By Vinny Perozzi
BILSTEIN has entered into a three year partnership with NORRA Mexican 1000 rally. The Mexican 1000 blends high-performance driving, amazing scenery and world-class adventure in a tough, multi-stage race that honors the roots of Baja racing.
BILSTEIN’s participation as Official Shock of the Mexican 1000 is fitting as many of the vehicles that originally ran the length of the Baja Peninsula took full advantage of BILSTEIN’s quality construction and damping performance to accomplish the feat. BILSTEIN’s M 7100 Classic shocks are the most successful shock absorbers in off-road racing history. Since their inception, BILSTEIN’s monotube shocks have equipped more winning off-road cars and trucks than any other shock. BILSTEIN will be awarding a set of shocks to two teams on BILSTEIN shocks, and a prestigious Madonna award to the fastest overall finisher on BILSTEIN shocks.
The Madonna award is highly regarded by race drivers in all forms of motor racing. In off-road racing, champions such as Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, Mark McMillin, and Mark Stahl, have all been past recipients of the Madonna. Stahl twice earned Madonna’s for winning the Baja 1000 overall in 1978 and then again in 1980.
“Winning a Madonna award gives worldwide exposure to the recipient,” says BILSTEIN’s Emil Foldager, “The winner will be announced in press releases and race coverage from BILSTEIN, and the international media. We are so excited to be a part of the NORRA Mexican 1000. NORRA created the sport of offroad racing in 1966, and BILSTEIN has been a part of the sport the entire time. Our involvement will continue to expand next year and into the future.”
Photo courtesy of Bilstein.