"Long before social media, Cameron Steele was doing social media. He is one of off-road's early cross over pioneers, sharing his love for desert racing, adventure travel, and all things Baja with the world outside of the off-road community." -From his 2018 Off-Road Racing Motorsports Hall Of Fame Induction.
A lifelong Southern Californian, Steele began traveling to Baja with his father, Baja racer Mark "Big Daddy" Steele. Big Daddy was a private pilot and the sales manager for Parnelli Jones. Jones asked Big Daddy to fly him down for his 1970 NORRA 1000 run. The following year, Big Daddy was on the grid himself in a Class One car, and by 1972, his family was riding along in their RV.
After a stint as a competitive bodyboarder, Cameron began navigating races for Big Daddy. By the late 80s, Big Daddy retired, and Cameron moved into the driver's seat. He worked his way up from Baja Bugs to Trophy Trucks riding a few motorcycles along the way. In 2017, Steele set his sights on winning the 50th anniversary Baja 1000. Big Daddy, his wife, and daughter were with him as he planned to announce his retirement after the finish. He finished second. His retirement would have to wait. Sadly, Big Daddy passed a few months later. In 2018, with Big Daddy's ashes along for the ride, they won their first overall Baja 1000 victory.
Racing legend Johnny Campbell calls Steele "Baja's biggest ambassador," and I must agree. When he's not leading his many off-road tours, you can find him hosting his Baja Beach Bash to raise money for the Rancho Santa Marta School and Orphanage. We met at Baja HQ, his San Clemente business that functions in equal parts as a tire and wheel shop, race prep space, travel and tour headquarters, shrine, and clubhouse for all his off-road amigos.
Enjoy the conversation with Cameron Steele, Baja's biggest ambassador.
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