Continuing a tradition that began in 2003, BFGoodrich Tires named off-road legend Larry Roeseler as the 2008 BFGoodrich Tires Motorsports Person of the Year at the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 press conference. The award recognizes the achievements of drivers and officials in each racing series that BFGoodrich Tires competes. A Southern California native, Roeseler has been racing in the SCORE Baja 1000 since 1972 and he has compiled an amazing 17 class wins, both on two wheels and four wheels, including a race-record 13 overall victories, 10 of which came on a motorcycle. Roeseler has also amassed an astonishing 11 SCORE Baja 500 overall wins, all of which contributed to this recognition.
To win the prestigious award, the person must have made a significant contribution to racing both on and off the track, demonstrated a commitment to excellence with an uncompromising passion for motorsports, shown a sincere dedication to improve off-road motorsports for all competitors and leave a positive lasting mark.
“Look back at the past recipients of the award and you’ll notice that some of the most recognized names in racing have been honored,” said Roberts Kukainis, motorsports manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “Our previous five are proof that the standard is high, and Roeseler is a fitting recipient. He’s a standup guy both on- and off the race course and we are extremely honored to recognize Larry with this award.”
Roeseler has endured harshness of off-road racing for more than 35 years on motorcycles, buggies and trucks. Having already established himself as a well-known off-road racer, Roeseler joined Kawasaki’s green team in 1987 where he went on to win 10 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze. In 1999, Roeseler was honored by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) with an induction into the AMA Hall of Fame. After retiring from a successful motorcycle career in 1994, Roeseler’s four-wheel domination began. “Mr. Baja,” as he is often referred, has 39 career SCORE Baja race wins, 17 career SCORE Baja 1000 class wins and 11 career SCORE International season point championships. He has been associated with the most high-profile teams in the business including Ivan Stewart, Terrible Herbst Motorsports, and currently Roger Norman Racing.
