Score 500 Baja take.

[TPC]

A guy Alice and I know from a local watering hole gave us his experiences of the Score 500.
We bumped into him at lunch at Chuys this afternoon.
With the Tecate 500 coming up late May, naturally we brought it up.

He pulls a check from Terribles and works one of the teams.

His grandfather died a few years back and left him some property and a trust fund, so he pits and teams for fun and a few extra bux.
A really excellent , honest guy,., living a fun life.

His Baja Story:

He told us that one of the ranches they contracted with stole 500 gallons of Helicoptor jet fuel. Gave them just enough to get the helicoptor home.
Told them: "The fuel got lost".

The federales in un-unmarked new black Suburbans hijacked them, stole a complete racing truck and trailer and tow rig about 500 yards from the Calif border when they were leaving,,,

Their various camps got robbed, tools money vehicles,, everything taken, and several of the crews were beaten severly and are hospitalized.

He said strong talk to the sponsors that many teams won't return.

Evidently these incidences were nothing compaired to some of the stunts other teams were put through.

This story we were told by a guy we know as very reliable.

 

[Ivan Dan]

Yes some of that stuff has happened in Baja over the last couple years. I've been going to Mexico for the Baja races since 96ish and I've never had a single incident like these. The only thing I've had happen was I towing the race truck home from the Baja 1000 in 2005 and I got pulled over for speeding heading towards the border in TJ. It cost me the $60 I had in my pocket but other than that no issues.

I think for the most part Baja is what you make of it. If you are acting like a jackass you get treated like a jackass. I know so many people who have been going to Baja for A LOT of years and have never had any major issues like stated above.

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

Yes some of that stuff has happened in Baja over the last couple years. I've been going to Mexico for the Baja races since 96ish and I've never had a single incident like these. The only thing I've had happen was I towing the race truck home from the Baja 1000 in 2005 and I got pulled over for speeding heading towards the border in TJ. It cost me the $60 I had in my pocket but other than that no issues.

I think for the most part Baja is what you make of it. If you are acting like a jackass you get treated like a jackass. I know so many people who have been going to Baja for A LOT of years and have never had any major issues like stated above.

And truth be told, wouldn't most of us just rather kick down $60 than get a ticket? It's frontier justice at it's finest.

Personally, I know a ton of people that go and work Baja. I've never heard a SINGLE story like this EVER.

 

[Lavey5150]

The growing cartel isn't helping that armpit shanty Tijuana either.................

 

[ShockwaveBobSquarePants]

The growing cartel isn't helping that armpit shanty Tijuana either.................

San Diego South has been a toilet for 50 years.

 

[BRSTQUEST]

I have heard several stories like this recently. It is a shame a few are going to ruin it for the majority.

November 19, 2007

Pat Weber didn't plan on being part of a crime trend that has generated worldwide buzz this past week, but he didn't have much choice.
The Encinitas resident and surfing instructor got lost on a dirt road in Baja California last month while looking for a surfing spot called Cuatro Casas. He and his girlfriend decided to park for the night on a bluff overlooking the ocean.



CHARLIE NEUMAN / Union-Tribune
Pat Weber, who survived an assault while camping in Baja California, carried his board near his surfing school, the San Diego Surfing Academy.
Just after sundown, two men wearing ski masks approached Weber's motor home and ordered him to come out. He refused but surrendered after they fired a bullet through a window.

The assailants held a gun to Weber's head while they ransacked the motor home and took about $10,000 worth of items. They also sexually assaulted his girlfriend, Weber said.

It is the policy of The San Diego Union-Tribune not to identify victims of sexual crimes.

The Oct. 23 attack was one of at least six armed robberies and carjackings in the past five months that targeted surfers en route to camping spots in northern Baja. Some of the victims reported their experiences to the police, while others posted their stories on surfing and travel Web sites.

The Union-Tribune published details of the crimes Wednesday. Since then, blogs and TV and radio stations based everywhere from Southern California to Australia have covered the topic.

