Baja 1000 mishap.........

[rmarion]

I copied this from another board....................
Last night our family made the decision to drive home at San Quentin. We felt fine, not tired and saw lots of chase and race teams on the road- heck, it was only another 5 hours to get into our own beds. The drive went just fine until we were 7 miles from the border. We were almost to the last toll booth in TJ when we were pulled over by “the police”. As soon as we stopped another car stopped in front of the truck and trailer blocking our path. At the same time this was happening the truck (our 2007 super duty and McMillin’s Weekend Warrior) were surrounded by men with guns, their faces covered. They stuck a gun to Chris’ head and pulled him out of the truck. They then proceeded to pull the kids out and stuck a gun in my side and told me to shut up and not move but to put my head down. The kids and Chris were stuck into the back seat of the truck with a man sitting next to Tyler (age 16, this week) who stuck a gun in his side for the next very long 2 hours. We were driven with our heads down and guns on us up into the hills above the area near La Playa. The gunmen yanked Chris out of the truck and made him disconnect the trailer and then finally shoved him back into the truck. There were 10 men, during this time they were ransacking the truck and trailer and taking everything including the jewelry off of our bodies. They pulled the GPS for the stereo out of the dash. We still had the gun men with guns stuck to our bodies. We were driven further up into some new development that was just graded. They first took Tyler out of the truck and shoved him to the side of the road. They then removed me and pushed me to the ground, I laid over Tyler as best as they would let me. They then covered us both with a sleeping bag and threw a pillow on us. At this point they brought Divinia and Chris around and forced them to the ground. We all told each other that we love each. Our truck drove away. We stayed there for about 10 minutes not moving. We then did a 1 ½ hour hike thru cactus, barbed wire down a mountain in the fog wearing our shorts tanks and flip-flops. We ended up on the south side of La Playa where we knocked on doors and rang security bells for over an hour before a very nice lady let us into her home and called the police. The La Playa police came and decided to hurry us out of the country, giving us a ride to the border. The customs and immigration folks were less than helpful and even less sympathetic to our situation. While they did let us walk into the US they would not let us use their phone, bathroom nor have a drink of water. They directed us to the McDonald’s for assistance.
So this is what happened. The rumors are close but this is the boiled down version of what transpired. Please be safe. After 25 years of the Baja we are done. We can replace material things; our greatest pleasure comes from our great kids. We consider ourselves blessed and lucky to be home and safe.
Our family is very sad to hear that there was so much loss of life this race. Our prayers are with those families. We wish those of you that continue with the great Baja racing tradition safe travels.

[Baja Big Dog]

Call the police...thats classic, Ill bet the cops were real close!!!
That shit is a mind blower..some will call bullshit, but it is reality. Night travel is a no-no anymore across the boarder, and that really sucks...how much would pay to meet these shit bags without there buddies???:mad: :mad:

[Cs19]

thats horrible. mex is getting so shady

[Big Warlock]

Although possible, it is off the internet.
We just dealt with a 25 year old corp. pilot. Let's not wipe out the Mexican police in the same week!!! :D

[FryJet]

thats horrible. mex is getting so shady
Um..........GETTING, lol.
F.J.

[C-2]

Although possible, it is off the internet.
We just dealt with a 25 year old corp. pilot. Let's not wipe out the Mexican police in the same week!!! :D
And I think your assistance is needed in the Progressive thread. Dayum you busy.:eek:

[DeltaSigBoater]

HOLY SHIT :eek:
That sucks, but glad to hear you all made it out.
Hate to say it but I've been through a similar situation down there :(

[BigDogIvan]

Glad to hear that everyone is OK. I could not imagin the horror going through your minds!!
I did hear just the other day that violance towards Americans has doubled in Mexico. I did not catch if they said if it was in a specific area. I have a coworker that just got back from a week in Rocky Point. they didn't have any problems that their talking about. Right now I don't know if I could go south of the boarder and feel safe at all.

