Dubai: Capitalising on the huge progress made since the launch of the Emirates Desert Championship in 2013, the UAE’s National Baja championship for motorcycles, quads, rally cars and buggies, stands to be the most successful yet.
“When we held the first event in 2013, we had approximately 60 vehicles entered to race, which was an excellent start. By the second round of last season, we had more than 130 vehicles,” said ATC UAE President Mohammad Bin Sulayem.
“This championship is already one of the biggest championships in the whole Gulf region, and we aim to grow even further this season,” he added.
Much of the success of the event has been due to safety, fairness in competition and low costs for the competitors. “All those racing know that we as the organisers will always treat their safety and welfare as the highest priority, and that is what has given them the confidence to invest in this championship,” he said.
Among those competitors eagerly awaiting the start of the new season are reigning Auto champion Ahmad Al Maqoodi of the Polaris UAE Racing Team, Quad champion Humaid Al Mashghouni of the Sebsports Team, reigning Motorcycle champion Jake Shipton of the KTM UAE Team, who has been training over the summer by competing in motocross events across the UK.
Unfortunately, those who will not be competing in the opening round, taking place in Dubai on October 9, are leading riders Mohammad Al Beloushi and Sam Sunderland, who will both be competing in the Rally Du Maroc, the final round of the 2015 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.
Also registered to compete in Morocco is reigning Emirates Desert Championship T2 Class champion Emil Khneisser, who will also miss the second round of the season on October 23 to compete in the final round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup in Portugal as he fights for the T2 Class Title.
The Emirates Desert Championship is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and the Emirates Motor Sport Federation (EMSF).
