SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1542694
2026 SEASON PREVIEW With SCORE Race Director/President Jose Grijalva By Gabriel Garcia Photos by Get Some Photo The 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship has all the necessary ingredients to be truly epic, including the historic milestone of hosting the first-ever SCORE Baja 1000 to be held entirely in the state of Baja California Sur. Jose Abelardo Grijalva, the first Mexican President and Race Director in the history of SCORE International, confirmed that the 2026 season will feature four rounds filled with surprises and challenges for all racers and teams. All four races will take place in Mexico, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for the past 11 years throughout the Baja California Peninsula. “In 2023, prior to the start of the SCORE Baja 1000, the possibility of holding the race entirely in Baja California Sur was discussed,” said Grijalva. “While some people believe it will not be successful, we strongly believe it will be. Teams are already planning their logistics, booking hotels, and asking us questions related to the race.” Grijalva and the SCORE International staff are currently preparing for the King Shocks 39th San Felipe 250, while also looking ahead to the BFGoodrich Tires 58th SCORE Baja 500 and the 7th SCORE Baja 400. Both races will start and finish this year in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. A VERY POSITIVE 2025 Grijalva described the 2025 SCORE World Desert Championship as a successful season. “We had no race-related fatalities. It was a very stable and solid year for us. While we may need to improve participation numbers, overall it was a very positive season,” he said. SCORE International, the organization founded by Mickey Thompson in the 1970s, now features a predominantly Latino staff, with a strong presence of Mexican talent across multiple departments. “It is a Mexican company, based in Mexico and led by Mexicans,” explained Grijalva. “Obviously, we maintain partnerships with U.S.-based companies to promote our events and reach more teams.” The extended SCORE International family of racers, race teams, fans, media, Mexican authorities, and sponsors, played a key role in making the 2025 season a success. “We thank them for being part of our races,” said Grijalva. “Without them, it would be impossible to host our events. They continue to trust us to deliver these unique adventures in Mexico.” PROUD OF SCORE STARS AT THE DAKAR Not only today, but dating back to the era of Sal “The Godfather” Fish at the helm of SCORE International, many off-road and Baja racing stars have made the leap to compete across Africa, Europe, later South America, and now Asia at the prestigious Dakar Rally. Grijalva expressed great pride in this legacy, while also highlighting the growing crossover in the opposite direction. “We are thrilled to see SCORE racers achieving outstanding results at this year’s Dakar Rally, and we are equally honored to welcome Dakar competitors to our races on the Baja California Peninsula,” he concluded. SJ