In the high-stakes world of SCORE International off-road racing, where split-second decisions and rugged Baja terrain define champions, a shocking incident has rocked the Trophy Truck class. Australian racer Toby Price, a decorated motorsport veteran and Red Bull athlete, along with his navigator Brent Bauman, has been disqualified from the 2026 San Felipe 250 for unsportsmanlike conduct. The ruling stems from allegations that the pair intentionally placed obstacles—specifically stacking rocks—on the race course during pre-running.
Who Is Toby Price?
Toby Price is no stranger to extreme off-road competition. The Australian has built an impressive legacy, most notably as a multiple Dakar Rally winner on two wheels before transitioning successfully to four-wheel desert racing. In SCORE events, he has tasted victory, including a win in the 2024 Baja 500 in a Trophy Truck alongside co-driver Paul Weel for Team Australia. His switch to the high-powered, unlimited-class Trophy Trucks showcased his adaptability, with strong performances in the brutal Baja landscape.
For the 2026 San Felipe 250—a roughly 280-mile desert race in Baja California, Mexico—Price piloted the No. 46 Ford Trophy Truck as part of a Red Bull-supported effort. The event draws top talent from across the off-road spectrum, testing machines and drivers against unforgiving washes, whoops, and high-speed sections.
What Happened at the San Felipe 250?
During pre-running on Friday, March 27, 2026, near Race Mile 52 (in the area around Matomi Wash), videos and reports emerged suggesting course tampering. Social media footage showed large rocks and branches placed in the racing line, creating potential hazards for competitors traveling at high speeds in Trophy Trucks. One circulating video appeared to capture Price near the scene, with bystanders expressing surprise.
Other racers, including Baja veteran Justin Morgan, reportedly encountered the altered section during the race itself, noting boulders in the track and cut trees. The obstacles were cleared before causing any incidents, but the damage to the event's integrity was done.
Price and Bauman competed in the race on Saturday, March 29 (or surrounding dates), finishing 8th in the Trophy Truck class (out of 12 entries) and 17th overall, with a time of approximately 5 hours and 2 minutes—about 30 minutes behind class winner Luke McMillin. A total of 194 vehicles started, with 127 finishing the demanding course.
SCORE's Investigation and Disqualification
SCORE International's Competition Review Board (CRB)—composed of active and retired racers from various classes—reviewed submitted evidence, including videos and other materials. On Monday following the race, SCORE issued a formal disqualification for both Price (as driver of record) and Bauman.
The official SCORE statement read:
“Following the review of evidence submitted to SCORE International regarding an incident that occurred during pre-running on Friday, March 27 near Race Mile 52 of the SCORE San Felipe 250, the SCORE Competition Review Board (CRB) has issued a disqualification to driver of record of the SCORE Trophy Truck #46 Toby Price and the navigator Brent Bauman for unsportsmanlike conduct. After evaluating all materials provided, the CRB concluded that the actions in question were attributable to Toby Price and Brent Bauman.”
The sanctioning body emphasized that the CRB reached the decision collectively, viewing the actions as a safety threat and a breach of sportsmanship in a sport where trust and course integrity are paramount.
Reactions and Fallout
The disqualification has sent ripples through the off-road community. Many expressed disbelief given Price's reputation as a respected competitor with a history of resilience through injuries and tough races. Supporters pointed to the circumstantial nature of the videos (which do not explicitly show rock placement) and questioned the evidence standard.
Price has denied the allegations, stating that the circulated footage does not prove wrongdoing and that he complied with investigations. In a statement, he announced he would step away from off-road desert racing for the foreseeable future. Navigator Brent Bauman resigned from the team in the aftermath.
The incident has also raised questions about Team Australia's future, including their new Mason truck program and partnerships. Some observers speculated the move might relate to a poor qualifying position (31st quickest), creating pressure to gain an edge, though no official motive has been confirmed.
Broader Implications for SCORE and Baja Racing
This event highlights the intense pressures of professional desert racing, where pre-running is essential for safety and strategy but also creates opportunities for disputes. SCORE's swift response underscores its commitment to fair play and competitor safety—critical in an environment where a misplaced boulder could cause catastrophic damage to an 800+ hp Trophy Truck or worse.
In Baja racing, where the "Baja 1000 mindset" celebrates survival and ingenuity, deliberate course alteration crosses a clear line for most. The story serves as a reminder that even legends face scrutiny, and the desert demands not just speed, but integrity.
As the dust settles on the 2026 San Felipe 250, the off-road world will watch closely for any further developments, potential appeals, or Price's next chapter. For fans of Trophy Trucks and SCORE events, it’s a sobering chapter in a sport known for its raw passion.
What are your thoughts on the incident? Fair call by SCORE, or was the evidence too thin? Drop a comment below—especially if you're prepping your own rig for the next Baja adventure.
Sources & Notes: This article draws from official SCORE statements and reporting across outlets like The Drive, 131 Off-Road, ADV Pulse, AutoWeek, and Speedcafe. Results and details are current as of early April 2026. If new statements emerge from Price, SCORE, or the team, the story could evolve quickly.
