2023 NORRA 500:
October 19 - October 22, 2022
What if you don’t own a race car? Well, the “Happiest Race On Earth!” is for everyone who loves the spectacular scenery, food, and rich culture of Baja; you don’t need to own a race car. Whether you want to run slow or fast (up to 60 mph), the non-competitive Safari Expedition is for you!
The Safari Expedition 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 parts 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 to the best spots and across the finish line each night. Helmets and race suits are not required in this class, but we invite you to check the Safari section of the Vehicle Rules to get ready for the adventure.
Your entry fee includes all the basic race expenses including land use fees, rescue efforts; land and air, race ops monitoring, sweep, and recovery vehicles, as well as Fab School overnight repair stations at finish lines every day. NORRA has you covered.
Every occupant must purchase a Driver or Co Driver wristband that covers Norra Membership. The wristband allows you entry to NORRA events that may include food, refreshments and/or entertainment. Welcome Fiestas during registration, finish line celebrations and Awards Ceremonies at the conclusion of the event give you the opportunity to celebrate the day’s experiences and have fun with your new friends.
Lodging, insurance and tracking is not included with your entry fee, but we have created a Safari Hospitality Package that includes lodging along the way. When you purchase the package in the Mexican 1000, you get accommodations that range from beautiful hotels to quaint inns. You will need to make your own arrangements for Ensenada and San Jose del Cabo, but there is plenty of availability in those two cities. You will get to enjoy every aspect of the Baja experience on your way to the finish line in San Jose Del Cabo. The NORRA 500 Safari hospitality package includes lodging in San Felipe. You will make your own arrangements for your stay in Ensenada. Hotel recommendations can be found here on the NORRA website.
The NORRA Safari Expedition will make you into a seasoned Baja explorer by the end of the race. Get your entry in today, and make sure to address everything on our checklist below.
Click on the desired topic(s) below. Questions? Text us at +1 844-566-7726.
Rally Alerts
If you’re not getting our alerts and news, be sure to log into your NORRA account and subscribe with your mobile phone number.
Watch this space for new rally alerts from NORRA as they are posted!
A link to the Safari GPS files will be emailed to Safari participants shortly before the event.
Pricing
| Entry | |
| Entry Fee |
$1,967* Special price for the 2022 NORRA 500! |
| Insurance (required) | $50 |
| Hospitality Package | (Mexican 1000 Only) |
| Driver of Record | |
| Wristband | 125 |
| NORRA Membership | 100 |
| Co-Driver/Rider |
|
| Wristband | 125 |
| NORRA Membership | 100 |
| Crew, Friends and Family |
|
| Party Wristband, Including Awards | 125 |
| Awards Ceremony Only | 50 |
2022 NORRA 500 Safari Schedule
| Thu. Sept. 29 | Registration / Tech / Welcome Fiesta | |
| Fri. Sept. 30 | Racing, Day 1 / Finish Line Celebration | |
| Sat. Oct. 1 | Racing, Day 2 / Finish Line Celebration | |
| Sun. Oct. 2 | Awards Pickup at Cerveceria Transpeninsular | |
Medical and Liability Insurance:
Vehicle Drivers and Co-Drivers will purchase medical and liability insurance (applies while on the course) directly from Instant Mexico Insurance. Please read the policy and understand its limitations.
How to Purchase Additional Insurance
- Auto liability insurance from a Mexican company is required by law in order to drive in Baja California.
- The insurance you purchase from Instant Mexican Insurance at onsite registration only covers liability for vehicles on the course. Vehicles driven while not on the course must to be insured by a policy from a Mexican insurance carrier, which can be purchased online from Instant Mexican Insurance This applies to Safari entries too.
- Contact details: Miguel Rico 52 664 120 9742, miguel.rico@prodigy.net.mx
Border Crossing
Details about border crossing will be distributed as a Rally Alert shortly before most teams will be departing for the event. At that time, you will be able to register all vehicles crossing the border with your entry.
