klaus
June 9th, 2002, 19:48
2002 Baja 500
Mark Miller and Larry Ragland win the SCORE Baja 500.
The 2002 Baja 500 was one of the toughest ever as competitors raced over the 477 mile course from and back to Ensenada Mexico. The race started at 7:30 A.M. as over 100,000 spectators lined the course. After that the race passed the famous Mikes sky ranch and went through preserved areas of Mellings ranch, opened exclusively for this race, after a run to the pacific ocean and back through the hills of Ojos Negros the finish line in Ensenada was filled with Spectators.
The 81 Mark Miller Racing/UMI Trophy truck piloted by Miller/Ragland encountered a $4 parts failure(hose clamp) which led to driving 100 of the first 126 miles with no front brakes and very little rear brakes. During the stop to make repairs over 15 vehicles passed and the odds of winning were diminished by the minute. After repairing broken brakes and a broken shock Mark Miller assaulted the field to hand the truck to Larry Ragland after 271 miles with 2 trucks left to pass.
Mark Miller said " I sensed a bit of a let down by the crew after all the cars passed, I told My co-pilot Willie Valdez to call on the radio and tell them we are going to pass all these guys so Larry has a good run and for them not to worry". Larry Ragland held his end of the deal up. After making a spectacular pass on Juan Iberra he followed up with the final pass on the Herbst Trophy truck to take the lead for good. At the finish line Larry Ragland said "To win the Baja 500 again is such a great feeling and to do it with Mark Miller is special, I want to thank all the people of Mexico for having us as their guest at such a great event"
John Hoffman and the entire crew of Hoffman Motorsports did an exemplary job in pulling of a logistical feat that included over 20 pit locations to provide service and fuel throughout the event.
For updated event coverage check www.markmillerracing.com and www.raglandracing.com .
Mark Miller and Larry Ragland win the SCORE Baja 500.
The 2002 Baja 500 was one of the toughest ever as competitors raced over the 477 mile course from and back to Ensenada Mexico. The race started at 7:30 A.M. as over 100,000 spectators lined the course. After that the race passed the famous Mikes sky ranch and went through preserved areas of Mellings ranch, opened exclusively for this race, after a run to the pacific ocean and back through the hills of Ojos Negros the finish line in Ensenada was filled with Spectators.
The 81 Mark Miller Racing/UMI Trophy truck piloted by Miller/Ragland encountered a $4 parts failure(hose clamp) which led to driving 100 of the first 126 miles with no front brakes and very little rear brakes. During the stop to make repairs over 15 vehicles passed and the odds of winning were diminished by the minute. After repairing broken brakes and a broken shock Mark Miller assaulted the field to hand the truck to Larry Ragland after 271 miles with 2 trucks left to pass.
Mark Miller said " I sensed a bit of a let down by the crew after all the cars passed, I told My co-pilot Willie Valdez to call on the radio and tell them we are going to pass all these guys so Larry has a good run and for them not to worry". Larry Ragland held his end of the deal up. After making a spectacular pass on Juan Iberra he followed up with the final pass on the Herbst Trophy truck to take the lead for good. At the finish line Larry Ragland said "To win the Baja 500 again is such a great feeling and to do it with Mark Miller is special, I want to thank all the people of Mexico for having us as their guest at such a great event"
John Hoffman and the entire crew of Hoffman Motorsports did an exemplary job in pulling of a logistical feat that included over 20 pit locations to provide service and fuel throughout the event.
For updated event coverage check www.markmillerracing.com and www.raglandracing.com .