My Bad Tequila
  • My Bad Tequila by Author, Writer, Tequila Connoisseur, Adventurer & Righteous Dude - Rico Austin Ph.D.
  • About
  • Contact

NORRA Mexican 1000; Memorial Day; Albertsons Stadium; Tiger Woods; Rory McIlroy; LUCKY;

5/31/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
                                          This is where the story begins: 
     NORRA Mexican 1000 Baja Race - prerace drinks of  Azuñia Tequila 
              at San Diego Old Town Mexican Restaurant!
Amigas & Amigos - Wow, Memorial Day is just around the corner, so let us begin by thanking all those that have served and to those that are currently serving so that You and I can enjoy freedom of speech, freedom to attend the church we wish and for being able to walk down the streets in our towns without fear.  There is much wrong with our Country, the United States of America; but, it is still the greatest nation on Earth.

Some crazy ass shit this month, I was part of the Azuñia Race Team and Rick Johnson Race Team in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Baja race that covered over 1300 miles of the roughest, desert terrain in the world.  https://www.norra.com/ Yes, Rico the mild mannered writer embarked on what may have been his wildest, grandest, coolest adventure to date!  This is what movies and dreams are made of.  Writing about the NORRA Mexican 1000 as a crew member, spectator and racer in the toughest cross country race in the World.  I had my doubts from the beginning if Jim Riley of Intersect Beverage would be able to supply enough Azuñia Tequila to get us from Ensenada to the finish line in San Jose del Cabo.  Yes, there was Tequila everywhere, every night, every afternoon and there it was staring at us every morning; however, good race drivers and crew members wait until the race is over at the end of each day to begin whetting our whistle with sweet agave and cervezas.  My goal is to write of this particular adventure as I interviewed nearly 30 drivers and various crew members.  Team Azuñia and Rick Johnson Racing had four vehicles entered into the race:  ’71’ Nova – Snortin Nortins,  ‘57’ Chevy – Rippin Rooster, a Trophylite Truck and a 1970s model Jalopy.   Of the four starting vehicles, we had three that finished and the ‘57’ Chevy Rippin Rooster took first in its class of Vintage Production Sedan driven by Jim Riley, Dana Dague and Damen Jeffries with navigators Steve Ware, Justin Pulliman and Mike Lawrence.  There were 25 of us that made up the team.   Just so I don’t spoil the reading for when the book is out, I’ll just tell you it was an awesome experience included with a short vacation in Cabo San Lucas at the end with friends Matt, Tricia, Connor, Rich & Rhonda with tons of pictures of this journey, some of which I shall share at the end of this blog.  http://www.azuniatequila.com/

Corporate Greed won out again – Boise State University Football Field aka Bronco Stadium with the Blue Turf is now Albertsons Stadium.  It’s Joe Albertsons' supermarket but the football field is his too.   Situated right next to Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho – home of where the BSU men’s and women’s basketball team plays their home court games.  Not liking corporate names at all, even though Albertsons, LLC has agreed to commit $12.5 million over 15 years.

Looks as if Tiger Woods might never get back to where he once was due to his back injury.  Jack Nicklaus can sleep a little easier on his back knowing that in the near future his record winning 18 major championships are safe for now.  Eldrick “Tiger” Woods has won 14 major championships but has been in a drought for several years since last winning U.S. Open in 2008.   Yes, age and infidelity have taken a toll on the 38 year old golfer as he has been abused with the same nine iron that he felt so comfortable in the past swinging.   Miss Elin Nordegren, a Swedish former model found out Tiger was cheating on her with several different mistresses and hookers and on the early hours of Thanksgiving Day, 2009 one of Tiger’s golf clubs was missing from the bag. It didn’t take long before Tiger knew exactly where that club was:  being gripped by his soon to be ex-wife as she swung many times at Tiger and at his car.  The National Enquirer was to blame for Tiger getting found out.  If you remember many years ago, I wrote that Tiger Woods was a selfish bastard that only thought of himself, this after he being the only top golfer that did not attend Payne Stewart’s funeral.  When Tiger was asked about why he did not attend, his response was, that he would be too upset and not be able to concentrate on his game of golf and guess who won that weekend, YES the same man that did not pay his respects to a golf great – Mr. Payne Stewart.  Strange how Tiger has time for many extra marital affairs but no time to attend a funeral.

Now we have Tiger giving advice to Rory McIlroy who just broke off his engagement with Danish tennis professional Caroline Wozniacki from 2011 to 2014.  He proposed on the 31 December 2013 in Sydney, where she said yes.  On 21 May 2014, it was announced that McIlroy had ended the engagement: "The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had.”   Yes, Tiger had been seen talking to Rory earlier and it is greatly rumored that he advised the younger McIlroy of against tying the noose unless you want to get beat up by a club on a holiday.  As Nike would not say, “Just Don’t Do It.”

