SCORE International

From SCORE Journal


BACK TO ENSENADA | May 2024 Issue

The 2024 Season of the SCORE World Desert Championship started with breaking records at the King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250. Now racers and fans return to Ensenada, Mexico for the BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500. Entries for this race continue to climb with approximately 260 teams representing the top racers in off-road motorsports who are expected to compete. Read More


GRAND MARSHAL RODRIGO AMPUDIA SR | May 2024 Issue

One of the most recognizable and admired figures in all of Baja California, entrepreneur, racer, and race team owner Rodrigo Ampudia Sr. has agreed to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500. Read More


1974 THE FIRST SCORE BAJA 500 RACE | May 2024 Issue

The first Baja 500 race actually started in 1969 by NORRA. Then in 1972, it was organized by a Mexico tourism group called the Baja Sports Committee, before it was handed over to SCORE International to organize it for the first time in 1974. Legal issues, however, prevented SCORE from calling it the “Baja 500” until 1991. Read More



SCORE Journal  | Issue 4 2024

Cover Page 1
Table of Contents
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2024 World Desert Championship logo

Hook/Norman duo set for SCORE Baja 500

SCORE Baja 500 and 2024 Ocean Cup Marathon

By Gabriel Garcia, SCORE Media Operations Director, Gabriel@SCORE-international.com
Dominic Clark, SCORE Historian, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

PALM BEACH, Fla.—Going from the majestic deserts in Baja California, Mexico to the glamorous waters off South Florida, USA, World Champion off-shore powerboat racer Nigel Hook is teaming up with desert-racing champion Roger Norman to run a desert race and a powerboat race in back-to-back weekends in June.

Read More
Hook/Norman duo set for SCORE Baja 500

Hook/Norman duo set for SCORE Baja 500

SCORE Baja 500 and 2024 Ocean Cup Marathon

By Gabriel Garcia, SCORE Media Operations Director, Gabriel@SCORE-international.com
Dominic Clark, SCORE Historian, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

PALM BEACH, Fla.—Going from the majestic deserts in Baja California, Mexico to the glamorous waters off South Florida, USA, World Champion off-shore powerboat racer Nigel Hook is teaming up with desert-racing champion Roger Norman to run a desert race and a powerboat race in back-to-back weekends in June.

Read More

Nigel Hook will be the additional driver for Norman in the Pro UTV Open class at the 56th SCORE Baja 500, Round 2 of the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship. The following week in Palm Beach, Fla., Hook and Norman will be teaming up for the 2024 Ocean C

 “I have always wanted to race in an off-shore race and am looking forward to this opportunity to compete with Nigel and have him compete with me in a major desert race”, commented Norman.

“I have always wanted to race in an off-shore race and am looking forward to this opportunity to compete with Nigel and have him compete with me in a major desert race”, commented Norman.

Hook/Norman duo set for SCORE Baja 500

SCORE Baja 500 and 2024 Ocean Cup Marathon

By Gabriel Garcia, SCORE Media Operations Director, Gabriel@SCORE-international.com
Dominic Clark, SCORE Historian, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

PALM BEACH, Fla.—Going from the majestic deserts in Baja California, Mexico to the glamorous waters off South Florida, USA, World Champion off-shore powerboat racer Nigel Hook is teaming up with desert-racing champion Roger Norman to run a desert race and a powerboat race in back-to-back weekends in June.

     Next week in Ensenada, Mexico, Hook will be the additional driver for Norman in the Pro UTV Open class at the 56th SCORE Baja 500, Round 2 of the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship. The following week in Palm Beach, Fla., Hook and Norman will be teaming up for the 2024 Ocean Cup Gateway Marathon from Palm Beach to Grand Bahama and returning to Palm Beach.

     In Baja, the dynamic duo will drive Norman’s Polaris RZR Pro R UTV on June 1 in the SCORE Baja 500 then head to Florida, where Hook will be managing the throttles and Roger will pilot in the 52’ Mystic Cat powerboat on the following Saturday, June 8.

     After flying through the dusty desert, the team will shift gears to embark on a world record attempt on the Atlantic Ocean in the Ocean Cup.

SCORE BAJA 500

     Held in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, the SCORE Baja 500 celebrates the first SCORE Baja race which was held on July 26, 1974. SCORE is considered the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Organization.

     More than 260 vehicles competing in 45 different classes for Cars, Trucks, UTVs, Motorcycles, and Quads are expected this year. Entries so far have come from 25 U.S. States and 12 countries.

OCEAN CUP

     Since 2013 Ocean Cup has embraced the heritage of powerboat racing providing athletic and sports event services by conducting point to point powerboat competitions in association with Powerboat P1.  APBA is the United States sanctioning authority for the Union Internationale Motonautique, (UIM) the world governing body for powerboat racing.

     Learn more about Ocean Cup at www.OceanCup.com.

CAPTAIN HOOK

    Hook, has been racing offshore powerboats for more than 30 years and is a multi-time World Champion and a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest time ever from Key West to Cuba in 2017.

     Hook and his team set a Guinness World Record from Key West to Cuba in 1 hour, 18 minutes, three seconds on August 17, 2017.

     Originally from England, Hook now lives in Del Mar, Calif., Hook's attraction to powerboat racing came at an early age, following his mentor and uncle, the late Roger Hook, (British National Champion '68, '69) to hundreds of circuit and offshore races, including the legendary Cowes-Torquay-Cowes.

     In addition to a coveted Guinness World Record for his 2017 World Record effort from Key West to Cuba, Hook and his team not only established several APBA and UIM World Records, they were also the first team to ever race to Havana and make it back to Key West on the same day under their own power.

STORMIN’ NORMAN

     When deciding on a partner to race the Gateway Marathon, Hook enlisted veteran desert racing champion and promotor of the SCORE World Desert Championship, Roger Norman.  Celebrated in the history books for his overall win of the 2008 SCORE Baja 1000, Norman is no stranger to speed and adrenaline.

     With a long history of wins in the point-to-point or large loop races in the SCORE World Desert Championship, Norman has proven his focus, drive, and determination.  Son of Fran Muncey, inductee into the American Motorsports Hall of Fame, Norman spent much of his childhood on the Thunderboat circuit following his step-father, and unlimited Hydroplane racing Legend, Bill Muncey.

     “I have always wanted to race in an off-shore race and am looking forward to this opportunity to compete with Nigel and have him compete with me in a major desert race”, commented Norman.

SCORE BAJA 500 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024 – Registration begins for racers and media at Riviera Convention Center.

Thursday, May 30th, 2023 – Qualifying for select classes, registration for racers and media continues.

Qualifying is NOT OPEN to the public but available to view on Live Stream at www.score-international.com or the SCORE International App.

Friday, May 31st, 2024 – Contingency Row Festivities in front of Riviera del Pacifico Center for public to enjoy.  Registrations continue and Drivers Meetings will be held at 7pm at Riviera del Pacifico Center.

Saturday, June 1st, 2024 – Motocycles and quads ceremonial start at 2:30AM and 4-Wheel Ceremonial Start at 6:15am.

