Volkswagen Beetle and 50th BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 1000 

The Baja 1000 is one of the most grueling and demanding races on the planet, with cars competing in the harsh desert conditions in Mexico, and the “Baja Bugs” — which are modified Volkswagen Beetles, have more wins in the race than any other model of vehicle. This November will mark the 50th anniversary of the Baja 1000, with the Beetle looking to add to its win tally in the 50th BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 1000.  

First Baja 1000 (Mexican 1000) in 1967 

Baja racing was born from the dune buggy and off-roading culture of southern California in the 1960s. The first Baja 1000, which was then known as the Mexican 1000, was held in 1967, with the itinerary spanning between Tijuana and La Paz, Mexico. The 950-mile trek had 68 competitors, with only 31 completing the race. Ultimately the victory went to Vic Wilson and Ted Mangels, driving a Meyers Manx dune buggy built by Bruce Meyers off a Volkswagen Beetle chassis. 

READ MORE: Inspired By the Dune Buggy, Crafted for Performance 

What is the itinerary for the 50th BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 1000? 

Since the first Baja 1000, desert racing has grown considerably and become more established, with the 50th BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 1000 as the last round of the four-race 2017 SCORE World Desert Championship. In 2017, the race course will be approximately 1,200 miles long, starting in Ensenada and finishing in La Paz. Drivers and navigators will encounter rocks, steep gullies, washboard roads, blinding dust and sand pits, as well as dangerous nighttime racing.  

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