They have featured tourists who never encountered trouble in Baja and those who stopped visiting the peninsula's remote, picturesque beaches because of crimes that happened 10 or 20 years ago. A few included safety tips ahead of the Thanksgiving vacation stretch.

On Friday, a crew from CNN came to town to produce a segment about what Weber and his girlfriend went through.



Advertisement “I'm not asking for sympathy,” said Weber, who said he went public to warn other travelers.
Weber said feels guilty that he couldn't defend his girlfriend, and he keeps second-guessing himself about the decision to camp in an isolated area. His sleep has been fitful, and he often feels a knot of emotions.

“I'm like a piñata on wheels, loaded up and ready to be smashed open,” he said.

Despite the trauma, Weber is thankful to be alive. “(The gunmen) had all the cards,” he said. “It could have ended 100 different ways much worse.”

Weber, 47, had logged more than 500 days in Baja and has taken dozens of students there over the past 10 years. Now he vows to never return.

“I can't in good conscience take someone down there and say it's safe, because it's not,” he said. “For me, this is the end of an era.”

On Friday, Weber invited friends and past students to a surfing session and potluck lunch at South Carlsbad State Beach, the home base for his San Diego Surfing Academy.

Weber said the “group hug,” his term for the event, will help heal his mental and emotional wounds. “It's part of my catharsis,” he said. “I'm still numb and reeling from the experience. It's like a bad dream.”

When the CNN crew showed up, Weber pointed out the bullet hole in his motor home.

“That, I'm not going to get fixed,” he said. “I'm just going to plug it with a cork from a wine bottle.”

Amid the rising concern about what some surfers see as sophisticated, paramilitary-style crimes in Baja, longtime visitors to the peninsula said tourists can take steps to reduce their chances of becoming victims.

They advised people to travel in caravans of two or more vehicles and to stay in campgrounds that have security guards. Some surfers urged campers to bring a dog and said it's a good idea to have a cell phone or rent a satellite phone.

“When in Mexico at a remote site, you are vulnerable and you need to pay attention,” said Kent Layton, who operates a fenced-in surf camp at Cuatro Casas called the Boat Ranch. “Be proactive. Have a plan, and whenever possible, leave yourself an out.”

Layton also recommends that travelers leave a copy of their itinerary with friends and family members.

 

[Sleeper CP]

It was my understanding that both McMillian and Herbts were not returning to Mexico along with a few other bif teams.

Sleeper CP

 

[RiverDave]

Yes some of that stuff has happened in Baja over the last couple years. I've been going to Mexico for the Baja races since 96ish and I've never had a single incident like these. The only thing I've had happen was I towing the race truck home from the Baja 1000 in 2005 and I got pulled over for speeding heading towards the border in TJ. It cost me the $60 I had in my pocket but other than that no issues.

I think for the most part Baja is what you make of it. If you are acting like a jackass you get treated like a jackass. I know so many people who have been going to Baja for A LOT of years and have never had any major issues like stated above.

I agree with that, but somehow I really doubt the crew members of the "Herbst" team did anything to deserve getting beaten, and robbed etc.. (If it turns out to be true)

I've been reading more and more of these stories.. and not the ole "horror" stories, of a friend of a friend that did some jackass maneuver and deserved what he got.. but more in the nature of getting pulled over by the men in black and getting entire rigs stolen.. Let alone the getting hog tied, and fearing for your life all night etc..

Until somethings change, I can say I'm done with Baja.. which sux becuase it's one of my favorite places in the world.

RD

 

[stoker22405]

Fock Mexico.....

 

[Racey]

It was my understanding that both McMillian and Herbts were not returning to Mexico along with a few other bif teams.

Sleeper CP

The Herbsts are in the process of building 4 new trophy trucks for the baja races, ditching the 4 wheel drive truck, and plan on retiring the Class 1 truggy after this year, or possibly before the 1000 if the new trucks are complete by then.

