SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/539275
weeks ago, when 20-year-old Apdaly Lopez drove the Geiser Brothers RPM Offroad Trophy Truck to the winners circle. 2015 has been a great year for Mexican racers, as the first three races into the five race 2015 SCORE season have all been won by Mexicans. The facts are that there are more Mexicans racing in the top tier Unlimited Trophy Truck class today, than ever before. Ten percent of the field at this year's Baja 500, and two of the top four finishers were Mexican. In addition to greater participation, more Mexican drivers are in state-of-the-art modern Trophy Trucks -- and that is helping them win. SCORE Journal talked with Vildosola Jr., Laguna and Lopez about the rise of the Mexico in SCORE this season, and how they believe these wins have been possible. "There have always been good Mexican drivers but until now, we have not had the opportunity to fight one on one with American teams," said Apdaly Lopez. " I think that the difference this year is that we have great trucks to compete against everyone and an excellent team. " Lalo Laguna had similar thoughts. "I'm not going to say that the American drivers are not good. I know they are some of the best. I think the difference now is that Mexicans are getting better equipment and learning a lot from the American drivers. Clyde Stacy and Justin Matney are giving opportunities to Mexican drivers also. They are supporting and helping us get into race cars that we otherwise could not afford due to the Mexican economy. Now we have the teams, the support and the people we need. We are showing the world that we are Mexicans and we can do it too; we just need the tools. Hopefully, more team owners will look to Mexican drivers and give them more opportunities to race and win." Youth also plays a factor as both Lopez and Laguna are under 25. With youth comes fearlessness and with a background in limited cars, there is more of a mentality to push all the time. " I think the young guys now make 47TH BUD LIGHT SCORE BAJA 500 RECAP APDALY LOPEZ TAKES A JUMP ALONGSIDE THE PACIFIC OCEAN WHERE HE WENT ON TO BE THE FIRST MEXICAN RACER TO WIN THE SCORE BAJA 500 034 SCORE JOURNAL