Minneapolis – September 18, 2026 -- Polaris swept the UTV Overall podium at the 7th SCORE Baja 400 this past weekend, with all three top finishers piloting the RZR Pro R Factory race vehicle.
Wayne Matlock claims the $50,000 SCORE Challenge prize
Matlock took the UTV Overall win aboard his Polaris RZR Pro R Factory, securing the $50,000 purse tied to Polaris' SCORE Challenge. The challenge, announced in July, offered the prize to any eligible UTV racer who could beat the factory RZR Factory Racing team and capture the UTV Overall victory.
RZR Factory Racing Team drivers fill out the podium
Ethan Groom, who started third in Pro UTV Open, fought through the race to finish second overall. Dallas Gonzalez Jr. rounded out the podium in third, giving Polaris a clean sweep of the top three UTV Overall positions.
"Wayne put together an incredible race, and we couldn't think of a more deserving competitor to be the first to claim the Polaris SCORE Challenge," said Alex Scheuerell, Polaris' Director of Off-Road Motorsports. He added that the challenge was designed to raise the stakes and fuel competition within the UTV Pro class.
RZR Pro R Factory vehicles take five of the top ten spots
Beyond the podium, RZR Pro R Factory machines secured five of the top ten finishing positions at the Baja 400, reflecting growing adoption of the platform among independent racers competing outside Polaris' factory-backed team.
The team heads to Baja 1000 in November
The RZR Factory Racing team will next compete at the Baja 1000, scheduled for November 9-15, as it aims to close out the SCORE season with a win in the demanding desert race.