In June of 1967 he joined Drino Miller in a Meyers Manx to take on the speed record through Baja set by the Ekins brothers. Lawlor’s job was to cover the attempt for the press. Ed Pearlman organized the run. Pearlman drove with Dick Cepek in a Landcrusier with a Chevy V-8 engine as did Claud Dozier and Ed Orr. The men did not break any records on their trip, however the trip is credited for giving Pearlman the idea of starting the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) and the Mexican 1000 race through Baja.
Sources: Interview with Pete Condos Fiolka, Marty. 2005. 1000 Miles to Glory, The History of the Baja 1000. Phoenix, AZ.: David Bull Publishing.