Price off to flying start
Australia’s Toby Price has started his push for SCORE International Baja 400 glory on the front foot by being the fastest qualifier.
Price was the fastest Trophy Truck as almost 200 races that took on the 4.4 mile course east of Ensenada at Rancho Nelson, Mexico.
The two-wheel and four-wheel star overcame “a scare” to stop the clock at 5m49.583s in his Chevrolet Silverado, which was well clear of the 23 Trophy Truck rivals.
The 37-year-old Australian enjoyed a 5s buffer on next best Christopher Polvoorde and Bryce Menzies, while five drivers did not qualify.
Fastest in the SCORE TT Legend class for drivers over the age of 50 was Ricky Johnson, 59.
The top qualifier out of 25 entries in the Trophy Truck Spec class was Trey Gibbs.
But the challenge is only just beginning with a daunting 424.96 mile course laying ahead across the next two days.
Price will team up with fellow Australian Paul Weel and American Brent Bauman to chase glory after winning the Baja 500.
The Australians also started on pole last year in their first stint behind the wheel of the AWD Chevy Silverado-Mason, but that resulted in a DNF.
Price admitted there was a “little scare” on his way to pole, but feels confident for the task ahead.
“I think we had a good, clean lap,” Price said.
“We had a little scare, but we got through it and the truck is still in great shape.
“The course was really difficult to try to make time on anyone. We got a few days until the race, but we’re excited for it.
“The race course has some sections from previous races, but it’s a little tricky.
“We’ll see what the day will bring, but I think it’s going to be really difficult to make passes, so we’ll hopefully let the race come to us.”
Their first Baja 400 together in 2022 saw them finish fifth in a strong outing in a 2WD.
Image: GetSome Photo
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