Sunday, June 2nd, 2024 – Awards Celebration with Champions at Riviera del Pacifico Center in Cathedral Room.

OCEAN CUP SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, June 6th, 2024 - The festivities will kick off with registration.

Friday, June 7th, 2024 - Dry pits public viewing of the boats will be from 10am-4pm at The Ben Hotel on the lawn.  Following the viewing, between 4-5pm, the boats will launch at Currie Park Boat Ramp, 2400 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach, and head for the Wet Pits at Sailfish Marina, 98 Lake Dr, Palm Beach Shores.

Between 6-8pm there will be a Meet & Greet at the Tiki Hut on Docks a & B at the Sailfish Marina.

Saturday, June 8th, 2024 – RACE DAY with Sea Cadet Color Guard starting at 8:30am, Boats will be departing Docks at 8:45am and the start for the first boat is scheduled for 9am from Ocean Pointe to tackle the 128-mile course, a non-stop round-trip from Palm Beach’s Lake Worth Inlet to the 79th Meriden at West End, Bahamas and back!

Boats are anticipated back at the docks of the Sailfish Marina between 10:30am – 1pm, with an awards ceremony at 5pm at The Ben Hotel, 251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach.

The Sailfish Marina Resort’s courtesy trolley will be running from 8am-2pm on Singer Island between aux parking & Sailfish & Ocean Pointe.

SCORE BAJA 500 & OCEAN CUP LIVE STREAM

     Both events will be covered via live streaming. The SCORE Baja 500 will air on www.score-international.com.

     A live stream powered by Star Stream and Satcom Direct will be available on race day for all to follow at www.oceancup.com.

BFGoodrich 2024 SCORE Baja 500 Map | Click Map to download High Resolution Image

BFGoodrich 2024 SCORE Baja 500 Schedule

Date: May 29 - June 2, 2024 | Location: Ensenada, B.C., Mexico

5pm May 10: Submit notarized waivers for band mailing or pickup at onsite registration.

9pm May 17: Last opportunity to register online or in person at the Ensenada office.

Qualifying for Trophy Truck, TT Legends, and TT Spec classes: Requires prior completion of race registration and all fees paid by May 17, 9pm.

Event Schedule

1pm-7pm: Racer Registration - Mandatory for Qualifying Teams
1pm-5pm: Media Registration and Chassis Inspections
7pm: Moto and Quad Rider Meeting

7am: Qualifying for Trophy Truck, TT Legends, TT Spec Classes
9am-5pm: Chassis Inspections, Stella Bracket Purchases, Checks & Installations

8am-4pm: Racer Registration
8am-6pm: Contingency Row, Technical Inspection, Transponder Checks

2:00am: Staging Begins for Motos and Quads
6:15am: 4-Wheel Ceremonial Start
3:00pm – 11:00pm: Posting of Unofficial Finishers

Sunday, June 2: Official results and awards celebration will be posted and held in the Cathedral Room, Riviera del Pacifico Center.

2024 SCORE Pro Moto Unlimited Points Leaders

Arturo Salas

1. Arturo Salas

103 Points
Austin Eddy

2. Austin Eddy

97 Points
Fernando Beltran

3. Fernando Beltran

93 Points
Tucker Hopkins

4. Tucker Hopkins

90 Points
Bryce Stavron

5. Bryce Stavron

88 Points
Eric Holt

6. Eric Holt

87 Points

2024 SCORE Trophy Truck Legends Points Leaders

Gustavo Vildosola Sr.

1. Gustavo Vildosola Sr.

96 Points
Clay Lawrence

2. Clay Lawrence

90 Points
Greg Adler

3. Greg Adler

86 Points
Rolf Helland

4. Rolf Helland

83 Points
David Payne

5. David Payne

81 Points
Wade Porter

6. Wade Porter

35 Points

The Latest News from Score International

Hook/Norman duo set for SCORE Baja 500

PALM BEACH, Fla.—Going from the majestic deserts in Baja California, Mexico to the glamorous waters off South Florida, USA, World Champion off-shore powerboat racer Nigel Hook is teaming up with desert-racing champion Roger Norman to run a desert race and ... Read More

Starting draw results for SCORE Baja 500

Mexican National Arutro Salas Jr will be the first motorcycle to leave the start line next Saturday at the legendary BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500. Most of the start positions were determined by the finishing order from the previous ... Read More

Grand Marshal: Rodrigo Ampudia Sr.

One of the most recognizable and admired figures in all of Baja California, entrepreneur, racer, and race team owner, Rodrigo Ampudia Sr has agreed to be the Grand Mashal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500, SCORE announced ... Read More

Sylvania - Leader in Off-road Lighting

SYLVANIA Off Road Partners with SCORE International

Partnership sheds light on SYLVANIA’s robust off-road automotive lighting expertise

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

SCORE International Off-Road Racing is pleased to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the official lights partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Premier off-road racing series. The SCORE World Desert Championship series, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which take place in Baja California, Mexico.

Read More
Sylvania the Leader in Off-road Lighting

SYLVANIA Off Road Partners with SCORE International

Partnership sheds light on SYLVANIA’s robust off-road automotive lighting expertise

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

SCORE International Off-Road Racing is pleased to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the official lights partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Premier off-road racing series. The SCORE World Desert Championship series, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which take place in Baja California, Mexico.

Read More About Sylvania

SYLVANIA Off Road Partners with SCORE International

Partnership sheds light on SYLVANIA’s robust off-road automotive lighting expertise

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico, -- SCORE International Off-Road Racing is pleased to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the official lights partner of the SCORE World Desert Championship, the Premier off-road racing series. The SCORE World Desert Championship series, in operation for over 50 years, produces the globally known race brands, SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400 and SCORE San Felipe 250, which take place in Baja California, Mexico.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome SYLVANIA Off Road as the newest sponsor of the SCORE World Desert Championship!” said Jim Ryan, SCORE Vice-President of Marketing & Sales. “Having a Heritage brand like SYLVANIA partner with us to bring their lighting expertise to the off-road racing market is really leveling-up the experience for our brand and our racers.”

SYLVANIA Off Road offers a selection of LED light bars and pods for the off-road space that delivers superior optical engineering, water resistance, durable design and are backed by a lifetime limited warranty. The SYLVANIA off-road portfolio includes three product lines: the Slim series with a compact design allowing installation almost anywhere on the vehicle; the Rugged series with a durable, waterproof design made to withstand tough environments; and the Ultra series, designed for ultimate off-road visibility with the highest lumen output of the product lines. In addition to these lines, SYLVANIA offers a variety of off-road installation accessories.

SYLVANIA’s Director of Marketing Erin O’Malley said, “We are excited to partner with the iconic SCORE racing series and look forward to showcasing the quality, durability and overall performance of all our off-road automotive lighting products with this enthusiastic and discerning community.”

For details and to learn more about SYLVANIA Off Road, visit https://www.sylvania-automotive.com/off-road-lighting.

