The 2009 SCORE Baja 500 was a breakthrough event for both DragonFire Racing and the new ITP BajaCross tire. A DragonFire-backed and -built Factory Team Green Kawasaki Teryx was driven by Reid Nordin and Hans Waage to a decisive win in the Sportsman UTV class. It was a flawless day by Baja 500 standards, with only one mechanical repair required: a broken rear upright cost the team about three hours of down time. But the speed of the DragonFire Teryx - and the performance and reliability of its ITP BajaCross tires (mounted on ITP T-7 Beadlock wheels) - enabled the team to put a big enough lead on the field to make up the lost ground and still win by an hour. They completed the course in a time of just under 11 hours, at an average speed of 39.62 mph.
DragonFire Racing's Todd Romano gives abundant thanks to the support offered by friends, family, fans and chase crews, as well as sponsors Team Green Kawasaki, Fox Racing Shox, ITP, Gear One and Redline Webber.
The ITP BajaCross is capable of results like this due to an 8-ply rating and 25% stronger construction, resulting in a high level of durability. Its extended-life rubber compound and innovative overlapping tread pattern provides a smooth, predictable ride as well as slow wear characteristics - this is the highest-mileage tire ITP has ever produced! Stepped lugs provide consistent tread edges as the tire wears, for predictable performance throughout the long life of the tire. Wraparound lugs provide improved shoulder protection, while a super deep Rim Guard feature offers the best wheel lip protection in the business. Despite its strength, the BajaCross's advanced carcass design delivers the most comfortable, trail-compliant ride available.
The ITP BajaCross is now available in four sizes: 25x8R-12, 25x10R-12, 26x10R-14 and 26x11R-14.