SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1495435
SETTING THE RECORD SCORE Pro Moto Racer Jim O’Neal’s Final SCORE San Felipe 250 By Dan Sanchez photos by getsomephoto While many racers like the fast pace and challenge of the SCORE San Felipe 250, only one man has raced them all and has the record for the most Class wins in this race, a total of 19. O’Neal is not only a veteran motorcycle racer, but also an entrepreneur, and in competitive racing, he is considered by many as “Mr. Reliable,” as he performs at a top level and with great consistency and determination. Now at 76 years of age, this 2023 season will be his 36th SCORE San Felipe race and, as he announced, his last. While he’s still a capable rider, O’Neal said that the tough terrain has taken a toll on his body and although this is the race he loves the most, it will be somewhat bittersweet. Although this will be his last SCORE San Felipe 250 race, he is not retiring from moto racing altogether. He mentioned he may race with other teams at the SCORE Baja 500 and/or the SCORE Baja 1000. Admired by young and veteran SCORE moto racers alike, his capabilities as a Baja motorcycle competitor are undeniably astounding. He began riding at the age of 15 in 1961 and has been honing his skills by entering numerous races over his long career. His first Baja race wasn’t until 1981, but by that time O’Neil had been racing motocross for nearly two decades. As the owner of the O’Neil Motorcycle apparel company, Jim O’Neil is very much a part of the sport and the success of his business, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. O’Neil’s passion for racing has been contagious for numerous racers and class champions within SCORE, and with the ability to team up with 30-year-old racers in Pro Moto 30, 40, and 60 classes, he continues to inspire racers to challenge themselves and pursue their passion. SJ