The BFGoodrich Baja 1000 BC-1 Team — racing on Torque Wheels — secured a win in the 58th Baja 1000, taking first place in the Baja Challenge class. Equipped with Torque’s TW301 Baja Canyon wheels, the team finished the grueling 835 mile course in 34 hours, 51 minutes, and 58 seconds.
This win represents exactly why we launched Torque,” said Joe Interrante, Founder and CEO of Torque Wheels. “We took what we learned racing in Baja and engineered a relentless wheel that would outmatch its challenging terrain. We’ve brought that same uncompromising durability to the wheels available to drivers everywhere.”
The Baja 1000 is widely regarded as the most demanding off-road race in the world, testing vehicles, teams, and equipment across its unforgiving desert environment.
The vehicle, driven by the BFGoodrich Performance Team including Brandon Sturgis (BFGoodrich), Brian Finch (Finch Performance), Rich Minga (Stunt Driver and Racer), TJ Campbell (Tire Rack), Andrew Besancon (BFGoodrich), Nick Gramelspacher (Myers Distributing), and Kyle Tucker came out strong. Armed with BFGoodrich KO3 tires and Torque’s Canyon racing wheels, the Baja California desert flew by for the first 800 miles.
“The number one question that people ask is ‘Did you have fun?’ — but that’s not the word that I would use to describe it. This wasn’t a golf outing. This wasn’t a reward trip drive,” said TJ Campbell. “It was a challenge. It was something we had to persevere through. The team unified through the trials of this experience.”
As day turned to night, the weather shifted and so did the team’s luck with the buggy.
“The last 90 miles took the lion’s share of the race,” said Rich Minga. “We had to endure a lot of mud and rain. It was really challenging.”
This marks the first Baja 1000 win on Torque Wheels, achieved just one year after the company launched. Before going to market, the Torque team tested the wheels in Baja under real race conditions — against punishing speed, rock, and sand. It was the only way to prove the designs were truly race-ready, and the desert delivered that validation.
“We never changed a wheel or a tire the whole race. That’s unheard of,” said Minga. “I don’t want to race on anything but Torque Wheels. This is arguably the toughest race in the world — it’s a battle the entire time. You guys were up to the task.”
Torque’s TW301 Baja Canyon wheel is fully-forged and engineered with a reinforced bead seat, with a high-impact design. These attributes are specifically tailored for long-distance endurance racing.
“Congratulations to every person who made this win possible. We’re proud to be a part of it,” said Ryan Interrante, Chief Operating Officer of Torque Wheels. “Torque hasn’t been around that long, but it’s built off of decades of industry experience. That experience is reflected in the strength, durability, and performance of every wheel we make.”
About Torque Wheels
Torque Wheels was born from a passion for pushing boundaries — on the road, off the grid, and beyond. With a relentless commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and precision engineering, Torque Wheels are designed to conquer the toughest environments. But it’s not just about wheels — it’s about the journey. Torque Wheels is an independent, family-owned and operated company. We are driven by innovation, fueled by adventure, and dedicated to our customers who demand nothing but the best.