SCORE International has officially released the dates for its 2026 World Desert Championship, solidifying the calendar for the pinnacle of off-road racing. The announcement, made via Performance Racing Industry, confirms the traditional four-race series, all set to take place in the challenging and iconic terrain of Baja California, Mexico.

Kicking off the championship will be the San Felipe 250, a sprint through the unforgiving San Felipe desert, known for its deep whoops and high-speed sections. This event typically serves as a crucial shakedown for teams and their trophy trucks, UTVs, and other classes, setting the tone for the season ahead.

The series then moves to the Baja 500, a legendary mid-year test of endurance and speed. This race often features diverse terrain, from technical mountain passes to wide-open lakebeds, demanding peak performance from both drivers and their meticulously engineered machines. The Baja 500 is a critical points-earner for championship contenders.

Following the summer, the Baja 400 will provide a crucial penultimate round. Introduced to the calendar to offer another significant points opportunity before the grand finale, the Baja 400 has quickly established itself as a must-win event for those with championship aspirations. Its course often incorporates elements of both the San Felipe and Baja 500 tracks, presenting a unique challenge.

The championship will culminate, as always, with the legendary Baja 1000. This epic endurance race, a true test of man and machine against the Baja peninsula, remains the crown jewel of off-road racing. Teams will spend months in prerunning and meticulous preparation for this event, where strategy, navigation, and the resilience of their chase crews are as vital as raw speed.

Fans and competitors alike can now mark their calendars, allowing ample time for prerunning, vehicle development, and logistical planning. The 2026 SCORE World Desert Championship promises another thrilling season of high-octane action, showcasing the best in desert racing talent and technology.