Baja 1000 "2008" Team Members: Hank Salyer and John Friend supported by Mike West
Finished: 14th in the pro class

Sparta Georgia SORCS 8 Hour Team Race "2009" Team Members: John Friend, Dudley Cornman, Derek Friend & Trey Alhgrim
Finished: 5th in the pro class

Baja San Felipe 250 "2009" Team Members: Hank Salyer, John Friend, Dudley Cornman & Mike West

Reno to Vegas "2009" Team Members: Derek Friend John Friend, & Mike West  

RACE SUMMARY BAJA 1000
2008

The Baja 1000 "2008" was Baja Boys Racing first attempt in a pro desert race. Training and preparation took place for over 1 year. After preparing for that period it was finally time to make our way to Ensenada Mexico. The first several days were spent pre-running the 632 mile course. Riding in the sand proved to be very different than riding in the dirt. However, after 2 days we adapted to the terrain and developed a feel for the new ride. Following our pre-run we returned to Ensenada for registration and tech inspection. Unbelievably, while we were downtown taking care of business our chase van was stolen. This was beginning of many more obstacles to come. Luckily, we met a life-saver named Mike West that knew Baja as well as the natives. Mike was a member of Mag 7 Pits and willingly came to our rescue to ensure we could finish what we started. Race day began at 6 a.m. with Hank riding the first leg of the race. The first, second and third leg of the race were smooth and uneventul. Then came the 4th leg of the race. Nightfall was upon us and the trophy truck were behind us and coming on strong. John does and end over on some nasty woops, breaks a couple of ribs and the bike has troubles of its own. The clutch was smoked in a silt bed that reaches out for 20 miles. John is stranded in the dark with trucks blazing by him with nothing but a fire he built from the only tree he could find (It is a desert). Finally, after hours of waiting Baja rescue arrives and gets him back to Mag 7 Pit where Mike and Hank await. John repairs the clutch and Hank has fire in his eyes to finish this race. He soldiers into the night giving John a couple of hours of well needed rest. John takes over again around Mike's Sky Ranch with the sun coming up behind him and riding with his shadow for the next hour and a half. No doubt this was the best ride John had in the desert. Hank takes it from there down the coastline to within 100 miles of the finish line to meet up with John and Mike at the last check point. Time is ticking and there is only 2 hours left to finish. Before Hank arrives John unloads the pre-run race bike and is waiting for Hank to roll into the check point. When Hank arrives they discuss it and decide to ride that last 100 miles together, Hank on the race bike and John on the pre-run bike in case something were to break in the last miles of the race. Tools were packed and emotions were high as they set out for the checkered flag. Needless to say, both bikes rode through the TECATE Redbull arch at the finish line in the alotted time. Finishing pins were received by all as well as a congratulations by Sal Fish and a rewarding 14th place finish in the motorcycle pro class.