SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-DEC-2024

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

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A BATTLE ROYALE SCORE Trophy Truck Competitors On A Must-Win Scenario By Micah Anderson, with Paul Hanson, Isaac Flores, Ariana Medrano, and Adilene Ponce Photos by Get Some Photo The BFGoodrich Tires 57th SCORE Baja 1000 marked the grand finale of the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship, testing racers with 864.13 miles of arduous terrain around Ensenada, Mexico. The Baja desert delivered difficult and dusty conditions and even some heavy rains late in the race which added to the challenge, creating slick conditions for competitors as they pushed to the finish. The SCORE Trophy Truck divisions showcased some of the most exciting moments, with racers battling for top honors and delivering impressive performances in the Unlimited, Legends, and Spec categories. Luke McMillin and the Big Blue M team took the overall victory earning them four of the last five SCORE Baja 1000 wins. The dynamic duo, Luke McMillin and Rob MacCachren teamed up again for a flawless performance in the No. 83 The Beast Unleashed truck, earning first in class and the Overall win. “It went great—not a single flat tire,” McMillin said. “Rob brought it to me in the lead, flawless, like you’d expect. We hit the dirt running, kept our momentum, and had an effortless flow.” At the driver exchange, Toby Price was still in it and pushed the pace for Luke McMillin to step into the throttle. Tavo Vildosola in the No. 21 Mexican Logistics truck took second in class and second Overall, after battling setbacks, including losing time to a tree mishap in thick silt. “We fought all day long,” Vildosola said. “The Vildosola Racing team kept us in the running. A clean run, but we were just three minutes shy of the win.” Tavo started the race and handed the wheel to Jason McNeil at race mile 380. McNeil passed multiple vehicles to stay in contention for a podium finish. Third place in class and fourth overall went to Alan Ampudia, who drove solo in the No.10 Monster Energy/Papas Y Beer Truck. Ampudia described his race as “fun” with a mix of highs and lows, noting power steering belt issues and a flat tire. “It’s Baja. You can’t win them all, but finishing is what matters,” he said. Indeed the finish mattered in a big way resulting in Alan Ampudia winning the 2024 SCORE Trophy Truck championship with 508 points, just one ahead of Tavo Vildosola at 507. Heavy hitter Bryce Menzies enlisted the impressive Christopher Polvoorde to drive the No. 1 Red Bull/Ford Performance/Optima Batteries truck, who locked in their pole position starting spot as the top qualifier. Unfortunately for them, the effort was sidelined early, with a steering failure only 20 miles into the course. SCORE Baja 500 winners Toby Price and Paul Weel, in the No. 46 Quad Lock truck, also suffered a mechanical failure deep into the race, ending their chances for another win this season. SCORE TROPHY TRUCK LEGENDS CLASS The Legends division saw Gustavo Vildosola Sr. dominate in the No. 1L truck, taking first in class, finishing third overall, and continuing a winning streak of 12 consecutive SCORE race wins. Vildosola praised his team’s flawless preparation. “What a day—twelve wins in a row! The rain at the end was tough, but it was worth it. Big thanks to my family and sponsors.” Co-driver Ricky Johnson added, “It was a perfect run this morning, with conditions that made the track fast and fun.” Mike Coleman also shared the wheel for a stint stating, “Ricky handed me a perfect truck. We had no issues. The truck runs flawlessly. That is how Gus rolls.” Greg Adler and his team in the No. 65L truck overcame a fuel mishap to claim second in class. “We had a good run with no flats,” said co-driver Thomas Fichter. “Other than running out of gas, we had no problems and moved forward from sixth to second place.” Third place went to Tim Herbst and Ryan Arciero in the No. 19L truck, who navigated alternator problems and a tough mountain pass. “It’s a great Baja adventure,” Herbst said. “We had a good time and accomplished the goal of finishing.” SCORE Trophy Truck Spec Class Team Terrible Herbst Motorsports, piloting the No. 219 truck, clinched back-to-back class wins. Thor, Riley, and Pierce Herbst each handled sections of the race, with Thor starting the run and Pierce finishing strong in rainy conditions. “We all had fun, and we are proud of this Championship,” said Riley Herbst. Jordan Brenthel’s team in the No. 273 truck secured second place with a clean run. “All the body panels are intact, and everyone’s in good spirits,” Brenthel said. Rounding out the podium, J. David Ruvalcaba and his team in the No. 209 truck faced light failures but persevered to finish third. “The race was competitive, and we’re happy to be here at the finish,” co-driver Jorge Sampietro said, reflecting on the cold, rainy final stretch. SJ

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