BFGoodrich Tires will be the title sponsor of the SCORE Baja 500 on its 50th anniversary run June 2.

The iconic desert race, known for technical course sections and tire-punishing terrain, aligns on well with BFGoodrich’s commitment to creating tougher tires that win championships under Baja’s most grueling conditions.

Since the first Baja 500 it raced in more than 40 years ago, BFGoodrich’s teams have seen 30 overall wins. Data from these races has been used to develop innovations for BFGoodrich Tires. The Mud-Terrain T/A KM3, launching in June in North America, features increased toughness and traction in mud and on rocks as a result of lessons learned from racing in Baja.

“This is a significant year for us at the SCORE Baja 500,” said Chris Baker, motorsports director, BFGoodrich and Michelin North America. “Our title sponsorship reflects our commitment to this sport and to creating tougher tires. We support the widest range of classes in SCORE Baja racing and claimed 10 class wins in last year’s Baja 500.”

To mark the race’s 50th anniversary, two of the most iconic names in off-road racing will serve as grand marshals: Sal Fish, former CEO of SCORE, and Ivan Stewart, nicknamed “Ironman” for his desert-racing accomplishments.

BFGoodrich also will award $25,000 to the overall winner if the vehicle is equipped with BFGoodrich Tires.

This year’s race marks the 25th anniversary of the trophy truck class. This class elevated the profile of desert racing, and BFGoodrich Tires were mounted on 21 of the past 24 Baja 500 trophy truck winners.

In last year’s Baja 500, BFGoodrich teams captured nine of the top 10 overall positions and claimed victories in Trophy Truck Legends, Class 1, Trophy Truck Spec, Class 10, Class 8, Class 7, Class 7SX, UTV Pro, Baja Challenge and Class 11.

 

This article originally appeared in Aftermarket News, a Babcox sister publication.