SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1540550
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE First-Time Ironman Moto Rider Angel Aguirre Wins By Mike Vieira Photos by Get Some Photo Angel Aguirre of Rosarito, Mexico, rode his 716X Honda CRF450X to a win in the Pro Moto Ironman Class in this year’s SCORE Baja 400. It was an impressive debut as a solo rider for 22-year-old Aguirre, who has previously competed as a team rider in the SCORE Pro Moto Limited class, especially in front of the many local friends and family members who came out to support him. Starting at the back of the pack, Angel initially battled the fog and darkness, but once daylight came, he quickly and steadily moved up in the standings as the miles went by, until he was first on the road in his class. “It was a perfect race,” he says. “No mistakes, no problems, and the bike worked very well. My body felt very strong, and we reached the finish line. It was our victory plan, and it went as planned.” He also says he was very proud of his “inner child”, as well as surprised by his very successful performance. “Honestly,” says Angel. “All I wanted to do was reach the finish line, have my champagne, and have the flag.” His hard work in preparation for the race paid off, as did that of his crew, with all service stops working smoothly. The fatigue he felt during the race was overcome by his enthusiasm for completing the course, and the results speak for themselves. The trouble-free run allowed him to enjoy a bit of the scenery and views provided by the coastal and mountain sections of the course, which he said were his favorites. He described the experience as unforgettable, and tackling the course alone as an opportunity to show what you are made of. Riding motorcycles since he was four years old, Angel had the benefit of teaching and support from his father, uncle, and other family members, and began racing at the age of ten. Since then, motorcycle racing became his passion, and being able to compete as a solo rider in a SCORE Baja race was a dream he had held for many years. Aguirre plans to run the upcoming BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000, probably again in the Ironman Class, but he says he’ll happily be a team rider in Pro Moto if the opportunity arises before the race. He hopes to find a team for next year’s SCORE season, but is prepared to ride all the races solo if he doesn’t. Angel Aguirre has shown with his win in the Baja 400 that he’s a force to be reckoned with in future races, no matter the class. SJ • VIDEO: ANGEL AGUIRRE ON HIS PRO MOTO IRONMAN WIN “All I wanted to do was reach the finish line, have my champagne, and have the flag.”