The Baja 1000 race certainly ranks as one of the toughest motorsport events in the world. Twenty four hours and 1000 miles of off-road riding across the Baja peninsular in Mexico is a major challenge for any motorcycle. The arduous ride is split between five team members, but they can only use one motorcycle. Therefore it needs to be rugged and strong as well as having the performance and handling to overcome the competition. With these criteria in mind it seemed fitting that BMW Motorrad enter its HP2 Enduro. The 1200cc 105hp off-road machine is one of the most single-minded bikes that the firm has ever produced. It is the ideal motorcycle to take on the challenge of the Baja peninsula. The BMW Motorrad team will compete with 25 other teams in the Open Pro class.  This is not the first time that BMW Motorrad has sent its official team to Baja. In June a three man team of Jimmy Lewis, Dave Donatoni and Beau Hayden finished eighth overall in the shorter Baja 500. For this year's big race only Hayden remains on the BMW team. Due to prior engagements and injury neither of the other two riders will be available to compete. Despite this the five-man team has a great chance of glory at Baja. This year's 1000-mile race will be even more gruelling than previous events after Hurricanes swept through the area earlier in 2006. The resulting damage will create further obstacles in the form of huge ruts and washouts, but the BMW team is completely prepared for the challenge. The BMW HP2 Enduro's 105hp will be perfectly suited for the wide open sections and should give the team a competitive advantage. Hayden will leave the start line in Ensenada at approximately 6.10am on 16 November. He will ride the first 246 miles before handing over to Baja legend Ron Bishop. Bishop has raced in every Baja 1000 since the annual race began in 1967, making this his 39th event - his experience is invaluable. At 340 miles he will pass the bike to Chuck Dempsey who will then swap with Tony Megla at the 554-mile marker. At this point in the race, the BMW HP2 Enduro will receive one of its few modifications from standard - the fitting of a powerful set of headlights from Baja Designs. These additions will allow Megla and the final rider Peter Postel to ride the treacherous off-road course in the pitch black of night. If all goes according to plan, Postel will cross the finish line in La Paz at approximately 7am. The bike will have covered 1047 miles. However with the team's experience and the performance of the HP2 Enduro everyone involved is expecting big things.