The Baja 1000, one of the most demanding off-road races in the world, saw Ford Performance achieve a stunning dual victory for 2024. The Bronco DR and Ranger Raptor conquered the brutal desert terrain, showcasing the capability and innovation behind Ford’s engineering. While the race took place in Ensenada, Mexico, the triumph resonated with Ford fans and drivers right here in East Windsor, reminding us of the rugged reliability built into every Ford vehicle.
Bronco DR: A Racing Legend in the Making
The Bronco DR, a desert racer designed specifically for extreme conditions, claimed victory in the Heavy Metal Limited class. This achievement adds another chapter to the storied Baja racing legacy of the Ford Bronco, which has long been synonymous with toughness and versatility.
Brad Lovell, a key driver in this year’s race, spoke passionately about the Bronco DR’s performance:
“This race is the toughest in North America, and it truly tests every aspect of a vehicle. The Bronco DR was built for challenges like these, and it’s an honor to continue its legacy here in Baja.”
With drivers like Lovell and a team of skilled navigators, the Bronco DR showcased why it’s a favorite for desert racing enthusiasts and off-road adventurers alike.
Ranger Raptor: Racing Meets Real-World Performance
The Ranger Raptor’s victory in the Stock Mid-Size class highlights the incredible balance between racing prowess and production-level capability. Equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost engine and advanced FOX suspension, this factory-built truck mirrors the rugged performance you’d expect from a vehicle available to Ford customers around the globe.
Loren Healy, one of the Ranger Raptor’s drivers, reflected on the race’s challenges:
“Baja threw everything at us—rain, jagged rocks, darkness—but this team and this truck were built to endure it all.”
The Ranger Raptor’s success is a testament to Ford’s commitment to engineering vehicles that excel both on the racecourse and on the road.
Racing Innovations That Benefit Everyday Drivers
Ford’s participation in the Baja 1000 is about more than just winning. The insights gained during the race feed directly into the development of consumer vehicles. The Ranger Raptor, for example, utilized a MoTeC data acquisition system to collect performance data throughout the race. These findings help Ford refine durability, safety, and off-road capabilities, ensuring that every customer benefits from lessons learned in extreme conditions.
Brian Novak, North American Off-Road Program Manager, summed it up:
“We analyze every part of these trucks after races like this. It’s all about making our production vehicles even better for the customers who depend on them.”
The Spirit of Baja Lives On
The Baja 1000 is more than a race—it’s a battle against nature itself. From silt beds and rain to jagged rocks and the infamous Baja darkness, the course demands the best from drivers and vehicles alike. Ford Performance’s wins with the Bronco DR and Ranger Raptor prove once again that Ford is up to the challenge.
Here at Haldeman Ford East Windsor, we’re proud to see Ford vehicles conquer the toughest environments on Earth. Whether it’s the Bronco’s legendary off-road capability or the Ranger’s balance of power and versatility, these victories reflect the same qualities Ford drivers value every day.
Keep reading our blog and visit us in person to explore the latest Bronco and Ranger models and see for yourself what makes them champions on and off the road. Feel free to also check out our available inventory online to see what we currently have available.