Yokohama's racers readying their rides for Mexico's Baja 1000

There's plenty at stake for Yokohama's sponsored off-road racing husband and wife team of Cameron and Heidi Steele as they head to Ensenada, Mexico for the Nov. 17-20 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

Heidi Steele, a three-time titlist, is looking to capture her fourth championship in the Class 6 SCORE (Southern California Off Road Enthusiasts) division.

She’s in first place heading into the season-ending Baja race, having won twice this year in San Felipe. Also at stake is chance for her to earn a prestigious Toyota Milestone award, which goes to the pro car and truck drivers who finish every required mile in the five-race 2011 SCORE Desert Series.

As per usual, she co-driver Rene Brugger will battle the rugged 692.82-mile course in a Ford Ranger riding on off-the-shelf Geolandar M/T+ tires.

“We’re ready for the Baja 1000,” says Heidi. “Our Yokohama tires can definitely take on the tough terrain and help bring us home another championship.”

Cameron Steele, a Trophy Truck class veteran, television commentator and two-time SCORE Person of the Year, is looking for his first SCORE win of the year. At San Felipe, he powered his No. 16 Geiser Brothers Chevrolet truck to a season-best fifth- place finish in the ultra-competitive Trophy Truck division, and seventh overall among all 77 racers.

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The 800-horsepower machine is mounted with newly developed 40-inch Geolandar A/T-S R tires specially engineered for extreme off-road conditions.

“The 40-inch tires are already race-tested,” says Cameron, “and they performed great. We’re definitely ready to take on Baja.”

In addition to Cameron’s entry, the Desert Assassins team will campaign a second Yokohama-shod Geiser Brothers Trophy Truck; they have enlisted the help of Rick Geiser, Josh Daniels and Pat Dean to share in the driving duties between the two trucks.

“The Baja 1000 is the most prestigious and challenging off-road race in the world,” says Andrew Briggs, Yokohama’s senior manager of motorsports.

“We really like our odds this year with two Geiser Brothers Trophy Trucks, an excellent driver lineup and the 40-inch Geolandar tire,” he adds. “We’re also looking for Heidi and Renee to bring home another Class 6 championship. Conquering the Baja 1000 would be a great way to close out the season.”

For more information, visit www.yokohamatire.com.