SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1544512
ROLLING FOR THE WIN Brendan Gaughan Opens 2026 With A Victory By Micah Anderson Photos by Get Some Photo The 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship opened with a demanding 281.5-mile course at the King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 testing racers with deep whoops, technical washes, and unique challenges for all. In Class 1, Brendan Gaughan secured the win in the No. 162 buggy after overcoming early race setbacks and adapting to changing conditions throughout the day. Gaughan qualified fourth out of eight Class 1 entries. Under SCORE’s combined qualifying format, times from multiple divisions were used to determine the overall starting order, placing him mid-pack among top competitors including Cody Parkhouse qualifying first and defending class champion Cody Reid was second quickest. The race quickly shifted off script. “It was definitely a standard day in San Felipe… chaos and nothing as scripted,” Gaughan said. At approximately mile 10, Gaughan rolled his HMS Class 1. After recovering and continuing, the challenges continued to build. By mile 40, he was forced to remove his co-driver, leaving him to manage the race solo through one of Baja’s most physically demanding sections. Gaughan adapted by reshuffling his driver lineup mid-race. “Rolled at Mile 10, had to take my co-rider out of the car at Mile 40, planned to do the whole race solo and fortunately had a Timmy Wilson ready to get in,” he said. “San Felipe was kicking my butt so I put him in to drive. He hadn’t pre-run so he just had my notes to go off of.” The team continued forward with a revised plan, pairing Wilson with a last-minute co-driver and focusing on reaching the finish. “We gave him a co-rider whose name he didn’t even know and told them to get to the finish,” Gaughan said. Despite the setbacks, the team maintained a consistent pace Brendan Gaughan’s #162 entry completed the course in 6 hours, 1 minute, and 45.328 seconds, earning first in class and 36th overall. The race also marked the debut of a new tire setup for the team. “To have all that, and be the first car on the new BFGoodrich 42-inch tires and be able to pull off the win in their first race was amazing,” Gaughan said. “I’m proud of the whole team for the job they did prepping the car for such a brutal race.” Behind him, Brad Wilson finished second, followed by Armando Bravo in third. Cody Parkhouse placed fourth. Six of the eight starters reached the finish, reflecting the attrition typical of San Felipe. Defending champion Cody Reid exited early, withdrawing within the first 20 miles to preserve his engine for the remainder of the season. San Felipe often rewards teams that can recover and adapt rather than those that simply start fast. Gaughan’s win reflected that balance, combining resilience, quick decisions, and a car capable of handling the terrain. SJ