Larry Ragland (born July 12, 1946) is an American professional off-road racing driver. Widely recognized as one of the most dominant and successful figures in the history of desert racing, he is often referred to as "Mr. Baja" due to his unparalleled success in the Baja events.
Ragland's illustrious career spanned several decades, primarily from the late 1970s through the 2000s. He became a household name in the off-road community for his exceptional performance in SCORE International races, particularly the grueling Baja 1000 and Baja 500.
Key achievements in his career include:
- Baja 1000 Overall Wins: Ragland secured five overall victories in the iconic Baja 1000 (1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999), placing him among the elite few with multiple wins in the event's history.
- Baja 500 Overall Wins: He also claimed multiple overall wins in the Baja 500.
- SCORE International Championships: Throughout his career, Ragland earned numerous SCORE International series championships, demonstrating consistent high-level performance across an entire season.
Known for his meticulous race preparation, deep understanding of diverse desert terrains, and an aggressive yet controlled driving style, Ragland's approach to racing set new standards. He competed with various teams and manufacturers, famously driving for [[Chevy]] and later with Prodrive in the early era of the Trophy Truck class, where he achieved significant dominance. His legacy has profoundly influenced the sport of off-road racing, inspiring generations of drivers.