Details regarding the SCORE World Desert Championship are available on https://score-raceinfo.com/.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

SYLVANIA is a trademark of OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc. and part of the ams OSRAM group. As a global company with a history dating back 110 years and businesses around the world, the ams OSRAM Group's innovation, ingenuity, technical prowess and industry know-how represent a winning combination for our partners and our consumers. SYLVANIA is a well-recognized brand that is professional, reliable and committed to aftermarket solutions, representing a winning combination for our partners and our consumers. SYLVANIA's integrated, in-house skills allow for the development of products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing. SYLVANIA’s long history of delivering innovative aftermarket solutions continues to drive its mission to create a more connected road for everyone. To learn more, visit our website.

The Rugged Radio Showroom is an open area with products and cool vehicles on display

After starting out in a small garage, Rugged Radios founder and president Greg Cottrell grew his radio and communication equipment business into a giant in the industry. We recently visited the company’s latest complex in Arroyo Grande, California, a small town neighboring Pismo Beach, which showcases the company’s passion for communication technology as well as vintage cars, motorcycles, race vehicles, and more.

RUGGED RADIOS

The Rugged Radio Showroom is an open area with products and cool vehicles on display

Communication support and race support vehicles are ready to help racers and enthusiasts at every SCORE race

Communication support and race support vehicles are ready to help racers and enthusiasts at every SCORE race

Rugged Radios is the Official Communications of SCORE International
The Garage is an area where vehicles are worked on and new products are prototyped

Rugged Radios is the Official Communications of SCORE International

In his personal shop and collection, Cottrell has an area replicating his dad’s original motorcycle repair shop

In his personal shop and collection, Cottrell has an area replicating his dad’s original motorcycle repair shop

RUGGED RADIOS

A NEW COMPLEX SHOWCASES A PASSION FOR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

By Dan Sanchez

After starting out in a small garage, Rugged Radios founder and president Greg Cottrell grew his radio and communication equipment business into a giant in the industry. We recently visited the company’s latest complex in Arroyo Grande, California, a small town neighboring Pismo Beach, which showcases the company’s passion for communication technology as well as vintage cars, motorcycles, race vehicles, and more.

“Our home is here in Arroyo Grande,” said Cottrell. “My dad had a motorcycle repair shop in Covina, California, and I began getting involved in it with him when he began racing in SCORE in the 70s.” Cottrell learned early on that communication is critical for safety during racing or other off-road adventures. Cottrell later moved to Arroyo Grande and began working on improving the communication systems that were available at the time, and he soon became a leader in the marketplace.

“I’ve been in the business of communication technology for 32 years and started Rugged Radios over 18 years ago,” said Cottrell. “I started out in my garage, and now we have a state-of-the-art complex designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.” 

The Rugged Radios facility isn’t just a large, bland building in the middle of town. The beautiful exterior and interior are inviting to everyone interested in cars, motorcycles, off-road, Overlanding, and anything else on two or four wheels. “For us, it’s all about energy,” said Cottrell. “When you walk in, you feel the company– who we are– become immersed in the activity here, and you begin to realize you’re in the communications superstore.”

With more than 50 employees, the showroom is open and allows customers to see everything from order-taking, R&D, production, shipping, and more. You will also be surrounded by multiple vintage motorcycles, buggies, race vehicles, and hot-rods, all on display with the company’s products in them. From headsets for helmets to the latest GMRS communication units, samples are available for customers to pick up, feel, and ask questions.

The employees also show pride in working there, and although the main building and showroom are impressive, there’s much more to the Rugged Radios complex. Alongside the main building is the company’s new taco stand, a small building with a full kitchen that is still being prepared to make, sell, and distribute Baja-style tacos. 

“The taco stand is being set up for when we have events such as car shows here at Rugged,” said Steve Gonzalez, Rugged warehouse manager. “We have events here that bring in hundreds of vehicles, and people want to eat, so we took our love of tacos from Baja and brought it to our facility.”

The Rugged complex also houses the company’s “garage,” where new products are prototyped and tested and where team members can work on their vehicles. Everything from welding tools to a CNC laser cutter is in this area to maximize creativity and design. Behind the Garage is another building where all of Cottrell’s personal toys are housed and showcased. Vintage motorcycles, Baja Bugs, Jeeps, a vintage trailer, collectible bicycles, and a replica of his dad’s motorcycle repair shop are all displayed in a tribute to the passions Cottrell shares.

Between the main building and the Garage are numerous Rugged Radio vehicles, including show support and product trailers, along with four-wheel show and pre-runner trucks. 

“This year, we partnered with SCORE International as the Official Radio Communications company,” said Cottrell. “It’s been a dream of mine to become involved with SCORE in an official capacity, as we support SCORE and SCORE supports us. Most importantly, we support the racers at every event and teach them how to install, check, and recheck their equipment before a race. This partnership with SCORE is only the beginning, and I can’t wait for the many more years to come.”

For more information on the Rugged Radios location or any of the Rugged Radio products, visit them at www.ruggedradios.com.

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March 20-March 24, 2024
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May 29–June 2, 2024
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Sept. 11-15, 2024
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Nov. 12-17, 2024

Official Letters from Mexico | Score International

Introducing SCORE Baja 1000 Tequila

As a homage to Mexican culture and the vibrant tradition of BAJA 1000 racing celebrations, SCORE International takes pride in crafting a tequila that embodies its rich history and cultural heritage. Here's to raising a glass to one of the world's premier motorsports events.

SCORE BAJA 1000 Tequila is more than just a beverage; it's a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the celebration of adventure. Our premium Tequila celebrates 50 years off-road racing in Baja and delivers a unique and memorable drinking experience. Proudly distilled in Tequila, Mexico, we invite you to enjoy on the rocks, or in cocktails with friends and share the adventure!

Starting draw results for SCORE Baja 500

Mexican National Arutro Salas Jr will be the first motorcycle to leave the start line next Saturday at the legendary BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500. Most of the start positions were determined by the finishing order from the previous race and the balance of the starting positions for the first 241 entries were announced this week as racers from around the world are heading to Baja California, Mexico for the popular early summer race.

Starting draw results for SCORE Baja 500

By Gabriel Garcia, SCORE Media Operations Director, Gabriel@SCORE-international.com
Dominic Clark, SCORE Historian, Dominic@SCORE-International.com

ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico—Mexican National Arutro Salas Jr will be the first motorcycle to leave the start line next Saturday at the legendary BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500. Most of the start positions were determined by the finishing order from the previous race and the balance of the starting positions for the first 241 entries were announced this week as racers from around the world are heading to Baja California, Mexico for the popular early summer race.

AN EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL STATURE

     Race festivities in Ensenada will be held May 29 to June 2 for the second round of the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship.

     With over 260 entries expected at the start line, 246 entries to date include racers entered to make the trip to Mexican soil from 25 U.S. States, host country Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, and Peru.

     Among the U.S. States represented are California, New York, Washington, Florida, Hawaii, Ilinois and Nevada.

     In the most recent entry list, the classes with the most entries so far are SCORE Trophy Truck with 34, followed by Trophy Truck Spec with 33, Pro UTV Open (23), Pro UTV FI (19), Class 10 (16), and Pro UTV Stock (15).

