SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-Aug-2024

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

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SCORE mourns recent passing of race champion Anibal Lopez It is with deep sorrow and sadness that SCORE announces the recent passing of prominent Mexican racer Anibal Lopez. His life was tragically lost in a non-racing accident. Captain of the Polaris Mexico UTV team, Lopez, 41, who lived in Mexicali, Baja California, was originally from San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. Lopez was the 2022 Pro UTV Stock season point champion with a class win in the SCORE Baja 500 and second place finishes in his class in both the 2022 SCORE San Felipe 250 and the SCORE Baja 1000. In the 2023 SCORE World Desert Championship, Lopez finished in third place in the season points in the Pro UTV Stock class with a class win in the SCORE San Felipe 250, a sixth in class in last year’s SCORE Baja 400 and a seventh in the SCORE Baja 1000 out of 11 starters in the race that started for the first time in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and finished in Ensenada. So far in this year’s SCORE World Desert Championship, Lopez was in third place in class after two races. He finished fourth in class out of 15 starters in the SCORE San Felipe 250 and in fifth place out of 17 starters in this year’s SCORE Baja 500. Lopez was also part of the Polaris Mexico UTV team of Daniel Gonzalez that competed in the 20024 Dakar Rally. “Our entire SCORE family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our racers and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates,” commented Jose Grijalva, President and Race Director, SCORE-International. “It was a tragic accident and his loss is felt throughout the SCORE world. He was a fierce competitor and great leader of the Polaris Mexico UTV team.” Polaris Mexico also released this statement regarding Lopez, “Farewell to a true champion, a loving father, and a dear friend. Your passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives, but your legacy will continue to inspire us. As captain of the racing team, you led with courage, determination, and a passion that was contagious. Your love for the sport was only matched by your love for your family and friends. You may have crossed the finish line, but your memory will stay with us forever. We'll remember your bright smile, your infectious laugh, and your unwavering support. Rest in peace, Anibal López. May your journey be smooth, and your pit stops be few. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.” SCORE 2025 Season Announced The dates for the 2025 SCORE World Desert Championship have been announced, with all four races being held in Baja California, Mexico. King Shocks 38th SCORE San Felipe 250 April 2-6, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico BFGoodrich Tires 57th SCORE Baja 500 June 4-8, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico 6th SCORE Baja 400, presented by VP Racing Sept. 10-14, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico BFGoodrich Tires 58th SCORE Baja 1000 Nov. 10-16, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico ORMHOF CLASS OF 2024 SELECTED The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame has selected its Class of 2024. These individuals will be inducted Sunday November 3rd 2024 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, where SCORE-International is a Presenting Sponsor for the Silent Auction. For more information visit: https://ormhof.org/ Jimmy Smith: Founder of Ultra-Wheels, Smith was a Class 1 champ before building the first SCORE Trophy Truck. He also was the first SCORE Baja 1000 winner in the SCORE Trophy Truck Class in 1994. John Rettie: Rettie brought the off-roading world to the foreground through his images and storytelling in his photojournalism career spanning over half a century. His work has appeared in dozens of major publications, including the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times, as well as Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Autoweek, and Road & Track. Pete Sohren: Over the course of his career, “Pistol Pete” Sohren accomplished 11 podiums in SOCRE including three wins at the SCORE San Felipe 250. Sohren also founded multiple businesses including Speedway Indoor Karting, and Baja Racing Adventures, and was the host of the show Truck Night in America. Scott Steinberger: Son of the original “Weatherman,” Steinberger provided lifesaving radio communications during SCORE races for over 30 years. He took over the helm at PCI Race Radios from his father Bob in 1972. Ken Block: An influential motorsports athlete, Block was a 23-time winner on the U.S. rally scene and had an opportunity to race in SCORE. Block showcased his driving talent through his Gymkhana video series, showing that marketing had the power to create passion and excitement around racing. Mike Pearlman: Son of NORRA Founder Ed Pearlman, Mike is Most known for resurrecting (NORRA) in 2009. He developed the first rule book for vintage off-road vehicles and is widely credited for coining the term “off-road.”  Jimmy Lewis:  In addition to his impressive motorcycle racing career, Lewis also had an Overall Win at the Baja 1000 and is a 4-Time International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) Gold Medalist, AMA 125cc National Champion, 250cc National Champion, Enduro National Champion, multi-time AMA District 37 125cc and 250cc winner, and the ISDE Jr. World Champion. Rod Millen: The New Zealand native is a Rally Champion who also raced in Mickey Thompson Stadium Series. Known for his Pike Peak crowns, he set the record for the fastest time ever recorded on the all-dirt course in 1994. He also finished third at the SCORE Baja 2000. Jon Nelson: Founder of Nelson & Nelson racing, Jon created iconic off-road vehicles including the Class 8 “Hay Hauler” driven by Robby Gordon. He worked with Walker Evans before building Baja winning vehicles for Larry Ragland and others. Evelyn Tallman-Duceshi: Known as the “Purple Lady of Pismo,” created the California Off-Road Vehicle Association and was appointed to the California Trails Advisory Committee and the Pismo-Oceano Beach State Advisory Committee. She advocated for off-roading as well as to keep the beaches and dunes of Pismo Beach safe and open for the public. Marlin Czajkowski: A famous rock crawler known as “Mr Crawler,” he created the first Dual Transfer Case and other innovations for Toyota enthusiasts, helping to bring the rock crawling into the off-road industry. Johnny Greaves: is a short-course champion with more than 200 wins. He also has race wins in SCORE racing bussies in Class 1, 1600, and Class 9.

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