Abu Dhabi Sports Council Announces Dates for 2nd Season of Baja Challenge

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), in collaboration with the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), has officially unveiled the second season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge. This exciting motorsport series will consist of four rounds, running from October 12, 2024, to April 12, 2025, and is designed for competitors of all skill levels.

The organizing committee is committed to fostering new talent within the sport. The second edition of the Baja Challenge will take place entirely within Abu Dhabi, aiming to attract participants from both local and international racing communities. Initially launched as a community sport initiative aligned with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council's goals, the championship quickly gained popularity among professional racers, drawing competitors from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

In its inaugural season, the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge celebrated its first champions: Andreas Borgmann claimed the overall title in the Auto category, while Aaron Mare topped the Moto category. Sune Schaffler won the Female Cup, and Emirati athletes Abdulla Alfalasi and Saif Mohamed Bin Saifan emerged victorious in the Quads and SSX categories, respectively.

The upcoming second season will consist of four rounds, with the first two events scheduled for October and November 2024, followed by a round in January 2025, and concluding with the season finale in April 2025. This grassroots racing series welcomes seasoned racers, novices, and amateurs, providing them with an opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment. Overall titles will be awarded at the end of the season for both Moto/Quad and Auto SXS categories. Although the exact distances of each race will be disclosed prior to the rounds, each is expected to exceed 100 kilometers, with the fastest competitors anticipated to complete the courses in roughly two hours.

The Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge will include various vehicle categories such as Autos, SXS, Motorcycles, Adventure Bikes, and Quads, all of which must adhere to the FIA, FIM, or EMSO National Technical and Safety Regulations. Participants aged 18 and above can compete in T1, T2, T3, T4, SXS Turbo, and SXS Non-Turbo categories. Women over 18 can participate in a dedicated category within the 450cc motorcycle segment, alongside a junior category for 16 to 18-year-olds. The competition will also feature categories for Quads and Marathons, open to participants aged 18 to 44, with veteran categories for those over 45. Additionally, the new Adventure Bike class will cater to participants aged 18 and above riding bikes with engine capacities of 650cc and above.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is known for its commitment to high-profile sporting initiatives aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles and promoting sports participation across all demographics in the community.

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His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “We are delighted with the great success of the first season of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge and our fruitful cooperation with the Emirates Motorsports Organization, our strategic partner in this project. We look forward to continuing this constructive cooperation during the upcoming series to develop the skills and capabilities of local drivers and prepare them for participation in major international events.”

His Excellency Khalid Bin Sulayem, President of EMSO, also shared his excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to partner again with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and anticipate the championship’s evolution in its second season. Abu Dhabi has a rich motorsport heritage, and its stunning landscapes provide the ideal setting for off-road racing. Grassroots development series like the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge are crucial for the sport's growth in the region.”