The “Baja” (pronounced “ba-ha”) race has it origin dating back to the late sixties, from an annual racing event that was held in the “Free and Sovereign State of Baja California Sur” in North West Mexico. The race has had several name changes since then, but today, every off-road rider in the USA (and most other countries) knows the “Baja 250, 500 and 1000.” It is a nonstop relay (rider’s change) race for more than 1,000 miles, and there is an iron-man class doing it completely solo!
Here in the UAE, there is of course no way we could race 1,000 miles, but we do have our own “Baja.” It started back in 1990s when Dubai used to have a “mass start” style Baja, from the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, through what is now Mirdif, over to Al Awir heading onwards to some burning tyres, with black smoke as the route marker, then racing back to the city! The Baja did run again in the mid 2000s, 2009 and 2010 to much stricter route rules, but then stopped until this year. Friday 15th November saw round two of the 2013/14 Baja UAE Desert Championship series. The venue was just outside Dubai past the camel racetrack on the Al Ain Road. I had spent lots of money and time preparing my bike for the event and even lost 5kg to be in shape, only to be plagued with flu on race day! As I had never been to one of these events, I decided to go in any case and support some friends who were riding, and of course took my camera for some photos.
I would say that this must surely be the ultimate “race/event” in the UAE that caters for everybody who takes their riding a bit more serious than just weekend riding. This by no means implies that you have to be a “pro” to compete, but at least you, and your machine, must be able to endure the two hours plus of racing. With more than 100 entries everybody was there; from world class riders like Sebastian Husseini and Sam Sunderland, to “New-Bs” like my friends Jakes and Collin.
As I was walking through the “pits” taking pictures, the atmosphere was alive and tense! Last minute adjustments, scurrying around looking for tools and gear, and trying to complete the registration before the start created a lively buzz from early morning. That same buzz that I am sure so many sportsmen and women, have experienced many times at the start of great events. It is something only those who actually “live life” have experienced and something I enjoy being part of every time I attend sports events.
It was also great to see how many riders’ families were there in support. There were many small children and listening to some kids telling daddy that “he must win!” must have surely been inspiring to them!
This is also an event that can be used for aggressive marketing by the different dealers/suppliers in the UAE. Sadly, not all the suppliers seem to realise this and their absence to events like these, in my opinion, does not reflect good sportsmanship. Then again, that is only my opinion.
As for Kawasaki, I am sure it went well for them! The fact that the first quad (Mohammed Shamshi) and the first bike (Ross Runnalls) to finish were both riding Kawasaki machines can only be to their own advantage!
The race:
At 9:00 a.m. exactly, the first group departed in a cloud of sand and dust. With all 100 cars, bikes quads and buggies departing in about 10 minutes the crowd was solidly entertained at the starting point, till the last vehicle disappeared out the gate and into the desert. The silence that followed was short lived as the front riders returned from the first lap after only 19 minutes (more than 20km).
As part of the course, every lap passed the spectators before returning back into the desert. This was a flat section of almost 450m and I am sure some riders must have stretched their throttle cables from twisting the grips to full throttle and beyond! I don’t think my bike is even capable of the speed that some of these guys were doing on this section. Then just to remind us of how good he is, young Ross (overall winner) would come past on his No 26 Kawasaki, at the same speed as the other riders, but with a small difference – he was on his back wheel! Very impressive to see.
Regarding accidents, this was a great event with only very few incidents and luckily no injured riders apart from one of the pros whose ego must have taken a huge knock. After all, who runs out of fuel before the second lap is even completed? Don’t worry Sam, I won’t tell them it was you! LOL! Another welcoming sight was our four lady riders, who not only completed, but also beaten many of their male rivals. The elegant Vicky Northway on her No 20 Honda took the honours of top lady rider and separated by only four positions to the second lady, Abi Shephard. Well done to all the ladies!
As I am not involved with motorsport other than the bikes and quads, I am not sure why there were so few cars and buggies that participated. I know there are many, many cars and buggy riders out there that would have loved to race, but probably didn’t know about the Baja. Please, if you know any of them, tell them about the Baja.
To all those involved with the organising of this event/s, congratulations and thank you. It was a job well done. Everything was in place throughout the whole day. Walking amongst pit crew and the riders, before, during and afterwards, they only had positive feedback and they all loved it!
Special thanks once again to Stuart Billington and John Spiller who instigated the restart of the series, Dr Mohamed Ben Sulayem and the ATC who gave the series the go ahead and backing. Also to Tag Heuer Middle East for support with the timing system, and the EMSF all who helped revive this great event. It has rocketed in popularity and we are confident that this time the event is here to stay.Round three of the 2013/14 Baja will be on 29th Jan 2014. Get your machines ready and enter the fun!For full event details, positions and ranking, visit www.emsf.ae.
Ride safe and go for gold,
John Basson
