Hungarian Baja Off-Road Race backed by FIA Worldwide

There are no obstacles ahead of the 2009 Hungarian Baja; similarly to last year’s event, it is going to be part of the FIA Baja Worldcup. Recently it has been announced that the Central Europe Rally will not be organised again this year, as the organiser cancelled the international race. According to the announcement, due to military trainings on the fields around Veszprém, the race can not be organised during the planned dates in October. Other dates would have a negative impact on other races, which have been running for years, such as the Hungarian Baja.

At the current state, no military training impedes organising the Hungarian Baja race between the 20th and the 23rd of August, therefore, the preparation for the race has already started with full speed.

Those, who are fans of the rally sport, and more precisely of the cross-country rally, should already put the dates in their calendars. This time again, not only the Hungarian racers, but also the growing international field is going to compete for the title on the fields around Veszprém - again including some top-racers of the FIA Baja Worldcup.

San Felipe 250 2009 Baja Racing News.com

Baja Racing News.com San Felipe 250 2009

In Car at the San Felipe 250 2009 Baja Racing News.com

Baja 250 2009 in San Felipe 250 WEBCAST. New Blood in Baja

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2010 Baja 250 San Felipe LIVE! WEBCAST








SAN FELIPE 250 ZOOROZD/RIGOSVIDEOS¡¡¡ from RIGOS VIDEOS on Vimeo.















The Complete San Felipe 250 2009
By: Gary Newsome

BRIAN COLLINS WINS SAN FELIPE 250 2009

Bill Center, UT

"Brian Collins of Las Vegas was the overall winner of the SCORE Tecate San Felipe 250 last Saturday.

Collins averaged 61.21 mph in his Dodge Ram 1500 Trophy Truck over the 232.4-mile course that started and finished in the Sea of Cortez fishing resort.

Taking a break from his NASCAR schedule, Robby Gordon finished second overall, finishing almost 12 minutes off the winning pace.

Class winners from San Diego County in the four-wheel division were the SCORE Lite buggy team of Rick St. John and Adam Pfankuch from Encinitas, Chula Vista's Marc Burnett (Production Mini Pickups), and San Diegans Kevin Carr and Noe Valdez (Open Baja Bugs).

El Cajon's Wayne Matlock was the lead rider on the overall ATV winning team that included Harold Goodman Jr. and Josh Caster.

The Honda factory team of Kendall Norman and Timmy Weigand, from Santa Barbara, were the overall motorcycle winners.

Riders from San Diego County paced the winning teams in the top three support classes. Carlos Casas and Noe Ibarra won the under 250cc title. Hector Castillo of Chula Vista was joined by Rene Pojodes and David Gonzalez Jr. to win the 125cc class. And Poway's Brett Helm led the winning team in the riders-over-30 division.

The class winners and top San Diego County finishers in the San Felipe 250:

Four-Wheel

Overall: 1. Brian Collins (Las Vegas, Dodge Ram 1500 TrophyTruck, 3:47:49, 61.21 mph), 2. Robby Gordon (Charlotte, Chevy CK1500 TrophyTruck, 3:59:20), 3. Ronny-Rick Wilson (Long Beach, Jimco-Chevy buggy, 4:05:43), 4. Mark Post-Rob MacCachren (Laguna Beach, Ford F-150 TrophyTruck).

Buggies

Open: 1. Wilsons; Other-3. Armin Schwarz-Martin Christensen (Jimco-BMW), 7. Paul Keller-Charles Rudolph (El Cajon, Jimco-Chevy), 11. Armin Kremer-Sam Osmon (Escondido, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 5:13:39. 1650cc: 1. Mike Lawrence-Blake Kirkpatrick-Joel Liska (Hacienda Heights, Lothringer-VW, 4:54:43). 1600cc: 1. Justin Smith (Capistrano Beach, Fraley-VW), 5:11:30; Other–3. Eric-Hiram-Evan Duran (Tecate, Neth-VW).

Short Wheelbase: 1. Daniel Reyes Jr.-Julian Rivera-Hector Ortega (Calexico, Venegas-VW, 7:16:15). SCORE Lite: 1. Rick St. John-Adam Pfankuch (Encinitas, Duvel, 4:54:48); Other-4. Bill Hernquist-Scott Reams (La Mesa, Calif., Jimco).

Trucks

Trophy: 1. Collins; Other-8. Robbie Pierce-Mike Julson (Santee, Calif., Chevy Silverado). Open: 1. Dave Crinklaw-Mike Thurlow (Reedley, Ford F-150, 4:59:05. Pro: 1. Max Post-Alex Zachary (Laguna Beach, Ford F-150, 5:26:25). Short Wheelbase: 1. Donald-Ken Moss (Sacramento, Ford Bronco, 7:40:55).

Open Mini: 1. Jose Canchola Jr.-Francisco Gonzalez (Mexicali, Ford Ranger, 4:51:48); Other-4. Heidi Steele-Rene Brugger (San Diego, Ranger, 7:22:00). Production Mini: 1. Marc Burnett (Chula Vista, Ranger, 5:25:20). Mini Modified: 1. Norman-Trevor Turley (Long Beach, Ranger, 7:21:00); Other-3. John Holmes (Olivenhain, Ranger). Stock Mini: 1. Gavin Skilton-Vlad Chioreano (Anaheim, Honda Ridgeline, 8:40:20).

Baja Bugs

Open: 1. Kevin Carr-Noe Valdez (San Diego, 5:11:18); Other-3. Shaun Dunbar-Trevor Terra (La Mesa). 1600cc: 1. Marcos Nunez-Norberto Rivera (Ensenada, 6:04:21); Other-3. Gustavo-Lucia Avina (Chula Vista), 4. Trevor-Mark Anderson (Carlsbad). Stock: 1. Eric Solorzano (Tijuana, 9:11:15).

Motorcycles

Overall-Open: 1. Kendall Norman-Timmy Weigand (Santa Barbara, Honda, 4:09:27, 55.90mph), 2. Colton Udall-Quinn Cody-Jeff Kargola (San Clemente, Honda, 4:17:19), Ivan Ramirez-Brent Harden-Jose Villalobos (Ensenada, Honda); Others-4. Cameron Corfman-Jimmy Lopez-A.J. Stewart (El Cajon, Beta), 7. Ruben Senudo-Ruben Senudo Jr.-Raul-Sammy Garcia (San Diego, Honda).

Under 250cc: 1. Carlos Casas-Noe Ibarra (Chula Vista, Honda, 4:55:18); Other-5. Carlos Becerril-Michael Stein-Colie Potter (San Diego, KTM). 125cc: 1. Hector Castillo-Rene Pojodes-David Gonzalez Jr. (Chula Vista, Yamaha, 6:07:03); Other-4. Manuel Reyes-Roberto Diaz-Abraham Chavez (Dulzura, Yamaha).

Riders-30: 1. Mike Johnson-Rex Cameron (El Paso, Honda, 4:47:46); Other: 5. Justin Hambleton (San Marcos, KTM). Riders-40: 1. Brian Campbell-Bill Cotton-Pete Cochran (Bakersfield, KTM, 4:53:40). 2. Brett Helm-Lou Franco-Jeff Kaplan (Poway, Honda). Riders-50: 1. Jim O'Neal-Andy Kirker-Dan Dawson-Tim Withers Simi Valley, Honda, 5:00:09). Riders-60: 1. Ramon Isuarieta-Luis Zarate-Luis Farell-Manuel Cardona (Mexico City, Honda, 8:28:05).

ATV

Open-Overall: 1. Wayne Matlock-Harold Goodman Jr.-Josh Caster (El Cajon, Honda, 5:16:36, 44.04). Others-3. Santos Perez-Juan Sanchez-Raul Cano (Chula Vista, KTM), 6. Greg Row-Travis Dillon-Kyle Pethers, Alpine, Honda).

Limited: 1. Craig Christy-Steve Abrego-Dave Scott-Andy Lagzdins (Covina, Honda, 5:43:48); Others-4. Jose Juarez-Ivan Fellez-Daniel Delgado (Imperial Beach, Honda), 7. Jovany-Jose Pimental-Romula Gomez (Chula Vista, Honda), 8. Luis Berumen-Sergio Lopez Jr.-Adrian Cruz (San Diego, Honda), 11. Benjamin-Jesus Lopez-Gary Gonsalez (San Diego, Honda). Utility: 1. Reid Rutherford-Benn Vornadakis-Tony Valerio (Telluride, Colo., Arctic"

Baja Racing News.com BULLETIN!

Ensenada local dies in Horrific Race Crash

At approximately 11:30 AM on Saturday, March 14, during the SCORE San Felipe 250 desert off-road race, near race mile 55.5, a Class 1 race vehicle, struck a local Ensenada man. He was transported from the scene by friends, reports from the area later, indicated the victim died from his injuries.

Reports also indicate the Class 1 vehicle, race number 109, was owned and operated by the Wilsons, of the US. Race records say the 109 was piloted by Ronny and Rick Wilson of Long Beach, California. The race vehicle is listed as a Jimco-Chevy.

Reportedly, the victim was associated with Mercado & Silva Racing. He was struck on the race course. His leg was torn off at impact. He was transported by civilian auto into town, where he died from the trauma of the injury. He bled to death.


The message to Wilson Motorsports from Bob Bowers: "Good work boys! We're proud of ya. Bob Bowers Dirtworks Films "

Bob Bowers Personal avatar. Who's blood is that Bob?


Eyewitness: "I was just a few meters. may be 40 mtrs. From the accident at Race Mile 55 aprox. I saw this guy trying to cross the road and he was hit, it for the 1rst class 1 #109, may be the car did not saw this guy, definitely was not the racer car's fault, but I was an eye witness."

Witness: "We were 40 mtrs distance from the place of the accident, occur around 10:40 and 10:50 am, the guy was in the left side of the way (if you go inside the car), so he tried to cross the road and the car was running so fast may be 90 - 100 miles and was hit it by the rigth tire, my brother was step up beside me and says, It was a kid and he run to the place of the accident and I just took a photo to the car seconds after the accident and was the #109, the guy was in the ground in the middle of the way, a couple of guys took him to the side of the road because another car was running on the road, and a Gray ford explorer arrives to the place and they pulled the guy to the trunk and then they leave the place, and they stop the car just in front of us, and a couple of curious guys ran to the trunk to see this guy and he was alive, but with his leg ripped off and bleeding we ask him to take him to the check 1 , to advise to the score guys the accident may be them can help to one way or another and that was all about the guy, so I asked the next day...about this guy and one guy confirmed the dead ."

Witness: "My dad was at the Checkers/ COPS pit and called for our Helicopter (and Weatherman relay) with our medic to come and help them but they drove off before the Helicopter got there. My father and the Checkers tried to help him but they where in a panic and drove to KM 160 on HWY 3 where someone was going to meet them."

In the know: "There were 3 accidents, the one hit by 109 died, a neighbor of his confirmed it...The video you saw with the guy laying on the sand with his arms open was hit by a TT, dont know his status. The third accident was at Rm 120 something, hit by the class 1 that plowed into a Tacoma from (Baja Pits)Locos Mocos, the guy was flown out and luckily its all bruises and tire burns, he personally confirmed it..."

"RM 3, guy hit by a class 3 but was ok and left on his own.
RM 7, zoo rd guy hit by a TT, injured w/broken bones & concussion. Video showed the body laying in the crowd.
RM 55, guy hit by a 1 car with reports his leg torn off and bled to death in a car. Sounds like inadequate immediate medial care.
RM 122, COPS producer hit by a 1 car, airlifted to SD. Got swift medial care and full recovery expected."




No denial from anyone has been received as of today, Tuesday, March 17. In one interview with a seasoned American desert off-road guy, he said the victim "deserved it". More Details Loading>>>




Baja Racing News.com BULLETIN!

BFGoodrich Tires coordinates Robby Gordon race takedown
Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE


The last word on this affair. After taking it all in on Wednesday, we took a few moments on Thursday, March 20 to see what we have learned, after all this hoopla. What did Baja Racing News.com learn?

Never, ever, under any circumstances think of, say or use the "C" word.

Regarding "C". One mans "C" is another mans science. Until the men who race in Baja AGREE on what is what, the "C" word will be avoided here at Baja Racing News.com

Why? Well, in this case, after another lowly 'blog' used the word to trumpet its version of this story, (Tim), the result of this words use is clear.

Just a reminder, we are reporting on "Baja Racing". We're not talking about, Love, War, Politics or peoples lives. Hmm, on second thought, maybe we are.

Thusly, check out this take on the situation scattered throughout the eWorld on the scewernet. Not only is it factually incorrect, but as the following blog item portrays, outsiders have no clue about "Baja Racing". This thing "Baja Racing", as Roger Norman clearly represented, is something we care about and we don't want it to go away.

We suggest the reader observe the offending words use and how this whole thing may be misunderstood by larger publics:

From another lowly blog: "Robby Gordon, accused of "c" during last weekend's San Felipe 250 off-road race in Baja California by the competitors who claimed he took a shortcut, has been cleared by the SCORE racing series.

ON SATURDAY EVENING, A PROTEST WAS HEARD BY SCORE & CRB AGAINST 2ND PLACE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK FINISHER ROBBY GORDON AND A DECISION WAS RENDERED IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON. AN APPEAL OF THIS DECISION WAS SUBMITTED BY A TROPHY TRUCK COMPETITOR ON SUNDAY MORNING AND THE APPEAL WAS ACCEPTED BY SCORE. THIS APPEAL HAS BEEN FORMALLY WITHDRAWN BY THE COMPETITOR. AS A RESULT, THE INITIAL DECISION IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON WILL STAND AND THE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK RESULTS ARE NOW OFFICIAL.

Interestingly, the report does not why the ruling was made that way."

Late Wednesday, March 18, sanity reigns:

"NOTE - ON SATURDAY EVENING, A PROTEST WAS HEARD SCORE & CRB AGAINST 2ND PLACE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK FINISHER ROBBY GORDON AND A DECISION WAS RENDERED IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON. AN APPEAL OF THIS DECISION WAS SUBMITTED BY A TROHPY (sp. TROPHY) TRUCK COMPETITOR ON SUNDAY MORNING AND THE APPEAL WAS ACCEPTED BY SCORE. THIS APPEAL HAS BEEN FORMALLY WITHDRAWN BY THE COMPETITOR. AS A RESULT, THE INITIAL DECISION IN FAVOR OF ROBBY GORDON WILL STAND AND THE SCORE TROPHY TRUCK RESULTS ARE NOW OFFICIAL." From the race organizer website.

!Viva Sr. Sal Fish. Viva SCORE and Viva Baja Racers!

The Baja Racing News public reacts to the entire series of events at the San Felipe 250, Friday, March 20, 2009 :

"In my opinion it doesn't matter if it is Robby Gordon or the President of the United States, if they have not followed the rules of the SCORE Regulations regarding "intentional short coursing" then disqualification should be made mandatory. Also, I believe it was in their briefing material from SCORE that all drivers were to check in at ALL CHECKPOINTS, that was not the case here, supposedly.

Another point I would like to make - what good are the tracking systems if they are not used? I sat at home and watched the drivers make their way around the Baja course on my computer and witnessed one other driver short coursing this race. Nothing was ever said about that instance, all eyes were on Gordon. All drivers need to be watched!

If these races are going to be fair make sure that the rules and regulations are followed - that is what they are there for. I would hate to see the demise of this awesome sport."

Baja Racing News Reader

Another:

"To say I'm livid is an understatement. I deliberately waited until most have had their say about the matter, thinking maybe I'm out of wack or something. But no, I'm not.

Knowing Sal since 1973, I believe that if he doesn't have some controversy during and after the race, the race was not a success for him. That's has to be it. I can’t think of any other reasons why this race wound up as it did.

He's not a dummy. He's got all the tools to make things right. He’s got tons of experience and the personnel to do things for him. But he refuses because maybe that's the only thrill he gets nowadays. Everything else has perhaps become stale. That’s all I can think of.

I provided Sal with three (3) exact locations (I had several others but weren’t a crucial as these three), where I knew people would cut the course if he didn't do something about them. I gave him Google maps to show exact locations and distances, etc.
Before the racer's meeting in San Felipe, he said to me, "It's all taken care of. Thanks." So I didn't question him during the meeting, although my jaw dropped several times when he admitted that in certain areas (washes), there was nothing he could do at this late date. Two of those sections were exactly where I had told him people would cheat, and it would stir up controversy. And I gave him the maps three weeks before the race and BEFORE he started marking the course!

CUT TO THE CHASE LUCHO: 95% of the racecourse problems would have been solved had he done the following:
1. Add a Check at RM28-29
2. Add a Check at RM93-94 or even RM99
3. Add a Check at RM149

That's it! That simple! FINI! BASTA! IT’S OVER! It would have taken care of 95% of his course-cutting problems and especially the Robby Gordon dilemma.

Instead, trying to save money (I guess) by not having to pay for three extra Checkpoints (what's that worth? Maybe $500.00 each or $1500.00), he has put a bad taste in everyone's mouth (certainly mine and our team), especially those of us who will never cheat or cut the course but see others get away with it without repercussions .

PEOPLE, let me tell you that knowing Baja as I do and especially the areas where the 250 was marked, I could have cut as much as 49 miles off the racecourse, based on the fact that SCORE did not place checkpoints where I suggested they should be (see above).

All I can surmise is that Sal knows he's in his concluding years, he's tired, burnt–out and probably if he has another bad race or two (entry wise) he'll just walk away from it. I believe he does not give a "cow's excrement" anymore.

NOTICE: Sal, if you or Paul are reading this (or someone here wants to send him a copy of what I just stated), please call me and I will tell you that this was the worst I've seen you do in a long time, especially since you have/had the means not to have to go through all this. An amateur promoter could have figured it out better.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING: I race Baja because I love being in Baja and the challenges and the pre-runs, and the people I know and meet down there. I DO NOT RACE IT JUST BECAUSE IT'S PUT ON BY SCORE.

FINALLY: It’s truly disheartening because I’ve been racing for many years (longer than most who compete have been alive), and it just seems that it’s all eroding away. A terrible shame!"

Lou Peralta

Another:

"Lou, I have been around a long time, way before Sal had a single gray hair. I knew the exact out come and I have to agree with you. Legend or not, Lou is rite, Sal had the chance to do the right thing before pre running started."

David Hendrickson

Another:

"Lou I like you and don't want to cast any disrespect but I think you are way out of line and a couple of your facts are off.

FIRST mistake - The line Robby used would not have been caught by your stellar check point placement posted here. RG cut the entrance to Matomi, not the exit (others in the race did cut at the exit) but you hailing your check points would not have caught RG.

SECOND mistake - you stated that the Mini Summit was a cheating option so that is your reasoning for a check point at mile 28-29. Maybe a King of the Hammers vehicle could make that climb but I was there on my dirt bike a month ago and couldn't ride down without pushing and lifting.

I will admit that more checks or visual would have made it better and I concur with a check at mile 93, this doesn't change the fact that you are being disrespectful Lou.

You know I don't want to say what is really obvious so I won't but suffice it to say that Mexico is wide open and I'm sure they would give you permits to run your own events if you can do it so much better.

In the past it has been said that I am "Sal's Boy" (In a Dress!) well I don't know or care about that but I can tell you this SAL IS THE MAN! Mistakes or not he is the one making it happen."

Cameron Steele


The Baja Racing News.com EDITORIAL VERDICT ( Issued prior to the withdraw of the matter--Noon, March 18)!

We are talking about desert off-road racing IN MEXICO. The 'Baja Mexico' part to the discussion is the fulcrum point of the discussion. The Editorial Board of Baja Racing News.com dispenses with this here and NOW. Baja Racing is open desert off-road racing IN MEXICO.

As we all know, the Official SCORE rulebook is void in this matter. Why, because the racing is in Mexico. The "SC" in SCORE is 'Southern California'. Just because SCORE doesn't race in Southern California, is not relative.

Under the operated races and rules for years in Mexico by SCORE, what Robby Gordon 'May Have Done' is RACING. "BAJA RACING!" Just like "rubbing is racing", tactical course advantages IN MEXICO, we think, are fair game. Not to mention the validity of the entire case presented against Robby, by the tire manufacturer, BFGoodrich.

Name one team, not rep'd by BFG, making the same claim...

Who runs these races? Tire manufacturers and their money or Sal Fish?

Robby Gordon took second place, in his class, with his performance on Saturday. If Sal changes this standing, we may be looking at the END of Baja Racing. Next time, the concerned racers should discuss amongst themselves, privately, how to handle the matter. Without a drivers association, the racers expose the results of races to the flow of dollars, going to the race organizer.

