"The Build" Youtube Video
Toyota wanted to prove that TRD Pro is way more than a sticker on the side of their trucks. So we came up with a challenge for them - Take it to Baja and see how it does. We documented the whole thing, including the build.
"Piñata Sacrifice"
A sacrifice was made to the gods of Baja. Not sure if it helped, but it didn't hurt (except for the poor piñata).
"The Test" Youtube Video
This is where we put the truck through the paces and worked out all the bugs. It's also where the race team really started to gel.
"Piñata Sacrifice 2"
Another piñata bites the dust.
Captain
This is Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, a Baja legend. He was our team captain. I had the privilege of riding with him for about 500 miles as we chased the rase. He drives like a lunatic, absolutely terrifying.
"The Race" Youtube Video
This video documents the whole 1,200 mile race. It was a 30-hour, non-stop shoot.
Skull Cam
It's a camera mounted to the front of the truck. It recorded the truck's POV as it blasted down the Baja Peninsula.
The camera is built inside an old brass skull I had in my garage.
We designed it so the camera card could be exchanged quickly at pit stops.
Skull Cam Video
This is an Instagram video of the skull cam in action.
"Gremlin Bells"
This is another personal touch I added to the truck. There was a bell for each driver.
They survived the whole 1,200 miles. The drivers did too.
"Ivan & the guys"
"Gremlins"
"The Jump"
"Mexican Hat Dance"
This is what the truck looked like when it crossed the finish line (in first place). Everyone thought Andy Bell would be the one who killed the truck. It was a Toyota engineer behind the wheel when this battle scar was earned.