Meet the Team
It takes a small army of staff and contractors to safely operate a motorsports competition on the Baja Peninsula. Here are a few of the generals working year round to organize and coordinate this weeklong odyssey. There are dozens more behind these faces, without whom there would be no reason to spend a week in the Valle de Los Cirios.
See our roles and experience below...
Mauricio Parra Aguilar- General Director
As General Director, Mauricio is responsible for overseeing the rally's operational aspects, ensuring that the event aligns with its eco-friendly and safety-focused principles. Aguilar's background includes his involvement with "Lost in Baja," a project dedicated to promoting Baja California's culture and adventure. His extensive local knowledge and connections have been invaluable in crafting unique routes and securing land-use agreements with Mexican authorities, enabling the rally to operate sustainably in protected areas.
Through his leadership, Aguilar has also helped Baja Rally grow into a premier North American rally raid, working alongside other experienced members and fostering partnerships with safety and navigation technology providers. His dedication ensures that the rally continues to attract both experienced rally racers and newcomers drawn to Baja's challenging landscapes and culture.
Lost In Baja
As co-founder of Lost in Baja, Mauricio has innovated the process of curating and providing customized travel experiences throughout Baja California. Lost in Baja specializes in personalized adventures and transportation, offering a range of "daycations" and multi-day journeys that allow travelers to immerse themselves in the unique attractions of Baja. Whether guests seek high-end culinary experiences, excursions into Valle de Guadalupe’s wine country, or adventures such as hiking, zip-lining, or hot springs visits, Lost in Baja provides concierge services and logistical support to facilitate these experiences. The organization emphasizes deep local knowledge and flexibility to design custom itineraries that suit individual needs, making Mauricio’s work essential in creating these tailored travel plans.
Through his leadership, Aguilar has also helped Baja Rally grow into a premier North American rally raid, working alongside other experienced members and fostering partnerships with safety and navigation technology providers. His dedication ensures that the rally continues to attract both experienced rally racers and newcomers drawn to Baja's challenging landscapes and culture.
Lost In Baja
As co-founder of Lost in Baja, Mauricio has innovated the process of curating and providing customized travel experiences throughout Baja California. Lost in Baja specializes in personalized adventures and transportation, offering a range of "daycations" and multi-day journeys that allow travelers to immerse themselves in the unique attractions of Baja. Whether guests seek high-end culinary experiences, excursions into Valle de Guadalupe’s wine country, or adventures such as hiking, zip-lining, or hot springs visits, Lost in Baja provides concierge services and logistical support to facilitate these experiences. The organization emphasizes deep local knowledge and flexibility to design custom itineraries that suit individual needs, making Mauricio’s work essential in creating these tailored travel plans.
Scotty "Breauxman" Bloom- Founder & Chairman
Scotty's core responsibility is rally stage-route design, development and map building for road books. This role intersects with electronic programming of Rally Comp satellite interface and establishing the basis for safety and rescue protocols related to each stage route. To date, Scotty has created over 8,300 miles of unique race-course routes that have been raced over the the period of 53 days by nearly 400 starters.
As a leading motorsports journalist and commentator with a deep connection to off-road racing in Baja California, Scotty’s dedication to the sport led him to create the Baja Rally® in 2013. As North America’s first multi-day road book navigation rally for motorcycles only, he sought to offer an alternative to traditional GPS-based racing events, attracting both professionals and amateurs seeking an adventure-focused rally experience. His long term partnership with General Director Maurico Parra compliments the organization with Scotty's leadership in strategic partnerships and as the visionary for the event as a whole.
The Baja Rally® has grown significantly since its inception in 2013, evolving into a six-day, championship-level event. This rally promotes eco-conscious racing with careful land use planning in collaboration with the Mexican government. Additionally, Scotty emphasizes safety and endurance, with satellite communications and unique, unmarked routes that encourage true navigation skills rather than course familiarity. He continues to be a major voice in the sport, writing for platforms like Race-Dezert and covering international events such as the Dakar Rally.
