Chris Warwick Enters The 50th Baja1000 Desert Race
Author: Steve Smith Date Posted:1 November 2017
With less than two weeks until Chris Warwick heads off the Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and enters into the 50th anniversary of the Baja1000 Desert Race. AdventureMoto took the opportunity to sit down with Chris and get to know him a bit better before we send him off to one of the most gruelling motorcycle races in the world!
So, Chris tell us what you have tucked away in your shed right now?
I have a fully refurbished 2002 Honda CR250r and a Suzuki Rmx450z which is the workhorse of the family outside of racing duties. I do a lot of hours on this bike! Currently, I'm restoring a 1990 Kawasaki KDX200 which is a long-term project and have a KTM freeride 350EXCF for rock hopping and technical riding. I normally race a Sherco for my local dealer and love these bikes to bits, but unfortunately, I don't have one in my shed just yet. Soon maybe I hope!
So what bike will you be racing in the Baja1000?
I have my Honda CRF450 which was set up for my last Baja1000 event. It is sitting over with the Malcolm Smith Racing guys who are helping me with some garage space before the race.
What is your best motorcycling achievement to date?
My best motorcycling achievement to date was winning my home race this year in the Northern Territory at Darwin's annual Kamfari 4hr mud Enduro. This was my 13th year racing the event which started for me in 2004. Previously I've placed 2nd to Brad Williscroft on a number of occasions and narrowly missed victory on at least 3 occasions before this year. So to finally get a win after 13 years of trying was my proudest achievement in my career to date. Also coming in a close 2nd to that was finishing 18th (gold medal) at the RedBull Sea-To-Sky International Extreme Enduro in Turkey. There were only 25 finishers from 200 starters, so just finishing was an achievement.
Then I have two finishes at Baja1000 in 2012 and 2013 - No race comes close to the mental and physical exertion you need to finish this race in the Ironman Division. In Ironman it is one racer against the elements. You are on your own.
Whats your favourite piece of kit?
Riding gear is critical in having a fun-fuelled ride and performing at your best. I now have KLIM riding gear which is definitely my first choice. KLIM has a selection that is perfect for everyone from novice to expert and is very trail and Enduro oriented. I have used many types of riding gear and equipment, riding all over Australia and in countries around the world and nothing comes close to KLIM riding apparel for endurance.
The quality is second to none, they have designs for all types of riding Adventure, Enduro and even Snow. If it’s hot, cold or in between, they have the perfect selection and comfort you desire for the most enjoyable ride.
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So, I hear you have a Go-Fund-Me setup, tell us about that and how we can support a fellow Australian fulfil their dream of going to the Baja1000.
Well, I'm heading to the States to race in the Baja1000 later this month. This is the world’s largest point-to-point desert race in the world! From start to finish it's around 1900 kilometres and I estimate it will take me between 36/40 hours to complete the entire course.
This year marks the 50th-anniversary edition of the Baja1000. In the past, I've completed the event riding solo (Pro Ironman Class) twice placing 2nd in both my previous races in 2012 and 2013. Generally, this race has a very high DNF rate and on average only around one-third of the 600 plus entries actually finish. Its long, hard and very tough to compete and complete at race pace.
This year my focus is to do one better: I would really love to win the Pro Ironman class. This has always been my goal and I would love to finish Top Ten outright against the teams who have up to 6 riders per team to complete the gruelling 1900 kilometre course.
The race starts in Ensenada and finishes in La Paz this year which is located in the Baja Peninsula in Mexico directly south of California in the USA.
The terrain is beautiful with varying conditions from including nice sandy beaches and high-speed desert stretches. I will be riding through about 101 different species of cactus, gnarly rocky hills, wat too deep bulldust and ruts. Any of these can catch you out so you have to be fit and on your mental game. The race course itself is unforgiving but definitely, you get some of the most spectacular sights to see whilst riding a motorcycle.
I now have a huge amount of priceless experience and knowledge of the race in my arsenal and I want to be the "first ever" Australian to win the Baja1000 Ironman!
Thanks Chris for taking the time out to answer our questions, we wish you the best at the 50th Annual Baja1000 Desert Race in Mexico.
Go-Fund-Chris Today, and We'll Send You An Adventuremoto Gift Voucher!
We will also kick the tin by donating $1000 in cash to help Chris cover expenses on his trip along with some great riding gear and protection to keep him safe and riding in style!
Thank you for all the support from Aussie supporters and suppliers like Joe Brazier from JEBTECH who have already got behind Chris. Also KLIM and Seat Concepts, who have helped us help Chris with gear and a comfy bike seat, as well as BIG SHOUT OUT to Malcolm Smith Racing who are helping Chris set up his bike in the US
