Alumicraft Dominates Class 10 And Powers to Podium in Class 1 at SCORE Baja 500
Alumicraft Race Cars once again proved their place at the pinnacle of off-road performance at the 57th running of the legendary BFGoodrich Tires SCORE-International Baja 500. With a commanding win, four of the top five finishes in Class 10, and a hard-fought second-place podium finish in Class 1, Alumicraft's precision-engineered race cars delivered in one of the most technical and demanding courses in recent SCORE history.
Held as the second round of the 2025 SCORE World Desert Championship, the grueling 461.03-mile race drew 208 total entries, with only 131 teams making it to the checkered flag for an attrition rate that speaks to the unforgiving nature of Baja’s rugged terrain.
From the rocky elevations near Mike’s Sky Ranch to the deep silty washes of Camalu and the fast-paced coastal zones near Punta Cabras, the 2025 SCORE Baja 500 course demanded the absolute best from drivers, co-drivers, and machines. With 11 wash crossings, technical descents, and a maze of high-speed straights, the course put even the most experienced teams to the test.
WATSON FLAWLESS IN CLASS WIN FOR ALUMICRAFT
Among the success stories, Eliott Watson piloted his No. 1033 Alumicraft to a decisive first-place victory in Class 10, completing the brutal loop through the Baja Peninsula in 10 hours, 43 minutes, and 32 seconds. Watson and his race partners Yokohama Tire, FOX, Prill Prep, and Baja Designs executed a flawless race day strategy that rewarded them with the win and helped further cement Alumicraft's dominance in Class 10.
"We had a flawless day and snagged the Class 10 win! Thanks to everyone for the continued support," Watson shared at the finish line, beaming from the podium in front of the cheering Ensenada crowd.
Behind Watson, Alumicraft continued its class-wide presence, claiming third, fourth, and fifth positions in a 12-entry field, a testament to the off-road race car manufacturer’s unmatched consistency and championship-grade performance. Drivers Matt Willert (No. 1009), Jason Shipman (No. 1044), and Zack McLaren (No. 1047) each battled the punishing Baja terrain to deliver top-five finishes in their respective Alumicraft-built vehicles, overcoming the unforgiving terrain of deep washes, rocky canyons, and new technical sections that had never before been used in SCORE racing.
RPI RACING OVERCOMES ADVERSITY TO PODIUM
In the premier open-wheel Class 1 category, Cody Reid and co-driver Adam Pfankuch delivered a gutsy second-place effort in the No. 168 Alumicraft after overcoming a series of mechanical challenges. The team crossed the line with a total time of 13 hours, 17 minutes, and 18 seconds, with an effort defined by perseverance, racecraft, and engineering that held firm under adversity.
"Well, we started with a small problem that Cody overcame, and we did quite well," the team recapped. "Adam got in and worked through the Spec trucks that passed us, and then the converter broke. We limped home, putting roughly 25 gallons of various substances into the converter to get to the finish. I'm super happy Cody is back racing. Thank you to everyone who supports us and our team."
Reid, a 3-time Class 10 Champion and 2023 SCORE Class 1 Champion, added another podium finish to his already impressive resume once again behind the wheel of a trusted Alumicraft chassis.
ALUMICRAFT’S EDGE IN BAJA
This showing in Ensenada reinforces Alumicraft’s reputation as the manufacturer of choice for off-road racers who demand performance, reliability, and podium potential. With victories and top finishes across classes, the results from the 2025 Baja 500 once again validate the brand’s championship-caliber engineering.
As the SCORE World Desert Championship heads into its second half, the momentum is clear: Alumicraft continues to lead the way in world-class off-road competition.
For more information on Alumicraft Race Cars and their winning performances, visit Alumicraft's official website, DriveAlumicraft.com, to learn more about our race products and services.
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