As a leading motorsports journalist and commentator with a deep connection to off-road racing in Baja California, Scotty’s dedication to the sport led him to create the Baja Rally® in 2013. As North America’s first multi-day road book navigation rally for motorcycles only, he sought to offer an alternative to traditional GPS-based racing events, attracting both professionals and amateurs seeking an adventure-focused rally experience. His long term partnership with General Director Maurico Parra compliments the organization with Scotty's leadership in strategic partnerships and as the visionary for the event as a whole.
The Baja Rally® has grown significantly since its inception in 2013, evolving into a six-day, championship-level event. This rally promotes eco-conscious racing with careful land use planning in collaboration with the Mexican government. Additionally, Scotty emphasizes safety and endurance, with satellite communications and unique, unmarked routes that encourage true navigation skills rather than course familiarity. He continues to be a major voice in the sport, writing for platforms like Race-Dezert and covering international events such as the Dakar Rally.
Willem Avenant- Race Director
Willem Avenant, a South African rally enthusiast and semi-professional competitor, has become an important figure within the Baja Rally® as its Race Director. Known for his expertise in rally navigation and roadbook development, Avenant participates actively both as a competitor and as an advocate for rally sports in North America. His dedication to navigating challenging rallies, like the Baja Rally®, reflects his lifelong interest in off-road racing, which he has pursued globally since childhood. Recently, he has been vocal about helping other riders gain access to international events, including the Dakar Rally, by demystifying the complex preparation process and sharing practical guidance through his series “Decoding Dakar” for aspiring rally participants.
In addition to racing, Avenant leverages his technical skills in rally organization to enhance the Baja Rally experience, providing critical navigation support and developing training resources. His contributions have bolstered the Baja Rally’s reputation as a premier event for rally enthusiasts and helped establish North America as a competitive arena for riders aiming to qualify for events like the Dakar Rally.
In addition to racing, Avenant leverages his technical skills in rally organization to enhance the Baja Rally experience, providing critical navigation support and developing training resources. His contributions have bolstered the Baja Rally’s reputation as a premier event for rally enthusiasts and helped establish North America as a competitive arena for riders aiming to qualify for events like the Dakar Rally.
Dr Jeff T. Grange, MD, MBA, FACEP- Senior Safety Director
President, CEO, Symbiosis Event Safety
Past Roles:
Emergency Medical Services Director for Loma Linda University Medical Center
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center
Medical Director for the San Bernardino Sheriff's Air Rescue Team
Medical Director for SCORE International
Medical Director, Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway)
Dr Grange’s 30+ years of experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the field of event safety, motorsports medicine and other high-risk events such as NFL and music festivals underscores his expansive CV that spans education and leadership in law enforcement. As Medical Director for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Air Rescue Team, he provided medical oversight and support for aerial rescue operations, ensuring the integration of advanced medical care into law enforcement missions. He’s authored multiple, notable peer-reviewed academic papers through his work at Loma Linda University Medical Center and elsewhere, primarily focusing on emergency medical services and prehospital care. Prior to joining Baja Rally® in 2015, Jeff served as Medical Director of SCORE International for well over a decade where he led many emergency aerial rescue extractions and transports.
Dr Grange’s role with Symbiosis Event Safety at Baja Rally® includes establishing rapid response protocols and staffing the events with highly qualified paramedic personnel to ensure the essential safety and well-being of racers and staff during the event. Due to the nature of Baja Rally’s remote operations and inherent risks of off road competition, Dr. Grange serves as important a role in the organization as anyone listed among him.
Dr. Grange's leadership ensures the smooth operation of these services, which are designed to meet the high demands of challenging environments like the Baja desert. This support is essential for the safety and well-being of racers and staff during the event.
Past Roles:
Emergency Medical Services Director for Loma Linda University Medical Center
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center
Medical Director for the San Bernardino Sheriff's Air Rescue Team
Medical Director for SCORE International
Medical Director, Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway)
Dr Grange’s 30+ years of experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the field of event safety, motorsports medicine and other high-risk events such as NFL and music festivals underscores his expansive CV that spans education and leadership in law enforcement. As Medical Director for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Air Rescue Team, he provided medical oversight and support for aerial rescue operations, ensuring the integration of advanced medical care into law enforcement missions. He’s authored multiple, notable peer-reviewed academic papers through his work at Loma Linda University Medical Center and elsewhere, primarily focusing on emergency medical services and prehospital care. Prior to joining Baja Rally® in 2015, Jeff served as Medical Director of SCORE International for well over a decade where he led many emergency aerial rescue extractions and transports.
