2009 SCORE Desert Series Awards Announced
LAS VEGAS—BFGoodrich Tires, Honda, Wilson Motorsports and NASCAR Cup team owner/driver Robby Gordon were all big winners Saturday as SCORE International officially concluded the five-race 2009 SCORE Desert Series with the annual SCORE Awards Night at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Among the others earning SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year awards were Baja Pits, COPS Racing, and Mike Stapleton.
The evening was also a celebration of 36 years of SCORE championship desert racing. SCORE President/CEO Sal Fish also announced in association with Alberto Trevino, Baja California Sur Secretary of Tourism, that the 2010 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will be an adventure down the length Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, starting in Ensenada and finishing in La Paz. The last time it went down the majestic peninsula was 2007 when the race finished in Cabo San Lucas to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Granddaddy of all Desert Races.
BFG Tires, the official tire of SCORE for 34 years was honored as the 2009 SCORE Contingency Company of the Year for the 21st time.
The SCORE Off-Roadsman awards are determined by the vote of more than 2,500 members of Los Angeles-based SCORE International. Among the other honorees were the top point leaders from the 2008 SCORE Desert Series, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series.
Gordon, who lives in Charlotte, N.C. but was raised in Orange, Calif., was recognized as the 2009 SCORE Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck point champion as well as being honored by the SCORE membership as the 2009 SCORE Person of the Year. He also received a coveted SCORE Toyota Milestone Award for completing every required mile in the 2009 SCORE Desert Series.
“Robby Gordon is as fierce a competitor as there is in the desert and being consumed full time in NASCAR makes it even more remarkable what he accomplished this year in the SCORE Desert Series,” said Sal Fish, SCORE CEO/President. “It was also amazing to have the SCORE membership vote Robby as the 2009 SCORE Person of the Year. He had a truly remarkable season and these honors are very well deserved. It’s also remarkable that he has never lost touch with his racing roots.”
American Honda was voted SCORE Motorcycle Manufacturer of the Year for the 21st time and the 13th consecutive year.
COPS Racing was selected the SCORE Entry Sponsor of the Year for the first time, a three-vehicle team owned by television producer John Langley.
Among the special awards presented by SCORE and Sal Fish was included a very special appreciation recognition to the government of Baja California for all of its assistance to helping SCORE produce three highly successful races in Baja California, Mexico, in 2009. Receiving the award was Oscar Escobedo, the Secretary of Tourism for the state of Baja California.
Wilson Motorsports, Long Beach, Calif., picked up two prestigious awards in front of nearly 400 SCORE desert racers, crews and families at the SCORE Awards Night. Brian Wilson, who was driver of record for the second-place team in Class 1-2/1600, was voted the 2009 SCORE Rookie of the Year and Mike Stapleton was selected as the 2009 SCORE Mechanic of the Year. Stapleton also was honored with this award in 2001.
“BFGoodrich Tires has supported all of desert racing, especially SCORE, for 34 years,” said Fish, “To win the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 once is a major feat, but to capture the world’s most prestigious desert race 20 straight years (1986-2005) is unbelievable. BFG Tires are the most dominant desert racing tires in the world and we are privileged to be able honor them. They have also started a new streak with three consecutive Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 overall victories. BFG’s grassroots support of desert racers is unparalleled. SCORE is deeply honored to have the relationship with BFG Tires that we have for over three decades. No motorsport has a more involved and committed sponsor than we have in BFG Tires.”
Mike Julson, of Santee, Calif., who is a SCORE regular co-driver in SCORE Trophy-Truck, saw his Jimco open-wheel desert race cars win the 2008 SCORE Original Buggy Chassis Manufacturer point championship for the 16th time and 15th straight.
FAT Performance (Greg Aaronson and Ron Fleming) captured the 2009 Engine Builder point championship for the 10th time.
A rugged group of 14 SCORE racers were also honored as 2008 SCORE Toyota Milestone Award winners after finishing all 1,713.76 race miles during the season.
Tim Sanchez, the owner of DirtNewz.com, the most extensive source of desert racing coverage in the world, was honored for the first time as Judy Smith SCORE Journalist of the Year, while HighRev Photography (Jason Zindroski) earned SCORE Photographer of the Year honors for the second time.
