For the first time in its history, 2026 Baja 1000 will solely take place in Baja California Sur. Weeks after the municipality’s council voted to make a push for the event, SCORE announced Friday that Los Cabos will serve as the race’s start and finish.

The Los Cabos City Council had met on September 8, where they unanimously agreed to host the 2026 race. Council members reasoned it would be a major boost for the economy and tourism to the area, while also providing a new location for the race.

Los Cabos was previously the host of the 2015 Baja Sur 500, which Eduardo Laguna and Colton Udall respectively won for four and two wheels. The city of Cabo San Lucas, the largest in the municipality, was the finish for the Baja 1000’s 2000 (called the Baja 2000 and lengthened to celebrate the turn of the millennium) and 2007 editions.

The Baja 1000, like other current SCORE races, typically had Ensenada or La Paz as the main hubs. Tijuana and Mexicali have also been host cities.

“We are proud to serve as ambassadors for Mexico worldwide by showcasing our culture and tourist destinations to our racers and loyal fans from around the globe,” said SCORE’s marketing VP Jim Ryan. “It is not just about SCORE International, but about raising awareness in more countries that Baja California is a unique place. Combined with the warmth of the Mexican people, we welcome visitors with open arms, offering an experience full of adventure and sport through events such as the SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 500, SCORE Baja 400, and SCORE San Felipe 250.”

Pre-running for the race will begin on October 31, 2026, followed by qualifying on Novemebr 10. Racing kicks off November 13. As usual, the 1000 is the final race of the SCORE calendar.

Featured image credit: Polaris