A motorcyclist competing in the 2026 SCORE Baja 500 died Saturday, June 7, after crashing during the race along the Ensenada to San Felipe corridor. The incident occurred near the ejido Héroes de la Independencia, at approximately mile marker 324 of the course.
Emergency services received the report at around 5:05 p.m. via Mexican Red Cross radio frequencies. The rider’s name has not been publicly released, as Ensenada’s municipal government said it is coordinating with SCORE International to respect the privacy of the victim’s family.
Ensenada Mayor Responds to Fatal Crash
Ensenada Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz issued a formal statement expressing solidarity with the rider’s family and support team. The city government said it is working alongside SCORE International and state authorities on the investigation.
The Baja California State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has jurisdiction over the case. The municipal government said it will remain involved as the ministerial investigation proceeds.
A History of Fatal Incidents
The Baja 500 is one of the world’s most prestigious off-road desert races, drawing hundreds of competitors from across North America and beyond each year. The race covers roughly 500 miles of rugged terrain between Ensenada and San Felipe, with motorcycles, trucks, buggies, and UTVs competing across multiple classes.
The event has a long history of serious and fatal accidents. In 2023, Argentine rider Juan Zunino, 28, died while pre-running the Baja 500 course after a single-vehicle crash about 132 miles east of Ensenada. In 2016, three people were killed during the 48th annual race, including an eight-year-old spectator struck by a trophy truck near the starting line and two racers who crashed at different points along the route.
Race Weekend Impact on the Region
The Baja 500 brings significant traffic and road closures to the Ensenada and San Felipe corridors during race weekend. Emergency response teams are positioned along the course, but the remote desert terrain can make rapid medical response difficult.
SCORE International, the sanctioning body that organizes both the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000, has not yet released an official statement on the 2026 fatality. The race continued after the incident was reported.
This story was first reported by Zeta Tijuana and Multimedios.