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Polaris Factory Racing set out to dominate the SCORE Baja 500 with four top-tier drivers and a lightened, stiffened version of their race-ready Polaris RZR Pro R. The venue for the race, however, takes drivers right past locals’ homes in Baja California. As something of a tradition, the children gather, braving the dust and dirt to collect decals from racing drivers as they pass through. Such was the case with Polaris Factory Racing driver Brock Heger and myself as we passed through Ojos Negros outside of Ensenada, Mexico.

During a 30-mile pre-run in a Polaris RZR Pro R, we encountered enthusiastic sticker-collecting kids in Ojos Negros

Conquering the SCORE Baja 500 is no simple task. First, racing teams have to get their off-road rigs, chase vehicles, communications equipment, and parts to Baja California. That’s a logistical task in itself. However, once teams are in Baja, they have to continuously prepare to pit their best off-roaders against some of the most dynamic and challenging terrain in the world. 

As you might imagine, then, racing drivers are performing shakedown drives from the moment they arrive to better acclimate to the harsh environment. To handle the task, Polaris Factory Racing brought a mixture of youthful talent and off-road racing tenure in drivers Craig MacCachren, Craig Scanlon, Max Eddy Jr., and Brock Heger. 

Brock Heger jumps his Polaris RZR Pro R Factory on race day.
Brock Heger jumps his Polaris RZR Pro R Factory on race day | Nelson Flores, Polaris Factory Racing

Fortunately, even with a serious, potentially dangerous race ahead of them, the days before the event aren’t devoid of fun. I had the opportunity to ride with Brock Heger in a Polaris RZR Pro R as we covered 30 miles of the SCORE Baja 500’s route between Rancho Maria Teresa and Ojos Negros.

Polaris Factory Racing driver Brock Heger passes out stickers in Ojos Negros.
Polaris Factory Racing driver Brock Heger passes out stickers | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

The route included tail-happy slides, gravity-defying jumps, and violent drops across some of Baja California’s vehicle-hungry landscape. But it also took us across the dusty artery roads of Ojos Negros and past rows of young kids eagerly awaiting decals from racers. Heger and I slowed down enough to pass out team stickers. Big smiles and fist fulls of stickers.

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).