To increase visibility in the dark, SCORE requires all Moto and Quad riders to have a rear-facing blue LED light on the back of their helmet or person. Mason Klein will do the same at January’s Dakar Rally, affixing a NiteRider BlueBomb CherryBomb 100 on himself so that others approaching him on the course or road sections can see him.

“It’ll be a lot safer for me because now all the cars will see me,” Klein explained. “It’s been a problem in the past where cars come up on you quick, it’s dark out, especially on the freeways or the highways, early in the morning or late at night. I just want to be seen.”

SCORE debuted the policy at the 2022 Baja 500, stipulating “high-intensity BLUE strobe type lights on helmet or upper back visible from back when competing in events that will run into darkness.” The light must have a Daylight Visible Flash rating of at least 100 lumens and be visible from 200 yards at minimum.

The BlueBomb CherryBomb 100 is the most popular light used in SCORE, and NiteRider usually has a booth set up at contingency. Riders can also get one while in Ensenada from Carrera777, who gave Klein his.

While Klein typically doesn’t race Baja, he’s close with the desert scene on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border. His younger brother Carter is a thrice reigning Pro Moto Unlimited champion and Mason occasionally accompanies him as support, so he’s well versed in the goings-on in the premier desert series.

“It’s mandatory (in SCORE), and I really think it’s a good idea,” Klein continued. “Everybody should have one on them. It’s just a safety thing.

“If you know me, I really believe in safety. Dirt bikes are dangerous enough. We don’t need to have more problems just because we didn’t put a silly light on. This is so smart.”

2026 will be Klein’s fifth Dakar and first with Hoto Motorcycle.

Featured image credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI / ASO