A KENDAL endurance racer is preparing to embark on a gruelling 1,200 mile rally in North America - the longest non-stop point-to-point race in the world.

Eddie Meek, 36, is due to take part in the Baja 1000 Iron Man Challenge in Mexico, an off-road race held next week.

Set on the Californian Peninsula, it is expected to attract around 500 motorcycle, buggie, truck, stock car and other race vehicle drivers.

The race will start in Ensenada, Baja California, and finish in La Paz, Baja California Sur.

Many motorcyclists form teams and ride the circuit in shifts, allowing riders time to rest and recoup.

But Eddie, who will be sponsored by tyre manufacturer Maxxis, is one of only 10 racers who plan to ride the whole 1,200 mile circuit on his own; stopping only to refuel and pit.

He has already competed in a range of demanding races, including the Finke Desert Race in Australia, the Dawn to Dusk 24 hour enduro Weston Beach Race, Le Touquet Beach Race, The Tough One Extreme, and many more enduro championships. Through this, he has come to understand the key products he needs to guarantee an enhanced performance.

“Every competition I’ve ever competed in so far has led me to this one," he said. "I know the challenge will be testing, but I whole-heartedly believe that I have all the right parts and accessories to ensure I have absolute confidence on the track.

“I don’t like to do anything by halves, so I will be taking on the trek alone. I aim to do a test run a few days before, to feel the track out and plan my fuel and pit points. It’s extremely exciting."

With the challenge expected to push racers to their limit, it is pivotal Eddie has only the best accessories and components to better his chances of having a smooth and successful ride. As a result, Eddie will be competing on Maxxis’ desert IT tyres. The tyres benefit from a unique knob and groove tread design, which promises to offer exceptional and precise handling, particularly through intermediate conditions.

Maxxis managing director Derek McMartin, said: “The Baja 1000 is a truly testing rally, not for the faint hearted. Eddie is expected to compete the whole race on his own, where many others wouldn’t dare. It will be challenging and demanding, and his steel determination is exactly why we’re proud to support him on his voyage."

For more information, or to keep up with Eddie’s journey, visit www.facebook.com/Eddie-Meeks-Baja-1000-218505861979081