SCORE International

SCORE International is a renowned off-road racing organization that has been hosting prestigious events in the United States and Mexico since its inception. Founded by Mickey Thompson and Ed Pearlman in 1973, SCORE International has become a benchmark for off-road racing, attracting top drivers and teams from around the world, including Rob MacCachren, Larry Roeseler, and Ivan Stewart. The organization is known for its grueling events, such as the Baja 1000 and the Baja 500, which test the skills and endurance of drivers and their vehicles, including Volkswagen, Toyota, and Ford. With its rich history and commitment to safety, SCORE International has earned the respect of the off-road racing community, including organizations like the National Off-Road Racing Association and the Best in the Desert series.

● History

SCORE International was founded in 1973 by Mickey Thompson and Ed Pearlman, with the goal of creating a professional off-road racing series. The first event, the Baja 1000, was held in 1967, but it wasn't until 1973 that SCORE International was officially established. Over the years, the organization has hosted numerous events, including the Baja 500, the San Felipe 250, and the Laughlin Desert Challenge, which have become iconic in the world of off-road racing, attracting drivers like Rod Hall, Frank Arciero Jr., and Walker Evans. SCORE International has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, such as the Baja California-based Children's Hospital of Mexico, and has partnered with organizations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The organization has undergone significant changes over the years, including the introduction of new classes and rules, such as the Trophy Truck class, which was introduced in 1994, and the implementation of safety measures, such as the use of HANS devices and roll cages.

● Organization

SCORE International is headquartered in Riverside, California, and is led by a team of experienced off-road racing professionals, including Sal Fish, who served as the organization's president from 1974 to 2012. The organization has a strong partnership with various sponsors, including BFGoodrich Tires, Monster Energy, and Ford Motor Company, which provide critical support for the events and teams. SCORE International also works closely with local authorities, such as the Mexican government and the California Highway Patrol, to ensure the safe and successful execution of its events, which often involve coordination with other organizations, like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The organization has a strong commitment to safety, and works with experts like Dr. Terry Trammell and Dr. Steve Olvey to develop and implement safety protocols, such as the use of helmet cameras and data loggers.

● Racing Series

SCORE International hosts several racing series throughout the year, including the SCORE World Desert Championship, which features events like the Baja 1000 and the Baja 500. The organization also hosts the SCORE Challenge of Champions, which brings together top drivers from around the world to compete in a series of events, including the Parker 425 and the Laughlin Desert Challenge. The racing series feature a variety of classes, including Trophy Truck, Class 1, and Class 10, which cater to different types of vehicles and drivers, such as Robbie Gordon, B.J. Baldwin, and Ryan Arciero. SCORE International has also partnered with other organizations, like the Best in the Desert series and the National Off-Road Racing Association, to create a comprehensive off-road racing calendar, which includes events like the Mint 400 and the King of the Hammers.

● Events

SCORE International hosts several events throughout the year, including the Baja 1000, which is considered one of the most prestigious off-road racing events in the world. The event, which was first held in 1967, takes place in Baja California, Mexico, and features a challenging course that tests the skills and endurance of drivers and their vehicles, including Chevrolet, Dodge, and Nissan. Other notable events hosted by SCORE International include the Baja 500, the San Felipe 250, and the Laughlin Desert Challenge, which attract top drivers and teams from around the world, including Kory Scheeler, Cameron Steele, and Gustavo Vildosola. The events are often held in partnership with local organizations, such as the Baja California Tourism Board and the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, which provide critical support and resources, including coordination with other events, like the Baja 200 and the Sonora 200.

● Safety and Rules

SCORE International has a strong commitment to safety, and has implemented various rules and regulations to ensure the safe execution of its events. The organization works closely with safety experts, such as Dr. Terry Trammell and Dr. Steve Olvey, to develop and implement safety protocols, such as the use of HANS devices and roll cages. The organization also has a strict set of rules and regulations, including requirements for vehicle safety equipment, such as seat belts and fire extinguishers, and rules for driver conduct, such as the use of helmets and gloves. SCORE International also provides safety training and education for drivers and teams, including workshops and seminars, which are often conducted in partnership with organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.

● Notable Drivers and Teams

SCORE International has attracted many notable drivers and teams over the years, including Rob MacCachren, Larry Roeseler, and Ivan Stewart. Other notable drivers who have competed in SCORE International events include Rod Hall, Frank Arciero Jr., and Walker Evans, who have all achieved significant success in the world of off-road racing, including wins at the Baja 1000 and the Baja 500. Top teams, such as Team Ford, Team Toyota, and Team Volkswagen, also compete in SCORE International events, often with drivers like Ryan Millen, Andy McMillin, and Gus Vildosola Jr.. The organization has also been home to many legendary drivers, including Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser, and Al Unser, who have all made significant contributions to the world of off-road racing, including innovations in vehicle design and safety, such as the development of tubular chassis and disc brakes.