I’ve been blessed with another great writing project that has made it to my corner of the world.  LUCKY, is about a dog that was stolen in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico this last early March, 2014 and through the gigantic efforts of the Mexican, American and Canadian population in the surrounding towns and cities, Lucky was found 300 miles south of San Carlos this last May, 2014.  His friend and owner Jim K. searched diligently and offered a reward of up to $23,000 pesos - $2000 US Dollars for the save return of Lucky.  I had made some comments on Facebook about Lucky as I had Jim as a Facebook friend whom I had never met; but, Jim had read my epic, award winning adventure and mystery novel, “My Bad Tequila” and had enjoyed it, so guess who “Luckily” got the call to write the story of “Lucky.”  Yes, sometimes we just get “LUCKY.”   In the words of the great Henry Ford, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

Saludos y Vayan con Dios,  

Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new pages on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" & “Son of the KING, an Elvis paradox unveiled”

https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Son-of-the-KING-an-ELVIS-paradox-unveiled/454127424682020?fref=ts

http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis


Uncle Rico
Rico Austin
Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous, Fun Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA

"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM

www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com

Picture
 SPLASH - between Tijuana & Ensenada on Pacific Ocean with Dana Dague, Nathan Ford & Rick Dorn  (sick, dehydrated Rico taking picture)
Picture
Team Azuñia & Rick Johnson Race Team - 70s Jalopy, '57' Chevy - Rippin Rooster & 

'71' Nova - Snortin Nortins, all getting staged at Ensenada for start of Race - Mother's Day 

Picture
   #619 - 1971 Nova - Snortin' Nortins - lasted 400 miles into Day 1 of 1300 + mile race
Picture
      Day 1 preparation with Videographer Bobby Guitterez & Driver Jim Riley - Ensenada!
Picture
                   Bad Ass Galaxy 500 - in same class Vintage Production Sedan
Picture
Late night repairs on Trophylite Truck after 539 miles 1st day racing - Baja de Los Angeles, Mexico!               Least favorite place to spend the noche of the Baja!  

            Ensenada, Loreto, Paz & San Jose Del Cabo are Bueno!

Hollywood Dowland, Leo Gladden, Mike Malloy & Justin Pulliman working with wrenches!


Picture
    Amigos Dana Dague & Nathan Ford trying to get Rippin Rooster 
                    ready for Day 2 of the NORRA Mexican 1000!


Picture
Retired Fire Chief and Road Warrior Mike Malloy fueling the Rippin Rooster
        in Bahia de Los Angeles for Day 2 of the NORRA Mexican 1000!
Picture
Navigator Mike Lawrence after Day 1 in Rippin Roosterat Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja Norte!
Picture
 That is one ugly Author, Writer, Blogger, Tequila Drinker & Crew Member Rico Austin
waking up in back seat of pickup, his bed for the night after Day 1,
this is what the NORRA Mexican 1000 does to a Hombre after 500 + miles
in the Baja Desert, I was one of the lucky ones as 2 of the guys - Hoss Milson 
& Steve Ware spent the night in the Baja - 80 miles from civilization and 50 miles
from Baja Highway 1 guarding the broken down 1971 Nova - Snortin Nortins &
believe you me that desert gets cold at night especially where they were near the
Pacific Ocean;  Team Azunia only allotted 5 rooms for 25 crew members
which included 22 men and 3 women; but who's counting?
Picture
Off Baja #1  near Pacific Ocean - Day 2 from Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja Norte near the Sea of Cortez all the way across Baja to Pacific Ocean and back again to Loreto along the Sea of Cortez in Baja Sur!
Picture
Hollywood Dowland on top of the world in his race suit after navigating in the Trophylite on Day 2;   Driver Jim Riley in background before he put on his driver's suit to finish Day 2 to Loreto in the '57' Chevy - Rippin' Rooster and crew member Chris Taylor checking out his arm after being mosquito bitten on the Baja in Bay of Los Angeles!   ;-(
Picture
Mexican Fans of the Rippin' Rooster pose while navigator Justin Pulliman gets ready to       jump in with  Driver & Tequila CEO Jim Riley of Azunia Tequila!
Picture
                                      AZUNIA TEQUILA  -

Proud Sponsor of NORRA Mexican 1000 & other fine races - La Mision in Loreto, Mexico


Picture
 End of Day 2 at Loreto, Baja Sur with Walter Messer (green shirt) age 76 on his way to completing his first NORRA Mexican 1000 with Chase Crew Members Chris Malloy, Hollywood Dowland & Mike Malloy

Picture
Crew Members Leo Gladden, Hoss Milson & Josh Schartel sleep on flat bed trailer after end of Day 2 in Loreto, Baja Sur!   These guys were suppose to join me in Room 211 at La Mision where the party was being held, but Leo drinkin' Tequila, couldn't remember the room number so out came the sleeping bags!

