Shelby Hall, granddaughter of off-road racing legend Rod Hall, has announced the formation of her first independent race team set to compete in the upcoming NORRA Mexican 1000. This milestone marks a significant new chapter in the Hall family’s storied racing legacy while paying homage to the iconic partnership between Ford Bronco and the legendary Bill Stroppe. Enhancing the historic significance, Hall’s team will make history as the first independent team to debut and compete with the Bronco DR.
“Racing is in my blood,” said Hall. “It’s an incredible feeling to launch my own team while carrying forward the traditions my grandfather established. The Mexican 1000 is where so much of our family history was written, and I’m honored to continue that legacy on these same challenging Baja trails.”
Rod Hall’s influence on off-road racing is significant. With 25 class wins at the Baja 1000 and numerous victories throughout a 5-decade career , he established himself as one of the most successful and consistent competitors in the sport’s history. His remarkable record includes an unbroken streak of competing in 50 consecutive Baja competitions.
In 2015 and 2016, Shelby and her grandfather competed in the Mexican 1000, in his restored 1968 Ford Bronco. They made it to the podium with a 2nd-in-Class trophy in both 2015 and 2016. The Bronco was originally a Stroppe creation that won the Mexican 1000 and its class.
Racing under the banner of Shelby Hall Off-Road and backed by LFI in Colorado, the team will feature Shelby Hall and Brady Melin competing in a Bronco DR with the iconic Stroppe Livery. This new team pays tribute to the legendary partnership between Ford Bronco and Bill Stroppe, whose “Baja Broncos” cemented the vehicle’s reputation for durability and performance in off-road racing. Stroppe’s collaboration with Ford led to numerous victories in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including the historic 1969 Mexican 1000 win with Rod Hall and Larry Minor. The team’s Bronco DR will proudly wear a Stroppe-inspired livery which became a symbol of Bronco racing success.
“The Bronco and Stroppe legacy represents the perfect blend of manufacturer commitment and racing innovation,” Hall explained. “We’re proud to honor that heritage with our team’s approach, combining time-tested racing principles with modern technology and preparation.”
The NORRA Mexican 1000, known as “The Happiest Race on Earth,” presents the perfect venue for Hall’s team debut, offering a challenging course that tests both driver skill and vehicle endurance across the legendary Baja California peninsula.
