McMillin TRIO of RACERS WIN at SCORE San Felipe Challenge of Champions 300

CC | September 19, 2011

Racing in Baja is a time-honored tradition amongst the McMillin Racing family. For more than 30 years, the family named McMillin has been involved in off road racing’s toughest venue, the Baja Peninsula.

With the recent venue change for the fourth of the five-race SCORE International Desert Series, the beautiful town of San Felipe was selected as the replacement location. San Felipe has long been heralded by McMillin Racing as one of their favorite race locations, however, no one has raced in San Felipe during the heat of the summer. That would all change in September 2011.

Embracing the extreme heat and humidity often associated with the East Coast of the rugged Baja Peninsula, Scott McMillin led his son, Andy, and daughter, Jessica, in a quest for victory at this season’s Challenge of Champions race.

Jessica commented, “My dad and brother were not scheduled to race the Trophy Truck at this race and I thought sharing driving duties in the Pro Truck would be fun. We really love racing in Baja and the challenge of the adventure is where our passion lies, so with all three of us racing the same truck in Baja it was bound to be special.”

This year’s SCORE International Challenge of Champions race was one of the most callous off road desert races in the world. Racers were here on the same course in March, earlier this season, and the inhospitable desert has seen no rain, Mother Nature’s cure to mending the harsh terrain. This created very difficult conditions around a racecourse that had seen its share of racers this season. Combining harsh desert terrain with extreme hot temperatures and humidity would challenge even the toughest desert racers in the world.

While the sun was high in the sky blazing down on the quaint fishing village situated along the Sea of Cortez, Jessica McMillin crossed the finish line in the 14^th position overall capturing 1^st Place in the Pro Truck class and first among all of the limited classes. The trio of family racers ran the 252.09-mile racecourse in 5:23:58 averaging 46.69 mph.

At the finish line Jessica explained, “Our strategy from the beginning was having my Dad start early and run a good pace through the first 60-miles of bumps and to our first pit stop at Morelia Junction. Andy got in at Morelia and ran through the remote Matomi Wash to our second stop where I got into the truck. My dad is such a great driver that he got the truck to Andy really fast and in near perfect condition. Andy drove a great race and handed me the truck and when Hector and I got in we charged the truck to the finish. How cool is this to win a Baja race with both my dad and brother in the same day in the same truck? Wow, we had a great time today and once again, our BFGoodrich Tires didn’t have a single flat! Many thanks to the crew who gave us a perfectly prepped truck and to our entire team who provide awesome support. My mom and dad have given me a fantastic opportunity to race and I want to thank them for everything they do for me.”

For the McMillin Racing family, racing is a tradition started by off road racing icon, Corky McMillin. It was the early 1970’s when Corky McMillin and his friends introduced the McMillin Racing family to a motor sport they have excelled in for more than 30 years.

“Racing as a family and winning at San Felipe is very special for me and the kids. This is something that has been part of our family for a very long time and I couldn’t be any happier,” said Scott.

Corky’s grandson, Daniel McMillin, son of Mark McMillin earned his first Class 1 victory in Baja at this race. He joins his brother Luke and cousins Andy and Jessica along with his uncle Scott and of course his father Mark all who have won SCORE Baja races.

Smiling at the finish line, Andy reflected on the race, “This was a fun day sharing this race with my dad and sister. It turned out absolutely perfect.”

Jessica will race the #1331 truck at the upcoming Powder Puff Race in Barstow, California on October 8, 2011. Come by the start/finish line and watch Jessica roar into the desert in hopes of capturing another victory.

McMillin Realty Racing is supported by the best in the business including McMillin Realty, BFGoodrich Tires, FOX Racing Shox, KMC Wheels, Ford Trucks, Baja Designs, Kroyer Racing Engines, Eibach Springs, Maxima Racing Oils and DirtNewz.com.

Visit www.mcmillinracing.com for the latest updates, videos and photo galleries of the entire McMillin Racing family.

About McMillin Racing:

With over three decades of racing experience, the McMillin family represents three generations of accomplished championship racers. Founded by the late off-road racing legend, Corky McMillin, McMillin Racing continues to be respected as a one of the most successful desert racing teams of all time. They are supported by a long list of dedicated family, friends and employees of McMillin Companies, all who make up an incredibly talented group of steadfast supporters. Since 1976, they have raced at the highest level of competition in the deserts of North America. Together as a family, they have multiple series championships, along with significant race victories in both the United States and Baja California.

McMillin Racing symbolizes the ultimate passion in off road racing.