Picture
Room 211 at La Mision in Loreto, Baja Sur, Mexico;   Notice the sign on the bed - You'll see what it reads in the next picture;     My mattress on the floor is far left side against the wall, dream bed after previous night sleeping  in the Gray Pickup Chase Truck!

Picture
 "Hoss,  This is Your BED!"   Rico wanted to make sure Hoss got to have the bed in Room 211 since he had spent the previous night in the Baja desert alone with Amigo Steve;   He deserved a nice soft bed, but no!!!
He had to sleep on flat bed trailer because Leo forgot the Room Number - Mas Tequila!

  Rico proved his team spirit to the crew that night & was officially accepted!



Picture
Team Azunia Tequila & Rick Johnson Race Team vehicles all lined up along the road in Loreto, Baja Sur behind La Mision Hotel;  The Red Truck with Hauler, the Jalopy, the '57' Chevy, the Gray Pickup Chase Truck and a Writer's Shadow all on the Cobblestone Road beginning of Day 3 - Loreto to La Paz!

Picture
Day 3 - Loreto to La Paz, Writer Rico Austin filling the Rippin' Rooster while Retired Fire Chief Mike Malloy has fire extinguisher handy in case fire breaks out!  

                    Safety Numero Uno Priority!



Picture
YEAH,  now that's what I'm talkin' about - NORRA Mexican 1000 Party with Azunia Tequila!

Picture
Mexican School Boys on break getting Team Stickers and posing in front of Jalopy
        with Rick Johnson behind the wheel on Day 3 - Loreto to La Paz!

Picture
Driver / Racer Rick Johnson at NORRA 1000 finish line awaiting his shot of Azunia Tequila & maybe congratulatory Kiss from who else - of course, his lovely wife Brenda Johnson!

Picture
Jim Riley & Steve Ware riding to the finish line with a 1st PLACE WIN in the class of Vintage Production Sedan!
Congratulations to all TEAM Members:  Jim Riley, Rick Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Mark Taylor, Chris Taylor, Steve Ware, Chris Ware, Bobby Guiterrez, Chris Malloy, Mike Malloy, Hollywood Dowland, Hoss Milson, Leo Gladden, Justin Pulliman, Rick Dorn, Nathan Ford, Dana Dague, Damen Jeffries, Mel Jeffries, Mike Lawrence, Paco Sheriff, Josh Schartel & Rico Austin!


Congratulations to Todd, Shirley & Kyle Jergensen for their great finish & thanks for use of the trailer!
Congratulations to Trophylite Drivers & Navigators - Chris Fantl, Justin Havens & Ben "Race" Philips!
Congratulations to TEAM Messer - Walter, Gary & Troy Messer (3 generations) & Doc Chantler & Mike Padilla!

         GREAT RACE & THANK YOU ALL for letting me be a part of NORRA 2014 - Rico Austin



Picture
Team Messer with a 2nd place finish in their class with a 5 man team including drivers and pit support.  Mike Padilla (not pictured - taking picture) built a solid t1970 F-100 Ford Truck with zero mechanical issues; 
Pictured left to right: Gary Messer, Troy Messer, Rico Austin, Walter Messer and Mooney (Doc) Chantler.  3 generations of Messers w/ Grandpa Walter driving across the finish line & downing his shot of Azunia Tequila
Picture
Writer Rico Austin giving a finisher their shots of Azunia Tequila as they cross
     the finish line in San Jose del Cabo at end of NORRA Mexican 1000!

Picture
At end of NORRA Mexican 1000 - Brenda Johnson standing on left in white T-Shirt
set up the Azunia Tequila welcoming bar at end of each leg each night;
Navigator Chris Ware in black FOX T-Shirt;  Steve Ware in black hat & white T-shirt;
Driver Jim Riley in black hat, black T-Shirt & sunglasses standing, finishes in '57' Bel Air;
Driver Rick Johnson seated in black T-Shirt with sunglasses on head, finishes in Jalopy!


