Volkswagen has enjoyed high popularity among entrants since the inception of the BAJA 1000. Thanks to its original RR (rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive) layout, it provides better traction to the driving wheels, and its lightweight body makes it easier to recover when stuck. For these reasons, the Volkswagen Type 1 has been highly valued. Although their numbers have dwindled in recent years, you can still catch glimpses of the adorable “Beetle” dashing across the harsh terrain of Baja.

The rulebook of SCORE, the organization that hosts the BAJA 1000, clearly specifies classes for participating with a Volkswagen Type 1. The most notable are “Class 11” and “Class 5.”

Class 11 is essentially a stock production class for Type 1s, with extremely limited modifications allowed. Because of this, it takes a high level of driving skill to conquer the sandy, rocky, and steep courses. Many vehicles drop out due to the extreme difficulty, making simply finishing the race a significant honor.

On the other hand, Class 5 allows far more freedom in modifications, including engine customization and major suspension upgrades. This class is designed for off-road versions of the Type 1, commonly referred to as “Baja Bugs.”

Kazunori Kizu, featured in this article, is one of the few in Japan with the rare experience of participating in the BAJA 1000 in Class 5. In Japan, he also owns a Type 1 modeled after Class 11, and appeared this time with his beloved car.

According to Mr. Kizu, his race vehicle is kept in the U.S. so that it’s always ready for off-road race entries. In Japan, he drives a 1970 Type 1, as shown in the photo.

Interestingly, his connection to the BAJA 1000 didn’t begin with Volkswagen but with a pickup truck. He originally owned a prerunner based on a Toyota Tundra and had long dreamed of the BAJA 1000.

To make that dream come true, he sold the Tundra to fund his entry into the BAJA 1000. For a private entrant, racing with a Type 1 turned out to be the most practical choice.

He was fortunate to acquire a used Baja Bug built by a prestigious American team and made his racing debut at the Mint 400 in 2023. This experience made him fall in love with off-road racing, and he entered the BAJA 1000 in November of the same year.

Unfortunately, during his first BAJA 1000, the team had to retire before he even got a chance to take the wheel. Reflecting on the prerun in Baja, he said, “The BAJA 1000 course was on a whole different level from the Mint 400. I was genuinely shocked by how extreme the terrain was — I kept thinking, ‘Are we really supposed to drive here?’ It was that intense.”

As it’s an overseas race, private participation comes with significant financial burdens, making yearly entries difficult. However, he continues to race abroad with support from “FLAT4.”

You can follow the rare achievements of this Japanese driver participating in North American off-road races via his social media accounts.

PHOTO｜Kazutoshi AKimoto 秋元一利
TEXT｜Kazutoshi AKimoto 秋元一利
PUBLISHED｜2025
SOURCE｜Cal Vol.62
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