Dr Grange’s role with Symbiosis Event Safety at Baja Rally® includes establishing rapid response protocols and staffing the events with highly qualified paramedic personnel to ensure the essential safety and well-being of racers and staff during the event. Due to the nature of Baja Rally’s remote operations and inherent risks of off road competition, Dr. Grange serves as important a role in the organization as anyone listed among him.
Dr. Grange's leadership ensures the smooth operation of these services, which are designed to meet the high demands of challenging environments like the Baja desert. This support is essential for the safety and well-being of racers and staff during the event.
Michael Prothero- Safety Dispatch Coordinator
Mike “Bam Bam” Prothero has been deployed by Dr Jeff Grange and Symbiosis Event Safety serving as the Chief Paramedic at the Baja Rally® since 2022. Mike is the senior safety element on site and in the field for the entire length of the week-long events. Due to his many years of daily paramedic experiences in the remote desert town of Baker California, Mike has responded to and managed some of the worst trauma scenes imaginable and has developed a knack for managing these matters with a mastery of focused calmness under highly stressful and difficult circumstances. In his role with Baja Rally®, Mike has demonstrated his aptitude in a handful of emergency incidents, showing that he is particularly adept at rapid response, efficiently identifying injuries and communicating with patients, organization staff and 3rd party medical personnel.
Additionally, Prothero has been involved in off-road motorsport in other capacities, such as working with teams and providing safety management during endurance events. His role within Symbiosis aligns with the rally's focus on comprehensive medical support and safety measures for all participants, ensuring a smooth and secure experience in the rugged terrain of Baja California. Mike’s skillset, professionalism and dedication to his role are truly remarkable and his value to the Baja Rally® organization is immeasurable.
Additionally, Prothero has been involved in off-road motorsport in other capacities, such as working with teams and providing safety management during endurance events. His role within Symbiosis aligns with the rally's focus on comprehensive medical support and safety measures for all participants, ensuring a smooth and secure experience in the rugged terrain of Baja California. Mike’s skillset, professionalism and dedication to his role are truly remarkable and his value to the Baja Rally® organization is immeasurable.
David Pearson- Racer Relations
As an accomplished businessman and off-road racer with a background in both competitive racing and rally navigation, David Pearson has played key roles in the Baja Rally®. Known for his endurance, leadership and skill, Pearson has been active in the Pro category, consistently showcasing strong finishes despite challenging courses and mechanical issues. His biography includes the Dakar Rally, multiple top finishes, and he is celebrated for his navigation skills and resilience across difficult terrains, such as those found in Baja Rally stages.
In recent years, Pearson co-founded and led the American Rally Originals team in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental stamina in the rally setting. His contributions to the Baja Rally include providing guidance to less experienced riders and collaborating on race operations, making him a valuable asset to the event and the rally community at large.
In recent years, Pearson co-founded and led the American Rally Originals team in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental stamina in the rally setting. His contributions to the Baja Rally include providing guidance to less experienced riders and collaborating on race operations, making him a valuable asset to the event and the rally community at large.
Andy "Gas Man" Gast- Official Starter
As the Official Starter, Andy has been integrally involved with the Baja Rally® since 2018. He oversees and coordinates separate start and finish zones for timed special stages each day. As a team leader, Andy calls on a lifetime of enthusiasm for off road racing and a skillset from his career in finance, thinking quickly to resolve the many challenges that arise in this remote and hard to control environment. His trademark attribute in this role is his talent for greeting racers for the 2 minutes each morning before they roost off into the desert each morning for the better part of a week.
Dany Zaragoza- Field Operations Coordinator `
Since 2019, Dany Zaragoza has played a critical role in the Baja Rally organization, where he contributes to event operations, specifically focusing on logistical support and coordinating off road during the rally events. Zaragoza’s role includes ensuring that the logistical aspects, such as the bivouac setup, participant coordination, and supply management, run smoothly. His efforts contribute to maintaining the flow and organization of the rally, especially in challenging conditions that arise in off-road environments.