[XtrmWakeborder]

Fock Mexico

[Racer277]

By Anna Cearley and Bill Center
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITERS
November 22, 2007
The violent robbery of an American family in Baja California early Monday morning is adding to concerns about safety south of the border.
The latest attack began about 1 a.m. when Chris Hall, his wife, Debra, and their 16-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter where driving home to El Cajon from the SCORE Baja 1000 off-road auto race, which ended Friday in Cabo San Lucas.
Hall said their 2007 Ford F-250 was pulled over by a black car with flashing red and blue lights and a siren as they traveled on the coastal road just south of the Playas de Tijuana toll booth. A second car blocked the path in front of them.
Hall, 42, is a truck driver and crewman who supports off-road racers. He was pulling an empty car trailer after assisting the race team of Andy McMillin, whose family is one of San Diego County's biggest home developers. The trailer was identified with McMillin's race insignia.
“I think they knew what they were doing,” Hall said of the assailants. “If I had been a McMillin, I think they would have kidnapped me.”
The assailants took the wheel of the Halls' truck, held the family at gunpoint for two hours, and then released them at a secluded spot on a mountain, Hall said.
The men stole the truck and all of the family's belongings, Hall said. It took the Halls more than an hour to walk down the mountain and find help. Mexican police took them immediately to the border.
The Halls filed a report yesterday with Mexican authorities. Chris Hall estimated the family's personal loss at $70,000. “But we're alive and I didn't think we were going to be . . . I'm counting my blessings.”
The attack was the latest in a series that has put frequent Baja travelers on edge.
Stories of at least six armed assaults have been shared by travelers through the Internet and by word of mouth. Some, but not all, of the cases have been determined by authorities as credible.
One widely publicized attack Aug. 31 involved a group of North County surfers who were stopped by a convoy of armed men who used flashing lights to pull them over on the road between the San Ysidro border crossing and Playas de Tijuana.
The surfers were forced out of their vehicles at gunpoint, and one was ordered to kneel and crawl as if he were going to be executed. The gunmen took the surfers' two trucks and other equipment.
In another publicized case, Pat Weber of Encinitas and his girlfriend were robbed Oct. 23 by two men wearing military clothing and ski masks at Cuatro Casas, a surfing spot about 200 miles south of the border. The assailants shot at his motor home and sexually assaulted his girlfriend before stealing $10,000 worth of computers, video cameras and other gear.
Baja California tourism officials didn't return phone calls yesterday asking about Monday's attack. But last month officials with the state attorney general's office in Baja California said they were working with other agencies to beef up patrols along the roads tourists often use to get to and from the border.
They urged victims to report such crimes immediately, but some victims have been afraid of file reports because they don't trust Mexican law enforcement officers.
Three people recently contacted The San Diego Union-Tribune to report being robbed by Tijuana police officers near the San Ysidro border crossing over the past six weeks.
Their complaints come amid speculation in the Mexican media that extortion and other misdeeds by police have increased recently because of an anticipated crackdown once Tijuana's new mayor, Jorge Ramos, takes office Dec. 1.
Authorities are unsure whether the latest accounts about attacks against tourists reflect an increase in attacks or that more people are sharing their stories with reporters or on Internet sites.
Robert Fishman, director of administration for the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego, said he was robbed of more than $500 in cash by a group of Mexican police officers Oct. 13 after leaving a Caliente sports gaming site. He said the officers stopped him on a dark section of the pedestrian bridge that leads to the San Ysidro border crossing around 10 p.m. and searched his wallet and pockets. After they let him go, he realized the money was missing.
Fishman filed a report with the San Diego Police Department, which forwards the information to the U.S. Consulate in Mexico. However, he said the case appeared stymied because he couldn't see the officers' faces.
Fishman said he does not plan to go back to Baja California.
Hall is more adamant.
“I'm the person who has always dispelled the rumors about being hassled in Baja California,” he said. “I have always loved the country and the people. . . . Before this year, we had never had a problem, only great memories. But I'm never going back.”

[Racer277]

If you care to listen to the radio broadcast.
Go here..
(hour 1) http://760kfmb.com/podcast/files/ric..._1hr-11-21.mp3
and
(hour 2) http://760kfmb.com/podcast/files/ric..._2hr-11-21.mp3
These weren't amateurs. They have been chasing for years.

[42' johnny]

Living in So.Cal. as long as I have you will hear stories like this.They are real and did happen to a good friends parents years ago.
Have not been down there in many years and am going to Can-Cun in Feb though. Should be safe,well known hotel and with the company.
42

[BrendellaJet]

PHUCK Mexico!

[MBlaster]

Why do you think all the messicans want to come here and have babys?
Cause Mexico Sucks!!!

