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The billowing dust plumes behind the high speed off-road racing car as it careens through dips, bumps, jumps and high speed turns. The closest most of us get to this scene is watching the world-renowned Baja 1000 race on ESPN. But now, not only can you witness this thrilling experience up close and personal, you can actually take the wheel of one of these Chenowth Magnum race cars just like the pros. The newest adventure to hit Los Cabos is offered by a company called Wide Open Baja and after hearing all the local buzz, I decided to give it a try.
At the Wide Open Baja office in Plaza del Mar next to El Squid Roe, my wife, Rosey, and I signed up for that morning’s outing. While she asked question after question, I looked at the pictures that dotted the walls, showing sleek race cars going airborne over various jumps. I was getting excited and my wife could tell, however, she managed to bring me down to earth long enough to listen to an explanation of some of the safety precautions taken to ensure guests have safe, albeit exciting experiences. Rosey’s anxiety about our upcoming adventure turned to doubt. She decided that, perhaps, she would just watch, rather than drive, and proceeded to lecture me about not getting carried away. A small group of us were finally loaded into a van and transported to the track on the Pacific Ocean side of Cabo San Lucas. The atmosphere was that of pure exhilaration. None of us really knew what to expect. I just could not fathom that we were actually going to drive these sleek machines by ourselves.
Upon arrival, we chose helmets, gloves, and goggles and settled in to find out what was expected of us. Antonio Marriquez, our instructor, covered all aspects involving the safe operation of the vehicles and gave us driving tips to help us negotiate each corner, bump and jump on the course. He then loaded us up in a four-seated version of the car we would be driving, and took us around the track to familiarize us with the layout. By the time we had traveled about halfway around the track, I started having concerns about whether or not I would be able to do this. Antonio took us over jumps and raced through tight rutted turns. I was amazed at how effortlessly the car (or was it Antonio?) handled the terrain. After completing our in-structional lap, it was our turn to venture out on our own.
Rosey was still unsure about driving but decided I needed supervision, so she rode along with me. Strapped in and raring to go they waved the green flag. I slammed my foot on the accelerator and left the start line in the dust. After an explosive start, I proceeded with a bit more caution as the first turn approached. With helpful (ahem) suggestions from the missus on how fast to go and when to slow for the turns, I was getting the hang of it. By the second lap around the three-mile course, I had increased my speed. The faster I went the louder Rosey yelled at me and the more fun it became. She was holding on for dear life which turned out to be quite a bonus since it prevented her from clocking me.
Having developed a bit of familiarity with the course, I floored it as I approached the next jump. What a blast! Teeth clenched and hands gripped tightly to the wheel, we launched into the air and floated for what seemed like an eternity. The landing was remarkably soft and with my heart thumping wildly in my chest, we approached the next turn. The turns were the most thrilling and sliding through rutted out berms was truly intoxicating.
I took a total of seven laps and felt ready for the Baja 1000 by the time I finished. I wanted to drive forever. I told my wife, since apparently she was an expert, that she should take the wheel. Without any hesitation we switched seats. Now I was really terrified. Being a good husband, and a new pro, I felt that I should give her advice but she was never one to take criticism and told me to be quiet and enjoy the ride. She went from not really wanting to drive, to laughing and screaming in excitement as we twisted and turned and flew around the track. She actually posted the second fastest time of the day on her final lap. We were amazed at how quickly and easily we learned to drive these vehicles. Great ride, great fun, great experience. The rest of the group we went out with readily agreed.
Wide Open Baja also offers three to seven-day adventures where you will enjoy the ultimate in high-speed, off-road driving throughout the majestic Baja peninsula. On these trips you can explore unspoiled beaches, hidden canyons, historic missions and the living desert. All guides are past winners of the legendary Baja 500 and 1000 races, and will take you to places in the Baja peninsula that few have ever been. Although the scenery is rugged and wild, the nights are spent in the best hotels available.
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