Irvine, Calif. — WIDE OPEN Racing, the racing arm of the adrenaline-filled off-road adventure provider WIDE OPEN Excursions, took a remarkable second, third and fifth place finish in the Class 10 Racing Division this weekend at the 2011 Tecate SCORE Baja 500.

With all three of its entries finishing this year’s 500 event, WIDE OPEN Racing continues to extend its 100% finishing record over the past five years.  Since 2005, Team WIDE OPEN has entered a total of 62 cars in the Baja 500, Vegas to Reno, and the ultimate off-road test – the Baja 1000 and every one finished its race.

WIDE OPEN Racing pulled off this impressive feat in their Subaru powered four-cylinder Baja Challenge tour cars outfitted in race trim.  Team WIDE OPEN put two cars on the podium in the Class 10 division with car #1007 driven by Pete Pigott earning second place and car #1008 driven by J. Allard in third. Close behind, car #1006 driven by Christian Hammarskjold finished in fifth position.

WIDE OPEN’s race vehicles are dubbed Baja Challenge Cars, which are purpose-built off-road race cars with Subaru EJ-25 engines, 4 speed manual transaxles and custom double A-arm suspension that provides more than 18” of wheel travel. They are capable of speeds in excess of 95 MPH and have racked up over 4,000,000 driving miles in the Baja over the past 11 years.

Sponsors include; BF Goodrich, KMC Wheels, EIBACH Springs, Magnaflow Exhaust, Royal Purple, Fox Racing Shocks, and Snug-Top.

“We are extremely thrilled with the performance of the WIDE OPEN cars, drivers, and support crew again this year. Team WIDE OPEN congratulates all three teams on their incredible finishes,” said WIDE OPEN’s Race Operations Manager Nick Johnson. “The Baja 500 is a mental and mechanical challenge and is one of the world’s ultimate proving grounds for both driver and vehicle.”