SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-July-2021

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

Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1394687

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 18 of 124

THE CLASS CHAMPION’S CHAMPION Jim O’Neal Serves As Grand Marshal Of 53rd SCORE BaJa 500 By SCORE Journal Staff Photos by Get Some Photo Multi-time SCORE motorcycle class champion and apparel/performance products manufacturer, Jim O’Neal, was the Grand Marshal for this year’s BFGoodrich Tires 53rd SCORE Baja 500, Presented by 4 Wheel Parts. At age 74, O’Neal began racing in motocross when he was just 15 years old, and when it comes to the SCORE Baja 500, he has a race-record 21 class wins. “It’s an absolute honor to be considered Grand Marshal,” he said. “I really appreciate SCORE for giving me that honor. I can tell you the SCORE Baja 500 is my most favorite course, as I have raced every section and it has everything you could ask for.” O’Neal was also pulling double-duty, competing in the race as a co-rider for the Giovanni Spinali team in the Pro Moto 50 class for riders over 50 years old, and as co-rider on the 628x team of Scott McIntosh in Pro Moto 60. With the Spinali team, O’Neal earned his 19th class win at the 34th SCORE San Felipe 250 this year and is the only person who has officially raced in all 34 SCORE San Felipe 250 races. He also now has 39 starts out of 53 years in the SCORE Baja 500. In the SCORE Baja 1000 race, O’Neal has 14 age-group motorcycle class wins including three in 2006 and two in 2016, along with 39 total starts out of 53 years of the race’s history. At the BFGoodrich Tires 53rd SCORE Baja 500 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts, O’Neal, with the 510x Spinali team, won the class again. It was O’Neal’s fourth SCORE race as a co-rider for the Giovanni Spinali team. The team has already won this year’s SCORE San Felipe 250, and after this SCORE Baja 500 win, the team now has two in a row. Along with his victories in racing Baja, O’Neil has also had great success in his motorcycle apparel company, O’Neal U.S.A. “Last year was our 50th year, and we outlasted all the competition,” he said. “We are currently out-selling everyone. I am so proud of our crew. Our gear is made to last, and you will see lots of it in the SCORE Baja 500. We’ve had most of the top riders over the years wearing and abusing it and testing.” O’Neal’s racing career is far from over. “I feel like I represent all motorcycle racers who have been such a big part of SCORE Baja racing all of these years. I started in 1962, and I’ve ridden and raced over 12 different motorcycle brands. The wins over my career have all been done with outstanding teammates and lifelong friends. I am excited for this year’s SCORE Baja 500 as it’s a challenging course. Next year I think I’m going to try to solo it.” SJ

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of SCORE Journal - SCORE-Journal-July-2021