Cilla Thomas

In an awe-inspiring display of skill and teamwork, Team Australia claimed a remarkable 5th place finish at the 57th BF Goodrich Tires Baja 1000, one of the toughest off-road events in the world. Held from November 15-17, 2024, on the rugged Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, this year’s event tested the endurance, resilience, and strategic thinking of the all-Australian team, which was the only one of three Australian entries to cross the finish line.

The Australian team consisted of four riders: David Walsh (Team Captain), Ben Grabham, Liam Walsh, and Jacob Smith, with Kenny Armstead as the backup rider. Racing aboard a KTM 450 (numbered 10x), they completed the grueling 1,000-mile race in an impressive 19 hours, 31 minutes, and 1 second. What made their finish even more remarkable was the fact that they were the only pro team to complete the race without penalties for missing checkpoints or speeding—an accomplishment that speaks volumes about their professionalism and dedication.

The Baja 1000 is notorious for its diverse and unforgiving terrain, from rugged mountains to sandy washes and treacherous rocky trails. Team Australia’s race strategy was well-thought-out, with each rider tackling a specific section of the course based on their strengths and the lay of the land. Here’s how the race unfolded for the Aussie team:

1. David Walsh kicked off the race from Ensenada, handling the first 220 miles with expert precision.
2. Ben Grabham took over at mile 220, enduring 253 miles of intense rocky, technical terrain until mile 470.
3. Liam Walsh covered the next 190 miles, from mile 470 to 660, navigating some of the most brutal sections, including sand whoops and riverbeds.
4. Jacob Smith rode from mile 660 to 800, taking on more grueling terrain before handing the baton back to David.
5. David Walsh returned to the saddle for the final stretch, covering the remaining 200 miles in the dark and battling cold, rainy conditions to finish the race in Ensenada.

Despite limited time for pre-running and the challenges of racing far from home, the Australian team showed remarkable resilience and preparation, keeping pace with some of the world’s best off-road racers.

Team Members Reflect on Their Baja 1000 Adventure:

After crossing the finish line, the members of Team Australia shared their thoughts and reflections on the race, revealing the highs and lows they encountered during their Baja adventure.

 

David Walsh (Team Captain, First & Final Rider)

“I had an amazing time with a great crew of guys that came over and supported us. The track was wild, nothing like what I had remembered in 2019. There was a lot of rock and silt, and all of my sections were done at night. It rained in the last 80 miles and was freezing cold, but that just added to the fun that Baja is. I’m super proud of our team and what we achieved and will hopefully get back over there again.”

 

Ben Grabham (Second Rider):

“Well, what can I say, this year’s Baja 1000 was a good one for myself and definitely one for the memory bank. The section of race track I got to race was intense — 253 miles in total, with roughly 160 miles of rocky, technical terrain and minimal room for error. My first 1.5 hours were the most challenging, as I had the sun rising directly in my face, coupled with the dust from riders ahead. But once the sun had fully risen and I was in some clear air, I made decent time all the way to mile 470, where I handed the bike over to Liam Walsh.”

“After the DNF I recorded at my first attempt of this race in 2009, I was more than happy that we crossed the line in 5th place. The fact that we were the only pro team that didn’t get a penalty for either missing a checkpoint or speeding shows how honest all of us Aussies are as racers.”

“It was an absolute pleasure riding with David, Liam, and Jacob — they are all champions on and off the track. David Walsh was not only our lead rider but he also managed and lined up the whole Baja program. Full credit to him for piecing together such a strong program. And to all the Australian companies and crew that came on board to support us, I am very grateful.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever be saying this about Baja, but hopefully everyone is keen to go again in 2025 and put everything we learnt into practice!”

 

Liam Walsh (Third Rider):

“My section was 300 kilometers of brutal sand whoops, rocks, combined with salt flats and river beds. Some of the hardest riding I’ve ever done, but something I’ll never forget! Thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to go over and make a dream come true and thanks to the other boys for their efforts. I feel like we did a top effort with only a few days’ prep on our sections. I would love to come back and have another crack to see how we go again!”

 

Jacob Smith (Fourth Rider):

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the team, and I had a great time with the whole crew. All a great bunch of blokes and we made memories for life. The tracks have certainly deteriorated more than I expected since my last trip in 2012, and I didn’t remember how crazy this race is. I got the full experience with all types of terrain, riding into the sunset and some night riding as well. Throw in the freezing conditions for my last 50 miles, which I certainly wasn’t prepared for, and it made for a memorable experience. Super proud of all the guys’ efforts and again, it was a privilege to be a part of the team. Also, a massive thanks to everyone who got behind us and followed along for the journey.”

 

 

Kenny Armstead (Backup Rider):

“What a day! We started extremely early in the cold, and we chased David for his section. It was cool to watch him live via the trackers and see him move up the field while chasing him down the coast.

The van I was in chased the whole race and only missed one fuel stop, so it was a massive day covering something like 1,500 kilometers. Credit to the lads — they had a flawless day, meaning I was able to watch it all unfold from the comfort of the van, geared up and ready to go if needed. Pretty unreal experience I was able to be a part of, and I can’t thank everyone enough that made it the trip it was!”

 

From the breathtaking terrain to the unpredictable weather and late-night riding, the Baja 1000 tested every aspect of Team Australia’s endurance and skills. Their flawless teamwork, led by David Walsh’s strategic planning, allowed them to achieve a top-tier finish, and their professionalism and grit made them stand out in the competitive field.

The camaraderie among the riders, their deep respect for each other, and their shared commitment to the race were clear. While the challenges were many, Team Australia’s performance in the 2024 Baja 1000 has cemented their place as one of the best desert racing teams in Australia. With their sights set on future events, including the 2025 Baja 1000, the team is already eager to take on new challenges and build on their success.