The Perfect Race Course

NORRA Moto Riders Celebrate a True Baja Rally Adventure at the Finish

NORRA’s Baja 6-Day Rally delivered exactly what moto rally racing is supposed to be: navigation, flow, challenge, adventure, and a race course that reminded riders why Baja remains one of the greatest places on earth to race a motorcycle.

After six days of competition across the peninsula, the moto riders reached the finish having experienced a course that was not only demanding, but deeply rewarding. Built around rally navigation and terrain variety, the moto route ran separate from the car course and gave riders a completely different Baja experience, one focused on reading terrain, managing navigation, and finding rhythm through some of the most beautiful sections of the peninsula.

For Colton Udall, the final day brought both pressure and appreciation.

“Going into the final day, it was honestly a little bit emotional and a little bit chaotic at times,” said Udall. “Rally racing keeps you on edge because anything can happen, but you have to stay positive and keep moving forward.

“What’s really special about NORRA is the type of racing we get to do down here in Baja. After 15 years of racing other events and beating my body up in the rough stuff, I’ve really come to appreciate the smooth, technical rally-style courses. It’s a completely different skill set. It’s not just surviving impacts and hammering through whoops, it’s about flow, line choice, looking ahead through the corners, and linking everything together smoothly. That’s the kind of riding I really love.

“Jimmy Lewis put together the perfect racecourse. We were riding smooth roads, beach sections, fun flowing terrain, the kind of Baja most people never get to experience. It almost makes me wish I had started rally racing years ago instead of being a stubborn young guy who didn’t want to learn navigation.

“Rally racing in Baja is just different. It feels like old-school adventure racing, finding your way through Mexico while still racing at a high level. And honestly, it’s just more fun. Smooth doesn’t mean easy either. The roads can be slippery and technical on a dirt bike, but it takes less punishment on your body, so you can keep enjoying the ride day after day.

“The whole time I was out there, I was having fun, backing it in, flowing through sections, really rallying the bike. That’s what makes this event so awesome. I’m just thankful to still be out here doing it.”

For Ilya Shcheglov, racing Baja for the first time was the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

“The navigation was very interesting and sometimes very difficult for me because everything was completely new,” said Shcheglov. “But the course was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the race and the experience overall.

“Racing in the United States and Mexico has always been a dream of mine. I found information about the rally online and decided I wanted to come experience Baja for myself.

“This is such a big and difficult race with many famous riders and racers competing, so just being here and finishing is already something very special to me. Whether it’s first place, second place, or any result, the experience itself is what matters most.

“The bike was a little different from what I normally ride at home, so it took some adjusting. In Baja you need to adapt quickly and learn different terrain and riding styles. But overall, it was amazing.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to come here and be part of this rally.”

Scott Purcell echoed the same feeling at the finish, praising both the competition and the route itself.

“First of all, it was an absolute honor to race alongside Colton, Larry, and Ilya,” said Purcell. “Those guys are incredible riders, and just being out here with them was really special.

“I’ve been up and down Baja so many times over the years, but somehow there’s always something new to see. Jimmy Lewis puts together an amazing rally. We were actually talking about his process for building these routes because even living here in Baja, he still managed to take me through places I’d never seen before and I’ve been riding down here for 13 years.

“The entire experience was absolutely epic. The terrain, the riding, the adventure. It all just came together perfectly. It was one of those rallies you never forget.”

With a dedicated moto course, real navigation, and terrain that showcased the beauty and personality of Baja, NORRA’s Baja 6-Day Rally proved once again that this event is more than a race. It is a true rally adventure one where the course is not just something to survive, but something to remember.

For the riders who reached the finish, the verdict was simple: Baja delivered the perfect race course.

Link to photos for media: tinyurl.com/r4598mm4

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Val Douglas

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