SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1519409
OVERALL DOMINATION Polaris Factory Team Racer Cayden MacCachren Kicks Off The Season Opener In Grand Style By Larry Saavedra Photos by Get Some Photo After a full season of racing for the newly minted Polaris Factory Team under SCI Motorsports, Cayden MacCachren, was optimistic about his chances of reaching the podium again in 2024. By the time the King Shocks 37th SCORE San Felipe 250 had arrived, MacCachren seemed ready to back up his 2023 SCORE Baja 1000 win. This time, however, he was brandishing the new Gen 2 Polaris RZR Pro R. Apparently, it was all he needed. When the dust settled MacCachren had single-handedly captured the UTV Overall and took first in class for Polaris. A great start for the SCI team and Polaris. MacCachren said he came to San Felipe well-prepared. He had known about the new Gen 2 Polaris RZR Pro R for months before the news of it became public, and spent a considerable amount of time getting familiar with its subtle tweaks in performance. According to MacCachren, his preparation made all the difference in the race. “Everything Polaris learned from last year with the Gen 1 race car they put into the Gen 2,” he said. “With all the input from the drivers they were able to come out with this new platform. “When the Gen 2 was completed late last year, it was shipped off to race Dakar, and it won. The Gen 2 has continued its winning ways here in San Felipe.” MacCachren was confident after winning two SCORE races in a row. “It feels incredible to kick off the 2024 SCORE season where I left off at the 2023 SCORE Baja 1000, with an overall victory,” said MacCachren. “This San Felipe course was beyond brutal and unlike anything we’ve experienced before but my RZR Pro R Factory performed incredibly. I didn’t think our vehicles could get any better but this Gen 2 machine is unreal, with incredible power and control while staying planted in the roughest parts of the course.” About The Polaris RZR Pro R Gen 2 According to Polaris, the upgraded iteration boasts an all-new one-piece chassis, comprising a stronger, stiffer frame, a wide range of bodywork upgrades, and new and enhanced electronic componentry. At some point soon, the Gen 2 RZR Pro R will be widely available to the public. “I’m sure we have a target on our backs now,” said MacCachren. At San Felipe, he started at the back of the pack, and that seems to be the place he is most comfortable with. “I was pretty good about starting in the back,” he said. “The race has already happened and you can see what the other racers are doing, but during the race, you eat a lot of dust. “I guess I will figure out what’s going to happen at the SCORE Baja 500 once the grid order is determined,” he added. SJ