This is "BAJA RACING! The most Dangerous and Notorious Racing In The World"!

Baja Racing News.com EDITORIAL VERDICT


Reactions to the Baja Racing News.com Editorial Verdict:

Readers that Approve: 49%
Readers that Disapprove: 51%

[March 19, 2009]



CLICK HERE for the recent Baja Racing News.com story on the 'Insider' who essentially predicted this race result, prior to the race, this past weekend.

Baja Racing News.com looked over the "evidence". Mindful, that BFGoodrich representatives are coordinating this effort and most importantly, the "Baja Fools" and 'Norman Motorsports' are the sole source of the initial information about the 'claims'. Robby Gordon runs Toyo Tires (he was a BFG sponsored team, for many years) in Gordon Motorsports. They are also paid representatives of an opposing team of Gordon Motorsports.

The people in the video are not independent eye-witnesses. They ARE NOT race officials. They are people with time on their hands after Norman Motorsports crashed out of the race.

Norman Motorsports defends its attack today, on Americas beloved Robby Gordon:

"I was very sad to discover that Robby Gordon was responsible for this racing infraction. This is not about Robby Gordon. It's about breaking the rules, cutting the course, cheating or whatever you want to call it. All of the teams who race for the point championship (the overall season win) want the race to be as fair as possible. It is clearly unfair to #19 Herbst to have been passed by Gordon with a premeditated illegal maneuver. Herbst witnessed Gordon coming down the hill (that is in the video) and wrote a statement to Sal Fish regarding it. What is at stake is the integrity of the sport. I believe that all competitors need to have the opportunity to race in a fair environment. Just because it is Robby Gordon doesn't mean that we should all turn our backs and sweep it under the rug.

We were not out to prosecute Robby Gordon, nor were there any initial intentions for this dispute to be made public. We were waiting for our vehicle (Trophy Truck #8) at race mile #134 when the controversy started. The Baja Fools pit crew was tracking every vehicle that passed and the BF Goodrich relay was also reporting vehicle times. When it was discovered that Gordon had finished the race, conversation erupted about how he could have proceeded from checkpoint two to checkpoint three without entering the now infamous Matomi Wash. The speculation continued for about 45 minutes before I decided to try and solve how he had bypassed the entry to the wash without anyone seeing him from the high bluff at the race mile 134. We were completely shocked to find out that he had cut the course by that much, approximately four miles. Gordon was the only four-wheel vehicle to make it to the finish line without completing the entire course, or at least passing by race mile 134. When we returned to the Baja Fools pit, I spoke to the gentleman at BFG Relay and showed him the photos and then went over and showed the Baja Fools. They filled out a formal complaint intended for delivery to Sal Fish.

My truck (#8) never made it to the Baja Fools pit, instead we took the pre-runner to the finish line to meet with Sal and discuss what had happened. Sal said that if it is true, then it is not right. Sal then instructed me to go meet with Paul Fish next to the finish line. I provided Paul with the information and shortly after Robby arrived and admitted to cutting the course, but not where the evidence shows. What Gordon claimed was that he cut the course very close to the corner, which is in plain view of the Baja Fools pit and the BF Goodrich relay. The ONLY four-wheel tire track cutting the course was the one that was about 1.5 miles back from race mile 134.

Gordon proceeded to make several statements to me that I knew were incorrect. He told me that Ed Herbst had seen him come down the hill from the shortcut, which was true. However, Ed verified that the actual was not where Gordon had claimed and that the photographs were consistent with Gordons correct entry into the wash. Gordon told me that if I filed a protest I would not be able to purchase any more parts for my shocks or body panels from him. I told him that the integrity of the sport was more important than parts.
Ed also expressed dismay about such a premeditated shortcut and had a few words with Sal the next morning before the awards banquet. Ed Herbst was not the only team leader to speak with Sal Fish on Sunday morning. The group protesting Gordon includes: Rob MacCachren, Mark Post, Larry Roeseler, and Jim Blackmore. There was much discussion about the matter and how to avoid similar controversy in the future.

SCORE Rule Book

Page 10. General Regulations G3 / The Race Director or his designated representative shall have the authority to penalize, fine, disqualify, and/or suspend any entrant for the violation of these rules including but not limited to to the special ruling and supplementary regulations described in G6 and G7. Possible penalties are slated in GP3 in this rulebook.

Page 16, General Regulations GL15 / A marked course is that official route disignated by and marked with SCORE markings. The marked course must be followed by by all vehicle entries during the event. No vehicle entry may deviate from the marked course on either side more than 50 feet (50') from the centerline of the marked course on either side to pass. The fifty foot limit may change from event to event, or from one area to the next in the same event as stated by SCORE. Passing on a marked course is permitted when the diviation is made safely and within the set limit. No short coursing is allowed. (Short coursing is defined as deviating from the marked course for other than passing.)
Sensitive areas are those that are disignated by SCORE or government regulatory agencies. No deviation off the course whatsoever is permitted in designated sensitive areas. Special markings may be used by SCORE in sensitive areas.
Open running areas are those designated by SCORE where one or more routes may be used during the event. Open running will be permitted only withing the parameters of the area designated by SCORE. One or more course routes may or may not be marked by SCORE. SCORE will preanounce any controls which may be located within an open running area.
SCORE in not responsible for markings, which are damaged or moved. No persons other than SCORE officials are permitted to place, remove or relocate course markings.
All vehicles must drive only in the correct direction of the course route or trail. Failure to abide by these regulations is grounds for disqualification, fine, suspension, and/or a penalty determined at the discretion of the Race Director.

Page 19, Genearal Regulations GP3/ The following schedule of penalties is a guidline used by SCORE in levying penalties to competitors. These guidelines are a minimum only.
#9. Intentional short coursing. ***Disqualification.

The one subject that all of the other teams agreed upon after the meeting is that there will probably be no action taken by race officials and that any pursuit for a fair racing environment will go unnoticed because of who is involved. There are going to be those who believe that any means necessary is just that, or that our motivations involved stem from petty disputes. This is not the case. This is a problem that has existed for many years and needs to find resolution. If the course path means nothing then we all need to be on the same page. If checkpoint-to-checkpoint is by any means necessary then lets all agree on it. This is our sport that we love dearly and its our duty to protect it and keep it fair for everyone. Robbie Gordon has called my team manager several times to let him know we would not be getting anymore parts from him and also asked what we plan to do. It is unknown at this time if we will be able to compete at the Baja 500 or Baja 1000 without the shock parts we need from Robbie Gordon. If we are unable to make it to those races, I still believe it was the right thing to do."

More Loading>>>









"By Alton Parker-Norman Motorsports

SAN FELIPE, Mexico (March 15th 2009) — How far are you willing to go to win? is a question frequently asked in off-road racing. In a difficult and dangerous sport, it takes heroic amounts of dedication and commitment to compete at a professional level. The SCORE racing series in Baja, Mexico is considered one of the most difficult off-road racing series in the world - its roster of competitors boast such racing heroes as Ivan Stewart, Parnelli Jones, and more recently NASCAR legend Robby Gordon.

On Saturday, March 14th at the 2009 Baja 250, several top racing teams filed a formal complaint against Robby Gordon for illegally shortcutting the course approximately 4 miles in order to pass Trophy Truck competitor Ed Herbst who has signed an appeal having witnessed the action.

Its common for off-road racers to use the shortest paths through difficult terrain, but it is another thing entirely to deliberately leave the course and re-enter at another location. The sport can be said to effectively operate on an honor system and it is often difficult to track the vehicles and enforce rules between the established checkpoints.

In the most remote part of the course at race mile marker 132.5 Gordon veered off course and drove down a cliff to bypass a difficult section and pass Herbst. He was discovered by a pit crew known as the Baja Fools who had set up a pit stop in that section of the course. They had thought that Gordon was broken down on an earlier section until the radio confirmed that Gordon had finished in second place. On investigation, two sets of Toyo tire tracks were found re-entering the course at ~ mile 136. Gordon had clearly premeditated the deviation and had practiced the maneuver once before.

Appeals were filed with the SCORE International race officials and they are currently investigating. Gordon may be facing possible probation."


Monday Morning Release from SCORE: "SCORE OFFICIALS HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT AN APPEAL OF A PROTEST DECISION AGAINST 2ND PLACE ROBBY GORDON HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. AS A RESULT, OTHER THAN 1ST PLACE BRIAN COLLINS, THE BALANCE OF THE FINISHING RESULTS FROM SCORE TROPHY TRUCK ARE UNDER APPEAL. SCORE EXPECTS A DECISION ON THE APPEAL TO BE REACHED BY THE END OF THIS WEEK."



The Original Baja Racing News.com BULLETIN:
BFG Tires, Baja Fools (one Mr. Norman), Frank DiAngelo & Wild Bill

On the warpath to screw Robby Gordon out of the second place finish today at San Felipe 250. Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE! Mexican Radio LIVE! Race Radio WEBCAST caught the planning BFG Tires LISTEN HERE [ Seek 3:51:11 into the recording; play until you hear the conversation between, Wild Bill (a paid BFG rep, Frank Di Angelo, Paid rep for BFG) and Roger Norman, Baja Racer] Frank Di Angelo to take down Americas favorite off-road racer. Robby Gordon, after todays second place finish.

The claim is, a "cheaters track" was caught by the Baja Fools. Jeff Cummings from BFG, tonight on the LIVE feed said, "Sal will be expecting to see the stuff from Roger Norman". Roger Norman, unknowingly LIVE over the screwernet, "I'll be in town in 20 minutes, thanks Wild Bill".

Folks, this is raw, unadulterated, Tire sponsorship payback, nothing more. These teams, all suck the tete of the French owned Michelin, BFGoodrich Corporation. It's all about the money. Even for the Big Boys. Baja Racing News.com will break out the cannons and bring you the story.

We don't think the backroom F-A-Thon was ever intended to be exposed like it was this afternoon.

Late Saturday night, a meeting of the CRB (Competition Review Board) took place. We have a report about that meeting. But, since they are considered confidential we will at this time retain the contents of the meeting. Today, on Monday, March 16, a statement was released by SCORE, saying they are reviewing the matter, with results at the end of the week.


Baja Racing News BULLETIN!

Brain Collins WINS San Felipe 250 2009!

Winner! 12 Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram 1500

Collins, of Las Vegas, defended his overall race win having won last year in his No. 12 Collins Motorsports Dodge Ram 1500. He also captured the overall victory in this race in 1990 to give him two career San Felipe overalls.
Second-generation veteran Las Vegas desert racer Brian Collins roared through the rugged trails and washes of Mexico’s Baja California desert Saturday, earning his second straight overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck victory in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Mopar Dodge Ram1500 at the 23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race.

Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series was held in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, along the shores of the picturesque Sea of Cortez.

Setting a blistering pace right from the start in San Felipe and driving solo, he covered the sandy, silty, rocky and dusty 232.4-mile course in just three hours, 47 minutes, 49 seconds, averaging a stellar 61.21 miles per hour.

Overpowering a strong field of 226 desert racers and mastering the race course with blazing speed and power, Collins’ time beat not only the cars and trucks, but also the motorcycles and ATVs that competed in the popular ‘spring break’ event to earn his fifth class win in San Felipe including his third overall triumph and his sixth career SCORE Trophy-Truck race win in the 15-plus year history of SCORE’s marquee racing division for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks.

It was also just the second time since 1979 that a Dodge-powered vehicle won a SCORE race.

Finishing second overall and in SCORE Trophy-Truck in the elapsed-time race, 11 minutes and 31 seconds behind the masterful Collins was NASCAR Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., who finished Saturday’s race in 3:59:20, averaging 58.26mph in the No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500.

Finishing third overall while winning the unlimited Class 1 in Round 2 of the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series were brothers Ronny and Rick Wilson, Long Beach, Calif., with a time of 4:05:43 and an average speed of 56.75mph in the Wilson Motorsports Chevy-powered Jimco open-wheeled desert race car.

The 226 starters from 17 States, 10 countries competed in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes for cars, truck, motorcycles and ATVs. The dramatic 232.4-mile course covered three of the legendary, picturesque and treacherous Baja washes: Matomi, Azufre and Huatomote before heading back to the finish line in the shadow of the landmark San Felipe Arches. The race featured the 14th-largest number of starters in the 23-year history of the event. A total of 162 adventurers completed the rugged course within the 10-hour time limit for an extremely high 71.7 percent finishing percentage.

“It was just a perfect day, our BFGoodrich Tires kept us totally in the game all day long and we covered a brutally-rough course with absolutely no flats,” said the happy Collins at the finish line. “B.J. Baldwin was physically ahead until he broke down at race mile 190, but we had him covered on corrected time all day. The Dodge truck was absolutely awesome. Billy (Goerke, my navigator) did a great job because if you would have asked me earlier today if we were going to win, I would have said ‘I don’t know, it’s going to be a long day’.”

Collins had plenty to say at the finish, adding “But I put a plan together, being patient, and I told Billy that’s what we were going to do and he monitored my speed all the time down the real rough sections so we didn’t have a flat or hurt our shocks and we just had a great day. It’s nice when you put a plan together and it works. There are a lot of places you can go race in the desert, but there is nothing anywhere in the world that comes even remotely close to these unforgettable SCORE Baja races we get to experience three times a year.”

Winning the overall Motorcycle and Class 22 title was the talented team of Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara Calif., and Tim Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., on a Johnny Campbell Racing Honda CRF450X. Finishing fifth among all vehicles, the pair crossed the finish line in 4:09:27 with an average speed of 55.90mph. It was Norman’s third overall win in this race in the last four years and Weigand’s first as the pair defeated a group of 69 motorcycles that took the green flag.

Norman started the race and rode to race mile 30, Weigand rode the section from race mile 30 to 166.9 and Norman brought it to the finish line from race mile 166.9.

“It wasn’t a walk in the park, I got knocked silly for a second,” said Norman while celebrating at the finish line. “I was going very well for the first eight miles and I slowed down when it got super rocky and I tagged a rock and rode the front wheel for like 50 feet when I finally ate it. When I crashed I hit my head and when I went to get up I fell on the ground again. I got back up and going and the next 500 yards, the same thing happened, but this time I didn’t go down.”

“We just had a solid ride,” Norman added. We were behind our JCR teammate Colton Udall and his riders, but when they came into the pit where I got on, they had radiator problems and we took over the lead again and just cruised it.”

Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif., led a team to the Overall ATV and Class 25 victory for the third time in the last four years and second consecutive year in this race on a Honda TRX700X. He split the riding time equally with co-riders Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich., and Josh Caster, El Cajon, Calif. Goodman was part of last year’s winning team with Matlock while this was Caster’s first.

Matlock started the race and rode to race mile 25 and finished the race, riding the final 62 miles. Goodman rode from race mile 25 to 93 and Caster rode from race mile 93 to 170.

Finishing fourth overall and third in SCORE Trophy-Truck was the team of Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, who crossed the line 20 minutes, eight seconds behind Collins in the No. 3 Riviera Racing Ford F-150. All four top car and truck finishers completed the course quicker than the top motorcycle team. MacCachren drove the first half of the race and Post the second.

Returning to SCORE desert racing in the first time in over a year, Tim Herbst of Las Vegas drove solo to finish fifth overall among four wheel vehicles and second in Class 1 in the legendary Terrible Herbst Motorsports Smithbuilt-Ford open wheel desert race car. Tim Herbst, whose older brothers Troy and Ed Herbst debuted their new No. 19 Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck with a seventh-place finish in class, 7:34 behind Class 1 winners Ronny and Rick Wilson.

Creative veteran age group motorcycle rider Jim O’Neal, 62, Simi Valley, Calif., won Class 50 for motorcycle riders over 50 years old, adding his race-record 10th class win in San Felipe. Splitting the riding on a Honda CRF450X with O’Neal, who finished second in Class 30 on another talented team, was Andy Kirker, Santa Ana, Calif./Dan Dawson, Agua Dulce, Calif. and Tim Withers, Pepeekeo, Hawaii.

Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, picked up his ninth win in the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 in Class 11 for stock VW Sedans.

Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif., won Class 3 in his sturdy Ford Bronco for the seventh time in the last eight years for his 30th career SCORE race win. They also remained undefeated in 2009 with their second win.

Also winning their second consecutive race of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series were: Rick St. John, Encinitas, Calif./Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif. (SCORE Lite, Duvel-VW), Kevin Carr, San Diego (Class 5, VW Baja Bug) and Gavin Skilton, Anaheim, Calif. (Honda Ridgeline).

Among the other car and truck Class winners late Saturday were: Jose Canchola Jr., Mexicali, Mexico (Class 7, Ford Ranger), Mike Lawrence, Sunset Beach, Calif. (Class 10, Lothringer-VW), Dave Crinklaw, Reedley, Calif. (Class 8, Ford F-150), Norm Turley, Long Beach, Calif., (Class 7SX, Ford Ranger), Marc Burnett, Chula Vista, Calif. (Class 6, Ford Ranger), Marcos Nunez, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600, VW Baja Bug), Daniel Reyes Jr., Calexico, Calif., (Class 9, Venegas-VW) and Justin Smith, Capistrano Beach, Calif. (Class 1-2/1600, Fraley-VW).

Among the other motorcycle class winners were teams led by Carlos Casa, Chula Vista, Calif. (Class 21, Honda CRF450X), Brian Campbell, Bakersfield, Calif. (Class 40, KTM 450XCF), Hector Castillo, Calexico, Calif., (Class 20, Yamaha WR250) and Ramon Isuarieta, Mexico City (Class 60, Honda CRF450X).

Winning the ATV Class 24 was the team led by defending SCORE Desert Series point champion Craig Christy, Burbank, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R.

The fastest overall Sportsman motorcycle was ridden by a team led by Jeff Leonard, Bakersfield, Calif., who rode a Honda CRF450X to win the SPT M/C>250cc class.

The fastest Sportsman car or truck was driven by the team led by Peter Lang, Santa Rosa, Calif., who drove a Homebuilt-Chevy in the SPT Car class.

Leading the Sportsman ATV classes was the hometown team led by Manuel Jimenez, San Felipe, Mexico, on a Honda TRX450R."

San Felipe 250 Moto News

"Kendal Norman and Tim Weigand took top honors in the motorcycle division at the SCORE San Felipe 250 in Baja California, Mexico, on March 14.
Riding a John Campbell Racing Honda CRF450X, the duo finished fifth overall, including four-wheel vehicles, covering the course in a time of four hours, 9 minutes and 27 seconds, with an average speed of 55.9 mph. It was Norman's third overall win in this race in the last four years and Weigand's first, as the pair defeated a group of 69 motorcycles that took the green flag.
Norman started the race and rode to race mile 30, Weigand rode the section from race mile 30 to 166.9 and Norman brought it to the finish line from race mile 166.9.
"It wasn't a walk in the park, I got knocked silly for a second," said Norman while celebrating at the finish line. "I was going very well for the first eight miles, and I slowed down when it got super rocky, and I tagged a rock and rode the front wheel for like 50 feet when I finally ate it. When I crashed, I hit my head, and when I went to get up I fell on the ground again. I got back up and going and the next 500 yards, the same thing happened, but this time I didn't go down.
"We just had a solid ride," Norman added. "We were behind our JCR teammate Colton Udall and his riders, but when they came into the pit where I got on, they had radiator problems and we took over the lead again and just cruised it."
Second overall went to the Colton Udal, Quinn Cody and Jeff Kargola Honda team, finishing the race in 4:17:19, with a speed average of 54.19 mph. Third went to Honda riders Ivan Ramirez, Brent Harden and Jose Villalobos.
Fourth overall went to the winning Class 30 Honda team of Mike Johnson and Rex Cameron.
The top-finishing Class 40 team at fifth overall was made up of KTM riders. Brian Campbell, Bill Cotton and Pete Cochran.
Jim O'Neal, Andy Kirker, Dan Dawson and Tim Whithers topped Class 50 at ninth overall."

The SCORE San Felipe Baja 250 experience was epic.
SSI sponsored two teams. 6X and 203A

6x Honda,
Chuck Neugebauer and Arturo Rodriguez.. This team was by far the fast and looked
like a possible winner.

