The 57th BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500 is set to take place from June 4–8, 2025, in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. This iconic off-road race, part of the SCORE World Desert Championship, continues to attract racers to the beautiful Baja Peninsula, showcasing the rugged beauty and challenging terrain with half the distance allotted in half the time. Ford is no stranger to this race and will be represented yet again.
History and Significance
The Baja 500 has a rich history dating back to 1969, being just one year younger than the Baja 1000, when it was first organized by the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA). If you remember my article on the Stroppe Bronco and trailer finish with our friend Carl Jackson, this is that race.
Later, in 1974, SCORE International, founded by Mickey Thompson, took over the event from NORRA, keeping it alive and vibrant and solidifying its status as a premier, must do, off-road race. The 500 race, like the Baja 1000 is renowned for its grueling course, which tests the endurance and skill of both drivers and vehicles.
2025 Course and Time Allotment
The racecourse varies from year to year but is typically a loop course starting from and finishing in Ensenada and this year is no different. The route traverses 461 miles for the Pro Classes, meaning in order to finish, the vehicle must maintain a constant speed of at least 25.61 mph. The Sportsman class has a cut-off with a total distance of 416.43 miles, so must maintain a speed of 23.14 mph to make the deadline. As with all races leaving Ensenada (which is a large city), there is a transit with the race time beginning at Rancho Nelson. This year’s course is the typical challenging terrain, including deserts, mountains, and coastal areas and traveling past famous spots like Mike’s Sky Ranch and as far south as San Quintin before heading back north along the coast to the finish line in Ensenada.
Participants are allotted 18 hours to complete the race, with the fastest competitors often finishing in under half that time. In 2024, the first finisher was in 9:20:22. The event kicks off with registration and qualifying on Jume 4-5, technical inspections and festivities on June 6, the race on June 7 with 4WD classes starting at 10:00am PST and concludes with the finish and awards ceremony on June 8.
Ford-Sponsored Competitors in the Trophy Truck or Unlimited Class
Ford continues to demonstrate its commitment to off-road racing by sponsoring several top competitors in the top class:
- Chris Polvoorde (#94): Finishing on the podium in 2024, taking bronze, Chris is back with his sights set on the gold. Starting at 11th off the line, Chris should get in the majority of the race in the daylight as he finished last year at 9 ½ hours. This young racer (24 years old) is not new to racing and watching him race the 500 will be exciting.
- Vaughn Gittin Jr. (#52): Known for his versatility and driving prowess in the drifting world and lately to the off-road racing world, Gittin Jr. brings his experience to the Baja 500, competing in the same class with Loren Healy.
- Loren Healy (#68): A seasoned veteran in off-road racing, Healy's expertise and consistent performance makes him a formidable contender in this year's race. Here is a sneak peak of his new look for Baja.
The class is very competitive this year and the three Ford racers will have 13 others in class to race against including Robby Gordon, Bryce Menzies, and Ron MacCachren besides each other. This should make for a very exciting race that you’ll want to follow from home.
How to Watch the Baja 500
Every time I write an article, following the action gets easier and easier. The Baja 500 will be broadcasted through various platforms:
- SCORE International Website: Live updates, race tracking, and official results.
- SCORE TV: Official broadcasts and race highlights.
- SCORE App: Real-time race tracking and updates.
- Social Media: Follow #Baja500 for live updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Also, with Starlink on board the vehicles, there should be LIVE in the vehicle coverage for all 3 racers. Once I get the links, I will post them in the comments. Can you say 9 hours of couch surfing and armchair quarterbacking? Yes, please!
Who will Finish First?
The 2025 Baja 500 promises to be an exciting year, adding to the history of off-road racing in Baja. With competitors like Chris Polvoorde, Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Loren Healy representing Ford, the race is set to deliver amazing stories of strategy and endurance. Good luck and be safe!
Although we won’t make it to the start/finish line this year, the Baja 500 is one of those races that’s on our bucket list to watch live in Mexico. Have any of you been to one of the races? Comment below on what race along with any hints you have in following events in Baja.
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