Biography

At 67 years old, this veteran desert racer proved that experience and determination can overcome any obstacle when he captured the 2018 SCORE Baja 500 championship in the highly competitive Sportsman Buggy class. Behind the wheel of his Custom-VW #1516, Naranjo demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill, completing the grueling 480-mile Ensenada desert course in 19 hours, 33 minutes, and 29 seconds at an average speed of 24.54 mph.

What made this victory particularly impressive was that Naranjo was the sole finisher in a field that started with two entries, showcasing the brutal nature of Baja racing where simply reaching the checkered flag is an achievement. His triumph came after navigating some of the most challenging terrain in off-road racing, from rocky mountain passes to sandy washes that have claimed countless vehicles over the decades.

Operating from his Rowland Heights, California base, Naranjo has built a reputation as a skilled tactician who understands that desert racing success requires more than just speed—it demands mechanical preparation, strategic pit planning, and the mental fortitude to push through when conditions become extreme. His championship run exemplifies the spirit of SCORE International desert racing, where age is just a number and victory belongs to those who refuse to quit.