The year 2020 has been a strange one, to say the least. The automotive and racing industries took a hit with delayed auto production and canceled events; heck, even the infallible SEMA Show was canceled. Not all hope has been lost, however. Working in compliance with various health and safety regulations (and even incorporating a virtual driver’s meeting), the 53rd SCORE Baja 1000, presented by iBestTravel, is set to take place from November 17-22, with the actual race staging occurring on the morning of Friday, November 20. The bike classes will start racing at 4 A.M. PST, with the four-wheel classes following at 10 A.M.
The route of the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series’ 2020 Baja 1000 starts and finishes in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. This coastal city, located about 80 miles south of San Diego, has been the starting point for numerous Baja 1000 races. The full course distance is reported to be 898.4 miles (767.06 miles for the Sportsman course), to be completed in a 40-hour time frame. The fastest vehicles will finish in under half that time.
Course Details
The loop runs counterclockwise, covering south from Ensenada along the Pacific coast for about 200 miles to Check Point 1, the first of four full-stop checkpoints. The course then navigates northeast to Check 2 (around the 400-mile mark) in the center of the Baja Peninsula before heading southeast to Check 3 (approximately the 600-mile mark) along the eastern coast. Traveling north takes racers through San Felipe, leading to Check 4 (near the 840-mile mark) and finally back to the finish line in Ensenada. Racers will encounter some of the most challenging and iconic sections of washes, sand, rock, silt, and dry lake beds while also enjoying glimpses of the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
*Photo gallery depicts previous Baja 1000 images.
Race Classes and Competitors
There are 180 official race entries across more than 30 different classes. The premier SCORE Trophy Truck class features at least 18 of the most formidable desert race trucks. Participants include well-known racers such as #23 Dan McMillin, #19 Tim Herbst, #83 Luke McMillin, #10 Alan Ampudia, #77 Robby Gordon, #11 Rob MacCachren, and many others. Notably, many trucks will have multiple drivers; for example, Bryce Menzies and Andy McMillin team up for the #7 truck, while Robby Gordon and Damen Jefferies pilot the #77 “Unicorn” truck. Behind-the-scenes mechanics and crew members play a crucial role in the success of these racing teams.
Aaron and Alan Ampudia claimed victory in the 2019 Baja 1000, while Cameron Steele and Pat Dean took home the trophy in 2018. The only other event in the abbreviated 2020 SCORE Series was the Baja 500 (held September 22-27), with top finishers including #23 Dan McMillin and #19 Tim Herbst. It is important to note that racers must participate in both the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 to qualify for the 2020 SCORE World Desert Championship.
Looking Ahead
The 2021 racing schedule currently includes four exciting events: San Felipe 250, Baja 500, Baja 400, and Baja 1000. Desert racing promises thrills, challenges, and unforgettable experiences; let’s embrace the excitement of off-road racing!
