SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1535528
No Cage, No Co-Driver, No Excuses Why SCORE Moto Racers Need Radios By Dustin Ensign, Rugged Radios Baja doesn’t leave much room for error. - A crash, a breakdown, a wrong turn—when you’re racing on two wheels, even small problems can become serious fast. There’s no co-driver calling the shots. No cage. No chase crew within arm’s reach. Just you, your bike, and the course ahead. That’s why every moto racer in SCORE should be running a reliable radio system. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about safety, efficiency, and finishing strong. The Stakes Are Higher on Two Wheels Let’s be real, moto classes face some of the toughest odds in desert racing. You ride alone. You push through brutal terrain. And when things go sideways, you’re the only one on scene. Radio communication isn’t just smart, it’s a lifeline: Call in a mechanical issue or injury Hear sweep team updates and reroutes Stay in contact with pits or support crew when in range Coordinate with other riders in your group to keep each other safe and on course A lot of racers start out on two wheels, and after a few seasons (and a few hard knocks), many eventually make the move to UTVs or trucks. With age comes the cage, but until then, comms are your best tool for staying safe, staying fast, and staying in the fight. “Some top teams use radios to signal to their pits when they are near and what they need,” says SCORE Moto Liaison Andy Kirker. “In a race, you never know what is going to work, and radios are another layer of communication on top of cell phones, GPS systems and the Stella devices for moto racers.” What a Rugged Moto Kit Looks Like Noise-canceling helmet kit – Low-profile speakers and boom mic installed inside the helmet for high-speed clarity Perch-mount Push-To-Talk (PTT) – Securely mounted to the clutch perch for easy thumb access without removing hands from the bars VHF race series radio – We recommend using the purpose-built Rugged R1, programmed to SCORE-approved frequencies Cable routing – Helmet-to-radio cables secured with Velcro (not zip ties), allowing movement and easy service Rugged’s moto kits are plug-and-play, SCORE-legal, and proven over thousands of desert miles. Case Study: Harden Offroad Scot Harden’s name is synonymous with desert racing—and his training events demand high standards for safety. At the Nevada Rally Experience, a lost rider was quickly located and assisted thanks to real-time updates via Rugged Radios. “Rugged Radios has been integral to enhancing the safety and success of Harden Off-Road’s events, ensuring reliable communication across challenging terrains.”— Scot Harden Tips for Moto Teams: Dialing In Your Setup Stick to race-band VHF radios programmed to SCORE frequencies Install your helmet kit correctly – mic close to your lips, speakers aligned with your ears Need help? Rugged Radios’ support team is on-site at every SCORE race. Need us to wire it for you? No problem. Use a perch-mount PTT for clean, hands-on-bar operation Secure cables with Velcro, not zip ties, to avoid crushing or damaging them Test the full system before race day–don’t discover a loose connection at mile 20 Final Lap: Don’t Race Silent No one ever regrets having comms, until they don’t. In SCORE moto classes, your radio setup isn’t just gear. It’s how you stay in the race when things get rough. SJ Ride smart. Ride connected. Ride Rugged.