Alumicraft Dominates Class 10 with Victory and Four Top-Five Finishes at the 2024 SCORE Baja 400
Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
Alumicraft Racecars solidified their reputation as leaders in off-road racing with a stellar performance at the 2024 SCORE-International Baja 400, claiming victory in the fiercely competitive Class 10 category and securing four out of the top five positions. Bruce Yee from Rosarito, Baja California, clinched the win in his Alumicraft buggy.
With over 192 teams competing on a technical 424.96-mile course through the deserts, beaches, and mountains of Baja California, Alumicraft's vehicles and racers showcased resilience, precision, and skill. Cody Reid added to the team's success with a hard-fought 2nd-place finish in the prestigious Class 1 division.
The race, which began on Boulevard Costero in Ensenada and stretched across challenging terrains to the finish at Rancho Nelson in the Piedras Gordas ejido, saw a 72.91% completion rate, with only 140 teams crossing the finish line.
BRUCE YEE TRIUMPHS IN CLASS 10
Bruce Yee, a rising star in Baja off-road racing, drove a flawless race in his Alumicraft Honda-powered buggy, marking his second major win of the season following his victory at the 37th SCORE San Felipe 250. Yee's exceptional performance in Class 10 was a testament to the durability and precision of Alumicraft racecars as he faced off against 12 competitors other competitors in the division.
The driver of record for the #1014 Alumicraft buggy, Bruce Yee, raced to a class win with a total time of 9 hours, 13 minutes, and 24.84 seconds. "The course was tough and challenging," said Yee after his victory. "By race mile 50, it felt like we were finishing the Baja 1000. But we didn't have any issues – no flats or anything. The entire course had its challenges. It felt endless after Mike Sky's Ranch at race mile 280."
PODIUM FINISH FOR CODY REID IN CLASS 1
In the prestigious Class 1 Unlimited division, Alumicraft racer Cody Reid battled the punishing Baja terrain to earn a 2nd place podium finish in his Alumicraft Chevrolet-powered buggy. Reid, known for his tenacity and intelligent race strategy, pushed through harsh conditions, dust, and a fierce field of competitors to finish strong.
"This time, Baja got the better of me," admitted Reid. "I was stuck behind the field most of the day, and the dust was horrible. I couldn't work my way up without wrecking the car, so it became a matter of being smart and bringing it home in one piece.”
Despite the challenges, Reid's performance in Class 1 demonstrated his skill and determination, further cementing Alumicraft's presence on the podium.
ALUMICRAFT CLASS 10 RACERS DOMINATE THE FIELD
Alumicraft's impressive showing in Class 10 didn't stop with Yee's victory. Three additional Alumicraft-supported racers secured top-five finishes, highlighting the reliability and performance of the brand's buggies in one of the world's most challenging racing environments. Abraham Gutierrez podiumed for 3rd, Freddie Willert earned a 4th place finish, and Jason Shipman rounded out the top 5.
Abraham Gutierrez, co-driving with Arnold Gutierrez Jr., earned a well-fought 3rd place finish in the No. 1024 Alumicraft buggy despite setbacks early in the race. "We had a flat at race mile 75, which cost us some time," said Gutierrez Jr. "The course changed a lot after the trucks went through, and we had to adapt, but we're here and ready to celebrate."
In the No. 1006 buggy, Freddie Willert finished fourth, rounding out Alumicraft's impressive presence in the top five. His co-driver, Stan Potter, remarked, "We had a tough day with electrical issues, but the car ran great otherwise. I was frustrated that we couldn't win, but in the end, I just focused on enjoying the race."
A TESTAMENT TO ALUMICRAFT’S ENGINEERING
With four top-five finishes in Class 10 and Cody Reid's podium in Class 1, Alumicraft Race Cars once again proved their dominance in off-road racing. The brand's precision-engineered buggies and relentless commitment to performance were displayed at the SCORE Baja 400, reaffirming Alumicraft's status as a leading force in the sport.
As the 2024 SCORE World Desert Championship nears its conclusion, with only one race remaining, Alumicraft racers and their teams stay focused on securing further victories and championships. With the iconic Baja 1000 just around the corner, Alumicraft keeps pushing the limits of off-road racing.
For more information on Alumicraft Race Cars and their winning performances, visit Alumicraft's official website, DriveAlumicraft.com, to learn more about our race products and services.