Rodrigo Ampudia Jr.

Those familiar with Baja Mexico have no doubt stopped in for dinner and beverages at Ensenada’s famous Papas & Beer. What you may not know is the family that owns the multi-story joint that’s always packed to the brim with people are HUGE off-road racing fans. And the namesake son of the owner – Rodrigo Ampudia Sr. – is one of the West Coast’s top off-road racers. An overall podium placer on the 2008 CORR Pro Lites class tour, Ampudia Jr., is a highly familiar name on the Baja peninsula. Winning the 2009 Baja 500 in his class, Ampudia complete the course in a Class 8 vehicle with a time (10:37.59) that would have put him on the podium in 2nd place in Class 1 Unlimited. Likeable, easy-going and fun to be around, Ampudia’s always got a big smile on his face – along with a can of Monster in his hand. Campaigning the Papas & Beer Pro 2 Unlimited #36 in the 2012 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Ampudia has proven to be a real threat in 2012.  Clinching 7 top 10 finishes and 2 podium finishes in 14 rounds of racing action, the crowd favorite “RodAmp” is sure to put on a show no matter what position he is in on the track.