[Formula Dude]

Although possible, it is off the internet.
We just dealt with a 25 year old corp. pilot. Let's not wipe out the Mexican police in the same week!!! :D
Unfortunately, it was real. Just one of the many post's from Race-dezert.com. Andy Mcmillin started the thread on 11/20 - 20 pages so far. Glad everyone is safe. Those "hooded scum" are cowards. Bada$$es when they are in numbers and preying on who? Kids, women and defenseless men (no weapons). Use to be a decent place, has gone down the toilet - last 5 years. I'll spend my $ in the U.S.A.
goldenhotwheels@yahoo.com
Rookie
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: chula vista calif.
Posts: 3
Rep Power: 0 goldenhotwheels@yahoo.com is on a distinguished road
Default Re: Racing In Baja? Yes Or No?
my name is david, i'm c, halls cousin,, i got the the call at 3 AM monday morn. the call no person wants to get, a collect call from chrs's wife to come to the border to pick up the family, that they had just been kidnapp and robbed, guns to there heads made to lie down face first,, and a sleeping bag over there bodies, she later told me that she was begging the robbers not to shoot her babies and they were making fun of her,, i'm having a hard time writing this, the tears in my eyes are comming back as they did on that monday am phone call,,,,after the robbers left with chris's truck, the family had to walk back to the closest house about an hours walk, all they had left to wear was what they had on while the were driving, flip flops shorts t-shirts thank got they all made home safe,,,,,, chris and my self were robbed at the race this last march and i told him after that race i would never go back to mex, that includes my son who works for sourapus racing,, good going andy,, more big name racers need to stand up and stop going to mexico,, there are plenty places to race in the USA

[Big Warlock]

Unfortunately, it was real. Just one of the many post's from Race-dezert.com. Andy Mcmillin started the thread on 11/20 - 20 pages so far. Glad everyone is safe. Those "hooded scum" are cowards. Bada$$es when they are in numbers and preying on who? Kids, women and defenseless men (no weapons). Use to be a decent place, has gone down the toilet - last 5 years. I'll spend my $ in the U.S.A.
goldenhotwheels@yahoo.com
Rookie
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: chula vista calif.
Posts: 3
Rep Power: 0 goldenhotwheels@yahoo.com is on a distinguished road
Default Re: Racing In Baja? Yes Or No?
my name is david, i'm c, halls cousin,, i got the the call at 3 AM monday morn. the call no person wants to get, a collect call from chrs's wife to come to the border to pick up the family, that they had just been kidnapp and robbed, guns to there heads made to lie down face first,, and a sleeping bag over there bodies, she later told me that she was begging the robbers not to shoot her babies and they were making fun of her,, i'm having a hard time writing this, the tears in my eyes are comming back as they did on that monday am phone call,,,,after the robbers left with chris's truck, the family had to walk back to the closest house about an hours walk, all they had left to wear was what they had on while the were driving, flip flops shorts t-shirts thank got they all made home safe,,,,,, chris and my self were robbed at the race this last march and i told him after that race i would never go back to mex, that includes my son who works for sourapus racing,, good going andy,, more big name racers need to stand up and stop going to mexico,, there are plenty places to race in the USA
That's all I was looking for, confirmation. It is a terrible thing to have happened. I wish everyone the best out of the situation. And glad no one was hurt.
Good thing nothing like that happens here in the USA.
Have a good weekend!!

[SummerBreeze]

PHUCK Mexico!
Like he said

[Cs19]

Um..........GETTING, lol.
F.J.
Its clearly gotten worse over the past couple years as formula dude said. I grew up going to mex, I love the place but its so sketchy we dont go anymore.
Hopefully they yank all the mex races and run them in the US. HUGE mistake on the mexicans part by messing with the racers.

[DSW]

This is why I have no desire to step foot in that sh*thole. Thet are parasites in this counrty, and savages in theirs. FOCK MEXICO!

[XtrmWakeborder]

Maybe someday they will move the race to the US and put some more money in American hands. It sucks to see tradition fade, but i'd pick safety over tradition any day.

[riverroyal]

this morning,I will never go to mex,not cabo,not cancun,no where.Ive down a hundred times to surf,jetski,party,relax.I have drove to la paz from san diego.NEVER again.
They really should move that race to the states.Baja makes millions from us racing there,I say screw them,spend our money here,race here

[whiteworks]