     Among the motorcycle classes with the most entries so far are Pro Moto Ironman (solo riders) with 13 and Pro Moto Unlimited with 10.

YOUNG SALAS

     Salas Junior Jr, 21, from Tecate, Mexico, will once again count on 19-year-old Carter Klein, of Agua Dulce, California, as his additional rider aboard the Hero Racing team's No. 11x Honda CRF450X motorcycle, looking to emulate what they accomplished at the 37th edition of the King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 last March, an Overall Motorcycle victory.

     Salas Jr was the overall motorcycle winner last year in the SCORE Baja 500, with Clayton Roberts of Hesperia, Calif. as he second rider, aboard a KTM 450XCF motorcycle.

     A total of 10 riders are entered to date in Pro Moto Unlimited class, with Salas and Klein leading SCORE in points in that class. The Slam Life Racing team will start seventh with SCORE champion Justin Morgan, 34, of El Cajon, Calif., as the rider of record.

     Morgan will be sharing the seat of the No. 7x Honda CRF450X motorcycle with multi-time SCORE champion Mark Samuels, 34, of Yucca Valley, California, as well as 23-year-old Tyler Linn of Mona, Utah, as the other two riders on the three-rider team.

SCORE TROPHY TRUCK QUALIFYING

     In SCORE Trophy Trucks, Bryce Menzies, of Las Vegas, will be the first truck to be part of the Method Race Wheels Qualifying, as he was the first driver to enter in his No. 1 Ford Raptor Mason.

     Menzies won last year's SCORE Baja 500 overall, so he will be looking to make it back-to-back wins, but to do so, he must first maintain his stellar driving in Method Race Wheels Qualifying and then on the race.

     Veteran Cameron Steele, 55, of San Clemente, California, who finished fifth in this year's SCORE San Felipe 250, will be the second racer to seek his starting spot in Method Race Wheels Qualifying, having never won the overall SCORE Baja 500 in his brilliant Hall of Fame desert-racing career.

Mexico’s Alan Ampudia, 33, from Ensenada, Baja California, will qualify 17th, driving his No. 10 Team Papas Ford Raptor, looking to return to the top of the winner's circle, something that happened this March at the SCORE San Felipe 250.

TROPHY TRUCK SPEC QUALIFYING

     In the Trophy Truck Spec class, there are 33 trucks entered to date, with 29-year-old Maverick Gaunt, from Torrance, Calif., entering first to be able to qualify first in the No. 258 Geiser-Chevy.

     During the 2023 SCORE Baja 500, 46-year-old Jason McNeil of El Cajon, Calif., was celebrating in Ensenada as the best in class in his TSCO-Chevy. He finished seventh in class in this year’s SCORE San Felipe 250 and will qualify 11th next Thursday in Ensenada.

RACE WEEK FESTIVITES

     The colorful contingency row and tech inspection of all the participating vehicles will be held on Friday, May 31 on Ensenada's Boulevard Costero from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, adjacent to the iconic Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. With the Manufacturer’s Midway and multiple local vendors, the pre-race pageantry draws upwards 50,000 people for the event that is free to the public.

     On Saturday, June 1, the green flag will drop on the Boulevard Costero, with the first motorcycle departing at 2:30 a.m. PT, while the first 4-wheeler will depart at 6:15 a.m. PT, having to overcome a 486-mile race course.  While the fastest vehicles are expected to finish in approximately 10 hours, all vehicles Will have a 20-hour time limit to become official finishers in the elapsed-time race.

     The awards celebration will be held on Sunday, June 2 at the Cathedral Hall of the Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center at 12:30 p.m.

    Qualifying, contingency and the race days will be part of SCORE Live with Rat Sult on SCORE's official YouTube channel and also its official Facebook account. Tracking of the race vehicles will be available during the race through the SCORE website.

METHOD RACE WHEELS QUALIFYING

     SCORE Trophy Trucks, SCORE Trophy Truck, SCORE TT Legend and Trophy Truck Spec classes will hold the Method Race Wheels Qualifying session on Thursday, May 30. Starting with at 7 a.m. PT at a private venue, this event is closed to the public.

     The Method Race Wheels Qualifying will determine the starting order in those three classes for the race, as this is the first time in history that all SCORE four races will hold a qualifying session.

SCORE Live will air the Method Race Wheels Qualifying through the SCORE website.

     Start order for all of the other classes in this race will be determined by a random draw for positions within each class.

GRAN HISTORIA

     This year’s SCORE World Desert Championship includes another special tribute to the iconic SCORE Baja 500.

     The SCORE Baja 500 is one of the top motorsports events in the world. It was started originally in 1969 by the NORRA organization. After NORRA was removed from Baja after the 1972 race, the local Baja Sports Committee produced the 1973 event. Mickey Thompson and his SCORE International organization were invited by the Mexican government to take over the event starting in 1974.

     Sal Fish ran and later owned and produced the SCORE Baja 500 for 39 years until he sold SCORE in December of 2012.

     The first Baja 500 organized and produced by SCORE was held on July 26, 1974 in Ensenada as the first of nearly 170 SCORE Baja races.

     This year’s SCORE Baja 500 will start for the 50th time in Ensenada and finish for the 46th time in Ensenada.

VERY SPECIAL GRAND MARSHAL

     One of the most recognizable and admired figures in all of Baja California, entrepreneur, racer, and race team owner, Rodrigo Ampudia Sr has agreed to be the Grand Mashal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500.

     Ampudia, 66, of Ensenada, Mexico, co-founder of the popular Papas & Beer night clubs in Ensenada and Rosarito Beach, a multi-time SCORE Baja racer winner, and he is the owner and leader of Team Papas, one of the premier desert racing teams in the SCORE World Desert Championship.

     “This is a unique privilege for SCORE to have an individual of Rodrigo’s stature in Baja California agree to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500,’ commented Jim Ryan, SCORE Vice-President of Marketing and Sales. “For 40 years, Papas & Beer has been a tradition in Ensenada and Rosarito Beach and Team Papas is one of the most respected teams in all of desert racing. We sincerely thank Rodrigo Ampudia Sr for honoring SCORE by being our Grand Marshal for this race that started the legacy of SCORE on July 26, 1974.”

     Ampudia Sr has earned seven class wins in his SCORE racing career, but will quickly tell you that he is proudest of his three sons and what they continue to accomplish in desert racing.

     “My brother (Rogerio) and I ran our first SCORE race in Class 1/2-1600 in 1986, and we have been a part of SCORE Baja racing ever since,” said Rodrigo Ampudia Sr. “God has blessed our family tremendously and now my three sons are the warriors of Team Papas. I am pleased to be the Grand Marshal for the SCORE Baja 500, an event that means so much to Baja California, Ensenada, and the Ampudia family.”

     In his racing career, Rodrigo Ampudia Sr had three wins in the SCORE Baja 500 (1992, 1994, and 2009), one in the SCORE San Felipe 250 (2009), and three in the iconic SCORE Baja 1000 (1990, 1994, and 2017).

