Pushing Through the Impossible: McFayden Racing Conquers the Baja 1000
There’s tough… and then there’s Baja tough. This year’s Baja 1000, the longest continuous desert race on the planet, put every racer, machine, and mental muscle to the test. For McFayden Racing, it was a battle of grit, prep, teamwork, and sheer determination — and they brought it home in true warrior fashion.
A Solo Ironman Effort
Coming into the race, the team had one goal: finish strong. The car was dialed, the prep was tight, and morale was high. Driver Michael McFayden didn’t just show up — he committed to starting and finishing the race solo, clocking an incredible 23 hours behind the wheel. Two co-drivers, Saydiie Gray and Michael’ dad, Chris, rotated in to support the mission. But make no mistake: this was an Ironman-level effort.
Pre-Running: Notes, Stoke, and 4,000 Miles of Intel
The team dropped into Baja the Thursday before race week, kicking things off at Acambaro (RM 80) and running the course all the way to the finish. They knocked out pre-running sessions with legends Cameron Steele and Phil Blurton, swapping insights and plenty of Baja stoke along the way. And because the heart of Baja is its people, McFayden Racing handed out shirts to local kids and families throughout the towns they rode through. By the time pre-running wrapped, the team had logged 4,000 notes — and confidence was high.
Tech & Contingency
Thursday night’s tech run came late, but the crew at contingency waved the team through without issue. More shirts were handed out on the podium, and the car cleared inspection cleanly.
Race Day: The Battle Begins
Starting deep in the pack — 13th off the line — the team wasted no time moving forward. Charging down the iconic Ensenada wash for the first time, Michael stayed clean, dodged the worst of the water, and pushed into the dust-filled desert. Visibility was brutal, but the team’s pre-run notes became the secret weapon. By RM 80, McFayden Racing had muscled up to 5th physically and 3rd on time. The first 400 miles were an all-out chess match with Max Eddy and Cayden Mac, the three racers swapping positions nonstop and staying within 40 seconds of one another. Baja doesn’t care who you are — it tests everyone equally.
Baja Throws Punches
At RM 400, a misread rut put the car on its side. The crew quickly self-recovered, flipping the car back with the jack, costing about 30 minutes — but the race was still on. Then came RM 620. The steering rack flag bolts broke, forcing an on-course repair. The team delivered a new rack, and Michael and crew installed it on the spot. The fix cost three hours, and that’s where the mental battle hit hardest.
But quitting wasn’t an option. With some tough love from dad, the team, and sponsors, Michael got back in the fight. In pouring rain, slick mud, and unforgiving conditions, they pushed through to the finish. The result? A hard-fought finish in one piece — and a massive personal and team victory.
Post-Race Breakdown: What Held Strong, What Needs Upgrades
Alsup
Cracks found after the race — repairable, fixable, and ready for improvement. New arm clearance issues noted. The car stayed solid overall.
Yokohama
Running Geolandar SD at 28 PSI with 40 oz of Monster Seal:
- Two flats (RM 620 & RM 680)
- One caused by a buried rock, the other unknown
The tires exceeded expectations, taking major hits and staying alive. The team is pumped to continue the partnership.
Can-Am
The 109 tune ripped, holding 110+ MPH with great temps.
Race-spec rear axles held strong.
Engine responsiveness faded late-race and started popping/backfiring — a new motor and transmission are planned for KOH.
PCI Race Radios
Zello performed flawlessly.
VHF radio needs a retune due to audio static, but overall comms stayed solid.
Raceline Wheels
Raceline wheels held up strong.
Two beadlocks took hits and lost bolts during the flats — time for fresh wheels next season.
Evolution Powersports
Last-minute charge tube shipment? Lifesaver.
Double clamp setup held all race long without a hiccup.
Super ATV
Front Phoenix axles survived the entire Baja 1000 without issue.
Huge confidence booster heading into 2025.
What’s Next
The Parker 400 and King of the Hammers are up next.
The team plans to replace compromised parts, improve the weak links, and come back swinging.
“The car is good, and the team is better. Let’s go win some races next season.”
Media Links
Check out race footage and highlights here:
Baja 1000 Media Folder:
Laughlin Media Folder:
