2026 BFGoodrich Tires 58th SCORE Baja 500

Pre‑Running Opens on 468.70‑Mile Desert Course

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico — The official race course for the BFGoodrich Tires 58th SCORE Baja 500 is now open for pre‑running as teams prepare for Round 2 of the 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship.

Race week runs June 3–7, 2026, in Ensenada — known globally as the “Off‑Road Racing Capital of the World.”

With 175 officially entered teams representing North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, this year’s Baja 500 continues its reputation as one of the most demanding and prestigious desert races in motorsports.

Pre‑Running Details

Pre‑running officially begins in Ojos Negros, starting at Race Mile 43.49 and extending through Race Mile 426.12.

Important guidelines:

• All pre‑running must be conducted at safe and moderate speeds
• Communities across Baja California must be respected
• The opening miles of the course may ONLY be pre‑run on Friday, June 5, 2026
• That section is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT
• Unauthorized pre‑running is strictly prohibited

Pre‑running allows competitors to:

• Study technical desert terrain
• Evaluate mountain climbs and descents
• Navigate coastal sections near the Pacific
• Strategize for checkpoints and VCPs

The 468.70‑Mile Race Course Overview

The 58th SCORE Baja 500 features a 468.70‑mile loop course beginning and ending on Bulevar Costero in Ensenada, adjacent to the Riviera de Ensenada Cultural Center.

Key sections include:

• Ensenada Wash
• Rancho El Refugio
• Rancho Nelson
• Ojos Negros
• Santo Tomas
• Ejido Erendira (Pacific coastline)
• Punta Colonet
• Valle de la Trinidad
• Goat Trail
• Ejido Jamau (Physical Checkpoint – Mile 260.05)
• The Summit climb (Pro classes)
• Rancho La Vuelta
• Ojos Negros jumps

Course technical data:

• 408 VCPs for Pro motorcycle and car classes
• 311 VCPs for Sportsman classes
• Official time cutoff at Race Mile 453.27 (Rancho Nelson)

All racers return under speed control to the official finish on Bulevar Costero.

Green Flag Schedule – Saturday, June 6, 2026

• 3:00 a.m. PT – Motorcycles & Quads
• 8:15 a.m. PT – Opening Ceremony
• 9:00 a.m. PT – First four‑wheel vehicle

All competitors have an 18‑hour time limit from their individual start time.

175 Teams Representing the World

Currently, 175 teams are officially entered, representing:

• 24 U.S. States
• Puerto Rico
• Mexico
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Ecuador
• England
• France
• Israel
• Japan

Nearly 225 entries are expected before the green flag drops.

Race Week Schedule (June 3–7)

Thursday, June 4

Method Race Wheels Qualifying
Determines starting order for:

• SCORE Trophy Truck
• SCORE Trophy Truck 2WD
• SCORE Trophy Truck Legend
• Class 1
• Trophy Truck Spec

Friday, June 5

Tech & Contingency – Bulevar Costero

Saturday, June 6

Race Day

Sunday, June 7

Awards Ceremony – 12:30 p.m. PT
Riviera de Ensenada – Catedral Room

Ensenada: The Off‑Road Racing Capital

Located approximately 116 km south of the San Diego border crossing, Ensenada sits along the Pacific Ocean and remains the historic heart of SCORE desert racing.

2026 marks the 11th consecutive year that all SCORE World Desert Championship races are held on the Baja California peninsula.

Baja 500 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Baja 500 2026?

The BFGoodrich Tires 58th SCORE Baja 500 takes place June 3–7, 2026, in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. Race Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026.

How long is the 2026 Baja 500 race course?

The 2026 Baja 500 features a 468.70-mile loop course for Pro motorcycle and car classes. Sportsman divisions compete on a 381.10-mile course.

Where is the Baja 500 held?

The Baja 500 is held in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The race starts and finishes on Bulevar Costero near the Riviera de Ensenada Cultural Center.

What time does the Baja 500 start?

Motorcycles and quads begin at 3:00 a.m. PT on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Four-wheel vehicles begin at 9:00 a.m. PT after the opening ceremony.

How many teams are entered in the Baja 500 2026?

As of early June 2026, 175 teams are officially entered, with nearly 225 total entries expected before race day.

How long do racers have to finish the Baja 500?

All classes have an 18-hour official time limit from their individual start time.

Can fans watch the Baja 500 live?

Yes. SCORE International provides live coverage through SCORE Live on its website, SCORE App, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.