     In his 2017 class victory, Ampudia Sr was the second driver for fellow Mexican patriarch racer Gustavo Vildosola Sr, in the SCORE TT Legend class (SCORE Trophy Truck Drivers over 50 years old), the peninsula race from Ensenada to La Paz that was part of the 50th SCORE Baja 1000 celebration.

     Team Papas second generation racers will all be part of this year’s SCORE Baja 500.  Oldest brother Rodrigo Ampudia Jr, 39, will race in the Pro UTV Open class, and brothers Alan Ampudia, 33, and Aaron Ampudia, 31, will split the driving in the Team Papas SCORE Trophy Truck.

     Together the three brothers won the 2019 SCORE Baja 1000 and this year Alan Ampudia drove solo to win the overall and SCORE Trophy Truck title in the King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250.

COURSE PREVIEW

     SCORE President/Race Director Jose A. Grijalva and SCORE Co-Race Director Rodo Fernandez, have put together another memorable race course to challenge the world’s best desert racers. The final distance is 483.06 miles.

     The course runs in a clockwise direction out of and back to the start/finish line compound in Ensenada, traveling through such noted areas as Ojos Negros, Tres Hermanos, El Alamo, Santa Catarina, the Summit (4,140 feet above sea level), Cohabuzo Junction, Saldana, La Ventana access, El Arrajal wash, San Matias Pass, Mike’s Sky Rancho, Simpson’s Road to Valle de Trinidad, West to Llano Colorado, San Vicente Wash, Erendira, Santo Tomas, Uruapan, Rancho El Mezcal, Ojos Negros, and back to the finish line in Ensenada.

     The course has two complete stop physical checkpoints, 240 total virtual checkpoints and 13 speed zones for a total of 40.78 miles.

     Physical Checkpoint 1 is located at race mile 245.64 (near Eolic Field) and Checkpoint 2 is at rm354.71 (Llano Colorado).

     Among the other infamous Baja washes that the course will go through are: El Mezcal Wash, La Rajadura Wash, El Tule Wash, Alamito Wash (before the Summit), En Medio Wash (between the Summit and Cohabuzo), San Matias Wash, Los Encinos Wash, and El Salado Wash.

     All Sportsman classes, Class 11, 5/1600, Baja Challenge and Class 7SX will run a reduced course of a total of 456.91 miles.

     Pre-running starts at race mile 36.95 and finishes at rm446.11. The section from rm9.30 to rm33.12 may be run outbound only on Friday, May 31.

THE KING OF BAJA, BFGOODRICH TIRES

     BFGoodrich Tires, the official tire of SCORE for 48 years, was honored after the 2023 season as the SCORE Pit Support Company of the year for the 33rd time.

     BFGoodrich Tires has been the choice of 35 of the 56 overall winners of the popular SCORE Baja 500 and 33 of the 56 overall winners of the legendary SCORE Baja 1000. BFGoodrich Tires is also the title sponsor of both iconic races again in 2024.

     BFGoodrich Tires also has been the choice of 30 of the 37 overall winners of the SCORE San Felipe 250, all three SCORE Desert Challenge races, the lone SCORE Challenge of Champions in San Felipe, the one SCORE Baja Sur 500 and one of the three overall winners in the SCORE Baja 400.

BFGoodrich Tires has posted a contingency bonus for the overall winner of this year’s race of US$10,000.

SCOREscope

2024 SCORE SCHEDULE

Here are the dates for the three remaining 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship which are being held in Baja California, Mexico for the ninth consecutive year:

BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500—

May 29-June 2, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

5th SCORE Baja 400, presented by VP Racing Fuels—

September 11-15, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

BFGoodrich Tires 57th SCORE Baja 1000—

November 11-17, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

SCORE SPONSORS…

  Official SCORE Sponsors: BFGoodrich Tires-Official Tire and Race Title Sponsor, Ford-Official Truck and SUV, King Shocks-Official Shock Absorber and Race Title Sponsor, Polaris RZR-Official UTV, VP Racing Fuels-Official Fuel and race presenting sponsor, Optima Batteries-Official Battery, Rugged Radios-Official Radio Communication, SYLVANIA Off Road-Official Light, Method Race Wheels-Official Wheel and Race Qualifying sponsor, Lasernut-Official Custom Metal Fabricator, Wide Open Excursions-Official Arrive and Drive Company, Crystal Bay Casino-Official Casino.

  SCORE Official Partners: The Satellite Phone Store, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance.

Additional SCORE Associate Partners: Baja California Secretary of Tourism, MEXICO Secretary of Tourism, San Felipe Foundational Municipal Council, Ensenada Municipal Government, San Felipe Marketing Tourism Committee, Ensenada Marketing Tourism Committee, Ensenada Hotel and Motel Association, Proturismo Ensenada, and Cruz Roja Mexicana.

     For more information regarding SCORE, visit the official website of the SCORE World Desert Championship at www.SCORE-International.com.

 

PRÓXIMA SEMANA EN BAJA CALIFORNIA

Arrancará Arturo Salas Jr al frente

en la edición 56 de la BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500…

 

El corredor de Tecate, Baja California, será el primer motociclista

en la ruta de 483.06 millas tras celebrarse el sorteo de posiciones

 

     ENSENADA, Baja California, México—tras realizarse el sorteo de posiciones para las clases que no estarán calificando en la edición 56 de la BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500, Arturo Salas Junior de 21 años de edad y de Tecate, Baja California, fue el gran afortunado, ya que será el primer competidor en la ruta de 483.06 millas, no solamente en las motocicletas, sino en forma general dentro de la segunda fecha del Campeonato Mundial del Desierto 2024 de Score International.

Salas Junior volverá a contar con Carter Klein, de 19 años de edad y residencia en Agua Dulce, California, como su relevo a bordo de la motocicleta Honda CRF450X número 11x del equipo Hero Racing, pensando en emular lo logrado en la edición 37 de la King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 en marzo pasado, una victoria en forma overall dentro de las motos.

El motociclista mexicano fue el ganador overall hace un año de la SCORE Baja 500 en forma overall, al lado de Clayton Roberts de Hesperia, California, pero a bordo de una motocicleta KTM 450XCF.

Un total de 10 competidores forman parte de la clase Pro Moto Unlimited, con Salas y Klein como líderes de SCORE en puntos dentro de esa clase, destacando que el equipo Slam Life Racing saldrá en la séptima posición, de la mano de Justin Morgan, de 34 años de edad y con residencia en El Cajón, California.

Morgan estará compartiendo el asiento de la motocicleta Honda CRF450X número 7x con Mark Samuels, de 34 años de edad y de Yucca Valley, California, así como Tyler Linn de 23 años de edad y de Mona, Utah, quienes buscarán ganar su primera carrera de la temporada de SCORE.

Un total de 243 equipos de los continentes de América, Asia, Europa y Oceanía, fueron parte del sorteo de posiciones, destacando que se cuenta con al menos un corredor de países como Argentina, Australia, Canadá, Estados Unidos, Chile, Ecuador, Francia, Indonesia, Japón, Nueva Zelanda, Perú y el anfitrión México.