203A Las Chicas
Felicia Rodriguez, Kali Cruz, Skyler Blaise, Charlie Gillian
The team solid in their class and looked to a class win and
a finish.
Team 203A started well and 1st rider Felicia Rodriguez hit it hard through the whoops. Felicia handed off to Kali Cruz at the zoo road cross. Kali stated that she had to navigate through hundreds of spectators trying to high five her. Many booby traps and boulders were in the area. Kali, in an attempt to avoid a spectator, hit a boulder and rolled. She was able to right the 600 lb, Honda 650 Rincon and continued. She went hard and handed off to Skyler at Baja Pit 1. Skyler then used her fluid riding style to bring it through to check point 1 in under anticipated time. Charlie was waiting at check point 1. All going better than expected, a decision was made to make a run to Check point 2, ahead of the Trophy Trucks that start three hours later and would be overtaking soon after that point. Charlie raced off and cleared through check point 2. Trophy Trucks now approaching. Our spotters confirmed dust clouds and chase helicopter in site and felt that the TT’s would overtake her about mile 109 at the windmill. A decision was made at check point 2 to continue and as trained to hide out when overtaken and proceed when clear.

Team 6X started 6th off the line in front of 7X Cameron Steele, and ran hard through
the surf section and was living up to expectation. But, over the night many
booby traps and rocks (boulder size were laid out) 6 foot ditches were
dug near the boulders. 6X jumped a ditch and avoiding a boulder punched
a tree branch through the tank and had to go back to change the out the
gas tank. 6X got back on the course and with full intent on now just
finishing. He then hit it hard through the whoops making up ground.
When 6X came close check 1. Reluctantly, the decision was made to now to not finish and just chase 203A. 6X had now the job of making up much lost ground and catch Las Chicas, who had now all ready cleared check point one ahead of schedule and were near clearing check point 2. . Rider Arturo Rodriguez then began to make up ground mile by mile, out of check point 1 through check point 2 in record setting times through our time check points to catch 203A.
6x caught 203a approaching check 3 and passed her in order
to scout in front of 203A, anticipating trophy trucks approaching and find out
spots and open areas to hang out and work around the bigger faster cars.
6X starter, Chuck Neugebauer was waiting at Baja pit 4 just after check 3 to change out with rider Arturo Rodriguez. No
arrival 6X or 203A they were lost. Very concerned, Mayday Mayday, weather man. No contact
for about one agonizing hour.

1400: at Baja Pits check 4

6X comes flying into the pit in what appeared to be a panic. Screaming
for a quick fuel and damage check on left side and yelling “TT collision” TT collision”.
Seeing that Arturo was not right and that he was going to try and
takeoff, the Baja Pits Carlos and crew tackled and wrestled him to the
ground. Then Arturo now coming down from his excitement, stated, blithering in Spanish
“ I was brushed by a Trophy Truck in a dice and went over the bars “. The
bike had left side damage and Arturo could not continue but as Crew. I, Donny Razon, Crew Chief, reluctantly called it quits for 6X for the day.
Then, in a screaming match with Arturo, (he did not understand that 203A was lost on the
course). Arturo then began repeating TT over and over in classic concussion symptoms. Baja Pits repaired the bike calmed and controlled Arturo and radioed
for medics. Then the search for 203A began, and BLESS weather man and weather man relay got the message out.
Just as Chuck Neugebauer geared up fired up the Honda XR 650 and was preparing to back run the course in search for 203A (not a smart thing to do). Charlie Gillian on 203A came limping in holding her side and got off the 203A Rincon Quad and would not let
anyone near.
After much calming again by the saints (Baja Pits crew) she told us the story. She said that she had followed her
training and that she heard a Trophy Truck coming and that the area was somewhat open. Charlie went on to say, that she followed her training
just rode right over the berm and as she cleared the top of the berm, the TT
clipped her left rear corner and caused an end over end crash into a tree. She then went on to
say that there was no horn warning and no check for injuries by the TT. “ I feel that this is just racing and that I should not have been in his way” Charlie said.
The Paramedic then arrived and checked both riders. This is a SCORE provided service and the crews are all over the course in new Hummers. Arturo had a minor concussion and Charlie had bruised ribs, lot’s of aches and pains. Full MRI to follow on both. But, they both wanted to continue and had to be argued off the bikes.
I cannot be prouder of these teams, stated 6X rider Chuck Neugebauer stated. Chuck went on to say “ SCORE was there, I was panic and should not have attempted to ride the course back. I am very grateful to Carlos and his Baja Pits race crew. The weather man and weather man relay were there. I have been guilty of saying that the weatherman was a dinosaur. I now know and respect this man and his operation. Our high tech satellite system broke down, our Motorola’s were out of range. The weatherman got the message out and SCORE Com was right on it also. The medics were well trained and equipped. As a lifelong fireman, I know what good treatment is.
The incident, while seeming impossible, was verified and blue and silver paint was found. I will not believe that a SCORE member would not signal and stop. They only reported that it was a blue TT and could not remember any markings or numbers. I choose to believe that this was a private person, masquerading as a racer and running the course, I have seen it before. All’s well, more training, training, training and looking to the 500” We just had a team prayer vigil for the Cops team.

This was our opener and a good one. Many new friends and much new school. We survived and raced pro. We will be in the SCORE Baja 500.
Thanks and condolences to injured people.
Congratulations to all the winners
Donny Razon
SSI Racing
Crew Chief

Baja Racing News.com


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23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250

Round 2 of five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series

March 14, 2009—San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, 232.4 miles

Total Entries: 236 Total Starters: 226 Total Finishers: 162 (71.7 percent)



O F F I C I A L F I N I S H E R S

Pro Cars & Trucks

SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)—1. Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram 1500, 3:47:49 (61.21mph); 2. Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., Chevy CK1500, 3:59:20; 3. Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 4:07:57; 4. Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., Chevy C1500, 4:17:05; 5. Adam Householder, Orange, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 4:34:40; 6. B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado, 5:43:50; 7. Troy Herbst/Ed Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150, 6:18:12; 8. Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson, Santee, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:34:36; 9. Greg Nunley, Visalia, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 7:54:57; 10. Ed Stout, Santa Ana, Calif., Chevy Silverado, 9:59:37

(17 Starters, 10 Finishers)

CLASS 1 (Unlimited single or two-seaters)—1. Ronny Wilson/Rick Wilson, Long Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 4:05:43 (56.75mph); 2. Tim Herbst, Las Vegas, Smithuilt-Ford, 4:13:17; 3. Armin Schwarz, Germany/Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif. (Denmark), Jimco-BMW, 4:19:42; 4. Julio Herrera/Carlos Olmos, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Jefferies-Chevy, 4:23:05; 5. Dale Lenk/Brett Lenk/Grant Lenk, Costa Mesa, Calif., Penhall-Chevy, 4:25:16; 6. Randy Wilson, Lakewood, Calif./Rick Wilson, Long Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 4:34:01; 7. Paul Keller, El Cajon, Calif./Charles Rudolph, San Diego, Jimco-Chevy, 4:42:14; 8. Ron Brant, Oak Hills, Calif./Ben Monroy, Torrance, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 4:48:35; 9. Richard Boyle, Ridgecrest, Calif./Tommy Kirkmeyer, Adelanto, Calif., Jefferies-Chevy, 4:48:45; 10. Josh Rigsby/Steve Ewers, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Penhall-Chevy, 4:58:15; 11. Armin Kremer, Germany/Sam Osmon, Escondido, Calif., Jimco-Chevy, 5:13:39; 12. Rob Bruce, Sublimity, Ore./Mark Witte, Silverton, Ore., Jefferies-Chevy, 5:36:45

(15 Starters, 12 Finishers)

CLASS 1-2/1600 (VW-powered, single or two-seaters to 1600cc)—1. Justin Smith, Capistrano Beach, Calif., Fraley, 5:11:30 (44.76mph); 2. Brian Wilson, Long Beach, Calif./Sammy Ehrenberg, Las Vegas, Kreger, 5:36:39; 3. Eric Duran/Hiram Duran/Evan Duran, Tecate, Calif., Neth, 5:37:40; 4. Mario Gastelum/Isaac Gastelum, El Centro, Calif., Jimco, 5:38:32; 5. Myan Spaccarelli, Simi Valley, Calif., Mirage, 5:40:59; 6. Luis Martinez, Mexicali, Mexico/Victor Lugo, Calexico, Calif., Mayoral, 5:42:07; 7. Marco Gallo/Juan Gallo, San Felipe, Mexico, Curry, 5:55:17; 8. Dave Caspino, Woodland Hills, Calif./Mike Malloy, Las Vegas, Lothringer, 6:36:50; 9. Edgar Alvarez/Edgar Alvarez Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Curry, 7:04:45; 10. Arturo Velazco/Abel Velazco, Banning, Calif., Porter, 7:13:10; 11. Cody Robinson, El Centro, Calif./Roberto Romo, Mexicali, Mexico, TL, 8:45:12; 12. Samuel Araiza, La Paz, Mexico/Federico Montes, Ensenada, Mexico, Fraley, 9:33:05; 13. Josue Delgado/Marcos Valenzuela/Alonso Viveyos, Mexicali, Mexico, Borm, 9:58:34

(20 Starters, 13 Finishers)

CLASS 3 (Short Wheelbase 4X4)—1. Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif./Ken Moss, Marysville, Calif., Ford Bronco, 7:40:55 (30.25mph); 2. Ken Leavitt, Ventura, Calif./Tom Blair, Twin Falls, Idaho, Ford Bronco, 8:41:55

(2 Starters, 2 Finishers)

CLASS 5 (Unlimited VW Baja Bugs)—1. Kevin Carr/Noe Valdez, San Diego, 5:11:18 (44.79mph); 2. Carlos Albanez/Luivan Voelker, Mexicali, Mexico, 6:25:09; 3. Shaun Dunbar, La Mesa, Calif./Trevor Terra, El Cajon, Calif., 7:01:30

(3 Starters, 3 Finishers)

CLASS 5/1600 (1600cc VW Baja Bugs)—1. Marcos Nunez/Norberto Rivera, Ensenada, Mexico, 6:04:21 (38.27mph); 2. Miguel Rosales/Edmundo Fernandez, Ensenada, Mexico, 6:20:00; 3. Gustavo Avina/Lucia Avina, Chula Vista, Calif., 6:23:12; 4. Trevor Anderson/Mark Anderson, Carlsbad, Calif., 6:54:47; 5. Pedro Athie/Ruben De La Fuente, Ensenada, Mexico, 7:12:31; 6. Alonso Angulo/Roberto Escobedo, Ensenada, Mexico, 7:13:52; 7. Sergio Moreno, Tijuana, Mexico/Carlos Iribe, Rosarito, Mexico, Fernando Rivera, Tijuana, Mexico, 7:17:28

(8 Starters, 7 Finishers)

CLASS 6 (Unlimited, production mini trucks)—1. Marc Burnett, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford Ranger, 5:25:20 (42.86mph); 2. Mike Koenig, Sacramento, Calif./Stuart Klein, Lakeside, Calif., Toyota Tacoma, 7:04:10; 3. Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Ross Savage, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Ranger, 8:20:45

(4 Starters, 3 Finishers)

CLASS 7 (Open, production mini trucks)—1. Jose Canchola Jr./Francisco Gonzalez, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Ranger, 4:51:48 (47.79mph); 2. Igor Galvan/Guillermo Galvan, Bahia de Los Angeles, Calif., Ford Ranger, 5:32:57; 3. Dan Chamlee/Tom Chamlee, Carpenteria, Calif., Ford Ranger, 6:25:13; 4. Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Rene Brugger, San Diego, Ford Ranger, 7:22:00

(7 Starters, 4 Finishers)

CLASS 7SX (Modified, open mini trucks)—1. Norman Turley/Trevor Turley, Long Beach, Calif., Ford Ranger, 7:21:00 (31.62mph); 2. Nick Moncure/Ted Moncure/Doug Hood, Long Beach, Calif., Toyota Tacoma, 8:20:42; 3. John Holmes, Olivenhain, Calif., Ford Ranger, 9:05:00; 4. Eduardo Gonzalez, Lucerene Valley, Calif., Ford Ranger, 9:55:25

(5 Starters, 4 Finishers)

CLASS 8 (Full-sized two-wheel drive trucks)—1. Dave Crinklaw, Reedley, Calif./Mike Thurlow, Kingsburg, Calif., Ford F-150, 4:59:05 (46.62mph); 2. Clyde Stacey, Bristol, Va./Justin Matney, Bristol, Tenn., Chevy Silverado, 6:23:23; 3. Juan C. Lopez, Tecate, Mexico, Ford F-150, 8:21:42

(5 Starters, 3 Finishers)

CLASS 9 (VW-powered, Short wheelbase, single or two-seaters)—1. Daniel Reyes Jr., Calexico, Calif./Julian Rivera, Indio, Calif./Hector Ortega, Tijuana, Mexico, Venegas, 7:16:15 (31.96mph)

(3 Starters, 1 Finisher)

CLASS 10 (Single or two-seaters to 1650cc)—1. Mike Lawrence, Banning, Calif./Blake Kirkpatrick, Hacienda Heights, Calif./Joel Liska, Banning, Calif., Lothringer-VW, 4:54:43 (47.31mph); 2. Tito Robles/Lobsam Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jimco-Honda, 5:15:44; 3. Scott Gailey/Scott Whipple, Norco, Calif., GET-VW, 6:20:30

(10 Starters, 3 Finishers)

SCORE LITE (VW-powered, Limited single-1776cc-or two-seaters-1835cc)—1. Rick St. John, Encinitas, Calif./Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., Duvel, 4:54:48 (47.30mph); 2. Brent Parkhouse, Long Beach, Calif./Brian Burgess, Riverside, Calif., Molton, 5:47:00; 3. Lee Banning, Laveen, Ariz./Chris Godfrey, Phoenix/Lee Banning Jr., Litchfield Park, Ariz., Foddrill, 6:23:05; 4. Bill Hernquist/Scott Reams, La Mesa, Calif., Jimco, 6:48:15

(7 Starters, 4 Finishers)

CLASS 11 (Stock VW Sedans)—1. Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, 9:11:15 (25.30mph)

(2 Starters, 1 Finisher)

STOCK FULL (Stock, Full-sized trucks)—

(2 Starters, 0 Finishers)

STOCK MINI (Stock, Mini-sized trucks)—1. Gavin Skilton, Anaheim, Calif./Vlad Chioreanu, Santa Monica, Calif., Honda Ridgeline, 8:40:20 (26.80mph)

(1 Starter, 1 Finisher)

PROTRUCK (Limited, Production Trucks)—1. Max Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Alex Zachary, San Jacinto, Calif., Ford F-150, 5:26:25 (42.72mph)

(1 Starter, 1 Finisher)

PRO MOTORCYCLES

CLASS 22 (250cc or more)—1. Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Timmy Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:09:27 (55.90mph); 2. Colton Udall, San Clemente, Calif./Quinn Cody, Los Olivos, Calif./Jeff Kargola, San Clemente, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:17:19; 3. Ivan Ramirez, Ensenada, Mexico/Brent Harden, Menifee, Calif./Jose Villalobos, Tecate, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 4:35:17; 4. Cameron Corfman, El Centro, Calif./Jimmy Lopez, El Cajon, Calif./A.J. Stewart, Jamul, Calif., Beta RR525, 4:56:17; 5. Adam Thissen, Reno, Nev./Robert Underwood, Coleville, Calif., KTM XC505, 5:02:46; 6. Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Mike Childress, Wrightwood, Calif./Jeff Laubscher, San Juan Capistrano, Calif./Cody Stuart, Capistrano Beach, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 5:08:03; 7. Ruben Senudo/Ruben Senudo Jr. /Raul Garcia/Sammy Garcia, San Diego, Honda CRF450X, 6:35:00

(8 Starters, 7 Finishers)

CLASS 21 (126cc to 250cc)—1. Carlos Casas/Noe Ibarra, Chula Vista, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:55:18 (47.22mph); 2. Ronnie Wilson, Glendale, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 5:27:34; 3. Jeremy Purvines/Ron Purvines, Henderson, Nev./Scott Glimp, Las Vegas, Honda CRF450X, 5:37:49; 4. Alfredo Osornio, Mexicali, Mexico/Alberto Ruiz, Ensenada, Mexico/Rene Magana, San Ysidro, Calif., Kawasaki KX450, 5:46:26; 5. Carlos Becerril, Calexico, Calif./Michael Stein, Phoenix/Colie Potter, San Diego, KTM 450XCR-W, 5:55:20; 6. Bill Boyer, Lomita, Calif./Stuart Goggins, Upland, Calif./Nicholas Blais, Chino, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 6:15:37; 7. David Zarate, Los Cabos, Mexico/Ramon Davila, La Paz, Mexico/Alberto Ross, Los Cabos, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 7:17:51

(9 Starters, 7 Finishers)

CLASS 20 (125cc)—1. Hector Castillo, Calexico, Calif./Rene Pojodes, Mexicali, Mexico/David Gonzalez Jr., Chula Vista, Calif., Yamaha WR250, 6:07:03 (37.99mph); 2. Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif./Talya Dodson, Truckee, Calif./Cathy Duncan, Los Alamos, Honda CRF250X, 6:31:16; 3. Jesus Rios/Cuauhtemoc Beltran, Calexico, Calif./Edgar Espinoza, El Centro, Calif., Honda CRF250X, 7:04:16; 4. Manuel Reyes, Dulzura, Calif./Roberto Diaz, Campo, Calif./Abraham Chavez, Tecate, Calif., Yamaha YZ250F, 9:09:05

(4 Starters, 4 Finishers)

CLASS 30 (Riders over 30 years old)—1. Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Rex Cameron, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda CRF450X, 4:47:46 (48.46mph); 2. Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif./Tom Willis, Las Vegas/Derrick Paiement, Corona, Calif./Brian Sweany II, Lancaster, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 4:58:28; 3. Sean Bradley, Ridgecrest, Calif./Kyle Abney, Albuquerque, N.M., Kawasaki KX500, 5:17:50; 4. Javier Hernandez, Obregon, Mexico/Edujardo Rosas, Huatabampo, Mexico/Mike Crowford, Phoenix, Honda CRF450X, 5:40:17; 5. Justin Hambleton, San Marcos, Calif., KTM 300XC, 5:50:13; 6. Alejandro Olguin/Miguel Coria/Victor Lujan, Mexicali, Mexico, Honda XR650R, 6:15:50; 7. Sol Saltzman, Red Cliff, Colo./Tony Larese, Vail, Colo./Pete Schmidtmann, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 7:38:00

(7 Starters, 7 Finishers)

CLASS 40 (Riders over 40 years old)—1. Brian Campbell/Bill Cotton, Bakersfield, Calif./Pete Cochran, Laguna Beach, Calif., KTM 450XCF, 4:53:40 (47.48mph); 2. Scott Myers, Menifee, Calif./Brett Helm, Poway, Calif./Lou Franco, Sherman Oaks, Calif.,/Jeff Kaplan, Thousand Oaks, Calif./Tim Withers, Pepeekeo, Hawaii, Honda CRF450X, 5:04:12; 3. Julio Abril/Oscar Hale/Mario Acosta, Ensenada, Mexico, Yamaha WR450, 5:55:42; 4. Tom Vogt, Mesa, Ariz., Honda CRF450X, 8:25:34; 5. Chris Dornsife, Murrieta, Calif., Honda XR650R, 8:38:58

(6 Starters, 5 Finishers)

CLASS 50 (Riders over 50 years old)—1. Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif./Andy Kirker, Santa Ana, Calif./Dan Dawson, Agua Dulce, Calif./Tim Withers, Pepeekeo, Hawaii, Honda CRF450X, 5:00:09 (46.46mph); 2. Charlie Marshall, Carmichael, Calif./Doug Smith, Upland, Calif./Dave Potts, Burbank, Calif./Chuck Sun, Las Vegas, KTM530XCW, 5:14:13

(2 Starters, 2 Finishers)

CLASS 60 (Riders over 60 years old)—1. Ramon Isuarieta/Luis Zarate/Luis Farell/Manuel Cardona, Mexico City, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, 8:28:05 (27.44mph)

(1 Starter, 1 Finisher)

PRO ATVs

CLASS 25 (over 251cc)—1. Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Josh Caster, El Cajon, Calif., Honda 700XX, 5:16:36 (44.04mph); 2. Felipe Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Stefano Caputo, San Felipe, Mexico (Italy)/Heriberto Marquez, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 5:31:01; 3. Santos Perez, Tijuana, Mexico/Juan Sanchez/Raul Cano, Chula Vista, Calif., KTM 450, 5:32:25; 4. Jeff Hancock, Salome, Ariz./Joshua Edwards, Peoria, Ariz., Honda TRX450R, 5:32:47; 5. Nick Nelson, Tehachapi, Calif./Brandon Brown, Eumantilla, Ore.; Jorie Williams, Wash., Suzuki LTR450, 5:43:49; 6. Greg Row, Alpine, Calif./Travis Dillon, Avojoaze, Ariz./Kyle Pethers, Avondale, Ariz., Honda TRX450R, 6:30:32