Baja Pits was recognized by the SCORE membership for the first time as the Pit Support group of the year.
SCORE opens its five-race 2010 SCORE Desert Series Jan. 15-17 in Southern Nevada with the 16th Annual SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge.
SCORE International, founded in 1973 by the late Mickey Thompson and headed by Sal Fish since 1974, continues today as the premier sanctioning body in the sport of desert racing. SCORE races feature 20 Pro and two Sportsman classes for cars and trucks in the U.S. with seven additional Pro and four more Sportsman classes for motorcycles and ATVs competing in the races in Mexico. SCORE races in the U.S. average 150 entries while the average in Mexico, with motorcycle and ATV classes running as well as the cars and trucks is over 300.
SCORE official 2009 sponsors were: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Sunoco Race Fuel-official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant and Red Bull North America-official energy drink. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.
Additional associate sponsors for the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 and the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 were ProTurismo de Ensenada and the State Tourism Department of Baja California.
For more information, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the SCORE Desert Series at www.score-international.com.
2009 SCORE Off-Roadsman of the Year Award Winners
Contingency Company—BFGoodrich Tires
Motorcycle Manufacturer—American Honda
Mechanic—Mike Stapleton, Wilson Motorsports
Entry Sponsor—COPS Racing
Pit Support Team—BFGoodrich Tires
Judy Smith Journalist—Tim Sanchez, DirtNewz.com
Photographer—HighRev Photo
Suzuki Rookie of the Year—Brian Wilson, Class 1-2/1600
Person of the Year—Robby Gordon, Team Gordon
*Original Buggy Chassis Manufacturer—Jimco
*Engine Builder—FAT Performance
*Determined by points, others by membership vote
All-time SCORE Off-Roadsman Award Winners
Current Awards (1974 thru 2008, voted by SCORE membership)
CONTINGENCY COMPANY
1977—NGK Spark Plugs
1978—Pennzoil
1979—BFGoodrich Tires
1980—Rough Country
1981—Bridgestone
1982—BFGoodrich Tires
1983—BFGoodrich Tires
1984—BFGoodrich Tires
1985—TIE-BFGoodrich Tires
& Yokohama Tires
1986—Yokohama Tires
1987—BFGoodrich Tires
1988—Yokohama Tires
1989—Yokohama Tires
1990—Yokohama Tires
1991—Yokohama Tires
1992—Yokohama Tires
1993—BFGoodrich Tires
1994—BFGoodrich Tires
1995—BFGoodrich Tires
1996—BFGoodrich Tires
1997—BFGoodrich Tires
1998—Duralast Batteries
1999—BFGoodrich Tires
2000—BFGoodrich Tires
2001—BFGoodrich Tires
2002—BFGoodrich Tires
2003—BFGoodrich Tires
2004—BFGoodrich Tires
2005—BFGoodrich Tires
2006—BFGoodrich Tires
2007—BFGoodrich Tires
2008—Volkswagen of America
2009—BFGoodrich Tires
MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER
1974—Husqvarna
1975—American Honda
1976—Husqvarna
1977—Husqvarna
1978—Husqvarna
1979—Husqvarna
1980—Yamaha
1981—American Honda
1982—American Honda
1983—American Honda
1984—American Honda
1985—American Honda
1986—American Honda
1987—American Honda
1988—American Honda
