Track Specs at a Glance
| Location | Ensenada, Baja California |
|---|---|
| Track Length | Varies by race (2026 Baja 500: 468.7 miles / 754 km) |
| Surface | Dirt / Off-Road |
| Lap Record | 2026 Baja 500 overall: Luke McMillin, 9:10:54 |
| GPS Coordinates | 31.8667, -116.6000 |
Quick Summary
- Location: Ensenada, Baja California, about 1.5 hours south of the San Diego / Tijuana border
- Start/finish: waterfront Boulevard Costero (downtown)
- Surface: desert dirt, silt, and rock (off-road)
- 2026 Baja 500: 468.7 miles (754 km); overall winner Luke McMillin (#83 Ford Raptor Trophy Truck), 9:10:54
- 2026 Baja 400: September 9–13, Ensenada
- 2026 Baja 1000: moves to Los Cabos (Nov 9–15)
- GPS: approximate downtown Ensenada coordinates
The Heart of Baja Off-Road Racing
Ensenada is the traditional home of SCORE International desert racing. The Baja 500 and Baja 400 start and finish on Boulevard Costero along the waterfront. Downtown contingency and technical inspection draw huge crowds of fans before the green flag, and the 2025 Baja 1000 ran an 835.52-mile loop from here (cars; the motorcycle course was 854 miles). The 2026 Baja 1000 moves south to Los Cabos, making 2026 the first year the race runs entirely in Baja California Sur.
Course length changes every race, so there is no fixed “lap record.” We list the most recent overall winning time instead.
Recent Results
| Race | Distance | Overall Winner (Cars) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Baja 500 | 468.7 mi | Luke McMillin (#83 Ford Raptor TT) | 9:10:54 |
| 2025 Baja 1000 | 835.52 mi (loop) | Christopher Polvoorde / Bryce Menzies (Ford Raptor) | 15:48:24 |
Spectator Tips
- Cross at San Ysidro or Otay Mesa and take scenic toll road Federal 1D to Ensenada.
- You’ll need Mexican auto insurance for US vehicles, plus an FMM tourist permit if staying more than 72 hours or traveling beyond the border zone.
- Race-course spectating is remote and dusty: bring water, eye protection, and a full tank. Follow SCORE’s official spectator areas.
Driving down from California? Baja is a hassle-free zone, so you don’t need a vehicle permit, but Mexican insurance and an FMM are required. See our guide to driving into Mexico for a race and our desert spectator packing list.
Sources: SCORE International · RACER – 2026 Baja 500 · SPEED SPORT – 2025 Baja 1000. Facts verified September 2026.
Upcoming Races at Ensenada – SCORE Baja Race Start/Finish
| Dates | Event | Series | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9–13, 2026 | 2026 SCORE Baja 400 | SCORE Desert Racing | Official tickets |