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Honda's Mixed Journey at the 58th SCORE Baja 1000
The 58th running of the BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000 delivered its usual mix of triumph and heartbreak—and Honda experienced it all in dramatic fashion. From a pole-position start for the Passport Trophy Truck to a dominant sweep on two wheels and a class win in UTV competition, the brand’s desert-racing presence was impossible to ignore.
Strong Start for the Honda Passport Trophy Truck
Team Honda Racing arrived in Ensenada with high expectations, having qualified the #9T Honda HRC Passport Trophy Truck on pole for the highly competitive 2WD Unlimited class. After a runner-up finish at the Baja 500, the team was ready to battle against heavier, V8-powered all-wheel-drive trucks, showcasing the prowess of their HRC-built twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6-powered Passport.
As the green flag dropped, the plan took shape flawlessly. Ebert and navigator Gatlan Haddon sped off and maintained their lead beyond race mile 280. However, the unforgiving Baja terrain would soon prove to be a formidable opponent.
The Unforgiving Nature of Baja
Sadly, a fuel issue forced the team to slip back to fourth place, and a suspected punctured fuel cell prompted the difficult choice to retire for safety reasons at race mile 358. “We felt like this was our race to win,” said Team Principal Jeff Proctor, who expressed disappointment, highlighting the team's preparation and hard work. Despite falling short, the team managed to finish 11th in Trophy Truck 2D (106th overall), exhibiting competitive speed early on.
SLR Honda’s Dominance on Two Wheels
While the Trophy Truck endeavor faced heartbreak, Honda’s motorcycle program achieved remarkable success. SLR Honda secured victory in the Pro Moto Unlimited category, concluding an undefeated season and earning the coveted 1X plate for 2026. This victory marks their seventh triumph at the Baja 1000 and extends Honda’s overall motorcycle wins to a record 34.
The 854-mile loop course, which presented cold coastal air, rugged cross-peninsula terrain, and extensive night sections, proved challenging for all competitors. Tyler Lynn set a high standard early on, tackling the first 450 miles—including six hours in the dark—and building an impressive 18-minute lead. Fellow riders David Kamo and Carter Klein finished the race with a winning time of 17 hours, 55 minutes, 39 seconds, securing more than 2.5 hours ahead of the second-place team.
The Unmatched Reliability of Honda's CRF450X
In an impressive show of reliability, Honda-mounted riders clinched the top 16 overall positions in the motorcycle class. This remarkable feat further illustrates the dependability of the CRF450X model, now boasting an extraordinary 18 Baja 1000 wins. According to Mark Samuels, SLR team owner, “This year everything clicked,” making this win all the more significant as younger riders showcased their skills and determination.
Honda's Winning Streak Continues in UTV
Honda's success wasn't confined to two wheels. The RaceCo Honda/Pedder Racing team triumphed again in the Pro UTV N.A. class, piloting their Talon 1000R with precision across Baja’s demanding terrain. Drivers Ricardo Torres, Chris Arreaza, Mikey Sandoval, and Corey Susag exemplified the Talon’s capabilities, confirming Honda’s status in the desert racing scene.
Expanding Honda’s Legacy
This year's Baja 1000 not only showcased individual achievements but also emphasized Honda's legacy in multi-disciplinary racing. The presence of Honda ATV racers added to the momentum, securing victories in several classes, including Pro Quad and Sportsman Quad. Each win further solidifies the company’s commitment to excellence and competitiveness across various segments of motorsports.
In summary, while Team Honda Racing faced challenges with their Trophy Truck, the overall performance across categories underscores Honda's strength in delivering reliable, competitive machines. As they look forward to future races, their commitment to innovation and excellence remains evident, setting the stage for continued dominance in events like the Baja 1000.
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