Las Vegas, Nevada (June 2, 2008) – The SCORE Baja 500 is one of the most notorious off-road races in the world. The third in the five-race SCORE desert series, considered the worlds foremost Desert Racing series. The Baja 500 featured over 300 entries, competing in 27 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs. The race, which spans from one side of the Baja peninsula to the other, consists of a 441 mile loop with extremely challenging terrain. The race terrain includes long graded roads, rocky washes, silt beds, rocky beaches, whoop sections and the infamous summit pass, which is known for breaking down even the most robust vehicles. This years race marks the 40th anniversary of the inaugural event that draws hundreds of thousands of race fans from all over the world. This years race will be shown televised in 22 countries on ESPN International. This is one of the races that really separates the men from the boys. There are so many potentials for disaster in this race, you really have to be on youre game, stated the confident BJ Baldwin prior to the start of the race.

BJ is fresh off of his victory in the Central European Rally, the make-up race for Dakar, where he managed to win his class and finish 7th overall on his first attempt in international competition.

BJ Baldwin, in the number 97 Baldwin Motorsports trophy truck, rocketed off the start of the SCORE Baja 500, through the streets of Ensenada, Mexico and out into the rough hilly terrain of the front section of the brutal course. BJ started physically in sixth position, but quickly moved to the second position by race mile 160.With the team of Post/ MacCachren in front and the likes of Robby Gordon behind him, BJ had little room for error. BJ lead the race at several points, battling back and forth with the team of Mark Post and Rob MacCachren. I was chasing Post all morning and stuck in his dust until race mile 165, just after Diablo dry lake bed just after the summit. I took wrong line just after summit that cost me a few minutes. I wasnt able to pre-run a lot of the course because we broke two pre-runners. I got a flat at race mile 325 and got passed back. I broke the rim in half and our air jack failed, so we had to borrow a jack from a spectator to change the flat. We also had to cap the rear break line, so I had no rear breaks for the rest of the race. I got back on the road and caught Post/ MacCachren and bumped him. I got around them and was in front until race mile 360 where I got another flat on the beach and he passed me back. We were having steering problems as well so I stayed back rather than risking a pass. It was a relentless battle all the way to the finish!, stated BJ Baldwin. BJ physically finished second, but managed to win on corrected time by a margin of seven seconds.

BJ had this to say about the epic battle for the overall win, We were battling back and forth all day. We had a few flats and few mechanical problems but I wasnt about to give up. I came so close last year and made a critical mistake at the finish that cost me the race. I wanted this one really bad. It was really good racing. Mark Post and Rob MacCachren did a great job. It wasnt easy! I want to thank all my sponsors and all the people who helped me win; my dad Bobby Baldwin, Larry Ragland for showing me how to really drive, my team, Barry Beacham for prepping the winning truck, Tim Oneil Rally school and everybody else who helped me over the years. Thanks!

Check out BJ Baldwins website for race results, photos and video at http://ballisticbjbaldwin.com/

BJ Baldwins next race will be the SCORE Terribles Cup in Las Vegas, NV July 18th 20th BJ Baldwin is sponsored by:
BFGoodrich Tires and Vision-X lights