SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
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Toyota Tundra TRD Trophy Truck also caused a stir within the racing community. Baldwin shed the Chevrolet body for the Tundra and included some engineering upgrades that are still kept under wraps. "The Tundra TRD Trophy Truck is based off the same chassis and suspension from my previous Trophy Truck. I can tell you, however, that there is a slightly different powertrain," said Baldwin. "The power plant is based on a Toyota 90-degree V8 that is fuel injected and runs on gas. That's all the information I can give for now as the rest is classified." While it's exciting to see that an OE such as Toyota is getting back involved in desert racing, Baldwin and Stewart hope that the company will lead the way for other vehicle manufacturers to get involved with the right people. With additional media exposure from SCORE International that includes television, webcasts, live-feeds, a digital magazine and more, the opportunities for improving sponsorship visibility are in place. Baldwin, however, isn't certain that all racers will know how to go after sponsorships like this. "I'm not sure if some of my other competitors get it," says Baldwin. "I would like to have more of the (Unlimited Trophy Trucks) field hunt down sponsorship programs. I had to work hard to build this sponsorship program with Toyota, be aggressive in marketing, and build value in our team. I'd like to see other teams build their value as well. The majority of the guys on the field add stickers to get a free set of tires. It makes us look like whores. I'm embarrassed by the way some teams run their program. If I had lots of money to fund my own team, the Trophy Truck would be all black with no decals on it. Business instead of a hobby is much harder. Me, MacCachren, and Robby Gordon are the only ones who really get it." "It's all about the recognition in the Trophy Trucks," said Stewart. "These vehicles get most of the attention, however, they also cost the most amount of money. It's a Catch-22. While SCORE desert racing is great for manufacturers to show their trucks, it's also expensive to get involved. I think at some point, long term, SCORE can continue to help develop ways for manufacturers to get involved even more. This Toyota sponsorship is a positive move in that direction, and supporting BJ will bring great things for the company." At the SCORE Baja 500, Baldwin used a new Toyota Tundra pre-runner that they had made some improvements to. "The pre-runner is much better than what I have used in the past," said Baldwin. The new Toyota Tacoma TRD Trophy Truck Baldwin began the race in 15th place and while they were on a fast pace, the excessive heat got to Baldwin who swapped places with his co-rider Willie Valdez, who had to take the wheel and finished in 11th place. "BJ got dehydrated, started cramping up and feeling nauseous so he got out at San Felipe," said Valdez. "He wanted me to keep going so I jumped in the driver's seat. I've been racing for over 30 years and this is one of the hottest races I've ever been in." Despite the growing pains and this latest disappointment, Baldwin is determined to get an 8th season championship under his belt. With his team and support from Toyota, it's only a matter of time when he will be able to make that happen..SJ NOT EVERYONE CAN GET A RIDE IN A NEW TOYOTA PICKUP WITH IVAN STEWART BEHIND THE WHEEL. STEWART SAID BALDWIN IS WELL ON HIS WAY TO BRINGING GOOD THINGS FOR TOYOTA. 070 SCORE JOURNAL