SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-Jan-2021

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

Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1332112

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 23 of 90

2020 SCORE Trophy Truck Class Champion Luke McMillin Brings It Home For The Big Blue M By Stuart Bourdon Photos by Get Some Photo It’s been a long dirt road to the 2020 SCORE Trophy Truck Class Championship for Luke McMillin. He is one of the third generations of McMillin’s to test their mettle in the deserts and mountains of Baja California. The family is known for racing in Baja and being successful at winning there. Beginning with Luke’s grandfather Corky and his father Mark, McMillin shares this legacy of Baja racing with brother Dan, his uncle Scott, and his cousins Andy and Jessica. “Our family is known for racing and winning in Baja, and I’m very happy to continue that tradition,” he said. Luke is the youngest of the new generation of desert racing McMillin’s, but he’s no novice when it comes to competition. He began racing in the 1600 limited buggy class, and was frequently seen on the podium, eventually earning the 1600 class championship in 2010 and again in 2011. The next year, he moved up to a Class 1 unlimited buggy and competed successfully, winning the San Felipe 250, Baja 500, and Baja 1000 in 2012. His thirst for victory, however, was not yet quenched. Seven-Year Itch By 2013 McMillin began building a Trophy Truck. He learned everything he could about building, maintaining, and driving what had become the premier off-road racing vehicle. “I’ve had it for seven years now. We’ve been developing it and redone a lot of things on it during that time,” said McMillin. “I’ve learned a lot about race car suspension geometry, and we’ve raced and tested a lot over those years. It took seven years to get this thing where it is today and there hasn’t been a single race that we didn’t change something on it trying to make it better.” How well can a driver with a seven-year-old race truck do? Let’s take a look at the shortened two-event schedule of the 2020 SCORE International racing season. The first race of the year’s series was the SCORE Baja 500. Run this year on a course that started and finished in San Felipe, it was by all accounts one of the most rugged and treacherous many had seen in years. McMillin started second off the line and was in good shape, running with the lead pack for a long time until the truck suffered a flat tire. He was quickly back on track and blazed to the checkered flag, finishing third behind Tim Herbst and McMillin’s older brother Dan. That put Luke in a great starting spot for the SCORE Baja 1000 and racked up enough championship points to keep him in the hunt for the 2020 SCORE Trophy Truck Class Championship. The Longest Day To get the championship, McMillin would still have to do well at the 2020 SCORE Baja 1000. The course was the longest loop race ever staked out by SCORE President and Race Director Jose A. Grijalva. It again sent drivers and riders through some of the worst terrain many could remember, one that would take a huge toll on competitors and vehicles when it was all done. With off-road racing veteran and Baja legend Larry Roeseler as co-driver, McMillin felt that if they had a clean run, there was every chance they could win the race and a championship. “Larry had pre-run his section many times and knew every rock and bush by the time he started the truck,” said McMillin. “He brought it to me in great shape.” He got behind the wheel at race mile 430 and was third on the road with only Aaron Ampudia and McMillin’s brother Dan in front of him. McMillin’s steady approach soon brought him to within striking distance, and he got past Ampudia. He kept up his vigilant pace and eventually caught Dan in one of the tightest washes on the course. “We are teammates,” said McMillin, “The ‘Big Blue M,’ and want the best for each other. He knew I was ready to go for it and he moved over to let me pass.” McMillin had to keep his foot in it, but also not get careless. He had been in this same spot three times before in various Baja races and had trouble. “This time, we had no flats during the entire race and the truck ran perfectly,” said McMillin. “It’s all about consistency, and this year we were on the podium at the SCORE Baja 500, won the SCORE Baja 1000, and brought home the Trophy Truck Class Championship.” SJ

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of SCORE Journal - SCORE-Journal-Jan-2021