NORRA Mexican 1000
NORRA (National Off Road Racing Assocation) has announced the opening of a Charity Poker Run category in the 2011 Mexican 1000 involving motorcycles. The Charity Poker Run category is a non-competitive, open category benefiting several charities close to the off road community.
Mike Pearlman (NORRA President) says: “NORRA is very excited about opening a Poker Run Category that allows us to continue our tradition of contributing to charity.”
And racers seem to be excited as well, the category opened yesterday with the auspicious first entry of Larry Ragland.
The Mexican 1000, fondly dubbed by Marty Fiolka and DirtSports as the “The Happiest Race On Earth,” has drawn tremendous attention from the racing community. The addition of an open category is appealing to those wanting to experience the three-day adventure while traveling the Baja peninsula without the competitive edge.
Michele Martineau (Administrative Director) says: “Having such an accomplished racer as Larry Ragland entered in our Poker Run truly shows this category is appropriate for both the newest and the best of off road racers.
“And NORRA is proud to have the support of the legends of the sport. The opening day of the Poker Run ended with the entry of five vehicles, so we’re very excited about the positive response to this category.”
To ensure the safety of all participants, Poker Run vehicles will be grouped with, and start behind vehicles of the same type and abilities, which will be divided into groups of Evolution vehicles, motorcycles, and Vintage vehicles.
Ken Cameron (Rally Master) says: “The safety of our participants is always at the forefront of our minds. The development of our Divisions is a reflection of our concern for safety, and it stands to reason that we would continue to keep the faster vehicles away from the slower moving vehicles.”
A portion of each Poker Run entry fee will be donated to one of the selected charities. NORRA directors handpicked charities, directing donations to charities close to the off road community. Entrants will select their charity at registration in Mexicali.
The beneficiaries of this year’s Poker Run are Godspeed, Wounded Warriors, Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, Racers and Ranchers, Team Courage, and Thundering Trails. Details of each charity can be found on our charity page, and for more information please visit the charity websites.
The Charity Poker Run will offer nightly prizes for the best poker hand of the day. Prizes have been donated by Parnelli Jones, Wide Open Baja and others.
2011 Mexican 1000 Charity Poker Run entries are $1100 for all vehicles. $100 of each entry is donated to the charity of the entrant’s choice. To register for the Charity Poker Run or the competitive divisions of the Mexican 1000 visit the rally page.