And these cartel stories are on the rise, border patrol at buttercup was going crazy when we were down there in january, right after that agent was run down by the white hummer, they told us not to venture into the dunes into mexico because people were getting held for ransom, etc. Mexico needs to start taking out the garbage, which is probably 2/3 of its own police force to begin with.

 

[where's my keyes ?]

don't even get me going, about how i (and my truck) were violated down there at the baja 250 (07 ensenada) a year ago - i haven't been back since :swear (come to think of it, we were robbed in parker too - in the keys, none the less) --- the f -ing bandits &/or banditos are everywhere - they are "ALL" piles of shit (visit ... race-dezert.com for all of your "baja-theft" subjects) keyes

 

[Ivan Dan]

I agree with that, but somehow I really doubt the crew members of the "Herbst" team did anything to deserve getting beaten, and robbed etc.. (If it turns out to be true)

I've been reading more and more of these stories.. and not the ole "horror" stories, of a friend of a friend that did some jackass maneuver and deserved what he got.. but more in the nature of getting pulled over by the men in black and getting entire rigs stolen.. Let alone the getting hog tied, and fearing for your life all night etc..

Until somethings change, I can say I'm done with Baja.. which sux becuase it's one of my favorite places in the world.

RD

Very true...however there are some general rules when in Mexico to abide by. DO NOT travel by yourself ever and preferably only travel in packs of 3 vehicles or more! DO NOT travel at night if at all possible. DO NOT pull over for anyone including cops unless you are in a populated area. A buddy of mine Ryan Arciero almost got his $250,000 pre-runner jacked headed down to the 1000 this past year but he knew better than to pull over other than at a toll booth. As soon as they approached the toll booth the unmarked policia car flipped a bitch and took off. Some say he got lucky....but he was smart and didn't allow the bad situation to happen.

Not only this...I'm hearing that when the new governor (or whatever they call their leader) took over the Baja Norte (Ensenada/Tijuana) he fired nearly the whole police force which were believed to be corrupt. HOPEFULLY this will really help eliminate the lawlessness we've seen happen in the last year or two.

Flat out....I'm skeptical about going back to Mexico but I just love it too much to give it up. If you have ever been down for a Baja 500 or Baja 1000 or ever better yet you've raced or been involved with a team you would know what I mean. It is one of the best and most memorable experiences I've ever done in my entire life.

It is pretty hard to give that up by hearing 3-4 stories of peoples bad experiences. Out of the thousands of people that go to Baja each time to race, chase, support and spectate the % of people having problems are pretty damn low. Think about it this way....watch your local news and count the # of "good" stories to the # of "bad" stories. I would be willing to bet that you will see a 90+% of the stories are murders, rapes, bank robberies, car hijackings, etc. etc. and you still live in your local area. We had a murder/suicide in Corona about 1/4-1/2 mile away from my house last year does that mean I should move right away and never come back?

 

[where's my keyes ?]

It is pretty hard to give that up by hearing 3-4 stories of peoples bad experiences. Out of the thousands of people that go to Baja each time to race, chase, support and spectate the % of people having problems are pretty damn low.



until it happens to you personally and when "your" personal belongings are violated ($$$$), i'm sure you will be singing a different tune good luck down there dan

 

[Ivan Dan]

It is pretty hard to give that up by hearing 3-4 stories of peoples bad experiences. Out of the thousands of people that go to Baja each time to race, chase, support and spectate the % of people having problems are pretty damn low.



until it happens to you personally and when "your" personal belongings are violated ($$$$), i'm sure you will be singing a different tune good luck down there dan

Refresh my memory...what happened to you guys? I don't recall off the top of my head.

 

[Sleeper CP]

Refresh my memory...what happened to you guys? I don't recall off the top of my head.

You probably heard what happened to the McMillian crew member as they headed home from the 1,000 in November. Family of 4 was held up at gun point taken several miles down a dirt road and they stole the trailer equipment and took their clothes.

