SCORE Journal

SCORE Journal - December 2018

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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Matlock Wins UTV Overall With huge competition to win the race, Wayne Matlock is victorious By Dan Sanchez Photos By Get Some Photo In one of the most competitive classes in SCORE’s four-wheel division, the Pro UTV classes had a total of 48 competitors on the course. The largest class was the Pro UTV FI class with 29 teams all trying to win the SCORE Baja 1000 in some of the fastest and most capable side-by-side vehicles to date. With Wayne Matlock leading the class in points before the race, he had tough competition going into it. Experienced veterans of the race like Brandon Schueler, Brandon Sims, Marc Burnett, and SCORE Baja 500 winner Rhys Millen, could have taken the race at any time, especially with the silt and rocks playing havoc with most teams. Ultimately, Matlock in his number 2971 Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo, overcame the course and the tough competition to win the Pro UTV FI class and Pro UTV Overall. “It was a rough and really long day,” said Matlock, who drove solo. “We started the race second to last and by mile 180, we took over the physical lead, going back and fourth with Cory Sappington. Around mile 270 or 275, we locked the lead down and led from 275 to the end. I’ve never been in silt that bad in my life.” It was also a great SCORE Baja 1000 race for team Murray, especially after starting way back in 20th position. Brothers Jason and Derek Murray drove their number 2917 Can-Am Maverick X3 to a second place finish with co-driver Dan Fisher. Millen in the number 2966 Polaris RZR XP4 Turbo with Mitch Guthrie, finished in third place. No Matlock In Pro UTV NA Another upset was the fact that Kristen Matlock, who was hoping to follow up this race with another Pro UTV Overall win from the SCORE Baja 500, was once again plagued with mechanical issues and posted her second DNF after the Lucerna Hotels & Resorts Desert Challenge. While this ended a season filled with highs and lows for Matlock, it opened up the race to some of her best competition. Instead, the number 1902 Polaris RZR XP1000 driven by Tyler and Brant Backus, came out to their first SCORE race of the season to win the class. Aided by teammates Russel Frisby, the team had two flat tires and stopped to help several SCORE Trophy Trucks and other side-by-sides along the way. Finishing in second place was the 1995 team of Kaden and Corbin Wells. This team had been doing well this season and although finishing in second place, pulled off a class victory with their efforts here. Paul Champion had also been at the top of the class field this season and finished the SCORE Baja 1000 third in class. Champion drove the number 1955 Polaris RZR XP1000 solo to finish off a great season. The Pro UTV Unlimited class, saw the Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo of Kris Werth take the class win. The number 1899 side-by-side was co-driven with Brandon Meredith and Hans Luenger. Finishing second in class was Al McBeth, with Cam Rains in the number 1857 Polaris RZR XP1000. The 2019 SCORE World Desert Championship As the racers celebrate, they are also in preparation for the 2019 season which begins with the 33rd Annual SCORE San Felipe 250 in April, followed by the 51st SCORE Baja 500 in June. A new race is added for 2019, the Lucerna SCORE Baja 400 in September, followed by the 52nd SCORE Baja 1000 in November. SJ 2018 SCORE Baja 1000 Highlights Tyler and Brant Backus finished first in Pro UTV NA

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