The SCORE Baja 1000 is more than just a race, it’s a legend, and one we’ve regularly covered here at Bronco Nation. But this year, Ford Racing is bringing the Raptors and racers like never before. The 58th running of the world’s toughest off-road event happens November 10–16, kicking off and finishing in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
This year’s course brings back the classic loop format, covering roughly 854 miles of brutal desert, rocky climbs, and sandy coastline. It’s a full-circle challenge that tests every part of a race vehicle, which is why it’s so important as a testing ground for Ford and for the people behind the wheel.
A Historic Effort: Four Raptors, One Team Ford
Ford Performance is going all in with an all-Raptor lineup, in part to celebrate 15 years of Raptor just like they did for the Rebelle Rally. An incredible four trucks, two classes, and an all-star roster of drivers and navigators. It’s one of the biggest coordinated efforts Ford has ever brought to Baja.
Each truck will be manned by three rotating driver/navigator teams, swapping in at key checkpoints to keep the momentum strong across the allowed 36 hours of nonstop racing. It’s a massive team effort and one that showcases the “Built Wild” spirit that defines both the Bronco and Raptor families.
Stock Mid-Size Class
There are not one but two Ford Racing trucks in this class and it will be interesting to watch them battle it out on course, competing not only against each other but against the unforgiving terrain that makes up the Baja 1000.
Team 766 – Bronco Raptor
Driver: Vaughn Gittin Jr.
Team: Jeremy Dickenson, Loren Healy, Eric Davis, Bailey Campbell, Brian Crofts
Team 766 brings together some of the biggest names in off-road. Vaughn Gittin Jr., who’s no stranger to dust or adrenaline, leads this powerhouse team in the Bronco Raptor, the most extreme production Bronco ever built.
With Ultra4 champions Loren Healy and Bailey Campbell as additional drivers, along with a deep bench of experienced off-roaders, this year’s Bronco Raptor represents Ford’s legendary Baja heritage. It’s a direct descendant of the original Bronco that took the Baja 1000 win back in 1969, and it’s out to prove that spirit is alive and well.
Team 773 – Ranger Raptor
We’ve been following the Lovell’s this year as they have been taking the Ranger Raptor to some incredible wins, but Brad has moved to the Full-Size Class and Ford has replaced him with an incredible endurance driver. In the second Stock Mid-Size entry, Romain Dumas, yes, that Romain Dumas from the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Pikes Peak Hill Climb, takes the wheel of the Ranger Raptor.
Driver: Romain Dumas
Team: JT Taylor, Bailey Cole, Amy Mildwaters, Wayne Israelsen, Luis Estrada
This team blends world-class endurance racing skill with hardcore off-road expertise. JT Taylor, Bailey Cole, and Amy Mildwaters round out a stacked lineup that brings both speed and navigation finesse to the race. The Ranger Raptor already proved its toughness with past class wins, and it’s back to defend its crown.
Stock Full-Size Class
Team 8135 – F-150 Raptor
Driver: Brad Lovell
Team: Adam Lovell, Austin Robinson, Byam Lovell, Jason Scherer, Jason Berger
Few names are more synonymous with Ford off-road racing than Brad Lovell. This time, he’s behind the wheel of the F-150 Raptor, competing in the very terrain where the Raptor was born and tested.
With sons Adam and Byam Lovell alongside veterans like Jason Scherer, this team combines deep experience with serious Baja pedigree. Expect a consistent full throttle run from start to finish with this team and truck.
Team 8152 – Raptor R
Driver: John Williams
Team: Nate Williams, Jason Hutter, Paul Blangsted, Boyd Jaynes, Roger Lovell, Curt Le Duc
In the other Stock Full-Size Ford entry, another Lovell family showdown is created with Brad’s brother Roger competing for the top podium spot. John Williams and his team take on the course in the Raptor R, the supercharged V8 beast that headlines Ford’s off-road lineup.
With veterans Roger Lovell and even racing legend Curt Le Duc listed on the record, the 8152 team has the experience and horsepower to challenge for the class win. It’s a family rivalry, a factory effort, and a fight for top Raptor glory all rolled into one.
Why It Matters
For Ford, and especially for Bronco and Raptor fans, this year’s Baja 1000 is huge. It’s the first time all four Raptor models will race together: Bronco Raptor, Ranger Raptor, F-150 Raptor, and Raptor R.
Each one is a direct link between the trucks we drive on the trail and the machines that conquer Baja. What happens in this race directly shapes the next generation of Ford’s off-road technology, from chassis tuning to suspension travel to terrain management.
For Bronco Nation members, it’s proof that our vehicles aren’t just inspired by racing, they are racing. And winning.
Race Week Schedule
November 10–13: Tech & Contingency – Ensenada, MX
November 14: Race Start (Motorcycles: 12 a.m. PT | Four-Wheel Classes: 9 a.m. PT)
November 15: Finish Line
The 2025 SCORE Baja 1000 will run roughly 854 miles through some of the most demanding desert terrain in the world, a full loop starting and finishing in Ensenada with a 36-hour time limit, meaning that the Ford trucks will race overnight. All of the trucks race with Starlink so watch for links to watch “live” racing on-board with the race teams.
Ford’s “Built Wild” Legacy Continues
From the original 1969 Bronco that conquered Baja to today’s modern Raptor lineup, Ford has always used this desert proving ground to refine its toughest vehicles.
This year’s all-Raptor assault is more than just a race effort, it’s a rolling demonstration of Ford Performance engineering, teamwork, and the unstoppable Baja spirit, all taking place in the Stock classes.
Bronco Nation Insider Note
This will be my first opportunity to be in Baja for the 1000 race and Brian and I are very stoked to be taking our Bronco Raptor down to Mexico. If you’ll be in Ensenada for race week, make sure to stop by to say “hi” and to see the Raptor lineup up close.
Can’t make it south? We will be following all four Raptor teams throughout the race with updates, and interviews along with some great photos and coverage. Keep an eye on our site for the latest from Baja!
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