I heard the wife on the radio here in San Diego.

Sleeper CP

 

[Sleeper CP]

I found this on my computer this morning: This happened after last yr's
Baja 1,000.


Join Date: Feb 2004Location: El Cajon, CAPosts: 20 Rep Power: 0


Thank you to all from the Hall Family Your heartfelt calls, visits and emails are much appreciated. Last night our family made the decision to drive home at San Quentin. We felt fine, not tired and saw lots of chase and race teams on the road- heck, it was only another 5 hours to get into our own beds. The drive went just fine until we were 7 miles from the border. We were almost to the last toll booth in TJ when we were pulled over by “the police”. As soon as we stopped another car stopped in front of the truck and trailer blocking our path. At the same time this was happening the truck (our 2007 super duty and McMillin’s Weekend Warrior) were surrounded by men with guns, their faces covered. They stuck a gun to Chris’ head and pulled him out of the truck. They then proceeded to pull the kids out and stuck a gun in my side and told me to shut up and not move but to put my head down. The kids and Chris were stuck into the back seat of the truck with a man sitting next to Tyler (age 16, this week) who stuck a gun in his side for the next very long 2 hours. We were driven with our heads down and guns on us up into the hills above the area near La Playa. The gunmen yanked Chris out of the truck and made him disconnect the trailer and then finally shoved him back into the truck. There were 10 men, during this time they were ransacking the truck and trailer and taking everything including the jewelry off of our bodies. They pulled the GPS for the stereo out of the dash. We still had the gun men with guns stuck to our bodies. We were driven further up into some new development that was just graded. They first took Tyler out of the truck and shoved him to the side of the road. They then removed me and pushed me to the ground, I laid over Tyler as best as they would let me. They then covered us both with a sleeping bag and threw a pillow on us. At this point they brought Divinia and Chris around and forced them to the ground. We all told each other that we love each. Our truck drove away. We stayed there for about 10 minutes not moving. We then did a 1 ½ hour hike thru cactus, barbed wire down a mountain in the fog wearing our shorts tanks and flip-flops. We ended up on the south side of La Playa where we knocked on doors and rang security bells for over an hour before a very nice lady let us into her home and called the police. The La Playa police came and decided to hurry us out of the country, giving us a ride to the border. The customs and immigration folks were less than helpful and even less sympathetic to our situation. While they did let us walk into the US they would not let us use their phone, bathroom nor have a drink of water. They directed us to the McDonald’s for assistance. So this is what happened. The rumors are close but this is the boiled down version of what transpired. Please be safe. After 25 years of the Baja we are done. We can replace material things; our greatest pleasure comes from our great kids. We consider ourselves blessed and lucky to be home and safe. Our family is very sad to hear that there was so much loss of life this race. Our prayers are with those families. We wish those of you that continue with the great Baja racing tradition safe travels.Chris, Debra, Divinia and Tyler Hall

 

[PVHCA]

I know for fact Team Herbst is not going to Baja 500 this year, not sure what is up for the 1000 however. I was told by a crew member that they are sick of the corruption etc. It is true they are building the new vehicles as well. My take on Mexico, well the Fucked-up wanna be police, they are all Pieces Of Shit, from TJ to Puerta Vallarta they all need their pussy asses kicked, without their badge and of course being in that P.O.S. country they are all zeros, they just look for the American tourist to harrass. We had a run in with one in Puerta Vallarta a few years back, all I can say is by the time me and my friend got finished beating his ass and I'm not sure when his compadres found him we were gone the next day any way. If these dip shits would realize that the $$$ we spend down there is what keeps that toilet running they may one day start to treat us differently.