Picture
Motley Crew of Team Azunia & Rick Johnson Race Team - Rico A., Hollywood D., Chris T., Justin P., Hoss M. kneeling, Leo G., Josh S., Mike M., far right - driver of Trophylite;

Picture
Victory Row Celebration - Hollywood Dowland, Brenda Johnson, Rico Austin, Hoss Mlson, 
 Josh Schartel,  Mike Malloy, driver of Trophylite,  Driver Rick Johnson,  Driver Jim Riley
Picture
Rhonda Collins & Connie Austin at NORRA Mexican 1000 Fiesta in San Jose del Cabo!
                           It was a "Full Moon" Noche - May 14th, 2014

Picture
Victory Celebration for Rick Johnson Race Team & Team Azunia at Rick & Brenda Johnson's AGAVE Hotel & Cantina in Los Barriles, Mexico!
                  Look at all those beer cans - all in a day's work on May 15th!

Picture
Pool party & victory celebration at Los Barriles, Rico holding the NORRA Mexican 1000 Trophy with Justin, compliments of the '57' Bel Air with Jim Riley and Steve Ware riding the Rippin Rooster into San Jose del Cabo for a 1st place finish in the Vintage Production Sedan class - What a Team!


Picture
       Mike, Rico & Chris on Los Barriles Beach with Sea of Cortez in background!

Picture
             Rico Austin with Azunia Tequila & Jim Riley with Baja Trophy!
               Both with a Baja Smile that lasted for more than 1300 miles!


Picture
          Mechanic Extrordinare - Mr. Leo Gladden sporting the Azunia Team Hat!


Picture
           The Boys just Chilaxing at AGAVE Hotel & Cantina in Los Barriles, Mexico!


Picture
     Rick Johnson is already planning team's strategy for NORRA Mexican 1000 in 2015!

Picture
    Famed Road Warriors & Chasers, Mike & Chris Malloy taking in the Win!

Picture
The DJs rocked the house with Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Sammy Hagar, The Eagles, Jimmy Buffet,  Zac Brown, Van Halen,  George Strait,  Alan Jackson,  Meatloaf, Journey,
Picture
   A little Father & Son time with Mark Taylor & Chris Taylor while Mel Jeffries, the thinker!


Picture
  Connie & Rico Austin enjoying AGAVE Hotel & Cantina in Los Barriles on Sea of Cortez!


Picture
This Familia made the best hot dogs & hamburgers, notice the racing decals on cart!
 Rick Johnson still strategizing in background for next year 2015 NORRA Mexican 1000!


Picture
Rico paying his last respects to '57' Chevy - Rippin' Rooster with a bottle of Azunia Tequila!


Picture
There was another IDAHO Amigo on the crew taking it easy in Cabo!
Nathan F. reading the numero uno libro in Mexico - MY BAD TEQUILA!
Picture
Nathan Ford, Robyn & Dana Dague relaxing with Margaritas in Cabo after grueling race

Picture
      Rico & Connie's last night in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico at Pueblo Bonito Rose

Picture
       The BAJA Rock at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas!

Picture
             The Arch aka El Arco at Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur, Mexico!
Picture
   I can't go any further, the entire length of the Baja from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas


Picture
     Hey, I guess I could go a little further South, traveled the entire length of the BAJA!


Picture
Seriously, did YOU really think I was going to drive back to Tijuana or San Diego?   
          My kind of Airport, Cabo has a Tequila Tasting Bar!   YES, I will return!

Picture
          Rory & Tiger discussing marriage, hot chicks and club wielding wives!   
     Rory takes Tiger's advice and breaks off engagement to Caroline Wozniacki; 
     "It's not her, it's me.  The problem is mine," confesses a smiling Rory McIlroy!

Picture
        It's Joe Albertsons' Supermarket, but the stadium is Joe's as well!  

  Joe Albertson has everything, even a park in Boise named after his late wife, Kathyrn!

Picture
Looks like a Football Stadium, wait just a dog gone minute, is this a Supermarket?
Wonder if there are any Cheerleaders wandering around in the produce department?


Picture
      This is Boise State University Football Stadium in 1985 - last year of green turf;
             Writer, Blogger Uncle Rico Austin #29, bottom far right, next to last;


Picture
 Writer Rico Austin in training at BSU as a football team member in  1985; 

29 years later he would be a team member for Azunia, racing down the Baja  

Picture
                       LUCKY, the most famous dog in Sonora, Mexico!
                     Thanks to All that helped Jim find his Amigo Perro!
0 Comments

    Rico Austin Ph.D.

    Enjoy the writing & the craziest adventures of the most interesting Tequila Connoisseur & Story Teller in the World- !

    Archives

    July 2022
    June 2022
    January 2021
    April 2020
    April 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    January 2018
    September 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    January 2009



    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.