Bryce Menzies Wins 2011 Baja 500 Overall and Leads Entire Race
- 21 Jun 2011
After six months of planning and hard work it all boiled down to a single day of racing. "I don't really have much to compare it to," continued the K&N sponsored driver, "But I do know that it was extremely technical and rocky. And I am already looking forward to this year's SCORE Baja 1000, where we will also run some of the 500 course." Menzies' sixth place overall finish in the SCORE San Felipe 250 put him in the draw for the top 12 starting positions for the 500. With only weeks to go before the start of the race, the announcement came through that Menzies Motorsports would be starting the 43rd Annual Baja 500 from the number one position. The day that the 452.84 mile course was opened for pre-running, Menzies and co-driver, Pete Mortensen, were on their way to Mexico to get as much time on the course as possible. The two then proceeded to run and re-run the course tirelessly until they felt confident with every nook and cranny.
The 2011 Baja 500 started in the heart of Ensenada on June 4th at 10am. The team of Menzies and Mortensen driving the No.70 Menzies/Red Bull Trophy Truck was the first 4-wheel vehicle off the line, leading the way for over 250 competitors into the open desert of Baja, Mexico. Thousands of enthusiastic fans were on hand cheering on every single participant. "Starting in the front is a big advantage because you are not stuck in the dust," Menzies said. "However, when starting up front you also have to be aware of spectators and oncoming traffic. There were a few incidences where spectators got a little too close for comfort, and there was one point where a car was coming at us head-on, but they were all pretty easily avoided because of all the proper safety precautions that were being taken. It was mostly clear sailing the entire way, and we plan on doing the same for the SCORE Primm 300 in August."
Nine hours later, as the sun began to set, casting eerily long shadows on the desert floor, Menzies and Mortensen continued to methodically retrace their steps back through Ensenada. Steve Menzies (Bryce's dad) waited at the finish, where the sound of the Kroyer Racing engine vibrated through the cities infamous buildings, as it made the last turn, which was still lined with cheering fans waiting to see the finish. The checkered flag took to the sky and Bryce Menzies was the first Trophy Truck to finish the 2011 Baja 500. "We have a solid team, with a lot of people who dedicate their spare time to see this team succeed, and the best thing we can do for those who support us is give them a win. We would not be able to do this if it wasn't for the people behind the scenes who help put it all together," said Menzies' Motorsports General Manager, Cory Beacham. The Menzies Motorsports team now stands in first place in the SCORE series points. The team will now start preparing for the next SCORE race in August. The Menzies/Red Bull Trophy Truck will also be ready to tear up the desert of Nevada and California in the Primm 300. Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