(9 Starters, 6 Finishers)

CLASS 24 (under 251cc)—1. Craig Christy, Burbank, Calif./Steve Abrego, Covina, Calif./Dave Scott, Belen, N.M./Andy Lagzdins, Baltimore, Honda TRX450R, 5:43:48 (40.56mph); 2. Victor Lopez/Jorge Lopez, San Felipe, Mexico/Gonzalo Curiel, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 5:55:54; 3. Miguel Arellano/Adan Arellano/Bernardo Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico, Suzuki LTR450, 6:03:54; 4. Jose Juarez/Ivan Fellez, Tijuana, Mexico/Daniel Delgado, Imperial Beach, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 6:07:48; 5. Roberto Ruiz/Francisco Espinoza/Jose Vieblas, El Centro, Calif., Honda TRX450R, 6:13:15; 6. Abraham Romero, Tijuana, Mexico/Sigifredo Jimenez, Chula Vista, Calif./Efrain Haros, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 6:15:42; 7. Jovany Pimental/Jose Pimentel, Chula Vista, Calif./Romulo Gomez, San Diego, Honda TRX450R, 6:18:33; 8. Luis Berumen, Tijuana, Mexico/Sergio Lopez Jr. /Adrian Cruz, San Diego, Honda TRX450R, 6:24:07; 9. Tom Wright, Tabernacle, N.J./Pierre-Yves Denault/Renaud Fortin, Canada, Honda TRX450R, 6:24:59; 10. Shawn Robins/Jesse Van Maarion, Canada/Pedro Tarango, La Paz, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 6:33:32; 11. Benjamin Lopez/Jesus Lopez/Gary Gonsalez, San Diego, Honda TRX450R, 7:14:21

(12 Starters, 11 Finishers)

CLASS 26 (Limited, Utility)—1. Reid Rutherford, Montrose, Colo./ Benn Vornadakis, Rico, Colo./Tony Valerio, Telluride, Colo., Arctic Cat, 7:24:02 (31.40mph); 2. Rob Ransford, Downers Grove, Ill./Tim Winiarski, Carson, Calif./Joe Rice, Lomita, Calif., Can Am Renegade, 9:02:30

(4 Starters, 2 Finishers)

SPORTSMAN

OVERALL SPT CAR—Peter Lang/Frans De Kock/Terry Cotter, Santa Rosa, Calif., Homebuilt-Chevy, 7:01:15 (33.10mph)

(2 Starters, 1 Finisher)

FIRST SPT TRUCK—

(2 Starters, 0 Finishers)

OVERALL SPT UTV—

(3 Starters, 0 Finishers)

FIRST SPT M/C<250cc—1.>

(13 Starters, 11 Finishers)

OVERALL SPT M/C>250cc—Jeff Leonard, Bakersfield, Calif./Eugene Lane, Redondo Beach, Calif./Jack Cox, Oceanside, Calif., Honda CRF450X, 5:29:26 (42.33mph)

(17 Starters, 15 Finishers)

OVERALL SPT ATV—Manuel Jimenez/Carlos Lopez/Carlos Castaneda, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, 6:12:32 (37.43mph)

(15 Starters, 11 Finishers)

*23rd Annual Baja San Felipe 250
*Saturday, March 14—232.4 miles
*San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico

*SATURDAY, MARCH 14 / Los Arcos Motel:
Late Registration & Tech - 5:30AM to 11:00AM
Media Center - 5:30AM to 8:00PM
Unofficial Results - Posted Periodically
Competition Review Board - 8:00PM

*SATURDAY, MARCH 14 / San Felipe Arches:
Motorcycle & ATV Start - 6:00AM
Four Wheel Start - 10:00AM (Approximately)

13 March, 2009 8 PM

Baja Racing News Reporting Teams readying for the race start at 6 AM Pacific Time, we'll go LIVE! WEBCAST at 5 AM.

Race Reports posted LIVE! as they merit attention. Stay Tuned!

13 March, 2009 5 PM

Baja Racing News.com talks with Matt Karkozian after Assault

Durka Durka photographer assaulted by Desert Assassins co-driver prior to San Felipe 250.

"Matt Karkozian, one of the most talented and affable photo-artists of Off-Road was assaulted last night in Mexico." Joe Martinez, reporting. Matt said he was reporting the assault to the local police, today.

"One of off road racing’s top journalists, Matt Karkozian was assaulted by six thugs from the Desert Assassins, reportedly tied to the Metal Mulisha’s Trigger Gumm and his band of wanna-be thugs that included Vano. One of the confirmed who assaulted Matt, was Trigger Gumm. Reportedly, Gumm and Vano were not to overly impressed by a story that Matt Karkozian had written some time back and they figured that it was time for them to take some action. Matt, reached late this afternoon by Baja Racing News.com reporter Joe Martinez, said, "I am writing the story now, it will get reported".

As Matt and his all-female photographer crew perused the best sites in San Felipe, Trigger, Vano and four others jumped the DurkaDurka photographer pummeling his face multiple times with their fists. Here at contingency, Durka Durka was bruised and battered to the face and forehead after being beat by the six Metal Mulisha thugs.

Matt said, “They’re all flatbillers that weigh about 150 lbs. I’ve played hockey and worked as a bouncer in the bar scene over the past twenty years so being jumped by a bunch of flatbillers isn’t all that bad. After they jumped me I asked them if that’s all they had. I never went down to the ground as they couldn’t get me down.” The question is “when is enough enough?” with the Metal Mulisha/Desert Assassins and their Trigger Gumm characters. Gumm is a disciple of the Desert Assassins/Metal Mulisha and has been involved in a variety of questionable actions over the past few years."

After the recent deaths of Desert Assassins, surrounding Cameron Steele, questions have arisen about the conduct of the group of race rejects. Currently, Trigger is sponsored by Mars Nutrition. Formerly, by an underwear company that was shamed to dump the Desert Assassin, after Baja Racing News.com jumped on the Baja 1000 story. More on that later...meanwhile, why does Triggers management refuse to answer any questions about the Gumm? Trigger Gumm is scheduled to drive in the DA #16 Yokohama Tires Trophy, piece of Crap, tomorrow.

CLICK HERE TO A LINK TO THE GUMM

13 March, 2009, 3:30 PM Report

The Classic San Felipe Pit Stop with Vildosola Racing


13 March, 2009, 3:15

"Rising to new highs, the rookie desert racing team that has done nothing as of yet in the world of desert racing set the bar high in contingencies to come as the strangely designed #11 Trophy Truck pulled into the center of the Malecon as some of Mexico’s finest strippers climbed onto the top of the race truck and began a strip tease that end with both of the strippers topless and barely wearing a g-string. Greg Nunley, the driver of record, and owner of the #11 race truck has brought his team to San Felipe 250 for the first time in the old Geiser Brothers Bob Shepard race truck. This is the same truck that Shepard and Arciero raced together in 2007. Nunley and his carrot-topped wing man, hosted the strippers on the top of the truck as SCORE contingency reached a new level. Hundreds of people gathered around the truck asking who Nunley Racing was as the Mexican strippers writhed away atop the trophy truck. The girls bared it all in the name of Nunley Racing. No doubt about it that Nunley Racing proved they have game in contingency, but the desert world is still waiting to see them show their race prowness in the dirt."

13 March, 2009 3:00 PM Report

Baja Racing News.com San Felipe 250 Race Briefing

"The entire event will be run on Pacific Standard Time.

The Competitors Meeting will be held on Friday @ 7:00PM at the Bandidos Bar, which is located directly across from the Tourism Office on Mar De Cortez Avenue. All competitors are reminded that off road racing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or even death. YOU MUST BEAR THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY.

It is important to remember that SCORE cannot regulate the conduct of spectators.
Be advised that spectators will engage in malicious activity by building ramps, digging ditches and placing objects onto the course. When approaching a group of spectators - SLOW DOWN & BE ALERT!! The roads used for this race course are open to the public. You must expect at all times to encounter oncoming traffic. All competitors MUST possess a valid driver license while operating the race vehicle. The race course is marked with orange/white ribbon, pink arrows, green wrong ways, and mile markers every two miles.
SCORE cannot guarantee that course markings will remain in place until race day.
It is your responsibility to race in a controlled manner and be able to slow down and avoid danger spots. All competitors must do their part to protect and preserve the Baja ecological environment. Please instruct your team that it is very important to properly dispose of all solid and liquid waste. Four-Wheel vehicles that are in a position to pass a Motorcycle or ATV must NOT ATTEMPT TO PASS UNTIL THE RIDER HAS MOVED
TO THE SIDE OF THE COURSE. Motorcycles and ATVs must remain aware of approaching traffic and move over as quickly as possible. Four-Wheel vehicles are ultimately responsible for the safety of passing. USE YOUR HORN!!! SCORE will use 151.625 (Monster Mike Relay) for the main race operations radio frequency. Please use this frequency to report an emergency or ask for help. Stub Cans will NOT be used at this race. You are required to enter all five checkpoints in a single file manner and come to a COMPLETE STOP at the Stop Sign. The checkpoint corridor is not considered part of the race course. Entering and
exiting all checkpoints must be done in a safe and prudent manner in order to guarantee the safety of all checkpoint workers. NO passing 300 feet before a checkpoint and NO pitting 1/4 mile before a checkpoint. Towing is not permitted within 1 mile of the finish line. Wristbanded vehicle occupants are permitted to push a disabled race vehicle across the finish line. Towing is not permitted for more than 1% of the course, or 2.3 miles. A competitor who is late for his assigned start time will start at the back of the class that is currently starting. The elapsed time of a late starter begins with his DESIGNATED START TIME, not the late start time. The Start Line is located on Highway 5 next to the Arches Monument in the Southbound Lanes. The Finish Line is adjacent to the Tecate Building at the southeast side of the Arches.

STAGING ROUTE - All race vehicles are required to report to staging via the intersection of Camino Del Sur and Calle Ensenada at the Baja 1000 Auto Mechanic, which is one block south of the traffic circle on Calle Chetumal.

Motorcycles and ATV classes will report to staging at 5:30AM for a 6:00AM start and will start one every 30 seconds in the following order:
22, 30, 40, 21, 20, 50, 60, 25, 24, SPTMOTO>, SPTMOTO<, SPTATV, UTILITYATV. There will be a full three hour gap between the last ATV starter and the first Trophy Truck starter. Four-Wheel classes will start one every 30 seconds in the following order - TT, 1, 10, SL, 8, PT, 1/2-1600, 5, 6, 7, 5-1600, 7SX, SF SM, 9, 3, SPTK, SPBG, 11, SPUTV. FOUR WHEEL CLASS STAGING TIMES - TT(9:15AM), 1(9:20AM), 10(9:25AM), SL(9:30AM), 8(9:35AM), PT(9:40AM), 1/2-1600(9:45AM), 5(9:50AM), 6(9:55AM), 7(10:00AM), 5-1600(10:05AM), 7SX(10:10AM), SF(10:15AM), SM(10:20AM), 9(10:25AM), 3(10:30AM), SPTRK(10:35AM), SPBUG(10:40AM), 11(10:45AM), SPUTV(10:50AM). All classes will have 10 hours from their designated start time to complete the race.

Checkpoint closing times are as follows:
* CHECKPOINT 1 - MILE 61.5 / 4:00 PM.
* CHECKPOINT 2 - MILE 122.3 / 6:00 PM.
* CHECKPOINT 3 - MILE 165.2 / 7:00 PM.
* CHECKPOINT 4 - MILE 192.8 / 8:00 PM.
* CHECKPOINT 5 - MILE 213.8 / 9:00 PM.

A technical protest MUST be filed no later than 30 minutes after the first finisher out of the money in your class. Unofficial Results will be posted throughout the day at the Los Arcos Motel. The Competition Review Board will meet Saturday at 8:00PM at the Los Arcos Motel."

13 March, 2009 2:30 PM Report

Baja Racing News.com Who's gonnna Win?

Poll Results:

TROPHY TRUCK CLASS
BJ BALDWIN - (19.7%) 2 BJ is officially cursed.
NORMAN/ROESELER - (14.6%) 3 No respect!
TERRIBLE HERBST - (8.4%)
RIVIERA RACING - (10.9%)
ROBBY GORDON - (23.7%) 1 Robby takes another fan poll!
BRIAN COLLINS - (3.6%)
VILDOSOLA RACING - (12.4%)
CAMERON STEELE - (2.2%)
CHET HUFFMAN - (1.8%)
PISTOL SOHREN - (2.6%) Pete has alot of fans, no other reason.

CLICK HERE FOR SAN FELIPE 250 Past Videos Insane!

13 March, 2009 2:15 PM Report

Rod Hall Racing Drops out of SCORE series

"RENO, Nev., March 13 -- Rod Hall Racing marks its first attendance in the 19th edition of the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles on March 14-28th in Morocco. The team will be led by Rod Hall Racing driver Emily Miller and world extreme skiing champion and former Olympian Wendy Fisher. Miller will pilot an Isuzu D-Max and Fisher will serve as navigator.

The official start of the off-road event is on March 14th in Sete, France before transferring across the Mediterranean to Northern Africa. Approximately 119 teams are scheduled to compete in the female-only competition while Team Miller-Fisher is the sole entry from the United States and are committed to a multi-year effort. The rally bans the use of GPS and pace notes forcing competitors to rely on keen, traditional navigation skills. The event is also noted for environmental and humanitarian efforts throughout the race.

Off-road racing legend, Rod Hall, will follow the team for a portion of the event. Hall noted, "We are excited to return overseas to compete. Rod Hall Racing has competed on several continents over the years and I am happy to see Emily gain this valuable experience." Hall has competed in international races including the East African Safari and Paris-Dakar.

For more information on Rallye Aicha des Gazelles or to follow Team Miller-Fisher during the rally car race log on to www.teammillerfisher.com.

About Rod Hall Racing

Rod Hall Racing, based in Reno, Nevada, is a combination of winning off-road drivers and trucks, led by the most winning racer in the sport - Rod Hall. Combined with his sons, Josh and Chad Hall, the team has compiled thirty Baja 1000 class victories, twenty Baja 500 wins and multiple championships. In 2008, the team captured five class championships and two Toyota Milestone awards - an unprecedented accomplishment. The rally effort is supported by Salomon, BFGoodrich, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Nite Rider, and the Tony Hawk Family. For more information, log on to www.rodhallracing.com. To follow the rally and track the team live, log on to www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com.

www.teammillerfisher.com

Website: http://www.teammillerfisher.com/

13 March, 2009 2 PM Report

"Ed Herbst and Mark Post teamed up together in their two prerunner trucks to tackle the southern half of this year's SCORE San Felipe 250 race. Together with co-drivers and chase crews the two black prerunners, the Herbst prerunner blazened with Monster Energy and the Riviera Racing prerunner.

Heading up the race course all was well for the first lap around the rock-ladened course and then the two prerunners began dicing as they started the second lap. It wasn't long before the Monster Energy Ford of Ed Herbst flattened a host of tires and blew the motor after a few times buried in the sands of South San Felipe.

The Herbst truck was left in the desert until Mike Smith's crews could get to the broken truck and the two Trophy Truck racers continued on in the Riviera Racing prerunner.

As they approached town coming from Morelia Jct. and took a hit as the water temperature skyrocketed leaving the truck sidelined awaiting a Riviera Racing trailer.

In the meantime, BJ Baldwin's crew was busy working on his race truck in the parking lot of the Hotel revalving shocks after a test session revealed not so tuned shocks. It was a late night for the #97 Trophy Truck.

The team attempted to rebuild the shocks here in the hotel parking lot, however the body caps were reclocked incorrectly and the shocks were taken back to Race Prep Services in San Clemente to be rebuilt.

Additionally, Bill McBeath is having issues with his shocks after testing on Thursday afternoon as well. His trophy truck shocks are leaking here in San Felipe before the race has even started.

Rob MacCachren, Brian Collins, Robbie Pierce, Roger Norman and Larry Roseler all have left San Felipe here early this morning enroute to their final day of prerunning.

More from San Felipe throughout the day."

San Felipe 250 2009 Pre-Run Video

13 March, 2009, 12:00 Report Vildosola Racing San Felipe 250 Practice Video

Vildosola Racing Testing San Felipe 3.0 from victor gasca on Vimeo.

13 March, 2009, 11:00 Report

The course is nothing special, the "pristine" conditions from winter pre-running, after heavy rainfalls are gone. It's the same-old, same-old. BIG ASS WHOOPS. There are 3 new motels north of town that did not exist one year ago. Every other place is "full," wonder of these new places are. I did not check. Last night in San Felipe was hopping! We had a great week, no incidents and the crew confident. There is a 5 mile dirt detour between Hwy 5 Km 160 and Km 168 that chase vehicles need to be aware of. Our hotel in San Felipe this week wanted $70 or 850 pesos. If you had exchanged for pesos at the border or at an ATM for 15:1, the room ran $56. The hotel was running a 12:1 rate. PAY IN PESOS!

CLICK HERE FOR RACE PICS FROM 2008 San Felipe 250

13 March, 2009, 10:30 Robby Gordon Report

"While the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series enjoys a weekend off, Robby Gordon is preparing to return to his desert racing roots by participating in the 23rd annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. After winning the season-opening Laughlin Desert Challenge, Gordon and his No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires team have decided to compete for the 2009 SCORE championship.

Gordon has only participated in this race twice in the last thirteen years. He won the race in 1996, but failed to finish in his most recent attempt in 2004. He will be racing the same trophy truck that he drove to victory earlier this year, so look for a great performance from the No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires trophy truck.

With over 225 entries from 20 U.S. states and 10 different countries, Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series will commence on Saturday, March 14th at 10 a.m. PST. It will be a 232.4-mile race course, which will run through the picturesque fishing village of San Felipe that is located on the East side of the Baja California peninsula along the Sea of Cortez. The winner of tomorrow’s race is expected to finish in less than four hours, and the No. 77 team hopes to cross the finish line first.

“Rather than enjoying a weekend off, we are headed to San Felipe to race our No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires trophy truck in the SCORE International Off-Road Series race. When I run a SCORE race, I usually have to commute and pull double-duty. This week is a real treat for me as I can focus on just the desert, which is exciting for me,” commented Gordon, who has two career class wins in his limited San Felipe attempts.

“I haven’t raced San Felipe in years, but we did test after Daytona and have pre-ran all this week. We feel that we have put together a competitive package for this weekend’s race. I am also really excited about the new tire package that Toyo Tires has put together for us. If all goes according to plan, we should be able to pull off another good finish and continue to lead the SCORE championship points standing,” furthered Gordon, driver of the No. 77 Monster Energy / Toyo Tires trophy truck."

Video of Robby Gordon, Pre-Running the San Felipe 250 Course

CLICK HERE FOR San Felipe 250 '08 Complete Race Videos

13 March, 2009, 10:20 AM Contingency Report

Racers Schedule San Felipe Baja 250

Today, Friday, March 13:
10 AM-6 PM
Pre-race festivities at the Baja 250 will include the colorful Malecon and technical inspection on the beachfront alongside the blue-green waters of the Sea of Cortez.

8:30AM - 10:30AM: If you were lucky enough and paid your entry fee in full by March 4, and you have no changes or additions to your entry, you qualify for "Express Registration!" Registration takes place at Bandido's Bar and Grill, immediately south of the Costa Azul Hotel on Mar de Cortez.

This is a HUGE advantage - the lines at "Regular" registration are pure pain. Score will post a list of "Express" eligibles at the entrance to Bandido's and will NOT make exceptions.

10:30AM: Regular Registration opens. If you get caught up in this mess, take note of the absolute buffoonery and comments made by many participants. Welcome to off-road racing.

Express or Regular Registration: Tell the girl your number and she will pull your file. She will apply a wristband to your wrist as you sign the waiver. Your whole team doesn't have to be there - but someone needs to collect the packet that contains the Tech form which must be presented at Tech. If all of your riders aren't there, they have to the rest of the day to register. Score really likes it when you're all there together.

Regular Registration: Pay your entry fee balance. Credit cards and cash accepted. Checks are not. Have your changes organized. SCORE asks that you have the original entry form duplicated, and the Score "new member" form filled out prior.

