Full Throttle Through the Desert — The Great Night Race Returns to Baja California Sur
Now in its 2nd edition, the Loreto 500 “La Gran Carrera Nocturna” tears through the rugged landscapes of Baja California Sur from April 10 to 12, 2026, as part of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Baja Desert Series. The race follows an epic single-stage route from Loreto to Comondú to La Paz, with motorcycles launching from Loreto at 2:00 PM on April 11th and cars following at 4:00 PM — no time cuts, no mercy.
The event kicks off with a mechanical inspection in Loreto on the evening of April 10th (5:00–11:00 PM), and wraps up with an awards ceremony in La Paz on April 12th at 2:00 PM. Backed by major sponsors including O’Reilly Auto Parts, Chevrolet, and Nissan, this race combines raw speed, desert endurance, and the breathtaking scenery of Baja California Sur into one unforgettable motorsport weekend. Registration is $279 — for more info, visit their Facebook page.
Organizer
The XVIII Ayuntamiento de La Paz is the municipal government of La Paz, capital of Baja California Sur, led by Mayor Milena Quiroga Romero. Through its Dirección Municipal de Cultura, the municipality organizes and supports a robust calendar of cultural, artistic, and civic events year-round, including the iconic Carnaval La Paz, Festival de la Sudcalifornidad, Festival Ranchero, and traditional Día de Muertos celebrations. As the official municipal authority, the Ayuntamiento brings credibility, institutional backing, and community engagement to public events, working to preserve local traditions while promoting La Paz as a vibrant cultural destination that celebrates sudcalifornian identity and welcomes visitors to experience the region’s authentic heritage.
Venue
Loreto, located on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur along the Sea of Cortez, is one of Mexico’s oldest colonial settlements and a designated Pueblo Mágico, founded in 1697 as the first Spanish mission in the Californias. Its historic center—anchored by the baroque Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó and a malecón overlooking the UNESCO-listed Bahía de Loreto National Park—hosts events including the Chocolate Clam Gastronomic Festival and the Loreto 400 Off-Road Race, offering event organizers a destination defined by colonial heritage, marine landscape, and an intimate atmosphere distinct from the Los Cabos resort corridor.
