SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1542694
CHAMPIONSHIP RIDE Serna Fulfilled the Wildest Dream of His Life By Gabriel García Photos by Get Some Photo Larry Serna used to think that motorcycle riders who raced in the Baja in the Pro Moto Ironman class were crazy. Last year, however, he joined those desert “madmen”. Serna recorded four podium finishes during the past SCORE season, winning the SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, and SCORE San Felipe 250, all in the Pro Moto Ironman class, something he never imagined would happen. “Honestly, I used to think that anyone racing in Ironman was crazy. Years ago, I couldn’t imagine being able to spend that much time on a motorcycle. I started racing in SCORE when I was 15, and in 2024, I made the decision to compete in Ironman. I wanted to make a drastic change and achieve something different in my racing career,” said Serna. After registering for the King Shocks 38th SCORE San Felipe 250 in the Pro Moto Ironman class as a personal challenge, Serna was encouraged by one of his sponsors to continue competing in the following rounds of the 2025 SCORE World Desert Championship. “2025 was not easy at all. I learned a lot that season. Unlike other years when I had been part of a team, I even raced a large portion of the SCORE Baja 400 with a fractured hand. I thought I wouldn’t finish the race, but I managed to cross the finish line,” Serna explained. His greatest idol is ORMHOF Inductee and legendary moto rider Johnny Campbell. “I always followed his motocross career. As a kid, I dreamed of being like him.” Serna accumulated 483 points in the 2025 SCORE World Desert Championship and will also receive a Rod Hall SCORE Milestone Award for completing all 1,974.25 miles. His Family, His ‘Lucky Charm’ The four SCORE podiums Serna earned during the 2025 season were partly thanks to his family. “They were always with me, my girlfriend, and my parents. During the SCORE Baja 1000, it was something truly special to see them following me at different points along the course and meeting me at the pits, with my uncles and cousins waiting for me.” Before the Baja 1000, the doctor treating his fractured hand advised him not to race under those conditions, which caused Serna a great deal of stress leading up to the legendary off-road event. Not only did he compete, but he also took the checkered flag to seal the overall SCORE championship. Venegas, A Key Supporter Tijuana native Felipe Venegas served as the mechanic for the No. 715x Honda CRF450X throughout all of last season’s races, and Serna expressed his gratitude for Venegas’ constant support. “Felipe (Venegas) always pushed me not to give up. Even before the Baja 400, just days before the race, my motorcycle developed mechanical issues, and Erick Talamantes loaned me his bike. These are people I will always be grateful to for the rest of my life,” Serna said. This year, Larry Serna will be taking a break from motorcycle racing, but he plans to attend SCORE races as a fan alongside his girlfriend and family. “I want to rest. I’ve been racing in SCORE since I was 15, and it’s time for a pause. I have nothing to prove to anyone. I’m extremely proud of my achievement,” he concluded. Before the SCORE Baja 1000, the doctor treating his fractured hand advised him not to race under those conditions, which caused Serna a great deal of stress leading up to the legendary off-road event. Not only did he compete, but he also took the checkered flag to seal the overall SCORE championship. SJ