SCORE Journal

Frank De Angelo 2016 SCORE Person Of The Year With Deep Roots In Baja And Many Contributions To SCORE International Racing’s History, Frank De Angelo Is Awarded The 2016 SCORE Person Of The Year You won’t get any arguments from people who would consider Frank DeAngelo as one of the most important people to know if you’re planning on racing in Baja. With more than 38 years of experience, the Off-Road Motorsports Hall Of Fame Inductee works as the Executive Director of Motorsports at Jackson Motorsports Group. Over the years, however, he’s been instrumental in the marketing and development of improved off-road tire design with BFGoodrich Tires, an advocate for off-road racing, and has helped racers and teams such as Frank “Scoop” Vessels, Bobby Gordon, Ivan Stewart, Bill Stroppe, Rod Hall, Malcom Smith, the McMillin and Herbst families, and many more attain success in off-road racing. At the 2016 SCORE International Awards Banquet, Frank DeAngelo was awarded the 2016 SCORE Person Of The Year for his efforts and commitment to the sport. “I was stunned,” said DeAngelo. “It’s nice to know that after 38 years in the sport that you are still relevant. Personally I feel fortunate as my career has been spent doing what I love to do.” One of the many ways DeAngelo has helped SCORE International and off-road racing over the years, was while he was operating the BFGoodrich Baja Pit Program. While he headed that for many years, and had fun doing so, DeAngelo admits that it’s the simple things that have kept him involved in off-road racing for so long. “I would say three things keep me involved. The first is working for a company like Jackson Motorsports Group and clients like BFGoodrich Tires. The second is being able to work with the people who compete and work hard in the off-road motorsports industry. Finally, the simple fact that I get to go to Baja is why I enjoy working in this industry so much.” “One of the many reasons why Frank DeAngelo was selected as the 2016 SCORE Person Of The Year, was because of his overwhelming contribution to the sport, as well as his willingness to share his experiences and provide help to many racers over the years,” said Jim Ryan, SCORE Marketing Manager. “He’s definitely one of many key people who have helped shape off-road racing into what it is today.” “For anyone wanting to be successful and make a living in off-road racing be it is as a racer, manufacturer representative, supplier, sanctioning body, etc., they need to understand that it is not for everyone,” said DeAngelo.  “If, however, you make the commitment to always be your best, always try to learn, grow in the sport, and understand it will be long hours and sometimes not in the cleanest environments, they can succeed.  There must be a very high level of passion and commitment.  For those that have become successful, it has become a way of life.  It is very infectious.” With that level of commitment and continued support for racers, teams, and SCORE International, DeAngelo’s efforts are truly appreciated not only by SCORE International but by everyone in the off-road motorsports industry. “They say it’s not a job if you enjoy what you are doing and I continue to wake every morning excited about what the future holds for the off-road industry,” said DeAngelo. SJ

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