For many NOB (north of the border) folks, the word “Baja” conjures up an image of hot, dusty off-road racing. The grueling Baja 1000 has been run every year since 1967 except for 1974, when it was canceled due to the OPEC oil crisis. The race is held every year the third week in November and offers classes for a wide variety of vehicles—everything from motorcycles and ATVs to expensive, purpose-built racing trucks. These sponsored Trophy Trucks often come complete with multiple chase crews and helicopter support but there are also sportsman classes that feature all-stock vehicles without chase team support. One popular class consists of Baja Bugs—stock Type One Volkswagen Beetles modified for off-road racing.