1989—Kawasaki
1990—Kawasaki
1991—Kawasaki
1992—Kawasaki
1993—Kawasaki
1994—Kawasaki
1995—Kawasaki
1996—Kawasaki
1997—American Honda
1998—American Honda
1999—American Honda
2000—American Honda
2001—American Honda
2002—American Honda
2003—American Honda
2004—American Honda
2005—American Honda
2006—American Honda
2007—American Honda
2008—American Honda
2009—American Honda
MECHANIC
1974—Scott McKenzie
1975—Dick Russell
1976—Jim Fueling
1977—Scott McKenzie
1978—Scott McKenzie
1979—Scott McKenzie
1980—Bill Stroppe
1981—Tom Strong
1982—Bill Stroppe
1983—Bill Stroppe
1984—Bill Stroppe
1985—Bill Stroppe
1986—Randy Anderson
1987—NONE SELECTED
1988—Jon Nelson
1989—Russ Wernimont
1990—Call Wells III
1991—Ivan Scoppertone
1992—Russ Wernimont
1993—Russ Wernimont
1994—Russ Wernimont
1995—Curt LeDuc
1996—Steve Silverthorn
1997—NONE SELECTED
1998—Mike Smith
1999—Mike Smith
2000—Mike Smith
2001—Mike Stapleton
2002—Barry Beacham
2003—Mike Smith
2004—John Hoffman
2005—Mark Cowan
2006—Rick Geiser
2007—Jim Blackmore
2008—Andy McGaw
2009—Mike Stapleton
ENTRY SPONSOR
1977—Jules Auto Parts
1978—Tracy’s Party Ice
1979—Tracy’s Party Ice
1980—MHM Racing
1981—Mike Moore
1982—Pernod
1983—BFGoodrich Tires
1984—BFGoodrich Tires
1985—BFGoodrich Tires
1986—Barbary Coast Hotel
1987—Barbary Coast Hotel
1988—Barbary Coast Hotel
1989—Ford Motor Company
1990—Barbary Coast Hotel
1991—Barbary Coast Hotel
1992—BFGoodrich Tires
1993—Barbary Coast Hotel
1994—Barbary Coast Hotel
1995—BFGoodrich Tires
1996—BFGoodrich Tires
1997—BFGoodrich Tires
1998—BFGoodrich Tires
1999—Terrible Herbst
Motorsports
2000—Tecate Beer
2001—Duralast Batteries
2002—Terrible Herbst
Motorsports
2003—Terrible Herbst
Motorsports
2004—Terrible Herbst
Motorsports
2005—McMillin Racing
2006—Board Ford
2007—Terrible Herbst
Motorsports
2008—BFGoodrich Tires
2009—COPS Racing
PIT SUPPORT TEAM
1977—Checkers
1978—F.A.I.R.
1979—Checkers
1980—Budweiser
1981—Budweiser
1982—BFGoodrich Tires
1983—Checkers
1984—BFGoodrich Tires
1985—TIE-Checkers & F.A.I.R.
1986—Spirit Racing
1987—BFGoodrich Tires
1988—BFGoodrich Tires
1989—BFGoodrich Tires
1990—Sage Council
1991—BFGoodrich Tires
1992—BFGoodrich Tires
1993—Checkers
1994—BFGoodrich Tires
1995—BFGoodrich Tires
1996—BFGoodrich Tires
1997—BFGoodrich Tires
1998—BFGoodrich Tires
1999—BFGoodrich Tires
2000—BFGoodrich Tires
2001—BFGoodrich Tires
2002—BFGoodrich Tires
2003—BFGoodrich Tires
2004—BFGoodrich Tires
2005—BFGoodrich Tires
2006—BFGoodrich Tires
2007—BFGoodrich Tires
2008—BFGoodrich Tires
2009—Baja Pits
ROOKIE
1974—Frank Vessels
1975—Carroll Ditson
1976—Jackie Thomison
1977—Jerry Boone
1978—Jim Jacobus
1979—Dixie Hawkins
1980—Ray Encabo
1981—Malcolm Vinje
1982—Roger Mortenson
1983—Mike Falkosky
1984—John Clark Gable
1985—Rob Tolleson
1986—Brian Stewart
1987—Robby Gordon
1988—Doug Fortin
1989—Scott Reams
1990—Charlie Townsley
1991—Dan Smith
1992—Brian Goodrich
1993—Ricky Johnson
1994—Tom Rusich
1995—Jimmie Johnson
1996—TIE-Chuck Harris
& Tom Dittfield
1997—John Herder
1998—Bekki Freeman
1999—Jared Hardin
2000—Jeremy Spirkoff
2001—Jason Hunter
2002—Alan Pflueger
2003—Brian Ickler
2004—Andy McMillin
