
The event was moved from the traditional downtown area of Ensenada to the beautiful resort of Estero Beach who hosted Contingency, Technical Inspection, Drivers Meeting, Awards and Start/Final Line. In the grand stand the fans were able to enjoy watching the vehicles start and finish. This change brought new challenges, mainly, they needed to build a new road out of Estero Beach into the desert. This road hadn’t had enough time to compact causing major silt beds and many stuck race trucks, ending many racers day. Chamlee was able to pre-run most of the race course several days preceding the race which gave him a chance to scout difficult areas and plan accordingly. Chamlee was one of the many stuck in the silt, fortunately not ending his day. He had come around a corner to find another competitor stuck in the road and as he tried to pass him, he got stuck. However, by race mile 186 he had passed all in his class. Chamlee lost a significant lead after getting some water on the engine. The truck then began going into limp mode causing him to stop, turn off the truck then restart it many times during the second half of the race. He was passed 10 miles from the finish while resetting the motor then he slid off the road into a creek bed. Disappointedly, Chamlee said: “I should be happy with a 2nd place finish and a lead in the Points Championship but it was heartbreaking to see the lead slip away.” He completed the 489-mile race in 16 hours 23 minutes. Since he’s the only Class 7 racer who has completed both the 2019 San Felipe 250 and Baja 500 it gives him a substantial lead in the season points championship. The next race is a new venue, the Baja 400 will be held September 18-22 in Ensenada. He’s looking forward to seeing what the next challenge will be. Chamlee’s co-drivers were Kurt Kimball (Granny) and Amy Tate. Chase crew included: Laurie Chamlee, John Lund, Taylor Lund, Jacob Beifuss, Ryan Kimball, Cassidy Harrison and Daniel Harrison. The Factory Racing teamed up with Scott Brady’s team, BB Racing and added the support of Jessy Van Hoy, David Owen, AJ Denuzio, Antionio, Kelly Brady and Karson Brady. This isn’t possible without the help of wonderful sponsors and great products: The Factory Appliance, Inc., BF Goodrich, Lucas Oil, Rod End Supplies, King Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Full Throttle Batteries, and sPODS.