After 3,000 pre-running miles, loads of preparation, and a strong team supporting driver Kaden Wells and co-driver Emma Cornwell, the Risq Racing team secured their fourth SCORE Pro UTV NA class championship title at the 2022 Baja 1000 in their Polaris RZR racer. That, in itself, is an accomplishment. The terrain of Baja California, Mexico is unforgiving to vehicles, regardless of how well they are set up. Doesn't matter if you're in a Class 11 Volkswagen or a Trophy Truck that was designed from the start to survive such conditions, the terrain, which ranges from sandy beachside cruising to rocky, rugged desert landscapes, whether you're experiencing the mix of warm air and the cool breeze from the ocean or if you're roasting in the Sonoran Desert while getting blasted with sand. Human and machine both get tested in Baja, and finishing is enough for some.

On race day, Kaden and Emma started off driving, and within thirty miles they knew that something in their Polaris RZR was a bit off. They linked up with their pit crew and after some tuning, were gone again. By mile 70, they had passed everyone in their class and were making trails. At mile 395, Kaden and Emma swapped out with J.D. Marsh and Arnie Wells, who took the second leg of the tour across the state and up the coastline, further extending the team's lead. By the time Kaden and Emma strapped back into the RZR for the final leg of the journey, they had little else to do but just drive the machine across the finish line to an official first-place position in class in the race and a first-place position in Score Pro UTV NA Class Championship.

The team is quick to point out that while the drivers had an important hand in these wins, it wouldn't have been possible without the help of their entire team. That Herculean effort included five chase trucks, eighteen pit crew members, both drivers, both co-drivers, and three trackers back in the U.S. monitoring their progress. They are also grateful for their sponsors, with Simpson providing their safety gear, like their fire suits, helmets, harnesses, and seats. With a full 2023 schedule lined up, we can't wait to see Risq Racing continue its excellent performance!