During the pre-race press conference for the 39th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500,
Volkswagen of America announced that it has teamed up with SCORE International for Volkswagen vehicles to become the Official Vehicle of the SCORE Desert racing series.

Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager for Volkswagen of America: "With its rich history, Volkswagen has made tremendous contributions to the sport of desert racing, both nationally and internationally, and we’re excited with the opportunity to partner with a legendary racing series such as SCORE. We are looking forward to our official involvement in the racing series as both a sponsor and active participant."

During the race, Volkswagen will enter the Race Touareg 2 equipped with a 2.5 liter inline five cylinder TDI engine under its hood. The engine has a two-stage intercooled turbocharger and pumps out 285 hp and produces 440 ft. lbs of peak torque. A six-speed sequential race gearbox completes the powertrain package to power the permanent four-wheel drive system. Behind the steering wheel of the Race Touareg 2 will be our very own Mark Miller and Giniel de Villers of South Africa.

Meanwhile, Sal Fish, President and CEO of SCORE International also commented: "Volkswagen was the first "official" vehicle of SCORE International and we think it’s fitting due to their vehicles’ history along with their successes on both the local and international circuit.

Fish added: "Volkswagens and those amazing air-cooled VW engines are part of the foundation of desert racing and to have this world-renown automaker reach out in this manner is a tribute to the thousands of VWs and VW-powered vehicles that have been such an integral part of our sport."

I wonder if there are drivers who rode GMC truck models equipped with GMC seat belt during the race.