Inaugural Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge begins on October 14, 2023
Off-road racing series comprises 4 rounds in Tilal Swaihan desert
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), in partnership with Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), will organise round one of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge on October 14, 2023, in Tilal Swaihan desert dunes range in Abu Dhabi emirate, UAE.
The first-ever Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is a four-wheel and two-wheel racing series comprising four racing rounds.
Round one takes place on October 14, 2023, followed by round two on December 17, 2023.
Round three will be held on January 27, 2024, followed by round four on February 17, 2024.
To instil a sense of motorsport adventure in Abu Dhabi emirate, ADSC has thrown open the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge to rookie and amateur motorsport drivers and riders by offering them reduced registration fees for the event. Winners will also receive cash prizes.
ADSC-EMSO collaboration
The new Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge is the latest collaboration between ADSC and EMSO, in addition to their partnerships involving the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) and the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Mirroring the off-road format of the ADDC, the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge 2023 will take place around off-road laps, with the winner completing the most significant number of laps within a set time limit.
The laps, totalling 100-120km for both cars and motorcycles, will put competitors to the test both physically and mentally.
The top three overall winners in the car and motorcycle categories will be awarded trophy cups, medals, and cash prizes.
The two overall best UAE nationals in the car and motorcycle categories will also get support to participate in the ADDC in February 2024.
2023-2024 season
Aref Al Awani, Secretary General, ADSC, said: “We are pleased to announce the opening of participation in the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge series for the 2023-2024 season.
“It will be held in four stages to reflect the extent of our interest in developing the capabilities and skills of local drivers and refining them in preparation for participating in major international events, whether inside or outside the UAE,” Al Awani added.
Khalid Bin Sulayem, President EMSO, added: “We are delighted to be working with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, but this time on an exciting new project. Abu Dhabi brings much of its motorsport history to this developing championship, and it continues to evolve under the supervision of the ADSC and the EMSO.
“We look forward to seeing what the tournament has in store, as the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge looks to encourage an active and interconnected community through stimulating motorsport.
“In its new and improved form, the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge will run in a regional format, showcasing areas of Abu Dhabi rich with fandom and motorsport industry, as well as those underrepresented, to engage communities through the excitement of off-road racing,” Bin Sulayem said.
Auto category
Auto competitors for the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge must be 18+ to compete in the TI, T2, T3, T4 SxS Pro-Am, and SxS Pro categories.
Moto category
Moto class categories of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge include 450cc, women, juniors, veterans, over 450cc, marathon, and quad.
UAE residents who intend to compete in the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge must produce a valid EMSO competition licence in one of these categories: Auto/buggy – rally national junior; rally national; moto/quad – Baja, cross country or motocross.
International competitors must possess a valid national competition rally licence issued by the ASN/FMN and provide proof of membership of the FIA/FIM.
International competitors must also present a start permission letter from the ASN/FMN addressed to EMSO.
Registration for Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge competitors ends on October 9, 2023.
For more information: abudhabibajachallenge@emso.ae
Featured image: Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge: Image: EMSO
Featured image: Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge branding: Image: EMSO
Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto
