The SCORE Baja 500 isn’t just a race. It’s a rite of passage, 450+ miles of treacherous terrain, raw horsepower, and relentless grit. And this year, Alan Ampudia proved he’s not just a part of Baja history, he’s making it.

Ampudia’s 2025 SCORE Baja 500 Masterclass

Hailing from Ensenada, Alan Ampudia, 34, just claimed overall victory at the 57th SCORE Baja 500, charging through the brutal 461.03-mile loop with a final time of 8 hours, 39 minutes, and 34 seconds. Behind the wheel of his No. 10 Ford Raptor Mason AWD “Papas and Beer” Trophy Truck, Ampudia didn’t just win—he cemented his legacy.

This marks his second major win of the 2025 SCORE season, following a dominant performance at the San Felipe 250. With this latest triumph, Alan joins an elite group of Baja racers to conquer the Baja Triple Crown—San Felipe 250, Baja 500, and Baja 1000.

2025 SCORE Baja 500: A Global Battleground in the Heart of Baja

Over 200 teams from 27 U.S. states and 11 countries descended on Ensenada for this year’s Baja 500, the second stop of the 2025 SCORE World Desert Championship. The course ripped through the deserts and beaches of Ensenada and San Quintin, pushing both man and machine to the edge.

Only 131 out of 202 starters crossed the finish line—testament to the unforgiving terrain and extreme conditions that define Baja.

Top Finishers: Speed, Strategy, and Baja Brutality

2nd Overall: Aussie off-road legend Toby Price and teammate Paul Weel in their No. 46 Chevy Silverado Mason AWD, clocking in at 8:40:28—just under a minute behind Ampudia.

3rd Overall: Gustavo Vildosola Sr. (72!) and Ricky Johnson in the SCORE Trophy Truck Legend class, finishing in 9:19:41. After 14 straight class wins, it’s clear—Vildosola isn’t done yet.

Top 3 Trophy Truck: San Diego’s own Dan McMillin in his No. 23 Ford Raptor Mason AWD (9:34:18).

TT Spec Victory: Justin Davis of Chino Hills secured his fourth Baja 500 win in the class. With a time of 9:31:00, he’s eyeing another championship run.

TT 2WD Champs: Industry icon Cameron Steele and rising star Dave Mason Jr. took the W in the new TT 2WD class, launching a new era for rear-wheel beasts.

UTV Domination: Polaris Factory Team swept the Pro UTV Open podium, with Brock Heger taking first, followed by Cayden MacCachren and Justin Morgan—all piloting the Polaris RZR Pro R.

Other Class Highlights

Class 1: Victory went to Kyle Quinn and Greg DiStefano in the Jimco Chevy.

Class 10: Eliott Watson led the pack.

Pro UTV FI: Kaden Wells clinched the top spot.

Class 7: Rhys Millen proved his versatility once again.

Pro UTV Stock: Antonio Mendez emerged victorious.

Class 11: Local hero Oliver Flemate made a spectacular comeback, being the only team in class to finish within time.

What’s Next in 2025?

The championship battle rolls on with two major races still to come:

SCORE Baja 400: Sept. 10–14, Ensenada

SCORE Baja 1000: Nov. 10–16, Ensenada (The Big One)

For full results, coverage, and 2025 season details, hit up SCORE-International.com.