Entries open for new Jordan Baja: Welcome to Wadi Rum!
Saudi Arabian driver Essa Al-Dossari is one of the first international drivers to enter the exciting new Jordan Baja, an FIA candidate event for the forthcoming FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies.
The three-day off-road event for cars, motorcycles and quads will take place in the stunning Wadi Rum area on September 27-29.
Al-Dossari has been out of international rallying action since crashing his ED Racing Nissan Navara on the second stage of April’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. But the Saudi is relishing a return to the hot seat in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan after the car’s return was put on hold in June by the cancellation of the Aseer Rally in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Dossari said: “I sent my car to South Africa to have it prepared. They have carried out some small modifications to suit the Middle Eastern terrain better. Hopefully the performance of the car will be better. We found some things that we needed to work on after the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
“I have registered to enter the Jordan Baja and my aim is to go there and try and claim the win. I think the Jordan Baja will suit my driving. The terrain is very similar to the deserts we cross in Saudi Arabia at the Ha’il Rally. I do not know yet who my main competition will be, but the aim is simple and that is to take the first position.”
Al-Dossari will be partnered by the UAE navigator Ali Hassan Obaid.
The first event of its kind to be organised by Jordan Motorsport will be based out of the Red Sea city of Aqaba and will be fought out over 383.80 competitive kilometres through breathtaking scenery in Wadi Rum – a UNESCO World Heritage site that has featured in a number of Oscar-winning films.
Entries for the new Jordan Baja close at reduced rates on Thursday, August 30. The final cut-off for entries will be Tuesday, September 11.
