Miguel Cortez - Pro UTV Forced Induction

Miguel Cortez

San Diego, CA - #2955

Vehicle Specifications:

Make: Polaris  Model: Polaris  Engine:   Engine Builder: Chassis: Jimco  Transmission: Polaris

Biography

Drawing from years of experience in the brutal terrain of Baja California, this San Diego-based desert racing veteran has established himself as a formidable competitor in SCORE's most demanding races. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he captured the SCORE Lites class championship at the legendary Baja 1000, conquering the grueling 1,000-mile peninsula course that has broken countless racers and machines.

The 57-year-old racer has consistently demonstrated elite-level performance across multiple seasons, earning three consecutive Baja 1000 podium finishes from 2021-2023. His remarkable consistency includes a second-place class finish in 2021 and a third-place showing in 2023, proving his ability to navigate the race's notorious hazards year after year. Beyond the Baja 1000, he achieved a podium finish with third place at the historic Baja 500 in 2020, further cementing his reputation in desert racing's most prestigious events.

Competing primarily in the competitive Class 1/2-1600 and SCORE Lites divisions, he represents the dedication and perseverance that defines SCORE desert racing. His championship victory and multiple podium finishes showcase not just speed, but the mechanical reliability and strategic racing approach essential for success in these marathon desert challenges.

In SCORE Journal

BEATING BAJA | October 2022 Issue

One of the great opportunities in the SCORE World Desert Challenge is that it provides classes for a variety of vehicles. For some racers, the variety offers the chance for families to continue racing legacies that have lasted for several generations. For others, the four-wheel classes offer affordable options to conquer Baja and enjoy the efforts of winning. There was a lot of this spirit during the 3rd SCORE Baja 400 Presented by VP Racing Fuels, where many participants in a variety of classes showed up to take on one of the tough Read More

Satterfield Wins In Score Lites | December 2021 Issue

This year’s peninsula run brought out seven competitors in SCORE Lites, of which nearly all finished the 1226.35-mile course. First in class was Doug Satterfield in the No. 1229 car, who also took home the class championship. “This is my first point to point SCORE Baja 1000,” said Satterfield. Read More

31 Score Racers Earn the 2016 Red Kap Score Milestone Award | January 2017 Issue

While many race fans can drive and enjoy the terrain in Baja, Mexico, it's nothing compared to racing at full-speed. With the high probability of component failure and missing the cut-off time to finish a SCORE race, you begin to realize how difficult it is to obtain one of SCORE's Milestone Awards. Read More

Sponsored by:

Yokohama, Courney Tire, Fox, Baja Designs, Vinatech, QARS, Terra,  

World Desert Championship

SCORE Race Results | 2017-Present

2024 SCORE Baja 400 Presented by VP Racing

#153 Overall and #13 in Pro UTV Forced Induction

2024 BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 500

#110 Overall and #12 in Pro UTV Forced Induction

2024 King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250

#159 Overall and #12 in Pro UTV Forced Induction

2023 BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000 Presented by K&N

#182 Overall and #3 in SCORE Lites

2023 King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 Presented by Baja Vida

#115 Overall and #2 in SCORE Lites

2022 BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000 Presented by 4-Wheel Parts

#116 Overall and #1 in SCORE Lites

2022 BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 400 Presented by VP Racing Fuels

#108 Overall and #1 in SCORE Lites

2022 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts

#128 Overall and #4 in SCORE Lites

2022 King Shocks SCORE San Felipe 250 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts

#129 Overall and #3 in SCORE Lites

2021 BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000 Presented by 4-Wheel Parts

#83 Overall and #2 in SCORE Lites

2021 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE Baja 500 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts

DNF in SCORE Lites

2021 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE San Felipe 250 Presented by Ford

DNF in SCORE Lites

2020 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE 53rd Baja 1000 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts

#60 Overall and #2 in SCORE Lites

2020 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE 52nd Baja 500 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts

#50 Overall and #3 in SCORE Lites

2019 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE 52nd Baja 1000 Presented by 4 Wheel Parts

DNF in SCORE Lites

2018 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE 51st Baja 1000

#102 Overall and #4 in Class 1/2-1600

2018 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE 50th Baja 500

#130 Overall and #7 in Class 1/2-1600

2017 BFGoodrich Tires SCORE 50th Baja 1000

#112 Overall and #9 in Class 1/2-1600