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SCORE: Walker Evans set to compete in Baja 2000

1 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

The legendary Walker Evans is back--- back to compete in the SCORE Baja 2000, November 10th-16th. Coming out of retirement for this once-in-a-lifetime event, Evans, who has earned 140 victories during his 31-year off-road racing career, will once again attempt to triumph over the treacherous Baja terrain. "This is the race of the millennium," said Evans, whose wins include nine Baja 1000 events. "I just couldn't pass it up."

Piloting a Walker Evans-prepared Chevy Trophy truck with Goodyear Tires; Evans' co-drivers will include former off-road star and current NASCAR Winston West leader Brendan Gaughan and off-road racing ace, Roger Gray.

Both Brendan and Roger are extremely competent drivers and we make a good team," says Evans. "Team work is certainly going to be a key at this race. It will take the best-of-the-best to win. Just like in a battle, strategy is extremely important and our many years of experience will definitely be a big plus for our team."

One of the most accomplished drivers in all of off-road racing, Evans who resides in Riverside, CA, got his first taste of racing in 1969 when he drove a Rambler sedan in the Baja 500 for actor James Garner's American Motors team. "I took a 3rd place finish in that first event," smiles Evans, "and knew I had to get serious about desert racing. So I took the bull by the horns and began building my own vehicles."

After winning the Baja 1000 five times, Evans became the first driver in off-road history to take the overall victory in a truck. "We were continually working to build better equipment and to make the trucks go faster and faster," explains Evans. Desert racing is a constant challenge, no two races are alike and if you don't keep working to develop a better vehicle, your chances of winning go way down."

As technology advanced and equipment improved, Evans continued to expand his horizons, earning a name for himself in the Mickey Thompson Stadium Series, SODA (Short Course Off-Road Drivers Association) and CORR (Championship Off-Road Racing). He was also one of a handful of off-road drivers to join the NASCAR Truck Racing Series when it was formed in 1994.

"I've never been one to sit around," says Evans who also enjoys motorcycle riding and snowmobiling. In fact, when he announced his retirement from off-roading last year, he immediately began competing in extreme rock crawling events with the ARCA (American Rock Crawlers Association) Series in a specially built 2000 Chevy Blazer.

"I'm excited about the Baja 2000," sums of Evans with obvious enthusiasm. "It's certainly going to be one of the biggest challenges of my career. We've got a fantastic team and the perfect combination of a strong Chevy truck and tough-running Goodyear tires. When this race starts, we will definitely be ready to win."

Text Provided By Penny Nicolai

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