SCORE Mourns Recent Passing of Race Champion Anibal Lopez

You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten

It is with deep sorrow and sadness that SCORE announces the recent passing of prominent Mexican racer Anibal Lopez. His life was tragically lost in a non-racing accident.

    Captain of the Polaris Mexico UTV team, Lopez, 41, who lived in Mexicali, Baja California, was originally from San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico.

    Lopez was the 2022 Pro UTV Stock season point champion with a class win in the SCORE Baja 500 and second place finishes in his class in both the 2022 SCORE San Felipe 250 and the SCORE Baja 1000.

    In the 2023 SCORE World Desert Championship, Lopez finished in third place in the season points in the Pro UTV Stock class with a class win in the SCORE San Felipe 250, a sixth in class in last year’s SCORE Baja 400 and a seventh in the SCORE Baja 1000 out of 11 starters in the race that started for the first time in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and finished in Ensenada.

    So far in this year’s SCORE World Desert Championship, Lopez was in third place in class after two races. He finished fourth in class out of 15 starters in the SCORE San Felipe 250 and in fifth place out of 17 starters in this year’s SCORE Baja 500.

   Lopez was also part of the Polaris Mexico UTV team of Daniel Gonzalez that competed in the 20024 Dakar Rally.

    “Our entire SCORE family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our racers and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates,” commented Jim Ryan, SCORE Vice-President of Marketing and Sales. “It was a tragic accident and his loss is felt throughout the SCORE world. He was a fierce competitor and great leader of the Polaris Mexico UTV team.”

    Polaris Mexico also released this statement regarding Lopez, “Farewell to a true champion, a loving father, and a dear friend. Your passing leaves a gaping hole in our lives, but your legacy will continue to inspire us. As captain of the racing team, you led with courage, determination, and a passion that was contagious. Your love for the sport was only matched by your love for your family and friends. You may have crossed the finish line, but your memory will stay with us forever. We'll remember your bright smile, your infectious laugh, and your unwavering support. Rest in peace, Anibal López. May your journey be smooth, and your pit stops be few. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”