He collaborates closely with other core team members, such as Scotty Breauxman and Mauricio Parra, to prepare for and manage the complex, multi-day event that spans vast and rugged terrain in Baja. His logistical expertise is crucial for enabling the smooth execution of the rally, providing necessary support to racers and other team members on the ground.
He collaborates closely with other core team members, such as Scotty Breauxman and Mauricio Parra, to prepare for and manage the complex, multi-day event that spans vast and rugged terrain in Baja. His logistical expertise is crucial for enabling the smooth execution of the rally, providing necessary support to racers and other team members on the ground.
Other Key Players and Leadership of Baja Rally®
Other Key Players of Baja Rally®
Besides Mauricio and Scotty’s core team of directors, the Baja Rally® operations team includes a variety of key contributors, such as logistics coordinators, safety teams, remote re-fueling and technical developers. For instance, Mike Johnson, known for developing the RallyComp navigation system, plays a significant role in both event safety and navigation support. This system enhances participant safety and promotes accurate, real-time tracking during the rally stages, adding a layer of oversight to the races
Remote Re-Fueling Team
Matt Freyer and Ken Neal of BulletProof Diesel bring decades of combined Baja racing experience to their tireless roles of strategically managing the safe delivery of fuel to remote locations and overseeing mid-stage refueling on longer Baja Rally® stage routes. They both have multiple SCORE Baja Wins to their credit under the Desert Assassins team of Cameron Steel. Their team’s commitment to smooth operations at Baja Rally® often involves long-distance transport of fuel as well as overnight camping in remote locations.
Moto Medics
Additionally, volunteers called Moto Medics accompany the riders to provide rapid medical response, an effort celebrated by participants for their critical role. In recent years, the family of the late Moto Medic founder, Patrick Attardo, established an award to recognize their contributions, awarded to volunteers like Nick Hart, Randy Fish, and Eddie Zeller in 2022. Other prominent figures include experienced riders like Paul Neff and Dakar finisher David Pearson, both of whom participate as veteran mentors and contribute to the rally’s safety and operations standards.
There are Many More
Apart from this listing of key players, there are dozens of others whose tireless commit to Baja Rally® each year and whose collective passion for the service to our mission cannot be understated. Our appreciation and recognition of their genuine intentions is heartfelt, sincere and extends to over 100 others who have served our racing clients since 2013.
Besides Mauricio and Scotty’s core team of directors, the Baja Rally® operations team includes a variety of key contributors, such as logistics coordinators, safety teams, remote re-fueling and technical developers. For instance, Mike Johnson, known for developing the RallyComp navigation system, plays a significant role in both event safety and navigation support. This system enhances participant safety and promotes accurate, real-time tracking during the rally stages, adding a layer of oversight to the races
Remote Re-Fueling Team
Matt Freyer and Ken Neal of BulletProof Diesel bring decades of combined Baja racing experience to their tireless roles of strategically managing the safe delivery of fuel to remote locations and overseeing mid-stage refueling on longer Baja Rally® stage routes. They both have multiple SCORE Baja Wins to their credit under the Desert Assassins team of Cameron Steel. Their team’s commitment to smooth operations at Baja Rally® often involves long-distance transport of fuel as well as overnight camping in remote locations.
Moto Medics
Additionally, volunteers called Moto Medics accompany the riders to provide rapid medical response, an effort celebrated by participants for their critical role. In recent years, the family of the late Moto Medic founder, Patrick Attardo, established an award to recognize their contributions, awarded to volunteers like Nick Hart, Randy Fish, and Eddie Zeller in 2022. Other prominent figures include experienced riders like Paul Neff and Dakar finisher David Pearson, both of whom participate as veteran mentors and contribute to the rally’s safety and operations standards.
There are Many More
Apart from this listing of key players, there are dozens of others whose tireless commit to Baja Rally® each year and whose collective passion for the service to our mission cannot be understated. Our appreciation and recognition of their genuine intentions is heartfelt, sincere and extends to over 100 others who have served our racing clients since 2013.