OK, some or all of you are now wristbanded and someone has the Tech form. Go ahead and fill out the Tech form. MAKE SURE TO BRING THE TECH FORM TO TECH!

BIKES/ATV'S: You do not need to roll your bike through Contingency, unless you want to join the CF. Bikes and ATV's go straight to Tech Inspection

10AM: Technical inspection. Held on the Malecon between Miramar Cantina and Rosita's Restaurant, on the north end. There is a separate lane for bikes and ATVs. Bikes do NOT need to go through Contingency, which is all along the Malecon. Simply take your bike in the back way and avoid Contingency.

YOU MAY NOT GO TO "TECH" UNTIL AT LEAST ONE TEAM MEMBER HAS REGISTERED.

Tech: They've gotten really anal lately and will only allow banded racers, 2 at a time, into Tech. Who knows for San Felipe? Here's what you need and what will happen:

- Present your bike to the Tech Inspector, normally "Red" Longacre. Red will ask for your Tech sheet (and should be filled out). He will check the bike, and make sure it has safety-wired or zip-tied spokes, black on white or white on black numbers, a working red taillight (may require starting of the bike), a first aid kit (meaningless, any RiteAid first aid kit will suffice), and 2 Score stickers. He will provide the Score stickers. Stub cans will NOT be used in San Felipe.

Baja San Felipe 250 FIRST AID KIT

Red will examine your helmet(s) and make sure DOT or Snell stamping is legit, and place a tag on the helmet. You can have as many helmets as possible tech'd. Only helmets - do not bring boots, neck devices, or Leatts.

Having your act together pays dividends. Have everything ready and keep the folks behind you in line happy. There are no stupid questions, only stupid people who ask questions.

If you express-registered, you should be done before Noon. Don't make this an all-day affair. LOTS to check out at Contingency, but take care of your bike biz first. Only newbies get caught up in the hype.

13 March, 2009 10 AM Report

Team Collins is having severe shock burndowns, has replaced their shocks twice and their shock mounts on the right side, passenger side.

A major contender for the San Felipe race tomorrow has one of their teammates down today and tomorrow from alcolohol poisoning. He was seen by one of the towns medical staff last night and almost rushed to Mexicali for treatment. More loading>>>

13 March, 2009 9 AM Report

The whoops have taken their toll here in San Felo. We have reports of seven teams rebuilding their shocks and two with broken suspension parts. Overnight, the teams worked to get their race rigs in order for Contingency today. Vehicle inspections and the party crowd down on the Malecon. We are on the trail today of several big race stories after we finished a breakfast of fish tacos and lots of coffee. We'll have more at 10 AM.

12 March, 2009 2 PM Report:

Announced minutes ago, the theme and storyline of the SCORE San Felipe TV Show: "JCR/Honda, Cameron Steele and Aura 360 are working together to bring the excitement, drama and adventure of SCORE Off-Road racing to NBC.

The xxxx of the new millinium:

Where are they (drc=desert racing crackheads) when it comes to taking care of the real La Familia of Off-Road?

http://www.bajaracingnews.com/

New Blood in Baja is the primary story line.

"JCR/Honda rider Colton Udall, will miss this race his first as rider of record due to a broken arm. He is being replaced by Metal Mulisha, Lost Energy and Osiris rider Jeff “Ox” Kargola. Kargola who comes from the world of freestyle motocross and his placement with such a high caliber team as the JCR/Honda team is the opportunity of a lifetime. Placing 5th in his first major Off-Road race, the Baja 1000 (2008) only 5 months ago. Now Kargola, and Quinn Cody (riding partner) are on the JCR/Honda B team, and as always the question is how close can they come to catching, if not beating the JCR/Honda A team of Kendall Norman and Timmy Weigand. With Johnny Campbell looking over Ox's every move. Cameron Steele putting the pressure on Ox and the weight of replacing his friend Colton Udall the tensions on race day are sure to be high." The story lines here are as real as it gets. We'll see who is celebrating and who isn’t at the finish line of the SCORE San Felipe Baja 250. Slated to air on NBC's Sunday April 26 telecast of the "Jeep World of Adventure Sports"." So, we wonder which one of these stunt masters is gonna die? DA has a rep to uphold.

12 March, 2009 10 AM UPDATE - Thursday.

I'll fill you in on the Friday night agenda, Mexico time. I've added more to our San Felipe race parties.

There will actually be a morning workshop and an afternoon race workshop. Talking to San Felipe locals and newbies brought down on tour to see the race action, all about the carnage, that is baja racing.

11 March, 2009 - Wednesday. THE SCORE TECATE BAJA 250 IS ALIVE AND WELL IN SAN FELIPE! A gentleman was in The Net today and he came down for the race, He said the Speed channel or something like that was telling racers not to come to Mexico and he said he couldn't believe it. He came anyway and has had no problems. Please don't take this to the bank, as it's not confirmed, only what I was told, because I don't need Speed or whomever on my back.

But the race is on and every one is getting ready to perch themselves where they can see plenty and enjoy and day of sun and fun at the Score Tecate Baja San Felipe 250, being held in the Best Little Town in the Baja - San Felipé. If you hear any more rumors, email us.

On my way back to town, I always drive by The Net but I decided to visit our neighbors, the El Cortez Hotel, not remembering it's the weekly Wednesday night filet mignon dinner there ($10.00 USD, includes dessert and a cocktail or a glass of wne. No problem, I just drive in and park. I had to at least get a photo of a race truck or team or something. I walked into the Barefoot Bar and counted elelven people. I was lucky enough to run into a couple of crews and one of them was from the Baldwin Race Team. I asked these two if the bad press had affected anyone's decision about leaving their families at home and he smiled and said "That doesn't affect us. We come here to win, so we don't have that problem. We don't bring wives or girlfriends or families; but not because of the crime, because we're not here for that" ... or something to the effect, cute guys.

LIVE! REPORT: "They had the race car covered in back of the El Cortez, which we'll all see at contingency, or perhaps before. I just have to get on the roof of The Net; pray it doesn't fall in or my fear of heights kicks in, and shoot away. We'll check and see what they're doing tomorrow morning if we don't hear and see them zoom up the hill."

Security is tight. Of course, I simply sling my camera around my shoulder and all the help already know me, so I just walk around like I should be there (not like I own the place). A couple of other crew members from a diffent team, but I didn't get the name, said they talked to racers who won't bring their families down or won't come down at all. Terrible Herbst are here, Monster Truck; Robby Gordon Contingency is Tomorrow/Friday and it's a lot of fun. So, see you down on the Malécon early Friday morning. (I like him from NASCAR) and

Maybe we'll get the excitement in the air again, cause we all miss it. The Malecon is closed off and you can walk up and down and check out the cars or view the inspection and most of the action centers between Rice and Beans, Club Miramar and Rositas, although they drive by the Net, so I think I'm going to sit in the middly of the road and make the slow down sow I can get a good photo. At least until I'll hauled away. It's a blast and even if you're not into racing, the energy is good.

One year, The Net gave T-shirts to all of the racers; last year, we had a movie star staying at the Marina Resort. We have free maps of the race at The Net and some beautiful laminated Baja Maps. Don't foget about the movie on Sunday at 3:00 at the San Felipe Title Book Store which I will write about later. I'm just getting on some positive things about San Felipe, our beautiful little village by the sea which just happens to be the Best Little Town in the Baja, Photo of the Collins race team Trophy Truck.

And a Pre-race Party and welcome home fiest for Crazy Shirley and Danny, who have just pulled into town and will be spending time again at their home on the beach and up in Arizona, only July, August, September and probably come back in October. We all miss them down here because if they're a party and it's dead; it's not dead for long because Crazy Shirley doens't allow it. I've know her for years and they are both greeat people. My daughter, who adores the, nicknamed them the "munchkin couple" because they are the same size.

So, the soiree was held on the patio of Pop's Camp, and Jimbo was drinking a diet Pepsi and danching with the ladies. I took a plate to go because I didn't want to infect everyone and when I talk, I cough. The Munchkin group brought their motor home caravan down and they all plan to leave on Sunday, not matter what Crazy Shirley has told them. At least they have their motor homes and they can sit in the back and do what they want while they wait. I wouldn't leave on a Sunday on a holiday weekend. No way. Here's everyone who was left by the time I got there at about 4:45 p.m. I think it started at 1:00 p.m., but this is Baja Mexico!

"Injured Moto rider prerunning receives medical airlift from San Felipe

With support from the helicopter of the Mexicali Municipal Police, a rescue and airlift was accomplished from just outside the jurisdiction of San Felipe. Near the San Felipe 250 race course.

The motorcycle rider named Walter Cost, 41 of San Marcos, California, suffered a broken hip and back. The accident occurred 40 km from the center of town, near the village called Matomi.

Walter did a test on board his motorcycle tuning details for participation in the race to be held this coming weekend, when he lost control at high speed which caused a sharp fall that left him several injuries, primarily to a height of head that put their lives at risk.

The area to tell the paramedics of the Municipal Police, Erick Diaz was no access by road, so at 12:00 hours were given the authorization for the Sentinel I undertake the flight corridor to rescue the injured American .

After the location of the man at about 14:00, the helicopter began its return flight to the city staff and the sun expected Brigades Walter rushed to hospital. Reported by the Municipal Public Security representative, Eduardo Salas Landaverde."

March 12 Press Release:

"Gordon is fresh off his season-opening victory at the Laughlin Desert Challenge and MacCachren returns to the San Felipe desert in the Rockstar Riviera trophy truck. MacCachren spent the first half of the day weaving together his lines from the previous days prerunning before turning his attention to the remainder of the race course.

Gordon and MacCachren, long time racing rivals, each spent 12 hours in the dirt of the Mexican desert as they hope to outduel the other. However, in the mix will be last year’s SCORE Trophy Truck Champion, B.J. Baldwin, as well as Larry Roseler, Roger Norman, Brian Collins, Cameron Steele and others.

Larry Roseler has spent the last week here in San Felipe lunching for the past four days at Laguna Percebu, according to the owner of the Percebu Resort, Jorge. Roseler is one of the favorites in Saturday’s race.

Wednesday afternoon saw the majority of the top racers running the southern loop through the difficult Matomi Wash. The legendary wash has been changed dramatically in the past few months from the torrential rains that pummeled the area and pushed thousands of cubic feet of sand through the easy to follow wash trail. However, the trail has been changed dramatically. In fact, racers have related that this year’s course does not follow the same line as the course in the past. This year’s edition of the race course is the same as the 2008 version and teams have reported big changes through Matomi Wash.

Near the vertical stone walls the race course changes direction and goes up along side of the wash before dropping back into the wash several hundred meters down the wash. Massive boulders along the narrow wash will test the best of man and machine.

There is no doubt among the majority of the drivers that the survival of the first 60 miles may determine the ultimate winner in this sprint race. The tight rock sections through Matomi Wash will test racers after the initial 60-mile sprint and from there it will be full survival mode.

Also in the mix is one of off road racing’s most colorful personalities, Monster Mike who worked his own angles throughout the day. He has been prerunning for the last 3-days and said his Baja Safari Trucks are ready for Saturday’s epic race. He led his team to a late afternoon session of Casuela Bowls at the Laguna Percebu beach resort 15-miles south of San Felipe.

Mid-morning Wednesday, Baja Racing News.com was contacted by the Red Ghost’s looking for some more party time. Baja Safari Salsa sponsored this years race festivities.

The assassins were crying for help with one of their downed motorcycle riders in Matomi Wash. Initial calls were requesting helicopter assistance from a race team, but no teams had helicopters here in San Felipe. SCORE President Sal Fish and Attorney Oscar Ramos once again stepped up for the racing community and summons assistance from Tijuana, where the Tijuana Police Department dispatched a state-of-the-art helicopter to Matomi Wash from Tijuana for the injured moto rider. The rider was flown to Mexicali hospital where he was determined to have a possibly broken back, but was resting and under the care of doctors in Mexicali.

Terrible Herbst Motorsports will return to the Mexican desert in a brand new Trophy Truck as the 2009 SCORE San Felipe 250 race kicks off Saturday morning. The Monster Energy sponsored Trophy Truck was tested in Plaster City, California, Wednesday afternoon without any major issues. The Herbst Motorsports entourage arrived to the El Cortez Resort Hotel in south San Felipe at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening."

March 12 Story: Bill Center, San Diego Union:

The San Diego-based team of Roger Norman and Larry Roeseler will be looking for a third straight desert win Saturday in the 23rd running of SCORE's Tecate San Felipe 250 off-road race.

Of course, the Norman-Roeseler connection is best known for winning the overall four-wheel title of last November's Baja 1000. The pair will be co-driving a Ford TrophyTruck in the 232-mile race that has attracted 225 entries, including NASCAR Sprint Cup regular Robby Gordon. Although he lives in Reno, Norman has close San Diego ties. He is the stepson of legendary Unlimited Hydroplane driver Bill Muncey.

As for Roeseler, he is a legend in his own right when it comes to desert racing. Roeseler, who moved back to San Diego County to run Norman's race team, has 39 class wins and a record 27 overall wins in SCORE. His 27 overall wins include 21 on motorcycles and six in four-wheel vehicles. San Felipe has been a particularly strong race for Roeseler. He has three class wins and three overall wins in the first 22 San Felipe events.

Story End

Baja Racing News.com San Felipe 250 ARCHIVES

RACE RADIO REPLAY OF THE 2008 SAN FELIPE 250 PT. 1

RACE RADIO REPLAY OF THE 2008 SAN FELIPE 250 PT. 2

CLICK HERE To See Baja Racing News.com LIVE! Coverage from 2008

During the 2007 Baja 1000 San Felipe went into darkness from a downed powerline. What happened? CLICK HERE

2009 Official San Felipe 250 MAP

BAJA 250 RACE PITS
LOCATED AT:
PIT #1, RM 40
PIT #2, RM 90
PIT #3, RM 130
PIT #4, RM 170
PIT #5, RM 210

SPEED Mex SAN FELIPE BAJA 250 SCHEDULE DETAILS



Saturday March 14:
Bikes start staging at 5:30AM at the Arches for the 6AM start. A girl will check your wristband at the start (and finish, too). A Score official will normally dab your motor with a unique-colored nail polish. If your rear red taillight is not working, you will not be allowed to start. Contact SPEEDMex@cox.net for additional details and last minute travel needs.

Announced Schedule

On Saturday March 14:
RACEDAY
6 AM LIVE Coverage Starts
This 232-mile race, will start with the famous "green flag" dropping at 6 AM on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 AM. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 at the gateway of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher.
LIVE COVERAGE runs until the last racers are in camp.

On Sunday March 15:
10 AM Awards Ceremony
LIVE AFTER THE CEREMONY
Plaza on the Malecon.

LAST LIVE! WEBCAST UPDATE from San Felipe MARCH 15 12 Noon

SAN FELIPE 250 Top Odds

SCORE TROPHY TRUCK:

22 Damen Jefferies Fading star 6 to 1
96 Bobby Baldwin Downfield blocker 3 to 1
1 B.J. Baldwin Tony's choice 2 to 1
35 Robbie Pierce Will be harrassed 5 to 1
3 Mark Post Watch out 2 to 1
8 Roger Norman Harsh pace req’d 2 to 1
77 Robby Gordon Will not be a free ride 2 to 1
13 Ed “Clyde” Stout Will be back, way back 7 to 1
19 Tim Herbst Baja Racing News Choice 2 to 1
12 Brian Collins Racin' Horses 2 to 1
50 Jason McNeil Second tier, at best 9 to 1
24 Adam Householder Also-ran 8 to 1
47 James Bult SF too fast 9 to 1
51 Kory Scheeler Satisfied with a finish 5 to 1
84 Nick Vanderwey Downtime will be killer 5 to 1
11 Greg Nunley Will irritate #4 “None” to 1
4 Gustavo Vildosola, Jr. OUT
2 Pete Sohren Will make RM 33 8 to 1
40 Chet Huffman Should be better 21 to 6
16 Cameron Steele - 1st RS Schwarzenfodder 7 to 1

CLASS 1 UNLIMITED:
101 Josh Rigsby Forced into errors 6 to 1
102 Brian Parkhouse Sleeper, but not a winner 5 to 1
103 Rob Bruce Going backwards 8 to 1
104 Armin Schwarz Obvious choice 3 to 1
105 Harley Letner Top 5 OA? 5 to 3
106 Troy Herbst Can you say hungry? 2 to 1
107 Richard Boyle DARK HORSE 3 to 1
108 Julio M. Herrera Too far from home 6 to 1
109 Ronny Wilson Top 3 3 to 1
110 Dale Lenk Getting with it 4 to 1
111 Armin Kremer LONG SHOT 4 to 1
112 Chuck Sacks Longer shot 5 to 1
113 Paul Keller Longest shot 6 to 1
114 Randy Wilson Suffers crapola draw 4 to 1

SAN FELIPE 250 2009 ENTRY LIST:

OFFICIAL ENTRIES-227 (as of 3/9/09)
(From 20 U.S. States and 10 countries)
(By Class Starting Order)
PRO MOTORCYCLES
CLASS 22 (250cc or more)--
1x Robby Bell, Sun City, Calif./Mike Childress, Wrightwood, Calif. Kawasaki KX450F
2x Cameron Corfman, El Centro, Calif./Jimmy Lopez, El Cajon, Calif./A.J. Stewart, Jamul, Calif., Beta RR525
3x Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Timmy Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., Honda CRF450X
4x Colton Udall, San Clemente, Calif./Quinn Cody, Los Olivos, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif., Honda CRF450X
5x Ivan Ramirez, Ensenada, Mexico/Brent Harden, Menifee, Calif./Jose Villalobos, Tecate, Mexico, Honda CRF450X
6x Chuck Neugerbauer, Solana Beach, Calif./Arturo Rodriguez, Rosarito Beach, Mexico, Honda XR650R
7x Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Bob Walker/Jeff Labscher, Honda CRF450X
8x Ruben Senudo/Ruben Senudo Jr. /Raul Garcia/Sammy Garcia, San Diego, Honda CRF450X

CLASS 21 (126cc to 250cc)--
101x Carlos Becerril, Calexico, Calif./Michael Stein, Phoenix/Colie Potter, San Diego, KTM 450XCR-W
102x Jeremy Purvines/Ron Purvines, Henderson, Nev./Scott Glimp, Las Vegas, Honda CRF450X
103x Bill Boyer, Lomita, Calif./Stuart Goggins, Upland, Calif./Nicholas Blais, Chino, Calif., Honda CRF450X
104x Mike West, Yucaipa, Calif./John Friend/Dudley Cornman, Richmond, Ky., Honda CRF450X
106x Shane Esposito, Lake Elsinore, Calif./Francisco Septien, Ensenada, Mexico/Steve Garnett, Carson City, Nev., Kawasaki KX450F
107x Alfredo Osornio, Mexicali, Mexico/Alberto Ruiz, Ensenada, Mexico/Rene Magana, San Ysidro, Calif., Kawasaki KX450
100x Carlos Casas/Noe Ibarra, Chula Vista, Calif., Honda CRF450X
109x David Zarate, Los Cabos, Mexico/Ramon Davila, La Paz, Mexico/Alberto Ross, Los Cabos, Mexico, Honda CRF450X
110x Ronnie Wilson, Glendale, Calif., Honda CRF450X

CLASS 20 (125cc)--
151x Jesus Rios/Cuauhtemoc Beltran, Calexico, Calif./Edgar Espinoza, El Centro, Calif., Honda CRF250X
150x Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif./Talya Dodson, Truckee, Calif., Honda CRF250X
153x Manuel Reyes, Dulzura, Calif./Roberto Diaz, Campo, Calif./Abraham Chavez, Tecate, Calif.
154x Hector Castillo, Calexico, Calif./Rene Pojodes, Mexicali, Mexico/David Gonzalez Jr., Chula Vista, Calif., Honda CRF250X

CLASS 30 (Riders over 30 years old)--
301x Javier Hernandez, Obregon, Mexico/Edujardo Rosas, Huatabampo, Mexico/Mike Crowford, Phoenix, Honda CRF450X
302x Sol Saltzman, Red Cliff, Colo./Tony Larese, Vail, Colo./Pete Schmidtmann, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda CRF450X
300x Jim O’Neal/Jimmy O’Neal Jr., Simi Valley, Calif./Jason Trubey, Mohave Valley, Ariz./Brian Sweany II, Lancaster, Calif., Honda CRF450X
305x Mike Johnson, El Paso, Texas/Rex Cameron, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda CRF450X
306x Justin Hambleton, San Marcos, Calif., KTM 300XC
307x Sean Bradley, Ridgecrest, Calif./Kyle Abney, Albuquerque, N.M., Kawasaki KX500
308x Alejandro Olguin/Miguel Coria/Victor Lujan, Mexicali, Mexico, Honda XR650R

