SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/470914
I t's easy to argue that one of the most difficult forms or desert racing is done on a motorcycle. With no co-pilot or navigator, riders are often left to their own physical abilities and senses to ride hard and fast across difficult and changing terrain. It's easy to see that it takes a special kind of rider to be a champion in this sport. That's why someone like 11-time Baja Champion Johnny Campbell stands out as a prime example. Most motorcycle racers agree that Campbell sets the bar high, and is considered an icon in the sport. But he'll be the first to tell you that it takes more than just good riding to be a SCORE champion. At the age of 18, Campbell was introduced to SCORE desert racing in 1989. The experience sparked his love for the peninsula, and is why he's come back year after year. But it was one of Campbell's biggest mentors who gave him a deeper knowledge of how to win in Baja. Bruce Ogilvie, a former racer with several Baja victories himself, and who later became Honda's racing team manager, was key in helping Campbell win all those races. His knowledge, passed down to Campbell, taught him that the right team and teamwork, can make all the difference. Campbell's achievements over the years, and his involvement mentoring other young racers has been the formula that has spawned new champions with the same love for Baja racing. "Johnny is definitely a legend in the sport, and has had a huge impact on my life," says Robby Bell,. Campbell gave Bell a shot on riding with the JCR factory Honda team in 2005. Bell himself retired in 2015 after winning the championship with the knowledge passed down from his experience racing with Campbell and the Honda team. Recognized as a one of the industry's top development riders, Campbell helped Honda's development of the CRF450X, and the CRF450 Rally project. After much success, 2008 was the last time Campbell competed on a motorcycle. But over the years, he's earned 11 SCORE Baja 1000 victories."It's not just one THE MAKING OF A BAJA ICON JOHNNY CAMPBELL INSPIRES NEW CHAMPIONS NOT JUST WITH HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS, BUT BY FOCUSING ON A TEAM EFFORT BRUCE OGILVIE, PICTURED IN THE CENTER, WAS HONDA'S RACING TEAM MANAGER AND KEY IN HELPING CAMPBELL WIN MANY RACES. BY DAN SANCHEZ 070 SCORE JOURNAL