Cayden MacCachren Leads Polaris to Victory at Baja 1000
In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, Cayden MacCachren and his co-driver Ethan Groom claimed victory at the 58th Baja 1000, marking a significant achievement for the Polaris RZR Factory Racing team. This win solidified their undefeated streak, capping off a successful 2025 SCORE Desert Series season with a third consecutive victory in this iconic race.
The Baja 1000 is renowned for its challenging terrain, and this year's race was no exception. Drivers faced a demanding course filled with rocky trails, silt beds, and treacherous bottlenecks. Despite the grueling conditions, MacCachren excelled, showcasing both technical prowess and strategic racing. After letting Groom take the early drive, MacCachren took the wheel at race mile 411, deftly navigating through the infamous San Felipe whoops and technical sections of the track to secure his place at the front.
This win is particularly special for MacCachren, as it represents his second triumph at the Baja 1000. “Enduring this race requires not just speed but incredible faith in your vehicle and team,” stated MacCachren, reflecting on the challenges faced throughout the event. “I’m so thankful to my co-driver, the entire racing crew, and the engineers at Polaris for crafting such a reliable machine.”
The RZR Factory Racing team's performance didn't stop with MacCachren. Teammate Max Eddy Jr. delivered an exceptional performance, finishing second in his own Polaris RZR Pro R vehicle, while Brandon Sims secured third place, creating an all-Polaris podium. This achievement further underscores the engineering excellence of the Polaris RZR Pro R Factory, equipped with a robust chassis and powerful engine designed specifically for rigorous desert competition.
From the start of the race, the Polaris team made a strong impression, initially holding the first, second, third, and fifth positions. They settled into a controlled, fast racing pace, taking advantage of their vehicles’ capabilities. The drivers maintained their positions and avoided chaos that impacted many competitors within the initial miles of the race.
The team utilized the RZR Pro R Factory’s optimized suspension and robust powertrain to navigate the treacherous terrain efficiently. It was an impressive display of teamwork, discipline, and reliable vehicle performance that kept the Polaris team at the head of the field.
Brock Heger, who was pursuing his third consecutive SCORE championship, also performed admirably, finishing fifth despite the difficult conditions. His strong performance throughout the race earned him enough points to clinch the 2025 SCORE Pro UTV Open Championship. Heger’s calm demeanor and smart racing strategies were crucial to his success in navigating the intense challenges presented by the Baja 1000.
As the dust settled on the Baja 1000, Alex Scheuerell, the Director of Off-Road Motorsports for Polaris, emphasized the team’s achievements: “Winning requires much more than just speed; it demands trust in your machine and relentless effort from your team. The RZR Pro R Factory proved its unmatched performance and reliability throughout the race.”
With the completion of the 2025 SCORE Desert Series, Polaris RZR Factory Racing has not only established a winning record but has also set the standard for future competitors in off-road racing. As the motorsports community eagerly anticipates the next season, the Polaris team’s relentless dedication and engineering innovations continue to inspire awe and admiration. For more information about the Polaris RZR and to stay updated on future racing events, fans can visit
Polaris.com/RZR and follow their journey across social media platforms.
Moving forward, MacCachren and the RZR Factory Racing team will undoubtedly aim to defend their titles and push the limits of off-road racing, as they are now viewed as benchmark competitors in the sport.