While Robby Gordon going off first in Saturday’s 45th running of the Tecate Score 2013 Baja 500, the next three drivers on the course and seven of the top 10 will be running on BFGoodrich desert racing tires.

Team BFGoodrich members Bryce Menzies (3rd), Rob MacCachren (14th) and Dan McMillin (21st) lead a contingent of 30 racers on the tires that have won more races in Baja than any other tire – BFGoodrich Baja T/A KR and BFGoodrich T/A KRT.

Vildosola and McMillin Bring Family Affair to Baja
Two veteran desert racing families look to put their winning heritage to the test at the 45th running of the Tecate Score Baja 500 in Mexico this weekend.

Following mixed qualifying efforts, both families spoke today about their efforts and plans to conquer the toughest terrain in desert racing on the 501 mile course.

Gus and his son Tavo Vildosola, who currently lead the SCORE Desert Series points standings with their win at the San Felipe 250, discussed their disappointing qualifying. “We had some great pre-running and no so great qualifying efforts,” said Gus.

Tavo added, “I didn’t do myself any favors by doing some victory donuts before the end of the race. It was further back than we expected, but last year we started back there last year so we’ll see. It will be a challenge with the new course.”

The Vildosola family will be one of 30 Trophy Truck teams on BFGoodrich Tires looking to bring the tire maker its 30th Baja victory. The Vildosola’s have the honor of being the first Mexican family to win the Baja 1000 in 2010, the same year they placed second in the Baja 500.

Another family with a long successful history in the Baja peninsula is the McMillin family. Brothers Daniel and Luke McMillin will take to the sands and silt beds on Saturday dueling against each other and the terrain looking for their first Baja 500 win.  The McMillin’s captured the 2010 SCORE Baja 500, the last time someone NOT named Bryce Menzies captured the victory.

Luke, who will team with Mark Weyhrich, will start 15th in his first ever Trophy Truck race in Baja. “This being my first run in Trophy Trucks and any trucks here it will be a learning experience. We had a good qualifying run and even surprised myself. We’ll look for a good clean run with a great car and great group of guys.”

Luke won the Class 1 category in last year’s Baja 500 as well as in 2011 and climbs a category to the Trophy Trucks this year.

Meanwhile, Team BFGoodrich Member Daniel will run with Chuck Hovey and start 21st. Dan joins fellow Team BFGoodrich members Bryce Menzies and Rob MacCachren in the field for the 2013 Baja 500.

Dan placed fourth in last year’s race and commented on the team’s challenge ahead, “The course is going to be a challenge. The desert is hot and rocky. We are looking forward to it. We’ve got BFGoodrich Tires, obviously the best shoes to go fast out there.”

Roeseler Looks To Add to Record Wins
Larry Roeseler will captain the Terrible Herbst No. 19 Trophy Truck with Tim Herbst and look to add to his incredible 16 career wins in Baja Saturday at the 45th running of the Tecate Score Baja 500.

The team of Roeseler and Herbst qualified 11th and Roeseler discussed challenges that lay ahead. “I can’t explain to those who haven’t been out there how challenging it is. It’s the ultimate test of man and machine.”

“It’s a great course – I love it. With some old stuff and new stuff,” added Roeseler. “With more than 30 Trophy Trucks we really saw the level of talent in qualifying.” Roeseler last won in the Trophy Truck division in 2003.

The Terrible Herbst team will start other strong teams including Jesse Jones, the Weyhrich teams, Rob MacCachren and the Vildosolo team.