CLASS 40 (Riders over 40 years old)--
401x Brian Campbell/Bill Cotton, Bakersfield, Calif./Pete Cochran, Laguna Beach, Calif., KTM 450XCF
400x Scott Myers, Menifee, Calif./Brett Helm, Poway, Calif./Lou Franco, Sherman Oaks, Calif.,/Jeff Kaplan, Thousand Oaks, Calif./Tim Withers, Pepeekeo, Hawaii, Honda CRF450X
403x Chris Dornsife, Murrieta, Calif., Honda XR650R
404x Tom Vogt, Mesa, Ariz., Honda CRF450X
405x Mike Prunty, Temecula, Calif./Note Sciacgua, Tijuana, Mexico/Sterlyn Rigsby, Temecula, Calif., Kawasaki KX450F
449x Julio Abril/Oscar Hale/Mario Acosta, Ensenada, Mexico, Yamaha WR450

CLASS 50 (Riders over 50 years old)--
501x Charlie Marshall, Carmichael, Calif./Doug Smith, Upland, Calif./Dave Potts, Burbank, Calif./Chuck Sun, Las Vegas, KTM530XCW
500x Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif./Doug Heil, Monrovia, Calif./Andy Kirker, Santa Ana, Calif./Dan Dawson, Agua Dulce, Calif./Tim Withers, Pepeekeo, Hawaii, Honda CRF450X

CLASS 60 (Riders over 60 years old)--
608x Wiliam Rogers, Escondido, Calif., Husaberg FE570
609x Ramon Isuarieta/Luis Zarate/Luis Farell/Manuel Cardona, Mexico City, Mexico, Honda CRF450X

PRO ATVs
CLASS 25 (over 251cc)--
2a Adolfo Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico/Nick DeStout, San Diego/Adan Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
3a Felipe Velez, San Felipe, Mexico/Stefano Caputo, San Felipe, Mexico (Italy)/Heriberto Marquez, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
1a Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Josh Caster, El Cajon, Calif., Honda 700XX
5a Jeff Hancock, Salome, Ariz./Joshua Edwards, Peoria, Ariz., Honda TRX450R
6a Hunter Miller, Greenville, Texas, Can Am DS
7a Javier Robles Jr., Cd. Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico/Cesar Chanate, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
8a Greg Row, Alpine, Calif./Travis Dillon, Avojoaze, Ariz./Kyle Pethers, Avondale, Ariz., Honda TRX450R
9a Nick Nelson, Tehachapi, Calif./Brandon Brown, Eumantilla, Ore.; Jorie Williams, Wash., Suzuki LTR450
10a Santos Perez, Tijuana, Mexico/Juan Sanchez/Raul Cano, Chula Vista, Calif., KTM 450
11a Cesar Chanate/Lucio Zuniga, San Felipe, Mexico/Mike Sorchy, Lakeside, Calif., Honda TRX450R

CLASS 24 (under 251cc)--
101a Jose Juarez/Ivan Fellez, Tijuana, Mexico/Daniel Delgado, Imperial Beach, Calif., Honda TRX450R
102a Victor Lopez/Jorge Lopez, San Felipe, Mexico/Gonzalo Curiel, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
103a Jovany Pimental/Jose Pimentel, Chula Vista, Calif./Romulo Gomez, San Diego, Honda TRX450R
104a Benjamin Lopez/Jesus Lopez/Gary Gonsalez, San Diego, Honda TRX450R
106a Roberto Ruiz/Francisco Espinoza/Jose Vieblas, El Centro, Calif., Honda TRX450R
107a Tom Wright, Tabernacle, N.J./Pierre-Yves Denault/Renaud Fortin, Canada, Honda TRX450R
100a Craig Christy, Burbank, Calif./Steve Abrego, Covina, Calif./Dave Scott, Belen, N.M./Andy Lagzdins, Baltimore, Honda TRX450R
109a Jorge Valenzuela, Ensenada, Mexico/Oscar Arue, Lemon Grove, Calif./Christian Vera, Ensenada, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
110a Abraham Romero, Tijuana, Mexico/Sigifredo Jimenez, Chula Vista, Calif./Efrain Haros, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
111a Miguel Arellano/Adan Arellano/Bernardo Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico, Suzuki LTR450
148a Shawn Robins/Jesse Van Maarion, Canada/Pedro Tarango, La Paz, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
149a Luis Berumen, Tijuana, Mexico/Sergio Lopez Jr. /Adrian Cruz, San Diego, Honda TRX450R

CLASS 26 (Limitied, Utility)--
201a Reid Rutherford, Montrose, Colo./ Benn Vornadakis, Rico, Colo./Tony Valerio, Telluride, Colo., Arctic Cat
202a Jason Wade, Austin, Texas/Gary Wisdom, Selma, Texas, CanAm Outlander
203a Felicia Rodriguez, Puerto Rico/Charli Gillian, Dallas/Skyler Blaise, Culican Mexico/Ivette Martinez, Puerto Rico/Kali Cruz, Sonora, Mexico/Natalia Vargas, Philippines, Honda Rincon
219a Rob Ransford, Downers Grove, Ill./Tim Winiarski, Carson, Calif./Joe Rice, Lomita, Calif., Can Am Renegade

SPT M/C<250cc>250cc
251x Hank Salyer, 38, Richmond, Ky., Honda XR650R, Baja Boys Racing
252x Brock Campbell, 40, Carmichael, Calif./Justin Guiliani, 35, Sparks, Nev./John Halki, 40, Reno, Nev., Honda CRF450X, Thor, WR1 Suspension
253x Baxter Gillespie, 42, Salt Lake City, Honda CRF450X
255x Oscar Fazz, 42, Yuma, Ariz., Kawasaki KX450F, Sergios House of Carpet
256x Rusty Sexton, 27, Borrego Springs, Calif./Stanley Hill, 43, Aguanga, Calif./Steve Greene, 29, Escondido, Calif., Honda CRF450X, Palomar Hotshots Racing, Precision Concepts, Baja UTV Tours, No Fear, Six Six One, Excel, Panolin, Renthal, SMX Optics, Sunline, TAG Metals, Filtron
257x Bryon Schmidt, 42, Hesperia, Calif./Kirk Russell, 47, Bend, Ore., HDT MD670, HDT USA, SRD, Amsoil, Noleen JG, No Fear, Strategic Counseling
258x Craig Anstine, 38, Rio Rancho, N.M./Erik Litzenberg, Santa Fe, N.M./Shanon Powell, Honda CRF450X, Pro Circuit, Bridgestone, Race Tech, Motosport, DNA Wheels, IMS, Scott, Schampa
259x Jimmy Boutwell, 35/Jason Fritz, 33, Globe, Ariz./James Nock, 16, Central Heights City, Ariz., Honda CRF450X, Twisted Racing, The Huddle, Mafie Motorsports
260x Eric Anderson, 35, Running Springs, Calif., KTM 530EXC

261x Brent Downing, 41, Castro Valley, Calif., KTM 530EXC
262x Jeff Leonard, 48, Bakersfield, Calif./Eugene Lane, 49, Redondo Beach, Calif./Jack Cox, 34, Oceanside, Calif., Honda CRF450X, Motoworks, Fred Cummings, Dirt Tricks
263x Ken Kosiorek, 52, San Diego, Honda XR650R, Baja Pits, Fun Bike Center, Sunoco, Airgas, Miller Electgric, ESAB, Lincoln Electric, System One
264x Mike Short, 42, Redding, Calif., Honda CRF450X
265x Octavio Valle, 41, Zapopan, Mexico, Honda CRF450X, BDO, South Bay Motorsports, Vinos Tres Valles
266x Wesley Glogner, 32, Tucson, Ariz., KTM525EXC, Pro Service Landscape, BBI Supply, New Systems Automotive, CDL Truck School
267x Blake Ribbe-Tanner, 20, Bonita, Calif./Andrew Hursh, 29, Ocean Beach, Calif./Risto Niem, 39, Finland, Honda CRF450X, TorqueBaja.com, Painter’s Grinding, Dunlop
299x Shawn Evans, 43, San Diego, KTM 525EXC

SPT ATV
50a Joselito Muro, 33, Chula Vista, Calif./Rosendo Rioco, 27, San Diego, Honda TRX450R, Estasio Andrete, Otay Auto Auction, South Bay Motorsports, Frank Motors, Arte & Diseno, Cerro Colorado Racing
51a Javier Guerrero, 28, San Diego/Jorge Brambila, 26, Imperial Beach, Calif./Efren Carrasco, 31, La Mesa, Calif., Honda TRX450, Moto Fersbcac, Acerbis
52a Brent Davis, 27, Orem, Utah, Yamaha YFZ450
53a Alberto Maya, 23/Rafael Maya, 29/Mike Acuna, 35, San Diego, Honda TRX450, elforooffroad.net
54a Adrian Valdez, 36, Tijuana, Mexico/Gaston Vazquez, 32/Carlos Valencia, 32, San Diego, Yamaha YFZ450
55a Daniel Montano, 30/Javier Rios, 27, San Diego/Roger Rubio, 27, Menifee, Calif., Honda TRX450R, Triki Trakas, Augo, PS Productions, Cycle Parks West, El Don, Primo
56a Samuel Fuson, 34/Brent Renholm, 35, Fountain, Colo., Polaris Outlaw, D&B Precision Products, Rocky Mountain Cycle Plaza, F&F
57a Bill Hacker, 63, Shingletown, Calif., Yamaha Raptor
58a Manuel Jimenez, 22/Carlos Lopez, 37/Carlos Castaneda, 22, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450R, Folts Tech Motorsports, LR Racing Team, Mexxis, Elka, Acerbis, Adige, Roll Design, Quad Tech, DID, Aruizo Tire
59a Troy Saxton-Getty, 43, Temecula, Calif., Can-Am RenegadeX
60a Samuel Garcia, 19/Davide Corbani, 44 (Italy)/Lucio Zuniga, 25, San Felipe, Mexico, Honda TRX450, Pescaderias Sammys, Llantera El Marrito
61a Jesus Mendivil, 25/Ciro Calderon, 37, Calexico, Calif./Alain Gamino, 22, Mexicali, Mexico, KTM 450XC
62a Luciano Parada, 27/Jesus Ruiz, 35/Julio Gomez, 20, Tijuana, Mexico, Honda TRX450R
63a Jesus Manguia, San Ysidro, Calif./Cesar Mercado, Tijuana, Mexico/Francisco Corona, San Diego, Yamaha YZF450
99a Gustavo Ameca, 47, Chula Vista, Calif./Alfredo de la Torre, 30/Francisco Arce, 37, Chula Vista, Calif., Yamaha Raptor, Chula Vista Cycle Center, Cimarrones Competition Team

Pro Cars & Trucks
SCORE TROPHY-TRUCK (Unlimited Production Trucks)--
22 Damen Jefferies, Apple Valley, Calif., Chevy Silverado
96 Bobby Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado
1 B.J. Baldwin, Las Vegas, Chevy Silverado
35 Robbie Pierce/Mike Julson, Santee, Calif., Chevy Silverado
3 Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif./Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, Ford F-150
8 Roger Norman, Reno, Nev./Larry Roeseler, Alpine, Calif., Ford F-150
77 Robby Gordon, Charlotte, N.C., Chevy CK1500
13 Ed Stout, Santa Ana, Calif., Chevy Silverado
19 Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Las Vegas, Ford F-150
12 Brian Collins, Las Vegas, Dodge Ram 1500
50 Jason McNeil, El Cajon, Calif., Ford F-150
24 Adam Householder, Orange, Calif., Chevy Silverado
47 James Bult/Jacob Bult, Monee, Ill., Dodge Ram2500
84 Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix/Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif./Michael Vanderwey, Phoenix, Chevy Silverado
11 Greg Nunley, Visalia, Calif., Chevy Silverado
4 Gus Vildosola Jr./Gus Vildosola Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Ford F-150
2 Pete Sohren, Glendale, Ariz., Ford F-150
40 Chet Huffman, Northridge, Calif./Jerry Whelchel, Portola Hills, Calif., Chevy C1500
16 Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Rick Geiser, Phoenix, GMC Sierra

CLASS 1 (Unlimited single or two-seaters)--
101 Josh Rigsby/Steve Ewers, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Penhall-Chevy
102 Brian Parkhouse, Bell Gardens, Calif./Louis Silvas, Temecula, Calif. Jimco-Chevy
103 Rob Bruce, Sublimity, Ore./Mark Witte, Silverton, Ore., Jefferies-Chevy
104 Armin Schwarz, Germany/Martin Christensen, Escondido, Calif. (Denmark), Jimco-BMW
105 Harley Letner/Kory Halopoff, Orange, Calif., Tatum-Chevy
106 Troy Herbst, Las Vegas, Smithuilt-Ford
107 Richard Boyle, Ridgecrest, Calif./Tommy Kirkmeyer, Adelanto, Calif., Jefferies-Chevy
108 Julio Herrera/Carlos Olmos, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Jefferies-Chevy
109 Ronny Wilson/Rick Wilson, Long Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy
110 Dale Lenk/Brett Lenk/Grant Lenk, Costa Mesa, Calif., Penhall-Chevy
111 Armin Kremer, Germany/Sam Osmon, Escondido, Calif., Jimco-Chevy
112 Chuck Sacks, Canyon Lake, Calif./Jerry Longo, Alta Loma, Calif., Jimco-Chevy
113 Paul Keller, El Cajon, Calif./Charles Rudolph, San Diego, Jimco-Chevy
114 Randy Wilson, Lakewood, Calif./Rick Wilson, Long Beach, Calif., Jimco-Chevy
115 Ron Brant, Oak Hills, Calif./Ben Monroy, Torrance, Calif., Jimco-Chevy

CLASS 1-2/1600 (VW-powered, single or two-seaters to 1600cc)--
1601 Luis Martinez, Mexicali, Mexico/Victor Lugo, Calexico, Calif., Mayoral
1602 Arturo Velazco/Abel Velazco, Banning, Calif., Porter
1603 Samuel Araiza, La Paz, Mexico/Federico Montes, Ensenada, Mexico, Fraley
1604 Mario Gastelum/Isaac Gastelum, El Centro, Calif.
1605 Brad Wilson, Long Beach, Calif./Justin Munyon, San Clemente, Calif., Penhall
1606 Justin Davis, Chino Hills, Calif./Rino Navera, Orange, Calif., Seagrove
1607 Myan Spaccarelli, Simi Valley, Calif., Mirage
1608 Cody Robinson, El Centro, Calif./Roberto Romo, Mexicali, Mexico, TL
1609 Quentin Tucker, Imperial, Calif./Fernando Flores, Mexicali, Mexico, Jorman
1610 Brian Wilson, Long Beach, Calif./Sammy Ehrenberg, Las Vegas, Kreger
1611 Edgar Alvarez/Edgar Alvarez Sr., Mexicali, Mexico, Curry
1612 Mark McIntyre/Shea McIntyre, Oakland, Calif., MAC
1613 Josue Delgado/Marcos Valenzuela/Alonso Viveyos, Mexicali, Mexico, Borm
1600 Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif./Steven Eugenio, Lakeside, Calif., Lothringer
1643 Justin Smith, Capistrano Beach, Calif./Cameron Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Andy DeVercelly, El Cajon, Calif., Fraley
1644 Tyler Caspino, Castaic, Calif./Travis Fletcher, Westminster, Calif./Corey Boyer, Bakersfield, Calif., Lothringer
1645 Dave Caspino, Woodland Hills, Calif./Mike Malloy, Las Vegas, Lothringer
1646 Roman Pereyra, Tijuana, Mexico/Horacio Pereyra, Ensenada, Mexico, Garibay
1647 Eric Duran/Hiram Duran/Evan Duran, Tecate, Calif., Neth
1648 Marco Gallo/Juan Gallo, San Felipe, Mexico, Curry
1649 Victor Barreda, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico/Armando Boehme, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, Curry

CLASS 3 (Short Wheelbase 4X4)--
300 Donald Moss, Sacramento, Calif./Ken Moss, Marysville, Calif., Ford Bronco
349 Ken Leavitt, Ventura, Calif./Tom Blair, Twin Falls, Idaho

CLASS 5 (Unlimited VW Baja Bugs)--
501 Shaun Dunbar, La Mesa, Calif./Trevor Terra, El Cajon, Calif.
500 Kevin Carr/Noe Valdez, San Diego
519 Carlos Albanez/Luivan Voelker, Mexicali, Mexico

CLASS 5/1600 (1600cc VW Baja Bugs)--
551 Alonso Angulo/Roberto Escobedo, Ensenada, Mexico
552 Trevor Anderson/Mark Anderson, Carlsbad, Calif.
553 Pedro Athie/Ruben De La Fuente, Ensenada, Mexico
577 Sergio Moreno, Tijuana, Mexico/Carlos Iribe, Rosarito, Mexico, Fernando Rivera, Tijuana, Mexico
550 Marcos Nunez/Norberto Rivera, Ensenada, Mexico
579 Miguel Rosales/Edmundo Fernandez, Ensenada, Mexico


CLASS 6 (Unlimited, production mini trucks)--
601 Marc Burnett, Chula Vista, Calif., Ford Ranger
602 Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Ross Savage, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Ranger
603 Mike Koenig, Sacramento, Calif./Stuart Klein, Lakeside, Calif., Toyota Tacoma

CLASS 7 (Open, production mini trucks)--
701 Jose Canchola Jr./Francisco Gonzalez, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Ranger
700 Dan Chamlee/Tom Chamlee, Carpenteria, Calif., Ford Ranger
703 Brandon Walsh, Encinitas, Calif./Travis Freedman, Salome, Ariz., Toyota Tacoma

704 Igor Galvan/Guillermo Galvan, Bahia de Los Angeles, Calif., Ford Ranger
705 Jose Gonzales/Jonathon Quintero, Mexicali, Mexico, Ford Ranger
714 Heidi Steele, San Clemente, Calif./Rene Brugger, San Diego, Ford Ranger

CLASS 7SX (Modified, open mini trucks)--
741 Nick Moncure/Ted Moncure/Doug Hood, Long Beach, Calif., Toyota Tacoma
742 Oscar Solaiza, Ensenada, Mexico/Jim Hinesley, Bakersfield, Calif., Ford Ranger
743 Norman Turley/Trevor Turley, Long Beach, Calif., Ford Ranger
758 Eduardo Gonzalez, Lucerene Valley, Calif., Ford Ranger
759 John Holmes, Olivenhain, Calif., Ford Ranger

CLASS 8 (Full-sized two-wheel drive trucks)--
801 Rodrigo AmpudiaJr. /Rodrigo Ampudia Sr., Ensenada, Mexico, Ford F-150
802 Dave Crinklaw, Reedley, Calif./Mike Thurlow, Kingsburg, Calif., Ford F-150
803 Michael Brett/Shawn Brett, Canada, Ford F-150
804 Clyde Stacey, Bristol, Va./Justin Matney, Bristol, Tenn., Chevy Silverado
805 Juan C. Lopez, Tecate, Mexico, Ford F-150
806 Dean Wayman, Hawthorne, Calif./James Connolly, N. Hollywood, Calif., Ford F-150

CLASS 9 (VW-powered, Short wheelbase, single or two-seaters)--
901 Ulises Morquecho/David Morquecho, Mexicali, Mexico, Borm
900 Daniel Reyes Jr., Calexico, Calif./Julian Rivera, Indio, Calif./Hector Ortega, Tijuana, Mexico

CLASS 10 (Single or two-seaters to 1650cc)--
1001 Javier Robles/Javier Robles Jr., Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco-Honda
1002 Tito Robles/Lobsam Yee, Tijuana, Mexico, Jimco-Honda
1000 Mike Lawrence, Banning, Calif./Blake Kirkpatrick, Hacienda Heights, Calif./Joel Liska, Banning, Calif., Lothringer-VW
1004 Sergio Salgado/Ricardo Corvera, Mexicali, Mexico
1005 Jesus Gonzalez/Alonso Acosta, Ensenada, Mexico, Dunrite-Honda
1006 Scott Gailey/Scott Whipple, Norco, Calif., GET-VW
1007 Alex Crosthwaite, Chula Vista, Calif./Jose Gonzalez, San Diego, Jimco-Honda
1008 Edgar Avalos, El Paso, Texas/Armando Perla, Horizon, Texas, RCD-Toyota
1009 Rocky Merino, Chula Vista, Calif./Rene Camacho, Rialto, Calif., Ramco-Toyota
1049 Alejandro Navarrete/Leonardo Navarrete, Mexicali, Mexico, Jimco-Honda

