SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/764754
49TH SCORE BAJA 1000 RACE RECAP coming out of nowhere to win at the SCORE Baja 1000. Millen was aided by Stephan Verdier in their number 1967 Polaris RZR XP1000. "We came here dotting the I's and crossing the T's to really make sure that we had a meticulous effort not only for prep on the car but a strategy for driver changes," said Millen. "Every member of the crew was on point and it has proven itself in the result. The cars are incredible. People may call them golf carts but this golf cart just beat a lot of vehicles." In second place was Kristen Matlock, who drove solo in her Polaris RZR XP41000. "I had a great day and a half. I'm excited to have finished and I did well to boot," said Matlock. "I just started racing UTVs this year after racing quads for about 10 years. I know how to read the terrain so that is half the battle. When the sun came up I felt like it was a whole new day and I got a second wind." Heading into the SCORE Baja 1000 was current Pro UTV NA points leader Alonzo Lopez, who was involved in two accidents but still managed to maintain a fast pace and finish in fourth place to earn some much-needed points towards a championship season. "We got hit, rolled and ended up in a ditch," said Lopez. "We lost a ton of time and getting out of the car was a challenge. After that, another car came along and rolled into us. All we needed to do today was finish so we could close out the year with a championship. We are so proud. We are a small team and we prepped the car by ourselves." Despite all the difficulties facing UTV competitors, their determination and stamina truly demonstrate what it takes to win in Baja. As the 2017 season approaches, SCORE expects to see UTV classes grow even further as new, more powerful vehicles emerge and stronger racing components are becoming more available. This will allow these vehicles to gain in speed and continue to add a new level of excitement to racing in Baja. SJ ALTHOUGH HE WASN'T SLIDING AROUND CORNERS RHYS MILLEN AND STEPHAN VERDIER PLAYED IT SMART AND TRAVELED FAST IN THEIR POLARIS RZR XP1000 TO WIN THE PRO UTV NA CLASS. . 036 SCORE JOURNAL