A Tribute to the Man Synonymous with Baja

"On Thursday, November 15th, SCORE International will celebrate a major milestone - 45 years of the famed Baja 1000. On that same morning, one man will do what he has done every year for the past 45, arise well before the sun, don his race suit, down a cup of coffee and line up to race the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. That man is Rod Hall."

Hall has carved a legacy based on perseverance, patience and consistency.  He embodies that well worn quote “to finish first, you must first finish.”  And finish first he has done.  Considered the most winning man in Baja, Hall has captured a record 21 Baja 1000 wins, 18 Baja 500 wins and the only person to win the overall, beating the motorcycles, in a production 4-wheel drive.

He began his Baja journey, entering the Mexican 1000 with Larry Minor in a Jeep CJ-5 equipped with the most rigid dual shocks they could find and thirteen-leaf springs.   Wearing Wranglers, holding a cooler and no map in hand, friend Bill Hardy handed Hall a compass at the starting line and said, “Most will go south.  Head south by southeast and you will find La Paz.”  Bruised from the rivets in his jeans and one cooler lighter (his co-driver vomited after opening it), Rod Hall and Larry Minor crossed the finish line 1st in class.   

While many have attempted, Hall made his lifelong career as a driver.  His professional career began with Ford in 1968.  He then began a long relationship with Dodge spanning from 1975 to 1992 where he captured 35 consecutive wins – a record that still stands today as the longest unbroken string of race victories.  In 1993, Hall began a successful 17-year relationship with HUMMER.  Today, Hall is the longest sponsored driver in BFGoodrich history.  His knowledge and skill has been the trusted blend for manufacturers looking to promote their vehicles and products as durable and winning.   

Although opting to avoid the spotlight, Rod is colorful and animated when recounting his stories from Baja.   His insight is priceless, his experience unparalleled.  Hall’s passion for racing off-road has been passed on to his sons, Josh and Chad, who have solid off-road resumes of their own. 

Although many have forged impressive careers from racing the Baja, none will ever match Hall's accomplishments at this year's anniversary race. One week after he crosses the finish line, Rod will celebrate his 75th birthday. Happy Birthday Rod, and congratulations on all of your achievements. Your heartfelt dedication to the sport and sheer tenacity continues to inspire us all.