Off Road
Baja, the NORRA Mexican 1000, San Felipe, Bonneville and the desert races where a cell phone is dead weight for three days. These posts cover the events themselves, entry classes and costs where we know them, and how race teams, chase crews and spectators actually stay in contact across hundreds of miles of nothing.
The equipment that works out here is push-to-talk satellite radio for the crew, a satellite phone for the emergencies, and a tracker so the pit knows where the truck is. We rent complete race kits and set up the talkgroups before you leave, which is why teams come back every year.
See Iridium phones and PTT, trackers, or rent for the race.
Off Road questions, answered
What do race teams actually use?
Iridium Extreme PTT handsets on a shared talkgroup for the chase crew, a satellite phone for calls to the outside world, and a tracker on the race vehicle. Rental is the usual route for a single event.
Can spectators use a satellite phone in Baja?
Yes, Iridium and Inmarsat both cover the peninsula. Mexico has no licence requirement for personal satellite phones, but check the current rules before you travel.
How far ahead should I book a rental for a race?
Two weeks is comfortable for the big events; the week of the race everything rentable is usually already gone.
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May 16, 2023
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February 20, 2023
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March 31, 2022
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March 24, 2022
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August 30, 2020
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December 03, 2019
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October 10, 2019