Ed Pearlman is the man who first organized the Mexican 1000, co-founded the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) and founded the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF). His legacy of contributions to the development of off-road motorsports is undeniable

He served in the Pacific theater during World War II as a Marine. During his time in Guam he organized fun jeep races for the troops to help keep up moral. When he returned from the War he purchased a surplus jeep and spent three months touring through Baja finding fishing spots. When he returned, he and his wife Shirley opened a chain of flower shops in the San Fernando Valley, California. In the 1950s off road exploration and fly fishing both interested him greatly. In the early 1960s he began racing for enjoyment at the Riverside off-road events hosted by Brian Chuchua.

In 1966, Don Francisco joined Ed Pearlman and a group of other California based off-road enthusiasts in founding the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA). Francisco helped establish the inaugural Mexican 1000 in 1967. Utilizing his skills as a pilot, Francisco charted a viable racecourse and calculating needed service stop locations. Using his personal aircraft, specially modified to fly on lower octane pump gas, Don was very active during the actual events transporting VIP's and press up and down the race course. He also worked with Pearlman to establish the first set of rules and classes for the sport of off-road racing.

NORRA Releases Dates For 2015 General Tire
NORRA Mexican 1000

-- "The Happiest Race On Earth" To Refocus on Vintage Classes --

(Agua Dulce, Calif.): With off-road desert racing’s summer hibernation now up shifting into the frantic pace of fall, the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) today announced the official dates for its 6th Annual General Tire NORRA Mexican 1000 rally. Working in association with local and state officials, the vintage-themed event – known affectionately as “The Happiest Race on Earth” is scheduled to take place from Sunday, April 26 through Wednesday, April 29, 2015.

Once again, a diverse field of over 200 trucks, sedans, buggies and motorcycles are expected to take on a 1,300-plus mile, four-day on and off-road rally from the starting line in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico to the white sand beaches of the resort destination of San Jose Del Cabo at land’s end.