The NORRA Mexican 1000 off-road rally completed its final stage on Thursday, May 7, as more than 200 teams raced from La Paz to San José del Cabo to close out the six-day event. The race, which started in Ensenada and covered more than 1,000 miles down the Baja California Peninsula, featured both classic and modern vehicles along with motorcycles.
Baja California Sur Tourism and Economy Secretary Maribel Collins confirmed that 223 teams from five countries participated in this year’s edition. The event drew more than 4,000 people total, including drivers, technical crews, and family members traveling with the teams.
Race Route Spanned the Full Peninsula
The 2026 NORRA Mexican 1000, officially billed as “The Happiest Race on Earth,” launched from Ensenada and made its way south through San Felipe, Bahía de Los Ángeles, San Ignacio, Loreto, and La Paz before the final push to Los Cabos. Motorcycles departed from the Hotel The Marine Waterfront in La Paz at 7:00 a.m. on the last stage, with cars following at 9:00 a.m.
The rally is a fully supported on-road and off-road event open to vintage and modern vehicles. NORRA, the National Off-Road Racing Association, founded the original race in 1967. That competition later evolved into the famous Baja 1000.
Economic Boost for Southern Baja
Collins called the race an important driver for sports tourism across Baja California Sur. Hotel occupancy and local commerce in host communities along the route benefit from the influx of racers and spectators each year. The state government has positioned the peninsula as a top-tier destination for adventure motorsport.
Los Cabos public relations director Víctor Montaño Gaytán noted that the rally is a preview of even bigger things to come. In November, Los Cabos will serve as both the start and finish line for the legendary Baja 1000, marking the first time that race will begin and end in the municipality.
What Drivers and Residents Should Know
The NORRA Mexican 1000 runs through towns and stretches of highway that expats and travelers use daily. During race week, extra traffic, support vehicles, and pit crews are common between La Paz and the Cape region. This year’s awards ceremony and official results were scheduled for Friday, May 8, in San José del Cabo.
NORRA uses the Anube live timing system with Stella tracking devices to report start and end times for each racing stage. Racers also pay the mandatory EmbraceIT tourist tax for Baja California Sur.
Details of the race were first reported by the Baja California Sur state government and La Pola Cabcs.