There are races—and then there is the Baja 1000.

A brutal, unrelenting test of endurance, engineering and mental resolve, the Baja is where off-road reputations are forged—or shattered. For CR Racing, this year’s event wasn’t just about finishing. It was about proving that elite Australian engineering can conquer one of the world’s most notorious rally raids—with the right partners behind them.

In collaboration with Rugged USA Imports, CR Racing brought a fleet of vehicles outfitted with some of the most advanced suspension technology available to the consumer market. Anchored by Fox BDS lift kits and levelling systems, each setup was optimised for a blend of high-speed desert sections and technical, rock-strewn mountain passes. Over more than 1,000 miles of punishing terrain, the performance was nothing short of exceptional.

“Our suspension didn’t just hold up—it performed better than we expected, under conditions no one can really simulate,” said Chris Rowe, CR Racing’s founder and lead driver. “You can have the best drivers in the world, but if your gear doesn’t respond, you’re out. Rugged USA’s setup gave us complete confidence.”

Rugged USA Imports, already well-known across the Australian 4WD and overlanding community, is more than a parts distributor. They represent a curated portfolio of elite American brands—tested in desert races, overland crossings and deep in the bush. Their strength lies not just in products, but in matching solutions to real-world demands. For CR Racing, that meant a bespoke package capable of withstanding the relentless oscillation, heat and mechanical stress that define Baja.

The results speak volumes. Not only did CR Racing finish, they did so with minimal mechanical issues and a ride quality that allowed their drivers to push harder for longer.

But the story here isn’t just technical. It’s cultural. It’s about two teams on either side of the Pacific—one racing, one outfitting—each committed to pushing boundaries. Each invested in seeing Australian talent rise to international levels with the kind of gear that doesn’t just keep up, but leads.

From the loose sand washes of San Felipe to the brutal Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, this year's Baja proved one thing definitively: with the right suspension beneath you, there’s no terrain you can’t overcome.

Whether you’re chasing the podium or the horizon, Rugged USA’s range of suspension solutions is ready for what’s next.