As is often the case with all good racing stories, the drama preceding the 347 competitors embarking on the 631.35-mile (1016km) course, nearly overshadowed the actual action.
Picture four Kiwi blokes - Stephen Blackley, of Wanaka, and his long-time enduro riding mates from Wellington, Hugh Lintott, Tim Steeneken and Tony Rutter, arriving in San Diego.
They pick up a motorhome to drive down to the northern part of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, where what is billed as the toughest endurance race in the world will be held. So far so good.
Then they discover the two motorbikes they were going to use for the reconnaissance run have been stolen.
They travel the two hours to Los Angeles to buy another at auction and, pleased with their purchase, attach it to the vehicle's roof.
The tie-downs prove to be let-downs as the hapless two-wheeler falls from its perch and is rendered useless after being dragged along the highway.
Speaking from his Albert Town home this week, Mr Blackley (41) could see the amusing side to the story now but having to use their race motorbike for the pre-run "wasn't ideal" at the time, he said.
The foursome bought a Yamaha WR250 and prepared it meticulously to go the distance.
"Everything was made to be bulletproof."
All the plastic hardware was replaced with alloy to withstand the rough, rock-strewn and sandy terrain.
The team also used Michelin's bib mousse foam tubing inside the tyres to prevent punctures.
The 12-litre fuel tank had a dry break filler system installed, which allowed for petrol to be dumped in at speed before the rider rushed on his way.
This year's race was a loop - starting and finishing in Ensenada - and the New Zealand team's lead rider left the start gate at 6.51am on November 22, and completed the first 64km before Mr Blackley took his turn over the next 160km.
A floor sander by trade and keen endurance rider in his leisure time, he had wanted to go last year, but sponsorship fell through.
This year, everything slotted into place for the four friends, allowing them to compete in the 41st running of the Baja 1000.
Racing during the daytime made it easier to spot the potential booby traps that the spectators are well-documented as building, but come night-time, it was a different story.
"I hit a few," Mr Blackley said ruefully. "I hadn't really ridden much at night [beforehand]."
His GPS-provided path lit by a high-intensity discharge light, he negotiated the natural undulating gravel and desert roads without trouble.
It was the unofficial obstacles that caused consternation. Competitors are warned to be wary of large crowds in the course's remote parts because they may be clustered around hidden traps or obstacle changes.
Many of the booby traps are not created to deliberately injure the competitors and instead serve as spectator entertainment spots.
Riding up over a hill, Mr Blackley could be surprised by a steep ramp and accompanying drop, or encounter an unanticipated dug-out hole - much to the amusement of spectators.
The organisers were fairly laid back about such carry on, he said. "They have got rules but the rules are pretty vague."
Other hindrances to watch out for included on-coming vehicles ignoring the road-closed signs and wandering animals oblivious to the motorbikes, buggies, trucks and custom-fabricated race vehicles tearing through their habitat.
Despite all the hazards, Mr Blackley only came off the motorbike once and had a small argument with a cactus but otherwise escaped unscathed.
Among the entries from 39 of the United States and 24 other countries were high-budget teams using spotter helicopters, radioing any unforeseen hold-ups to drivers.
The course's technical nature meant the New Zealand team's average speed was 60kmh, although one section - located 2m below sea level - was similar to the Bonneville Salt Flats, allowing speeds of up to 225kmh, Mr Blackley said.
The team's finishing rider crossed the line at 11.51pm, exactly 17 hours after they started.
They finished second in Class 20 for motorbikes of 250cc and under.
"We went there just to have fun but we wanted to do well," Mr Blackley said.
While the majority of motorbikes recorded an end time, in the unlimited and trophy truck classes the list of DNFs (did not finish) far outweighed those who made it home.
