomorrow.

Teaming up with Brenthel Industries, the four-time AMA winner will be behind the wheel of the #873 truck sponsored by Rigid Industries and others. It is his first time competing in the harsh yet exciting race, which for 2015 will be an 800-plus-mile affair romping across the Mexican peninsula.

Although he will only be driving one section of the race, there’s no doubt it will put his skills to the test. Villopoto showed up to Baja yesterday and took part in the pre-run, a ritual practiced by teams looking to get the lay of the land and everything it holds: silt beds, traps, cliffs, rivers, and more.

“We have been working on putting this together for a while,” said Jonathan Brenthel. “Ryan will drive the coast section of the race. We are making a run in the Recon Prerunner with Ryan riding in the back seat so he can get a feel for the speeds. Then he will take the wheel on the second run. I will walk him through it while he gets used to the course. We will return to the U.S., where he will get in the race truck for a final shakedown and then head back to Baja for the race.”

“I was able to drive Johnny Greaves’ Monster Energy Pro 4 on the track at Lake Elsinore once, but this is my first time racing a truck in the desert,” said Villopoto. “It’s the first time I’ve been to Mexico.”

We wish the best of luck to Villopoto and everyone else making a run at the biggest, baddest race in off-roading. Follow along with our coverage here on Off Road Xtreme!