Por parte de los Estados Unidos, hay atletas de 25 estados, entre ellos, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Nueva York y Texas, lo que habla de la importancia de la SCORE Baja 500 en el mundo del Off-Road, no solamente en México, sino en el país de las barras y las estrellas.

MENZIES CALIFICARÁ PRIMERO

En los SCORE Trophy Trucks, Bryce Menzies, de 36 años de edad y de Las Vegas, Nevada, será el primero en la calificación Method Race Wheels, ya que fue el primer piloto en registrarse a bordo de su Ford Raptor Mason número 1.

Menzies ganó el año pasado la SCORE Baja 500 en forma overall, por lo que buscará lograr victorias en forma consecutiva, pero para ello, primero deberá de mantener su manejo estelar dentro de la calificación Method Race Wheels, y luego el sábado 1 en la carrera.

Cameron Steele, de 55 años de edad y de San Clemente, California, quien finalizó quinto en la SCORE San Felipe 250 de este año, será el segundo atleta en buscar su sitio de arranque en la calificación Method Race Wheels, quien nunca ha podido ganar el overall de la SCORE Baja 500 en su brillante carrera dentro del Off-Road.

Alan Ampudia, de 33 años y de Ensenada, Baja California, calificará en el sitio 17, a bordo de su Ford Raptor número 10 del Team Papas, pensando en volver a estar en lo más alto del círculo de los ganadores, algo que sucedió en marzo pasado en el malecón de San Felipe.

GAUNT CALIFICARA PRIMERO EN TROPHY TRUCK SPEC

En la clase Trophy Truck Spec, se contó con 33 participantes en el sorteo de posiciones, siendo Maverick Gaunt, de 29 años de edad y de Torrance, California, quien saldrá primero a bordo de su Truck Geiser número 258 en la ruta que iniciará y comenzará en el Bulevar Costero de Ensenada.

Durante la última SCORE Baja 500, Jason McNeil de 46 años de edad y de El Cajón, California, estuvo celebrando en Ensenada como el mejor en esta clase, a bordo de su Truck TSCO Chevrolet, quien finalizó en la séptima posición de esta clase en la última SCORE San Felipe 250.

MANDAN “LOS MONSTRUOS” en SCORE

La clase con más registros para la SCORE Baja 500 son los SCORE Trophy Trucks con 34, incluidos 8 de la clase SCORE Trophy Trucks Legend, seguida por la clase Trophy Truck Spec con 33, y en tercero aparece la Pro UTV Open con 23 equipos.

En las motocicletas, la clase con más inscritos es la Pro Moto Ironman con 13, mientras que la Pro Moto Unlimited es segunda con 10 corredores para la segunda fecha del Campeonato Mundial del Desierto 2024 de Score International.

AMPUDIA, EL GRAN MARISCAL

Rodrigo Ampudia Señor, de 67 años de edad y Ensenada, Baja California, será el Gran Mariscal de la edición 56 de la BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500, quien es el dueño del Team Papas and Beer, por lo que atenderá en eventos oficiales de la carrera a los medios de comunicación, al igual que será el responsable de dar el banderazo de salida a los participantes.

Ampudia Señor, es ganador en 3 ocasiones de la SCORE Baja 500, al llevarse las ediciones de 1992, 1994 y 2009, además de otras victorias en la Baja 1000 y San Felipe 250, pero enfocado actualmente en seguir los pasos de sus hijos Rodrigo Junior, Alan y Aarón en los eventos de SCORE.

UNA RUTA DE ENSUEÑO

El presidente de SCORE y director de carrera, José Abelardo Grijalva y el co-director de carrera, Rodolfo Fernández, le dieron vida en este año a una ruta con lo mejor de Baja California en cuanto a terrenos, que incluye desierto, playas y montañas. La distancia final es de 483.06 millas.

Comenzará y terminará de nuevo en el Bulevar Costero, adyacente al icónico Centro Social, Cívico y Cultural Riviera en el corazón de Ensenada. La inspección técnica y de revisión mecánica previa a la carrera también se llevará a cabo en el Bulevar Costero, el viernes 31 de mayo de 8 de la mañana a 5 de la tarde, tiempo del Pacífico.

El recorrido se realizará en el sentido de las manecillas del reloj, saliendo y regresando al Bulevar Costero en Ensenada, pasando por zonas tan conocidas como Ojos Negros, Tres Hermanos, El Álamo, Santa Catarina, La Cumbre, Cohabuzo Junction, ejido Saldaña, acceso a La Ventana, arroyo El Arrajal, San Matías, el rancho Mike's Sky, bajarán el Simpson, Valle de Trinidad, Llano Colorado, arroyo San Vicente, ejido Eréndira, la delegación de Santo Tomás, ejido Uruapan, Rancho El Mezcal, Ojos Negros, y de regreso a la meta en Ensenada.

El recorrido tiene dos checkpoints o puntos de control físicos, 240 puntos de control virtuales en total y 13 zonas de velocidad para un total de 40.78 millas.

En esta ocasión, el primer checkpoint se ubicará en la milla 245.64 (cerca de los abánicos eólicos de San Matías) y el punto de control 2 estará en la milla 354.71 (Llano Colorado).

Entre los otros desafiantes arroyos de Baja California que atravesarán la ruta, se encuentran: El Mezcal, La Rajadura, El Tule, Alamito (antes del Summit), En Medio (entre el Summit y Cohabuzo), San Matías, Los Encinos, y El Salado.

Todas las clases Sportsman, Clase 11, 5/1600, Baja Challenge y Clase 7SX cubrirán solamente 456.91 millas, ya que contarán con dos “cortes” en la ruta para que puedan llegar en tiempo y forma a la meta.

VAMOS TODOS AL BULEVAR COSTERO

La revisión mecánica de la SCORE Baja 500 será el viernes 31 de mayo en el Bulevar Costero de Ensenada, de las 8 de la mañana a las 5 de la tarde, actividad que espera reunir a 50 mil personas a lo largo de ese día.

El sábado 1 de junio caerá la bandera verde en el Bulevar Costero, con la primera motocicleta partiendo a las 2:30 de la mañana, mientras que el primer vehículo de 4 ruedas, partirá a las 6:15 de la mañana, teniendo que vencer una ruta de 483.06 millas, y con un tiempo límite para cruzar la meta en Ensenada, de 20 horas.

La ceremonia de premiación se realizará el domingo 2 de junio en el Salón Catedral del Centro Social, Cívico y Cultural Riviera de Ensenada, a las 12:30 de la tarde, recordando que la SCORE Baja 500 será transmitida en vivo por el canal oficial de SCORE en YouTube y también su cuenta oficial de Facebook, con los comentarios del popular Rat Sult desde la rampa de salida y meta.

A GANARSE SITIO DE ARRANQUE

El jueves 30 de mayo se realizará la calificación Method Race Wheels para los SCORE Trophy Trucks, SCORE Trophy Trucks Legend y Trophy Truck Spec, iniciando con prácticas desde las 7 de la mañana en una sede privada, recordando que en este evento no se permitirá el acceso a espectadores.

