SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1540550
15 WINS IN A ROW AND COUNTING Vildosola Leads Trophy Trucks Legends Class By Stuart Bourdon Photography by Get Some Photo Winning streaks in off-road racing are rare, making Gustavo (“Gus”) Vildosola Sr.’s achievements stand out. His 15th consecutive victory as driver of record in the SCORE Trophy Truck Legends class at the 6th SCORE Baja 400 brings him alongside legendary off-road racer Rod Hall, who holds 37 consecutive class wins in Class 4. Vildosola gave us the rundown on the team’s most recent win at the 2025 SCORE Baja 400. “Ricky Johnson qualified very well for us,” said Vildosola. “He was ninth off the line and had a good run right from the start. The course was a little rocky; he got a couple of flats. There were also some small electronic issues. The engine would die at low RPM or under hard braking. That started with Ricky, and he just lived with it. He handed the truck off to me at about the 250-mile mark.” Johnson gave the 1L team a substantial lead over the next competitor in the class. “I got in and had an enjoyable run down the beach and then got a right front flat going into the Ojos Negros section,” said Vildosola. “I was lucky that it was in that section because my crew was there before the highway crossing. As a result, we didn’t have to get out to change the tire. From there, it was a clean run into the finish.” We spoke with Vildosola about what he thinks has helped him gain this most recent podium and the history-making winning streak. “The change in our vehicle was one of the important contributing factors,” he said. “We’re now running a Mason all-wheel-drive truck. Of course, it’s the team that gets us to the finish line every time. Even when things go wrong during a race, our team is ready and there to take care of the truck. We also have Andres “Lechero” Rodriguez doing the prep on the truck. I couldn’t find a more meticulous person to do that job.” Vildosola continued, “I also think the partnership with Ricky has really come to life. Ricky and I have known each other for a very long time. He’s done a great job of coaching me on how to drive the new truck and get the best performance out of it. The all-wheel-drive truck is very different than the two-wheel ride. It’s another animal. I’m very grateful for that, and I think it’s a combination of all these things coming together. The team works together well, and there’s no doubt my driving has improved.” When asked about plans for going after the 16th win in a row at the upcoming 2025 SCORE Baja 1000, Vildosola told us, “We usually bring in a third driver. We don’t know yet how long the race is or where it’s going to go. It all depends on that. If we do bring in a third driver, it will be Mike Coleman from San Diego. He’s driven the last few Baja 1000s with us and done an excellent job.” SJ