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FROM OUR ATHLETES<br />
Pit Row<br />
Joe Bacal solos to another<br />
Baja 1000 victory<br />
For the second time in three racing seasons, <strong>Hammer</strong> <strong>Nutrition</strong>-sponsored Joe Bacal<br />
drove to Stock Full-class victory over the punishing 1,122-mile "peninsula" course in<br />
the 45th Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. But his 2012 triumph was quite different than the<br />
2010 edition, which also ran the long route from Ensenada to La Paz. This time Joe<br />
“ironmanned” the route—driving every mile himself, virtually trouble-free, not even<br />
requiring a tire change.<br />
Joe and co-drivers Brian "Woody" Swearingen, Paul Williamsen, and Joe Nolan (who<br />
assisted Joe but did not drive a single mile) methodically clicked off the miles with little<br />
drama along the way. Joe’s plan actually started several months before the race with<br />
a strict physical training and diet regimen to prepare himself for the solo drive, which<br />
ultimately totaled 38 hours and 22 minutes, only stopping at the BFG pits for fuel, codriver<br />
changes, and vehicle inspection.<br />
Another key to Joe’s success was a special diet during the race, courtesy of <strong>Hammer</strong><br />
<strong>Nutrition</strong>. "<strong>Hammer</strong> <strong>Nutrition</strong> fuels and supplements made a huge contribution," noted<br />
Joe. “I couldn't believe how fresh I felt after the first 12 hours of the race. And it kept<br />
me going all the way to La Paz." His primary calorie source was Sustained Energy via<br />
a tube fed into his helmet. The container of Sustained Energy was replenished at pit<br />
stops. He took Anti-Fatigue Caps and also taped <strong>Hammer</strong> Gel pouches to the inside of<br />
the Lexus, for occasional quick energy and flavor.<br />
Shane Esposito, racing for Team O’Neal in the 104x<br />
category. Photo : Lalo Franco<br />
Team O'Neal<br />
This year was very good to Team O’Neal.<br />
We finished 1st in class and 3rd overall<br />
at the 2012 Baja 1000! We were also<br />
the first privateer bike across the finish<br />
line. Our team consisted of four riders<br />
on a shoestring budget, with very limited<br />
pit support; we did not have helicopters,<br />
drivers, or any extra riders like most of the<br />
factory teams we were up against.<br />
My dad, Jim O'Neal, rode a 78-mile<br />
section of this race at the age of 66. He<br />
was racing against guys who were way<br />
less than half his age. Without <strong>Hammer</strong><br />
<strong>Nutrition</strong> fuels, this would have not been<br />
possible!<br />
Jimmy O’Neal<br />
44 Feb/Mar : Issue 83 "Thanks so much <strong>Hammer</strong> <strong>Nutrition</strong> for getting me through a grueling hot, windy race yesterday at REV3 Florida." - Nicole K.
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