There are three categories in which trucks typically outshine cars: towing, hauling, and off-roading. Coincidentally, these are the areas we like to focus on when testing trucks that pass through our office. It is of significance then, that Toyota has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with off-roading legend BJ Baldwin. After winning the Baja 1000 twice – without a second driver – BJ will be taking a seat behind the wheel of a Tundra TRD Pro.
“Joining the Toyota Racing family in an all-new Tundra is really an honor,” said Baldwin. “As a kid I’d watch Toyota trucks dominate the field with one of my all-time heroes, Ivan ‘Ironman’ Stewart, behind the wheel. I’m looking forward to continuing the winning tradition and returning Toyota to the top of the winner’s circle!”
Baldwin has been a long-time player in the off-road racing arena. In his two-decade career, BJ has won five US national off-road racing titles, one Baja 500, the two previously mentioned Baja 1000 first place finishes, a class championship in the Dakar Rally, and three SCORE International championships,
“BJ’s successful racing record, his adventurous attitude, and his ceaseless dedication to honing himself and his craft speaks volumes to Toyota’s core ‘Let’s Go Places’ and kaizen philosophies,” said Cooper Ericksen, Toyota vice president, vehicle marketing and communications. “We look forward to having BJ and his Tundra involved in this next chapter of Toyota’s desert racing story that so far includes 11 Baja 500 and two Baja 1000 wins.”
Baldwin will begin competing this summer in his Tundra TRD Pro. Until then, check out our less-than-successful attempt at taking the truck up Gold Mine Hill… BJ will certainly have more suitable tires than the stock ones in the video below.
