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Each March, as the Fiestas Tradicionales de San Jose del Cabo take over the historic center, one event consistently anchors the program with a different kind of energy. The President’s Cup Motorsport returns in 2026 not simply as a race, but as one of the defining expressions of local identity, shaped by decades of competition, adaptation, and community involvement.
Set against the rhythm of the city’s patron saint celebrations, the Cup reflects a side of Baja California Sur that is built on mechanics, speed, and shared tradition.
From Informal Races to a Civic Tradition
Long before it carried an official name, racing in San Jose del Cabo was already part of daily life. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, local drivers began testing modified vehicles across rough terrain, creating informal competitions that would later define the region’s motorsport culture.
Figures such as Mike Quade, Valerio Gonzalez, and Ron Bellerive became part of that early history, not through organized championships, but through repeated participation in races that blended experimentation with rivalry.
Over time, those gatherings evolved. What started as loosely organized competition was gradually incorporated into the city’s main annual celebration, giving rise to what is now recognized as the President’s Cup.
The Track That Carries the Legacy
Today, the event is held at the Luis “Loco” Sandoval Grand Prix Circuit, a venue that connects directly to that early era. Named after a foundational figure in the local racing scene, the track stands as both infrastructure and symbol.
Unlike Baja’s long-distance desert races, the circuit format brings the action into a contained, highly visible environment. Spectators follow each lap closely, and the competition unfolds in real time, corner by corner. This shift has played a key role in making the event more accessible, especially for families and first-time attendees.
The 2026 Edition: Scale Meets Structure
The President’s Cup Motorsport 2026 will take place from March 20 to March 22, marking a turning point in both scale and presentation. With more than 330 registered teams across car and motorcycle categories, the event reaches a level of participation that positions it among the most active motorsport gatherings in Baja California Sur.
The opening segment on Friday shifts the focus to Plaza Mijares. One of the most visible changes this year is the relocation of this process into the city’s main square. By moving what is traditionally a closed, technical step into a public setting, organizers have effectively expanded the event’s reach, allowing visitors to engage with the vehicles and teams before the racing begins.
On Saturday, activity transitions to the Luis “Loco” Sandoval Grand Prix Circuit, for practice sessions and qualifying runs. This stage establishes the competitive order and introduces a steady rhythm of on-track action that carries through the day. By Sunday, from roughly 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the main races bring the weekend to its peak, with the full field competing in a format that keeps the action visible and continuous for spectators.