De esa manera se definirá el orden de arranque en esas 3 clases para la carrera, siendo esta la primera vez en la historia que todas las fechas de SCORE contarán con esta actividad, con lo que se busca generar mayor derrama económica en las sedes de los eventos, como San Felipe y Ensenada.

La calificación Method Race Wheels será transmitida en vivo por las cuentas oficiales de SCORE en Facebook y YouTube, con la opinión de expertos del Off-Road desde los estudios de SCORE en El Cajón, California.

NADIE VENCE A LA LLANTA BFGOODRICH

BFGoodrich Tires, la llanta oficial de SCORE durante 48 años, ha sido galardonada tras la temporada 2023 como la empresa de asistencia en pits de SCORE del año, logro que ha alcanzado ya en 33 ocasiones.

BFGoodrich Tires ha sido la elección de 35 de los 56 ganadores de la popular SCORE Baja 500 y 33 de los 56 ganadores de la legendaria SCORE Baja 1000. BFGoodrich Tires también es el patrocinador principal de ambas carreras icónicas de nuevo en este 2024.

BFGoodrich Tires también ha sido la elección de 30 de los 37 ganadores absolutos de la SCORE San Felipe 250, de las tres carreras del Desafío del Desierto SCORE, de la única edición del SCORE Desafío de Campeones en San Felipe, de la única SCORE Baja Sur 500 y de uno de los tres ganadores absolutos de la SCORE Baja 400.

BFGoodrich Tires ha fijado una bonificación de contingencia para el ganador absoluto de la carrera de este año de 10 mil dólares.

BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500

Round 2 of four-race 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship

May 29-June 2–483.06 miles–Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Total Entries: 246 (as of 5/21/24)

(from 25 U.S. States, host Mexico, Argentina, Australia,

Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Peru)

Pro Cars/Trucks/UTVs

(Starting order, by class)

SCORE TROPHY TRUCK (34*)

(Qualifying Order)

1 Bryce Menzies

16 Cameron Steele

87 Dallas Lutrell

70 Kevin Thompson

58 Tracy Graf

89 Mike Walser

94 Christopher Polvoorde

33 Roberto Romo Jr

21 Gustavo ‘Tavo’ Vildosola Jr

78 Tracy Poole

85 Mikey Lawrence

46 Toby Price

45 Gary Magness

82 Sam Baldi

83 Luke McMillin

23 Dan McMillin

10 Alan Ampudia

19 Tim Herbst

41 Justin Lofton

11 Rob MacCachren

63 Ruben Torres

9 Ethan Ebert

28 Ryan Daniel

56 Ruben Ledezma

72 Aaron Celiceo

27 Jonathan Brenthel

*SCORE TT LEGEND (*8)

(Qualifying Order)

*37L Rolf Helland

*1L Gustavo Vildosola Sr

*61L David Payne

*85L Clay Lawrence

*65L Greg Adler

*99L Shawn Runyon

*67L Paul Kraus

*25L Mark Winkelman

CLASS 1 (7)

153 Brad Wilson

168 Cody Reid

138 Kyle Quinn

127 Cody Parkhouse

133 Alberto Varela

162 Brendan Gaughan

165 Dave Mason Jr

TROPHY TRUCK SPEC (33)

(Qualifying Order)

258 Mavrick Gaunt

245 Ethan Hagle

294 Vincent Munoz

236 Michael Marsal

261 Mick Magher

242 Connor McNeil (DOR-Bryce Swaim)

299 Charles Dorrance

207 Mason Cullen

228 Ryan Hancock

260 Santiago Creel

200 Jason McNeil

297 Jorge Sampietro

289 Tanner Rust

205 Joe Delucie

203 Mitch McNeil

238 Elijah Kiger

285 Justin Davis

266 David Ziegler

263 EJ Herbst

219 Thor Herbst

224 Miles Wyatt

241 Stephen Beal

259 Matt Winslow

213 Josh Beyer

282 Brent Fox

290 Isidro Ochoa

273 Jordan Brenthel

209 J. David Ruvalcaba

277 Travis Williams

274 Shane Lewis

232 Chelsea Magness

262 Linc Day

237 Adam Castaneda

CLASS 10 (16)

1006 Freddie Willert

1000 Francisco Vera

1044 Jason Shipman

1077 Dale Ebberts

1002 Matias Arjona IV

1013 Harley Meservey

1020 Carlos Guillen

1067 Tim Pangborn

1019 Alberto Mendez

1047 Zack McLaren

1079 Manlio F. Diaz

1075 Eliseo Garcia

1001 Shane Lowry-4th RS

1014 Bruce Yee-3rd RS

1023 Tamara Myers-2nd RS

1060 Ted Baker-1st RS

PRO UTV OPEN (23)

1821 Cayden MacCachren

1896 Brock Heger

1886 Branden Sims

1854 Kristen Matlock

1841 Max Eddy Jr

1825 Vito Ranuio

1831 Craig Scanlon

1824 Oscar R. Alvarez

1871 Wayne Matlock

1869 Justin Lambert

1850 Paul Barnhart Jr

1870 Brandon Walsh

1847 Jesus Mendez Jr

1880 Gabe Matthews

1867 Mike Pratt

1876  Mike Cafro

1866 Harrison Weiss

1829 Sierra Romo

1872 Justin Smith

1888 Roger Norman

1889 Paul Munoz Jr

1837 Ronnie Anderson

1861 Mitchell Alsup

PRO UTV FI (19)

2905 Marc Burnett

2944 Phil Blurton

2987 Edgar Garcia

2948 Matt Burroughs

2915 Rickey Arslanian

2956 Bogart Escandon

2906 Zach Selby

2925 Bernardo Perez

2955 Miguel Cortez

2960 Miguel Barraza

2928 Carlos Quezada

2920 Roberto Ruiz

2936 Michael Shell

2992 Sophie Austin

2966 Shane Allen

2951 Herman Johnson

2943 Steve Allen

2962 Jarod Minghini

2980 Bradley Salazar-1st RS

CLASS 7 (4)

703 Scott Brady

711 Richard Fant

718 Luis Vazquez Jr

700 Daniel Chamlee

SCORE LITES (1)

1201 David Caspino

PRO UTV NA (8)

1974 Ethan Groom

1919 Eva Malabanan

1984 David Pedder

1957 Joe Bolton

1925 Michael McFayden

1926 Robert Aguirre

1951 Mike Podratz

1911 Carlos Waumann-1st RS

CLASS 5 (3)

503 Jon Manikateri

510 Gerardo Ibarra-2nd RS

500 Eli Yee-1st RS

PRO UTV STOCK (15)

3907 Jeremy Davis

3928 Endy Chavez

3955 Scott Sappington

3926 Yoshua Morquecho

3916 Jeff Embree

3900 Jorge Cano

3919 Anibal Lopez

3930 Douglas Cornwell

3943 Dennis Romero

3905 Mike Hutton

3906 Mark Levrett

3921 Francisco Beltran

3925 Kaden Wells-3rd RS

3914 Carlos Alonso-2nd RS

3957 Bruce Jett-1st RS

CLASS 1/2-1600 (6)