 

[where's my keyes ?]

frankly, i'm tired of talking about this (as it has been an on going subject on race-dezert.com on a daily basis) .... it's been a full year since i (and my team/the "d.a.") were victims of crimes in baja. with "nothing" getting better ?? :swear just about every team (w/ the herbst quietly included) have had it, with the way baja is and has been policed/patrolled, whatever you want to call it --- and it's definetely not going to get any better --- just take a look at the entries for the upcoming san felipe 250 race - www.score-international.com ---- you'll find very depleted entry numbers and 2 of the biggest (family) teams will not be present (the herbsts & the mc millins), not to mention numerous amounts of longtime baja teams-- it's a sad deal, especially since we (i included) love going to baja, and pre-run, race, eat the tacos, drink the beers, etc. hopefully in the near future, they buy a calender and realize what year it is !!! :hmm d-no

 

[mrs. bordsmnj]

Dave I am very surprised to read that you are taking a break from Baja. You have always been very pro-Baja.

I will never go back to Baja. We used to go down there showing the utmost respect and got hassled, had AK-47's pulled on us and robbed more than once. Its corrupt. Its dangerous. For those of your who love it there, have at it. Its all yours.

 

[RiverDave]

Dave I am very surprised to read that you are taking a break from Baja. You have always been very pro-Baja.

I will never go back to Baja. We used to go down there showing the utmost respect and got hassled, had AK-47's pulled on us and robbed more than once. Its corrupt. Its dangerous. For those of your who love it there, have at it. Its all yours.

I am Pro baja... I'm not pro getting kidnapped and drug out in the mountains etc..

I wouldn't care if I got robbed, hell I wouldn't even care if they took the truck. (I buy the insurance for a reason) I care when I'm reading these stories of basically getting kidnapped, and not knowing if your going to live or die for 10 - 12 hours..

RD

 

[djunkie]

With all this real estate in this country I just can't see how they can't make a 1000 miles race here. I may actually go to it. For now I'll just have to enjoy watching the baja races on video cause I sure as hell won't go down there to watch it. Its too bad the greatest race in the world has to be in the shittiest place.
________
Suzuki dl1000 v-strom

 

[TPC]

I know for fact Team Herbst is not going to Baja 500 this year, not sure what is up for the 1000 however. I was told by a crew member that they are sick of the corruption etc. It is true they are building the new vehicles as well. My take on Mexico, well the Fucked-up wanna be police, they are all Pieces Of Shit, from TJ to Puerta Vallarta they all need their pussy asses kicked, without their badge and of course being in that P.O.S. country they are all zeros, they just look for the American tourist to harrass. We had a run in with one in Puerta Vallarta a few years back, all I can say is by the time me and my friend got finished beating his ass and I'm not sure when his compadres found him we were gone the next day any way. If these dip shits would realize that the $$$ we spend down there is what keeps that toilet running they may one day start to treat us differently.

That's the way I heard it.
Big big pressure to re-run the Mint 400 in NV and re-direct the focus there.

 

[Retired Member]

A prime example of gun control. The shitbags still have the guns, while the upstanding citizens can't defend themselves.

 

[Deleted Account]

A prime example of gun control. The shitbags still have the guns, while the upstanding citizens can't defend themselves.

You still have a crapload of nines to shoot over here DL...

 

[Retired Member]

You still have a crapload of nines to shoot over here DL...

We goin shooting next week?

 

[Deleted Account]

We goin shooting next week?

Whenever. I've got a spot... Close.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

I hear stories much like the ones told here from people I know who were involved in the race.
The facts are hard to dispute; there are a considerable number of crooks down there who have discovered that there is huge money to be made by terrorizing the racers and thier support teams. The crooks have come from all over Mexico to prey on the racers.
The Mexican government either cannot or will not put the pieces into place to deal with the problem. They will probably try when the dollars stop flowing, but I think it is too late.
I have a very close friend who has family ties to people in very serious postions in the government and industry in Central Mexico. I love that area, and have had many conversations with those folks. They also are fed up with the situation, and they are following many of the same rules being discussed here when traveling in areas known to be unsafe. They are pragmatists, tho, and take no chances.
More than once, I saw folks with fully automatic weapons in the family areas.
They were very friendly once they knew we were with the family.