Baja 500 facts for kids

The Baja 500 is an exciting off-road race held in Mexico. It takes place on the Baja California Peninsula. This race is a big event in the world of motorsport. It is organized by a group called SCORE International.

Most of the time, the race starts and finishes in Ensenada. It's like a big loop! The total distance is usually a bit less than 500 miles. Many different types of vehicles compete in the Baja 500. These include powerful Trophy trucks, speedy Dirtbikes, agile UTVs, classic Baja Bugs, and custom-built race vehicles.

Race Vehicles and Classes

The Baja 500 has many different groups, or "classes," for vehicles. This makes sure that similar types of vehicles race against each other. It also makes the race fair and exciting!

Cars and Trucks

• SCORE Trophy Truck: These are super powerful, custom-built trucks. They are designed for extreme off-road racing.
• SCORE Trophy Truck Legends: These are also Trophy Trucks, but for drivers who are 50 years old or older.
• SCORE Class 1: These are open-wheel buggies. They can have one or two seats and are very fast.
• SCORE Class 5: These are special "Baja Bugs." They are modified Volkswagen Beetle cars built for off-road racing.
• SCORE Class 7: This class is for different types of mini trucks. Some are stock (meaning they are close to how they were made), and others are modified.
• SCORE Class 8: This class is for large, full-sized trucks that are two-wheel drive.
• SCORE Class 11: This class is for stock Volkswagen Beetle cars. They are raced almost exactly as they came from the factory.
• SCORE Baja Challenge: This class uses identical, special open-wheel cars. Everyone races the same type of vehicle.
• ProTruck: These are limited production trucks. They follow specific rules from the Baja ProTruck series.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are also a big part of the Baja 500. They are divided into classes based on their engine size and the age of the riders.

• SCORE Class 20: For smaller motorcycles (125cc two-stroke or 250cc four-stroke).
• SCORE Class 21: For medium-sized motorcycles (126cc to 250cc).
• SCORE Class 22: For larger, more powerful motorcycles (250cc or more).
• SCORE Class 30: For riders who are over 30 years old.
• SCORE Class 40: For riders who are over 40 years old.
• SCORE Class 50: For riders who are over 50 years old.
• SCORE Class 60: For riders who are over 60 years old.

ATVs

ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) also have their own classes:

• SCORE Class 24: For ATVs with engines 250cc or smaller.
• SCORE Class 25: For ATVs with engines 251cc or larger.

Overall Winners of the Baja 500

Here are some of the past winners of the Baja 500 race. These are the teams and riders who finished first overall in their main categories.

See also

In Spanish: Baja 500 para niños

• SCORE International
• Baja 1000
• Baja 400
• San Felipe 250