SCORE International has released the official calendar for its 2027 World Desert Championship, marking the organization’s 54th year and the 12th consecutive season held entirely on the Baja California Peninsula. The four-race series continues to showcase the demanding desert terrain and cultural significance of the region, with one notable change drawing significant attention within the off-road community: the relocation of the traditional San Felipe 250 to Mexicali.
The 2027 SCORE Schedule
- King Shocks 40th SCORE Baja 250 March 17–21, 2027 Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico Approximately 250-mile single-loop course. Pre-running opens March 6. Race start is scheduled for March 20, with awards on March 21.
- BFGoodrich Tires 59th SCORE Baja 500 June 2–6, 2027 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Approximately 500-mile single-loop course.
- 8th SCORE Baja 400 September 8–12, 2027 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Approximately 400-mile single-loop course, timed during Mexico’s Patriotic Month.
- BFGoodrich Tires 60th SCORE Baja 1000 November 14–20, 2027 Peninsula run starting in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, with the finish location to be announced. Approximately 1,000 miles, celebrating the landmark 60th anniversary of the event.
All four events will feature Method Race Wheels Qualifying for SCORE Trophy Truck, SCORE Trophy Truck 2WD, SCORE Trophy Truck Legend, Class 1, and Trophy Truck Spec, along with SCORE’s established live broadcast production.
The Relocation of the San Felipe 250
The most discussed element of the announcement is the decision to stage the season-opening 250-mile race in Mexicali rather than San Felipe and to brand it the SCORE Baja 250. Official SCORE materials present this as a return to a city with deep historical ties to the series. Mexicali previously hosted the SCORE Mexicali 250 (and earlier Mexicali 300) in the late 1970s and early 1980s before the event moved to San Felipe in 1982. The city also served as the start and finish for the SCORE Baja 1000 in 1993 and 1994. SCORE highlights Mexicali’s proximity to the U.S. border, expansive desert terrain, and established base of passionate off-road supporters.
The race retains its numbering as the 40th edition, maintaining continuity with the San Felipe era. Pre-running, registration, qualifying, contingency, and the race itself will follow the familiar multi-day format, beginning with pre-running on March 6.
The change has prompted discussion among racers, teams, and local stakeholders. San Felipe has hosted the event for decades, generating substantial economic activity through hotel occupancy, restaurants, services, and tourism. Local coverage has noted the loss of the race after several years of municipal support for security, logistics, and infrastructure. At the same time, the official announcement emphasizes accessibility and the opportunity to reconnect with Mexicali’s motorsports heritage.
Implications for Teams and the Broader Community
For competitors, the move shifts the early-season testing ground from the Sea of Cortez coastline and classic San Felipe whoops to the desert surrounding Mexicali. Teams will need to adjust pre-running strategies, logistics, and support networks accordingly. The continued presence of the Baja 500 and Baja 400 in Ensenada, combined with a full peninsula Baja 1000 for the 60th anniversary, preserves the overall structure of the championship while introducing a different opening challenge.
SCORE President and Race Director José A. Grijalva has framed the 2027 season as an opportunity to promote Mexican culture, destinations, and hospitality to an international audience of racers, media, and fans. The full schedule keeps the series entirely within Baja California for another year, reinforcing the peninsula’s central role in desert racing.
As details on exact course layouts, contingency locations, and the Baja 1000 finish emerge in the coming months, teams and fans will have clearer information for planning. The 2027 calendar confirms SCORE’s ongoing commitment to Baja while introducing a significant venue change that will shape conversations and preparation throughout the off-season.
Racers and teams interested in the full official announcement and entry information should consult SCORE-International.com for the most current details.