SCORE LITE (VW-powered, Limited single-1776cc-or two-seaters-1835cc)--
1201 John Padgett/Ryan Nikita, Canada, Kreger
1202 Brent Parkhouse, Long Beach, Calif./Brian Burgess, Riverside, Calif., Molton
1203 John Langley/Zach Langley, Santa Monica, Calif., Penhall
1204 Lee Banning, Laveen, Ariz./Chris Godfrey, Phoenix/Lee Banning Jr., Litchfield Park, Ariz., Foddrill
1205 Michelle Bruckmann/Vic Bruckmann, Lemon Grove, Calif., Lothringer
1206 Ty Godde, California City, Calif./Jim Greenway, Ojai, Calif., Henry
1208 Gary Johnson, Camarillo, Calif./Todd Starks, Agoura Hills, Calif., Messick
1248 Bill Hernquist/Scott Reams, La Mesa, Calif., Jimco
1200 Rick St. John, Encinitas, Calif./Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., Duvel

CLASS 11 (Stock VW Sedans)--
1148 Gustavo Garayzar/Javier Silva/Felix Garcia, Mexicali, Mexico
1149 Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico

STOCK FULL (Stock, Full-sized trucks)--
861 Clyde Stacy, Bristol, Va./Justin Matney, Bristol, Tenn./William Aylor, Union, Ky., Dodge Ram2500
862 Justin Matney, Bristol, Tenn./Clyde Stacy, Bristol, Va., Dodge Ram1500

STOCK MINI (Stock, Mini-sized trucks)--
779 Gavin Skilton, Anaheim, Calif./Vlad Chioreanu, Santa Monica, Calif., Honda Ridgeline

SPORTSMAN
SPT CAR--
1401 George Jackson, 58, San Felipe, Mexico/Brian Siler, 61, Lewiston, Idaho, Jimco-VW, El Dorado Ranch, Martin Bros. Farms Idaho, Copies & FAX, Snarlin Cholla Race Club
1400 Peter Lang, 67/Frans De Kock, 53/Terry Cotter, 67, Santa Rosa, Calif., Homebuilt-Chevy, Safari West, Global Mining

SPT TRUCK
1501 Joe Aguayo, 41, San Jacinto, Calif./Jamie Banks, 33, Pala, Calif., Ford F-150, Nuera Motorsports, Kabagewear.com, Euevan Construction
1549 Nick Tonelli, 22/Kyle Scott, 22, Huntington Beach, Calif., Ford Ranger, The Beehive Sports Bar, Dezert Nations, Fiberwerx, Kal Gard

SPT UTV
(660cc, 4-wheel utility vehicle)
1801 Thomas Graves, 49, El Cajon, Calif./Joseph Graves, 51/Daniel Graves, 58, San Diego, Yamaha Rhino, TAG Engineering, Gravestone Communications, Alba Action Sports, Motoworks, ORW, RacerX, Fox Shox, Tire Balls, Gorilla Axles, Weitzel Motorsports
1802 Peter Hajas, 48/Steven Hajas/Scott Heber, Wayzata, Minn.
1803 Brian Hewett, 51, Los Altos Hills, Calif./Sam Hewett, 25, Chico, Calif./Charles Hewett, 30, Oakland, Calif.

OFFICIAL STORYLINE:

Herbst Bros., Post, Vildosola, Collins, LeDuc, R. Gordon--
10 of last 13 winners--in 23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250
M/C champs Bell, Norman, Cody, Campbell part of over 225 entries,
From 20 States, 10 countries in popular ‘Spring Break’ desert race;
Motorcycle and ATV classes to be featured on NBC Sports show
March 9, 2009

SAN FELIPE, Mexico—Looking for his own version of ‘Spring Break’, NASCAR Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon will spend his week off from pavement racing by returning to his desert racing roots as one of 10 overall winners from the last 13 years entered in this week’s 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250.

Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series will be held Friday through Sunday in Mexico’s quaint and picturesque fishing village of San Felipe, located on the East side of the Baja California peninsula along the azure waters of the tranquil Sea of Cortez.

Gordon, who won this race in 1996 and whose only attempt here since then was a did-not-finish in 2004, will drive the No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500 SCORE Trophy-Truck that won January’s 2009 SCORE season-opener in Laughlin, Nev.

Besides Gordon, the other former overall race winners returning this year are brothers Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst (1999, 2000, 2001), Mark Post (1998, 2004, 2007), Brian Collins (1990, 2008), Rob MacCachren (2003, 2007), Curt LeDuc (1997), Gus Vildosola (2003) and Jerry Whelchel (1998, 2004).

Also part of the field for the popular desert race are four gifted riders who have combined to win the overall Motorcycle title in 10 of the last 11 years—Johnny Campbell (7 times), Robby Bell (3), Kendall Norman (2) and Quinn Cody (1). The competitive field also includes 15 defending class winners and 36 racers who have combined for 115 class wins in the first 22 years of this race.

With over 225 entries from 20 U.S. States and 10 countries competing in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232.4-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. local time. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Cerveza Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher. The fastest finishers are expected in just under four hours.

Through the efforts of SCORE’s electronic media partner, Aura360 Ventures of Maine, the motorcycle and ATV portion of the race will be featured in the April 26 NBC Sports telecast of the Jeep World of Adventure Sport. This will mark the third time these classes have been featured on that NBC show and Aura360 will also produce a complete-race DVD on the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 for the first time.

“Usually when I run a SCORE Baja race I have to commute and pull double-duty so this week will be a real treat for me as I can focus on just the desert and not the desert and all the things connected to NASCAR racing as well,” said Gordon, who has two career class wins in his limited time in San Felipe.

“We came out in Laughlin in January planning to run the entire 2009 SCORE season and after winning that race we are even more enthusiastic about running the entire five-race series this year. With all of our other racing commitments, this will be the first time we have run the entire SCORE series since we won the SCORE Trophy-Truck season point championship in 1996.”

This year’s race will use the same 232.4-mile race course as 2008, running in a counter clockwise direction out of San Felipe up to and then back West along Highway 3 and back South and down through three of the most picturesque and challenging washes in all of Baja.

Collins, of Las Vegas, is the defending overall race winner having won last year in his No. 12 Collins Motorsports Dodge Ram1500.He also captured the overall victory in this race in 1990 to give him two career San Felipe overalls.

Leading the way among returning overall winners with three victories are Las Vegas’ Herbst brothers (Tim and Ed) who after taking last year off of desert racing will debut their new No. 19 Terrible Herbst Motorsports Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck.

Also back after a year away from the sport will be Troy Herbst, 42, the youngest of the three Herbst brothers, who has two Class 1 wins in San Felipe in his legendary Terrible Herbst Motorsports Ford-powered Smithbuilt open-wheel desert race car.

Post, Laguna Beach, Calif. also has three San Felipe overall wins, one in Class 1 (1998) and two in SCORE Trophy-Truck. Post won with Whelchel in 1998 and 2004 and in 2007, his second driver was current teammate MacCachren, Las Vegas, in the No. 3 Riviera Racing Ford F-150.

MacCachren, who has six class wins in this race, also has two San Felipe overall wins, having also won in 2003 as the second driver for Mexico’s Gus Vildosola. Vildosola will be the second driver this year for his son Gus Vildosola Jr., in the popular No. 4 Red Bull Vildosola Racing Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck.

Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif., won the San Felipe overall in 1997 and will be second driver this year for Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix, in the No. 84 Flying Dutchmen Chevy Silverado.

SCORE Trophy-Trucks have won 13 overalls in San Felipe in their 15-year history. Post/Whelchel in 1997 and San Diego’s son/father team of Andy and Scott McMillin (2005) have the only two Class 1 wins since SCORE debuted the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division in 1994.

Besides the SCORE Trophy-Truck’s stars and Campbell (who has eight class wins and seven orverall motorcycle crowns, among the other racers entered this year who have been very successful in this race are Jim O’Neal, Eric Solorzano, Larry Roeseler, Donald Moss and Adam Pfankuch.

O’Neal, 62, of Simi Valley, Calif., is an age-group motorcycle rider who has put together nine winning teams in the last eight years in San Felipe. O’Neal is the all-time leader for class wins in this race and will be going for double class wins again (he won two in 2005). He will lead teams in both Class 30 and Class 50 this year on a pair of Kal Gard-sponsored Hondas.

Roeseler, Alpine, Calif., has six class wins in San Felipe and will be the second driver for Roger Norman, Reno, Nev., in the No. 8 Norman Motorsports Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Trucks. The Norman/Roeseler team won the last two races of last season and Roeseler drove solo in this race in 2007 to win the unlimited Class 1 in the Terrible Herbst Motorsports Smithbuilt-Ford when Troy Herbst was recovering from ankle surgery.

Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico, has eight wins in Class 11 for stock VW Sedans while Moss, Sacramento, Calif., has six wins in the last seven years in Class 3 in his sturdy Ford Bronco.
Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif., has five class wins in San Felipe including four of the last six years in Class 1-2/1600. Pfankuch drove for two class-winning teams in this year’s SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge and will also be racing in San Felipe in SCORE Lite, splitting the seat time with driver of record Rick St. John, Encinitas, Calif. The second driver for Pfankuch in Class 1-2/1600 will be Steven Eugenio, Lakeside, Calif., who also drove half of the Laughlin race for Pfankuch this year as well.

The World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series is visiting Mexico for the first of three races in 2009.
Champion Southern California racers Damen Jefferies and Robby Bell received the pole positions for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles in the 'computeriezed' [this is the way it was spelt in the release] drawing for starting positions, by class, for the race, held on Feb. 21 at the SCORE headquarters in Los Angeles. Jefferies races in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division while Bell competes in Class 22 for open motorcycles.

Jefferies, 36, of Apple Valley, Calif., is a veteran SCORE desert racer who has three career SCORE Class season point titles in three different classes, including the 1997 SCORE Overall point championships. Also a successful desert chassis builder, Jefferies is racing the No. 22 Jefferies Racing Chevy Silverado this year with Luis Ramirez Jr. of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Jefferies is eighth in his class point standings this year after finishing fifth last season.

Bell, 23, of Sun City, Calif., has left the factory Honda team after winning the two-wheel overall title in this race the last three years and will be teamed with another former Honda rider Mike Childress on the No. 1x Kawasaki KX450F. Bell drew the first start last year as well for the JCR team owned by SCORE Baja racing legend Johnny Campbell.

For this year’s race, Campbell, 38, San Clemente, Calif., is listed as a possible third driver for his two factory-supported Honda CRF450X motorcycles. Racing for JCR will be Kendall Norman, Santa Barbara, Calif./Tim Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif. on one Honda while the other one will be ridden by the team of Colton Udall, San Clemente, Calif./Quinn Cody, Los Olivos, Calif.

With late entries accepted until race morning, Class 1-2/1600 has the most entries to date with 21, followed by SCORE Trophy-Truck with 19 and the unlimited Class 1 with 15.

Besides Collins and Bell the other defending class winners entered this year are: Germany’s Armin Schwarz (Class 1), Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif. (Class 1-2/1600), Donald Moss, Sacramento (Class 3), Marcos Nunez, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600), John Holmes, Olivenhain, Calif. (Class 7SX), Rodrigo Ampudia Jr., Ensenada, Mexico (Class 8), Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico (Class 11), Carlos Casas, Chula Vista, Calif. (Class 21), Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 20), Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 30), Bret Helm, Poway, Calif. (Class 40-Scott Myers is rider of record this year), Charles Marshall, Carmichael, Calif. (Class 50) and Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif. (Class 25).

Also back to defend his Sportsman class win among those entered to date is Sportsman Car winner Peter Lang.

Obviously with a lot of help from their Desert Assassins teammates, husband and wife racers Cameron Steele and Heidi Steele, of San Clemente, Calif., will be racing in a total of five classes this weekend.

Cameron Steele, 41, a prominent motorsports and Xgames TV sports announcer, is driver of record in the No. 16 GMC Sierra in SCORE Trophy-Truck and the No. 7x Honda CRF450X in the open motorcycle Class 22, and co-driver for Justin Smith in Class 1-2/1600 in the No. 1643 1600cc VW-powered Fraley open-wheel desert race car.

Heidi Steele, 38, Vice-President of Human Resources for a national home health-care group, is driver of record in both Class 6 in the No. 602 Ford Ranger and Class 7 in the No. 714 Ford Ranger.
“I guess you could say we really love SCORE Baja racing,” quipped, Steele, who has twice been voted the SCORE Person of the Year by the SCORE membership. “Or that we really like ‘Spring Break’, so Heidi and I get an opportunity to spend time with each other because our travel schedules are so crazy. Actually, it’s both and while we would like five class wins in San Felipe and maybe even the overall, our main goal is to finish in all five classes. Now, that would be something to write home about.”

The pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular restaurants and night clubs of San Felipe on the other."

Feb 28 Press Release:

"As pre-running started Saturday for next month’s 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, veteran Las Vegas desert racer Brian Collins and his Collins Motorsports team are finalizing plans to repeat as overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck winners of the popular spring race. With four class wins in this race, Collins is the defending Overall winner in this event in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Dodge Ram1500.

Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series will be held March 13-15 in Mexico’s quaint and picturesque fishing village of San Felipe, located on the East side of the Baja California peninsula along the azure waters of the tranquil Sea of Cortez.

With nearly 225 entries from 20 U.S. States and six countries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232.4-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. local time. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

Following January’s season-opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series will visit Mexico for the first of three races in 2009.

“We appreciate all that the Mexican officials have done to provide us with the same race route as last year as well as continuing all of the other safety-related support they provide for all of the SCORE Baja races,” said Sal Fish, SCORE President/CEO. “This will be another exciting a memorable adventure and we look forward to spending ‘Spring Break’ in San Felipe with the world’s best desert racers.”

This year’s race will use the same 232.4-mile race course as 2008, running in a counter clockwise direction out of San Felipe up to and then back West along Highway 3 and back South and down through three of the most picturesque and challenging washes in all of Baja.

After the start at the landmark San Felipe Arches, the race will proceed north towards Zoo Road. The area approaching the Zoo Road crossing was bladed last year, making a safer approach to the popular spectator area. That area will again be fenced and patrolled so that spectators can watch the action but not put themselves in way of the action.

This will be one of the few times that SCORE will run through the majestic Matomi Wash in the early part of the race instead of near the end. After Matomi, the challenging course will run through two more of the infamous Baja washes—Azufre and Huatomote before heading back Northwest for the final 19.6 miles to the finish line.

Collins, who also captured the overall victory in this race in 1990 to give him two career San Felipe overalls, is one of 10 overall San Felipe race winners out of the last 13 years who is entered this year.

“We have done pretty well in the SCORE San Felipe 250 over the years and running the same course this year will help our mental as well as physical preparation for the race,” said Collins, who has five career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins in the 15-plus year history of the marquee SCORE racing division for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks. Among his victories were back-to-back triumphs in the 2006 and 2007 Tecate SCORE Baja 500.

Leading the way of returning overall winners with three victories are Las Vegas brothers Tim and Ed Herbst (1999, 2000, 2001) who after taking last year off of desert racing will debut their new No. 19 Terrible Herbst Motorsports Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck.

Mark Post, Laguna Beach, Calif. also has three San Felipe overall wins, one in Class 1 (1998) and two in SCORE Trophy-Truck (2004, 2007). Post won with Jerry Whelchel in 1998 and 2004 and in 2007, his second driver was current teammate Rob MacCachren, Las Vegas, in the No. 3 Riviera Racing Ford F-150.

MacCachren has two San Felipe overall wins, having also won in 2003 as the second driver for Mexico’s Gus Vildosola. Vildosola will be the second driver this year for his son Gus Vildosola Jr., in the popular No. 4 Red Bull Vildosola Racing Ford F-150 SCORE Trophy-Truck.

NASCAR’s Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon, who is the current SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck point leader after his season-opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, won in San Felipe in 1996 and will be driving this year in the No. 77 Robby Gordon Racing Chevy CK1500.

Curt LeDuc, Cherry Valley, Calif., won the San Felipe overall in 1997 and will be second driver this year for Nick Vanderwey, Phoenix, in the No. 84 Flying Dutchmen Chevy Silverado.

SCORE Trophy-Trucks have won 13 overalls in San Felipe in their 15-year history. Post/Whelchel in 1997 and San Diego’s son/father team of Andy and Scott McMillin (2005) have the only two Class 1 wins since SCORE debuted the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division in 1994.

Champion Southern California desert racers Damen Jefferies and Robby Bell received the pole positions for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles in the computerized drawing for starting positions held Feb. 21. Jefferies races in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division while Bell competes in Class 22 for open motorcycles.

Jefferies, 36, of Apple Valley, Calif., is a veteran SCORE desert racer who has three career SCORE Class season point titles in three different classes, including the 1997 SCORE Overall point championships. Also a successful desert chassis builder, Jefferies is racing the No. 22 Jefferies Racing Chevy Silverado this year with Luis Ramirez Jr. of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Jefferies is eighth in his class point standings this year after finishing fifth last season.

Bell, 23, of Sun City, Calif., has left the factory Honda team after winning the two-wheel overall title in San Felipe the last three years and will be teamed with another former Honda rider Mike Childress on the No. 1x Kawasaki KX450F. Bell drew the first start last year as well for the JCR team owned by SCORE Baja racing legend Johnny Campbell.

SCORE Trophy-Truck has the most entries to date with 20, followed by Class 1-2/1600 with 15 and the unlimited Class 1 with 14. Late registration will be accepted up until race morning and as many as 30 more entries are expected.

Besides Collins and Bell the other defending class winners expected back this year are: Germany’s Armin Schwarz (Class 1), Adam Pfankuch, Carlsbad, Calif. (Class 1-2/1600), Donald Moss, Sacramento (Class 3), Marcos Nunez, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600), John Holmes, Olivenhain, Calif. (Class 7SX), Rodrigo Ampudia Jr., Ensenada, Mexico (Class 8), Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico (Class 11), Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 20), Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 30), Bret Helm, Poway, Calif. (Class 40-Scott Myers is rider of record this year) and Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif. (Class 25).

Also back to defend his Sportsman class win among those entered to date is Sportsman Car winner Peter Lang.

The pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race will be held on Friday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular restaurants and night clubs of San Felipe on the other.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday (March 15), the awards celebration will be held in front of The Beachcomber Night Club on the Malecon."

Race Pull Storyline:

Champion Southern California desert racers Damen Jefferies and Robby Bell received the pole positions for four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles in the computerized drawing for starting positions held Saturday for the upcoming 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250. Jefferies races in the featured SCORE Trophy-Truck division while Bell competes in Class 22 for open motorcycles.


Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series will be held March 13-15 in Mexico’s San Felipe, located on the East side of the Baja California peninsula.

With nearly 225 entries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232.4-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. local time. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

Drawing the first starting slot for the unlimited Class 1 open-wheel desert race cars was Josh Rigsby of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Riding the first ATV off the line will be Class 25 rider Adolfo Arellano, Tijuana, Mexico.

Jefferies, 36, of Apple Valley, Calif., is a veteran SCORE desert racer who has three career SCORE Class season point titles in three different classes, including the 1997 SCORE Overall point championships. Also a successful desert chassis builder, Jefferies is racing the No. 22 Jefferies Racing Chevy Silverado this year with Luis Ramirez Jr. of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Jefferies is eighth in his class point standings this year after finishing fifth last season.

With 20 entries so far in the marquee SCORE racing division for 800 horsepower, unlimited production trucks, Jefferies will lead a strong field in SCORE Trophy-Truck that features many of the world’s top desert racers.

Last year’s top overall finishers have all entered this year even though one is with a new team. Leading the defending race champions group is four-wheel vehicle overall winner Brian Collins, Las Vegas, who will start 10th in the 20-truck SCORE Trophy-Truck class in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Dodge Ram1500.

Bell, 23, of Sun City, Calif., has left the factory Honda team after winning the two-wheel overall title in San Felipe the last three years and will be teamed with another former Honda rider Mike Childress on the No. 1x Kawasaki KX450F. Bell drew the first start last year as well for the JCR team owned by SCORE Baja racing legend Johnny Campbell.

