Charlotte, N.C. (June 3, 2011) – Robby Gordon will return to his desert roots in SCORE International Off-Road Racing competition this weekend, June 3-5, 2011, in search of his fifth official class title in the Baja 500.  Gordon will compete behind the wheel of the No. 77 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER prepared by Robby Gordon Off-Road rather than his trophy truck.  Gordon will take the green flag with the rest of the trophy truck class at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time from Ensenada, Mexico.

The 43^rd Tecate SCORE Baja 500 Desert Race is expected to attract more than 250 entries from 30 states and seven countries (U.S., Mexico, Canada, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, and Japan).  Competitors will begin their adventure in downtown Ensenada, and then travel in a clockwise direction through a wide variety of terrain on a tight, technical course.  This year’s rugged course is very similar to course utilized over the last three years, but has been expanded nearly 15 miles to reach a total distance of 452.84-miles and will vary from previous courses due to natural weather-related changes.  All competitors will have a 23 hour time limit to complete the course, with the fastest vehicles expected to cross the finish line in approximately nine hours.

Competitors will be required to stop at four physical check points along the course, and pass through 36 virtual checkpoints.  The four physical check points are located at Santa Catarina, south of Borrego, northwest of Colonet and southwest of Ojos Negros.

“I can’t wait to get back to racing in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing series,” commented Robby Gordon.  “The guys always do a really great job preparing the SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires race vehicle and I’m certain that this race will be no different.  The Baja 500 has always been one of my favorite events.  I love the culture and the competition of the event—it’s a very grueling race where just finishing is an accomplishment.  There is nothing in the world like off-road racing and I’m excited to get back to that atmosphere and to represent SPEED Energy, Toyo Tires, and all of my other sponsors at the Baja 500.  It should be a lot of fun.”

Fans that want to follow Gordon’s progress in the 43^rd Tecate SCORE Baja 500 can visit robbygordon.com, planetrobby.com, and Robby Gordon’s twitter page for updates on the team’s performance.