So you want to join the fun of off-road motorcycle racing in Dubai. The events are managed by the Dubai Motocross Club (DMX for short) and are referred to as Baja races. They do not really have anything in common with the American Baja race but that is what we called them when it started and the name stuck. The closest thing to them are the WORCS series but then again we do not hold them on existing tracks, we lay out a new track every race in virgin desert terrain.

Race Format

The format is very simple, a track is demarcated in the desert which normally consists of 15 – 25 kilometers. The race distance is defined in terms of number of laps of this course and normally falls in the 170 – 230 kilometer range, depending on the lap length for that day. Lets say the lap is 25 kilometers long for the particular race, the race distance would be defined as 7 laps ( eg 175 kilometers).

The course has several manned checkpoints competitors have to pass through. Not passing one of the checkpoints result in a time penalty being applied. There are normally 4 to 5 checkpoints along the course.

Previous years the entire route was marked with colored market boards each section between checkpoints being a different color. This season we will run all events on GPS only with the mandated GPS being the Garmin ForeTrex 201. This will not only make the event more interesting but also add an element of safety for recovery sweep teams to get to a down rider.

At the start of the race classes are set off one after another in either a staggered fashion or mass start depending on the number of entrants. Last season we had a great turnout for all classes and most of the starts were staggered. If it is a staggered start you will be handed your race number and start card during early morning registration. Your time card contains the time you will actually start the race.

The race completes when the first competitor completes the course, 7 laps in our example, anyone that comes in for the completion of a lap after the winner will then be deemed to have completed the race. This makes it very friendly for the not so fast or fit riders. In the time that the winner completed 7 laps they might just have done five (5) laps but within their class they might still be the winner !

We have a large number of competitors that do it just for fun, they will start , do a lap or two depending on lap distance , come in for fuel, have a drink and rest and when ready go out to do another lap. This is not frowned upon at all, as long as people enjoy themselves and do not injure themselves we are happy.

Registration and Scruteneering

Registration normally opens the week before the race. This can be done electronically by sending through a completed entry form and details. Scrutineering is normally done on the Wednesday before the race day which is on a Friday. By this time the registration forms have to be signed , indemnity forms completed etc. Scrutineering is mandatory, no bikes are allowed to race that did not attend the Wednesday scrutineering. During scrutineering transponders can also be allocated for some races.

To race in the Baja series you have to be a UAE FIM license holder. If you do not have one and only plan to participare in one race, a FIM day license can be supplied by the local FIM office.

Assistance

Most people arrange some sort of assistance in the control area during the race. Someone to man the refueling area when you come in for fuel, pass you some cold water or just spur you on.

For riders that do not bring a support crew with them, there are multiple of the local shops that are actively involved in the racing and will help you out , probably for a small fee. Three of the independent ones that have assisted me during races are TriStar Motorcycles,SandStorm Motorcycles and Gecko Motorcycles.

KTM, Suzuki,Yamaha, Hasqvarna (TriStar) and Honda (Gecko) are all actively involved and provide great support as well. This year we hope to also see some support from the Kawasaki side during the events, they have only set up shop in the last year.

Safety

During the event an ambulance is located at race control to tend to anyone that might injure themselves. Although not guaranteed we have been lucky enough to have a volunteer doctor roving with the sweep teams during most of our events last year. The sweep teams consist of the same vehicles and people that man the UAE Desert Challenge with purpose built vehicles to easily transport broken bikes or injured riders to the race control where the ambulance is stationed.

Age limits

To compete you have to be over 18, no exceptions if you turn 18 a few days after the event you are still not 18 and will not be able to enter. Even though these events are very well organised and safety is one of the primary points we look at when choosing terrain and organising the event, it is still dangerous. These races are in unpredictable desert terrain, often times open desert where you could stray off course and not see another human for a looooong period of time .

Classes

The race classes cater for anyone, from the casual desert rider to the UAE Desert Challenge competitor. The current defined classes are as follows :

• Pro Championship Age 18 Years+ 125cc and above
• Clubman Class Age 18 Years+ 125cc and above
• Masters Class Age 40 Years+ 125cc and above
• Pro Quad Class Age 18 Years+ Any Quad
• Marathon Class Age 18 Years+ 125cc and above – large fuel tanks as no refuel stops

The appropriate class for people who just want to have fun is the Clubman Class. Serious rally competitors should consider entering the Marathon Class. Note that a proper setup for this in terms of equipment will be required as no fuel stops are allowed in the Marathon class. Most competitors in the Marathon class are UAE Desert Challenge competitors as well with professionally prepared rally bikes. If you compete on a motocross bike with a smallish fuel tank and want to race the Pro Championship is for you.

Schedule

• December 12th 2008 – DMX Baja Round 1
• January 30th 2009 – DMX Baja Round 2
• February 27th 2009 – DMX Baja Round 3
• March 27th 2009 – DMX Baja Round 4
• April 17th 2009 – DMX Baja Round 5
• May 1st 2009 – DMX Baja Round 6

Your home organization

If visiting from overseas you will need permission from your local and international motor sports federation if you compete internationally. In our case this is the FIM which require a release or permission letter from your local FIM organization stating that they have no objection to you racing or taking part in the event.

Summary

• Bike ready for scrutineering (125cc + or Quad)
• Garmin ForeTrex 201 GPS ( new for 2008/2009 season)
• Race assistance – refueling etc.
• Release from your local/international federation (FIM) depending on status
• Race entry and fees
• FIM License

Dubai Motocross Home Page -> www.mydubaimotocross.com