We looked, hunted, and searched for Team Kawasaki at this year's Baja
1000. A stop and a visit at the Honda Factory Team tent revealed that the
perennial Class 22 Dirt Bike Winner's, "Team Green" Kawasaki didn't
enter this years Baja 1000.
Instead, Kawasaki was represented by a privateer, Paul Krause. Paul was one
of 1996's Kawasaki Baja 1000 Factory Riders, and the 1996 AMA District 37 #1
Plate holder.
Paul attempted to "Iron Man" the event by racing the entire course
by himself. Unfortunately for Paul, before he got across the U.S.- Mexico
Border, his effort fell. Off-Road.com asked Paul Krause what happened to his
race plan, and answer the question, "Where was Team Green?".
Paul, you were going to race the 1997 Baja 1000. We looked for you, and
never found you! Where were you?
I got sick before right before the race! That's all there was to it. I got sick.
Where was the factory Kawasaki "Team Green" this year? Their
absence was commented on quite a bit at the 1000. Can you fill us in as to what
happened to the factory effort?
Kawasaki (USA) simply didn't feel they had anything left to prove by racing the
Baja 1000. They're putting their efforts into other events at this time. It's
expensive putting together a race team, and it appears that Kawasaki wishes to
put their money into other events that will offer them just as much exposure and
name recognition for their money.
Let's talk about Team Honda's win. Was Honda's flawless effort at this
year's 1000 just luck, or are they just that good?
Honda's success was due mainly to their unbelievable race preparation effort.
These guys spent at least 2 weeks in Baja getting the course down. Then, their
factory bike was painstakingly well prepped! The support crew, if I recall
correctly, never put a wrench to the bike during the whole race! Honda's success
was simply due to superb preparation. Of course, luck did play a little part in
it too. Any successful racer or race effort organizer will tell you that!
You called Johnny Campbell at his hotel room in Ensenada after his win.
What did Johnny have to say?
(Laughing) He picked up the phone and I said, "Well, did you win?" All
Johnny said was, "Mus doduf giffle frunkc." He was sleeping and was
totally incoherent! I ended up talking to his wife and she gave me the news that
he and Honda won.
Let's get back to your own race effort Paul. What did you have set up
for support for this race you were to ride by yourself?
I had 4 chase trucks lined up, 3 fixed pits, and 7 back up bikes.
Where in the world did you find 4 chase trucks and 7 back up bikes?
Oh, I have a lot of good friends that let me use their stuff!
Wish I had friends like that!
(Paul didn't comment. He laughed!)
Looking forward to next year's Baja 1000, do you think you'll try to
race it?
I really don't know what next year will hold. It all depends on so many things.
You have to keep in mind that next year's race is supposed to be a point to
point race from Ensenada to La Paz. I guess the first thing that comes to my
mind right now is what am I going to use for a support truck that can make the
whole trip? And, the point to point race is longer. I really don't know if I
will race next year's 1000 or not. In the near term however, I'm racing the
Casey Folks series, the ISDE 6 Days events and lots of Hare and Hounds.
Do you think the Kawasaki Factory Team will race next year?
That's a good question! I really can't say for sure, but personally I have my
doubts. Kawasaki USA seems to feel their race effort dollar is best spent
elsewhere at this time, but jeez... the name recognition one gets from winning
the 1000 is still very important. But, I still don't see Kawasaki racing the
event unless the big heads on mainland Japan push the issue on Kawasaki USA.
This could happen. The Japanese really dig Mexico.
Mr. Krause, thank you so much for your time! And one more thing, will
you be racing the Casey Folks Best in the Desert near Laughlin December 6?
Yep! I sure will be!
Great! I think Off-Road.com will be sending someone to cover it!
Hey great! Tell 'em to stop by and introduce themselves please!
I'll do that!
(All laughing!)
