Ensenada, Mexico (June 1, 2012) – Robby Gordon, one of the world’s best desert racers, will return to his desert roots for the 44^th running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 this weekend, June 1-3, 2012. Piloting the No. 77 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER H3 prepared by SPEED Factory Off-Road located in Anaheim, CA, Gordon will roll off the line 28^th on Saturday morning. While he knows that he has a long road ahead of him to compete for the overall victory, Gordon is certainly up for the challenge.

“Even though we didn’t get a good draw, I am still going to drive the wheels off the No. 77 SPEED Energy / Toyo Tires HUMMER H3 to get it to the front. We are coming to win the race, and I am going to do whatever I can to do so. Since it is a timed event, we don’t have to cross the line first on Saturday, but we have to have the fasted elapsed time. So watch out or move over!  It’s going to be fun. We started in the thirties last year and almost won, so don’t rule me out yet. I want to welcome MAPEI on board for their first Baja 500 experience…it is sure to be a fun ride!”

“I love to race anything anywhere, but off-road racing really is my passion. The Baja 500 is one of my favorite races; I love Baja, the fans, and the support that we receive from everyone there. It is a place where I am in my element,” said Gordon. “SPEED Energy has gained enormous popularity and retail space in Mexico, so I want to thank everyone down here that helped with that. I invite all my fans and supporters to join SPEED, Papas & Beer and Lutzenkirch Street Party on Friday, June 1^st at 5 p.m.”

Robby Gordon stopped to talk with Off-Road.com today at SCORE’s press conference for the event. Check out what he had to say below:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Also, on Tuesday evening, Gordon announced the SST series created from his passion for off-road racing – Robby Gordon’s Super Stadium Trucks (check out more on that announcement here). Resurrecting what was once Mickey Thompson’s vision, Gordon feels that off-road racing is the best kept secret in racing that needs to be shared with the ever-eager world audience. Since the North American off-racing venues primarily takes place in the southwest deserts and the Baja peninsula, not that many people know about it. With the TV being difficult to shoot on the expansive race courses, Gordon feels that this bringing back this form of motorsports in stadiums is a recipe for success.

Be sure to check back with Off-Road.com for more on the 2012 Baja 500.