PCI Essentials when prepping for the 1000
The SCORE Baja 1000 is right around the corner and it is important to make sure that you’ve crossed everything off the list to make sure your communication and safety is working to capacity for you to secure that win. We’ve put together our Top 5 MUSTS when it comes to getting ready for the big race.
1. Communication Testing
Your car is performing the best you’ve ever seen it, then you hit a monster of a silt bed at race mile 680 and boom, you’re buried and you need immediate help from your chase team. You hit the radio, but you have no response. There are a number of possible reasons you may not be receiving your chase team; we can rule out many of those reasons just by simple tests prior to the race. Antenna tuning, water damage, faulty wiring, just a to name a few. Your best bet is to test your coms at your shop and call us before the race to get you dialed, making sure everything is working the way it should, replace necessary components, spot check wiring and antenna placement, and have the professionals assure you that you’ll be able to reach your team when needed. While you’re there, make sure you're talking loud and clear to your co-driver, and that your intercom system is flawless. You don’t want to turn left into a cactus because you couldn’t hear them telling you to turn right. https://www.pciraceradios.com/collections/race-packages
2. Know Where You’re Going
As you gear up for prerunning, hopefully you downloaded the official course map and GPS files from SCORE’s website. If you had trouble with your GPS signal, it’s functionality, plotting, then don’t waste any time. PCI is an authorized Lowrance dealer and is stocked with race ready GPS systems. Not only that, but we have the best service and support in the industry, and our support team is ready to assist you in making sure your navigation is where it needs to be come race day. Check out our Youtube Channel for tips and tricks on Lowrance. https://www.pciraceradios.com/collections/all-gps
3. THE PCI WEATHERMAN RELAY
Since the 1970’s, the PCI Weatherman has been in Baja to help make sure you are your team are safe and able to communicate over thousands of miles of treacherous terrain. Weatherman is the go-to team to connect you to emergency personnel during the unexpected. Whether you are racing, chasing, or even a spectator - take a look at the Weatherman Relay Etiquette for important info to make sure everyone's communications work great on race day.
4. Up to Date & Up to Par
Make sure your Helmets, Head and Neck Restraints, Suits and other safety equipment are up to date and in good condition before you head South. SCORE requires a two layer SFI 3.2A/2 driving suit or a single layer SFI 3.2A/1 AND SFI 3.3 Nomex Underwear. They currently allow SA 2015, SA 2020. SFI 31.2A, FIA 8859-2015 or 8860-2010 Helmets. SFI Gloves, Shoes are recommended. The Fueler needs an SA2015 or SA2020 helmet, fire resistant gloves and a single layer SFI 3.2A/1 suit. Balaclava is recommended. Head and Neck restraints must be SFI 38.1+ or FIA 8858-2010.
Our go-to helmets for Baja races are, without a doubt, Impact. The Offset 20 and Evo are safe, reliable, and come RaceAir ready.
You can find race compliant safety equipment on our Safety Apparel page, including gloves, underwear, aprons, and more.
Disclaimer: This info is from the 2023 SCORE rule book, but things do change, so check with SCORE for any updates.
5. Just Breathe.
It’s hot, it’s dusty, the exhaust is pumping. The last thing on your mind should be breathing fresh air. Don’t even allow this to become an issue for you or your co-driver. Get a fresh air system installed into your vehicle now, hook it up and forget about it - you need to focus. PCI RaceAir has been installed into so many vehicles, no matter the race class. If you don’t have an air inlet in your helmet, let us install one. You can mount these pretty much anywhere and get whatever length hose you want, turn your car on and just breath. https://www.pciraceradios.com/collections/raceair
6. Satellite Communications to Reach Weatherman
Carry Sat Phone capable of calling or texting PCI Weatherman Relay. Every Race car and every chase truck should carry a Sat phone capable of dialing the PCI Weatherman at 1-562-279-0700. Don’t try to figure out how to use it during an emergency, print a sticker with the phone #, attach it to the phone and test a text or phone call before you leave home. For more information, check out this article from the Weatherman himself.
“Oh yeah, I need to get that fixed”. Don’t say that anymore, it’s not worth it. Call us today, or see us at tech, and take that nagging error in your vehicle off your mind. You have better things to worry about. We wish you the best of luck in the race this year, and remember, our team is always here to support you, and provide you with the best products the industry can offer!
