SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
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CHASING THE DREAM Nico Ambriz Fulfills Childhood Ambition To Race By Gabriel García Photos by Get Some Photo Nicolas ‘Nico’ Ambriz has built a successful career in both off-road racing and rally competition, taking part in two of the most important races in the world in their respective disciplines—the legendary SCORE Baja 1000 and the Dakar Rally. In doing so, he fulfilled a childhood dream that began while watching racing on television. Ambriz was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, but moved with his family to Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, as a child. He still vividly remembers those early years and how his passion for motorsports began. “As a kid, I watched off-road racing on ESPN, and I would go with my dad to watch motocross races,” Ambriz recalled. “But when I saw those incredible trucks on television, I said to myself that someday, I want to race in one of those.” The dream became a reality and Ambriz’s message for Mexican children and young people who have dreams of their own. “Work hard in school, finish your education and follow your dreams,” he said. “I’m here because I was stubborn enough to keep chasing my dream. Don’t give up. Something good is going to happen.” Interestingly, the first race ‘Nico’ ever had the opportunity to compete in was the legendary Carrera Panamericana, which travels through several states across Mexico. Ambriz says he welcomes the opportunity to compete in just about any kind of race. “Whether it’s on pavement or dirt, I’m ready to race,” Ambriz said. “But I definitely prefer racing on dirt.” VILDOSOLA RACING, HIS SECOND FAMILY Ambriz considers Vildosola Racing his second family, praising the highly professional group of people behind the team, from team owner and Mexicali native Gustavo Vildosola Sr. to Supercross legend Ricky Johnson and fellow navigator of the No. 1L Ford Raptor Mason AWD, Victor Valenzuela. “A lot of work goes into the preparation at the shop, and everyone is extremely dedicated to what they do,” Ambriz said. “I believe most races are won in the shop and during pre-running. It’s all about the consistency of doing the job right.” To stay in focus, he also competes in numerous races throughout the year, keeping him constantly busy. Ambriz also credits his wife and family as an important part of his success. “Sometimes my wife gets mad at me, but she always supports me,” he said with a laugh. As for the opportunity to serve as navigator for Gustavo ‘Gus’ Vildosola Sr., one of Mexico’s off-road racing legends, Ambriz considers it an honor. “This is our fifth year with Vildosola Racing, and we’re fighting for that fifth championship in SCORE Trophy Truck Legend.” • Nico Ambriz at far left with Victor Valenzuela, Ricky Johnson, and Gus Vildosola celebrating their SCORE Baja 500 win The team has already celebrated four consecutive SCORE Trophy Truck Legend championships, capturing the titles in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. His impressive résumé also includes several SCORE Baja 1000 victories in each of those four years, along with wins in the SCORE Baja 500, four editions of the SCORE San Felipe 250 and five consecutive SCORE Baja 400 victories—a record that reflects his consistency and professionalism in the deserts of the Baja California peninsula. A BAJA 1000 AT HOME Looking ahead to the BFGoodrich Tires 59th SCORE Baja 1000 in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Ambriz is excited about racing in front of his home crowd, although he knows weather conditions could reshape the course in the months leading up to the race. “The course will change with the rains,” Ambriz said. “It will be a fast course with a lot of local back roads. We know the roads where I think the race will go, so we’ll begin working soon on our preparations for the Baja 1000.” The passion of Baja California Sur’s off-road fans is something special, and it is a source of pride for Ambriz. “As someone from Baja California Sur, it’s a great opportunity to have the Baja 1000 in our state this year,” he said. “What better way to do it? We’re going to start in front of the beach and finish there again.” DAKAR, ANOTHER DREAM FULFILLED ‘Nico’ Ambriz has also had the opportunity to compete in several editions of the prestigious Dakar Rally. The Mexican racer says he is always ready to compete whenever an opportunity comes his way—especially when it involves racing on dirt. “If I’m invited to a race, I’ll go, but I enjoy it even more when it’s on dirt,” Ambriz said. “As for Dakar, it’s very demanding, but it’s also a lot of fun. It’s several weeks of competition.” In 2027, Ambriz plans to compete in the Dakar Rally in the Dakar Classic category. He hopes the event will take place as scheduled in Saudi Arabia next January, noting that there are circumstances beyond the control of the organizers and competitors that have created some uncertainty surrounding the race.SJ