Team Australia, renowned for their dominance in desert racing, is set to take on the prestigious Baja 1000, one of the most challenging off-road races in the world. The 57th BF Goodrich Tires Baja 1000, held on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula from November 15th to 17th, 2024, will witness an all-Australian lineup of desert racing kings.
Led by five-time Finke Desert Race champion, David Walsh, Team Australia is ready to conquer the diverse terrain of the Baja Peninsula. Walsh, who competed in the Baja 1000 in 2019, expressed his excitement about returning with an all-Aussie lineup.
‘Since competing in the Baja 1000 in 2019, it has been a dream of mine to head back over with an all-Aussie line up. The support of incredible sponsors, including Peter Kittle Toyota, has made this dream a reality,’ Walsh says.
The team will race on a KTM 450 with the number 10x, thanks to their collaboration with Juan Salvatierra. Juan led a 5 rider team in 2023 to victory in a time of just over 26 hours.
The Baja 1000 presents a unique set of challenges for the Australian desert racing team, known for their expertise in navigating the harsh outback. The rugged mountains, sandy washes, and rocky trails of the Baja Peninsula will push their skills and endurance to the limit. Each rider will tackle different stages of the track, showcasing their individual strengths. The team will be leaving Australia, with two weeks pre-running, so a lot of practising before tackling the race of their lives.
Let’s meet the members of Team Australia 2024:
David Walsh – A desert racing icon, Walsh has a well-known and impressive track record with five Finke Desert Race victories. In his first Baja 1000 appearance in 2019, he finished 4th outright and 2nd in class, leaving an indelible mark on his racing career and thirst to get back on the Baja track.
Ben Grabham – A legendary figure in desert racing, Grabham boasts an enviable resumé with wins in prestigious races such as the Finke Desert Race, Hattah Desert Race, and Kalgoorlie Desert Race. After a hiatus from Baja since 2009, Grabham has been busy with Grabbo’s Trail and Track, offering VIP race and ride experiences in collaboration with GASGAS.
Liam Walsh – The youngest member of Team Australia, Liam, hailing from Alice Springs, is a Queensland Don River Dash legend with three wins under his belt. He is ready to take the leap and conquer the Baja 1000 alongside his cousin, David Walsh.
Jacob Smith – A bush-bred speedster from Condobolin, in rural New South Wales, Smith started racing at the tender age of three. With an impressive list of victories, including two Australasian Safari wins, six Condo 750 wins, and three Sunraysia Safari titles, Smith is revved up to join his fellow desert kings in Mexico.
Kenny Armstead – Serving as the trusty backup rider, Armstead, a local from Alice Springs, brings his wealth of experience to the team. With numerous top 20 finishes at Finke, three Pro Open podiums at Deep Well MX, and multiple Northern Territory titles, Armstead is well-equipped to tackle the tough tracks.
Team Australia is determined to make their mark in Mexico, and their journey can be followed on social media. Stay updated with their lead-up to the Baja 1000 by following @teamaustraliabaja1000 and catch the full event coverage @ScoreInternational.