The Southern California desert county known as Imperial is making its final preparations for its first SCORE International sanctioned race. On April 26, 2014, The SCORE International Imperial Valley 250 will be the first major off-road race to be hosted in the area. SCORE and the county’s agencies are working together to finalize plans for the big race, coordinating safety while making the race enjoyable for spectators.

The race is expected to bring tens of thousands of spectators which could potentially mean millions in revenue for the county. If the race goes well, Imperial Valley will likely make it an annual event. To keep it an annual event the county agencies need to make sure this race happens without any major problems.

“If our inaugural race comes off without a hitch, we stand to make this an annual event going forward,” said Marty Coyne, an Imperial Valley SCORE Committee member. “It’s really important we live by all the rules that have been laid out, especially when it comes to safety. Safety is the most important item we’ve focused on.”

To help make sure that this race will be as safe as possible for the spectators, the race will be conducted on a closed course. SCORE Committee member Jeff Sturdevant Jr. states that designated spectator areas will be set up near the pits. The pits will be located on Marty Coyne’s property.

BJ Baldwin will be racing in Imperial Valley.

A section of the race course approximately four to five miles in length will pass through Coyne’s property, giving spectators a chance to see plenty of racing action. Most of the track will be pass through public desert land near the highway. A few spectator areas that can seat up 3,000 people will also be located along the highway.

The event is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 24th with registration, preliminary races and qualifying taking place. On Friday, the racers will be hosting a meet and greet, as well as an autograph signing session with the fans at the Imperial Valley Mall.

Over 300 racers in 48 different classes ranging from Trophy Trucks to motorcycles to buggies will be competing to become the first Imperial Valley Champion. The fastest trucks should be able to complete the 250-mile course in as little as five hours while the slower vehicles will take up to eight hours.

Perhaps you will be able to get 0ff-road legend Rob MacCahren’s autograph.