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ATV Rider John Natalie - Clash For The Championships - Ballance Regains The Top Spot In GNCC Battle


Score Baja 500
Two in a Row in Baja for Chislock/Frederick/MaranaJosh Frederick started off the three-round SCORE Desert Series on a high note, winning the San Felipe 250, but the Rider of Record for the Cyle Chislock/Frederick/Levi Marana trio wasn't sure if he could make that two in a row by also taking the Baja 500. Each race in SCORE's series, you see, not only doubles in mileage, it practically quadruples in difficulty.

Such was the case in the 37th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 held June 3-5. Despite-or maybe because of-attracting the highest number of entries since 1977 (345 ATVs, bikes, buggies and trucks actually started), the race saw only half the field complete the rugged and diverse 419-mile route within the 17-hour limit. Among the many DNFs was the defending champion in several classes, including Class 25 (Open Pro ATV).

So when Dana Creech/Wes Miller's Yamaha YFZ450 led going into the last 35 miles, you can bet the adrenaline was pumping as Frederick took his team's Honda TRX450R at their final pit stop. After a splash of gas and the rider change, Frederick was still in the Yamaha's dust.

But what he didn't realize was the YFZ450 wouldn't run past half-throttle. Even with the tighter terrain heading into the finish that would be a substantial problem for the Creech/Miller team to overcome.

Instead, it was Frederick pushing past in that section to lead the ATVs into the finish with his time of 10 hours 16 minutes 14 seconds, a 48.80-mph average speed. The Creech/Miller pair ended up a solid runner-up in 10:20:25, while the Rafael Pinedo/Francisco Ruano/Gerardo Sepulveda-piloted TRX450R claimed a close third in 10:21:02.

Asked to explain their win, Frederick replied simply, "We had no problems." And as motorcycle runner-up (and multitime Baja race winner) Johnny Campbell observed, "In Baja you have a lot of different obstacles. The key to success is overcoming these obstacles."

And no one has done that better so far this year than the Josh Frederick-led squad. All that remains now is to see if they can complete a SCORE clean sweep by taking the Baja 1000 in November. Stay tuned.


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