Baja Lite race trucks are making a return to desert racing, bringing back a style of competition designed to give racers another opportunity to compete in some of the sport’s biggest events without stepping into the expensive world of Trophy Truck racing. The revival is being spearheaded by Desert Race Experience (DRX), which is developing a new racing program centered around a mid-size truck platform. The effort is aimed at creating a professional, competitive class that offers a more accessible entry point into desert racing while still delivering the experience of competing in major off-road events.
The program will compete under the name Spec Lite at American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC) events, with plans to also participate in select SCORE International races in Baja, Mexico. The return of BajaLite also carries a significant connection to the sport’s history. The class was originally championed by the late Pete “Pistol” Sohren, who developed the concept around building a reliable, competitive desert race truck that working-class racers could afford to own, maintain and race. Following Sohren’s death in 2019, the future of the BajaLite program became uncertain. Now, DRX operators Ron Stobaugh and John Slavic have taken ownership of the class with the blessing of Sohren’s family, giving the program a chance to begin a new chapter.
The BajaLite trucks feature a mid-size platform with a shiftable transmission, GM Ecotec engine and 35-inch tires. The design is intended to provide a traditional desert racing experience while incorporating modern safety features and chassis development.DRX is also planning to offer an arrive-and-drive program, driver training, race preparation and team management services. The goal is to help newcomers experience desert racing without having to independently purchase, build and manage an entire race program.
For AORC competition, the class will be known as Spec Lite, carrying vehicle numbers 201L through 299L. SCORE has also indicated plans to accommodate the returning trucks in its 2027 events, although the class name and numbering have not yet been announced.