Plan ahead! You will need the following:
- A valid passport or passport card with an expiration date more than six months later than the date you enter Mexico. You can use a passport that has less than six months remaining as long as you leave Mexico before it expires, but you will need to apply for your FMM card in person at the border crossing. (WARNING! In 2023, U.S. new and renewing passport processing time is running over 90 days, not including mailing time! Expedited, for additional fees, may take up to two months, not including mailing times.)
- Vaccinations. Discuss with your doctor at least two months in advance of travel. See the CDC Mexico Travel page for current U.S. recommendations.
- You will need either a visa or an FMM (tourist card). U.S. citizens need an FMM. For other countries, check with a Mexican embassy or consulate in your area. Click here to get an FMM within 30 days of travel. You complete the form online and then print it. You need to get it validated at the border if you drive into Mexico. We are trying to make arrangements for FMM validation at NORRA registration in Ensenada; see the border crossing rally alert for updates on this.
- Valid registration for each vehicle.
- Valid driver’s license for each driver. Mexico accepts licenses from your home country if they are in English or Spanish. They also accept International Driving Permits.
- Proof of Mexican auto insurance. The insurance you purchase from Instant Mexican Insurance at onsite registration only covers liability for vehicles on the course. Vehicles driven while not on the course must to be insured by a policy from a Mexican insurance carrier, which can be purchased online from instant Mexican Insurance
- Be sure to bring some Mexican pesos. The best exchange rates are generally found in San Ysidro, California. In Mexico, check the rates at casas de cambio. If you use Mexican ATMs, you will incur high fees from both your bank and the Mexican bank.
- There are limits on carrying certain items across the border, including the number of spare tires and spare parts. Some items must be declared, such as if you bring more than $10,000 cash. Fuel in containers is not allowed. More information at the Welcome to Mexico webpage and in the upcoming NORRA border crossing Rally Alert.
What to Bring on the Vehicle
- ID and travel documents. (see Border Crossing)
- Vehicle registration
- Mexican insurance documents (see Insurance)
- Clothing, drinking water, snacks, a lawn chair. Everything to ensure your comfort along the way
- Prescription medications should be in their original, labeled bottles
- Everything you normally bring when you go off road: a jack, tool kit, a full size spare tire, some replacement parts like an engine belt, and fuses.
- Mosquito repellent for the lower half of Baja
- First aid kit that includes bandages, some antihistamine, and aspirin for headaches. You can purchase first aid kits online, or at most pharmacies, or off road shops
- Cash for taco stops and "just in case"
- Do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle
- Fuel in containers cannot be brought into Mexico
If you have any questions, be sure to contact NORRA for answers.
Rules & Classes
The general and vehicle rules documents for 2023 are linked below. There may be minor updates forthcoming.
The vehicle rules document includes a list of all vehicle categories (classes) with detailed descriptions.
Download the 2023 Vehicle Rules v 4.1 revised September 10, 2023 (PDF)
Download the General Rules v 4.0 revised July 5, 2023 (PDF)
Hotels
You are responsible for making your hotel and/or camping arrangements. If you book your own accomodations, NORRA is not reponsible for the booking and pricing practices of hotels and travel agents.
For the Mexican 1000 only, we offer a hospitality package. It includes a hotel room in El Rosario, Guererro Negro, Loreto, and also La Paz. You will need to make your own arrangements for Ensenada and San Jose del Cabo, but there is plenty of availability in those two cities.
For the NORRA 500, you will stay in Ensenada each night and you can easily book your own accomodations directly with a hotel there.
Refund Policy
2023 NORRA 500 Refund Policy
- If you withdraw your entry before August 15, 2023, you will receive a refund of any payments made after open of registration, less a $500 penalty.
- If you withdraw your entry between August 15, 2023 and October 4, 2023, you will receive a NORRA credit for any payments made after open of registration, less a $500 penalty. The credit expires after the next event.
- No refund and no credit if you withdraw after October 4, 2023.
- You may transfer your entry to another new entrant for the same race.
Tracking
Stella EVO III unit will be used for tracking and safety. Anube will supply the Stella unit, which you will rent directly from them. Watch for an announcement with details.
Maps, GPS and Road Books
Detailed maps, road books and GPS files will be available for download right before the race at norra.com/gps. Printed road books and roll charts will be available upon request at registration.
Mileage Maps will be released close to the event.
