India Baja 2018, the Indian edition of the greatest challenge of all extreme motorsport competitions in the world, is back for another smashing season to be held from 17 th August to 19 th August in the dunes of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. In its third consecutive run, the race will comprise of over 400 km of grueling Special Stages and 150+ km of Transport Stages, covering some of the toughest off-road terrains in India.
The distinguishing factor about the India Baja 2018 comes from the fact that the top Indian contender at the event will get a direct gratis entry to the pinnacle of all off-road races in the world – the Dakar Rally of 2020! The India Baja 2018 winner will also be entitled to a complimentary entry to the Afriquia Merzouga Rally 2019.
The total monetary advantages to the winner of the competition amount to €20,000, which covers the registration fee for one motorcycle in both the events. Moreover, the top-placed contenders of all categories at the
event will be awarded a direct entry in the prestigious Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally of 2019.
Mr. Jayesh Desai (Co-founder and Director of Northern Motorsport) said, “The stature of India Baja in country’s motorsport scenario can be gauged from the fact that the number of people signing up continues to grow each year. These are very encouraging trends and I would thank the Indian motorsport fraternity for the love & acceptance they’ve shown towards this crosscountry rally. We pledge to bring an even more challenging and better experience this year around.”
He further added, “Northern Motorsport is grateful to ASO, the organising body of the Dakar rally, in entrusting our organisation with the Dakar Challenge brand in India. We are also humbled by the exceptional hospitality that we receive in Rajasthan, it compels us to return to the state year after year.”
Established in 2016, the India Baja is India’s answer to the popular Baja format rallies held across the world. The first edition of India Baja saw massive participation of off-road rally enthusiasts from all across the country.
The overwhelming success of the inaugural event inspired the organisers to associate with off-road racing’s biggest name, ‘the Dakar’, making it one of the most exciting developments in the recent history of Indian motorsport.
Subsequently, the winner of 2017 event, Abdul Wahid Tanveer, got a direct entry in the Afriquia Merzouga Rally of 2018 and also in the 41 st edition of the Dakar Rally to be held in 2019.
India Baja 2018 is being organised by Northern Motorsport, the NCR-based premier motorsports club of India, in association with Isuzu Motors and Rajasthan Tourism. Northern Motorsport is credited to organise several other prominent off-road motorsport events like the Rally Desert Storm and the National Autocross championship, amongst others.
