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Next Generation Grand Marshals Celebrate "Big Oly" at the 2022 Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 Presented By Method Race Wheels!

AGUA DULCE, CALIF. The original, iconic race truck of Parnelli Jones and Bill Stroppe, “Big Oly” is returning to the Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000 Presented by Method Race Wheels in 2022. The famous Bronco won the race overall in 1971, and 1972, as well as most of the biggest off road races of the day during its short run from 1970 to 1974. In only a few years, Big Oly became the most famous race truck in off road racing, and the world. The collaboration between Parnelli Jones, and Bill Stroppe would change off road racing forever. Many say that Big Oly was the first Trophy Truck, even though the class would not be created for another 20 years; it was truly ahead of its time.

>> Watch NORRA's original video from 2009: Racing Legends: Parnelli Jones and Big Oly Conquering the 1970 Mexican 1000 (A NORRA/MICHAEL NOVAL PRODUCTION)

Big Oly was sold at auction in 2021, and the new owner is gracious enough to bring Big Oly home again to race in the NORRA Mexican 1000. The Bronco will be competing in the Safari Baja Expedition Class which will have two leaders. There is a Slow Baja Safari Class led by Michael Emery, and the Rapido class led by Dave Watts. It will be the first time in decades that Big Oly will be in the dirt. Participants in the Safari Baja Expedition Class will be doing so alongside the most iconic vehicle in off road racing. Spots are filling up fast, so if you’d like to join in; don’t wait.

>> Watch Mecum Auctions sales video for: "Big Oly" The Legendary 1969 Ford Bronco

The Slow Baja Safari class is unique to NORRA. It is a guided tour of Baja that puts you right in the mix of the Mexican 1000 or NORRA 500. You will take the green flag each day, follow the most scenic sections of the racecourse, and have time for photos, scenic vistas, and local fare. You will see the Baja that only the most seasoned Baja travelers know. From spectacular missions, to fabulous street tacos, your guide will make sure to get you there and get you across the finish line each night. Helmets and Race Suits are not necessary in this class, but we invite you to check the Safari Rules on the link below.

In order to honor Big Oly’s past; NORRA has named two Grand Marshals for the historic return that have been forging the future. Parnelli Jones’ son PJ, and Bill Stroppe’s son Willie will be co-marshals for the legendary event. Both have followed in the footsteps of their famous fathers.

ABOVE: Taken at the Parker AZ Elks club after are first Parker 400. Top Row: Left Malcolm Smith, Dennis Harris, Richard Tisch, Bill Shad, Marion Beaver, Bill Deterley, Walker Evans, Bill Stroppe, Carl Jackson, Pete Torres. 2nd Row: Harold Allen, Greg Giardina. Botttom Row: left, Victor Cerdez, Jaime Martinez, Brent Wingett, Joel Silverstein, Willie Stroppe, and I can't remember the guy's name to my left. 17 out of 18 not bad. ~Willie Stroppe

PJ Jones is a successful and well-rounded driver like his father Parnelli. PJ has competed in NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA GT, the American Le Mans Series, USAC, Off Road Racing, and Stadium Super Trucks. He currently competes in off road racing events driving his PJ’s Performance built Turbo UTV, and is a long time participant with NORRA. PJ’s sons Jace, and Jagger are continuing the Jones Family legacy in racing.

Why not create your own family legacy in off road competition? NORRA is entirely about having fun and creating memories that will last a lifetime. You will experience the most stunningly beautiful Baja scenery as you make your way down the length of the Baja Peninsula at the Mexican 1000. After each day of competition, you will have enough free time to enjoy a different location in Baja with your new friends and family. Each overnight stop has its own unique charm and character to experience. All participants will be staying in the same towns, and attending the same events every night, so you’ll have a chance to hang out with your favorite racer, or share stories with a legendary Icon. The very first adventurers who set off to challenge the peninsula would throw a huge celebration afterwards to mark their accomplishment. That tradition continues to this day at the Mexican 1000. If you love racing, love to have fun, and love the food, drink and music of Baja, you must come down and experience “The Happiest Race on Earth!” , the Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000. Go to www.norra.com to find out how you can join the fun. Don’t wait; the race begins in Ensenada on April 29th, 2022.

A SPECIAL NOTE FROM NORRA:
Feliz Cumpleaños Willie!

 

"The Happiest Race On Earth!"
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###   Good Vibes. Good Times!   ###

ABOUT NORRA

Beginning in 2010, the National Off Road Racing Association (NORRA) began promoting a rebirth of the NORRA Mexican 1000 rally. The unique off-road rally was co-created by promoter Mike Pearlman to consist of special stages (unlimited speed timed stages in the dirt) linked together by controlled speed liaison / transit sections (highway). The one-of-a-kind, once-a-year, five-day rally includes vintage off-road vehicles and motorcycles, as well as modern pre-runners, trucks, buggies, UTVs, bikes and desert Rally Raid cars.

Pearlman’s late father Ed and others established the first running of the NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road rally in November of 1967, which eventually became internationally recognized and evolved into the Baja 1000 in the mid-1970's.

NORRA enjoys corporate partnerships with Yokohama Tire, Method Race Wheels, South Point Hotel & Casino, Bilstein Shock Absorbers, RIGID, STEEL-IT, McMillin Racing, Slime, Multitool USA, Satélite del Norte, Biltwell, Cerveceria Transpeninsular, PCI Race Radios, Schampa, Optima Batteries, K&N, Horsepower Ranch, Jimmy Lewis, RMS, Baja Bush Pilots, The Fab School, Mag7 Pits, the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF), B3KREATIV, and many more.

NORRA - National Off Road Racing Association. Home of the Mexican 1000 and the NORRA 500