The 59th SCORE Baja 1000, taking place in 2026, will start and finish in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
This is a press release from SCORE…
(September 19, 2025) For the first time ever, the world’s most legendary off-road race will be run entirely in the stunning southern tip of the Baja peninsula—a weeklong celebration of speed, culture, and history in the making.
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico (September 19, 2025) — The Municipality of Los Cabos will serve as both the starting and finishing point for the BFGoodrich Tires 59th SCORE Baja 1000, to be held from November 9 to 15, 2026. Notably, this will mark the first time in the history of “The Granddaddy of All Off-Road Races” that the legendary event will take place exclusively among the mountains, deserts, and beaches of the state of Baja California Sur.
SCORE International officially announced its agreement with the Government of Baja California Sur and the Municipality of Los Cabos to host a new chapter of the world’s most prestigious off-road race, the iconic SCORE Baja 1000. Over the years, this legendary event has attracted competitors from Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, as well as high-profile figures such as Academy Award-winner Paul Newman; formers IndyCar Series champion Sebastien Bourdais and Jimmy Vasser; past Dakar Rally winners Toby Price, Nasser Al-Attiyah, Hubert Auriol, Ricky Brabec, and Cyril Despres; former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button; and film actor Patrick Dempsey.
Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is a world-renowned tourist destination celebrated for its dramatic desert landscapes, stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant cultural scene. The region is composed of two main towns: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, connected by a 20-mile scenic stretch of coastline known as the Tourist Corridor, lined with high-end hotels, golf courses, and oceanfront dining.
This will be the second time that Los Cabos hosts the start of a SCORE International race, following the 2015 SCORE Baja Sur 500, which began in this magical destination and concluded in Loreto, Baja California Sur.
Over the course of more than five decades, the SCORE Baja 1000 has had various starting locations, including Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali in Baja California, as well as La Paz in Baja California Sur. In 2026, Los Cabos will proudly join this select list of host cities.
The 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship will take place exclusively on the Baja California Peninsula, marking the 11th consecutive year that all SCORE events will be held in Mexico—including the legendary SCORE Baja 1000 in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, often referred to as “The November Classic of Off-Road Racing.”
This historic edition also marks the 53rd anniversary of SCORE International, recognized as the world’s premier off-road racing organization. The 2026 season will include four official rounds: three in Baja California (San Felipe and Ensenada), and one in Baja California Sur (Los Cabos).
SCORE Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, Jim Ryan, expressed great satisfaction in once again having all SCORE events held in Mexico, particularly within the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur. These events will continue to promote these important regions of Mexico globally as premier tourist destinations, highlighting their rich culture, gastronomy, and motorsports—including both motorcycle and automotive racing.
“We are proud to serve as ambassadors for Mexico worldwide by showcasing our culture and tourist destinations to our racers and loyal fans from around the globe. It is not just about SCORE International, but about raising awareness in more countries that Baja California is a unique place. Combined with the warmth of the Mexican people, we welcome visitors with open arms, offering an experience full of adventure and sport through events such as the SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400, and SCORE San Felipe 250”.
The following are the dates for the four-race 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship which will be totally held in Baja California, Mexico for the 11th consecutive year:
2026 SCORE World Desert Championship
King Shocks 39th SCORE San Felipe 250— March 25-29, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico
BFGoodrich Tires 58th SCORE Baja 500— June 3-7, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
7th SCORE Baja 400— September 9-13, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
BFGoodrich Tires 59th SCORE Baja 1000— November 9-15, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
For more information regarding SCORE, visit the official website of the SCORE World Desert Championship at www.SCORE-International.com.
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