Race Report from 277X

I received this from our racer, Glen McGuire, and thought you all would like to see it.
John S.
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John,
Sorry it’s taken a little while to get back to you but I definitely wanted to let you know that the performance of the Mag 7 pit crews was - well I can’t think of a better word than - MAGNIFICENT!!! I stopped at all of your pits with the exception of #7 as I ended my solo attempt just before race mile 370. I was impressed not only with the care and attention provided at each pit stop, but also with the fact that each crew seemed to understand the condition that racers would be in depending upon where on the course they were located. And the crews were prepared.

Pits 1 & 2 - Fairly early in the race, seemed focused on getting me in and out in a matter of seconds. Awesome.
Pit 3 - In the middle of the hot desert section, had plenty of water/drinks available. Awesome.
Pit 4 - Mid-afternoon, had food and fruit available right when needed. Thank you for that protein bread, or whatever it was. It was good and filling! Awesome.
Pit 5 - Super fast crew. Got me in and out in about a minute (with no dry brake). Awesome.
Pit 6 - Great location! I wanted to stop for a while and watch the sunset over the waves. Another super fast crew. Awesome.
Pit 7 – Wish I’d made it to you. It got dark and I did not have confidence in my pitiful, stock CRF450x headlight for the rough stretch leading out of Uruapan (so I decided to count my blessings and take the highway back home).

I also believe that the number and spacing of your pits was optimal. I noticed Baja Pits ran 10 pits which, in my opinion, would have been too many unnecessary stops. Your pits were the right distance apart and at locations that were easy to spot.

My only complaint would be that Pits 3 & 4 apparently failed to log me in. My crew radioed Mag 7 mid-afternoon to check my status and were told that I had passed thru Pit 2 but not Pit 3 or 4. That, coupled with the fact that my e-tracker quit working after RM22, made for a nervous day for my crew.

Here are my only suggestions:
1. Have some bananas available at pits 3 & 4 or whichever pits are located in the hottest sections of the course. That would really help the solo racers.
2. The tip sheet that you provide for first time racers is fantastic. I would add one note to the section on how to get passed by Trophy Trucks:

Watch the spectators. Most will wave excitedly at you when a truck is coming. Also, if they are looking at you, you’re probably ok. If they’re looking behind you, then something’s probably coming because the trucks are far more interesting for them to watch than you are.

Let me finish by offering my sincere congratulations and gratitude to you and your crews. I’m sure that we racers cannot even conceive of the huge effort and logistical nightmares you must go through to support us. Please know that it is appreciated beyond words. I can assure you that each one of us realize that we could not do what we do without you doing what you do. You are awesome. Job well done.

Glen McGuire - 277x
Austin, Texas