SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1465106
A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE Luke McMillin Takes The Crown At The King Shocks 35th SCORE San Felipe 250 Story by Stuart Bourdon Photos by Get Some Photo In a fast-paced 277-mile desert drag race that saw the top five finishers within a five-minute spread, Luke McMillin piloted his Mason AWD Trophy Truck #83 to a first-place overall finish in the 2022 King Shocks 35th SCORE San Felipe 250. Luke and co-driver Jason Duncan rocketed to the checkered flag in 4:25:21, securing the SCORE Trophy Truck class victory and the overall fastest finish in the opening event of the 2022 SCORE World Desert Championship off-road racing season. McMillin and his team had spent six days pre-running the 2022 San Felipe 250 racecourse, learning and mapping the track until they knew every single mile. The wrong turn or the wrong move could mean the difference between winning and not finishing. “We charged hard right off the start,” said McMillin. “That was our strategy from the very beginning. The plan was to make no mistakes and run as fast as we could.” Starting third behind Bryce Menzies and Justin Lofton, McMillin was able to pass Lofton early in the race, and his first opportunity to take the lead came when Menzies suffered a flat tire. The lead didn’t last long as Menzies took the top spot back after passing McMillin while he pitted. A second flat tire for Menzies, however, would hand the lead and the win to McMillin. “Tires made the difference that day,” said McMillin. “Our BFGs never failed us, and each time Bryce had trouble, we were right there to pass him.” While the BFGoodrich tires helped the team win the 2022 San Felipe 250, it was extra sweet for McMillin, as it was also the 100th overall Baja race win for the tire company. “They have supported our family for decades, and 16 of those 100 overall Baja wins are on McMillin team cars.” SJ