SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1537671
SCORE JOURNAL 48 FACTORY UTV WARS - CAN-AM He believes in Can-Am and raced the Maverick X3 from 2019-'21, when he could have chosen any SXS. "I got a lot of experience with the Can-Am during those years," he said. "Because of the string of small successes in the X3 I knew it was time to step up to the new Maverick R." And what a big leap it was. With the help of the Ampudia family, Beltran prepped a Maverick R in Ensenada, Baja California and entered the first SCORE race last season. "Unfortunately, it wasn't finished by the time the SCORE San Felipe 250 rolled around," he said. But he was able to race the SCORE Baja 500, where he placed second in class. Beltran followed his success with a second-place finish at the SCORE Baja 400 and a second in class at the SCORE Baja 1000, creating a great start to his SXS racing career. He entered this year's SCORE San Felipe 250 and won his class, then placed second in class at the SCORE Baja 500. Still, he wishes he'd get some factory support. "It is expensive on the wallet," he says. "I get some discounts from a friend, but nothing from Can-Am in Mexico or at Can-Am in Canada." But Beltran isn't giving up, not yet. "I reached out to Can-Am recently, and I'm waiting for a reply," he said. "Maybe living in La Paz will give me an edge." At the end of the day, Beltran says he's happy enough racing a Can-Am. "I love the engine performance. The 240-stock horsepower is incredible. I also love the chassis size of the Maverick R. I can't see racing anything else at the moment. It's just a fantastic platform!" SJ