Mexico is Mexico it always has been and always will be. yes it it a very dangerous place where anything can happen and does. just an example of how things are different down there. we pulled off hwy 3 to setup a quick pit for our car that was gonna be there in a few minutes. we were rushed by a pack of wild kids "STEEEEKERS for me, for my brother, for my sister" these kids were wild and all over us, we gave them a bunch of STEEEEKERS for all and then some. my freinds were trying to be nice and get the kids away from us since the car was soon coming. finally I yelled at the kids MUAY PELIGRO VAMANOS "very dangerous get out of here" as soon as I said that they all got back real fast. these kids know what dangerous means and right now. from the time they are born they are exposed to a whole different existance than the kids here. they are survivors in a wild ass country and learn quick of real danger. this race will never happen in the states its just not condusive with our society. Mexico is a double edged sword "EYES WIDE OPEN"

[Rvr Swpr]

this morning,I will never go to mex,not cabo,not cancun,no where.Ive down a hundred times to surf,jetski,party,relax.I have drove to la paz from san diego.NEVER again.
They really should move that race to the states.Baja makes millions from us racing there,I say screw them,spend our money here,race here
Right,would be better to sit at a picnic table outside the cafe at Blackmeadow and enjoy Their Thanksgiving dinner.

[wolfie]

Back in '81-'92 I was part of SCORE officials Association (traffic control and marking off who came through) and went down to Mexico for a few races. It was great. The federales and local police left you alone if you had a SCORE sticker in the window. Anyone else they would harass. They knew how much money was generated by SCORE. It sounds like they don't even care about that. I wonder how the govt. down there would react if they pulled all the races as well as stopped tourism to Baja and close the border completely.

[moneypit]

I forget the name of the guy who puts on the races, but it seems that is enoug racers put enough pressure on him, he will need to make sure stuff like this happens.
If the Mex Gov want this to continue in their country something needs to be done. Hell, we have enough mexicans in the US and we have desert, we could have the race here and it will be just like hving it in Mexico....

[riverroyal]

Right,would be better to sit at a picnic table outside the cafe at Blackmeadow and enjoy Their Thanksgiving dinner.
I would like to sit in my camping world recliner chair,sip a mexican beer,next to my trailer,at black meadow,and watch them go by on the other side of the lake,near hiway 95 maybe.Like a corona commercial

[Baja Big Dog]

I forget the name of the guy who puts on the races, but it seems that is enoug racers put enough pressure on him, he will need to make sure stuff like this happens.
If the Mex Gov want this to continue in their country something needs to be done. Hell, we have enough mexicans in the US and we have desert, we could have the race here and it will be just like hving it in Mexico....
The guys name is Sal Fish, and your on crack if you think he will get involved in the politics of Mexico, he hits and runs. You never hear from him, how much money SCORE makes etc.

[Sleeper CP]

Back in '81-'92 I was part of SCORE officials Association (traffic control and marking off who came through) and went down to Mexico for a few races. It was great. The federales and local police left you alone if you had a SCORE sticker in the window. Anyone else they would harass. They knew how much money was generated by SCORE. It sounds like they don't even care about that. I wonder how the govt. down there would react if they pulled all the races as well as stopped tourism to Baja and close the border completely.
The guys name is Sal Fish, and your on crack if you think he will get involved in the politics of Mexico, he hits and runs. You never hear from him, how much money SCORE makes etc.
Sal must be paying someone, otherwise they would have shut down Score years ago.
A few years back Johnny Cambell (team Honda) was pre-running the Mike's Loop and got bush wacked by some guy's at gun point. That same week some guy's shot at a Class 1 pre-runner when the driver wouldn't stop. They put a bullet into the car. It got the attention of the Govener of Baja Norte, some druggy scum bags ended up feeding the fish and lobster's off the coast.
Today's scum bag's are the government, but if the 3 big Baja races ended, boy would their economy take a hit. Maybe someone needs to work on cleaning house, but the scum will try to take them out.
Sleeper CP
Big Inch Ford Lover

[Crossbow_CA]

WE came back OK,.... Thats just horrible, what is the future of the Baja races?
The family is OK that is the most important thing...I was going to stay and enjoy the country and my brother-in-law said its not safe... you need to go home with the group (4x4) D#mn was he right...
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8608/baja10002007040xz7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Thats Sal Fish

[Crossbow_CA]

I am crazy upset if they dont do anything! The state of Baja wil tak a beating if it ends like this with nothing...
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/4458/blowupba5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[STV_Keith]

Glad to hear you all made it out alive.
That being said, I think anyone who leaves this country is focking insane in this day and time. Everyone hates us because we have it better than them...because we work instead of taking a month off in August or siestas every afternoon. Anything you can do abroad, you can likely do right here int he good ol' US of A...so why leave?
Personally, my passport will likely NEVER get used again. Ain't worth dying over some scenery.