Ford Performance Secures Dual Class Victories with the Bronco DR and Ranger Raptor at 2024 SCORE Baja 1000

Bronco DR and Ford Ranger Raptor soared to victory after conquering hundreds of miles of grueling landscapes, showcasing their resilience in one of the most challenging races on the planet

In the vibrant expanse of Baja California, where the desert stands as a formidable adversary, Ford Performance reveled in a remarkable triumph: a double victory with two trucks at the 2024 Baja 1000.

The Bronco DR, meticulously engineered for desert racing and infused with the essence of Baja competition, added another chapter to Bronco’s illustrious Baja saga in the Heavy Metal Limited class. Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger Raptor, derived from the production model available globally, clinched a win that highlights its prowess both on the road and off in the Stock Mid-Size class.

“The Baja 1000 is merciless,” remarked Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “It tests every component of a truck to its breaking point and demands the utmost from drivers and teams alike. This isn’t merely about finishing the race—it’s about demonstrating that our vehicles can tackle and triumph over challenges as formidable as those found in Baja.”

This victory marks the third win of the year for the Ford Bronco DR, which has claimed victory in every race it has entered in 2024. Brad Lovell and navigator Roger Lovell spearheaded the initial third of the race, followed by Jason Hutter and Paul Blangsted, who played a crucial role in securing the DR’s triumph at Vegas to Reno in August. Jason Scherer and Jason Berger completed the final stretch of the grueling 864-mile race.

“This year has underscored just how punishing Baja can be,” stated Brad Lovell, who has driven the DR in all its races. “It’s often called the toughest race in North America, and I wholeheartedly agree. Having been involved in the Bronco DR’s testing for quite some time, I always yearned for the chance to race it here in the 1000—it’s what we designed it for, and it embodies the spirit, excitement, and joy of racing. To grasp Bronco’s legacy in Baja and to be a part of it is truly humbling. Bronco is versatile, a master of many trades, yet it possesses a unique spirit and a special place in Baja.”

The victory of the Ranger Raptor demonstrates that achieving success in racing doesn't mean sacrificing everyday functionality. The Ford Ranger Raptor is engineered with cutting-edge FOX suspension, a robust chassis, and a powerful twin-turbo 3.0L EcoBoost engine, mirroring the technology found in the global production model.

"Baja unleashed its full fury on us this year," Loren Healy remarked. "We faced numerous challenges last night, but the incredible Ford Performance team poured their hearts and souls into this effort, braving the darkness, the cold, and the rain. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved."

Loren Healy and navigator Eric Davis kicked off the Ranger Raptor's journey before passing the reins to John Williams III and Nate Williams for the second leg. Finally, Bailey Campbell and Bryan Crofts drove it across the finish line, completing the grueling 736-mile Baja course.

The # 773 Ranger Raptor was meticulously designed to comply with SCORE’s Stock Mid-Sized Class regulations, specifically crafted for the tough landscapes of the Baja 1000. This factory-built vehicle features essential modifications to boost performance, safety, and resilience in the harsh off-road conditions.

Additionally, the truck is fitted with a MoTeC data acquisition system to capture vital performance metrics throughout the race. "One of our main goals is to gather as much data as we can, especially given the diverse conditions we encounter here," explained Brian Novak, North American Off-Road Program Manager. "The insights we gain from this program will refine our durability testing. Once we return to Dearborn, we’ll meticulously analyze every component to discover ways to enhance our consumer trucks."

The Baja 1000 is a battle against the raw forces of nature in its most unforgiving form. This year's course was relentless—silt beds, torrential rain and snow, treacherous rocks, and the infamous darkness of Baja put every competitor's resolve to the ultimate test. Ford’s Bronco DR and Ranger Raptor forged ahead, tackling each obstacle with determination and claiming their victories one grueling mile at a time.

“Baja doesn’t just give away wins,” Lovell remarked. “You have to earn them by weathering the harshest conditions and persevering when the odds seem insurmountable. That’s what truly sets this race apart.”