2005—Caleb Gaddis
2006—Garron Cadiente
2007—Eric Chase
2008—Lee Banning
2009—Brian Wilson
PERSON
1974—Walt Lott
1975—Doc Sauers
1976—Ivan Stewart
1977—Jim McCullick
1978—Quico Santana
1979—Hal Harris
1980—Malcolm Smith
1981—Joe MacPherson
1982—Athene Karis
1983—Walker Evans
1984—Ivan Stewart
1985—Frank DeAngelo
1986—Walker Evans
1987—Bob Steinberger
1988—Walt Lott
1989—Evans Evans
1990—Michael Gaughan
1991—Peri Comb
1992—Dan Newsome
1993—Michael Gaughan
1994—Jimmy Smith
1995—Danny Hamel
1996—Dan Newsome
1997—Joe MacPherson
1998—Dan Newsome
1999—Larry Roeseler
2000—Bob Steinberger
2001—Debbie Dickerhoof
2002—Jeff Quinn
2003—TIE-Mike Julson
& Corky McMillin
2004—Ed Herbst
2005—Corky McMillin (posthumously)
2006—Cameron Steele
2007—Cameron Steele
2008—Rob MacCachren
2009—Robby Gordon
JUDY SMITH JOURNALIST
1975—Jean Calvin
1976—Sam Wilshire
1977—Sam Wilshire
1978—Judy Smith
1979—Steve Kassanyi
1980—Judy Smith
1981—Jean Calvin
1982—Judy Smith
1983—Jean Calvin
1984—Jean Calvin
1985—Jean Calvin
1986—Jean Calvin
1987—Jim Short
1988—Jean Calvin
1989—Jean Calvin
1990—Jean Calvin
1991—Judy Smith
1992—Judy Smith
1993—Tony Tellier
1994—Jean Calvin
1995—NONE SELECTED
1996—Judy Smith
1997—Jean Calvin
1998—Judy Smith
1999—Judy Smith
2000—Judy Smith
2001—Judy Smith
2002—Judy Smith
2003—Judy Smith
2004—Judy Smith
2005—Judy Smith
2006—Marty Fiolka
2007—Judy Smith
2008—John Calvin
Jim Ober PHOTOGRAPHER
1975—Dave Cody
1976—Trackside
1977—Ariz. Comp. Photos
1978—Trackside
1979—Trackside
1980—Trackside
1981—Action Photo
1982—Trackside
1983—Trackside
1984—Trackside
1985—Trackside
1986—Trackside
1987—ESPN
1988—Trackside
1989—Trackside
1990—Carrera
1991—Carrera
1992—Carrera
1993—Carrera
1994—Carrera
1995—NONE SELECTED
1996—Carrera
1997—Carrera
1998—Carrera
1999—Carrera
2000—Trackside
2001—Carrera
2002—Trackside
2003—Trackside
2004—Trackside
2005—Trackside
2006—High Rev Photography
2007—Trackside Photo
2008—Durka Durka Photo
2009—HighRev Photography
ORIGINAL BUGGY
CHASSIS MANUFACTURER
1974—Funco
1975—Hi-Jumper
1976—Chenowth
1977—Chenowth
1978—Chenowth
1979—Funco
1980—Funco
1981—Funco
1982—Raceco
1983—TIE-Chenowth & Raceco
1984—Raceco
1985—Raceco
1986—Raceco
1987—Raceco
1988—Chenowth
1989—Chenowth
1990—Chenowth
1991—Chenowth
1992—Jimco
1993—Mirage
1994—Chenowth
1995—Jimco
1996—Jimco
1997—Jimco
1998—Jimco
1999—Jimco
2000—Jimco
2001—Jimco
2002—Jimco
(By Points since 2003)
2003—Jimco
2004—Jimco
2005—Jimco
2006—Jimco
2007—Jimco
2008—Jimco
2009—Jimco
ENGINE BUILDER
1974—Lee Leighton
1975—Brian Skipper
1976—Lee Leighton
1985—FAT Performance
1986—Keith Black
1987—Louis Unser
1988—Mike Evans
1989—Mike Evans
1990—FAT Performance
1991—FAT Performance
1992—Major Performance
1993—FAT Performance
1994—Wik’s Racing
1995—FAT Performance
1996—FAT Performance
1997—FAT Performance
1998—Wik’s Racing
1999—Wik’s Racing
2000—Wik’s Racing
2001—Wik’s Racing
2002—Dave Smith
(By Points since 2003)
2003—Major Performance
2004—FAT Performance
2005—FAT Performance
2006—Major Performance
2007—Major Performance
2008—Major Performance
2009—FAT Performance
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Category: Offroad, Press Releases
