BJ Baldwin will drive the Hummer at Dakar

FYI, as specualted yesterday, but announced prematurely, BJ will be driving the Hummer for RGM at Dakar, in place of Ronn Bailey.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on December 28, 2009 at 3:30pm

here is the press release:

Fort Mill, SC – (December 28, 2009) – ‘Ballistic’ BJ Baldwin will be contributing to the USA Dakar Rally effort by joining legendary off-road racer Robby Gordon’s Team HUMMER for the 2010 edition of the world’s most grueling race. BJ Baldwin and navigator Kellon Walsh will be driving Gordon’s 2nd vehicle, #351 Vanguard Hummer H3, during the infamous Dakar Rally. Baldwin replaced original driver Ronn Bailey of Vanguard due to a schedule conflict. The elite team also includes the Monster Energy Hummer H3 piloted by Robby Gordon and navigator Andy Grider, and the Country of Chile Hummer with driver Carlo De Gavardo.

BJ Baldwin has an impressive off-road racing track record with wins in the SCORE Baja 500, Laughlin Desert Challenge and BITD Vegas to Reno. Baldwin raced with Gordon’s Dakar team in 2008 with an impressive finish of 1st in class and 7th overall. Baldwin is an aggressive and outstanding racer and he will be a valuable addition to the exceptional effort Robby Gordon’s team puts forth every year.
The Dakar Rally, held January 1st through 17th in South America, boasts the most difficult, incredibly challenging and brutal 14-stage, 5,600-mile race course on the planet. The course challenges drivers and crew through the Atacoma Desert, with a reputation as one of the driest places in the world, as well as the Andes Mountains with massive rocky washes and fierce sand dunes.

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Permalink Reply by General Lee on December 29, 2009 at 8:15pm

Why is this release from rock hill sc?

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Permalink Reply by R. ALDRIDGE on December 30, 2009 at 3:12am

Any problems for BJ running Toyos? What a GREAT addition to the team!

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Permalink Reply by Jaci on December 28, 2009 at 3:38pm

I don't care how or why, I'm just so excited that "it is what it is"!

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Permalink Reply by soylent_green on December 28, 2009 at 3:39pm

Cool news!

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Permalink Reply by Terie (aka vassinvegas) on December 28, 2009 at 3:40pm

So I wonder if Robby got mad at BJ for the "pre-mature" release and BJ had to back off because I got a message last night that said he was "just playing" and not driving. Maybe he didn't think we'd get his little "hints" on FB?? His crew is busy making Rampage ready for Laughlin. I really an totally confused.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on December 28, 2009 at 3:49pm

Announcement wasn't supposed to come until Monday, so yes, he did pass his 'excitement' a little early. As for Laughlin, just remember, this is racing, and anything can happen at any time. Carlos Sainz went into a ditch in 2009 and his rally ended many stages early. Just sayin, it's better to be prepared,than being behind the 8 ball,if in fact BJ's rally ends early, for whatever reason ( and I stress IF )

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Permalink Reply by TOG on December 28, 2009 at 4:05pm

I tend to think the last thing Carlos thought would happen to him was ending on his roof at the bottom of a ditch. Just a great example of ANYTHING can happen, even to the best of em.

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Permalink Reply by alan4s on December 28, 2009 at 4:26pm

I don't think the ditch was the problem. Carlos was flipping the car over, and was ready to go. His navigator was being a wimp (LOL) and wouldn't race anymore with a broken shoulder.