Baldwin teamed with Gordon in the 2008 Central European Rally, where he placed 1st in class and 7th overall. That happened to be ahead Gordon, who placed 10th overall after suffering a wheel and hub failure on one of the stages. Apparently Gordon was not upset about BJ finishing ahead of him, as he tapped Baldwin as the replacement driver for Ronn Bailey after Bailey could not attend. Four Wheeler had the exclusive opportunity to speak with BJ Baldwin today as his vehicle went through scrutineering.
FW- So when did you find out that you would be driving in the Dakar Rally?
BJ- Christmas Day.
FW- That seems like a nice present, but not very much time to prepare.
BJ- This is the same Vanguard Security Hummer that I drove in the Central European Rally so I am pretty familiar with it. Plus I have an excellent navigator in Kellen Walch.
FW- So you think that your chances are pretty good?
BJ- Look, I am hear to support Robby, not to try to win. Robby picked me because he knows that I can run fast (BJ was the 2008 SCORE series champion) and get parts to him if necessary.
FW- Was there any concern about driving an H3 shod with Toyo tires from your title sponsor, General Tire?
BJ- Neither company will be promoting me in this race, as I stated I am here for Robby and to be a team player and get a win in Dakar for America. At the same time, my sponsor General Tire is smart enough to realize that this is a great opportunity for me to learn more about the rally and explore the potential of fielding our own Dakar program in the future.
Permalink Reply by TOG on December 31, 2009 at 9:49pm
From Four-Wheeler Magazine ( BJ Baldwin Interview )
Baldwin teamed with Gordon in the 2008 Central European Rally, where he placed 1st in class and 7th overall. That happened to be ahead Gordon, who placed 10th overall after suffering a wheel and hub failure on one of the stages. Apparently Gordon was not upset about BJ finishing ahead of him, as he tapped Baldwin as the replacement driver for Ronn Bailey after Bailey could not attend. Four Wheeler had the exclusive opportunity to speak with BJ Baldwin today as his vehicle went through scrutineering.
Vanguard Security Hummer
FW- So when did you find out that you would be driving in the Dakar Rally?
BJ- Christmas Day.
FW- That seems like a nice present, but not very much time to prepare.
BJ- This is the same Vanguard Security Hummer that I drove in the Central European Rally so I am pretty familiar with it. Plus I have an excellent navigator in Kellen Walch.
FW- So you think that your chances are pretty good?
BJ- Look, I am hear to support Robby, not to try to win. Robby picked me because he knows that I can run fast (BJ was the 2008 SCORE series champion) and get parts to him if necessary.
FW- Was there any concern about driving an H3 shod with Toyo tires from your title sponsor, General Tire?
BJ- Neither company will be promoting me in this race, as I stated I am here for Robby and to be a team player and get a win in Dakar for America. At the same time, my sponsor General Tire is smart enough to realize that this is a great opportunity for me to learn more about the rally and explore the potential of fielding our own Dakar program in the future.
Now something he told me makes perfect sense. I'm betting we see a Baldwin Motorsports entry in the near future. Hell yeah, get some good experience and support Robby at the same time!!