Having once served as a quasi-member of a race crew at the Baja 1000, the longest point-to-point race in the world, I know that words cannot adequately convey the sensation of being smack dab in the middle of the unparalleled odyssey that is this legendary motor sports event. Motion pictures, however — particularly those captured by documaker Dana Brown (“Step into Liquid”) and his intrepid crew — can practically put us in the driver’s seat as an array of vehicles, from motorcycles to dune buggies to trophy trucks, wend their way across the rugged Mexican desert, dodging wayward pick-ups, spectators and far more ominous obstacles all along the way. The Baja 1000 is the stuff bona fide tough guys are made of, and Brown’s exhilarative chronicle of the 2003 race is interspersed with archival footage of legendary bad-asses like Steve McQueen and James Garner, both of whom participated and injected star wattage when the race was in its infancy.
Brown’s a true believer, and “Dust to Glory” is his loving homage to an almost mythical event that is universally known yet seldom witnessed by anyone but hardcore off-road enthusiasts and Baja natives. The only “dirt” Brown exposes on the 1000 is the stuff the racers stir up in abundance en route from Ensenada to La Paz. The action footage is a serious adrenaline rush, and “Dust to Glory” employs it to considerable dramatic effect — particularly coverage of Mike “Mouse” McCoy, an extreme ironman attempting to become the first man ever to solo the entire course … on a motorcycle, no less. His remarkable quest exemplifies the spirit of the Baja 1000: A rare breed of adventurers pitting themselves against an unforgiving natural environment and the limits of human endurance, purely for the satisfaction of doing so. Lord knows it isn’t for the money, as the top prize is something in the neighborhood of four thousand dollars. Other intriguing story-lines include NASCAR star Robbie Gordon’s ill-fated attempt to win the trophy truck class, 16-year-old Andy McMillin carrying on a family tradition as the third generation to compete in the race, and Baja icon JN Roberts, winner of the very first race, returning to Mexico for the first time in three decades to team with his son, Jimmy. Some may be put off by Nathan Furst’s blustery score, but a little bombast is to be expected at a happening where the war cry is “go big or go home.” (Rated PG for racing action and peril, and for some language. Running time: 97 minutes)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 2, 2005. Read the original PDF.