“This is big country, this is extreme terrain, and rescuing you will be extreme as well. So I suggest that you ride at 90% of your abilities.” the words of John Spiller, Route Director of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge.
Those opening lines set the tone for Round 3, and they proved prophetic. Held in the spectacular dunes of Al Qou’, effectively on the edge of the Empty Quarter, this round was without question the most exciting and impressive Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge of the season so far.
The bivouac and catering, delivered by Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in collaboration with EMSO, were next level. An outdoor dining setup, exceptional food, and even a fire show on the eve of the race created an atmosphere that felt special before a wheel had even turned. Fires burned late into the night as competitors and crews shared stories in true rally spirit, one of those rare camps you know you’ll remember for years.
Come race day, the familiar split courses were in play: one for bikes and one for cars and buggies. Once again, South African competitors dominated the results across multiple categories, taking overall one and two in the moto class with 5 South Africans in the top 10 of Moto overall.
Moto overall:
P1 – Michael Docherty (also P1 450 class)
P2 – Craig Coetzee (also P2 450 class)
Over 450 cc class – Sune Schaffler P2
Womens 450 – Hayley O’Connor P1
Veterans – Shannon O’Conn0r P1
Youth – Reginald Smith P1
Adventure – Francois Germishuys P1, Thomas Scholtz P2
On the auto side, Willem Avenant and his driver Bassam Kronfli delivered a standout performance, finishing second overall in auto and securing first place in the T4 category.
The stage itself felt like two distinct races in one. The opening half featured smaller, highly technical dunes with sharp drops and dense camel grass, terrain that demanded absolute focus and constant vigilance. After a short, flat-out crossing of a chott, the course turned back toward the bivouac and into vast, rolling dunes: classic Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge country. Here, the autos flowed through massive dune valleys, threading multiple crossings and tackling fast, off-camber sections at speed.
Overall, it was an exceptional race, challenging, beautiful, and deeply rewarding. Massive thanks to the organizers of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, all staff and volunteers, and a big shout-out to Big Red Racing, whose teamwork and professionalism stood out all weekend. Thanks as well to EMSO and the people of Al Quo’ for welcoming us into their dunes. The enthusiasm from the local community made the event even more special, and a few long-lasting friendships were formed along the way.
A truly memorable round. Now, eyes forward to the final showdown: Round 4 of the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge season.
Click here to view the Moto Overall Results
Click here to view the Auto Overall Results
Published by: Willem Avenant
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