KYB partner JAOS successfully completed its third Baja 1000 off-road race, finishing first in class in the extreme endurance test with its Lexus LX600 in 28 hours, 47 minutes.
Competing in the Stock Full Size class, JAOS pilot Tomonori Noto completed the drive as an Ironman competitor, meaning no other driver took the helm of the vehicle during the race. He was able to have multiple co-drivers take turns in the passenger seat to help keep him focused and on course, according to a post-race report from KYB.
This year’s route was an 869-mile circuit of the Baja peninsula, starting and ending in Ensenada. Drivers and teams endured cold temperatures and rain through the long night.
The JAOS team continued its joint effort with Canguro Racing, which was unable to take the start due to technical issues with its Land Cruiser, “Monica.”
Unfortunately, the Canguro team suffered additional tragedy before the race began when one of its crew members was struck by a fellow competitor’s vehicle, causing severe injuries. The crew member received medical attention in Ensenada and has been transported back to the United States for further treatment. A GoFundMe page has been created to aid in his recovery.
KYB and JAOS have a history of collaboration and launched a new product line in 2022 for the North American off-road aftermarket. The KYB “4Trainer” 4Runner training vehicle, equipped with the KYB JAOS lift kit, helped support the effort.
The entry also featured KYB SustainaLub, a sustainable shock absorber fluid that is both carbon neutral and recyclable. The new fluid contributes to carbon neutrality by switching from petroleum derived base oil to naturally derived base oil, the company noted.