Campbell, who won his race-record seventh Overall motorcycle and eighth motorcycle class title in this race last year while riding with Bell, has entered two Honda CRF450X teams in this year’s race for the JCR team. Rider of record on one bike will be Kendall Norman, who has two overall wins in San Felipe, and the team’s other rider of record Colton Udall is a rookie on the team and making his first San Felipe start.

In Saturday’s computerized drawing, SCORE Trophy-Truck had the most entries with 20, followed by the unlimited Class 1 and Class 1-2/1600 with 14 each. Late registration will be accepted up until race morning and as many as 50 additional entries are expected.

Defending SCORE overall series and race ATV and Class 25 champion Wayne Matlock, El Cajon has entered this year once again with Harold Goodman Jr., Brownsville, Mich. and a new third rider-Josh Caster, El Cajon, Calif.

Besides Collins, Bell and Matlock the other defending class winners entered so far this year are: Germany’s Armin Schwarz (Class 1), Donald Moss, Sacramento (Class 3), Marcos Nunez, Ensenada, Mexico (Class 5/1600), John Holmes, Olivenhain, Calif. (Class 7SX), Rodrigo Ampudia Jr., Ensenada, Mexico (Class 8), Eric Solorzano, Tijuana, Mexico (Class 11), Anna Cody, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 20), Jim O’Neal, Simi Valley, Calif. (Class 30) and Bret Helm, Poway, Calif. (Class 40-Scott Myers is rider of record this year).

Also back to defend his Sportsman class win among those entered to date is Sportsman Car winner Peter Lang.

This year’s race will use the same 232.4-mile race course as 2008, running in a counter clockwise direction out of San Felipe up to and then along Highway 3 and back down through three of the most picturesque and challenging washes in all of Baja. Pre-running will officially open for participants in the event on Saturday, Feb. 28.

After the start at the landmark San Felipe Arches, the race will proceed north towards Zoo Road. The area approaching the Zoo Road crossing was bladed last year, which makes it a safer approach to the popular spectator area. That area will again be fenced and patrolled so that spectators can watch the action but not put themselves in way of the action. The course will run again this year in a counterclockwise direction.

This will be one of the few times that SCORE will run through the majestic Matomi Wash in the early part of the race instead of near the end. After Matomi, the challenging course will run through two more of the infamous Baja washes—Azufre and Huatomote before heading back Northwest for the final 19.6 miles to the finish line.

The pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race will be held on Friday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular restaurants and night clubs of San Felipe on the other.

At 10 a.m. on Sunday (March 15), the awards celebration will be held in front of The Beachcomber Night Club on the Malecon.

Following his dominating season-opening victory at the 15th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon finds himself at the top of a very crowded Overall leaderboard in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings. With 54 points, Gordon, who returned to his desert racing roots, also leads the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck class for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500.

With just 14 points separating the top 21 in 2009 SCORE Overall points, SCORE racers are now preparing to begin official pre-running.

In addition to season point class point championships, drivers in the Pro car and truck classes are also racing to earn prestigious SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards given to all car and truck class drivers who complete every required mile of the five-race season. Being presented by Toyota Motorsports for the 24th consecutive year, a total of 52 drivers remain eligible after Round 1 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series.

Press Release:

"Computerized (bullpucky) Start draw for 23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 to be held this Saturday at SCORE headquarters in Los Angeles

Top 10 SCORE Trophy-Trucks & Class 1 from 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 to have special draw

LOS ANGELES--Many of the world's top desert racers are expected to be entered in time for Saturday's computerized start draw for next month's 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 desert race. With the drawing being held at the SCORE International headquarters in Los Angeles, the race itself will be held March 13-15 along the Sea of Cortez in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.

With over 225 entries expected to compete in 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232.4-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the classes at approximately 10 a.m. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

Following January's season-opening SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, the World's Foremost Desert Racing Series will visit Mexico for the first of three races in 2009.

A unique part of Saturday's drawing will be the special drawing for the top 10 finishers from the nearest previous SCORE Baja race entered in the current race in both SCORE Trophy-Truck and the unlimited Class 1. For this race it will be the top 10 finishers in each class from last November's 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

The top 10 finishers in SCORE Trophy-Truck from the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 were: Roger Norman/Larry Roeseler, B.J. Baldwin, Chad Ragland/Larry Ragland, Mark Post/Rob MacCachren, Dan Friedkin/Danny Sullivan/Steve Hengeveld, Justin Lofton/Bob Lofton, Robbie Pierce, Ron Whitton/Garron Cadiente, Bobby Baldwin/Larry Job and Damen Jefferies.

In the unlimited Class 1, the top 10 finishers from the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 were: Chuck Dempsey, Harley Letner, Ron Brant, Rob Bruce, Brian Robinson, Luis Ramirez Jr., Josh Rigsby, Brian Parkhouse, B.J. Richardson and Armin Schwarz.

The start draw for Round 2 of the 2009 SCORE Desert Series, will determine the starting order within each of the various classes in the race.

Last year's top overall finishers are expected back this year even if with different teams. Leading the group will be four-wheel vehicle overall winner Brian Collins, Las Vegas, in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Ram1500. Last year's overall motorcycle champion was the JCR Honda team of Robby Bell, Murrieta, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. on a Honda CRF450X and the Overall ATV winners were the team of Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Marc Spaeth, Warner, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R.

Bell moved to another team this year and has entered,and JCR has entered two Honda teams in this year's race. Norman and Colton Udall are the two riders of record while Campbell, the team owner/manager, is listed as a third rider on both.

Matlock has entered with Goodman Jr. and a new third rider for this year.

Among the other 2008 class winners already entered is the unlimited Class 1 winning All German Motorsports team of Armin Schwarz of Germany and Martin Christensen, of Denmark, but who lives in Escondido, Calif. in their BMW-powered Jimco open-wheel desert race car.

Also back to defend their class wins among those on the early entry list are Sportsman Car winner Peter Lang and SPT M/C overall winner Bill Gilbert.

This year's race will use the same 232-mile race course as 2008, running in a counterclockwise direction out of San Felipe up to and then along Highway 3 and back down through three of the most picturesque and challenging washes in all of Baja. Pre-running will officially open for participants in the event on Saturday, Feb. 28.

After the start at the landmark San Felipe Arches, the race will proceed north towards Zoo Road. The area approaching the Zoo Road crossing was bladed last year, which makes it a safer approach to the popular spectator area. That area will again be fenced and patrolled so that spectators can watch the action but not put themselves in way of the action. The course will run again this year in a counterclockwise direction.

This will be one of the few times that SCORE will run through the majestic Matomi Wash in the early part of the race instead of near the end. After Matomi, the challenging course will run through two more of the infamous Baja washes--Azufre and Huatomote before heading back Northwest for the final 19.6 miles to the finish line.

The pre-race Manufacturer's Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race will be held on Friday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular dives and night clubs of San Felipe on the other.

Following his dominating season-opening victory at the 15th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge, NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon finds himself at the top of a very crowded Overall leaderboard in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings. With 54 points, Gordon, who returned to his desert racing roots, also leads the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck class for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500.

With just 14 points separating the top 21 in 2009 SCORE Overall points, SCORE racers are now preparing for the popular San Felipe race."

Baja Racing News.com

"SCORE announces cost saving measures to assist racers"

SCORE drops bombshell on February 2, 2009
No Required Tracking Systems!

"Continuing the previously announced commitment to help reduce racing costs this year, SCORE International has announced additional cost-saving measures prior to next month’s 23rd Annual Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, to be held March 13-15 in San Felipe. The measures are designed to make the popular Sea of Cortez race more affordable.

As previously announced at the conclusion of the 2008 championship series, SCORE will keep entry fees at the same level as last year.

Furthermore, after consulting with authorities in Mexicali and San Felipe, SCORE has decided to run the same 232 mile course as last year. This will require less pre-running time and provide familiar logistics to race teams.

Finally, the real-time tracking device rental normally required at a SCORE Baja race will not be mandatory at the San Felipe race this year. However, real-time tracking will continue to be required at the SCORE Baja 500 and Baja 1000 events.

“We realize full well the economics of racing and the financial challenges our world is going through right now,” said Sal Fish, SCORE CEO/President. “SCORE is diligently trying to reduce costs for racers, while still providing the memorable desert racing experience and adventure that are signature qualities at SCORE events.”

“We are not increasing entry fees like we normally would to account for yearly increases in operating costs and we are using the same San Felipe course as last year. Furthermore, we have the liberty of eliminating mandatory real-time tracking at this race for several reasons. First, there are no pavement sections which require speed limit monitoring. And secondly, the four checkpoint locations will ensure that racers run the established course. One of the unique features of this race is that the baseline course is surrounded by many legal parallel lines in various areas. This provides the racers a certain degree of flexibility. That's just the nature of racing in San Felipe."" Seriously, we couldn't make this stuff up!



Baja Racing News.com
2009 Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Course Notes

INTERVAL TOTAL
LINE COURSE DESCRIPTION MILEAGE MILEAGE
1 Start Line - south side of San Felipe Arches 0.0 0.0
2 Left off pavement onto dump road 0.2 0.2
3 Stay straight at four way intersection 0.9 1.1
4 Right onto powerline road 2.1 3.2
5 Cross Zoo Road - access HWY 5 @ KM 181 4.3 7.5
6 Right off powerline road at four way intersection 4.7 12.2
7 Stay straight - access HWY 5 @ KM 172 3.3 15.5
8 Stay straight - access HWY 5 @ KM 168 1.8 17.3
9 Stay straight at four way intersection 1.9 19.2
10 Left turn just before HWY 5 @ KM 159 4.1 23.3
11 White cement marker on left 7.3 30.6
12 Go left at Y 1.3 31.9
13 Go left at another Y 2.1 34.0
14 Double wood powerpole road - either or 8.9 42.9
15 Junk car on left - either or 1.0 43.9
16 Right at Y just before Borrego Pit Area 2.4 46.3
17 Borrego Pit Area 0.2 46.5
18 Left at Y just after Borrego Pit Area 0.3 46.8
19 Stay straight at four way intersection 3.7 50.5
20 Right onto powerline road toward power station 3.2 53.7
21 Stay straight at power station 0.2 53.9
22 Stay straight at four way intersection 0.4 54.3
23 Cross Villa Del Sol Road - access HWY 3 @ KM 160 1.2 55.5
24 Stay straight at four way intersection 3.0 58.5
25 Hard left turn / CHECKPOINT 1 3.0 61.5
26 Left at Y - fenceline on right 6.6 68.1
27 Right on Villa Del Sol Road - access HWY 3 @ KM 160 0.3 68.4
28 Sign on right says "Chinalito" 12.6 81.0
29 Stay straight - ranch road on right 3.1 84.1
30 Cattle guard 1.5 85.6
31 Left at T intersection 0.8 86.4
32 Right at Morelia Junction onto graded road 6.7 93.1

33 Stay straight on graded road 12.0 105.1
34 Stay straight on good graded road at stop sign 1.4 106.5
35 Left off graded road 3.0 109.5
36 Windmill on left 2.3 111.8
INTERVAL TOTAL
LINE COURSE DESCRIPTION MILEAGE MILEAGE
37 Stay straight 1.4 113.2
38 Go left at Y 0.9 114.1
39 Right at Y - LEFT GOES TO INBOUND COURSE 3.0 117.1
40 Right at T - LEFT GOES TO INBOUND COURSE 4.2 121.3
41 Left turn away from fenceline / CHECKPOINT 2 1.0 122.3
42 Left turn - then go through open fence 3.4 125.7
43 Go through open fence 0.4 126.1
44 Drop into Matomi Wash 7.9 134.0
45 Go left at Y toward exit of Matomi Wash 14.7 148.7
46 Left out of Matomi Wash, then go uphill 0.4 149.1
47 Road merges in from the left 3.6 152.7
48 Stay straight at four way intersection 7.9 160.6
49 Left turn / CHECKPOINT 3 4.6 165.2
50 Cross road - access Old Puertecitos Road 0.2 165.4
51 Left into Azufre Wash - access to Old Puertecitos Road 1.8 167.2
52 Right into wide sand wash 21.6 188.8
53 Right turn / CHECKPOINT 4 4.0 192.8
54 Left toward wash exit, then climb steep hill 20.7 213.5
55 Top of hill / CHECKPOINT 5 0.3 213.8
56 Left at Y - access Old Puertecitos Road 0.1 213.9
57 Right at Y - left goes into Chanate Wash 1.5 215.4
58 Right at Y - left goes into Chanate wash 1.4 216.8
59 Left off good road 2.2 219.0
60 Merge right onto road 0.2 219.2
61 Go left at Y, then stay straight and cross wash 0.2 219.4
62 Left at Y 5.3 224.7
63 Road comes in from right 0.1 224.8
64 After curve, stay left at Y 1.0 225.8
65 Stay straight at four way intersection 0.9 226.7
66 White fence on left 0.4 227.1
67 Left at four way intersection 2.5 229.6
68 Right at T intersection 0.6 230.2
69 Stay straight - water tank on right 0.6 230.8
70 Right off good road - go toward arches 0.8 231.6
71 Merge left onto road from right 0.7 232.3
72 Finish Line at Tecate Building 0.1 232.4


BAJA 250 RACE PITS REPORT

5 full service pits at this year's Baja 250 at approx. every 50 Miles. Pits services available are a choice of full service support. Including: hauling fuel & spares, lubricants, welding, repairs, water & racer supplied food, Hospitality for chase crews and the most dedicated team of race support crews on the peninsula. Contact SPEED MEX for additional details. speedmex@cox.net

"In 28 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes in the 232-mile race, the green flag will drop at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, for the motorcycle and ATV classes, followed three hours later by the car and truck classes at approximately 10 a.m. The start line for the race will once again be the landmark San Felipe Arches on Highway 5 on the outskirts of San Felipe. The race will finish just south of the Arches, directly behind the Tecate building. One vehicle will start every 30 seconds in the elapsed-time race, with a 10-hour time limit to become an official finisher.

NASCAR Cup owner/driver Robby Gordon finds himself at the top of a very crowded Overall leaderboard in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series point standings. With 54 points, Gordon, who returned to his desert racing roots, also leads the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck class for high-tech, 800-horsepower, unlimited production trucks in his No. 77 Team Gordon Chevy CK1500. With just 14 points separating the top 21 in 2009 SCORE Overall points, SCORE racers are now preparing for the popular San Felipe race.

The pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and tech inspection of the vehicles in the race (Contingency) will be held on Friday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the picturesque Malecon, flanked by the Sea of Cortez on one side and the popular restaurants and night clubs of San Felipe on the other.

Last year’s top overall finishers are expected back this year even if with different teams. Leading the group will be four-wheel vehicle overall winner Brian Collins, Las Vegas, in the No. 12 Collins Motorsports Dodge Ram1500. Last year’s overall motorcycle champion was the JCR Honda team of Robby Bell, Murrieta, Calif./Johnny Campbell, San Clemente, Calif. and the Overall ATV winners were the team of Wayne Matlock, El Cajon, Calif./Harold Goodman Jr., Brownstown, Mich./Marc Spaeth, Warner, Calif., on a Honda TRX450R.

Among the other class winners expected back is the unlimited Class 1 winning All German Motorsports team of Armin Schwarz of Germany and Martin Christensen, of Denmark, but who lives in Escondido, Calif. in their BMW-powered Jimco open-wheel desert race car."


Baja 250 Records

All-Time Overall Champions

Cars & Trucks:

1982--Dan Cornwell, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)

1983--Corky McMillin/Scott McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)

1984--Scott McMillin/Corky McMillin, Chenowth-Porsche (Class 2)

1990--Brian Collins/Jack Johnson, Chenowth-VW (Class 1)

1991--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (Class 8)

1992--Bob Richey/Boyd Cox, Raceco-Porsche (Class 1)

1993--Scott Douglas, Ford Ranger (Class 7)

1994--Ivan Stewart, Toyota SR5 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1995--Larry Ragland, Chevy C1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1996--Robby Gordon, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1997--Curt LeDuc, Jeep Grand Cherokee (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

1998--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Riviera-Chevy (Class 1)

1999--Ed Herbst/Tim Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2000--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2001--Tim Herbst/Ed Herbst, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2002--Dan Smith/David Ashley, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2003--Gus Vildosola/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2004--Mark Post/Jerry Whelchel, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2005--Andy McMillin/Scott McMillin, Jimco-Chevy (Class 1)

2006--Garron Cadiente, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2007--Mark Post/Rob MacCachren, Ford F-150 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

2008—Brian Collins, Dodge Ram1500 (SCORE Trophy-Truck)

Motorcycles:

1982--Bob Balentine, Honda XR500 (Class 22)

1983--Jack Johnson, Honda XR500 (Class 22)

1984--Dan Smith/Dan Ashcraft, Husqvarna CR500 (Class 22)

1990--Dan Smith/Danny Hamel, KTM (Class 22)

1991--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1992--Larry Roeseler/Ted Hunnicut Jr, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1993--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500(Class 22)

1994--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1995--Danny Hamel, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1996--Paul Krause, Kawasaki KX500 (Class 22)

1997--Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

1998--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

1999--Johnny Campbell/Cole Marshall, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

2000--Johnny Campbell/Tim Staab, Honda XR650 (Class 22)

2001--Steve Hengeveld/Jonah Street, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2002--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2003--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2004--Steve Hengeveld/Johnny Campbell, Honda XR650R (Class 22)

2005--Chris Blais/Andy Grider/Quinn Cody, KTM MXC525 (Class 22)

2006--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)

2007--Robby Bell/Kendall Norman, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)

2008--Robby Bell/Johnny Campbell, Honda CRF450X (Class 22)

Sportsman Cars and Trucks:

2008—Peter Lang, Homebuilt-Chevy (SPT Car)

Sportsman Motorcycles:

2008—Bill Gilbert, Honda CRF450X (SPT M/C>250cc)

Baja Racing News.com


Some reports courtesy of dirtnews.com


San Felipe 250 RELATED ARTICLES

March 10, 2009
Baja Travel Sunk

"Some people won't cross the border for fear of the violence they hear about on the news. Others dread the long waits to cross the border back to the United States. And many are not spending the way they used to because of the poor economy.Whatever the reason, the reality is that U.S. tourism to Tijuana and the rest of Baja California has sunk. The business sector, along with local and state governments, is trying new ways to persuade tourists to cross the border, especially as spring vacations begin.

“We don't have the tourism we used to have some years back,” said Jessica Lucero, assistant director of the Tijuana Convention and Visitors Committee, the agency behind the initiatives. “We're looking to create new strategies so tourists will come back.” According to the committee's director, Jahdiel Vargas, the number of tourists who crossed from San Ysidro to Tijuana in 2008 fell by 10 percent. Farther south, the drop felt like a plunge, said Jean-Loup Bitterlin, owner of the El Rey Sol restaurant and the Posada Rey Sol hotel in Ensenada. Bitterlin estimated that the number of weekend visitors to Ensenada dropped by 80 percent last year."

SWAT, Big travel firm cuts trips to Baja, citing violence

The crime crisis in Mexico has forced a major West Coast travel firm to cancel its upcoming spring break trips to Baja California.

March 9, 2009: Summer Winter Action Tours (SWAT) of Costa Mesa says the thousands of students who planned to head south will instead travel to Palm Springs. Travel alerts have been issued for over a year regarding rising drug cartel-related crime in northern Mexico.

The Los Angeles branch of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also recently urged students to avoid northern Baja California during spring break.

SWAT has been sending students to Mexico for the last 12 years and, in a website post, insists that "San Felipe is one of the safest destinations in all of Baja California and Mexico."

"However, because so many of our existing customers and their families are concerned by the recent Mexico travel alerts issued by various agencies, SWAT has made the decision to provide our customers with peace of mind for their SWAT Spring Break 2009 experience," the statement continued.

Colleges sending students on spring break include: Cal State Fullerton, Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, Cal State Long Beach, Orange Coast College, Cal Lutheran and Arizona State University. In a March 2 warning, the ATF issued a warning specifically cautioning against student trips to Tijuana and Rosarito Beach. Some students on SWAT tours would have had to pass through Tijuana on the drive to San Felipe.



March 8, 2009: Yes, it was confirmed by Dave himself, last night, on his widely watched motorsports show, Wind Tunnel, that he'll be riding with Baja Safari at the San Felipe 250 on Saturday.

Remember, Dave did a great job at the 40th event that Marty Fiolka choked on.




Gary Newsome, Editor
Baja Racing News.com EXCLUSIVE