SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/602700
wide and diversified audience. Having a large following in a sport that is so fragile means I have to delicately and efficiently communicate my message to people that are determined to misinterpret me. I think it's important to portray our sport and our lifestyle in an entertaining fashion to increase the public's interest in this form of motorsports." "As it relates to tying that in with my sponsorship commitments, as much as I'd like to win every event I compete in, I obviously don't. It is my job to create value in my social media presence regardless of my competitive performance," says Baldwin. "Off-road racing is the most brutal motorsport in the world and often we encounter mechanical difficulties that prevent us from doing as well as we would like to. Trying to get a precision built racecar to run flawlessly at 100 percent in the world's harshest environments is what makes this sport so amazing, yet so hard to compete in." It's obvious that over the years, Baldwin has matured as a racer and advocate for the sport. He has often been outspoken about his crew and supporters in the background whom he recognizes are vital to the overall success of the team. "Only a person of limited mental capacity would think that one person is solely responsible for either victory or defeat in such a complex activity such as running a motorsports program," says Baldwin. "There are 25,000 parts on the truck and if any one of them is not assembled to perfection it can cost you a race, a championship or even sacrifice your own safety. The team is everything, and having the most intelligent people in the business is the best way to align yourself with a successful season." In 2014, Baldwin brought aboard Willie Valdez Jr. as co-driver, who replaced Johnny Nelson who was suffering from a back injury. Valdez Jr. has a long history in off-road racing, working with teams such as the Rough Riders, Herzog Motorsports, Vildósola Racing, Volkswagen Racing and Menzies Motorsports. "Willie is classified as a CDMF. This means if there's something that has to be done, he will find a way to get it done," says Baldwin. "He is the keystone of our operation and one of the most intelligent and superiorly experienced people in all of off-road racing. We are very lucky to have him." While Baldwin's maturity as a racer has led his motorsports team to many successes on and off the race course, he is still quick to do whatever it takes to win and lives up to his nickname "Ballistic BJ Baldwin." The term was a silly, quick name that Baldwin made up himself but never thought it would stay with him. "In 2003, there was a Trophy Truck driver by the name of Alan Pfluger. Alan was a friend of mine and I used to make fun of the fact that they called him the "Flyin' Hawaiian." So I created the name "Ballistic" to make fun of his silly superhero name and unfortunately it stuck," says Baldwin. "The name Ballistic BJ Baldwin has mainly increased my popularity with young people that follow the sport. I feel blessed that I made the mistake that led more young fans to follow me which has increased my popularity. It has given me some power in guiding our youth and inspiring them to pursue and continue their education and conquer their dreams." Baldwin started the 2015 SCORE Desert Race Challenge season with a second place win at the San Felipe 250. While he's remained in the top ten of the Unlimited Trophy Truck pack throughout the year, he and the Baldwin Motorsports team looks forward to doing what's necessary to win the 48th Bud Light SCORE Baja 1000. SJ BJ BALDWIN 056 SCORE JOURNAL