Real racers never stop competing. That’s why Don “The Snake” Prudhomme is planning to return to the Yokohama NORRA Mexican Rally 1000 later this month in an attempt to take a second consecutive victory in this tough challenge. What started in 2018 as the fulfillment of a missed opportunity is now a matter of passion for the drag racing star.
Driving his MAVTV/Lucas Oil-sponsored CanAm Maverick Turbo, Prudhomme is seeking back-to-back victories in the grueling 1,000-mile off-road race in Mexico. The support team efforts for this attempt to Take Two is led by PJ Jones, son of the legendary Parnelli Jones, while Prudhomme’s co-driver/navigator is former open-wheel racer Nick Firestone of Phoenix, AZ.
After celebrating his 81st birthday earlier this month, attending the Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC) dinner and the 47th annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach the same weekend, Prudhomme acknowledged he’s hooked on off-road racing. “Every year I think I won’t come back because this race really kicks you in the ass,” he said.
“Last year we won the Turbo class and it was a blast to be out in the desert racing and winning,” Prudhomme admitted. “I decided a few months ago to come back and, thanks to MAVTV, Lucas Oil and Brandon Bernstein, we are going after another win. I am excited to be racing with Nick, who I have known for a while. What I love about this NORRA race is the camaraderie with the other racers from all the classes. It is a big challenge, but being around so many cool people makes it all worthwhile.”
NORRA’s Yokohama Mexican 1000 Rally, presented by Method Race Wheels goes out of its way to immerse competitors in the culture of Baja Mexico, including food, drink and the barren beauty of the topography. With an entry list that includes off-road racing icons like PJ Jones and current stars like Ryan Arciero, there are also folks who love Baja and adventure-seeking racers who simply want to be part of the action. This NORRA race has classes for motorcycles, quads, UTVs and 4-wheel classes. Both vintage vehicles and state-of-the-art race cars are welcome to compete.
Brandon Bernstein, Lucas OIl’s director of partnership marketing recognizes the value of having Don “The Snake” Prudhomme racing under his company’s banner. “Having a racing legend like Don Prudhomme racing for MAVTV and Lucas Oil is a can’t miss opportunity for our company,” he said. “You aren’t going to get a tougher environment than racing in the Baja desert and we have so many brands that we know work in extreme conditions for all our customers, whether they are racing across the desert or just driving to work. We love being associated with Don and wish him the best of luck – again.”
Just as Baja California’s peninsula has distinctive flavors to it, so does the Baja 1000 race. Every stage is unique and together they show the area’s special challenges and outstanding beauty. The challenge of conquering the different areas of this contest creates the kind of camaraderie among competitors after they complete each hard-fought day. They might sit around a campfire or share a cold one at the bar…
“I’m looking forward to seeing if we can run a little faster with this Lucas Oil CanAm Turbo and have even more fun,” Prudhomme declared. “I have made some great memories since we started doing this in 2018, and I can’t wait to get strapped in and head out into the desert. I feel great and I love the challenge.”
The Yokohama NORRA Mexican 10000 Rally, presented by Method Race Wheels, kicks off on April 29th and continues through to May 6th. Known as the Happiest Race on Earth, the Baja racing begins competition on May 1st as competitors trek from Ensenada to San Felipe, heading south from there. It completes its tour of the Baja California peninsula with a run from La Paz to San Jose del Cabo on May 6th.