2023 the 55th Anniversary of SCORE International Baja 500

The Race and its History

Continuing on with the Score series and its 50th Anniversary brings us to the next race, the Baja 500. This year will be the 55th running for this challenging race. Way back in 1969 the first Baja 500 was run in a traditional loop race that has stuck around since then. Get this, a Ducati won the first Baja 500. In 1973 Score International took over and has perfected this race for both racers and spectators alike. The Baja 500 is unique in its own way. It’s not a print race like its little brother the San Felipe 250, nor is it an epic survival adventure like the Baja 1000. This race is a fast paced endurance race with all odds against you and your machine. 

The Course and the Challenges

As a racer that has preran the course it is obvious the rain has changed the terrain drastically. The race will start in Downtwn Ensenada and travel through Ojos Negro then over to the Summit and down onto the desert floor. Recent rainfall has washed away loose dirt/sand and uncovered several large rocks which could pose a threat to many racers. The desert floor is completely new with most of the trails and landmarks washed away. What you may have had marked on your GPS is now gone. Adding to the challenges of navigating the desert, the heat will pose another threat to all racers. Score will have all motorcycles and ATVs start at 3:30 AM so they have enough time to pass the desert section before noon. From the desert the course will climb up and over the mountains going from one side of the Baja peninsula to the other towards the Pacific Ocean. The Coast section is fun and fast, but again heavy rainfall has changed the landscape. As beautiful as this section is, it is twice as dangerous. High speeds, late night fog, rain ruts and thick dust are just a few of the challenges, but they are manageable. Ok, so you’re at race mile 400 in the town of Uruapan at your last pit stop and you think you’ve got this in the bag right, wrong. From race mile 400 to the finish several racers are claiming this to be the toughest section of the race. Rain Ruts 3 to 4 feet deep, tight twisty trails on mountain sides with 200 ft min drop offs, hill climbs and off camber descents will become old very fast as they seem to never end. This is the section that will make you or break you whether you’re on a bike, in a truck or SXS. Patience is the key here, don’t over do it or Baja will win. Score’s 20 hour time limit is the cherry on top for all these challenges  

The Racers

This year there are 238 teams signed up in 32 different classes to take on the Baja 500. Former motorcycle champion Larry Roeseler is rumored to race in several classes including the premier Trophy Truck class, then jumping on a bike, then into a Class 11 (Bone Stock VW Bug). Then we have Arturo Salas, formally on the 1x team, he decided to break away and chase that #1 spot on the 11x bike in the PRO MOTO UNLIMITED Class (This class is where the best of the best on 2 wheels race). Arturo has been doing his homework in Baja along with his teammate Clayton Roberts. They are confident and ready for this epic race. The Salas family are long time friends and customers of Vey’s PowerSports. We also have our very own Marketing guy Ivan Padron competing in Class 7SX (Stock Mid Size Truck) Ivan along with his family/team of Duron Racing are defending their back to back Baja 500 wins. Can they pull off win number three? 

Things to Know

The race will start and finish in Ensenada on June 3rd. The bikes get the green flag at 3:30 AM and the four wheel vehicles get the green flag at 8:30 AM. Contingency Row is on June 2nd located in Downtown Ensenada. Contingency Row is like a party/parade/party where you can come see each race vehicle and their drivers as they wait to register for the race. Did I mention it’s like a party. If you’re going down to Baja, enjoy yourself and be safe. Good luck to all the teams and let's have some fun!!!