1606 Daniel Goodrich

1644 Roman Pereyra

1662 Julie Boyer

1671 David Valenzuela B.

1675 Emilio Salcido

1656 Raul Ojeda-1st RS

CLASS 8 (1)

809 Josh Klenske

CLASS 3 (1)

390 Ikuo Hanawa

CLASS 5/1600 (1)

561 Zackery Woodruff

CLASS 7F (2)

719F Cesar Gutierrez

700F Justin Park

CLASS 7SX (2)

740 Armando Duron

747 Jim Horne-1st RS

STOCK FULL (1)

8103 John Marshall

CLASS 11 (2)

1100 Oliver Flemate

1111 Eric Solorzano

Pro Motorcycles

PRO MOTO UNLIMITED (10)

11x Arturo Salas Jr

9x Austin Eddy

8x Fernando Beltran

25x Bryce Stavron

15x Eric Holt

20x Eric Kirby

7x Justin Morgan

13x Adrian Ortiz

64x Grant Kawell

44x Austin Farley

PRO MOTO 30 (5)

317x Ethan Wheeler

311x Juan Valenzuela

354x Felipe Barron

377x Sam Hardy

388x Donald McKenzie-1st RS

PRO MOTO LIMITED (7)

110x Armando Ortiz

150x Neithan Davis

151x Brayan Verduzco

133x Julio de Pena Rodriguez

193x Adam Joslin

128x Gustavo Gonzalez-2nd RS

107x Bryan Arias-1st RS

PRO MOTO 50 (2)

547x Mike Prunty

513x Joseph Amey

PRO MOTO 40 (4)

411x Francisco Septien

452x Travis Flateau

400x Alirio Amado

402x Gary Sparks

PRO MOTO IRONMAN (13)

719x Kadin Guard

745x Patricio Cabrera

788x Brian Roberts

780x Jeff Miller

781x Miguel Luna

724x William Gross

786x Michael Lange

782x Blake Dominguez

748x Will Geyer

756x Francisco Heredia

778x Aaron McDowell

792x Daniel Mastrude

713x Francisco Teran-1st RS

PRO MOTO 60 (5)

628x Mike Kay

616x Harrold Harris

643x Steven McQuery

648x Oscar Hale-2nd RS

649x Donald Lewis-1st RS

PRO MOTO ADVENTURE (3)

834x Scott Purcell

827x Gerardo Rubio-2nd RS

805x Dustin Davis-1st RS

Pro Quads

Pro Quad (2)

31a Estevan Ramirez Jr

11a Daniel Magdaleno

Sportsman

SPT M/C (9)

205x Francisco Rosas

236x Andy Valencia

283x Chad Waite

266x Tyler Harvey

233x Eluminio Berrelleza

250x Ernesto Sosa

209x Stephen McLean

259x Jhoan Sanchez

275x Daniel Felix

SPT QUAD (7)

138a Gabriel Vazquez

124a Erick Talamentes

137a Jose Miramontes

127a Martin de la Torre

130a Hugo Barreda

157a Nakul Hernandez

114a Sergio Lopez.


 

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VANCE & HINES

Made for Trophy Truck and off Road racing applications this 304 Stainless Steel muffler weighs only 14 lbs ... Read More

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From Buggies to Trophy Trucks

If you asked Rob MacCachren which SCORE Baja 500 was his most memorable, the answer has to be the 2018 victory on the 50th anniversary of the event. That’s when MacCachren shocked the desert racing world by flawlessly clinching the ... Read More

The Legendary Indy Racer

Parnelli Jones, made famous by winning the Indy 500, heard about Baja racing but never intended to try it. After being challenged by then Stock Car builder Bill Stroppe, he was out to prove he could win any race he ... Read More

The Off-Road Motorsports and AMA Hall-of-Famer Makes Baja Motorcycle Champions

In the early days of Baja racing, motorcyclists dominated races like the SCORE Baja 500 and SCORE Baja 1000 and produced talented individuals who made history there. American Motorcycle Association Hall-of-Fame and Off-Road Motorsports Hall-of-Fame Inductee Chris Haines, is one ... Read More

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Grand Marshal: Rodrigo Ampudia Sr.

One of the most recognizable and admired figures in all of Baja California, entrepreneur, racer, and race team owner, Rodrigo Ampudia Sr has agreed to be the Grand Mashal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500, SCORE announced recently.

Grand Marshal: Rodrigo Ampudia Sr.

by Dominic Clark, SCORE Historian

One of the most recognizable and admired figures in all of Baja California, entrepreneur, racer, and race team owner, Rodrigo Ampudia Sr has agreed to be the Grand Mashal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500, SCORE announced recently.

     Ampudia, 66, of Ensenada, Mexico, co-founder of the popular Papas & Beer night clubs in Ensenada and Rosarito Beach, a multi-time SCORE Baja racer winner, and he is the owner and leader of Team Papas, one of the premier desert racing teams in the SCORE World Desert Championship.

     “This is a unique privilege for SCORE to have an individual of Rodrigo’s stature in Baja California agree to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires 56th SCORE Baja 500,’ commented Jim Ryan, SCORE Vice-President of Marketing and Sales. “For 40 years, Papas & Beer has been a tradition in Ensenada and Rosarito Beach and Team Papas is one of the most respected teams in all of desert racing. We sincerely thank Rodrigo Ampudia Sr for honoring SCORE by being our Grand Marshal for this race that started the legacy of SCORE on July 26, 1974.”

     Ampudia Sr has earned seven class wins in his SCORE racing career, but will quickly tell you that he is proudest of his three sons and what they continue to accomplish in desert racing.

     “My brother (Rogerio) and I ran our first SCORE race in Class 1/2-1600 in 1986, and we have been a part of SCORE Baja racing ever since,” said Rodrigo Ampudia Sr. “God has blessed our family tremendously and now my three sons are the warriors of Team Papas. I am pleased to be the Grand Marshal for the SCORE Baja 500, an event that means so much to Baja California, Ensenada, and the Ampudia family.”

     In his racing career, Rodrigo Ampudia Sr had three wins in the SCORE Baja 500 (1992, 1994, and 2009), one in the SCORE San Felipe 250 (2009), and three in the iconic SCORE Baja 1000 (1990, 1994, and 2017).

     In his 2017 class victory, Ampudia Sr was the second driver for fellow Mexican patriarch racer Gustavo Vildosola Sr, in the SCORE TT Legend class (SCORE Trophy Truck Drivers over 50 years old), the peninsula race from Ensenada to La Paz that was part of the 50th SCORE Baja 1000 celebration.

     Team Papas second generation racers will all be part of this year’s SCORE Baja 500.  Oldest brother Rodrigo Ampudia Jr, 39, will race in the Pro UTV Open class, and brothers Alan Ampudia, 33, and Aaron Ampudia, 31, will split the driving in the Team Papas SCORE Trophy Truck.

     Together the three brothers won the 2019 SCORE Baja 1000 and this year Alan Ampudia drove solo to win the overall and SCORE Trophy Truck title in the King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250.