Polaris And The Ampudia Family Join Forces For A New Chapter In Baja Racing

Few names carry more weight in Baja racing than Ampudia. Few brands have pushed the side-by-side platform further than Polaris RZR Factory Racing. Now, those two forces are coming together for what could become one of the most compelling partnerships of the 2026 SCORE season.

Polaris Off Road officially announced a new collaboration with the legendary Ampudia family, bringing Rodrigo Ampudia Jr. into the RZR Factory Racing program for the remainder of the SCORE International schedule. The partnership will see Ampudia co-drive alongside first-year factory racer Joe Terrana in the No. 1898 RZR Pro R Factory race vehicle at the Baja 500, Baja 400 and the iconic Baja 1000.

A Proven Baja Racer Joins The RZR Program

Ampudia arrives with extensive desert racing credentials, including victories and podium finishes in the Trophy Truck class — experience that immediately strengthens Polaris’ effort in some of the toughest races in off-road competition.

“To join forces with Polaris and RZR Factory Racing is a huge honor,” said Rodrigo Ampudia. “They’ve built one of the strongest and most dominant programs in all of off-road racing, and the RZR Pro R Factory is without question the most precise and capable race machine in the sport today. I’m excited to team up with Joe and compete together in some of the biggest races of the year.”

The collaboration represents more than simply adding another accomplished driver to the roster. It’s a pairing of Baja heritage with modern factory-backed engineering, combining the Ampudia family’s deep roots in desert racing with Polaris’ championship-winning side-by-side platform.

The Return Of An Iconic Baja Livery

For longtime SCORE fans, one of the most recognizable elements of the partnership will be impossible to miss.

Terrana and Ampudia’s RZR Pro R Factory race machine will wear Ampudia’s signature hot pink livery throughout all three SCORE events. The design carries personal meaning for the family, serving as a tribute inspired by Rodrigo’s mother and her successful battle with breast cancer. Over time, the unmistakable color scheme has evolved into a symbol of perseverance, family and resilience within the Baja racing community.

Building A Stronger Factory Effort

From Polaris’ perspective, the addition of Ampudia provides both experience and local Baja knowledge that could prove invaluable over the remainder of the season.

“Anytime you have the opportunity to bring someone like Rodrigo into your program, it’s exciting,” said Alex Scheuerell, Polaris’ Director of Off-Road Motorsports. “Pairing him with Joe and the RZR Factory Racing team brings two highly complementary competitors within one of the most proven programs in off-road racing. Rodrigo’s knowledge of Baja is second to none.”

Scheuerell also emphasized the competitive advantage Ampudia’s Trophy Truck background brings to the effort.

“His experience competing at the highest levels of Trophy Truck brings a tremendous advantage to the program. Pairing Rodrigo’s expertise with the proven performance and championship pedigree of the RZR Pro R Factory race machine creates an incredibly strong combination for the remainder of the SCORE season.”

More Than Racing

The partnership extends beyond the racecourse as well. Polaris and the Ampudia family plan to activate the collaboration through fan-focused experiences during the SCORE season, including race watch parties and family-friendly events hosted at Papas&Beer.

The goal is to bring fans closer to the culture and atmosphere that make Baja racing unique — something both Polaris and the Ampudia family understand deeply.

Ampudia and Terrana are scheduled to make their debut together at the 2026 Baja 500, running June 3-7, with Ampudia taking over driving duties during the second half of the race.

For Polaris RZR Factory Racing, the timing could not be better. For Baja fans, it sets the stage for one of the season’s most interesting combinations heading into the heart of SCORE competition.