Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
When it comes to racing in Baja, the Lawrence Motorsports Team knows what it takes. In 2009, they won every Baja race, the San Felipe 250, Baja 500, and the Baja 1000. Success in Baja takes a measured aggression. This year’s 49th SCORE Baja 1000 takes place Nov. 15-20 on an 830-mile loop course starting and finishing in the seaside port of Ensenada. The challenging course usually takes a heavy toll on competitors. Those who expect to bend Baja to their will, frequently end up broken.
“Our strategy is to set a fast but measured pace for the first part of the race,” said Mikey Lawrence, “As the race goes on, it becomes apparent who has survived and what type of pace it will take to win. We are prepared to turn it up to full attack mode if that’s what it takes to win, but we like to drive smart. Baja is our biggest adversary. You have to give as well as take if you want to be there in the end.”
Lawrence Motorsports will compete with two class 10 cars. The traction and reliability of their Radar Tires gives them a competitive edge when it comes to setting the pace. They have four stops planned for fuel. If all goes well, they will fill the fuel, change air filters and be back underway; their tires are capable of going the entire way. Clay Lawrence and Steve Lawler will be sharing the wheel in the #1002. Steve will take the car from the start to race mile 170. Clay will be driving from 170 to mile 520. He will set the pace so that Steve will have a sound car for the final sprint to the finish.
Mikey Lawrence will be driving the entire race “solo.” Sitting fourth in overall championship points, he will be pushing hard to make a final surge in the standings. “Our goal is to win the race and see where the points end up,” says Lawrence, “We have the speed to run up front, we are hoping the Baja gods are on our side during the race.”
Photography By: Bink Designs
About Mikey Lawrence
Mikey Lawrence is a second generation racer who started going fast at a young age. He started his racing career at age 7 on BMX bikes. He also raced Jet Skis and spent his free time riding motorcycles in Southern California before graduating to SCORE desert racing in class 10, where he has won multiple championships, and Pro Lite truck in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series. When he is not racing, Mikey enjoys surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, firearms and spending time with his wife, baby boy Axle and dogs.