NORRA Names Mike Pearlman as 2025 Mexican 1000 Grand Marshal

After his recent induction to the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame last year, Mike Pearlman adds to his long list of accolades by leading the 2025 NORRA Mexican 1000 as Grand Marshal. Nobody has as much experience with NORRA as Mike; going all the way back to its very inception. Mike is the one who coined the name Off Road Racing. The story goes that they were sitting around the table figuring out what this newly sanctioned racing in the desert should be called. Several ideas were suggested that all had the word “road” in them. Fire road, dirt road, then Mike exclaimed, “They aren’t racing on the roads, they are racing off the road.” That’s how off road racing became the term we use today.

Many who have raced with NORRA know Mike from the starting line where he is typically wishing everyone good luck before he drops the green flag. As Grand Marshal this year he will continue that practice, but also be driving a vehicle in the race. He’ll be switching in and out of the car with his teammates to make it happen. The car he will be racing is a tribute to the green Meyers Manx Mike drove in the Mexican 1000 race back in 1968.

The car is being built by none other than John and Sonya Kieslich at JK Classic Buggies. The car is a joint effort of many people who wanted to see Mike drive a Meyers Manx again like he did in 1968. Meyers Manx, EMPI, GEM VW, Transaxle Engineering, Bilstein, Yokohama, Mobelwagen, JK Classic Buggies, Rugged Radios, Impact, Nacho Off-road Lighting, PRP Seats, Rebel Wire Harness, Sign Art Graphics, Amsoil, and RLB are all collaborating in this effort. Forget the traditional convertible car ride in a parade. Mike will be racing in the coolest Grand Marshal vehicle ever. This year’s race will be a special one for Mike and everyone else who is putting this team together.

You can make your own special memories when you race with NORRA. NORRA’s rally format provides the rush of competition, but also allows participants to relax each evening in a unique location in Baja. You will enjoy the best of Baja at the Mexican 1000. The spectacular beauty, challenging terrain and distinctive Baja culture provides the greatest Baja racing adventure. After experiencing the Mexican 1000 just once, you too will be hooked. Everything you need to know about the Mexican 1000 and NORRA 500 can be found at www.norra.com Go to the site and find out for yourself why NORRA has exploded in popularity. You can experience the same wonder and sense of achievement those early thrill seekers sought when you join NORRA in Baja. NORRA events honor the past, while forging the future. Don’t miss out on the fun.