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 ()
- GPS: approximate downtown Ensenada coordinates
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 |
| GPS Coordinates | 31.8667,-116.6000 |
Correction, September 18, 2026: The track specs box on this page listed the Baja 500 winning race time under “Lap Record”. This venue is a temporary course with no official lap record, so we have removed that entry. Race results are listed below and on our winners pages.
Ensenada SCORE Start/Finish: Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico |
| Races | SCORE Baja 500 (June) and SCORE Baja 400 (September). The Baja 1000 moved to Los Cabos for 2026 |
| Start/finish | Boulevard Costero, in front of the Riviera de Ensenada Center |
| Contingency and tech | Held on Boulevard Costero the day before the race, and open to the public |
| Drive from San Diego | About 61 miles (98 km) from Tijuana on the 1D toll road, 1–1.75 hours |
| Vehicle permit | Not required: Baja California is a hassle-free zone. Mexican insurance still is |
| 2026 Baja 500 winner | Luke McMillin, #83 Ford Raptor, 9:10:54 over 468.70 miles |
Why is Ensenada the home 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.
Who has won recent SCORE races from Ensenada?
| 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 |
How do you watch a SCORE race in Ensenada?
- 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.
FAQ
Which races start in Ensenada?
The SCORE Baja 500 in June and the SCORE Baja 400 in September. The Baja 1000 started here for decades but moved to Los Cabos for 2026.
How do you get to Ensenada from San Diego?
Cross at San Ysidro or Otay Mesa and take Highway 1D south, about 61 miles from Tijuana and roughly 1 to 1.75 hours.
Do you need a vehicle permit to drive to Ensenada?
No. Baja California is a hassle-free zone, so no temporary import permit is needed, but Mexican liability insurance is required.
Is it free to watch a SCORE race in Ensenada?
Contingency and technical inspection on Boulevard Costero are open to the public, and there is no ticket for watching along the course.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2–6, 2027 | 2027 SCORE Baja 500 | SCORE Desert Racing | — |
| Sep 8–12, 2027 | 2027 SCORE Baja 400 | SCORE Desert Racing | — |
| Nov 14–20, 2027 | 2027 SCORE Baja 1000 | Baja 1000 | — |
Cite this page: Race.mx, “Ensenada – SCORE Baja Race Start/Finish”, race.mx/pistas/ensenada-score-baja-start-finish/ (updated ).