Day 4: The Race for the
King of Baja Tightens
Ensenada, Baja, Mexico
May 6, 2026
Day 4 of the 2026 NORRA’s Baja 6-Day Rally delivered another brutal and beautiful day of Baja racing as competitors charged south from San Ignacio to Loreto through rocky mountain passes, fast desert roads, and endless remote terrain.
With four days now complete, the fight for the overall lead has tightened dramatically. Current overall leader Craig McCarthy continues to hold the top spot, but Brent Fox has closed the gap to just 3 minutes and 57 seconds heading into the final two days of racing. Ryan Arciero remains well within striking distance, sitting only 9 minutes and 41 seconds behind overall.
Special stage wins on the day were split between two off-road legends. Mark Post drove the Black Diamond #3 to the fastest time in Special Stage 1, while Robby Gordon claimed the win in Special Stage 2.
“It was a good clean day for us,” said Gordon. “We had a smooth run with no major issues and didn’t get held up in the dust too much. It just shows how competitive this rally is right now. With two days still left in Baja, anything can happen.”
One of the tightest battles of the day unfolded in the UTV division where Kristen Matlock and August Renezeder traded seconds throughout the stages on corrected time. Despite the pressure, Matlock continues to hold a commanding overall class lead heading toward the finish.
As competitors rolled into Loreto, the seaside finish line came alive with crews working on race vehicles, stories flowing through the pits, and racers preparing for another demanding day in Baja.
With only two days remaining, the race for the crown is far from decided. In Baja, fortunes can change in a single stage and everyone in the field knows the toughest miles may still be ahead.
Photos by TracksidePhoto & FotoSol
