It's Baja 1000 time again! (and the debut of 2010 4Runner)

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorspo...1-04-09-01.jpg
TOYOTA 2010 MODEL YEAR 4RUNNER SLATED FOR THE SCORE BAJA 1000

The Fifth Generation 2010 Toyota 4Runner to run in the “Stock mini” Class
TORRANCE, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2009) – Toyota will make history by entering its 2010 Model Year Fifth Generation 4Runner in the internationally renowned SCORE Baja 1000. With over 672 miles in length and a time limit of 31 hours, the Baja 1000 is one of the toughest desert races in the world.

Over 325 entries are expected from around the world to compete in the 42nd Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – the last desert race of the season scheduled for November 20-21, in Ensenada, Mexico.

Toyota will test its newest 4Runner and showcase the SUV’s capabilities and durability in the Mexican desert’s treacherous terrain. “Historically, only half of the racers finish this incredible test of man and machine, but we’re confident the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be a major contender in the stock mini class and can handle the grueling course”, said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager.

One of the scheduled drivers will be the legendary Ivan “Ironman” Stewart – 22-time SCORE Baja race winner. Stewart has successfully conquered the toughest obstacles in off-road racing and was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. “I’m thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the drivers to once again prove the toughness and durability of Toyota vehicles. I’m sure the Fifth Generation 4Runner will be tough enough to survive even my Iron foot”, said Stewart. Co-driving the 4Runner will be the teams of Bob Ditner/Zach Zwillinger from the start line to Borrego Junction, Ken Ziesemer/Mark Sasaki throughout the San Felipe loop, Joe Nolan/Paul Williamsen from Borrego to Valle De La Trinidad, and Ivan Stewart/Bob Ditner from Valle De La Trinidad to the finish line. The 4Runner will run on General Tires and utilize the famous Baja Pits Organization throughout the course.

The 2009 Baja 1000 will be a single loop race – starting and finishing in Ensenada on the Pacific Ocean side of the magnificent peninsula and run through Mexican villages -- luring in tens of thousands of spectators.

The Fifth Generation 4Runner

The fifth generation 4Runner has an improved V6 engine with better fuel economy and 34 more horse-power than the previous V6. It also adds 17 inch wheels and two additional airbags-for a total of eight, providing buyers more than $1,700 worth of added content. However, the price of the popular four wheel drive V6 SR5 remains unchanged at $30,915. Vehicles will begin arriving at dealerships in late-November. For Fifth Generation 4Runner specs visit:
Toyota.com

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorspo...-04-09-01.html

Nice :thumbup: - glad to see they're giving Ivan the Ironman a turn at the wheel

Should have cross posted this to my 2009 Baja thread, I just saw the press release today! :D
Way to scoop my link! :thumbup:

re: http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.ph...6&topic=8268.0

BTW, from what I saw the truck is SICK!!

I'm still trying to figure out if they went with the idea to run plate steel for the rear windows or not.

Any problem with either combining the threads or cross posting this so we can keep the topic together?

Thanks Man! :D :thumbup:

**Also, I cannot go b/c of the pending baby's due date less than three weeks out. As last year, if anyone would please do us all a favor and if going pull some press coverage or duties and get info and coverage. If you need asistance getting a press pass, you can get help from me or hopefully the staff from this site. :wrenchin:

SOAZ scooped my post for today on my answer about the rumor over Ivan driving something new! :spit:

Here's the page, I'm gonna ask that it be copied or linked into here. :D

http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.ph...c=8405.new#new

**Also, I cannot go b/c of the pending baby's due date less than three weeks out. As last year, if anyone would please do us all a favor and if going pull some press coverage or duties and get info and coverage. If you need asistance getting a press pass, you can get help from me or hopefully the staff from this site. :wrenchin:

*Here's the public media page for video's, I don't have anything else yet..

http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorsports/video.html

Sweeeet 5th gen action in the Baja 1000.
Gonna have to keep an eye out

Awww Man! I would have loved to have gotten a press pass and helped you guys out with event coverage! :( Unfortunately I have prior engagements that I can not weasel my way out! Trust me for Baja I would have canceled everything but with this recession I can't say no to Jobs right now...:( Man this sucks! Nothings more exciting then watching TT blow right by you at 100+

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SiRMarlon

Awww Man! I would have loved to have gotten a press pass and helped you guys out with event coverage..

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No worries, if I'd pulled my head out sooner I would've known to speak up and convince you to apply for your own or assigned my assistant pass to you.

I (hope) someone from here will step up. We should at the very least consider this for next year's race(?).

BTW, I completely spaced you joined a while ago, good to have you here man! Make ebruddah visit some also?

Hopefully I can put it on my Calendar for next year!! :)

[BUMP!]

Less than 58 1/2 hours until the 4wd start.. :wrenchin: